A Well-Lived Life 3 - Book 1 - SuzanneChapter 73: Hypothetical Questions free porn video

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December 5, 2000, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

“I had a good time last night,” I said. “I was surprised you invited a friend!”

Mary laughed as we walked into the exam room, “Naomi had a good time as well. You know what a Resident’s life is like.”

I nodded, “No social life.”

“Exactly. You guys seemed to hit it off pretty well.”

“Yes, but I’m not here for that!”

“You’re everywhere for that, and you know it!”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Let’s just say that you hit the sweet spot - red hair, green eyes, and a perfect athletic build. But given my mental state, I just didn’t feel right flirting.”

“You don’t have to flirt, and you know it! Those goddamn bedroom eyes and your disarming charm are all it takes!”

“I’m here for an exam and tests, Doc!”

“She told me to tell you she’s free tonight if you want to have a drink.”

“Tests,” I replied firmly.

“Just relaying the message. And it wasn’t a setup.”

“Right,” I chuckled. “You bring a single girl, a perfect Steve type no less, knowing what happens with me, and you say it wasn’t a ‘setup’? Who are YOU kidding, Doc?”

“She might have complained to me about the lack of action and the fact that male doctors are so full of themselves that she’s not interested.”

“But quiet, boring accountants curl your toes.”

“Perhaps! Now, assume the position! I’ll be back in a moment with my MALE medical student!”

I laughed and after she left the exam room, I stripped down to my briefs and put on the stupid hospital gown. Mary was back two minutes later with a young black man named Laurent, who was originally from Côte d’Ivoire.

“This is Laurent’s second day of his third rotation,” Mary said, “so he’ll take your history, but observe the exam.”

“You’re the teacher, Doc,” I said. “Whatever you feel is best. I’m OK with dual exams.”

“Hint taken,” Mary said. “Laurent, Mr. Adams has mentored several medical students, including a doctor he’s married to, and he’s insistent that they be allowed to do things, so, despite Mayo’s protocols for your first two weeks, you’ll get to actually put hands on a real live character, I mean, patient!”

I chuckled, “She was right the first time.”

“Laurent, go ahead and take his history, but I’ll warn you, this is a complex case, and Mr. Adams knows how to answer what you ask, not what you might have meant, and he’ll be reticent to volunteer anything you missed.”

I chuckled, “You assume I treat all med students the way I treated you?”

“Yes!”

Laurent was a bit tentative, and I had to pay close attention to what he was asking because of a strong accent, though his English was otherwise superb, far better than my Spanish by a long shot without Jorge around, and probably better than my Swedish, as I didn’t use it all that often these days, except for occasionally talking to Sofia and my monthly letters with Tina. Not to mention I would be hopeless in French, which I was sure he spoke fluently.

Laurent did a very good job, and I suspected at least one of his earlier rotations had involved taking medical histories. He did miss something, which I was sure Mary had expected him to miss. He’d asked me about what had brought me to Mayo and I said I was feeling a bit off. He’d pursued physiological causes, but had mis-phrased a key question that might have tipped him off - he’d asked me what physicians I was seeing besides Mary, and I’d listed them. But Doctor Mercer wasn’t a physician, so I hadn’t mentioned her. He’d also asked about recent medical treatment, but she wasn’t an MD, so I’d left that out, too.

“Laurent,” Mary said when he finished, “you did an excellent job, but you missed perhaps the most important point, mainly because you didn’t listen to what I said.”

“Excuse me, Doctor Whittaker,” he replied, “but I was careful to probe his answers.”

“Steve?” Mary asked.

“When you asked about physicians, I gave you the list of MDs I’m seeing. When you asked about medical treatment, I told you about all the treatment I’ve received from medical doctors and medical facilities.”

“Yes.”

“But not mental health professionals.”

“I totally missed it,” he said dejectedly.

“Don’t get down,” Mary said. “Mr. Adams purposefully hid information from you. But that’s the lesson. Patients will do that even if they aren’t cooperating with a training plan as Mr. Adams is.”

“You knew?”

“He did it to me,” she said. “It’s because he’s married to a trauma surgeon and he likes to give her a really hard time about the medical profession.”

“So it was a trap?” he asked.

“No, more like an example, in a controlled situation, of what can happen in an uncontrolled situation. I know the answers, as does Mr. Adams. But you will, for sure, run into patients who know the answers and won’t give them to you.”

“But why?” Laurent asked, sounding very confused.

“Any number of reasons or even no reason. Patients aren’t always rational, and even when they are, they’ll omit important information because they don’t think it’s relevant or because they’re embarrassed or because they simply don’t want to. Now, without concerning yourself with his mental health issues, what would you propose?”

“Based on what I learned, a complete blood series, including hormone levels; a complete metabolic panel, including a glucose tolerance test; an EKG; and an EEG.”

“Very good. But given his issues with metabolizing glucose and fructose, we’re going to skip the glucose tolerance test and do a cardiac stress test instead. Now, back to his mental health issues, his comment about feeling ‘out of sorts’ is a clue, and you did a very good job of deducing the physiological issues. What this should teach you is that mental health issues are often omitted because in many ways, those are the diagnoses patients fear most. Even a cancer diagnosis, so long as it’s not end-stage, gives a patient some hope despite scaring them. Mental illness just scares them. And that includes people like Steve who are fully cognizant of their issues.”

“But he seems so comfortable discussing his concerns.”

“His physiological problems don’t worry him; his bipolar disorder scares him to death.”

“May I ask the diagnosis of the physiological problems?”

“Yes, because you’ll hear it before we get the test results back. Our working diagnosis is that he has a congenital defect in his hypothalamus which creates a significant hormone imbalance and causes him to have difficulty metabolizing complex sugars. As you deduced, he’s on a ketogenic diet, and I suspect, in the back of your mind was some form of insulin-related disorder.”

“Yes, and that would be explained by your working diagnosis, and by the fact that he’s seeing a research endocrinologist!”

Mary laughed, “Good point. You had a very good clue there. Overall, you did a good job, just watch out for the mental health issues.”

“Yes, Doctor Whittaker.”

“I’m going to do the exam,” Mary said. “At certain points I’ll ask you to repeat what I’ve done.”

“Yes, Doctor Whittaker.”

Mary led Laurent through the physical exam, and when she was satisfied, she called the phlebotomist to take blood.

“I always expect you in a black cape and fangs,” I said to the young woman who came to take the four tubes of blood.

She laughed, “I tried that on Halloween and the Hospital Director suggested I select a different costume!”

“Talk about ‘no fun’!” I chuckled

“TELL me about it! He has NO sense of humor!”

She quickly and expertly drained me of a near-fatal amount of blood, or at least it felt that way, then quickly went on her way to take the vials to the lab. Next, I had the cardiac stress test, and then the three of us had lunch with Doctors Alston and Ross and basically rehashed the conversation on the conference call that had led to my visit.

After lunch I had my EEG and EKG, and then Mary and I returned to her office.

“No Laurent?” I asked.

“In your case, because we’re going to probably discuss your unique family situation, I thought it best to send him to see a patient with another Resident.”

“What about your Attending position?”

“Next summer. It’s basically a lock. You see Doctors Ross and Alston simply letting me do my thing. That lunch was their ‘case review’.”

“Congratulations. Does that mean you and Don will start your family?”

“That’s pretty much it - once I’m an Attending, taking the time off doesn’t cause any trouble in any way, and doesn’t interfere with or delay advancement. So, how are you feeling?”

“OK, I think. That said, the most stressful thing I’ve done in the past four days is the cardiac stress test. I’m glad we didn’t do a glucose tolerance test, because those always mess me up.”

“Which is why we didn’t. At this point, doing that test would be risky. You told Laurent you were following your near-zero carbohydrate diet and that you were exercising and getting enough sleep. What about Saturday night and Sunday morning?”

“I took a nap after Birgit got her cuddles and we had breakfast, because of Guys’ Night and walking Jess to work.”

“I’m going to tread a bit on Doctor Mercer’s turf here - any thoughts of self-harm or suicide?”

I shook my head, “No. I haven’t had an obvious depressive episode in quite some time. But that conforms to what I could find about bipolar I versus bipolar II. Mostly I have the markers for bipolar I because I’ve had numerous manic episodes but few, in any, truly depressive episodes. But I know the risk of having one is real.”

“Again, treading a bit on Doctor Mercer’s territory, for you, self-harm will come from inappropriate risk-taking, not intentional self-harm.”

I chuckled, “I avoid married women, Doc. It avoids the potential for serious harm from annoyed husbands.”

“What about annoyed parents?” she asked with a smirk.

“I’m not going to stop being a subversive!”

“If you did, I’d be very concerned!”

“I think all that’s left for me is to get the test results, which I am positive will tell me exactly nothing we don’t already know or assume, and then to speak with Doctor Barton and Doctor Mercer. I’m not putting any restrictions on you besides the diet. I’m encouraging exercise and proper sleep, and I want you to continue taking the mix of vitamins and supplements I sent you. The jury is out on those, but there’s no downside other than a few bucks you might have spent on something else. That said, I’m more and more convinced Vitamin D is one key to fending off your depression, especially the possibility of seasonal affective disorder.”

“I follow that list religiously.”

“I did have to refrain from laughing when you answered the questions about sexual health. ‘I have a healthy sex life’ doesn’t even begin to describe it!”

“It’s true. It’s also true that I’ve never had an STI and that I practice ‘safe sex’ as they’re calling it these days.”

“I got the drift that it was that which was making you uneasy.”

“Sort of. I just had plenty of opportunity and took advantage of the opportunities, which I hadn’t done for nearly eighteen months before January. I think part of it was the changes in my relationships with Liz and Maria Cristina.”

“I missed something.”

“Ah, yeah, I didn’t say it on the call because of Al, but both of them are seeing someone, which meant our relationships had to be intimate, not sexual.”

“Thus confirming what I was trying to teach Laurent - you withheld information because of the circumstances.”

“You, Al, and Doctor Mercer all know, at varying levels of specificity, how I live my life. Al has a good idea, but we’ve purposefully left it at him being jealous of the freedom I have.”

“I’m sorry about Naomi.”

“Why? I didn’t feel you pushed her on me and the four of us had a great time. I have nothing to complain about and don’t feel you did anything improper.”

“What are your plans for this evening?”

“I didn’t have any,” I said. “But you’d suggest dinner with Naomi if I hadn’t pushed back, right?”

“Yes, but again, not from a standpoint of setting you up, or playing the role of procurer. She just needs to get out.”

“I’d be happy to have dinner and a drink with her,” I said. “But I’m going to bed, alone, at the end of the evening.”

Mary laughed, “You are too funny! You are the freest person I know when it comes to sex, and the most open-minded, but you get into these moods where suddenly it’s a bad thing. Have you tracked them?”

I shook my head.

“Include that in your food and glucose testing diary, please. Make it -1, 0, +1, where -1 is what you’re saying to me now; 0 is neutral; and +1 is active desire. That should be sufficient to plot a chart against everything else.”

“OK. You’re looking for patterns, or perhaps some biometric rhythm?”

“I try not to look for specific things in my research, because that can lead to what your Navy friends would call target fixation, and you can miss what the data is trying to tell you.”

“A good strategy, and one I support. But what I suggested is the likely outcome, right?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want me to keep a sex diary?” I smirked.

Mary laughed, “I could probably use that to write scripts for erotic movies! But unless you want to participate in one of Clara’s studies, I don’t need that detail!”

“Understood.”

“How about the kids’ health?”

“All of the kids have low body temperatures and low resting heart rates, but they’re all very active. You know the girls are in karate, Jesse plays hockey, Matthew acts and plays soccer, Michael is in the robotics club which is very hands-on and plays soccer, and Albert is in Scouting and is learning to fly. None of them have shown any areas of concern in their metabolic panels, but Jesse is fourteen, so he’s about at the point where I started seeing the very first symptoms of the metabolic disorder.”

“You were an athlete then, too, right?”

“I swam every day and rode my bike quite a bit. I ran when I lived in Sweden, and ice skated, too. That was all before karate.”

“It’s something to keep an eye on with your boys, though as we discussed, if it’s the flawed ‘X’ from your mom, then none of them will have the symptoms. It’s interesting that all your girls have the lower temperatures, but that’s a question for a geneticist.”

“My sister has the low temp and low resting heart rate as well. She’s active, but not an athlete. She does Jazzercise or something else very active three times a week.”

“Keep an eye on your boys and if you see any signs, give me a call and I’ll arrange for you to bring them here. Are any of the boys besides Albert on Jessica’s health plan?”

I shook my head, “No. I could put all seven of them on mine, but given Jennifer’s benefits are like mine, she’d prefer to keep Jesse on her plan. Matthew and Michael are on Elyse’s plan through NIKA. Kara’s daughters are on the University plan which is almost as good as Jessica’s. Jessica’s kids and I are on the hospital plan because it’s as good as NIKA’s plan, though it’s much less expensive. If we run into issues, we can move Jesse to my plan, but I’m pretty sure M&M’s plan matches ours.”

“OK. And I do have my research money to offset any excluded expenses, deductibles, or co-pays if you need it.”

I shook my head, “No. We’re very well off so you can save that money for someone who needs your expertise but can’t afford it.”

“Thanks. Anything you want to ask?”

I shook my head, “Not until after I talk to Doctor Mercer.”

“OK. Do you want me to call Naomi?”

Besides being the epitome of a ‘Steve type’, Naomi had been fun and engaging, and she had, for want of a better description, soaked up the attention I gave her. I knew the struggles of a first-year Resident, and I felt I could help her relax and enjoy herself for a few hours. I also didn’t feel like Mary was pushing me to be anything other than a friend or a friendly ear, so I decided dinner and drinks couldn’t hurt.

I grinned, “Oh, sure. Why the hell not?”

Mary laughed softly and picked up the phone. She dialed an outside line and let Naomi know that I’d have dinner with her, suggested a restaurant to which Naomi agreed, set the time, then hung up.

“Got it,” I said. “It obviously didn’t come up last night, but what exactly does she know?”

“That you’re in an open relationship. I was careful so she knew you were married, but also that you had enough freedom to enjoy yourself.”

I chuckled, “That’s an interesting way to put it.”

“It’s true, isn’t it?”

“As true as my answers to Laurent!” I grinned.

“I think we’re done. I’ll see you in February, and then for your usual visit in August.”

“February in Minnesota. Oh, joy!”

“Says the man who lived in Sweden for a year!”

Mary and I both stood up, hugged, and then I left her office and walked out of the hospital and to my rental car. I drove back to the hotel where I took a short nap, showered, and then dressed for dinner. I had a bit of time to kill, so I picked up A Storm of Swords which I was struggling to finish because it was so bad, but having started it, I’d decided to see it through, despite taking a break to read Cryptonomicon. One thing was sure, I was done with anything by George R. R. Martin. After about twenty minutes of slogging through the book, I tossed it on the desk and headed to the restaurant to meet Naomi.

“Hi!” Naomi gushed when I walked into the lobby of the restaurant.

“Hi!” I replied, accepting the quick hug she offered.

The host led us to a table for two, and a waitress arrived immediately to take our drink orders.

“How did it go today, if it’s OK to ask?”

I nodded, “It’s OK. It went about like you’d expect any exam to go. We didn’t talk details of the case last night because Don was there, but given Mary’s theory about it being a congenital defect of the hypothalamus, all the tests are going to do is show more of the same, so to speak. What she’s obviously concerned about right now is long-term management of an unknown ailment. If you are part of the diagnostic group, you’ll get the details.”

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January 19, 1989, En-Route from LAX to ORD When the engines of the plane started, Jeri reached over and took my hand. She held it while we pushed away from the gate, and taxied for takeoff. Her grip tightened a bit as we hurtled down the runway, but nothing like the death grip she’d had on my arm for the flight out. The plane roared its way into the air and once we leveled out, Jeri’s grip loosened but she didn’t let go of my hand. “How are you doing?” I asked with a touch of...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 7 Kara IIChapter 34 Old Routines and New Ideas

September 1982, Chicago, Illinois The weekend was quiet and besides homework, I worked on the program changes for Frank, called Karin, Tatyana, and Kara, and hung out with my usual study group. Monday was refreshingly normal. On Tuesday morning, I handed Katy my completed intake form. She put it in an envelope and stuck it in her bag. She said she’d let me know soon about the interview. On Tuesday afternoon, after having lunch with Stephie, I made my rounds and then I headed over to Sigma...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 7 Kara IIChapter 35 An Interview and Some New Friends

October 1982, Chicago, Illinois The drive back to Chicago was as uneventful as usual, and I arrived at the apartment just before 6:00pm. When I arrived, Elyse and Stephie were sitting on the couch and Jackie was sitting on the loveseat. Stephie hopped up as I opened the door and greeted me with a hug and a kiss. “Hi, Peaches!” I said. “Glad you’re home, Yankee!” “Hi, Steve,” Elyse and Jackie both said. “Hey,” I replied. “How was the weekend?” “Well, it was just Kurt with me, Stephie,...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 3 JessicaChapter 52 Lifestyle Choices

June 11, 1989, Chicago, Illinois It was just after 3:00am when I kissed Trish goodbye. She’d been an enthusiastic, energetic, and adventurous lover. We’d done just about anything either of us could think of, though her breasts weren’t large enough for a tit-fuck. The last time had been in the shower where we’d ostensibly gone to clean up afterwards, but instead I ended up taking her from behind as she leaned against the wall of the shower. “I think I’ll have you again, Steve Adams,” she...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 1 BirgitChapter 38 Freshman Year Ends

May 1978 The first couple of weeks in May were busy with school, work, and friends. Except for Becky, I didn’t even have any dates. But I was OK with that. Well, almost OK. I wanted to see Anna, but it likely wasn’t going to happen until school was out. I had tutoring sessions with Melanie, but she still wouldn’t talk to me about anything other than Spanish. Barely a hello. I was grateful for the tutoring, but it was maddening seeing my friend this way. I hoped someday she could understand...

4 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 6 Kara IChapter 44 Spring Break 1982 Part I

March, 1982, Milford, Ohio As I drove along I-65, I thought about what Stephanie had asked for and what Bethany had said without even knowing about the request. Of course, because Bethany and I were so in tune, she might have actually had an idea that I was struggling with getting involved with my sister again. I kept turning it over and over in my mind and I kept coming to the same conclusion — that I shouldn’t do it. I was torn between doing what Stephanie wanted and doing what Kara and...

4 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 6 SamanthaChapter 21 Georg and Maria

September 7, 1992, Chicago, Illinois “That went reasonably well,” Michelle said when her parents drove off. “There were a few times I thought my expression would give away something I shouldn’t. You were messing with me, weren’t you?” She grabbed both my hands and smiled, “I was telling the truth, in my own way. Thank you!” She leaned forward and kissed my cheek. “So, what’s left?” I asked. “To visit UofC tomorrow and formally withdraw from classes. To spend some time with you and your...

3 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 6 Kara IChapter 14 A Southern Belle a Surprise Proposal two Cheerleaders an Old Flame and a Girl Back Home Part I

October 1981, Chicago, Illinois I arrived back at the apartment just before 10:00pm and saw the address for the party. I decided I wasn’t particularly interested in going so I put on some music, poured myself a glass of wine, and started reading more about Russia. I was alternating between the history and culture book and the Communist Party book, decided on the history and culture book for this time. I didn’t get much reading done because I was thinking about Tatyana, which led me to...

3 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 9 KamiChapter 38 And Sometimes It Stinks To Be Big

January 23, 1996, Chicago, Illinois “Father, bless!” I said, greeting Father Basil with upturned palms. “Bless you, Stephen,” he said as I kissed his hand. The waiter showed us to a quiet table along the wall of Roditys in Greektown. He took our drink orders and was back quickly. We placed our food orders right away and he left to put them in with the kitchen. “I’m not quite sure how to address this, so I’m just going to ask you bluntly. Are you the father of Michelle’s baby?” I shook my...

3 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 8 NIKAChapter 68 The Rules

June 29, 1995, Chicago, Illinois On Thursday, I finally had lunch with Melissa again, something I hadn’t been looking forward to. Much like with Cèlia, Melissa and I had passed an inflection point and I was left with sub-optimal paths forward. I’d been struggling with the possible solutions, and all of them had pitfalls. When I walked into Takumi, I had something of a plan. Whether it was good or not would only be known once everything played out. “I spoke to my wives,” I said after we’d...

4 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 3 PiaChapter 25 The Puzzle and the Cat Part II

March 1980, Hovås/Göteborg, Sweden I woke early as usual, but just enjoyed being in bed with Katt. When she woke, she hopped out of bed and pulled a robe out of her closet and handed it to me. “There’s a spare toothbrush in the bathroom. Go have your shower, then we’ll have breakfast after I have my shower.” I quickly showered and brushed my teeth, and went back to Katt’s room. She went to shower and came back a few minutes later. She dressed, and I got a very good look at her sexy body...

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A WellLived Life 2 Book 10 BridgetChapter 74 A Whimper Not A Bang

April 5, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “You missed cuddles this morning!” Birgit said accusingly when I walked into the house about 9:30am. “I know, Pumpkin, but I had a work emergency and had to go see Aunt Joyce and Grandpa A.” “And now we have to get ready for karate!” “I know. We’ll have some family time this afternoon. I don’t have any plans.” “Good!” I hugged her and the rest of the kids, then went to find Kara. We hugged and kissed, and went straight upstairs to get ready for...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 3 JessicaChapter 64 Fantasy Fulfilled

September 3, 1989, Chicago, Illinois “Good morning, Sensei,” I said, bowing to Sensei Jim. “Good morning!” he said waving me to a chair in his office. “How was your trip?” I asked. “Enlightening. I spent most of my time acting as a manservant to Sensei Robert and Sensei Hiro.” “He who will lead, must first serve,” I said. “Someday, I’m going to send you to Sensei Hiro, should he live long enough. You understand.” “Does that mean you are now 6th Dan?” I...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life 3 Book 1 SuzanneChapter 63 Not so Momentous After All

October 29, 2000, Chicago, Illinois Birgit followed me as far as the stairs, then scooted upstairs when I went to the front door and opened it. “Hi!” Sophie said. “Hi!” I replied and held the door open so she could come into the house. I closed the door behind her then led her to my study where I waited until she went in, and then walked in, closing the door behind me. I nodded to one of the wingback chairs, she sat down in one, and I sat down in the other. “Is something wrong?” she...

1 year ago
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A WellLived Life Book 8 StephieChapter 61 Anala Part II

August, 1983, Chicago, Illinois I walked in the near 90°F heat to Carla’s place. I was grateful that the humidity of the morning had dropped significantly; otherwise the heat would have been unbearable. By the time I walked up the steps to the apartment over the photography studio and knocked on her door, I had broken into a light sweat. Carla answered almost immediately and invited me inside her studio apartment. The air was moderately cool, and the window air conditioner was running full...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 7 Kara IIChapter 21 He Will Tell Thee What Thou Shalt Do

July 1982, Milford, Ohio On Tuesday morning, I kissed Kara goodbye and headed to my parents’ house for my usual morning routine with my little sister. She was happy that I could spend the morning with her and asked to take a walk, so we weren’t in the house with my mom. “Let me guess — this walk will end in the clearing,” I said with a smile. “Yes,” she said, taking my hand as we walked down Overlook towards Klondyke. As usual, we turned around and walked back, taking the path to the...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 7 SakurakoChapter 37 Geisha

March 13, 1994, Chicago, Illinois “Hi, Steve!” Ailea said when she opened the door. “Hi,” I replied, accepting the offered hug. There was no touching of lips, just of cheeks, and I wondered if I’d misread her intentions at her birthday lunch, or if, perhaps, she detected my reluctance to return the offered affection. “Lunch is ready, so go ahead and sit. I’ll bring it in from the kitchen.” I went to the low table, sat down, and a minute later, Ailea brought miso soup and sushi, our usual...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 10 BridgetChapter 72 An Explosive Discovery

April 3, 1997, Dallas, Texas “Remember what I said about drinking too much,” I said, as I poured bourbon into three cups. We’d stopped at a liquor store, bought a bottle of Blanton’s, and then returned to the small suite I’d reserved at the Westin. Deborah’s room was down the hall, and Krissy’s was two floors below. Krissy’s comment had caught me a bit off guard, but I hadn’t reacted visibly. I didn’t know her quite well enough to know if she’d been teasing with Deborah, so I was being...

3 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 4 ElyseChapter 59 Karas Birthday

March 28, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “This day belongs to you, Kara!” I said when the three of us woke on Thursday morning. “Happy birthday!” Jessica said. “Thanks,” Kara replied happily. “I think I’d like an amazing birthday fuck from our husband, and then a nice loving shower with my wife!” Kara said. “Do we have enough time?” I asked. Jessica giggled, “I set the alarm for thirty minutes earlier!” “Then let’s not waste any of it!” I said pulling Kara to me. Kara’s squeals as I plunged...

1 year ago
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A WellLived Life 3 Book 1 SuzanneChapter 46 Rite of Passage

September 4, 2000, Chicago, Illinois On Monday morning I went to my study to make a surreptitious call to ensure that the surprise I’d planned for Kara was still going to happen, and after confirming that it was, Jesse, Matthew, Michael, and I began preparing for the Labor Day party by getting beer and soda into coolers, getting the grill ready, setting up tables and chairs in the backyard, and ensuring the liquor cabinets were stocked while my wives and daughters worked on food prep in the...

4 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 2 StephieChapter 14 Space Considerations

September 1, 1987, Chicago, Illinois “I heard that you have some kind of plan to help Ed,” I said to Connie. “There’s no plan,” she replied. “A witness who saw the shopkeeper alive after Ed left came forward.” That sounded convenient, and I wondered if the witness was real or someone that Anthony had put forward to solve the problem. Certainly, the videotape was real, because I couldn’t imagine how Anthony could have faked that, but the witness? Who knew? “So is he being released? Or is...

3 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 10 BridgetChapter 100 A Full Circle

August 17, 1997, Chicago, Illinois We finished lunch and Marissa and the younger kids went to play, but Natalie sat with the adults to talk, with coffee, tea, or soft drinks. The Sarcus were very comfortable, but the Heaths were still struggling. But, vitally, they hadn’t left and hadn’t insisted Natalie leave the group. “Can you explain how you developed this attitude and approach?” Chris asked. I nodded, “It started when I was just a bit younger than Natalie. My mom was a total control...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 3 PiaChapter 6 A Tale of Three Cities Part III

July 1979 — Falkenberg, Sweden On Friday, when I got back from my run, Pam was in her bra and panties again. I whistled at her, she giggled, then finished dressing. I showered, and we went to breakfast and finished up our last day. Once class was done, we were pretty much free. On Saturday, we’d have several optional activities and then on Sunday we’d head back to our host families. After dinner on Friday, I took Pam’s hand and we walked towards the river. It was quiet and peaceful, and...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 3 PiaChapter 38 Homeward Bound

July 1980, Over the North Atlantic We reached cruising altitude, and I settled back to read my book. Pam raised the armrest between us, snuggled close to me and read as well. The cabin crew offered drinks, and I had my first Coke in a year! Meal service began about an hour and a half into the flight. After the cabin crew picked up the trays and offered drinks again, they passed once more, offering headsets for the movie. Trevor and Maria took them, but Pam and I didn’t, instead we turned on...

1 year ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 10 BridgetChapter 88 Hard or Soft

July 8, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “Is it really that surprising?” Leah asked. “I suppose not,” I replied. “I just didn’t read too much into the kiss on the cheek.” “I didn’t think it was a good idea to kiss you on the lips with all those people around, because I had no idea who they were or what they would think. You were VERY careful with our dance, so I kind of followed your lead.” Which showed very mature thinking on her part. Both of these girls were exactly the kind of students I...

3 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 7 SakurakoChapter 12 House Calls

November 8, 1993, Chicago, Illinois A dark fog swirled before my eyes as I tried to take stock. My head hurt, badly. I felt something on my face and realized, dimly, it was an oxygen mask. My right hand was uncomfortable and I recognized the feeling of an IV and pulse-oximeter. My left arm ached fiercely. On my chest I felt the pads and wires of an EKG. I didn’t feel anything else wrong as I continued taking inventory. I tried to open my eyes, but the fog didn’t clear. I tried to speak, but...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 8 StephieChapter 51 Friends and Neighbors Part I

August, 1983, Chicago, Illinois In the morning Anala and I ran as we had the previous time, then showered together, carefully washing each other’s bodies in an intimate but non-sexual way. After our shower we went to the kitchen and I made breakfast and we sat down to eat. “Steve, may I make a suggestion?” she asked. “Sure.” “Broaden your circle of friends. Other than me, all of you are white, nominally Christian, 20-year-old Americans. And you don’t invite me to your Sunday...

3 years ago
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A WellLived Life 3 Book 1 SuzanneChapter 23 ldquoThen Therersquos Only One Thing Left to Dordquo

June 23, 2000, Chicago, Illinois “Steve,” Kimmy said over the intercom, “I have a Suzanne Aavik for you.” “Thanks,” I replied. “Put her through, please.” A few seconds later, Suzanne was on the line. “Hi!” she exclaimed when I greeted her. “I’m in Chicago for three weeks. Can I still run away and join the circus?” I chuckled, “You might want to find out what the circus is actually like before you join! If you’re free, you’re welcome to come to the house tomorrow or Sunday and meet the...

4 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 2 JenniferChapter 45 Triple Ds

March 1979 Monday was back to the normal routine of school. Debbie Courtney, who lived across the street and had turned fourteen the last week in February, started flirting more with me on the bus each day. Debbie Vaughn, who lived just down the street, would turn fourteen on March 16th and invited me to her birthday party. And Donna Woody, who lived just down the street in the other direction, would turn fourteen on March 20th. She had made it clear what she wanted for her birthday, and in...

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 4 ElyseChapter 17 In Which Diana Prince Becomes Wonder Woman

June 2, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “My office, please,” Sensei Jim said after class on Saturday. I followed him to his office and waited for him to bid me to sit. He did, and I sat in the usual chair across from him. “She has a real problem, you know that, right?” he asked. “I do. That’s why I insisted she start seeing a counselor.” “I run a huge risk having her here with that kind of temper and her violent acts.” I nodded, “I understand. May I ask what you intend to do?” “I really don’t...

4 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 4 ElyseChapter 56 Proper Relationships

February 21, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “Hi, Sweetheart!” I said, greeting Bethany at the door. “Uncle Steve!” Nicholas exclaimed. I took him from his mom and he hugged me tightly. “Is Jesse with his moms?” Bethany asked. “Yes. They won’t bring him back over tonight so you and Nicholas can surprise him in the morning.” “Perfect!” “How was the drive up?” “The same as usual. Just a bit of traffic in Northern Indiana. Otherwise, smooth sailing. It was driving the other direction that was a...

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A WellLived Life 3 Book 1 SuzanneChapter 64 Two Very Different Worlds

November 4, 2000, Chicago, Illinois “Good morning, Sensei,” Miyu said when Kara, the girls, and I walked into the dojo on Saturday morning. “Good morning, Miyu.” “Do you have a moment, please?” I nodded and we went to the small practice room for privacy, as Sensei Jim had a family in his office. “What can I do for you?” “I need you to meet a young man,” she said. “I think you might be taking this ‘not do anything without permission’ a bit too far!” Miyu shook her head, “No, I’m not....

2 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 2 JenniferChapter 51 Fallout and SelfDiscovery

May 1979 The limo dropped me at home about 9:00pm. I took my stuff to my room, stripped, and hung up the tux. The rest of the things went into the hamper. I took a shower, put on shorts and a t-shirt, and walked down the hall into my dad’s office. I saw no reason to put this off any longer. “Stephen, you need to explain yourself!” my mom demanded. “I was in Mrs. McGrath’s, well, Mrs. Sanders’ now, wedding, as I said.” “You walked her down the aisle! You’re sixteen and not even related to...

3 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 4 ElyseChapter 36 Relationships

November 3, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “I still don’t understand why you told everyone to leave Katy alone last night,” Elyse said on Saturday morning. “Because we weren’t going to talk her out of it. I could tell by the way she told us. I hoped letting her sleep on it would allow her to hear what we had to say. Obviously I was wrong.” “I was surprised that she wouldn’t talk to Jennifer at all,” Kara said. “I thought Jennifer would be the one to get her to listen to reason this morning.” I...

4 years ago
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A WellLived Life Book 8 StephieChapter 10 Life Is Never Boring Part II

February, 1983, Chicago, Illinois Our first joining since the previous summer was slow and sweet, trying to express our deep love for each other through the motions of our bodies. When we finished, Karin held me tight and refused to let me move off of her. “Sleep there, please,” she whispered. I kissed her once more then adjusted my pillow so that I could rest my head next to hers. It wasn’t the most comfortable position, but it was what Karin wanted. The feel of her firm body under mine,...

4 years ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 9 KamiChapter 58 Not What I Expected

July 3, 1996, Chicago, Illinois I blinked several times and took a breath before responding. It didn’t help. The best I could do was contain my visceral reaction at her completely out-of-line request and her wrong-headed assumptions when she had NO idea what had happened in my life the previous eight months. “What makes you think you can make that request after refusing to talk to me for nearly eight months? And equally importantly, without explaining Alexi? And without giving me the first...

1 year ago
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A WellLived Life 2 Book 7 SakurakoChapter 70 Acid Test

August 12, 1994, Chicago, Illinois “Fuck ‘em all,” I sighed. “Especially Donald Fehr. Running to Federal Court, the NLRB, and Congress? I’m really tired of the government putting its thumb so heavily on the scale.” “Well, we’re not going to resolve that problem today,” Elyse said. “Jackie and Jeremiah want to come over.” I chuckled, “Why am I not surprised? I bet you anything he had a rough sketch done ten minutes after they hung up the phone.” “They want to discuss options. Kimmy felt...

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