“I’m worried about Simon,” said Greg, gazing out of our kitchen window. He was looking across the two gardens that separated us from our neighbour’s house on this grey Tuesday afternoon in mid-November. I thought I knew why, since we’d just returned from the funeral for Simon’s wife, Liz. But I was interested to hear Greg’s take on his new situation, so I asked anyway. “Why’s that, my love?” “He’s been such a devoted husb...

“Coo-ee!” I called out, as I knocked on Simon’s kitchen door and pushed it open. It was 11 am, and he was expecting me. I’d told him I’d pop round for coffee the following morning and this was our usual coffee break time. I was clutching a cake tin containing half a dozen chocolate brownies I had baked earlier, between Greg leaving for work and my phone and email going crazy. I was working from home this week. Simon appea...

This is the third part of this story. Please read the earlier episodes first. You'll find them on my profile, under stories. Chapter 4 - Inspiration “You’ve inspired me, Mandy!” Simon looked and sounded chirpy the next morning as he switched the kettle on and spooned coffee into his cafetière. It was a marked improvement from his dour post-funeral face when I’d first arrived yesterday. “I’ve been for a bracing walk up on...

This is the fourth part of this story. Please read the other episodes first. You'll find them on my profile, under stories... Chapter 5 - Tiny Kittens “Like this, do you mean?” Greg was squeezing and tweaking my boobs as we lay in the bath that evening, with me on top. I was in the middle of recounting my sensual coffee break with Simon and Greg was trying to match my description with actions of his own. The main differen...

This is Part 5. You'll enjoy it best if you read the earlier parts first. Chapter 7 - Lessons In Love “I trust you had a pleasant weekend?” said Simon when I arrived in his kitchen on Monday morning. “And I hope you didn’t mind me turning up to the Park Run on Saturday morning. I just wanted to see what it was like, in case I’ve got the energy to have a go next time.” “Very pleasant, thanks, Simon.” I slipped off my cagou...

Read the earlier parts first to find out how we got here... Chapter 8 - Thirsty Work “I’m sorry I’m late,” I called out as I let myself in through Simon’s kitchen door. It was Tuesday and yesterday’s heavy rain had gone, leaving an overcast sky and dampness everywhere. One of those autumn days where you can’t wait for winter proper to begin. But that wasn’t the reason I was late. “Hello, Mandy.” He beamed as he stepped th...