Laurie buzzed him in. Then she raced around the apartment snatching panties off the arm of the couch, a bra from a side table, and stockings from the floor. When she’d arrived home the night before, she’d been exhausted and had undressed en route to her bed, dropping clothing in her wake.

When there was a knock on her door, Laurie checked through the peephole by reflex. She found herself looking directly into one of Paul’s dark eyes. He’d put his face up to the tiny lens.

Laurie undid the extensive array of locks a former tenant had installed on her front door and pulled it open. “You clown,” she commented teasingly at Paul’s antics. He had a playful side that was unpredictable but which could embarrass her in public, like when he surprisingly joined her in the Lilliputian commode on the Concorde. Laurie had been mortified when she’d emerged, but later she’d laughed at herself and the stodgy businessmen who pretended not to have noticed.

“Surprise,” Paul said as he pulled a bouquet of fall flowers from behind his back.

“What’s the occasion?” Laurie asked.

“No occasion,” Paul said. “I just thought they looked attractive at one of those all-night Korean convenience stores.”

“Well, thank you,” Laurie said. She gave him a light kiss and took the flowers. While she went for a vase, Paul took off his coat. He was dressed for business in a suit similar to the one he had on the previous evening.

“Come on in here if you want any coffee,” Laurie called from the kitchen. Paul appeared a moment later. He was carrying Tom-2, who was purring loudly. “What’ll it be?” Laurie asked. “I’m having filtered coffee, but I could make you an espresso.” She finished with the flowers and put the vase on the table.

“Nothing for me,” Paul said energetically. “I’ve had enough coffee to last me the whole day, maybe the week. The phone woke me up early. If only Europe wasn’t six hours ahead of us, my life would be ten times easier.”

“Do you mind that I finish my breakfast?” Laurie said. “I don’t have a lot of time.”

“Of course not,” Paul said. He sat down across from her at the tiny table. He continued to stroke the cat, who was content in his lap.

“You’re certainly full of surprises,” Laurie said between mouthfuls. “I never expected to see you this morning.”

“I know,” Paul said with a sly smile. “But I had a specific surprise I wanted to share with you. I thought it would be better in person.”

“That sounds intriguing,” Laurie said. “What kind of a surprise?”

“First, let me tell you how much I enjoyed meeting your friends last night,” Paul said. “Certainly impressive guys.”

“I’m glad,” Laurie said. “Thank you. But what is this surprise you’re talking about?”