“Next time I’ll--”“You’ll do your best like you always do.” I rubbed Max’s knee. She ran her fingers through my hair at the base of my s...ull. I had to smile at such affection. I ended up with one hand on Sam’s head and the other going through Google to find my work number. When I was a kid, I could remember dozens of phone numbers. Now it seemed like I had to choose between my own or my brother’s. The number to our old house was ingrained so deep in my brain, I’d remember it if I was blackout. . but ... then ... the tax was paid.Damnit!So ... I asked the propaganda crew, “Can I buy a ticket here?”“Yes.” The big boss handed me a selection sheet.I circled the required numbers and the date. They ran it through their printer and handed me the ticket. I signed it on the spot.The News crews ... there to spread my fame as a Lottery winner far and wide ... took pictures of the eternal optimist ... that’s me ... and the Director as he handed me the ticket.Now I had some money ... instead of. I was brought up to respect and obey my elders, and it hadn't been phrased as an invitation, more like an order, so I couldn't really refuse. And coffee didn't seem to be what was on offer anyway, because as soon as we were through the door, Aunt Delia grabbed me for a no-holds-barred kiss."You've been so kind and considerate that I have to show my appreciation," gasped Aunt Delia when we eventually surfaced for air.She sank to her knees, and before my brain had time to kick into gear, she had. "That must have been fun, Greg," Ivy said. I was still wondering why she was so calm about all this."Well, I have to be honest, yeah, it was that. Not sure what brought it on, but, yeah, it was fun." She loves you, hon. I don't think it's all that uncommon," she said and the conversation soon dropped and we watched the rest of the movie.Ivy had us begin wearing our robes around the house in the evening and the next night, Jessa came back into the den again and did the same thing, getting into.