”“And have you picked out names for the baby?”“Not yet.”“Steve, how’s your business?”“With the NASDAQ meltdown and the knock-on effe...ts of the ‘dot com’ crash, things are tough at the moment, but we’ll get through it.”“I suspect your principles are causing you more pain than most companies would tolerate.”“At least I have some principles.”Noel shook his head, “I once told you we weren’t all that different.”“And you were terribly mistaken. But I’m not here to debate philosophy, or business, or. The only time I don’t wear lingerie, especially nylons, is when I’m sleeping, so my routine is pretty simple. If either John or I feel like making love, I don’t get into my teddy and night-time panties, I’ll pick a nice lingerie set with stockings or pantyhose (I love it when he tears the back of my pantyhose open) and we’ll settle in for a bit of fun.The bedroom door was open at the top of the stairs, and as I walked through, I flicked the lightswitch on. The package that John had brought home. "You okay mum?"She lifted her head up, and I saw that she'd put makeup on, her eyes were tinged with a blue shadow, and her lips sparkled with the thin coating of gloss."I'm fantastic darling thank you," she smiled, "In fact, I'm more than fantastic I'm alive, yes that's what I am, I'm like those bloody annoying born-again Christians who knock on the door every so often, I'm bloody well born again."She looked fabulous in an off the shoulder peasant blouse and a short denim mini skirt, lace-up. ‭ ‬I pulled my gun out as I went upstairs with Vivian.‭ ‬We checked every room to find them empty.‭ ‬We returned to see Karen holding the Barbies in her arms.‭ ‬Vivian and I both knew she was hurting,‭ ‬but was trying to be brave.‭ ‬I went to get something to drink only to bring back a soda for Karen and Vivian.‭ ‬I had a beer feeling like I needed one.‭ ‬Vivian and I sat on either side of Karen.‭ ‬We chatted for a bit until Vivian said she had to go but would be back later and would bring us.