Chapter Four

"Dad, Collie and I are going out tonight. We've got plans to meet some friends of mine from college."

Caught off guard, and feeling pretty old, Mick St. John looks at his son, finally seeing him as grown up. But he doesn't have to like it, not one bit. And now Collie, too. Letting go won't be easy. And with them gone, that meant he'd have to be around Lance for another night. Not gonna happen.

"Where are you going?"

"We've got tickets for one of those river cruises along the Seine."

Mick lights up. "Sounds like fun. How about if your mother and I tag along?"

Collie and Beth both say, "No" but for different reasons.

Addressing his wife, and smiling his sweetest smile, "It's been ages since we've been out on a date, Beth, and we've hardly seen Paris because of you know who. And remember that movie from the 60's that you love to watch? You know, the one with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn?"

Beth remembers! "Charade. The one where they're playing pass the orange without using their hands. Oh, that does sound like fun. But really, Mick, the kids don't want us there."

Just as if Mick planned it, the kids both chime in, "Of course we do. It's always fun with you, Mom."

Hiding his smile and trying to sound virtuous, Mick says, "You know, that would be great but you're right, Beth, we're too old for all that."

"Speak for yourself, Mister. I'm going!" Ah, women! Mick grins and now seriously playing with her, says:

"Well, if you really, really want to go, I guess I'd better, too. You know, just to keep you safe."

And Beth figures she's just been masterfully played but thrills to the fact that Mick wants to go out. Maybe some dinner and dancing, too.

"So you think we can score some tickets?"

Elliott, giving it up, is already on the phone. "No problem. And if they don't, I'll give you ours."