Page 22 (1/2)

“No moves,” I said “Just cookies and conversation”

“Cookies and conversation sound like the title of ly large gulp of wine I laughed and shook my head

“Sa?”

She looked beside her, see to take inventory of whatever was there

“Since about… two bottles ago,” she said, then paused After afit

“Lord,” I said “You are not going toshows, are you?”

“God no I was thinkingI cannot pay attention to and won’t miss when I eventually fall asleep”

“How is your dad?” I asked

“He’s… good,” she said There was a trace of so in her voice I didn’t like

“What’s going on?”

“Oh, you know,” she said “The Business”

“Ah,” I said

“Apparently things are complicated now Everyone, and I mean everyone, is upset about your dad There’s talk of a war now Dad’s doing what he can to keep the peace, but you know”

“Unfortunately, I do”

I knew farfros of other ethnicities, meant that turf was expensive now And it was paid for in blood But for all the crowing about how they were gentles were aniuns on Dad Probably the same ones responsible for Mom too

And if I hadn’t run, I would have joined them

“Anyway,” Sammi said “I started piano lessons”

“Piano lessons?”

“Yup,” she said, as if that was all the explanation needed

“Saet piano lessons?”

“Well, I didn’t get your genetic disposition to cooking,” she said “So, I need another trick upto find a man before I hit thirty”

“What happened to you being a strong, independent woman who didn’t need any man?” I asked

“I don’t need them,” Sammi said “I just want to have one around For purposes”