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So did I

"Do you need one of ood, thanks" I’d rather wear my old one than borrow from Bickley He’d probably lend rand, and I’d have to worry about wrinkling it I didn’t need any extra reasons to feel jittery tonight

The suit jacket I slipped on was the one I wore to church with e 1940s blazer that I’d found in a Harle inity And the next time I wore it would probably be to confession Now there was a fun little irony

I opened Bickley’s dorne I’d stashed there The bottle went into a gift bag that I’d bought, along with a gift for Alison (silver earrings) and a gift for me (a box of condoms)

With a wave to Mat and Bickley, I left

The coe had twelve "houses" But these werestone or brick residence for several hundred students, with its own dining hall and library Alison and I were both in the beautiful Beaustone ays As I strode across the courtyard, it i this path for a century Ma had wantedHarkness was an incredible opportunity, and I wasn’t about to feel guilty about it

At Alison’s entryway door, I shivered as I peered into the little dialass set into the oak It was the third week of Septe an early cold snap But my chill? It was not due to the weather Suddenly, I was nervous as hell

Someone appeared in the entryway on the other side of the door On a Saturday evening, there was always plenty of traffic in and out, as students returned froet ready to party So I wouldn’t have to call Alison to couy who opened Alison’s entryway door was inin my hand with a smirk

"It’s her birthday," I said quickly

"Ah Have fun," he said, holding the door

"Thanks See you Monday," I called as he walked away

I stepped into the echoing stone stairway and began cli the stairs I loved this old stairwell, with itsStudents had climbed these stairs to their rooms when jazz was still a brand neord I didn’t hear any jazz right now, though Frole-shooter video gaht have heard the strains of somebody’s "wireless" Or maybe a Victrola