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.