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"Now listen," I explained, "make it good! Act like you've known me for years and loved me twice as long. Even tell him you're living with me if we have to stretch it that far. And don't worry, I can keep a straight face if you can. I don't care what you tell him! You can invent the greatest love story on record and I won't bat an eye lash.”

Everything was fine. When I walked into the restaurant on Thursday I was greeted by a hearty "Jennie, darling! What are you doing here?"

I looked real surprised of course, and so did The Character.

"He's only a friend". I said demurely to my willing accomplice. "Well, he better toodle off because I'm taking over now!"

It was firm. Even I was surprised.

"Look here", The Character said, "the young lady's with me."

"That's what you -"

I quickly interrupted. "Listen," I said, "why don't we all sit down and talk this over nice and quiet like?"

We did. I listened with open mouth while my friend told The Character how madly in love we were. I blushed while my friend told The Character how we'd been living together for years. In the end I was sitting there embarrassed and twisting my purse around when The Character got up and left. It was a terrific job!

"I congratulate you" I said, "That was superb! It sure did the trick!"

I took $20.00 out of my purse and laid it on the table. "That's for you and it was worth every penny of it."

"No fee," my friend answered taking my hand, "I'd do anything for you." My mouth dropped open for the second time that night.

"Theresa," I said, "I think you've taken this whole thing too seriously."

Marta D'Angelo

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