After I showered and put a bag together, I stopped at Justine"s to pick up Billy"s overnight bag. As usual, Margie answered the door. She wasn"t her normal cheerful self though, and I assumed our current situation was causing her concern. If it bothered her, I figured it must really be bothering Justine…and I was right.
“Come in, Justine wants a quick chat. There"s Billy"s bag.” She pointed to a duffle on the floor of the hallway. “Grab it on your way out.” She disappeared down the hall and I went to the living room where I assumed Justine was.
“Oh, George dear, how are you?” she asked sweetly. She always asked sweetly and I loved her for it. I kissed her cheek, said I was fine, and took the armchair nearest her.
“And the boy, how is he?” she asked.
“Honestly, I don"t know. He"s pretty
