pick up from pg. 9

"Cassie!" he greeted her with a big smile.

"Hi Robin!" she giggled and waved.

"I'm so sorry that the twins are sick."

"Don't worry, they're MUCH BETTER now--practically back to normal," she said putting him at ease.  "I'm just sorry I couldn't see you guys off."

"It's okay, Cassie, we understood.  You're a good mom and you've got your priorities straight," he praised her.

She giggled again.  "THANKS Robin!  How's Lulu?"

"Fine, but she's gonna be pissed that she missed your call.  She missed Lizzie's call too."

"Yeah, well, after Lizzie called you, she busted my videophone, but Charles fixed it for me."

"CHARLES fixed it???"

"Yes, Robin, CHARLES fixed it," she laughed, mocking him.  "He's changing.  He's trying to be more trusting," she explained.

"Yeah, but what about being trustWORTHY?" he asked.

"Meaning?"

"Meaning......Lizzie told me he was holding out on you guys about some money he found.  NOT COOL, Cassie!"

"Oh that.  Well.......he came clean and everything's fine now.  He was just nervous--I dunno!" she brushed it off.

"And meanwhile you guys had nowhere to live!" Robin criticized.

"Did so!  We lived with his mom!" she corrected him.

"You know what I mean, Cassie."

"ANYWAY, ROBIN, how's school?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Keeping us busy.  I'm writing a poem now for English," he said holding up his pad for her to see.

"I don't want to keep you then.  I just wanted to say hi," she explained.

"Cassie, you know better than that.  I ALWAYS have time for you and if I don't, I'll MAKE TIME FOR YOU."

"Oh Robin.....you're such a doll."

He smiled.  "That's what everyone tells me!" he joked.

"No, I mean it," she said seriously.  "I wish I could've said goodbye to you in person," she said regretfully.

"Don't get all teary on me, Cassie," he said quietly.

"Sorry," she apologized.  " I've gotta go, Robin," she said suddenly.  "Tell Lulu I'll be in touch."

"Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.

Looking sad, she nodded and ended the call.
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Cassie's eyes was full of tears.

"Oh Robin why did you have to sign up for sea school?  I really need you." said Cassie quietly to herself.

On the ship Robin was concerned about Cassie.

"I really hope Cassie is alright.  She's been through so much.  Well at least they have the money to fix their house up.  Something good did came out of all this...HEY this gives an idea for my poem.  I am so getting an A+." said Robin as he went back to work on his poem.

Meanwhile Charles went and told Cassie the news that Eddie & Jenn gave him portion of the money.

"I am shocked that they did that." said Charles.

"You see Charles I told you my parents are good people and you need give them a chance." said Cassie.

"With the money we can at least go out of town or take you to a fancy hotel." said Charles.

"How about you fixing out the beachhouse?  it's a wreck?" asked Cassie.

"I was hope to spend money on you & the twins." said Charles.

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"How much money are we talking about Charles?" Cassie asked.

"A little over five grand."

"Wow!  I wonder how much money was in that wall...."

"ALOT Cassie.  I had started counting it before I turned it over to your folks, and I had gotten up to 40 grand and there was still LOTS left to count," he informed her.

"Geez....."

"So what's on your mind, Cassie?"

"Well, spend a little on me and the twins if you want, but I want the bulk of it to go to the beachhouse repair.  I mean afterall, Charles, the house belongs to you, me and the twins so you'll be spending it on us -- sort off," she reasoned.

"Okay, I can live with that.  One grand for the three of you, and four grand towards the beach house -- deal?"

"Sounds good," she agreed, kissing him.

Meanwhile, Marla is driving Dana to the shelter to find Nate.  "Everything okay between you and Eddie?" she asked.
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"Yeah I guess...everything is happening so fast with Eddie and his family." said Dana.

"Let me guess you still thinking about that night that you & Eddie kiss?" asked Marla.

"Yeah and it seems like he's avoiding me ever since." said Dana.

"You not trying to hook up with him because you don't have a chance.  He's married, has kids, grand kids & a foster child." said Marla.

"I know I just he would aknowledge the kiss & the fact that we have a son together." said Dana.

"Well focus on getting your Nate and not on what you and Eddie used to have. Because you do not want tear this family apart especially after what they have been through." said Marla.

"I suppose you're right.  I definetley don't want to hurt Cassie and Lizzie." said Dana.

"Exactly." said Marla.

As they were heading to the shelter they finally found Nate drinking a 40 oz of beer.

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"Should I wait in the car or do you need back up?" Marla asked as she parked her Mercedes.

"I think you should come with me," Dana decided.  "I need all the help I can get!"

"Im here for you," Marla assured her.  "I have a son, and believe me I know how stubborn they can be," she said as both women exited the car and started walking towards Nate who was sitting on the steps of the shelter.

"Thanks, girl," Dana said as she squeezed Marla's hand.

Nate looked up just in time to see the two women approaching.  At first he didn't recognize his own mother, but as they got closer he realized it was Dana.

"Well, well, well," he greeted her when they reached him, "look who the wind blew in...."

"Is that anyway to greet your mother?" Marla asked disapprovingly.

"Who you is?" he asked, annoyed.

"Nate, you're drunk already?" Dana asked ignoring his question.

"Ain't nobody drunk!"

"Look, I came by to check on you and make sure you're okay, and obviously you're not.  Mrs. Antoni here--she's nice enough to let me and Jeron stay at her place and she says you can come too if you behave yourself," Dana informed him.

"Behave myself?  I ain't no kid!" he objected belligerently.

"Then we shouldn't have a problem, right?" Marla replied.

Nate got up from the steps, a bit unsteady on his feet.  Scratching his head, he looked Marla up and down.  "Who you is?"

Dana sucked her teeth.  "Nate, don't test me!  This is MY GOOD FRIEND, Marla Antoni.  She drove me down here to look for you and she's been letting me and Jeron stay with her, and she says you can stay with us too.  Now are you down or not?" she demanded.

"I'm down, I'm down," he assured her.  "Lemme go inside and get my stuff."

"Hurry up and meet us at the car," Dana told him.  "It's the white car on the corner."

Nate started to stagger up the steps, but Marla stopped him.  "Before you go inside, gimme that," she said pointing to his bottle.

"Say what???" he asked in disbelief.

"You've had enough," Marla told him, beckoning for him to hand over the bottle.

"I don't BELIEVE this," he grumbled as he gave it to her.

He watched, horrified, as she poured what was left out onto the grass.  "Lady, you is CRAZY," he told her as he turned and went into the shelter.

"That's an understatement," Marla agreed, with a slight grin.

Before long, the three of them were in the car and on their way back to the house.
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Meanwhile back at Antoni household the whole Sutton was talking about the cash.

"Alright as you all know Jenn & I are going to used the money to rebuild this and we just gave a portion of it to Charles." said Eddie.

"That's great." said Lizzie.

"So how much do we actually have?" asked Cassie.

"Well together we have over 200 grand." said Eddie.

"Wow that's a lot of money." said Tay.

"We're thousandnares." laughed Lizzie.

"We should spent whatever left of that money on my art supplies." said Cassie.

"Please you have your time being famous.  Spend it on building my music studio." said Tay.

"No one cares about your boring music Tay.  That money should be used for the victims in the earthquake." said Lizzie.

"Hello we are the victim Lizzie." said Tay.

"Look we decided to used whatever left of the money toward your future.  We are not going have you all blowing this money on foolish stuff." said Jenn.

Then suddenly Marla and Dana came in with Nate.

"Nate." said excited Lizzie.

"What the hell he doing here?" snapped Tay.

"Tay watch your language." said Eddie.

"Nate will be staying with us." said Marla.

"There is no way he is taking my room again." said Tay.

"Tay that's enough!!!" warned Eddie.

"Nate what's wrong? You don't looks so good." concerned Lizzie.

"Nate had a little too much to drink." said Dana.

"A little!!!  Look like he the one need to go to rehab." said Tay.

Then Nate walked staggerly up to Tay.

"What are you looking at?" puzzled Tay.

Then suddenly Nate threw up all over Tay.

"WHAT THE FUCK!!!!" snapped Tay.

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"Oh no!" Dana cried as she hurried and pushed Nate into the nearest bathroom and shut the door behind them.

"Look at what he did!" Tay shouted to no one in particular.

"Taylor get upstairs RIGHT NOW!" Eddie shouted back angrily.

"You're yelling at me?!  He's the one that puked all over the place!" Tay complained.

"We don't use that kind of language in our home Taylor and you know it!  No matter what happened, there's no excuse for it!" Eddie reprimanded his younger son.  "Now get upstairs and change that shirt and fix that stink attitude!"

"In case you forgot, DAD, this AIN'T OUR HOME!" Tay yelled back as he stormed up the stairs angrily.

"I'm sorry Marla, I don't know what's gotten into that boy," Eddie apologized as Jenn mopped up the vomit from the floor.

"I'm used to boys, Eddie--no need to apologize," she assured him.  "Thanks for cleaning up the mess, Jenn."

"No problem.  But when did you decide to let Nate move in?" Jenn asked.

"Dana and I went out looking for him earlier and it was a snap decision.  He was at the same shelter where I found her and Jeron.  We couldn't just leave him there," Marla explained.

"Well, we won't be here much longer anyway," Jenn responded. 

"I hope you won't feel uncomfortable with Nate around," Marla said, worried.

"No, no, it'll be fine.  This house is big enough for all of us," Jenn replied.  "I was just surprised to see him, that's all."

"Well I think it was a nice surprise," Eddie remarked.

"Me too!" Lizzie agreed, butting in.

Her parents glared at her, and she knew she'd better stay out of grown folks' business. 

Just in the nick of time, Cassie took her by the hand.  "Come on, Lizzie.  Let's go upstairs and check on Tay," she suggested.

The two girls ran up the staircase.
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"I've better fix him some coffe for Nate.  Eddie you coming?" asked Jenn.

"I'll catch up with you in a minute Jenn I better check on Dana & Nate." said Eddie.

"Hey what's going on?" asked Charles

"We have another guest." said Marla.

"Whoa is someone got sick or something?" asked Charles as he saw the mop and the bucket full of vomit.

"Dana's other son Nate is here and he's not feeling very well. Plus he has no place to stay." said Marla.

"Let me guess you invite him to stay here?" answered Charles.

"Exactly." said Marla.

"Wow with so many people you would think you were running a hotel." joked Charles.

"Go get ice pack for Nate because he is going to need it." laughed Marla.

Meanwhile upstairs...

"Tay opened the door." said Cassie knocking.

"Go away!!!." snapped Tay.

"Come on we need to talk about this." said Lizzie.

"I don't just leave me alone." said Tay.

"You should be grateful that we may have a brother.  You should show more respect." said Lizzie.

"If you love him so much than go check on him.  It's not you never appreciate anything I do for you Lizzie." snapped Tay.

"You know whatever Tay...Cassie you can try talking some sense into this big cry baby I done." snapped as she stormed downstairs.

"Come on Tay please open up." said Cassie.

Tay finally opened the door.

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Cassie followed him into the room, feeling a little awkward, wondering what she was going to say.  She sat on the bed and looked around for awhile, trying to collect her thoughts.  She smelled something and then noticed Tay's soiled shirt balled up on the floor in the corner.

She pinched her nose and pointed at it.  "You'd better soak that shirt or it'll be no good," she advised.

"Why should I have to soak it?  Nate's the one that ruined it--let him soak it, and he can soak his head while he's at it!" he snapped.

"Oh Tay......" Cassie sighed.

"Why's everybody acting like I"M THE PROBLEM?"

"You're not the problem," she assured him, " and no one thinks you're the problem.  But you're creating a BIG PROBLEM for yourself by going off everytime Nate is around.  We're gonna be out of here real soon, Tay, and back in our OWN HOME so instead of fighting it, just try to  deal with being around Nate until that happens," she suggested.

"HA!  When we move back home, don't you think he's coming with us?  DAD'S FIRSTBORN SON?  Dad's not gonna leave him behind after all these years--Nate's going back home with us, Cassie, you can count on that!" he argued.

"Tay, you don't know that!  He's a grown man, why would he want to follow his Dad around?  If anything he'll stick with Dana to watch out for her," she tried to reason.

Tay thought about what Cassie said and it seemed to calm him a little.

"You think so?" he asked.

"I really do, Tay.  But in the meantime, you've gotta get your act together and stop acting so immature.  NATE CAN NEVER REPLACE YOU where Dad is concerned--trust me on that, Tay.  Yeah, Dad might be excited to know that he's got another son, but there's only ONE Taylor Sutton and he loves you so much and you know that!  Right now, Dad's going through so much -- losing his job, the house, worrying about Granddad -- he doesn't need you cussin up a storm and giving him more grief, Tay."

Tay looked sad.

Cassie got up from the bed, and holding her nose again, walked over to the balled up shirt on the floor.  She pinched a corner of the shirt and picked it up and held it as far away from her as she could, carrying it out of the room.

"I'll soak this shirt for you, but you're gonna owe me BIG TIME," she informed him as she started out.

"Thanks, sis."

"Just think about what I said, Tay."

Cassie went downstairs to the basement and put her brother's shirt in the washing machine.
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Meanwhile back on the ship.

"I miss another call?" disappointed Lulu.

"Yeah sorry Lulu." said Robin.

"Geez Robin you got let me know they called." upset Lulu.

"Well we wasn't the video phone that long." said Robin.

"What you two talking about anyway?" asked Lulu suspiciously.

"Nothing just she was disappointed that she didn't see us leave.  No need get uptight about.  I call you the next time Lizzie or Cassie called." said Robin.

"You better anyway have you finish your poem yet?" asked Lulu.

"Yeah I just have to put some finishing touches on it." said Robin.

"Cool then you can help me with mine." said Lulu.

"Lulu I've told you before I'm not going write the poem for you." said Robin.

"But it's so hard." said Lulu.

"Alright I'll give you some pointers but you have to do the work yourself." said RObin.

"Okay Boo." said Lulu.

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Meanwhile, Jenn, Eddie, Nate and Dana are in the kitchen back at Marla's house with a pot of coffee.

"Feeling any better, son?" Eddie asked.

Dana noticed that Jenn shot Eddie a strange look when he used the word son.

"You don't have to do that, Eddie," she told him.

"Do what Dana?" he asked, confused.

"You don't have to call him SON for my sake."

"Believe me, Dana, that's not what I was doing," Eddie explained.

Nate cleared his throat, trying to get the attention back on him.  "AHEM!  I'm feelng better now, thanks.  Sorry if I made you look bad, POPS," he apologized sarcastically.

"You got a problem, Nate?" Eddie asked, startled by the sarcasm.

"Oh, I'm not SON anymore?" he asked bitterly.

"Okay, okay, what's going on here?  Am I missing something?" Dana asked, annoyed with the increasing tension.

"Dana, maybe you and I should leave Eddie and Nate to themselves," Dana suggested.

"Yeah, Jenn, maybe you're right," Dana agreed, following Jenn out of the kitchen.

When Nate and Eddie were alone, they stared at each other awhile not saying a word.  Finally, the silence was broken.
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"Do you want to tell me what this all about?" wondered Eddie.

"You just said it earlier.  You don't want to call me son." angered Nate.

"I didn't mean anything by that Nate." said Eddie.

"Then what do you mean?  Are you ashame of me and mom now?" snapped Nate.

"No I'm not.  I'm sorry if I offended you.  It just this is still quire of shock to me and it going to take time to adjust the fact the you're my son.  I know I can't make up for all the years that I have miss you growing up.  I didn't even I had a son.  If I knew alot sooner I would have been there for you." said Eddie.

"Why did you have to leave mom?" asked Nate.

"Nate, Dana & I were very young back then.  Both we have moved on." said Eddie.

"I think my mom still likes you." said Nate.

"She's know but she also know that I am married." said Eddie.

"Yeah but do you still have feelings for my mom?  Because she couldn't stop talking about you." said Nate.

Eddie tried avoid the question.

"This isn't about me and Dana.  This is about you.  I know I haven't been in your life growing up but I want you let you know I am there for you." said Eddie.

" You don't have to do that." said Nate.

"I know I want to because you are son.  And we will find a way to get through this." said Eddie.

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Nate thought awhile about what Eddie said and then extended his hand for Eddie to shake.  Eddie looked at Nate's hand, grabbed it, and pulled him closer, giving him a hug instead.

As the two men embraced in the middle of the kitchen, Tay walked in and stopped short when he saw what was going on.  He tried to turn around and leave, but Eddie saw him out of the corner of his eye.

"Hold it, Tay," he ordered his son.

Tay froze.

Eddie let go of Nate.  "Tay, sit at the table.  We're gonna have a man to man to man talk -- the THREE of us," Eddie told him as he and Nate sat down.

Tay sighed, not looking forward to it, but sat at the table with them like he was told.

"First off," Eddie began, "where do you get off using the "F" word in this home or any home?  Have you lost your mind?"

Tay didn't answer.

"Boy, I'm talking to YOU not myself!" Eddie said angrily.

"I'm sorry, Dad," Tay finally muttered, looking down in his lap.

"And you look at me when you talk to me," Eddie added.

Tay slowly looked up at his father, trying to fight back the angry tears.  "SORRY DAD.  But......"

"But WHAT?" Eddie asked, outdone.

"But doesn't NATE have to apologize to me for puking all over me?" Tay asked, just as outdone.

"I did that?" Nate asked, not remembering.  "Yo, Tay my brother, I'm sorry, man.  That was foul...." he admitted, ashamed.

"You're not my brother," Tay responded.

"Now, see?  THAT'S what we've got to resolve!" Eddie told the two of them. 

"Grandpa said we need a DNA test," Tay told Eddie.  "He said it's not for sure that Nate's your son."

Eddie's eyes bulged.  "Oh that old man has gone TOO FAR this time!" he said pounding on the table.

Tay jumped, startled by Eddie's outburst.

"You listen to me Taylor Sutton, Nate is your half brother whether you or your grandfather like it or not.  There's no need for a DNA test because I was able to give blood to him safely when his own mother couldn't.  I remember the way you acted with Reuben.  You practically worshipped Reuben and he KILLED YOUR GRANDMOTHER.  So can't you give Nate, your blood relative, at least a little respect?  Is that asking too much so that we can have peace in the family?"

"Yo, Tay, I'm willing to try if you are," Nate offered, extending his hand.

Slowly, Taylor extended his hand as well and the two shook hands.  Eddie was relieved and had a big grin on his face.
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Meanwhile Cassie was washing Tay's shirt & the rest of their clothes.  While she wasdoing that her mind was on Robin.

"I shouldn't be thinking like this. Robin is with Lulu and plus Lulu's my bestfriend I can't hurt her.  And Charles is trying to change.  But you never know with him.  But I promise I'll give him the benefit of the doubt." said Cassie to herself.

Then Charles snuck up behind Cassie and tickle her side.

'Sqeeak Charles you startled me." shocked Cassie.

"Who were you talking to beautiful?" asked Charles.

"I'm just thinking outloud." said Cassie.

"I was thinking since we got the money we can go out to dinner to a fancy restuarnt and after that we spend a night at a hotel that way won't have to worry about no parents, brother or sisters, no one trying filmed...we can finally have our alone time." said Charles kissing all over Cassie.

"I don't Charles...I'm still grounded remember?" mentioned Cassie.

"Cassie you practicly a grown woman." said Charles.

"Who's living with their parents.  Focus on fixing the beachhouse.  I won't stay grounded for long.  We'll do something together I promise." said Cassie kissing Charles.

"Well I get to kiss while you are grounded." said Charles.

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Upstairs, Jenn and Dana are sitting in the livingroom together waiting for the men to come out of the kitchen.

"So what do you think will be the outcome of all this?" Dana asked.

"God only knows, Dana.  Eddie is a good negotiator so hopefully he can work things out with Nate."

Then, Nate, Tay and Eddie came out into the livingroom.

"Tay!  I didn't know you were in there with your father and Nate!" Jenn said, surprised.

"You mean my father and MY BROTHER!" Tay corrected her, smiling.

Jenn looked more surprised and Dana looked pleased.

"So you fellas worked it all out, huh?" Dana asked.

"We're gonna try hard," Nate assured his mother.

"That's the best news I've heard today," Dana said approvingly. 

She went over and gave all three of them a hug, while Jenn stood back and just looked at them all.

"You okay, Jenn?" Eddie asked, noticing her coolness.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" she replied with a phony smile.  "I'm gonna go check on the twins," she said as she left.
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"Wow look at the time!!! I better go get dinner ready." said Dana.

"It's been a long day I bettter call and order a pizza for everybody." said Marla.

"Now that's what I'm talking about." said excited Tay.

"You're sure about that?" wondered Eddie.

"Of course anyway I am running low a food.  I have to go grocery shopping tomorrow." said Marla.

"Wow with so many kids they will eat you out of house and home." laughed Eddie.

"I don't mind that...anyway I'm able to afford it." said Marla.

Meanwhile Lizzie was trying to contact Devin but he hasn't been returning any of her calls lately.

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Tay came busting into Lizzie's room, excited about the pizza order.

"Hey Lizzie, Mrs. A is ordering pizza!  What toppings do you want?"

"Tay!  Knock!"

"Sorry!  What toppings do you want on the pizza?" he asked again.

Lizzie brushed him off.  "It doesn't matter, Tay.  Whatever.  I've got other things on my mind."

Tay looked puzzled.  "What's wrong with you?" he asked, finally noticing the cell phone in her hand.

"Devin's been avoiding me.  He doesn't answer my calls," she replied sadly.

"Lizzie, forget Devin!  He's back in Chicago by now anyway."

"Johnny's dead..........Devin's in Chicago......Robin's out at sea......I feel so all alone," she said sadly.

Tay felt sorry for her.  "I know how you feel Lizzie.  When Devin told me he was going back to Chi-Town, I felt alone too with Johnny being gone and all.  But you've got Jeron still, and now we've both got a new brother we can get to know," he said trying to cheer her up.

She looked at him, surprised at his positive attitude.  "YOU wanna get to know NATE???"

"You told me to grow up, didn't you?  Soooooo, I'm taking your advice, sis," he grinned.

Lizzie nodded with approval.  "I'm impressed Tay!  I didn't think you had it in you," she admitted.

"Well right now I just want PIZZA in me," he said changing the subject.  "You sure you don't want any toppings?" he asked before going back downstairs.

"I'm sure.  I think I'm gonna write Devin a letter," she said as she got a pen and pad from her night stand.

"Whatever, Lizzie!" Tay replied, quickly leaving her room.

Lizzie started writing:   Dear Devin.......
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I missed you so much.  Ever since you moved back to the Chicago things hasn't the same.  I really you didn't have to move so soon I was starting to get to you as a person.  I really wish you would answer back.  And I really wish didn't have to leave so soon.  I hope we can able to keep in touch with each other.  I hope things work out for you and your sister.  If you get a chance please write me back.  I think about you all the time.  I miss you terribly.

Love Lizzie.

Meanwhile the phone rang and Marla got it and it was Bill.  Bill answer nervously as he tried asked her out on a date.

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"Uh......how was your Thanksgiving, Marla?" he asked, trying to break the ice.

"Funny you should ask, Bill......"

"Oh?"

"It was bad.  I saw an ex of mine, when really I wish I'd seen you," she told him in the sexiest voice she could put on.

"Oh????" he asked, gaining confidence.  "Well then in that case, maybe we could arrange to see each other, say......tomorrow night?"

"Perfect," she replied.  "I'm so glad you called."

"Me too!" he agreed.

"So how was YOUR Thanksgiving, Bill?" she asked.

"Quiet.  Lonely." he admitted.

"Sounds like the two of us need some excitement, wouldn't you say?" Marla laughed a little.

"Well then, what exciting thing would you like to do tomorrow night?" he asked, curious.

Marla gave his question some thought.
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"Ever gone salsa dancing before?" asked Bill.

"I can't dance Bill." giggled Marla.

"I will I'll pick you up tomorrow night and I will sweep you off your feet.  If that sounds like a plan to you." said Bill.

"I'm excited." said Marla.

"And afterward I'll take you out for chinese food." said Bill.

"That's great!!" said Marla.

"I'll pick you up at 8?" asked Bill.

"Yes" said Marla.

"Well 8 that is.  See you tomorrow." said Bill hanging up.

"Hey momthe pizzas have arrived." said Charles.

"Okay good dear." said Marla.

"Who was that on the phone?" wondered Charles.

"Just Bill...Charles do me a favor and pay the man." said Marla.

"Oh okay." said Charle looking at his mother with smiles.

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