I was very aware when she almost leaned against me, and would have welcomed it. As it was, I could not let her comment go unchallenged. I said, under my breath, but loud enough to be heard, "Your wrong." Even before I loved her, I knew she was gorgeous. I still think so.

Anyway, I ended up driving on the way back. I had never driven a truck before, and was not quite used to being so far off the ground. As we drove along the back roads, headed toward the highway, she invited me to visit her family. Of course, I had already invited myself, to some extend, but I envisioned simply interviewing her family, not being asked to dinner. "Of course I'll come." How could I not.

It was late at night, by the time we hit the highway and I was feeling a bit tuckered and I could tell my companion was getting tired also. We talked some more to pass the time. I can't remember all of what we talked about now, but I can remember feeling very contented. Being with her was like being with someone I had known for years. We just clicked. I remember thinking at the time that if I wasn't going to be there for such a short time, I would have invited her on a date. As it was though, I pushed those thoughts to the back of my head.

It was after midnight when we pulled into her driveway. I remember walking her to her door, and an awkward moment, before I leaned forward and gave her a quick hug. In the moment I quite forgot about my resolve to pay her. I am glad I did now, because she probably would have been insulted. I also remember feeling very lonely on the way back to my room over the pub.

The next day went well, in terms of my photo shoot, but I missed Alice's vivacious presence. I looked forward to seeing her the next day, more than I can say. The time went very slowly. On the day I was to meet her family, I caught her last set at the pub, and had the pleasure of seeing her dance again. It is a sight which I still enjoy to this day. As I sat in the audience of half drunk Canadian's, I had a feeling that I would really miss her when I left. It was the first time I found myself wondering about extending my stay deliberately, even if my work was done.