{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang2057\deflangfe2057{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Arial;}
{\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f3\froman\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05050102010706020507}Symbol;}{\f10\fnil\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05000000000000000000}Wingdings;}
{\f36\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Verdana;}{\f38\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02040502050405020303}Georgia;}{\f39\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f40\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}
{\f42\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f43\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f44\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f45\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}
{\f46\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f47\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f49\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Arial CE;}{\f50\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Arial Cyr;}{\f52\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Arial Greek;}
{\f53\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Arial Tur;}{\f54\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Arial (Hebrew);}{\f55\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Arial (Arabic);}{\f56\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Arial Baltic;}{\f57\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Arial (Vietnamese);}
{\f59\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f60\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;}{\f62\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}{\f63\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}{\f64\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}
{\f65\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);}{\f66\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}{\f67\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New (Vietnamese);}{\f399\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Verdana CE;}{\f400\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Verdana Cyr;}
{\f402\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Verdana Greek;}{\f403\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Verdana Tur;}{\f406\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Verdana Baltic;}{\f407\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Verdana (Vietnamese);}{\f419\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Georgia CE;}
{\f420\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Georgia Cyr;}{\f422\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Georgia Greek;}{\f423\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Georgia Tur;}{\f426\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Georgia Baltic;}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 
\snext0 \sautoupd \styrsid14833247 Normal;}{\s1\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs32\cf9\lang1033\langfe1033\kerning32\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
\sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd heading 1;}{\s2\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs28\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd heading 2;}{
\s3\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd heading 3;}{
\s4\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs22\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd heading 4;}{
\s5\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\f1\fs22\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd heading 5;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden 
Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{
\s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \sautoupd Normal (Web);}{\*\cs16 \additive \i \sbasedon10 
Emphasis;}{\s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon15 \snext17 \sautoupd Centered;}}
{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid29539150\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}
\fi-360\li1800\jclisttab\tx1800\lin1800 }{\listname ;}\listid-132}{\list\listtemplateid-1317086730\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}
\fi-360\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid-131}{\list\listtemplateid1155044462\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}
\fi-360\li1080\jclisttab\tx1080\lin1080 }{\listname ;}\listid-130}{\list\listtemplateid1773824844\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}
\fi-360\li720\jclisttab\tx720\lin720 }{\listname ;}\listid-129}{\list\listtemplateid-1114886164\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}
\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li1800\jclisttab\tx1800\lin1800 }{\listname ;}\listid-128}{\list\listtemplateid-94998330\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext
\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid-127}{\list\listtemplateid219575700\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0
{\leveltext\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li1080\jclisttab\tx1080\lin1080 }{\listname ;}\listid-126}{\list\listtemplateid-1372437844\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0
\levelindent0{\leveltext\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li720\jclisttab\tx720\lin720 }{\listname ;}\listid-125}{\list\listtemplateid691962692\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1
\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li360\jclisttab\tx360\lin360 }{\listname ;}\listid-120}{\list\listtemplateid125986958\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1
\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li360\jclisttab\tx360\lin360 }{\listname ;}\listid-119}{\list\listtemplateid-1116671112\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0
\levelstartat0\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid1109028194\'01-;}{\levelnumbers;}\loch\af36\hich\af36\dbch\af0\fbias0 \fi-360\li720\jclisttab\tx720\lin720 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1
\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}\f2\fbias0 \fi-360\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0 \fi-360\li2160\jclisttab\tx2160\lin2160 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698689
\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li2880\jclisttab\tx2880\lin2880 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}
\f2\fbias0 \fi-360\li3600\jclisttab\tx3600\lin3600 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0 \fi-360\li4320
\jclisttab\tx4320\lin4320 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698689\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li5040\jclisttab\tx5040\lin5040 }
{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}\f2\fbias0 \fi-360\li5760\jclisttab\tx5760\lin5760 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23
\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0 \fi-360\li6480\jclisttab\tx6480\lin6480 }{\listname ;}\listid626861858}}{\*\listoverridetable
{\listoverride\listid-119\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid-125\listoverridecount0\ls2}{\listoverride\listid-126\listoverridecount0\ls3}{\listoverride\listid-127\listoverridecount0\ls4}{\listoverride\listid-128\listoverridecount0\ls5}
{\listoverride\listid-120\listoverridecount0\ls6}{\listoverride\listid-129\listoverridecount0\ls7}{\listoverride\listid-130\listoverridecount0\ls8}{\listoverride\listid-131\listoverridecount0\ls9}{\listoverride\listid-132\listoverridecount0\ls10}
{\listoverride\listid626861858\listoverridecount0\ls11}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid8193564\rsid8747988\rsid11292439\rsid14833247}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.6359;}{\info{\title Equal Shares - Chapter 29}{\author steveh11}{\operator SteveH}
{\creatim\yr2006\mo12\dy12\hr21\min27}{\revtim\yr2006\mo12\dy12\hr21\min27}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages13}{\nofwords3408}{\nofchars19430}{\*\company -}{\nofcharsws22793}{\vern24703}}{\*\userprops {\propname Editor}\proptype30{\staticval Bob Hebert\'3b 
Just Jess}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow1\dgvshow1
\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale140\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nojkernpunct\rsidroot14833247 \fet0{\*\template 
C:\\Documents and Settings\\Steve Hamilton\\Application Data\\Microsoft\\Templates\\ES-DOT.dot}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2
\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \b\f1\fs32\cf9\lang1033\langfe1033\kerning32\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14833247 {\*\bkmkstart _Toc152609845}Chapter 29{\*\bkmkend _Toc152609845}
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 
\par When Denise walked into The Firm\rquote s reception, she gave Elaine a peck on the cheek and went off to make coffee. It was still a good fifteen minutes before most of the staff would arrive, and before Denise would normally have started, herself. Sh
e brought the coffee through to Elaine, and soon the two were sipping coffee, just contemplating the events of the previous night, and what they would mean. Again.
\par 
\par \'93You know Laney, when we were together I\rquote d thought of a threesome, fantasized about it I mean, but the opportunity never arose. That was more than just a little fun last night. That was a first for me!\'94
\par 
\par Elaine smiled. \'93I }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 met}{\insrsid14833247  Susan in a three. It was after we split, obviously, and I\rquote d gone out with this other girl a couple of times, and we hit s
ome bars, and, well, it just seemed to happen. She seemed disturbed by it, and we split very soon after.\'94 Elaine\rquote s eyes grew distant as she remembered. \'93But Susan and I just seemed to grow together from there on in.\'94
\par 
\par They sat in the comfort that only two people who have grown close can manage. A few early starters came in. One or two gave the girls a curious look, most were still concerned with getting started themselves.
\par 
\par After five minutes or so, Denise stood, gave Elaine a peck on the cheek and told her, \'93I\rquote d best be off and start seeing to work, Laney. I\rquote ll speak to you soon.\'94
\par 
\par Denise went to her desk, and Elaine began sorting through overnight messages ready to pass them on as people came in.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 
\par Anne and Stan came into The Firm together. Both were smiling, happy, content. Stan had his fingers unconsciously entwined in Anne\rquote s as they came into the reception area.
\par 
\par As it was only Elaine in there, Stan glanced at Anne and leant in to give her a kiss, which Anne returned with interest \endash  and considerable reinvestment!
\par 
\par \'93Hey you two! As they say over there, \lquote Get a room!\rquote  \'94 Elaine laughed.
\par 
\par Stan and Anne glared at her, then smiled again to show they didn\rquote t mean it. They kissed again, and then each went their separate ways.
\par 
\par Stan entered his office area, noted that Elizabeth was in, as usual, and that Bob had made it in already as well. Elizabeth was watering his plants.
\par 
\par Stan said a cheery \'93Good morning!\'94 and went behind his desk to turn on his PC. Bob called out \'93You\rquote re cheerful this morning!\'94 and Elizabeth echoed with \'93Someone\rquote s happy!\'94
\par 
\par Stan paused on his way to get his morning coffee. \'93Yes I am, this morning. Anne and I just had a nice evening together. She cooked some fish, we had some nice wine, listened to some music, read a little\'85 just
 a nice evening. It sort of set me up for the day!\'94
\par 
\par \'93Nothing more to it, huh, Stan?\'94 asked Bob, rhetorically. \'93I wonder if Anne\rquote s walking around as happy as our Stan, here?\'94 he asked Elizabeth, with a smirk, but the twinkle in his eye showed that he was teasing.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 
\par Later that morning, Stan and Denise were in the Sales conference room, explaining their documentation program and its use. While the meeting went reasonably well, and most of the staff had no problems or comments, it was after
 the meeting that trouble occurred.
\par 
\par Somehow or another Ewan had divined that Denise was no longer with her boyfriend.
\par 
\par \'93Say, Denise, you fancy a drink tonight after work?\'94 he asked, jangling the gold bracelet on his arm.
\par 
\par \'93No thanks Ewan, but thanks all the same.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Oh, go on. You know you want to. You don\rquote t want to be spending the nights alone, do you?\'94 Ewan asked. Denise could feel the oil }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 ooze}{\insrsid14833247  from where she stood. Besides, she told herself, she didn
\rquote t }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 have}{\insrsid14833247  to be alone, did she?
\par 
\par \'93No, Ewan, thank you.\'94 She turned to go. Stan was simply watching the two of them. It was fascinating, in the same way as an impending train crash. 
\par 
\par \'93Tomorrow night, then.\'94
\par 
\par Denise halted in her tracks. She turned back to Ewan, annoyance now plain on her face, in her body language.
\par 
\par \'93Ewan. }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 No!}{\insrsid14833247  Not tonight, not tomorrow night, not }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 any}{\insrsid14833247  night. Do I have to make it plainer?\'94
\par 
\par Ewan sneered.
\par 
\par \'93Ah, I don\rquote t know why I bothered. You\rquote re probably not worth it anyway. You prefer old men who won\rquote t run too fast for you, if you know what I mean.\'94
\par 
\par Stan bristled. Denise didn\rquote t bother; she }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 reacted}{\insrsid14833247 
, lifting a hand to strike, but Stan, behind and on that side, automatically reached out and caught the arm, preventing Denise from getting herself fired. He was about to say something when Ewan stalked past him, out of the door.
\par 
\par \'93Remind me how he managed to get a job here in the first place?\'94 he facetiously asked the mesmerised group still in the room.
\par 
\par \'93Well, when your Dad is one of the major shareholders and a former director\'85\'94 someone answered.
\par 
\par \'93That\rquote s gotta be the reason!\'94 snapped Denise, \'93Well, he\rquote d better stay out of my way for the rest of the day at least. Sheesh!\'94
 Then she swivelled on her heel and looked at Stan, thoughtfully, her expression turning grateful as she said, \'93I guess I should say \lquote Thank You!\rquote  to you for stopping me from hitting him. I\rquote d have got fired, wouldn\rquote t I?\'94
 By the end of the last sentence, Denise was looking guilty as well.
\par 
\par Stan reached out and lifted her chin with his forefinger. He told her quietly, \'93Denise, I think we\rquote d all have said you were justified, but yes, it probably wouldn\rquote t have been good. Ewan\rquote s a snake, but as Tim said, he\rquote 
s pretty secure here what with his Dad and all that. Best to stay out of his way for a bit, huh?\'94
\par 
\par Denise nodded, eyes bright and glittery, and turned to walk away.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 
\par Ewan, it seemed, hadn\rquote t forgotten that Stan had been there. On Friday afternoon, after he\rquote d been to the pub, he saw Stan walking out of the lab area with Anne. He called loudly to his long-suffering assistant, \'93
Huh! There goes a guy who can\rquote t wait for his wife to be cold in her grave, he grabs the first thing that offers itself, and then discards }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 that}{\insrsid14833247  when something better comes along!\'94
\par 
\par Stan and Anne couldn\rquote t help but overhear, as was intended. He checked his stride, but Anne tugged on his arm, intent on avoiding a scene. Stan was at first surprised just }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 how}{\insrsid14833247 
 strong Anne was, but then he reflected that he shouldn\rquote t be \endash  she\rquote d handled him without apparent effort in bed.
\par 
\par With a low, hissed, \'93Come on!\'94 Anne pulled him away and into reception. There, they met Denise and Elaine. It was apparent that they\rquote 
d interrupted a conversation, so Anne again led Stan, this time through and towards the exit on the opposite side, but Denise called out before they got there.
\par 
\par \'93Stan, are you going to }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 YB Studio}{\insrsid14833247  on Monday night?\'94
\par 
\par Stan and Anne stopped. He looked at the blonde and on receiving a nod said, \'93Yes, Denise, we are. You?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Yes,\'94 she replied, heatedly. \'93I\rquote m fed up with having to pussyfoot around people here, I\rquote m damned if I\rquote ll do it outside work as well. If Tom\rquote s there he\rquote d just better stay away from me, that\rquote s all!\'94

\par 
\par The redhead looked about ready to explode. \'93Do you want to come with us, Denise?\'94 Anne asked, carefully. 
\par 
\par Denise brightened a little. It seemed Anne would appreciate company. \'93Yes, please, Anne, I think that would be nice.\'94 She looked at Elaine, questioning. Elaine nodded her head minutely. \'93Yes, I\rquote 
d like that a lot. We can work out the details on Monday.\'94
\par 
\par - - - - - - - - - -
\par 
\par That Friday evening, Denise was just finishing some housework when the phone rang.
\par 
\par \'93Hi, Denise?\'94 It was Susan.
\par 
\par \'93Hiya, Susan! How are you? Everything okay?\'94 replied Denise, happy to hear her voice. The young woman had come to mean a lot to her, after all.
\par 
\par \'93Fine, fine. Elaine and I just wondered if you\rquote d like to come over\'85\'94
\par 
\par Denise grinned. \'93Just come over, huh? Sure. D\rquote you want me to bring anything? Supper perhaps?\'94
\par 
\par Denise heard a giggle from the other end of the phone. \'93Rather depends on what you want to }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 eat}{\insrsid14833247 , Denise!\'94
\par 
\par Denise cracked up. She couldn\rquote t help it, she simply }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 roared}{\insrsid14833247 . \'93Once not enough for you, Susan? And I thought you were doing that for Elaine, and me?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Well,\'94 said Susan, \'93Come on over and we can talk about it, huh?\'94
\par 
\par \'93I\rquote ll be a few minutes, there\rquote s some stuff I\rquote ve got to take care of here, then I\rquote ll race around there!\'94 Denise said down the line.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 
\par About forty-five minutes later Denise stood at the door of Susan\rquote s flat, and rang the bell. She heard steps in the corridor beyond, and then Elaine opened the door. \'93Come on in!\'94 she told Denise.
\par 
\par \'93Hi Laney! I brought a bottle anyway,\'94 she told the younger blonde, holding up a bottle of Pinot Grigio. \'93I popped into the supermarket on the way over.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Good. We\rquote ll pop it into the fridge for later, Susan\rquote s just opening a bottle now,\'94 said Elaine, as they turned right into the kitchen. Susan was there, corkscrew in hand, just removing the cork from a bottle.
\par 
\par \'93Hello Denise. Ooh! A bottle! Terrific! Elaine, you want to pop that into the fridge while I finish up with this one?\'94
\par 
\par Shortly thereafter, the three of them were in Susan\rquote s living room, each with a large glass of chilled white wine. Susan and Elaine were on the sofa, while Denise had chosen the chair after (again) removing the bunnies.
\par 
\par \'93Cheers!\'94 said Susan, and they all sipped.
\par 
\par \'93So,\'94 said Denise after a while, \'93what exactly did you have in mind for tonight?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Well, I thought we could have a bit of supper, watch a DVD and see how things go,\'94 said Susan. \'93I enjoyed the other night, and I know Elaine did, and I rather think you did too,\'94 she continued, \'93
even if you did sneak out without waking me up for a good morning kiss.\'94 As she finished, she made a moue.
\par 
\par \'93I told you, we didn\rquote t want to wake you up, silly!\'94 said Elaine, putting one hand on her lover\rquote s thigh. Susan put one of her hands on top.
\par 
\par \'93So, do you want this to be something more than just fun, Susan?\'94 asked Denise, seriously. \'93The three of us?\'94
\par 
\par \'93I don\rquote t see why not, and neither does Elaine. We\rquote ve spoken about it,\'94 and Elaine nodded as she went on, \'93and we both feel that we\rquote d like to include you. If you\rquote re willing, that is, anyway.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Um. I confess I\rquote d not thought about this any further than a \lquote once or twice if I\rquote m lucky\rquote  piece of fun.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Yes you had, Denise,\'94 Elaine told her, \'93you just didn\rquote t realize it at the time. That morning, remember? You said that if we wanted to repeat, that Susan and I would have to remember that you\rquote re bi, and that you\rquote 
d want to get a man in your life sometimes. So you were already thinking about it then, really.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Yes, and to answer that specific point \endash  Elaine and I have no problem if you want to date a guy outside of us. We\rquote ll not want to join in though, obviously! All we ask is that you\rquote re responsible, and that you let us know what
\rquote s going on.\'94
\par 
\par Denise replied to them both, \'93Okay. I\rquote m going to want to keep my own place, and I\rquote ll probably sleep there sometimes too, to give you two some space to yourselves. I\rquote m not stupid. I know that you\rquote 
ll be the most important things to each other, and that I\rquote m, well, secondary. I\rquote m the one looking in from outside. Don\rquote t try to give me the spare room, that\rquote 
s not enough distance. We can see each other, make love, or just hang out, or whatever, depending on how things work out, but you two are the main couple, I\rquote m the add-on, and I\rquote m happy with that.\'94
\par 
\par Susan looked serious, but Elaine grinned at her. \'93I told you you\rquote d been thinking about it. You just hadn\rquote t dared to bring it up, had you?\'94 Denise looked guiltily down at her shoes, but she too was smiling.
\par 
\par Susan said, \'93You\rquote re important to us both, though, you know that, Denise. I thought I\rquote d made that clear the other night?\'94
\par 
\par Denise stood, went to Susan, knelt by the sofa and took her hand. With a lump in her throat and glittering eyes, she said, \'93Thank you, Susan. Yes, I know. I feel for you, and for you too, Elaine. Well, you }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 know}{
\insrsid14833247  that.\'94
\par 
\par \'93So, what do we do now? All hold hands together, or what?\'94 she finished.
\par 
\par \'93We enjoy the wine and some pasta, we watch a film and then we see how things go,\'94 said Susan, \'93just as I told you earlier!\'94
\par 
\par While they were munching on the pasta, (\'93No garlic bread tonight!\'94 Elaine had specified, happily) Susan asked Denise, \'93Well, just how much }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 had}{\insrsid14833247  you thought about \lquote Us\rquote  then?\'94
 making a sign for the quote marks with her hands and nearly knocking Elaine\rquote s wine out of her hand in the process.
\par 
\par Denise blushed. With her complexion and hair colour, it was spectacular.
\par 
\par \'93Quite a bit, actually, in the all-of-two-days that I\rquote ve had. I found myself diagramming it out, like the good little computer techie that I am! We\rquote re a triangle,\'94
 and she demonstrated by placing the sea salt and black pepper pots plus a jar of tomato pickle at the points of an equilateral triangle. \'93The salt and pepper are you two, and I\rquote m the pickle,\'94 she said with a grin.
\par 
\par Her face fell serious again as she went on, with the other two leaning forward in their seats, \'93The strongest bond is between the pair of you, I think that\rquote s obvious. There\rquote s another link that\rquote 
s strong that goes between Laney and me because of our relationship before, and because we\rquote ve stayed so close since. But I was thinking about how I feel for you, Susan, and I think there\rquote s a strong link there, too.\'94
\par 
\par Susan nodded, \'93I think so too,\'94 she told the redhead, softly, meaningfully.
\par 
\par Denise had reached for her handbag. She pulled out some cotton buds, laid two between the salt and pepper pots, and one between each of them and the pickle jar.
\par 
\par \'93So this is how I\rquote d diagram out the relationship. The double bond is you two; you\rquote re all but married and probably }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 will}{\insrsid14833247  be later. The single bonds are your tie
s to me, more than friends with benefits, less than married. At least,\'94 she finished, surprising herself by actually being a little shy now that she\rquote d so boldly made her presentation, \'93that\rquote 
s the way I see it, and I hope you see it that way, too.\'94
\par 
\par She looked at Elaine and Susan, sitting on the sofa, still holding hands, and then back to the condiments on the coffee table where she\rquote d placed them. When she looked back up, Elaine was looking at her with watery eyes, and Susan smiled.
\par 
\par \'93There\rquote s one more thing.\'94
\par 
\par They looked at her, expectantly.
\par 
\par \'93Someday I will want to be permanent with a guy. I need that, I came to know that\rquote s what I wanted when I was with Elaine, and it hasn\rquote t changed just \lquote cos I\rquote ve been a poor chooser. But when I find him, or he finds me, if
 he wants our little arrangement to end, what then?\'94
\par 
\par Susan\rquote s reaction was immediate.
\par 
\par \'93Obvious. You\rquote ve said before you\rquote re bi with a preference for guys. No problem, Denise. If some future guy wants you to be exclusive, then tell us. There\rquote ll always be a p
lace for you here, with us, if you want it. If not as a lover, then always as a loved friend.
\par 
\par \'93Now, Elaine, you\rquote ve been pretty quiet, as well as pretty,\'94 she said, mussing the blonde hair of her lover. \'93Well, }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 very }{\insrsid14833247 pretty. Do }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 you}{\insrsid14833247 
 want to say anything?\'94
\par 
\par Elaine swayed out away from Susan\rquote s hand in her hair, and said, \'93Yes, I do. What about the three of us? Susan, what if Denny and I want to be together, and you\rquote re not there?\'94
\par 
\par Denise broke in, \'93I will not be a part of breaking you up-\'94
\par 
\par But Susan overrode her. \'93No, no. You won\rquote t because I know, with certainty, with every fabric of my being, that Elaine loves me. If you two want to be together, that\rquote s fine by me. We just have to make sure we all tell each other what
\rquote s going on. Besides,\'94 she said with a glint in her eye and a lift to one corner of her mouth, \'93it might be }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 me}{\insrsid14833247  and Denise, not you, Elaine!\'94
\par 
\par Susan was silent for a moment. Elaine bit her lip. Denise sat still, afraid even to breathe. There was something happening, and all three of them knew it.
\par 
\par Susan closed her eyes in concentration. She shook her head in the tiniest motion, and seemed to come to a decision, then pushed the coffee table out of the way and stood, gracefully but with immediate purpose.
\par 
\par \'93Come on, let\rquote s get this stuff into the kitchen. To hell with watching a DVD, I want bed!\'94
\par 
\par Elaine and Denise both laughed and grabbed stuff to go to the kitchen\'85
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 
\par All three undressed together, Denise feeling herself fizzing with anticipation. She could tell from the looks on the faces of her two lovers that they felt the same way.
\par 
\par Denise hugged Susan to her chest, and the young brunette answered by kissing her fervently. Susan\rquote s lips parted in her upturned face, tongue darting, questing. Elaine came behind her and began nuzzling he
r, running her hands down her flanks, dragging the backs of her fingernails there. Denise shuddered in response, feeling as if someone were running a magic wand down her sides.
\par 
\par Denise pulled Susan closer, and they kissed. Denise wondered just how lucky she could be, this wonderful young woman was welcoming her into her arms, quite literally, and she felt a rush of affection for her.
\par 
\par \'93Mmmmm, nice\'85\'94 she heard in her ear as she nibbled at Susan\rquote s neck with her lips, tongue moving in circles against the soft, sensitive skin of her throat. It was the beginning of an erotic journey for all three.
\par 
\par Elaine meanwhile was playing with both girls\rquote  flanks, still using the back of her nails. \'93Do you like this, Denise?\'94 she asked, \'93I know Susan does!\'94 \'93Mmm hhmmm!\'94 responded Denise, the sound somewhat muffled by Susan\rquote 
s shoulder as she kissed her there.
\par 
\par Susan lowered herself gradually to her knees, kissing her way down Denise\rquote s stomach. She subtly indicated to the redhead to move her legs further apart, to give her bette
r access to the fragrant centre of her womanhood. Elaine, meanwhile, made use of the opportunity to palm Denise\rquote s tits from behind her, kissing the base of her neck and rolling the nipples with gradually increasing pressure.
\par 
\par Denise was not idle, craning her neck to one side, bending to kiss Elaine, while her hands went to Susan\rquote s head, pulling her in. She felt the lips and tongue nibbling at her labia, teasing her open, while Susan\rquote 
s hands went behind her, palming her buttocks, spreading, kneading. Then Susan stood and moved to the bed.
\par 
\par Denise took charge this time. \'93Elaine, do you have any toys?\'94 she asked, lifting an eyebrow. 
\par 
\par Elaine grinned wickedly and went to the bedside cabinet. \'93What did you have in mind?\'94 she asked, withdrawing a six-inch long chrome plated cylinder.
\par 
\par Denise had an evil glint in her eye. \'93I\rquote m going to eat her, she\rquote s going to eat me, and you can use that vibrator and anything else you like. Afterwards, we\rquote ll double-team you!\'94 
\par 
\par \'93Oooh, goody!\'94 Elaine bubbled, taking the vibrator and 
some wipes. Susan was smiling, too, and reached for Denise. They walked to the bed and Denise placed herself over the brunette in a sixty-nine. Denise once again felt the experienced lips, tongue and gently nibbling teeth on her pussy as she lowered herse
lf, and quickly bent her head to the task of reciprocation.
\par 
\par She spread Susan\rquote s lips with the fingers of one hand, and licked, slowly, gently, up and down, side to side. The other hand delved deeper, lower, teasing Susan\rquote s ass, then travelling slowly back t
o the source of the sudden rush of fragrant honey. She felt Susan shudder. She heard a murmured conversation at the other end, and felt a shift of weight. Denise felt anticipation, then gasped as she felt an intruder penetrate her, and again when she felt
 it begin to move, and buzz, inside her. Susan was concentrating at the top of her slit now, teasing her clitoris, and Denise had trouble keeping her mouth moving on Susan\rquote 
s labia, almost coming to a stop herself, feeling the red heat of her own arousal building, the tingling of her body becoming more and more insistent.
\par \tab 
\par The buzzing intruder withdrew and Denise felt the loss keenly. When she felt it again, this time it was at the rosette of her ass. She arched her back, thrusting herself at the vibrating toy, and let out a \'93Mmmmm\'94
 in appreciation. Susan bucked against her, feeling the vibration of her purr against her clit. Elaine refused to penetrate with the vibrator, she just used it to touch, to excite. 
\par 
\par Denise felt something wet and warm against her ass and realized that it must be Elaine\rquote s tongue, and then she felt the busy vibrator there again. Susan was really going to town on her, and Denise knew that, again, she wouldn\rquote 
t last long. Her love for the two women expertly driving her like a finely tuned race car grew deeper and deeper, she knew she must have done \lquote something good\rquote  to deserve this wondrous gift.
\par 
\par Denise closed her eyes, still running her tongue in haphazard patterns around Susan\rquote s slit, tasting her metallic, tangy, wonderful fluid. She felt the red mist descending, heat rising, the liquid pleasure running through her veins. 
\par 
\par Denise came, almost blacking out, shuddering, heaving up and down against Susan, and crying out, \'93Oh Ohh! }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 Ooohhhhhh FUCKFUCKFUCK!}{\insrsid14833247 \'94 There was white hot liquid in her n
ow, coursing through her body, she was there/she wasn\rquote t there. Denise faded away, her awareness reduced to a tiny mote, only a single bright point of existence in her whole universe.
\par 
\par As she came back to herself she felt Elaine in front of her, nuzzling against Susan under her, kissing the girl\rquote s thighs, running the vibrator over them. Susan was carefully avoiding Denise\rquote 
s now supersensitive clit, licking and nibbling the outer lips, just keeping things going.
\par 
\par Denise raised her head a little, allowing Elaine to reach under her and touch the shiny vibrator against Susan\rquote s labia, running it up and down while Denise began to work seriously on Susan\rquote 
s clit, running her tongue around the hood, flicking it around, catching the sensitive nub, curling her tongue into a tube and fucking the tiny morsel like a miniature vagina.
\par 
\par Susan bucked, moaned and cried, but the other two ladies gave her no mercy, drawing her higher and higher, but never quite pulling her over the edge. Finally Elaine heard Susan calling \'93Please, please, so close, so close\'85\'94
 and she thrust the buzzing chrome tube into her lover, while Denise redoubled her own efforts. Susan came, }{\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 hard,}{\insrsid14833247  coating the vibrator and Elaine\rquote 
s hand with her juices while the powerful movements of her hips thrust Denise up and down. Dimly Denise heard Susan\rquote s cries, dimly because Susan\rquote s thighs were now pressed against her ears.
\par 
\par Denise rolled away from Susan, letting her pull herself together, while she reached for the young blonde. They kissed, and Denise knew that her love for Elaine, now pressed closely to her, had grown back to and even surpassed the heights she\rquote 
d formerly known. She also knew that her love for Susan could one day grow equally as deep. Soon afterwards, coherent thought once again escaped her, as Susan rejoined the two and they concentrated on Elaine.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\cs16\i\insrsid14833247 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 
\par The three made love long into the night, each peak rising beyond the first, expressing the love each felt for the others until finally, sated, exhausted, chests heaving and running with sweat and other juices, they stilled.
\par 
\par It was several minutes later, but it seemed to Denise like hours, when Susan propped herself up on one elbow, and said with a teasing smirk to Denise, \'93Still want a guy?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Yeah,\'94 Denise said, dreamily, on the edge of slumber, \'93Stan. I want Stan.\'94
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14833247 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14833247 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8193564 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid11292439\charrsid8193564 
\par }}