Susan ordered her drink without looking at Jim and didn't say another word until he went back to the bar."Mark, I want to try and explain why this hap...ened. It will be difficult and it probably won't make any difference in how you feel about me right now but you have to hear me out," she said. "It is just as important for you to know this as it is for me to tell you."Before Susan could say anymore Jim returned with our drinks. Susan waited until Jim left and then cleared her throat."Mark, I. ‘That’s enough growth for me. How about you? Good enough?’ Her voice is soft and clear. ‘Take me home.’ He crosses his arms over his chest and tilts his head ‘So no drinking, young lady?’ ‘It was ginger ale.’ ‘You’re of sound mind?’ ‘No. I’m afraid that’s not an option.’ ‘You’re of as sound mind as I’m ever going to get you?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘You’re not stupid enough to be suggesting I take you to your home and leave you there?’ ‘Anything but that.’ He envelops her in his arms and engulfs her in a hug,. I could see my new tenant watching from her window. When my new gym equipment was moved into the garage she had a nose around, but I didn't interfere. That first night I stood at my bedroom window and gazed across to the garage. Did she have a boyfriend? Girlfriend? She didn't seem to have a car, perhaps that's what kept her looking so fit. Beneath the frumpy clothes I had detected a slim, curvy figure. That night I inspected the gym, making sure the machines were installed properly and that. I was just finishing my third martini and thinking about going home when a guy came in, sat beside me and ordered a double bourbon on the rocks. He looked sad and like he needed to talk to someone, so I ordered another drink and we began to talk as strangers in bars sometime do. After a couple more bourbons he told me the story that was on his mind. Strangers in bars often share personal stories about things that trouble them, things they would never discuss with family or friends. He told me.