(Author's Note: As of this branch, I retroactively renamed my version of DMU, to distinguish it from Prime, as DMU-122.)
Laura looked at Lucy. "Is there somewhere we can talk?"
"Sure..." Lucy said. The two went out onto the deck, leaving Jon, Sarah, and Karyn inside.
"You have a lovely patio" Laura observed, as they sat on deck chairs nearby.
"Yes, your husband built it," Lucy reminded her. "That's why I was so upset when I figured it out. Robert ruined our friendship, which predated our marriages, because he thought Simon overcharged him. And I remember he pressured Simon into doing the job...he didn't want to work for a friend of his wife...didn't want to mix business and pleasure. Between that and what else he's been up to...we haven't exactly been talking."
"What else was he up to?"
"Risky business investments, poor management, and pressuring female employees to sleep with him," Lucy said, rather bluntly. She sighed. "Not sure I can get over all of that. I stopped working when he started making good money and Sarah was on the way...after I financed his business with our work. I shouldn't have. If I'd stayed involved with the business, we would be in a much better position."
"I can't say I made out as well, but we're doing all right. I just hope the kids don't find out where some of their college fund came from."
"And how are you dealing with the whole...switcheroo?"
Lucy laughed. "Is that what we're supposed to call it?"
"The Doctor who examined me called it Spontaneous Reproductive System Displacement. That doesn't quite roll off the tongue," Laura said, laughing a bit herself. "This whole situation is so completely ridiculous. I mean..." She lowered her voice. "what do you think of peeing standing up?"
"Why are you whispering?" Lucy asked.
Laura blinked. "I'm not sure," she said. "I guess it just seems...private."
"It's so....speedy. I mean...I feel like I'm in and out of the bathroom so quickly..."
"I just imagine how Jon must be feeling," Laura said. "I mean, your Sarah didn't change that much...but...it's probably a shock for him. But he's been so...good during all of this. I mean...for the sake of the family."
"That's what I've been telling Sarah...we're not going to let this destroy us," Lucy insisted. "In some ways...it's been a good thing."
"How?"
"I feel....empowered for the first time in a long time."
"Because you have a dick?" Laura asked.
'No...it just got me out of a rut. Not the way I would have chosen to get out of one, but..."
"Well, I didn't feel like I was in a rut, but...I do feel like going through this with my family has brought us closer together. Jon isn't the only one who has been wonderful through this. So has Zoe. It is a bit hard on Mikey though...he has been sulking a lot since it happened. He didn't want to come along today...I guess he's still uncomfortable with this all. Simon and Zoe took him to the mall...so at least he's getting out of the house."
"I wonder how the womenfolk are doing inside," Lucy suddenly remarked.
Laura laughed. "Does that make us the menfolk now?"
"Only partially," Lucy said, grinning jokingly.
"So, you're afraid we're going to start watching sports and talking about how great an ass our spouses have?" Laura commented.
"Well...I actually like watching some sports," Lucy said. "As for the asses...I did notice Jon is growing quite a nice one."
"Lucy!" Laura said.
"I thought you'd take it as a compliment, considering where it came from. I mean...both of us are getting a bit stocky. Probably the hormones or something. I was able to use much heavier weights in my workout this morning."
Laura shook her head. "Can you believe I actually missed this?"
"Missed what?"
"Us hanging out. Letting it all out. Like we used to before..."
"Me too. So, let's fix it. First though, do you want anything to drink? There's a mini-fridge under the bar over there. I made sure it was stocked before you came."
"Sure..."
