We never went out. Not because we couldn't afford it but simply because I lacked the inclination: life may have lacked excitement but it was stable and routine and I was happy that way. However, when Joanne, one of Sue's work colleagues, invited us to a party she eagerly agreed to go but to placate me accepted that we'd only stay an hour or so.
We arrived at the party to find it in full swing. Outdoor heating and lights meant that most people stayed outdoors under a large awning that covered much of the garden, only venturing into the house for the bathroom. I didn't know anyone there and Sue knew only her friend: the other girls from work either lived too far away or hadn't been invited. I grabbed a couple of beers and we stood rather self consciously away from the mass of unknown people, just exchanging one line comments while I wished she'd never accepted the invite.
After a quick beer I began to relax a little, and headed to the garage where a well-stocked fridge contained some ice-cold bottles. As I opened a second beer I got talking to a couple of guys who were drinking in there. Andy and Mike were IT technicians from Joanne's husbands firm and we found we got on pretty well, chatting over our drink.
I needed to pee and began to make my way through the garden back to the house and when I realised I'd left Sue all alone for a while. As I neared the house I looked around for her and stopped when I saw her leaning against a wall talking to a tall dark haired guy, clearly both enjoying each other's company. I smiled to myself. The party had been a good idea after all: we were having a drink, meeting new friends and she looked terrific. I hadn't told her this when she'd changed to go out; hadn't even noticed it, but seeing her there a petite, 37 year old brunette with big brown eyes and short brown hair I felt proud. Her stockings, heels, long tight fitting black skirt and bright pink blouse accentuated the slender beauty of her 32b-24-34 figure. She looked hot as she smiled coyly at her friend, not objecting as he leaned closer to talk more clearly to her above the party's noise.
Once I'd been to the bathroom I returned to Andy and Mike and we chatted more about their work and their hobby: building and using discreet surveillance equipment to catch couples in the act. I laughed; it was weird but seemed like good fun.
Presently, Mike's mobile rang and he smiled at the news he heard from the caller and replied that they'd be right out. Mike suggested I come out with them as I might see something that would amuse me. As we walked to Mike's van Andy explained that they had set up a discreet remote camera in one of the bedrooms in the hope that they might be able to view and record some "action". Inside was their friend Matt who was grinning at a computer screen showing some slightly blurred, green tinted footage of a couple embracing and kissing on a bed. It wasn't that good a quality: some sort of light enhancing camera and very little in the way of sound but it was fun to spy on someone.