And I've said the same thing toStephen." I'll phone him. He's my best mate." I know. I know how close you two are." We've been best mates for years." ... know you have, which is why it'd be stupid to let something like thisspoil it." It won't, Mr Roberts. I'll phone him like I said." It must be really nice." Sorry?" Having a mate like that. A best mate." Yeah. Well, like I said I'll phone him and..." I suppose if I was honest I'm a little bit jealous."I didn't know what he meant by that."What do. Her slow steady swimming style made few ripples and nobody noticed but, in her bone-weary state, the two hundred metres seemed forever, and it took an immense effort of will to keep going. She was almost there when she was spotted. ‘You there, in the water, come any closer and I’ll shoot!’ the boatswain’s voice rang out. ‘It’s me, don’t shoot.’ Xui-Li stopped swimming and raised her arm to wave. ‘Help me up, please, help me up.’ The boatswain fetched and held out a lantern, which threw some. "I met her at an event that was held at the Hyatt downtown. It was a gathering of crossdressers and Rebecca was one of the vendors that had a booth there. I recognized the name of the boutique as one I passed every day to and from work. I struck up a conversation with her and bought several items from her at the hotel. I promised to stop by the shop and from then on, Rebecca and I have been friends. She's so sweet and very helpful in making suggestions with my purchases as well as with my. “Coffee.”The family sat in silence, besides the occasional long ‘slurp’ of hot coffee, and the ‘clink’ of silverware on plates.“Well,” Chad said. “I’m going to mow the lawn. Can I help with the dishes, Julie?” They had a rule, whoever cooks doesn’t have to clean. But, knowing how his wife felt this morning, and feeling a bit guilty, he offered to help.“No, I’ll do them later,” she grunted. “Thanks,” she added, remembering her manners. “And, how was Movie Night?” she asked, attempting to be.