For BJames
Girls Night:
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I just ended a call with Janice. It has been a while since we went out on the town and tomorrow is Friday.
Thank god.
Work has been hectic the last week. It always is when 007 is on a mission and Tanner's away. Bill's off visiting his cousin in Ireland. I've been taking on his duties with M and overseeing the mission.
So far, beyond listening to Bond continuously flirt with their boss, not much of interest has happened. Bond has met his match, and then some with M.
M walls her heart against any and all suitors. Amazing that at her age she has a slew of admirers clamouring for her attention.
Even if one is my man. I know that Bill loves M on a level of admiration and respect that will never cross over to the physical. Physically he's all mine.
Bond on the other hand, is amazingly still pursuing her. Arthur is far more age appropriate for her, is still calling in the months since her accident. That is when M's mutual admirations society began and they all lined up, lavishing attention upon her.
I'm happy for her even if I'm completely jealous.
M's enjoying the attention. I can tell, but who wouldn't. Beyond the eye rolling and exasperated sighs, there is a blush to her cheeks and a slight smile on her face.
James Bond's gradually wearing her down. I never thought it would happen, but I think she's weakening.
M's steadfast in what she wants, but her heart is melting and I can see it. Tanner and I watch over her when Bond's gone. He usually texts me to make sure that no calls from Arthur go unnoticed. Bond's keeping his eyes on the Kingsman. I think he's just jealous and scared he will make progress when he hasn't.
I cannot understand why M doesn't just go for it. James is in love with her. He would never intentionally hurt her, even if he is often required to sleep with a mark.
He called in yesterday and there is a woman named Sienna that may lead him to the weapons runner. It's only a matter of time and he will have to seduce her. James is hesitant and M's reluctant, but she will give the order if she has too.
I can tell that it will be difficult on both of them. James is not usually this hesitant. His heart is not in this part of the game anymore. However, M still needs him to do his job. These two stubborn love birds are going to drive me batty.
M says friendship is all she wants, but for crying out loud there have been very noticeable changes between the two of them. Since James' crush came out into the open, he is far more willing to push her. It isn't just him, M has made some subtle adjustments to her interactions with him also.
I notice everything now. The way M fidgets when Bond's due in her office. How when 007's in London, her attire is very carefully crafted. As if James told her the colours he likes best on her, or the style he likes best. Knowing Bond it's not the clothing that interests him, but what lies underneath.
It's subtle enough that outside observers will not notice, but Tanner and I are in the inner circle now. Or I should say I'm now in the inner circle. Tanner has always been in the inner circle. He just chose to ignore the signs of Bond's interest in M for all those years.
It has been odd to adjust to this new reality. Q's almost to the point of questioning some things. He does have both the eyes and the ears of this place.
The phone rings. "Yes M?"
Eve could you please get me a tea and a muffin of some sort. I foolishly forgot to eat breakfast this morning.
"Not a problem M. I will be in as soon as I get it."
Get one for yourself and join me will you.
"I would be delighted."
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The cafe down across the street has M's favourite blend of tea and I get two muffins. Once back in MI6 I go to the kitchen and rinse out the pot and gathers the tea cups, milk and sugar on the tray and head back up.
M's on the phone when I enter the room.
"I can't Arthur. No...no...I gathered that. No...yes he is...well because I promised to go out with Eve tomorrow evening."
I place the tray down and can barely contain my grin.
"Yes I am telling the truth...just wait. Here's Eve now with my tea. Eve...Arthur would like to know where we are going?"
M looks wide eyed hoping for me to carry on the lie.
"Hello Arthur."
Good morning beautiful. M has by now indicated with flaying of hands and her deliriously beautifully expressive eye movements, that she wants you to lie on her behalf, and tell me something of your plans. All of which the woman knows I can easily disprove when I see the light on at her flat tomorrow evening.
"There will be no light on at her flat Arthur because she is coming out clubbing with me and my friend Janice tomorrow. M's going to play the average Londoner and go out and have mildly priced but filling dinner and far too much alcohol. Then she will either take a cab home or crash at my flat."
Really? That does not sound like her at all. Why the change?
"No change, this is the way girls nights go in the 21st century. It may differ slightly from M's day, but we will have a blast and there are no boys allowed!"
I hand the receiver back to M.
"There, I told you I have plans Arthur, and stop watching my flat!" M listens to his response and shakes her head.
"No Arthur the Kingsman organization does not need to assist in any MI6 security issues. How the hell did you hear about Mitchell? Oh, never mind. I can look after myself! As you heard, I am not available to go out with you and don't think I haven't noticed the timing of these calls. Stop having Merlin hack into Q's systems or I will have Q knock you out with a nasty virus!"
M hangs up on him flustered and put off by the call, that I was unable to filter from her in my absence.
I can't help but laugh. "He knows when James is out of the country?"
"And Tanner out of my office. He has always been the divide and conquer type of man. Always a very willing to jump on any opportunity."
"I don't think that is all he wants to jump on M."
"Eve...careful now."
We sit and sip on our tea.
"I'm telling the truth. I will be armed and look after you M and we will have fun."
"I wasn't serious! I will not intrude on your life Eve."
"Janice is always asking me about my boss so I think you should come out and enjoy yourself M. You have not had a break since your ankle and you did say we could do things as friends now."
"I suppose I did. If it keeps Arthur off my doorstep I suppose I could come out. I don't want to interrupt your girls night...I know I will not fit in well."
"M, Janice is married and has a 2 year old and needs a night out every once in awhile to stop from going insane."
"Oh, I understand that. Alright, we'll do it." M says with a smile as she sips her tea.
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By afternoon Comms have alerted us to a current situation with Bond's mission in Serbia. M and I come in and take point with Q.
"Bond. What is the situation?" M asks with a concerned look on her face.
The situation is that I wanted to say happy early birthday M.
"007, all niceties aside you did not just make us come for pointing out a date on a bloody calendar. Not to mention you are jumping the gun and at my age you hold on to the smaller number as long as possible."
I see that you have not yet received the gifts I sent yet.
Q and I begin to chuckle at Bond's miscalculation. "James don't worry I will take her out on the town for you tomorrow night. Girls night will be extreme."
Eve I will be sorry to miss that but this rogue military General is slippery.
"No luck getting into his compound Bond?"
No M and he's on the move again. I will spend tonight tracking him down and hopefully be home in time for your actual birthday.
"James, it's girls night, and now I find out it lands on her birthday, so that means no boys allowed."
Eve you keep her safe until I get back.
"007 just do your job and come home safe." M palms her face in exasperation.
Yes, M. I love you too.
"I thought you were watching the General's daughter. Can you not aim that charm of yours towards her and get into the camp?"
That is a bit of a dead end and no I cannot use her.
"Why the hell not? I told you not to let this strange fantasy of yours interfere with your work 007!"
Strange fantasy? M you are saying a good deal over comms. I would not consider it strange and nor does anyone else who knows us.
"Seduce that girl and get into the camp, that's an order!"
M I cannot...not just because I'm currently infatuated with an gorgeous older woman, but because she would rather have Eve than my brand of machismo.
I have to laugh at M's expression as she realizes what Bond is saying. "I can fly out and meet you Bond to take over but I have plans tomorrow that I would hate to miss."
I don't think I could handle you out in the field again anyway Eve. I know my shoulder can't."
"You are never going to let me forget that, are you! I am an excellent shot when my quarry is not on top of a moving train fighting."
I will get in today and rush home tomorrow for the birthday girl's night out. I have something I really want to give her.
"Bond!" M has just turned an embarrassed hue of red that makes Q turn away to prevent her from seeing the grin on his face.
"James you better do the job right or you will be on desk and training duty for the next six months!"
M normally that would have been a depressing thought, but being in the office with you just upstairs is actually a pleasant one.
"James you need to concentrate on getting that information for M or you will be sent somewhere else to do that training. Somewhere cold to cool your heels. I always thought you could handle subtly James, but you seem to be losing your touch when it comes to…"
"Eve that will be enough. 007 do your bloody job!"
Yes MA'AM. Q do you have the location of the missiles or are you too busy hiding your giggling from the ladies?
I nudge Q who is trying to tune out the conversation completely. One which is obviously flirtatious to a level that he wants no part of knowing, if the flush on his face is anything to go by.
"Ah...yes...well."
Has all the flirting knocked you off your game Q?
"No...no. I just prefer to remain in the dark about these things, should some come questioning later. I am a terrible liar and would rather not be a party to this...whatever this is going on between the four of you."
I don't know what to say. I just stare at him with my mouth hanging open.
"How...do...you...when?"
"Oh as if that was a secret! The entire office can see you touch each other as you walk through the corridors and the lifts. Really Moneypenny...it's a building full of cameras that I control, not to mention spies."
M has begun to chuckle out loud, and I swear I hear Bond groan over the comm when he hears her. James has it so bad for her, it makes me feel sorry for him.
"So what of M and Bond? Anyone chatting about them?" I ask him since Q's so willing to be a fount of information today.
M straightens up, but stares Q directly in the eye, while awaiting his response.
"Of course not! M would never be caught in such a manner." Q says shocked.
No she won't let me get close enough for anything good to happen.
I had actually forgotten that Bond was still on the line. M blushes and Q's mouth hangs open.
"Bond I'm sending you the coordinates for the missiles. If you actually want to do any work today, you can track them down and render them useless with those things I gave you. Just do make sure you are gone before they blow up."
I will Q and M be good. I will see you tomorrow. Bond out.
"I don't think James understands the concept of girls night. Just for that I should take you to a strip club that featuring male dancers."
"Really? I've never been."
The shock on Q's face mirrors my own. "I think I could arrange that for us then M. Janice will be on board. After dinner for a few hours and then off to a club. We will leave directly from work."
"Should I bring extra clothes to change first?"
"Why. M your business attire is very dressy, downright sexy, don't you think Q?"
"Yes...well. Ma'am. You always look nice and dressed up for a night on the town."
I look at the nervous man. "Very diplomatic Q, well done. It's settled I will make the appropriate calls."
M nods and leave comms to get back to work.
"Moneypenny do you know what you're doing?"
"Yes Q. I'm taking a friend for a night on the town for her birthday."
"I mean about having a guard. If you are drinking don't you think…"
"Q thanks for the vote of confidence. I will be armed and I promise to look after her. What insidious mastermind of evil will be lurking in a male strip club looking for the head of MI6 who just happens to be out on the town?"
"All I will say on the matter is that we know there are men watching her. She has had me hack and prepare a virus for the Kingsman installation and put markers on an Arthur, should we be concerned?"
I laugh. "Only a little. He's an old friend of M's and I'm positive he will not follow us into a strip club to make his move on her."
"His move? What? This man has designs on M? Does Bond know?"
"Ha..ha. Yes Bond knows. So you did realize that he's sweet on M. You sly dog Q."
"My predecessor mentioned it in passing once before he left. The four of us were in Q branch and M was snipping at Bond and he was blatantly pushing her buttons, you know in that way of his. They left the room and Q shook his head mumbling about it being clear as crystal that the lad wants her to dress him down privately…"
"Yes, he was right, just keep this down, national secret level."
"Fine but what does it matter now? M's a widow and James has always been her favourite."
"M's not comfortable with it. It doesn't leave the three of us, plus Arthur who knows about James' admiration."
"What if this Arthur starts to talk?"
"He won't or M will let loose with everything she has on him, and if I know her at all, it's extensive."
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Dinner's good. Janice is entertained completely by M and her tales of dating in the 1960's.
The strip club was hilarious. They pulled M up on stage and danced around with her. I never would have thought she would go through with it. But it's her birthday and she's had a lot of champagne already.
"My god! Your boss is so funny. She's an amazing lady and she can dance, look at her go."
"I know. She surprises us all the time."
"How old is she?"
"Not sure but over 65 likely."
"She doesn't look or act it. I hope I'm like her at that age."
"It's just nice to see her let loose for once. High stress job."
M's helped off the stage laughing as one dancers drops her from the stage into the waiting arms of another dancer below. He gives M a massive kiss on the cheek and she slaps his Union Jack covered behind.
"M we are going now, are you ready?"
M laughs and nods grabbing her purse and coat. "Where to next ladies. That was one way to warm up for the rest of the night dancing."
"I don't think we can keep up with you M. All this attention too. Those dancers loved you."
"I likely remind them of their Gran so that could be the reason. I do hope you tipped them well Eve."
"I didn't tip them at all M...they just plucked you out of the crowd. The must have known you would be a fantastic dancer."
M looks at her and laughs as they climb into a cab. "I thought you paid them, now I feel bad for not leaving a tip."
Janice laughs, "don't worry they will get plenty more. It was beginning to fill up for the late night crowd."
They pull up to a club. A long line out front. I move to the front of the line with M and Janice behind me. "Hello David."
"Eve! You made it! And this must be the birthday girl?"
"Yes she is, so let us in will you."
"Not a problem. A VIP area is waiting for you."
"Thanks David." I give him a peck on the cheek as we go past."
The hostess escorts us to a nice private booth table off the dance floor. There is a bottle of champagne waiting. I look at the hostess in confusion.
"Compliments of a Mr. Bill Tanner miss. For the birthday girl."
I look at M and laugh. "Tanner knew this was where we would be going."
"How did you get us in past that entire line?" M asks.
"David is my cousin and I usually come in once a month. He will come join us on his break or when his shift ends."
"Splendid. Now let's drink." M says as she takes the bottle and pour three glasses.
The evening progresses with many more bottles of champagne showing up to our table. The owner of the establishment a gentleman in his 50's comes over upon seeing M out on the dance floor with me and Janice.
To be honest we are getting right tipsy by this point and laughing hysterically at some of M's observations about the crowd of young people.
"Good evening ladies. Eve, I would love to present you this bottle on my behalf. You ladies really make a statement on the dance floor."
M smiles and asks him to join us and he does. M could charm the coat from a freezing man at this point. She has him in stitches quickly with some more tales of clubbing in the 60's.
Mr. Black has some finger foods delivered to the table. Janice is almost done in already, but is desperate to stay and hear all M's stories.
M is touching Francis' arm a great deal and the man is leaning over to whisper in her ear. M straightens suddenly and looks shocked and then begins to laugh.
Janice leans over, "I think she has an easier time picking up than you do honey."
"Real funny Janice."
"Look, she may be a senior but she is awesome looking and funny as hell. Who wouldn't want to spend time with her. I'm so surprised it took you this long to invite her out."
"There use to be a work boundary created around her, and it took time to move it out of the way."
"I'm glad it did. M's so fun. What is it she does again?"
"She keeps a lot of naughty civil servants in line...and crisis management. She can keep a cool head when disaster strikes."
"I have to go...I'm dying to stay but I know John will be up early and therefore so will I. Sporting a huge hangover thanks to the two of you party animals."
I stand and give Janice a kiss on the cheek "Bye. I will see you next week."
M pulls away from Mr. Black and stands giving Janice a quick hug goodbye and saying thanks for coming. David's now off work and comes to join me and our bosses at the table. Not that his boss is noticing anything beyond M.
David and I catch up on family things and I keep glancing at M and Mr. Black across from us. M nibbles on some food and I notice she is drinking less. The evening is beginning to wind down.
Black orders another bottle of champagne and fills our glasses again his focus solely on M.
"Your boss and mine are hitting it off Eve. I think she may not need you to take her home."
"I think I better…" I freeze as I lock eyes on someone who should not be here. James bloody Bond.
Bond's staring suddenly past me and M has frozen her face in a scowl as she looks over my shoulder. A shadow falls over the table.
"My dear M could I have this dance?"
Black frowns as Arthur holds out his hand which M grasps with a perturbed look on her face. M stands as the music begins to change to something classic and old. Frank Sinatra, something tells me Arthur had the music changed just for the two of them.
Bond watches with a stiff posture from the bar at the opposite side of the room. Francis, David's boss just frowns as he looks to me for explanation.
"Ex-boyfriend." I say trying to smooth things over. "I see a friend who I should ask to dance."
I leave the uncomfortable booth and head to James. "What are you doing here?"
He doesn't take his eyes off her and Arthur. "I'm watching out for her, unlike you it seems Eve."
Then he turns those brutal eyes to me. "James. I didn't know he was here...it's a surprise."
"Come dance Moneypenny and tell me all about the man sitting with you at the table. The one who had his hand on her leg under the table and you didn't even notice. To distracted by the attractive bloke you're with?"
"Bond that's my cousin and M's more than capable of removing a hand from her own leg if she doesn't want it there. When did you get in?"
"An hour ago...and yes the mission was fine. Q's info was good and those missiles are not going to be used at all."
"M will be glad, but not happy you're here."
"What about Arthur? Will she be glad he's here?"
"Not by the look on her face when she saw him."
We both look over to see the two of them talking in hushed tones as Arthur pulls her tight against him. He's really a very good dancer and I've seen M dance very well herself.
"They move well together. Their generation really knew how to dance."
James growls at me. "I've been trained to dance, so have you."
"Yes but they did it every weekend, for fun all the time. She told us such stories tonight."
"Really, do tell? And exactly how did this girls night become you and M sitting with two men after having her dance at a club with male dancers?"
"How did you...Q!"
"Yes...Q found the video and because he hacked the Kingsmen and they were watching her."
"Really? I guess that explains Arthur's appearance. He must have been tired of waiting for her to get home to her flat."
"WHAT!" Bond looks ready to pounce. "Sorry Bond...he called and M knew he has been watching but she told him not too."
Bond leaves me and storms over to Arthur who now has her laughing at something. Far too relaxed by alcohol and dancing. I rush to join them to prevent anything, should it happen.
"M I think I should escort you and Moneypenny home now."
"James? Why exactly are you intruding on girls night?"
"You know damn well why I am, and besides I brought you a birthday gift."
Arthur looks down at M who he still has an arm around. "Oh yes of course. It's time for the gift exchange. Arthur pulls a package out of his jacket pocket and hands it to M."
"Arthur, you shouldn't have."
"But I wanted to darling."
Bond stiffens beside me, at Arthur's term of endearment.
"I mean you shouldn't have come on girls night, and you following me with cameras has got to stop. I can assure you Q has taken pains to give Merlin a few days of work after tonight."
M opens the present to find a beautiful silver necklace with a large Opal.
"You really shouldn't have Arthur."
I see the disgruntled look on Black's face as he gets up to go to his office. David waves to me and leaves sensing he should make himself scarce now.
"Well at least he caught on, that he has no chance." Bond says and Black looks at M and nods at her before disappearing out a door.
"I think the two of you could learn a lesson from him. Go and be off with you. This is girls night and Moneypenny is spending the night at my flat to make sure it stays a girls night."
M directs her gaze at Bond as she says this. Arthur's full of smiles as he attaches the clasp behind her neck. "You really should let Bond take Moneypenny home and I will take you home."
Three voices rise in unison "NO!"
"Come on Moneypenny. Thank you for the gift Arthur. I will have Q branch go over it Monday morning for listening devices, cameras and tracers. I will refrain from wearing it in the bath or changing clothes just in case."
"M, I can assure you that there is nothing…"
M holds her hand up to silence him. "You can insure me all you like. You were to keep your distance, and this is a girls night."
"It hardly looked like that with the two of you hanging on to those gentlemen."
"Arthur, David is my cousin and Francis his boss, so they came to wish M a happy birthday. I told them this is a birthday celebration."
"Eve that man was doing more than just wishing her happy birthday with his hand on her leg under the table. As for you Arthur I would really rather I didn't have to kill you for stalking my boss." Bond says in all seriousness.
Arthur frowns. "Me...I think having a rather deadly agent breaking in to her flat on a whim, is far more serious than my phone calls and properly given invitations to eat."
"Enough out of both of you. Goodnight. Come on let's let these two have some drinks and try their luck with the other women here.
"Goodnight boys." I say as I gather our things from the booth and hand M her coat.
Arthur takes it from her hand and helps her put it on. Bond leans over to whisper to me. "I will follow just to make sure he does not. I don't trust the sly old fox as far as I can throw him."
"James, I can watch her just fine and he's right, it's you who always breaks into her flat."
"Fine. Text me when you get into your pyjamas and are about to start the pillow fights."
"I heard that 007. Who says we'll wear pyjamas." M says with a smirk and a raised eyebrow, that I am positive makes Bond loose all the blood in his head. Likely rushing straight to another part of his anatomy.
M and I walk to the door and Francis Black is there to open the door for them. "I am sorry that you are not a single woman M. I was going to ask you for dinner tomorrow."
"I'm not...well thank you for the evening and I apologize...I am a widow and not currently seeing anyone."
"I think that there is a line to spend time with you my dear. Here is my card. If you would like to come by again I will make sure there is a table for you. If you would like to join me for dinner sometime please call." Black kisses her hand and M blushes.
We finally reach her flat by 1:30, the champagne has almost worn off. I have a bit of a headache already. M makes us tea and toast and we sit on her sofa putting on the telly.
"That was quite a birthday. Thank you Eve. I'm sorry that it got interrupted."
"Oooohhh M do tell. Did you like Mr. Black?"
"Ha...really not what I meant. However, it is nice to have someone interested who knows nothing of what I am. There is no history, no baggage between us."
"Is that what you want M? A man who does not know you?"
M sighs and looks down in her tea. "I don't know what I want. Do you know what you want? Your generation is single much longer than mine. We married young because to live together was so frowned upon."
"Is that the only reason you married Nigel?"
"No, of course not. I loved the man...I miss him still. I miss him very much."
I grasp her hand and squeeze it. "I understand the loss, but not the emptiness that must accompany such a long relationship. How did he die M?"
"It was fast. Not a lingering illness thankfully, but I hate myself more for not trying to be with him more. There was always a crisis. In the back of my mind, I always thought retirement but then I never retired. I was a horrible wife."
"M, I am sure he never thought that."
"I think he did. We argued about it a great deal when we were younger, but as we aged and his desire for me waned, he found other hobbies. Those other hobbies included a few mistresses."
"Oh, M. I'm so sorry."
"I expected it really. I was never home, and he was a very outgoing man. A passionate man locked inside the calm demeanour of an academic."
"And you are a very passionate woman and it comes out in your work. You did stay together despite his affairs. M did you ever?"
"No, I was not interested in any other...I was at work all the time, and I did not play with the help, like Arthur does. I couldn't toss my marriage away, for the fleeting gratification found in hot sex with someone different and dangerous."
"Like Bond."
"Why would you instantly think of him? I have been M nearly 20 years and 007 was not always here."
"I know M, but James is your favourite and it's not as wrong as it was when you were married. Age doesn't matter to him. I think this means more to him than just a fun flirtatious game. Like the flirtatious one he plays with me. You are different. You're on a pedestal and precious to him."
"Still, I am his boss."
"I know but he can be discreet and Tanner, Q and I can run interference for you. I would be so happy if the two of you could be happy together."
"I will think about it Eve. Now I think I better get to bed. I am too old for all of this."
"Goodnight M. I will sleep here just to make sure there are no intruders."
"Don't be silly. There is a spare bed upstairs come use it. Bond would be very wise to stay away tonight."
M walks upstairs and I suddenly hear a gasp of surprise. I run to join her, gun drawn to see her bedroom covered in flowers. There is a box on the bed.
"Looks like 007 already made himself at home." M opens the card and reads it.
"Cheeky bugger."
"What is it M?"
She open the package as a beautiful blue slip of a nightdress is revealed.
"Oh my. It's beautiful. M there is no denying he knows how to make an impression."
"True and he only had to break and enter to make it happen." We begin to laugh.
"Go put it on M. I will take a picture and you can get him to do whatever you want without question just for a glimpse."
"Eve you are very evil when you want to be."
"Yes I am."
M changes and put the slip on in her bath and comes out with a silk dressing gown over the dark blue slip.
I pull out my mobile and take a shot of her sitting on the bed and one of her standing. I take a profile and make her lie on the bed to get another. The flowers surrounding her in her room. M looks beautiful. Simply stunning.
"I didn't think this evening would end up with a boudoir photo shoot Eve."
"No but the more shots I have the more we can make him do."
"Ha..ha. Very true."
I email one off to Tanner for a joke and almost instantly get a message back.
What the hell is going on?
I will talk to you tomorrow Bill.
Please tell me you are not sharing a bed with her tonight or I might get airlifted back to London.
Down boy...spare room. This is ammunition to get 007 to return his equipment on time, for a glimpse of one.
There are more?
Yes and if you are really good when you get home, I will show them to you.
"Who are you sharing those with Eve?" M says serious as she closes her dressing gown.
"Just Tanner, and he approves with Bond's gift choice."
"Eve...stop that. How will I look Bill in the eyes when I see him next?"
"With your head held high knowing you look incredible M. I will guard these to use as you may need them. You just let me know."
"May I see?" I show her the images and she smiles. "The aren't to bad for an old gal are they?"
"No they are not. Good night M. I hope you had a great birthday."
"Thank you Eve. It made me feel far younger than my years."
"Your welcome. After all, that's what are friends for."
The End.
