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Mike nods with understanding

“Oh yeah, they tried a few years back to bring in some warehouses not too far up the road from here But we vetoed that idea This is a residential area and we don’t need that kind of nonsense Warehouses bring semi-trucks, pollution, and of course, lots of warehouse workers That needs to be kept far from residential zones”

Wow, I feel very adult talking about zoning restrictions and industrial developestures for me to take a seat in a spacious armchair near the fire The leather has soaked in much of the heat already and I instantly feel warm as I sink back into the supple seat Michael continues to move about

“I’lass of wine Now, I know you aren’t twenty-one yet, so I went ahead and bought you a nice bottle of sparkling juice so that you can share a drink withred raspberry cider Does that sound okay to you?”

I think to esture this is and I’m happy that he’s not e still

“That sounds wonderful, thank you for thinking of me”

He nods His color seems a bit elevated from the fire

“Of course I have soether as well if you’d like a snack later on?”

I nod

“Sure, maybe later But I have to ask: is Samantha here?”

He shakes his head

“No, she went to a party with that boyfriend of hers tonight She’ll probably crash at his place afterwards I know I shouldn’t be letting her stay at her boyfriend’s house, but old habits die hard She’s been doing it since she was sixteen”

I smile ruefully

“That’s okay I’lad we have the house to ourselves”