Michael and Amanda, Chapter 28

Chapter XXVIII

Meanwhile, Back in Catlanna

“Teega.” Using his pet name for her, Leo walked up behind Tigresa and put his arms around her

waist, and began nuzzling her neck.

Tigresa leaned back into his embrace and enjoyed his neck nuzzling. “Mmmm. Yes?”

“Edward, Jacob, and I are having lunch together today. All right?”

“Of course, Leo. You don’t need my permission to have lunch with them. You know that.”

“I know, Teega. I just like for you to know where I am. I feel safe knowing that you know.”

Tigresa turned in Leo’s embrace, smiled at him, and said, “Where are you going for lunch today?

One of the strip clubs?”

Playing along, Leo replied, “Oh, I don’t know. You know how uptight Edward is. He’s afraid

Susan will find out and remind him that she’s his wife when he gets home tonight.”

Tigresa laughed and said, “Yeah. Sometimes I wonder who’s ancestors were predators and who’s

were prey. When the three of you make up your minds, will you let me know?”

“Sure. You going to verify that’s where we are?” Leo laughed.

“I’m not talking. It keeps you honest and on your toes.” Tigresa said as she hugged and kissed

Leo. “Besides, the three of you always have lunch together on the first Friday of every month.

You’ve been doing it since we graduated from college. Susan, Ophelia, and I have lunch together

the same day. You know that.”

Leo walked into the living room in response to someone knocking on the front door. He opened

the door revealing Mrs. Khomyak. Just as he opened the door, he noticed a significantly

younger-looking jackal with a big smile on his face while he was waving at Mrs. Khomyak as he

drove away. Leo invited her in and took her to Anne’s room.

Mrs. Khomyak picked Anne up, took a breath, and said, “Anne, you are a little stinker.”

Leo laughed at the comment but he laughed even harder when Anne pointed to her diaper and

said, “Steenkuh.”

Mrs. Khomyak changed Anne’s diaper as she said, “You know, Dr. Panthera, I believe Anne is

old enough to be potty-trained.”

“Yes, she is. Would you mind helping us?”

“Of course, I should have her trained in a few days.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Khomyak. Tigresa and I need to go to work. We’ll see you this afternoon.”

Just before Leo left Anne’s room, she said, “Dada, Mah'l come see Anne?”

“Of course, he will, Anne. He’ll be back in Catlanna in two days. I’m sure you’ll be the first

person he wants to see when he gets here.”

“Uh-kay!”

Leo left Anne’s room, got Tigresa and, arm in arm, walked with her to their car after telling Anne

good-bye.

**********

Edward Blaidd walked up behind his wife, Susan, a calico colored rabbit, with piercing blue

eyes, and a model’s body despite being in her early 40s and having given birth to seven

wolf-rabbit kits, slipped his arms around her slim waist, pulled her to him in a hug, and gave her

a loving kiss on the neck. Susan lay her head back onto his shoulder, brushing the side of his

head with one of her ears.

“Mmmm. What do you want? Whatever it is, take your time telling me.” Susan asked.

“Do I need a reason to nuzzle the neck of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met?”

“You should be careful. I wouldn’t want your wife to find out about us. You know how jealous

she is.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got her convinced you’re a first cousin of mine.”

Susan turned around, slipped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. “Well,” she said. “I

guess I could get away with that since we look so much alike.” They both laughed. “Seriously,

though, are you going to remind me that you, Jacob, and Leo are having your monthly get

together today?”

Still nuzzling her neck, he said, “Mm-hmm.”

Laughing harder, she said, “You’re tickling my neck fur, you silly wolf but, please, continue

taking your time. It feels so good.”

“You smell so good, Susan. It’s hard for me to stop. I was one lucky wolf when you agreed to go

out with me the first time.”

Closing her eyes and moaning slightly as she enjoyed the sensation of his kisses, she replied,

“Well, how could I resist you in your geeky glasses. Actually, though, my first date with you was

supposed to be a joke.”

Pulling back, he said, “What? What do you mean?”

“I was very picky in school. I wouldn’t date anyone. I was even openly accused of being lesbian

by some of the guys and girls. Finally, Tigresa made me promise to go out with the guy she

chose to prove I wasn’t. I was more than a little shocked and not a little happy when you

knocked on my door.”

“Why?”

“Because we had several classes together and I had seen how you would stare at me. Normally, if

a wolf looks at a rabbit, especially the way you looked at me, the rabbit gets a little nervous. But,

I only felt a desire to get to know you better. Unfortunately, you were the shy type and wouldn’t

say anything to me. When I found out you were my blind date, I was secretly thrilled.”

Smiling, he said, “I guess you found out how shy I really am.”

“Humph. Only after we got married. Now you are anything but shy, as our seven kits attest to.”

He laughed. “Anyway, since you already know that today is my monthly get together with Leo

and Jacob, I’ll just let you know that we’re going to the “Southern Buck” today. Where are you,

Ophelia and Tigresa going?”

“I’m not certain. It’s Ophelia’s turn to choose. She always chooses either the ‘Italian Greyhound’

for their Italian food or the ‘Texas Longhorn’ for their steaks.

“You know, sweetheart, I really love Ophelia but sometimes her speciesism is a little

over-the-top.”

“I know. Ophelia’s harmless, though; she just tends to speak her mind more than most. Just

ignore her or steer the conversation in a different direction.”

“Do you think she’s upset because you sent Amanda with Michael to Jaguarville instead of one

of the other secretaries?”

“Oh, I can guarantee it. Amanda reached the age of majority nine months ago and Ophelia still

tries to make all of Amanda’s decisions for her. According to Jacob, though, Amanda is happy to

be with Michael and away from her mother. I wonder if—”

“Wonder if, what, Eddie?”

“Oh, nothing to worry your pretty little head about. It’s something I need to discuss with Jacob.”

“Of course, dear.”

**********

“Now, Ophelia, enjoy yourself with Tigresa and Susan at lunch today. You know that Edward,

Leo, and I will be having lunch together, as well.”

“Yes, Jacob.”

Jacob thought, “Ophelia sounds a little depressed. I wonder if it’s because I finally put my foot

down and stopped her from trying to ruin Amanda’s happiness once again. I guess we’ll see.”

He said, “Oh, Ophelia. Don’t give Susan a hard time today. Okay?”

“Jacob, it goes against nature. She’s a rabbit; he’s a wolf.”

“Ophelia, that part of nature ended for us over 19,000 years ago.”

“Jacob—”

“No, Ophelia. I’ve humored you for almost 20 years. It’s time you realized that love knows no

bounds to species. Edward and Susan have been happily married for 22 years. They’ve got seven

wolf-rabbit mix kits that they love equally well. So, please don’t say anything even remotely

antagonistic concerning inter-species marriage. Don’t forget your

great-great-great-great-grandmother was a Siberian tigress that fell in love with and married a

red fox and my great-great-great-grandmother was a Javan tigress that also fell in love with and

married a red fox. Both of those couples were happily married for over 60 years each.”

“But, Jacob, those tigresses were full-blood. Besides, it was carnivore marrying carnivore.

Edward and Susan are carnivore and herbivore.”

“Get that out of your head, Ophelia; Edward and Susan are both omnivores. In fact, very few

Humanimals are strictly one or the other and those do it by choice.”

“Well, what about their half-breed kits, Jacob?”

“Just—one—minute, Ophelia. Do not use that term to describe their pups. They are mixed blood,

not half-breed.”

“But—”

“No buts, Ophelia.”

“Yes, Jacob.

“What about their mix-blood, kits? They’ll never be able to find someone to love them. You

know what that means. There’s only one way they’ll find anything that even resembles love. You

know that, Jacob. You know about that odd-looking porn actress.”

“Yes, I know about the porn actress you’re referring to but, I believe she does porn by choice not

because she can’t find anyone who’d have her and no, I do not believe that mixed-blood

Humanimals can’t find someone to love them, Ophelia. As a matter of fact, Thomas Blaidd has

found someone who loves him immensely.”

“I can’t believe it.”

“Believe it. What you won’t believe is who loves him.”

“Who?”

“Victoria.”

With utter disbelief in her voice, Ophelia said, “Panthera? Leo and Tigresa’s daughter? Well, I

guess I can believe it. After all, she’s half-lion and half-tiger.”

“Ophelia, they’ve liked each other since they were cubs. Thomas was too shy to ask her out. So,

she asked him.” Jacob paused for a few seconds for effect before continuing with, “Guess who

gave her that idea?”

“Who?”

“Michael.”

“Michael!?” Ophelia replied, not hiding her disgust.

“Yes, Michael. He suggested to Victoria that she ask Thomas to a group get together to put him at

ease with being seen in public with her. Michael made that suggestion the day before he went to

SoGa Industries to apply for a job.”

Ophelia slowly shook her head as she said, “Why would he want to help Victoria?”

“As I understand it, Victoria had been flirting with him outrageously and he has a mental block

about it. So, when she mentioned that Richard had been ignoring her for five years, Michael put

two and two together and figured out why.”

“And that was?”

“When Victoria entered puberty, Richard started to look at her as a possible mating prospect.”

“Ewwww.”

“Richard thought the same thing and chose to ignore Victoria rather than to give in to that. Now,

things are better between them, thanks to Michael.”

Jacob kissed Ophelia and said, “I’ve got to go to work, Honey. Enjoy lunch with the ladies and

I’ll see you this evening.”

**********

At noon, Leo arrived at the “Southern Buck” restaurant. He walked up to the hostess, a red

wolfess by the name of Tanaya Loborojo, who looked at him and smiled. “They’re at your usual

table, Mr. Panthera.”

“Thank you, Tanaya.”

Leo went to the table and found Edward and Jacob sitting there talking. When they saw him,

they arose, shook hands all around, exchanged greetings, and sat down.

Edward said, “We told the waitress that we’re waiting on someone else before we ordered. Now

that you’re here, we can order.”

Jacob said, “Well, just remember Edward, the phrase eating like a wolf is just a figure of

speech.” Leo and Edward laughed.

They picked up their menu and perused it deciding what they wished for lunch. After making

their selection, all three chose a broiled venison steak and the accompanying vegetables, the

waitress took their order and the menus and left. After the waitress left, they chatted about what

they had gone through the previous month. Several minutes later, the waitress returned with their

meal.

After they finished their meal, the three of them were enjoying a glass of southern sweet tea,

with a slice of lemon of course. As usual, the lunch was followed by a general conversation.

After enjoying a long draught of his tea, Edward said, “Jacob, do you think we could find an

excuse to send Michael and Amanda on a weeklong trip once a month?”

Jacob smiled and said, “Why?”

“Ever since she started working at SoGa, Amanda seems to know when I’m caught up with my

paperwork and brings me a new stack bigger than my previous one. Bertha seems to be nervous

about intruding. So, for the past week, I’ve had a paid vacation while at work.” He laughed.

Jacob said, “Well, when she gets back Monday, Amanda is liable to be completely refreshed and,

as a result, ready to put you back to work.” All three men laughed uproariously.

Leo looked at Jacob but spoke to Edward and said, “Edward, out of curiosity, why did you send

Amanda. You could have sent any of the other secretaries.”

“Leo, you know why I did. Amanda would have been miserable all week. She looks forward to

seeing Michael every day. To have prevented that would have been abuse.” Once again, the three

of them laughed loudly.

Edward glanced at Leo before saying, “Jacob, do you think they did it?”

“If you’re referring to sexual relations, I doubt it.”

“Why not?”

“Michael is too honorable, too much in love with Amanda, to do that. However, I do know they

shared a bed.”

Leo and Edward frowned before Leo said, “Why do you say that?”

“Because Amanda started her heat last Friday. We all know how a Humanimal woman gets when

she’s in heat and near the man she loves. I have no doubt she begged Michael for sex and

Michael refused.

“Friday night, Ophelia made a special trip to Jaguarville after she found out where Amanda was,

thanks to the temp that was sitting at Bertha’s desk.”

“Now, Jacob, that wasn’t her fault. She didn’t know Ophelia and her attitude toward Amanda.”

“I know. I’m not blaming her; I’m just wishing I had an idea that Ophelia was planning on

talking to the temp. Anyway, when I got there, Michael was protecting Amanda from her.

Amanda was crying and cowering from her mother and Michael was standing between them. I

sent Ophelia to the lobby while I told Michael I didn’t care if they made love as long as Amanda

was happy.”

“But, you said they didn’t do it? How do you know?”

“I called Amanda Saturday afternoon. She told me how pleasurable it was to share Michael’s bed.

When I asked her if she was still a virgin, in a somewhat sad voice, she said, ‘Yes’. She told me

that Michael wouldn’t let her sleep with him unless she was fully dressed.”

Leo and Edward looked at each other and smiled. Edward said, “I’m surprised Amanda said that.

I mean, guys tend to incur father’s wrath if he discovers that his innocent little girl is no longer

an innocent little girl.”

Leo snickered. Jacob looked at him and said, “Don’t laugh, Leo. Victoria is Amanda’s age, you

know.”

Leo sobered quickly and, after stuttering for a few seconds, managed to say “Well, if Victoria

isn’t a virgin any longer, there’s nothing I can do about it now, although I’m pretty sure that,

despite her outrageous flirtatiousness, she’s still a virgin.”

Edward and Jacob laughed uproariously and was soon joined by Leo. After the laughter died

down, Leo looked at Edward and said, “Besides, Thomas was the first guy she ever dated more

than twice. He’s a rabbit, and you know what they say about rabbits. So . . .” He trailed off

significantly ominous.

Edward said, “He’s only half rabbit, thank you. Besides, if he’s experienced Victoria, she was the

aggressor. You know how shy he is compared to her.”

Leo laughed and replied, “Kind of like his father but, you’re right. The day before Michael went

to SoGa to see about a job, Victoria was coming on to him, in front of me and Tigresa. If Michael

hadn’t had his mental block about relationships with Humanimals, he’d likely be my son-in-law,

Jacob.”

Once again, all three men laughed uproariously.

**********

Susan arrived at the “Italian Greyhound” and walked in. The hostess, a koala named Orsola

Fratelli, approached with a menu in her hand. She said, “One?”

“No, I’m meeting a couple of friends here.”

“Oh? What are their names? Perhaps they’ve already arrived.”

“Ophelia Fuchs and Tigresa Panthera.”

“Ah, you must be Susan. They told me they were waiting for you. They’re right this way.”

Miss Fratelli led Susan to a booth in the back of the restaurant. Ophelia and Tigresa arose when

she arrived and Tigresa gave her a warm, friendly hug. Ophelia also hugged her but it wasn’t as

warm, nor nearly as friendly. But, then, Ophelia had never been one to show either Susan or

Tigresa a lot of affection. In fact, she had rarely shown affection to anyone other than Jacob.

Susan said, “Well, I see I’m the slowpoke again. I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really a rabbit.”

She laughed lightly with Tigresa joining her.

Tigresa said, “Oh, I don’t know, Susan. Ophelia beat me here. Besides, feral rabbits are known

more for their dodging abilities than they are for a flat-out race, ancient human fables

notwithstanding.”

Ophelia, not wanting to be left out of the conversation, said, “Well, I was here first but Tigresa

arrived before I sat down good.”

Tigresa said, “That’s true. In fact, Ophelia hadn’t even straightened her dress before I was sitting

down.”

“I would have been here sooner but, the baby wanted to be a bit cranky before the sitter arrived.

So, I had to soothe him until he fell back asleep.”

The waitress, a ferret with faint, barely noticeable, tiger stripes and the name, Melissa, on her

name tag, arrived and handed each of them a menu and took their drink orders. Tigresa watched

her as she left. Finally, she said, “You know, she kind of reminds me of my Elizabeth, only a few

years older.”

Ophelia said, “How so?”

“Well, I can tell she’s part-tiger, even though her stripes are really light. But, I know she isn’t part

lion. She kind of reminds me of a mink or a ferret.” In a whisper, she added, “I never could tell

them apart.”

Susan and Ophelia laughed, Susan more loudly than Ophelia. “Tigresa,” Susan said in mock

shock, “I can’t believe you’d say such a prejudiced thing.”

“Susan, you can’t tell them apart any better than I can,” Tigresa said, laughing.

Ophelia said, “I believe the difference is in their lifestyle and fur coloration. Also, the minks

have a small webbing between their fingers because feral minks were swimmers more than

ferrets are. The webbing only reaches the first knuckle of Humanimals. Other than that, it’s

difficult to tell the difference between them.”

Tigresa and Susan looked at Ophelia with unabashed shock. Susan said, “Ophelia, I had no idea

you were so well versed in racial differences.”

Looking a bit ashamed, Ophelia replied, “I had to learn because of Amanda. Since I was accused

of cheating on Jacob on the night before we were married, I learned quite a bit about the different

races. Some differences between the races are so subtle that, unless you know exactly what to

look for, you can’t tell the difference between them. For example, Tigresa, do you know the

major difference between rabbits and hares?”

“No, Ophelia. I can’t say as I do.”

“I won’t ask Susan since she is a rabbit. But, the major physical differences between them are

hares have longer and more pointed ears and they have slightly longer legs plus, feral rabbits are

more forest, swamp, and marsh dwellers and feral hares dwell in open areas like tundra and

deserts.”

As the ladies talked, they read their menus and decided on what they wanted for lunch. Ophelia

said, “I believe I’ll have the broiled chicken strips.”

Tigresa laughed and said, “Ophelia, you always have chicken. You should alter your meat once

in a while.”

“What would you suggest, then?”

“How about the broiled mahi-mahi? I understand they use special Italian herbs and seasonings to

bring out the flavor to perfection.”

Susan said, “Hmm. Mahi-mahi sounds good.”

Ophelia looked at her in surprise. “As long as I’ve known you, I still have a hard time believing

you eat meat, Susan.” Susan looked at her curiously. “It’s just that I still see you as a rabbit even

though I know that all Humanimals are omnivorous.”

“I understand, Ophelia. I do eat a lot of vegetables, though, but, I like meat at least once a day.”

“What kind of meat do you eat?”

“All kinds. Well, I like fish, venison, beef, pork, chicken, and all the different kinds of meat you

eat. I’m surprised you didn’t know.”

“I guess I did know. I just didn’t want to accept it as the truth.

“Maybe you’re right, Tigresa. I should vary my diet a bit. I’ll try the broiled mahi-mahi, too.

What about you?”

Somewhat ashamed, Tigresa said, “Well, I was going to order venison but, since I sort of

chastised you for not varying your diet, I guess I’ll have mahi-mahi as well.” All three of them

laughed.

The waitress returned with their drinks and took their orders. After retrieving the menus, she left

and the ladies returned to their talking.

Ophelia returned to her curiosity about Susan’s eating habits. “Susan, it doesn’t bother you to eat

meat? I mean, you don’t have canines like Tigresa and I do.”

“Ophelia, you don’t need enlarged canines to eat meat. In fact, that’s no indicator that you’re

carnivorous. Before the changing, canines on carnivores were only used to hold and kill prey and

to fight with. The carnassial teeth, also known as bicuspids, were used to eat meat in carnivores.

They were used to cut meat into smaller, more easily digestible pieces. There are numerous

herbivorous animals that have enlarged canines, equines for example. They use their canines to

fight and intimidate rivals. After the changing, we all gained the human flat-topped molars that

are used for grinding food to make it more easily digestible.”

“Oh. I guess I should have paid closer attention to biology in school.” Tigresa and Susan laughed.

Ophelia continued, “So, is that the reason you don’t have a problem with being married to a

wolf, Susan?”

Susan paused for several seconds before she responded. “Ophelia, please don’t start that again. I

love you like a sister; I really do. But, it really bothers me when you bring that up.”

Ophelia stopped, with her mouth open. Then, she said, “I’m sorry, Susan. Jacob told me to not

say anything about that and I really meant to not say anything. I guess I’m too much of a

speciesist to not say anything. If I’ve offended you, please forgive me.”

Susan smiled and said, “I forgive you, Ophelia, and I’m not offended. I know you have a hard

time accepting my situation. But, you don’t know the reason I married Edward and I’d prefer to

not talk about it while we’re eating. I’ll tell you one day, just not today. All right?”

“Of course, Susan. Thank you for understanding that I didn’t intend to offend you.”

**********

Leo said, “Speaking of Michael, Jacob when are you going to tell him the truth?”

“Truth? What truth?”

Edward said, “Jacob, don’t play coy with us. We’ve known you since college. You know what

truth Leo’s talking about.”

“I’ll tell Michael the truth, as you call it, the day he and Amanda get married.”

“Why? You’ve already got his future planned out for him, without his knowledge I might add.”

“I have nothing of the sort. His future is his to make. Whether it includes Amanda or not is up to

him.”

“But, you want it to include her, don’t you? Otherwise, you wouldn’t have given him your

blessings on, what did the humans used to call it, closing the deal?”

Faking a shocked look, Jacob said, “Edward! I can’t believe you’d imply that I would approve of

Michael having a sexual relationship with Amanda before they get married.”

All three of them laughed. Leo said, “Well, I will admit that, even though I wouldn’t have

wanted Michael and Victoria to share a bed, even platonically, I could think of worse people for

her to be involved with.”

Edward said, “Such as Thomas?”

“Now, Edward, I like Thomas. I would be happy with him as a son-in-law. No, I’m referring to

those guys that have no ambition, no drive, and no desire to improve their lot in life. Those are

the guys I’m talking about. Victoria dated more than one of those in high school. Most of them

thought that, since she’s half-blood, she’s some kind of a sex maniac. Until she and Thomas

started dating, she rarely dated the same guy more than once or twice.”

Jacob said, “Well, Michael and Thomas definitely don’t fit into that category. Amanda told me a

couple of months ago that he’s improved efficiency at SoGa Industries by well over 75%.”

Edward said, “I can guarantee it, Jacob. He’s constantly walking around the building looking at

how people are doing their job. You know, maybe we should add Efficiency Expert to his title

with pay commensurate with the position.”

“That sounds good. What do you think, Leo?”

“What kind of increase in pay are you talking about?”

“I don’t know, 25%?”

Leo said, “That sounds more than equitable and a bargain as well. He thinks his pay rate is

fantastic.”

Edward said, “He told me that a C.I.T manager in his time would have made the equivalent of

80,000 Yenars a year. So, to him, 130,000 Yenars is fantastic.”

There was a brief pause in the conversation as the three men thought about how their life had

changed since Michael had awoken. Finally, Jacob said, “You know, Michael has been a big

influence on all of us, hasn’t he?”

Leo said, “Yes, he has. Through his patience, he has made Mary more tolerant of men, especially

him. Anne absolutely adores him because he spends so much time playing with her. She loves

him so much that, if he doesn’t visit her at least once a week, she’s despondent. Fortunately, he

visits almost every Sunday.”

Edward said, “I understand what you’re saying, Leo. I’ve seen him spend a few minutes with

each of the secretaries after our Monday morning meeting. Michelle, who’s never trusted men

since I’ve known her, actually smiles at him when he arrives on our floor. I understand that he

convinced Albert Rooikat to tone down his rambunctiousness around her and she’s starting to

warm up to him. I understand that Albert and Michelle are dating, dating seriously.”

Jacob said, “Good. I’ve always liked Michelle. She seems to be a sweet girl. I believe she could

use some romance in her life.

“Michael has even helped Amanda. He’s always telling her how beautiful and smart she is.

Amanda, though, tends to make Michael nervous. Last Saturday, while she was in heat, he was

talking to me on the telephone and she walked out of the bathroom completely naked and

unnerved him to no end.” He laughed. “I guess Michael’s still getting used to Humanimal

women being in heat.

“Speaking of Michael, which reminds me of my wife.” Edward and Leo looked at him

questioningly. “I’m referring to Ophelia’s complete dislike of him. I wonder if Ophelia is being

civil toward Susan.”

“What do you mean?” Edward asked.

“I told her to stop being so contrary where your marriage is concerned. I told her to stop saying

hurtful things to Susan.”

“Well, I told Susan to ignore anything Ophelia said that hurt her and steer the conversation in a

different direction if she did say anything hurtful.”

“Good. Maybe between the two of us, Ophelia won’t upset Susan today.”

The waitress brought them their meal and they continued to discuss Michael and Amanda while

they ate. Leo was a bit concerned that, because of her attachment to Michael, Anne might not

appreciate it if Michael and Amanda became close. Edward was concerned that Amanda might

be so much in love with Michael that she might not rein in any unnecessary spending that

Michael might possibly suggest. Jacob’s only concern was whether or not Ophelia would ever

get over her intense hatred of Michael simply because he was a human.

After eating lunch, the men sat back and discussed business at SoGa Industries and how well

things have been going since Michael arrived and accepted the offer of C.I.T. Manager. Jacob

said how he appreciated all the suggestions that Michael had made to improve the C.I.T.

department and implied that he might be willing to support promoting him to the

Vice-Presidency held by Mrs. Gatopardos when she decided to retire. Edward and Leo agreed

wholeheartedly.

**********

After ordering their mahi-mahi, the ladies discussed their lives. Ophelia said, “Susan, is it true

that Thomas is dating Tigresa’s daughter, Victoria?”

“Yes, it is, Ophelia.”

“How do you feel about it?”

“Thomas has worshiped Victoria since they were in first grade together. He even decided to go to

Catlanna University and study videography when he heard that Victoria was going there to study

the same thing.”

“You mean he wanted to be near her that much?”

“Yes, he did. Edward and I continually asked him to ask Victoria out while they were in high

school together. But, Thomas was so shy that he could barely say, ‘Good morning’ to her.”

Turning to Tigresa, Ophelia said, “Is it true that, uh, Michael suggested that Victoria ask Edward

to join her at a gathering?”

“Yes, he did. Michael likes Victoria but he said that she was a bit too aggressive for his tastes. So,

when Victoria said that she missed Richard the way he used to treat her, Michael found out why

Richard had changed toward her and suggested finding a boyfriend so Richard would feel a little

more at ease around her.”