RELUCTANT PRESS

"Well, it's remarkable, nonetheless," Bob observed. "You ought to consider doing some of those sexy TV ads. With a voice like yours, I bet you could make a lot of money."

"Thank you, Bob, that's very sweet." I was very off balance from all these compliments about my voice.

We drove along in silence with Bob occasionally squeezing my hand and smiling at me. Finally, we pulled in at an Italian restaurant called, "Guiseppe's Piece of Genoa."

"Here we are, girls," Tom announced unnecessarily as he turned off the motor.

Bob helped me out of the car and the men ushered Joyce and me into the restaurant. As we entered, a short man in a tuxedo came over to us and bowed.

"Welcome to Guiseppe's. I am Guiseppe! How may I be of service to you fine people?"

"How about your best table for our beautiful ladies tonight?"

"Certainly! Follow me please," said Guiseppe.

The men let Joyce and I follow the little man into the dining room and they came after us. Joyce and I let Guiseppe hold our chairs for us and seat us. I watched Joyce very carefully to mimic her every motion.

Tom ordered wine and Bob ordered some appetizers.

A three piece band was playing in the corner so we sipped our wine and the men told Joyce and me all about their jobs and lives. Tom was a construction engineer and into horse racing, while Bob was a high school football coach and physical fitness instructor.

It wasn't until we had ordered our main course (I was having scampi), that the men seemed to have any curiosity about Joyce and me. Bob finally stopped talking about himself long enough to ask what I was interested in.

"Well, I like fashion and modeling, and I make some of my own clothes." I was trying to enhance my image as a female.

"That's nice, Debbie," Bob said. "Now, let's dance."

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