Marcel shook his head. “There’s a bright side, though.”

“And what would that be?”

“We can rebuild immediately. All we have to do is to occupy the same footprint. The architects will like that, since they won’t be stuck with the previous floor plans.”

“Whose insurance is going to cover this?”

“The previous owner’s. We’re not due to close until the day after tomorrow. They should clear the lot, as well. If you’ll excuse me, I want to go and speak to the architects in New York. We have the construction company lined up, but I want to see if we can start them with the plans we have.” Marcel shook hands and got into his car, and Stone and Hedy started back to the Hassler.

“Why only one fire truck?” she asked.

“I don’t know—that would have been a three-alarm fire in New York.”

—

When they were back in the suite, Hedy turned her back. “Will you unzip me, please?”

“It’s one of the things I do best,” Stone replied, unzipping the dress and kissing her on the shoulder.

“Do I have to sleep in the guest room tonight?”

“You will be most welcome in the master suite.”

“I’ll be with you shortly.”

Stone filled out the breakfast card, hung it on the doorknob, and was already in bed when Hedy slipped in beside him and cuddled close. She was tall and slim, and they fit well together.

“Sorry about your virtue,” Stone said, turning toward her.

“That’s all right, I can always get it back later,” she said.

—

The following morning they were awakened by the doorbell. Stone got into a robe and let room service wheel the tray into the bedroom. He signed the check and sent the waiter on his way. “May I serve you?” he asked Hedy.

“What a good idea,” she said, rearranging the pillows. “What are we having?”

“Eggs Benedict.”

“Good choice.”

“When is your apartment available?”

“I spoke to the agent. I can get in tomorrow.”

“Do you have to?”

“Not necessarily. What did you have in mind?”

“The weather forecast is good. Why don’t we rent a car and drive down to Positano, on the Amalfi Coast, for a couple of days? Have you ever been there?”

“No, what’s it like?”

“It’s better if you experience it, instead of my attempting to describe it. Do you have enough clothes?”

“What will I need?”

“Only a bikini.”

She laughed. “I don’t think I can dine in a bikini, but I should be able to get by on what I have in my carry-on. What about you?”

“My luggage should be delivered this morning. We can head south after lunch.”

“Sounds good.”

They made love again after breakfast, then Stone’s luggage arrived, and he unpacked, then packed again for Positano.

The phone rang. “Hello?”

“It’s Marcel. Good morning.”