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set against it. I thought she would ruin my idea if you became a part of it. But you know, people like you. I’m not completely sure why they like you, but they do. I mean, you’re funny. You’re clever. You can be smart when you want to be. I thought the first time you sang ‘Here Comes the Bride’ was one of the sweetest things I’d ever heard. Of course, then you did it over and over and over again until I was ready to tear your hair out.”
    â€œSo I should do this because people like me? That’s the only thing I have going for me?”
    â€œNot everything you need to make it in this world comes from a textbook, Rooster. After meeting the Strikers, I’m not so sure that the girls I had chosen could have done this at all. They’re both very bright and very sweet, but I don’t think the people in there need bright and sweet. They need something else and I’m not even sure what it is, but I think you have it and I think you could provide it for them.”
    Rooster thought for another moment. “Do you think they’re gonna offer it to me?”
    â€œThat I don’t know.”
    â€œDo you think it’s possible?”
    â€œWell, you certainly made your first impression a lasting one. If that has any bearing on their decision, I would have to say no.”
    â€œBut — ”
    â€œBut who knows if it will or not. Tim seems to like you. Dorothy-Jane-Anne can’t take her eyes off you. Roseann and Percival don’t care for you very much. If the vote is a tie, Mrs. Yuler will have the final say. I don’t know what she thinks of you.”
    Rooster dropped his cigarette and mashed it out with his foot. “If Roseann touches me after her fingers have been in her mouth, I’m gonna freak. I’m telling you in advance.”
    â€œI’ll freak too, if she touches me,” said Mrs. Nixon. “Are you ready to go see?”
    He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. If Mrs. Nixon was right, and he agreed with her logic, he had a fifty-fifty chance of getting out cleanly. They weren’t the greatest odds in the world, but under the circumstances, they were as good as he could hope for. “All right,” he said.
    They re-entered Common House and proceeded to the office. A smiling Mrs. Yuler greeted them. “Well,” she said, “welcome back. We had a little meeting while you were away. Rooster, the Strikers and I would like to offer you the position of team leader.”
    Rooster was taken aback. They made their decision that fast? Where was the show of hands? The final debate?
    â€œIt was unanimous,” she added.
    â€œUnanimous?” Mrs. Nixon and Rooster spoke simultaneously. Their faces registered the same level of surprise.
    â€œWell, Percival didn’t vote,” said Mrs. Yuler.
    â€œYes he did,” said Roseann. “He did so vote.”
    â€œHe did not, Roseann. We talked about this.”
    â€œYes he did. He voted no.”
    â€œHe spoiled his ballot. He slammed his hand on the table and he kept shouting ‘No! No! No!’ But that is not how we conduct a vote here at Common House, and after several warnings he was told he no longer had one.”
    â€œBut the rest of you voted for Rooster, right?” said Mrs. Nixon, looking hopeful.
    â€œWe sure did,” said Tim. “We sure did. I’m looking forward to working with him. I really am. I think it’s gonna be good. I think it’s gonna be real good. Really really good.”
    â€œYes, they did,” said Mrs. Yuler.
    â€œSo the majority would have won anyway,” said Mrs. Nixon, turning to Rooster. “With Percival’s vote or without it. Majority rules, remember? Congratulations.”
    â€œMrs. Yuler said if we didn’t take Rooster, we wouldn’t get nobody,” said Dorothy-Jane-Anne. “That’s why we all voted yes.”
    Rooster had been about to shake Mrs. Nixon’s