II. The Journey Begins Queens Code（二世。）.pdfVIP

II. The Journey Begins KIMBERLEE finally acknowledged her reluctance to call Melissa on Tuesday night. Normally, they spoke almost every day, if only to check in for a few minutes. She’s my best friend. Of course I want to share this with her …. Gathering Lancelot on her lap for comfort, she dialed the phone. “Hey Kimmee, watcha been up to? I thought I’d hear from you yesterday.” She tensed as Melissa cut straight to it. “Um, well, I was tired last night.” She felt Melissa’s discontent. “So — what happened with your grandmother? Were you disappointed? Did she luck out and get one of the few wonderful men?” Kimberlee felt a chill of dread crawl up her spine and was suddenly compelled to protect her grandmother. That’s ridiculous, Kimberlee. Melissa’s been there for you through thick and thin. “Actually, it turns out my grandmother’s family has been studying men for over five hundred years. Go figure.” She heard the incredulity as Melissa’s voice rose even higher than her usual soprano. “Why would anyone want to study men? And how slow do you have to be to take five hundred years?” She could imagine Melissa rolling her eyes as she added, “Everyone knows how shallow men are.” Kimberlee stiffened at the insult and Lancelot jumped off her lap. “Melissa, my grandmother is a very intelligent woman. And she got a degree in anthropology when few women even went to college. I think it’s worth checking out. You might be surprised.” Melissa took the hint and backed down. Sometimes she speaks without thinking, Kimberlee told herself. She means well. “When do you start? And does she have the cure for Frog Farming?” Melissa asked in a casual tone. A sure-fire indication that she cares more than she wants to show, Kimberlee thought. See, she’s with me. No worries. “She said it was true that she’s not a Frog Farmer. And it has to do with having a different ‘point of view’ about men.