She looked across at Julie Spencer and had to admit that she was a very beautiful woman… she certainly fits the house, thought Janet jealously.

"Can I give you a refill, Janet. You know those men? Once they get talking about real estate they're locked in for hours. We probably won't see them until dinner."

"Yes, I'll take another drink," Janet said boldly, wondering if in fact she should, two was usually her limit and this was her third and they were rather strong into the bargain… still, she felt bold.

She felt a little uncomfortable too, perhaps another drink might help. Suddenly the little dress she had bought for the weekend looked so cheap and shabby next to Julie's.

"Your husband's a very attractive man, Janet, you should be proud of him."

"I am, only… only…" Janet murmured.

"Only what? He doesn't make enough money, is that it?"

"Something like that," confessed Janet.

"Well let me give you a little advice, if you don't mind. Some women wouldn't mind that at all… as long as they have a handsome man under their clutches. So, don't be too mean to him, that's all."

"You think I'm mean to Bob?"

"I didn't say that, I just said, don't be, that's all."

Janet was a little confused and there was something about Julie's tone of voice and the way her gown would fall to one side and expose her entire naked breast that suddenly made Janet feel insecure and yet Julie couldn't have designs on her husband… it just wasn't possible, or was it?

***

"So, what kind of fun have you two been getting into recently?" Gary Spencer beamed across the dinnertable.

Janet was a little put out, what did he mean… he seemed to be implying something other than an occasional movie.

"Oh not much," she heard her husband answering his friend. "We've been cutting down on expenses recently you know."