The suit gave Ann a more formal look. And I realized the possibilities inherent in the jacket which could be buttoned or not as Ann chose.

"I really liked the first dress, Ann."

"Somehow I thought you'd say that" Ann answered. "What time is it?"

"7:15-we really should be leaving soon."

Ann hung up her suit, put the trousers away, and quickly donned her bra and the violet dress. As stunning as she was, I knew I made the right choice. "Ready?" "Let's go."

Ann locked up and we stepped into the elevator. "Well what am I?" she asked.

"What?"

"Am I your lover, just a date, a friend? – who did you say I was to your partner?"

I admired Ann's anticipation of that issue. What had I said? "I said I'd bring a date. Look, Richard may well run into you in the office. Why don't we stick to the truth. You're my office manager and I asked you out."

"Goodnight Miss Bennett" Ann's doorman said as we walked by. We got into a cab and headed over to Lincoln Center.

There was the usual cross-town jam getting through Central Park and the mile or so ride took about twenty minutes. As we walked across the plaza at Lincoln Center I easily spotted Richard from a distance standing near the entrance doors to the opera house. We exchanged quick introductions and hurried to our seats in the Orchestra. Richard told us that these were the seats that went with his subscription and we settled into them moments before the chandeliers were retracted towards the ceiling and the house lights dimmed. Ann was seated to my left, Richard's wife Ellen to my right and Richard next to Ellen.

Ellen was quite striking in appearance. She had a very deep tan which set off and emphasized brilliant white teeth which showed as she gave us an easy smile. Ellen's hair was thick, black, shiny and long. She was wearing a black dress with a bolero style jacket edged with a red trim. We had time only for a few pleasantries before the conductor raised his baton and the performance began.