She was imagining how her second letter to Aberdeen would open when she thought she heard something drop just outside the bathroom door.

Dear Aberdeen,

Don't tell anybody, but he's asked me to come visit him in Hollywood!

He hadn't of course asked her any such thing. But imagine if he did! Imagine if Aberdeen blabbed that throughout the insurance company! Imagine if she got to tell that story at her ten-year high school reunion, which, after all, was coming up in ten months.

Her only concession to modesty was a white terry-cloth robe that smelled cleanly of fabric softener and matched in color and texture the towel on her head. She knew she wouldn't have them on long, anyway.

They'd be heading right for the bed. He'd been ready to go. All ready.

She opened the bathroom door.

The first thing that surprised her was the darkness. He'd apparently turned off the light.

The second thing that surprised her was the quietness-just the soughing and roll of the ocean and the distant sound of a disco band.

The third thing that surprised her was that he said nothing. She shuddered, recalling how, at an insurance convention in Las Vegas she spent the night with this guy who'd taken great delight in jumping out of the shadows and scaring her. Maybe Ken Norris was like that!

The fourth thing that surprised her was when she tripped. It was one of those things you see the Three Stooges do-your arms flailing, your mouth dropping open, your head kicking back-and then you land right on your tush.

Her head landed right next to his head.

She said, "God, you really scared me. You get sleepy or something?"

Nothing.

"I hope you didn't see me trip. I must've really looked stupid."