From the balcony I heard a familiar voice “You can wait it out in my room, don’t worry, I don’t bite…..Lisa.” What choice did I have, I than...ed Mario as I stepped into his room still covered in darkness from the blackout. He closed the door behind me, but it was the hearing the addition latch lock that gave me reason for concern. In the darkness, I could make out that there was just one bed in the room, so I sat in the chair next to it. But Mario said “No need to act shy now sweet-heart” and. "She's got yellow knickers on Terry." I know," I laughed. "I've already seen them." Would you like it if her and I got it together?" Christ mum," I said vehemently. "I'd bloody love it." Well stand by for an early birthday present." she laughed and cracked open yet another bottle of champagne as they broke apart and came over to get their glasses refilled."Where's the loo Sarah?" Shannon asked and mum took her hand. "Come on, I need it too." and like women the world over, they went. For sure, all of her colleagues, the few neighbours she has met, and even the people she has met at the bar on Friday nights seem… dispassionate. They like to talk about their many interests and hobbies and are very animated when they do, but there isn’t any trace of a deeper connection. She can’t feel any heat, not even a spark.Then she looks over to the car next to hers – their windows line up perfectly and are closer than normal because the other driver has pulled to the right hand side for. Mom didn't like to cook. I don't know a lot of fancy stuff, mostly what you can make cheap: stews, chili, stuff like that."Mike looked at the book. It was a Cordon Bleu cookbook his sister had given him as a joke housewarming present. In the front she had written, "Mike, congratulations on your new house. If they ever outlaw fast foods maybe you won't starve. Love, Amy." Everyone had laughed knowing he would never pick up a cookbook like this. He had learned to keep himself from starving, but.