“Not for me, buddy. She purrs like a pussy cat.”“Fuck off,” I told him, but I smiled as I said it. We both laughed.“Talking of randy wives,�...� I resumed. “I just walked in on yours getting spit-roasted by Pete and Jake.”“Good for her. Did you join in?”“Nah, I'd only just finished porking Sue's ass, so I wasn't up for it.”“Good here, innit?” Jim said, and we both laughed again, very pleased with our lot, wife-wise.“Alright, enough chit-chat, make yourself useful,” I ordered. “We have to get. "Obviously you're not pregnant, and obviouslyI'm not either..." Even if you are overdoing the pizza a bit during your recovery!" Ilaugh, playfully patting Stuart's belly. "But- you know how Charlotteand Keith are off on holiday tomorrow?" Yes..." Stuart says. "And they're leaving Keith junior with hisparents, aren't they?" Charlotte's said that if we want, we can look after him," I say. "I'vegot nothing booked for next week work-wise... I think it'd be good forus." I'm still going to be at work. "Come in," saidCarla, hopping out of the car and leading the way into the smallportico. She pushed the buzzer, then opened the door and stepped inside."Are you home, Mother?" she called. A tall stately woman, an olderversion of Carla herself, appeared in the archway."Carla! How nice to see you! Come right in. Mrs. James is here. We'rejust having a cup of tea." Mother, this is my friend Dayle. She is in the city for the weekend."I was almost too dumbfounded to speak, but mumbled something as. ”“Is there anything else you need?”“Not at the moment. I’ll let you know if I do.”“See you later this summer, Stepa.”We said ‘goodbye’ and I hung up. I still had no idea what to do, but my trip to Japan was only a few days away, which meant any response on my part would be delayed for at least a month. That would give me plenty of time to think about it.That evening, Jesse came to hang out with us so that Jennifer and Josie could celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary.June 10, 1994, Chicago,.