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"I can't wait to see you again. I have a few errands to run for my mother and then I'll be over for the whole day and if you want, the whole night. I've already told her I might do that"

"What did she say?"

"My mother treats me like an adult now. She just says the motherly things like 'Be careful' and 'Be sure.' I'm both," he insisted.

How wonderful, I thought, to hear him say that, and how wonderful for him to have a mother who was so caring and understanding.

"Okay," I said. "I'll see you later."

Shortly after I ended my conversation with Stuart, Jade, Misty, and Star arrived. Jade had used her limousine to pick them up. Despite the dark storm clouds that loomed over us, they were buoyant and happy, all talking at once about their dates the night before.

We sat around the table in the kitchen having coffee.

Misty took out some of the bagels we had in the freezer, toasted them and set them out with jam.

"My mother met some other slob," Star told us. "She was talking today about leaving again. See these fingers," she said holding up both hands with her fingers crossed. "I'm keeping them that way all day."

"You met Larry's parents, I understand?" Jade said. "So?"

"That's what I wanted to ask," she retorted.

"They're nice. He's got an older brother who is a computer engineer working for some software company in California. Larry's working with computers too, and he plans on getting into that career when he gets out of the army. And as soon as he's established he wants to get married and start a family."

"It sounds like some serious plans are being put on the table," Jade said.

"Maybe."

"Really?" Misty cried.

"I didn't say anything's for sure," Star quickly added. "We just talked in general. You've all done that too."

"Not about that subject," Jade insisted. "I don't know if I ever want to get married and have children?'

"I think Chris and I will be going together for a long time, maybe forever and ever," Misty announced. "He's a lot like me."

"That's no good?' Jade said. "You want a man who complements you but adds, not duplicates?'

"He adds," Misty said indignantly.

"What does he add?"

"Can you all just stop this for a moment?" I screamed. Their faces froze after they turned to me.

"I'm glad you're all having a good time and you've all found the loves of your life, but we have a big problem."

"I still don't know what this is all about," Misty protested.

"I tried to tell you last night on the phone, but you were too wrapped up in your romance," I said, surprising even myself at how sharp I sounded, but I had been patient even though my stomach felt as if it were filled with killer bees.

"That's not fair. Besides, you had Stuart here. You weren't exactly playing checkers all night, were you?"

"Stop. Let her talk, Misty," Jade said. "I'm sorry, Cat. We've all been in storms of disappointment so long and so much. We're just overreacting to some good times."

"Well, what's it all about?" Misty demanded.

"My father. I told you he was out there spying on me the night of the party. He took a picture of Stuart and me kissing good night and sent it to Geraldine by Federal Express."

"He did?"