It was only after we bade our guests goodnight that I began to wonder how my evening with Ann would end. I was not kept in suspense long. In the taxi over to Ann's, Ann told me that I did not have to see her upstairs, that her doorman would see that she was safe inside. I protested that it was no problem, but Ann was insistent that, since it was late, I should get home as quickly as possible. We pulled up in front of Ann's apartment and the doorman opened the door for her. As she was getting out of the car, Ann turned back and asked "who were those girls you were talking to?" I felt a bit peeved by Ann's brusque goodnight and I did not answer.

Friday

The enigma of my now week old relationship with Ann was a bit frustrating and was a matter of preoccupation for me as I walked to work on Friday. Ann arrived at the lobby of our office building just as I was and we rode up the elevator together.

After the other passengers got off on a lower floor. Ann looked at me and said "I'm sorry Bob, I handled that badly."I didn't say anything.

We walked in silence to my office. As soon as we were in Ann repeated her apology. "Bob, I shouldn't have let such a lovely evening end like that, but I was a bit upset about what I heard."

"What are you talking about?"

"You know those girls I asked you about. After they were talking to you they passed by me and I heard the older one say that she was going away this weekend with you."

I was a little obtuse: "So?"

"You're right that shouldn't have mattered."

Ann's comment reminded me that I needed to make reservations for the country excursion I had promised Saundra. I spent the next half hour on the phone calling friends for recommendations and then making reservations at a bed and breakfast inn in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Just as things seemed all set, Ann came in to say that a Miss Davis was on the line. I thanked Ann, waited for her to leave and then picked up the phone.