Certainly, we were on a first name basis. “Fletcher, I have no idea what you are talking about! Newt Gingrich is a personal friend and a mentor and ...as earned my respect and the respect of all of his colleagues, both Republican and Democrat.”“Carl, I’ll bet you’ve been practicing that line for a week now. I’ll also bet you practiced the line to your kids about those quarters under their pillows coming from the Tooth Fairy.”We batted it back and forth for about ten minutes, with Fletcher trying. I guessed they were my obligatory birthday cards bought as a ritual chore rather than a cause to celebrate my birthday."For a wonderful son on his birthday," said the embossed words on the card from my Mother. The incongruence of the title made me wince and sadly hurt a little. I placed the card and opened Sally's offering. As soon as I pulled the card out a short note glided to the floor. I quickly picked it up and read it. "Look in the living room drinks cabinet."I rushed into the living room. She claimed to not be a smoker, but tobacco always seemed to magically appear when she was stressed.“You ok?”“I’ll be fine.”“You want to get out of here?“No, I can’t. I have to see that bitch every day at cheer practice. There’s no point in trying to avoid her.”“That doesn’t mean we have to stay at this party.”“I know, but we’re staying because you need to make some friends.”“I’m really not-”“Shut up, Alex.”She dragged me back inside, put another drink in my hand and sat me down next the first. "Do I need to dress up?" No, not at all and neither do I." she giggled sexily, "But I do need to take my panties off for it." Tell me, mum, please!" and all that got in reply was a shake of the head.By mum's standards, her chosen clothing for this mysterious trip out was quite modest, a plain blue dress that actually reached below her knees and bra and panties beneath it! I was mystified as she directed me to one of the seedier parts of East London and directed me to pull up in a supermarket.