“The fact of the matter is, I am happy here, where I can visit there without having to play games. Here, I am just like everyone else except in the bedroom, and that's my goddamn business.”

Grace had not been listening without reaction. In fact, I think my right thigh will have a star of finely manicured nail welts as a testament to Grace's verbal restraint.

This installment of String of Pearls marks a breaking point in Siobhan's reminiscences. Grace will recall events that led to Chris and Justine's unusual relationship and the impact it had on her own relationship with Shiv in String of Pearls' next installment.
- Eclectic Kitty (EKitty)

Mom went back for her own plate and we started in. Before long, she sat down, smiling at us mischievously.

“I have great news!”

“What’s that, Mom?” Carly playfully challenged her through a mouthful of garlic bread.

“We’re going to Paris for the last two weeks of July!”

Mom clapped her hands together and beamed across the table. Carly and I went silent. I stared at Mom as I digested the news, my fork frozen on its way to my mouth.

“Well, don’t all cheer at once!” She gibed, as her furrowing brow betrayed a taint of hurt.

Marion discovers why Belle lives in the Enclave, what happened in the Proctor operation, and goes for a walk in Victory Park. And what effect might Citizen Silver have on her?

 
I left the house and began walking toward Rachel's house. Ten minutes later, I was on her front porch getting ready to press the button on the doorbell. It opened suddenly and there stood Rachel with a look of excitement on her face. I made a mental note to myself not to let her have any sugar. The way she was wound up, she would have gone into orbit with very little effort. She asked me if I wanted something to drink and I ask her if she had anything diet. She got us both a drink and we walked upstairs to her room.