The warmth of the fire and the full length coat lulled her into a trance like state. She started to think, to dream and to fantasise. Sitting in the p...b, she reminisced of a time when she had fought for her marriage, in the same outfit, and knew that Mark would remember too. Sitting in the alcove, she had a few minutes to think about the situation. Something about the pub, the room she was sat in, and the table with the cloth over it was irritating her. She could not work out what and was. My heart sank, and I struggled to put on a calm front."I guessed as much. I can't blame her. You were terrific." Thank you, but it's not that simple. I owe you, Ed. You saved my life ... literally, and you've given me a home and support. I feel like I'm betraying you by doing this." Her voice told of the conflict of emotions that were at play."Fran ... I did what I did because you needed help, you needed a friend, and you have repaid me far more than you could know. I'm not trying to get rid of. This was such a good choice.”“Irene -- I know I said lightning never strikes twice...”“You said that regarding Julie.”“Right. Since you’ve moved in I’ve been feeling more and more that it has struck a second time.”“Oh, no,” she replied. “You’re not going to use the L-word. Tell me you aren’t.”“I don’t like the L-word ... because I think it’s too ambiguous.”“What do you mean?”“For example, I can say, I love oranges. Then, what do I do with an orange? I rip its skin off, tear it apart and eat it. It’s all in perfect working order.’ I said with a smile.The three women groaned in unison.The old jokes are the best.Caryn and Alice went upstairs shouting for me to grab a beer and follow them.Sandra had already moved behind the breakfast counter to open the fridge and I stood behind her waiting my turn to get a drink. As she bent down to grab a couple of bottles, she pushed her arse into my crotch. I jerked back.‘What’s wrong?’ she said, looking a little hurt.‘Nothing, you just took me by.