Twice Nancy thought they were going to be joined by men and ruin their chance for woman-talk. Rita seemed to be inviting it the way she looked across the crowded room at the men with that almost brazen smile and the way she wore her dress cut low… cut almost indecently low… so that everyone could get a good look at her firmly swelling deep cleavage that quivered with her every movement.

But they weren't interrupted and they had a chance for long talk and catching up on one another. Rita had married Tom who was an up-and-coming young executive in public relations. Rita yakked a mile a minute, telling Nancy of all the young people they were meeting, of all the parties and celebrities she was meeting. "And what are you doing?"

Nancy felt almost embarrassed; her own life with Allan was so dull by comparison. She apologized and Rita waved a hand. "Listen, I'm fascinated. Tell me all about him, your Allan."

Nancy had! She told her friend almost everything, including the fact that Allan had to go out of town periodically, going to other branches. "He volunteers for a lot of it." She looked off, toying with her salad. "He wants so much to get ahead. I understand… still, I get lonely."

Rita was all enthusiasm, ordering another drink, another luncheon martini with a flourish. "Tell you what. Next time he goes out, you come with me. We'll make the rounds. You'll meet Tom. We'll have a blast. We'll do the town up and keep each other company. Tom will be all over the place, and won't have too much time for us. He'll be working actually. I swear to God, sometimes when I want to see my husband, I have to go to an opening or reception or some cocktail party. I swear, when I slow down, I'm going to pass out. What say, is it a deal?"

Nancy had smiled. A bit of partying and fun wouldn't be out of line. After all, it was boring being at home alone at night. How many nights could one girl spend cleaning and washing? How many nights watching idiots prance on Let's Make A Deal? How avidly could one read the Reader's Digest and TV Guide? A crooked incongruous grin split Nancy's classic good looks. Her mouth gave her away, for it was sensuously full and red. "Okay, if it all works out."