“I’ve come home to better days,” I say, knowing Sam will know what…or who…I’m talking about, “What about you?” “Great, my mom and I ...re going bowling for her birthday. I can’t wait! We always get pizza and sodas at the bowling alley, and afterwards tonight we’re going to see a movie! There’s a new Harry Potter in the theaters…” she’s off, jabbering about the amazing evening she and her mother have planned. Without meaning to, I sort of drown her out, feeling a slight envy and depression build. It’s a loving gesture that all couples have done before but only this time we have a secret. Lifting one side of my coat I place your hand under the flap of material and place it on my leg where my stocking ends and my upper thigh begins and gently close my coat over your hand. You start to gently squeeze my thigh with your strong hand as I pick up the menu and feign to be looking for some interesting meal to satiate my appetite. No matter what I ate in this restaurant my appetite would not. " He leans forward and kisses me in front of God and everyone. Nick exits at his floor. "Lunch?" he yells as the doors close. "Yes" I ride up to my floor. I exit and wait for that, morning call out from Shelly. I have to look away when she does it. I can't watch her do that thing she does with her hips when she yells... "Happy Hump Day!" I hear as she sees me. Oh lord I feel like the woman from that song about the guy streaking. I didn't look away in time. I see she is wearing the pick halter. Charlotte might have become a good friend, but still, I felt deeply embarrassed by her words. I’d been stupid enough to think that in our little suburban community of McMansions that our little secret would remain just that – a secret. But just three days after Dave and I dipped our toes in the swinging scene, word had spread enough that our friend Charlotte was grinning like a baboon at me.“Cat got your tongue, Jill, honey?”Eight shades of red went to nine, and it seemed forever before I was.