’ he offered soberly. ‘I think I’ve been in hiding a bit. I had to … get through my past and find something to push me into a new beginning. D...es that make sense?’ ‘Oh yes. When I came here, it wasn’t my home, it was a new job and I had no one for moral support. I’m sure divorce is not the same as a death, but it seemed like it at the time.’ ‘Yes. I’m sure it must have. But it’s been six years for you and you seem to have weathered it well.’ ‘I’ve been very cautious. I guess once bitten … twice. We swayed to the music, I lowered my head to her neck and inhaled her soft, exotic perfume, musky and exciting. "You wanna get out of here?" she said into my ear as I nuzzled her neck. "I have a room" I replied, my heart racing at her forwardness. I took her hand and led her off the floor and towards the exit. She waved to one of her friends and we were gone. We got to the lobby but the line up for the elevator was quite long so I led her towards the stairs. My room was quite a few floors up. Maybe now hed see me as a real woman, rather than just a pesky kid. Outside, the bull is still grunting and pumping away. I creep over to the window to watch. After a moment, I feel Brads arm slide around my shoulders. Looks like theyre having fun, doesnt it? he whispers. I shrug noncommittally. Like to try it? he asks. I turn and look at him in shock. What, just like that? I gasp, incredulous. No, silly, of course not! he replies teasingly. People do it a lot differently. Youll like it. Come. 'Yes, how did you guess?'She smiled softly. 'Easy, you want to see Sarah. I knew there'd be a time I became jealous of my daughter but I thought I'd be safe until she was at least a teenager.''I do want to see your adorable little girl but I also desire to see her beautiful mother.'We agreed a time and as I left, I was even given a kiss on the cheek.Standing at the gate I turned towards home. I'd explain on Monday why I'd failed to make it to the pub.We chose another child friendly pub, this.