The family joke started when, early that spring, I was doing some of the heavy work Jan can't manage. It was early evening and I was on my own out the...front of our plot. It's a reasonable size and I was out of earshot of the house. While I was leaning on my rake having a breather an old dear who I'd never seen before stopped to talk. I should add that when I work on the garden I tend to be archetypal scruffy, more like a bum. It wasn't until afterward that I realised just how much so on this. “Just one more for the road,” Herb grinned, ordering two more drinks before Gail hadtime to protest. She supposed that she should really drink it. It would be an awfulshame to make Herb pay the bill without drinking her drink. That would be a waste ofmoney and Gail believed in living frugally. She was feeling nice and giggly by thetime they got up to leave. It was a good thing she didn’t have to teach in the morning.“One more thing before I take you home,” Herb said, driving in the opposite. “One that you’re driving.” She paused while I digested that statement. “I don’t guess you want another business car?” I shook my head. “That suggests a sporty car or a truck. I don’t see a truck for you. Therefore, I think something sporty would be right. Maybe a convertible? X, make no mistake about it, if you’re happy with it, I will be.”I smiled at her. “I’m thinking along that line. I don’t want a high-powered performance car but a comfortable car and it will probably be a convertible.. " Well, do me a favour, Barry. Don't spread it all around." Jesus, Phil. I won't tell a soul. Bugger me; I'd be stupid if I did. You know too much about what I've got up to over the years. It would only take one word from you and Geena would be at that bitch Cromer's door as well."Barry got up to replenish our glasses whilst I sat and brooded. When he sat down again, he asked me, "So what's the story with you and Steph now?" Well, that Cromer woman made sure Steph went for a divorce. You know.