"Yes," he had argued. "But what kind of a father? He's gone most of the time, leaving you to raise them on your own."

Because of Fred's constant persuasion, Fran had finally decided to ask Barry for a divorce when he got home. But when her husband had arrived and suggested that the family take a vacation in Hawaii for a month, she had decided to give their marriage one more chance before giving it up. They had only been here a few days, and even with their children along, it was like a second honeymoon for both Fran and Barry.

Leaving the balcony, Fran walked back into their apartment, where she stepped over to the bar to fix martinis. She knew that Barry would be out of the shower in a few moments and she wanted to have a drink ready for him. She wanted this vacation to be something really special for the two of them.

"What are we doing this evening?" Barry asked a little later as they sat sipping their cocktails.

"Barney and Rhoda Burke, the couple we met yesterday, have asked us to join them and a few of their friends for drinks by the pool," she answered.

"That sounds fine," said the man.

There were three couples sitting around a table when Fran and Barry went down to join the party. It was a very informal group, with the men wearing the traditional flowered shirts and the women in shorts or colorful, brief dresses.

Rhoda Burke, an exceptionally shapely and attractive redhead in her later twenties, introduced Fran and Barry to the other guests.

As time passed, and with the liquor flowing freely, the party became progressively noisier. Conversation had to almost be shouted, to be heard over the laughter and the small combo that was playing for the people who were dancing beside the pool. After several drinks, Barry was drawn more and more to Rhoda. Burke. He couldn't understand why the vibrant young redhead was married to Barney Burke, a balding man in his mid-fifties, Barry couldn't keep his gaze away from Rhoda's shapely bare legs that were so provocatively, exposed beneath her short, flowered dress.