Running my fingers through her knotty hair, I tried to untangle as much as I could. Handing her a washcloth, I took the baby to dry off and left Ronni... to wash herself, and to play in the water as she wished while I got Alyssa dressed and down for her nap. Gathering up her clothes, I was going to throw them in the wash, because there were even scorch marks in her underwear, if you know what I mean. No sense getting clean and dressing in dirty clothes after. I left her a huge bath sheet to wrap. You're at home, and you can dress any way you like."They ushered us in. There were no hugs this time, but a round of handshakes that seemed a little tense and forced. Susan led Sabrina into the living room, while Micky sidled up an nudged me with her hip. She grinned and mouthed the word "WOW!" silently. I grinned, somewhat sheepishly.I didn't think conversation was going to take off this time, and it didn't, really, until Sabrina asked if she could see the nursery. We straggled toward the. "Mmmm, that feels really nice. Hey, if you want I can go lock the door if it would make you more comfortable?" he asked. I nodded in agreement. He came back and sat down scooting closer to me now. " If you want to, you can take your jeans off. I don't mean get naked, or anything, but you could leave your tights on if you wanted to?" he said. So after mustering up the courage, I stood up and took my jeans off. His eyes bulged out of his head when he saw me standing there in my shiny black tights. No fortune, but lots of friends. Then Dad died and Mom wentinto a decline, so I moved here. No more great times." No more friends?" Billy asked."Not until today." Mike said. "I'm a member of the volunteer firedepartment, and there are a lot of nice guys there, but I've only been herefor two years and I don't know the ropes." He paused. "The guys keep ontrying to fix me up with their sisters or cousins." You don't swing both ways?" I asked."You sound like my mother, "try it you'll like it!" she.