"Accountants?" I quizzed.

"Yes, I own several beauty salons and wig shops. The book-keeping is far too much for an amateur these days, so I have an accounting firm take care of my books. I was in their office when Neil came in one day. We were introduced and here I am.”

"And I'm very happy that you are,” I replied. “I see you're dry let me get you a refill.”

“Thank you,” Judy said, "I'd love another." I returned with two of Neil's fabulous martinis. While sipping our drinks, we became better acquainted, largely through discussions of the paintings Neil had hung around the apartment.

I dreaded the moment Judy would start asking questions about me. I wouldn't lie about my vocation, but several budding friendships had ended because of it. She never once, though, asked me any personal ques- tions.

The evening passed quickly, and when the guests started leaving, I asked Judy if she would join me for a late supper. She accepted, so we said good-bye to Neil after thanking him for the party and the intro- ductions to each other. As we went out the door, he winked at me. I smiled back with mental reservations about his "I-told-you-so" wink.

―

We didn't talk much as I drove downtown. Judy, when I asked if she liked Chinese food, said yes, so we had dinner in Chinatown. During dinner, our conversation was mostly in generalities. We danced a few times and I felt that I would like to spend the rest of my life dancing with her. She complimented me on my dancing several times. I smiled, and told her that it was her gracefulness that made my dancing so good.

It was quite late when I drove her home. Much to my surprise, she lived just two blocks from me. Before saying good-night and receiving a warm, friendly kiss, I had made a date for the following night — to start with dinner at my place.

I spent most of Monday straightening up the apartment and in the afternoon shopped for dinner. I became so engrossed in preparing dinner, that the door chimes actually startled me. I took Judy's coat and hung it in the hall closet. As we exchanged small talk I popped the cork on a bottle of Sparkling Burgundy — as I knew my martinis were no match

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