Laurie vigorously toweled her hair, then combed it out before using the electric hair dryer. As far as she was concerned, it was far better to concentrate on the positive, and that meant thinking about Paul Sutherland. Such thoughts brought an even bigger smile to her face.

Over the last few years Laurie had developed progressively greater insights into her personality. She realized that she’d made careful, rational decisions all her life, a trait that had obviously stood her in good stead career-wise but that at times might have been limiting. She’d taken few chances except for a minor teenage rebellion or two. Now with Paul there was an opportunity. It was like being offered the brass ring on the whirling carousel of life. All she had to do was reach out and seize it.

With her hair done to her satisfaction, Laurie turned to her makeup routine. She didn’t wear a lot of makeup, so it didn’t take long. While she was applying it, she mused about her whirlwind romance with Paul. Thanks to his generosity and spontaneity, they’d not only been to Paris, they’d spent weekends in Los Angeles and Caracas as well. In New York they’d eaten out almost every night at some of the best restaurants in the city. They’d been to the theater, dance recitals, and the symphony.

After dressing, Laurie went back into her kitchen for her breakfast of cereal, fruit, yogurt, and coffee. While she ate, she admitted to herself that she was a bit overwhelmed by the speed of the courtship. She was still somewhat stunned by Paul’s proposal. He’d taken her totally by surprise. She was also immensely pleased and flattered to be with a man who seemed to appreciate her and was desperate not to let her get away.

The main reason she’d not officially accepted was her desire to have a last word with Jack and with Lou, but particularly with Jack. She knew they’d squirm, but they deserved to. And she felt she owed it to them and to herself to present her situation openly and honestly. They could act if they so chose, or forever hold their peace. And if they decided to hold their peace, Laurie intended to grab the brass ring and make her future with Paul, even if she and Paul didn’t share that immediate animal attraction she’d had so abundantly with Jack.

Laurie’s door buzzer pulled her from her thoughts. She glanced at the clock. She couldn’t imagine who could be there at seven-thirty in the morning. Laurie moved over to the ancient intercom device and put the earphone to her ear. She pushed the speak button and said hello. Despite the static she recognized the voice that came back. It was Paul.