"We're lucky that Justin has always been such an independent little boy."

"Uh-huh," Bonnie said from her seat at the table. "So, LoriSue, any idea who's moving into the Connor place? We've been wondering when-"

"A man," LoriSue said, pushing away from the counter. She reached around Charlotte for a zucchini slice and nibbled, not saying more, obviously thrilled that the women now relied on her for information.

Charlotte stopped slicing, wiped her hands on her jeans, and looked at LoriSue. "Okay. I'll bite. A man alone? One guy in that big house?"

LoriSue sucked in her cheeks and pursed her lips, producing a look that announced she had hot news to share.

"Ladies, I spoke to the movers the other day. He's a mystery writer. Isn't that a trip? He came into toe office for his keys just a little while ago, and I've got to tell you he looks like a Chippendales dancer. Not an exaggeration. Absolute male-stripper material."

Bonnie snorted.

Charlotte's mouth fell open. "Are you serious?"

"Swear to God." LoriSue held up the zucchini slice, then took another nibble. "Drives a black Mustang. Divorced. No kids. Dark hair just past his ears. A little goatee. Earring. I'm telling you, he is one juicy piece of man."

Bonnie snorted again.

Charlotte went back to cutting vegetables.

"His name is Joseph Mills. I don't know if people call him Joe. He didn't say. He didn't say much of anything, really. Not the friendliest guy in the world, not that it matters." LoriSue giggled. "I'll tell you what-this has been so much fun! We should hang out together more often, just us girls."

Suddenly it all made perfect sense to Charlotte. LoriSue was in her kitchen because of its geographic proximity to the Chippendales' bachelor pad.

"Would you like to stay for dinner, LoriSue? We'll be eating about six, and then it's off to baseball and Boy Scouts."