She nodded, watching him with that amused expression, as if to say, I know this is only part of the story but it’s still interesting. He liked that. No wonder she had risen so high. Alpha females pursued different strategies man alpha males to achieve their goals; their alpha-ness derived from different social qualities.

“What about your living situation?” she asked. “Were you able to stay in the place you had?”

Startled, Frank said, “No. I was renting from a State Department guy who came back.”

“So you managed to find another place?”

“Yes… For the moment I’m in a temporary place, and I’ve got some leads for a permanent one.”

“That’s good. It must be tough right now, with the flood.”

“That’s for sure. It’s gotten very expensive.”

“I bet. Let me know if we can help with that.”

“Thanks, I will.”

He wondered what she meant, but did not want to ask. “One thing I’m looking into is joining an exercise club around here, and Anna mentioned that you went to one?”

“Yes, I go to the Optimodal.”

“Do you like it?”

“Sure, it’s okay. It’s not too expensive, and it has all the usual stuff. And it’s not just kids showing off. Most days I just get on a treadmill and go.” She laughed. “Like a rat on a wheel.”

Just like at work, Frank didn’t say.

“Actually I’ve been trying more of the machines,” she added. “It’s fun.”

Frank got the address from her, and they went back to the serving area for pie and ice cream (her portion small), and talked a bit more about work. She never made even the slightest hint of reference to his letter of resignation. That was strange enough to disturb his sense of being in a normal professional relationship. It was as if she were in some way holding it over him.