‘God! I wish I was your age and we weren’t related. I’d nail you down for my own.’ She released him and stepped out of his embrace. ‘But tha...’s not the way it is, is it?’ ‘No, I guess not,’ Tommy said. ‘But I don’t care. I’ll be here for you just as long as you need me.’ His aunt smiled a wan smile and said, ‘I know you will. Maybe that’s not as good as it sounds.’ ‘We’ll see,’ Tommy replied. He looked at the clock. ‘My God! I better get going or I’m going to be late for work. You going to be. "Well not everyone," she said with her head hanging low. "How about you,I hope my crazy schedule didn't interrupt your schedule. I'm sorry tohave kept you in the city." Don't worry about it, I was able to keep myself occupied. So, have youheard anything new since I last talked to you." I'm afraid not, Karen. I have asked around made a couple calls to somepeople I know in the personnel department where I work. All those that Iknew who were close to her, haven't see her in close to three. But at least, I feel like spending some time with you. Not sure if I miss you, but I kind of feel like hugging in silence.”I didn’t know what to say, and I tried diverting topics but in vain. It always came back to this. I just wasn’t sure that it was a good idea. The next few days had never been so long because of such awkward chatting. I gave in. We agreed to meet at a cafe.I mostly spend every day at work, even half a day on Sunday, so only evenings were the only free time I cud spare. She. I might let you take on more of the admin - I don't reallyenjoy that office stuff and it cuts into my time for doing real work -but I'd still have to be around to step in when you are indifficulties..." But that's no good!" she interrupted. "If you're around the office,everyone will assume you're still in charge. I want them to come to mewith their problems, and to make the decisions." Well, I'm sorry," I insisted, "I can't let you be in charge if I'm notaround, in case of emergencies. I.