“7:30 tomorrow night, Tom. You, the paddle and I will finish this discussion.” Even when angry at each other, we slept together but few words were...spoken and my attempts to cuddle were quickly rebuffed. The next day, I had a difficult time concentrating on work as I painfully recalled my last discipline spanking over her knee with a hairbrush. I worried that tonight would be much worse as she had mentioned the paddle and that was larger and heavier than the hairbrush. I sent Deb a text a noon. But not too much. We like to keep ourselves … fully aware of our senses.” It caused Sharon and me to giggle. So, there might have been a little more alcohol involved.She hesitated on the other end, then came back, “So I understand … you are all together, alcohol being consumed … are clothes involved?”I laughed and leaned in closer, “Oh, Celine, you should know better than that!” We all laughed, including her.“I love it. You guys are wonderful. And, that is kind of the reason for my call. Ruben. "I handed the Corporal Jack's key and said, "This is a key for our room. You're welcome to stay here or wherever you want. Just make sure it's locked when you leave."He smiled at me and answered, "Gee thanks. I liked staying in the room, but it was a pain in the ass to get someone else to watch your ammo while I took showers or ate. Now I won't have to worry about it."We followed the Corporal out the door, he put the padlock on the hasp and made sure it was locked then we walked toward the. Her tea had grown cold. Had she dozed? At some point the sky began tolighten to a steely grey. Unseen birds were twittering high in the trees.Behind her the screen door creaked."Good morning," Walt said, hoarse and hushed. "Hey. Good morning."He scraped a chair beside her."Couldn't sleep?"Marcia shrugged. "Not really." I'm sorry. Anything you want to discuss?" Just...stuff. You know." Phoebe?" Among other things."Walt nodded, as if this were only to be expected. "I think things workedout.