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his buddies on the police force every time we go out on the weekend.”
    Jazz and Key both looked up at the same time and as Jazz announced, “Done and done. Now, time for anyone not sparring with Rafe tonight to say their goodbyes.”
    Thrace laughed and said, “Don’t let her overwhelm you with her personality, Rafe. She’ll say something to shock ya then she tries to knock you on your butt while your mouth is still hangin open.”
    Rafe gave Jazz a quizzical stare down and said, “Duly warned.”
    “You want me to invite 50 more people Thrace, or you gonna stop talking?” Jazz challenged.
    “We’re leaving,” Thrace said as he guided me toward the door.
    As we headed to our cars I assured Key, “Don’t worry Sparky. It will be your turn next.”
    Key snorted and replied, “Yeah, but she gets all the good ones first!”
    I smirked as I reassured Key, “Luckily, she never keeps them very long. Plus, wasn’t that hottie on the basketball team texting you the other day?”
    “True. And he actually might be a keeper. Well, we’ll find out tomorrow. Ya want me to call you tonight with the Jazz’s version of Rafe’s interrogation?”
    “You can fill me in tomorrow at the party,” I said as I got in Thrace’s car.
    He roared off as usual as if he was driving in Daytona. I warned, “Slow down, Sparky.” Then, I remarked, “Weren’t you friendly to the new guy.”
    “I’m just listening to my girlfriend’s advice,” Thrace answered like a boy scout.
    “Let me feel your forehead. Or is that one of your 21 steps—listening to your girlfriend? If it is, I like it. We can stay on this step awhile,” I teased.
    “No. But I am definitely planning on engaging in Step Number 1 at the pool party,” he said mysteriously.
    “And what exactly is Step Number 1? I believe you agreed to show me the whole list.”
    Thrace promised, “I will but one at a time.”
    “You know I hate surprises, Mr. Evasive.”
    Thrace laughed ironically as he said, “Me? Evasive? Pot, this is Kettle calling. You’re black.”
    “Yes, but I am the time keeper for your 21 Steps, so ya might want to humor me.”
    Thrace firmly announced, “Calli, I’m taking lead on our 21 steps.”
    “Fine. We’ll play it your way,” I said as we arrived at my house. “You coming in and grabbing dinner?” I asked. I knew there would not be a meal waiting for him at his house. Honey was not much of a cook. He, of course, recognized this as well so he said, “Sure. I gotta hear what your dad thinks of the Spartan’s chances this year.”
    “Great. I could tell you what he’s gonna say before we even get in there.” I did my best dad impression as we get out of the car and enter the house. Thrace was impressed when dad quoted me word-for-word as he discussed football with Thrace.
    Thrace got his fill of family bonding, and he said good-bye to my parents. I walked him back out to his car and was about to kiss him when he stopped me.
    He gave me a hug instead and said that I would have to wait until tomorrow before we started down the 21 Steps. I muttered something unladylike under my breath that made Thrace laugh. He let me go as I looked at him with bewilderment in my eyes. He got in his car and said, “Love ya, Calli.” I grumbled something else, and he took off with a smirk on his face.
    A minute after Thrace left I got a call from Rafe. As soon I picked up the phone he commented, “Thanks for the warning. Jazz has got a bright future in military interrogation.”
    I laughed and said, “She does have a way of turning the screws just right. So what did she get out of you?”
    “I am sure she will share her interrogation techniques and findings with you tomorrow. I wouldn’t want to bore you. I was just calling to see if you are going to be at the gym tomorrow morning.”
    “Why would you want to work out twice? Taking on both members of the dynamic duo in one day. You must be a glutton for punishment.”
    “What else do I have to