J.," she told me. "I've closed some doors I wish I hadn't. You are the main one. Greg was so jealous of you and of us. He couldn't fathom that two peo...le who had once been lovers could become close friends. So, I pushed you away. Now, the kids and Greg are driving me crazy. I've wanted to call for help so many times. But I couldn't bring myself to put my pride away and call you. I've been sorting through my life since Melissa was born. If you don't mind, I'd like to bring the kids to visit you. "Robin rolled her eyes. "Oh for heaven's sake." She set her cup downon the table and walked over to the coffee pot and poured him a cup.Then she brought it back and handed it to him. "Here! Now stop beingcontrary!" I'm not being contrary." Then why wouldn't you get a drink when you obviously want one?" Like I said, it's complicated."Robins was suddenly very frustrated. "What the heck does getting adrink of coffee have to do with anything else? I've seen you drinkcoffee before. You had. ''Maybe I could help you keep out of trouble. How long were the two of you together?''Nearly two years. We saw a lot of life, maybe too much. We were bad for each other, you saw that for yourself; we overdid everything. The way I feel now is, it would be nice if Jayde and I could be friends, but nothing physical. Life's very quiet for her down there. Her old school friends have all moved away. You can imagine it ... watching TV with her parents ... dead boring. She always liked you, you know.. It's perfect. I am stunned ithought that you would rebel and I would have to try and force you orsomething." Well you don't. Come on get a move on or they will have sold out and Ineed a new dress and maybe some new shoes." We both laughed.We had a great time. I ended up with a new warmer coat, two newhandbags, a scarf, pile of underwear and hosiery, two new dresses and apair of shoes. The latter was the surprise, they were plain blackflats.We sat having a bite to eat just after lunchtime.