Book Two: Steve

As we continue with Book 2 of the 16, Janet and John have had their first date.  You've gotten to know George and Molly Berkins.  I'll remind you they are the majority stockholders of the family-owned corporation.  George Berkins is a great-grandson in a long line of Berkins' who established the town of Berkinsville.  Together, the threesome, George, Molly, and Janet are operating the mill office of the complex business.

In this book you will get to know Steve Doyle:  Janet's high school sweetheart, shy, athletic, and, as our story continues, he is serving out his military obligation in the Army.  His romance with Janet has cooled into a wonderful friendship with occasional letters.

Let me remind you again about the Privateers, so named for their mischievous nature in high school where we had all attended classes together.  As our story continues they all room together at the university in nearby Paramount City.  Even though they are roommates, Janet informally dates all three.

1.  Ronald Webb, son of the owner of the county's principal law firm.  Ron describes himself as a born lawyer.  He is the one person Janet's age who matches her intellectual ability.  Tall, handsome, and well funded, he is to Janet a special most trusted friend.

2.  Donald Vald, son of the owner of the county's major car dealership.  He is his father's presumed successor.  An artistic person pressured into business school, he finds Janet a special understanding friend.  After learning to dance together in high school, they have a close older sister/younger brother relationship.  

3. Tom Hankins, son of the owner of the Berkinsville Bank.  Tom arrogantly lives in a world of his own imagining, believing Janet will marry him when he graduates.  He survives his other bad ideas only with unwanted guidance from Ronald, Donald, and Janet.

During those years and throughout our lives, Janet Berkins continued to be my friend like a sister.  I am delighted to tell you her remarkable story and some of my own.  This story is presented as fiction.   Even so, rest assured, everyone in this story is just as real as I am.  --  Diane