Promises In Crinoline

William let out a long, happy sigh of relief as he settled down on a nearby bench. The sauna had been invigorating, and now, strangely, all he really wanted to do was take a nice, long nap.

He perked up, however, when he saw Molly approaching.

"Darling..."

"I just saw the sweetest thing."

"You did?"

"Eric was playing with Eugene. Actually playing with him, instead of trying to avoid him!"

"Quite an improvement!" A small flicker of worry faded through his being. He did not entirely trust his boss with the fragile heart of his nephew.

"It's the first time I've seen him smile since the funeral." Molly noted.

William tilted his head thoughtfully. "I believe you're missing something, darling."

"What?" Molly followed the line of his eyes to her head. "Oh." She blushed self-consciously. "I'd gotten to thinking that I didn't need it anymore."

"You don't, dear."

His fingers slipped over her fuzzy scalp, and Molly suddenly felt less exposed, more protected, than she ever had with a full head of hair.

A cough sounded from behind them.

"Oh." William pulled away from his girlfriend. "Pardon me, Gail."

"Molly and I have to cut a few promos. You're willing to give her up for a minute?"

"But of course!" William released Molly with a gentle pat, and the two women retreated from the scene, talking animatedly.

William's expression contained nothing but bemusement. Whenever women get together, he knew, trouble tended to follow.

Eugene interrupted his thoughts.

"Very well, dear boy; are we ready for another go-round?"

Eugene shrugged, "Nah."

"Do you feel well, child?"

Eugene tilted his head. "Uncle Eric says the match isn't gonna happen."



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