The doctor had suggested a short walk and so he headed down the street, pausing in front of the saloon. He wasn't much of a drinker, however the piano...music, which came wafting from inside, was good and he felt he needed something to brighten his spirits.Looking around briefly as he entered, he saw the usual assortment of card games and saloon girls plying drinks and other pleasures.Moving to the bar, he started to order when he realized he had no money. Angrily he turned to leave."Care to join. The filets were a perfect excuse to pop open a bottle of wine and begin getting my wife a little drunk.After dinner we decided to relax in the hot tub with our bottle of wine. As we were sitting and talking, I attempted to refill Rachel's glass whenever I could, so she would not realize how much she was drinking. After about 40 minutes, I could tell the wine was having an effect, as she became giddy. At one point, she tried climbing on to my lap and I had to remind her that I make the rules. Known each other’s bodies fully and intimately for the first time.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~All was silent as Dee looked into my gaunt face. I think she must have seen the ghosts of all that had gone before with Chris, because her face was no longer playfully teasing me. It showed kindness and concern as she held both my hands and looked into my eyes. Like a trauma survivor, I think she could see what I’d just been through.I looked at the locked door like a begging. She says something to Hank and then points over to me. She smiles at me and raises her glass for her to bring me another, I smile and fix her another gin and tonic. I walk over to the table with her drink...she knows I am standing there and for just a few seconds doesn't acknowledge me. Hank doesn't even offer my seat back. Sharon grins at me and tells me to have Jake bring her a refill. I walk back to the bar and sit down feeling slightly jealous Jake makes Sharon her drink and walks it over.