We studied most evenings together. At other times we rode our bikes and went to the movies. We would even camp out in the back yard. The only thing we...didn’t do when we got older was have sleepovers. When we were younger we did, but we made tents on the floor. Our parents thought we were too old for that now. I belonged to a few organizations at school, and even played baseball and soccer. I was just a regular kid and knew I didn’t have a future in sports. Charly joined the band and played the. When I put the cup of coffee down in front of her I noticed that she had quit writing and was again giving me that same quizzical look."You sound like quite a catch," she smiled. "Are you are involved with anyone?"Now it was my turn to laugh when I explained, "No, I have been too busy with my business. When my wife left me I was a poor, struggling insurance agent. She got a five-year-old Ford, a small two-bedroom house with a big mortgage and no alimony. No kids, hence no child support. It was. .. well, when it does, we're not rich, but we will definitely be able to do..."I looked at her. "Lauren," I said. "I still have no idea what's happening here. But one thing I know for sure is that I can afford this, and I want to help you get to the bottom of whatever happened. Please — accept this in friendship."She nodded soberly."And," I couldn't help adding, "Front row tickets for your next concert, of course."She looked startled at me for a moment and then grinned merrily. "You got it. And. About a year after we moved there, the mayor had a party at his house, where he got really drunk. I noticed him doing his tongue swirl at me several times. As we were leaving his house to go home, my wife kissed him on the lips as usual. He said to me, “Let me show you something and led me to his home office. When we were alone, he said “Don’t I get a kiss from you?” He thin put his hand on my shoulder and drew me near. I am not uncomfortable kissing men on the lips, but as I leaned in to give.