At one point, when Michael comes into my office, he catches me laughing at the computer. He darts around my desk, and takes instant note of my in-box filled with Richard Margo's name. There are at least ten in a row.

"Busted," he says.

"Whatever," I say, but my goofy grin suggests that I am, indeed, busted.

"What the f.u.c.k's going on here?"

I minimize my in-box and work hard at ridding my face of the guilty smile I can still feel straining at the corners of my mouth.

"Are you schtupping my boss?"

"No," I say with pretend indignation.

Ding ! My e-mail notifler rings loudly.

"Is it from him?" Michael demands.

I can't resist checking. It is. Which Michael sees over my shoulder.

"Holy s.h.i.t. You're so schtupping my boss!"

"There's no schtupping going on," I say.

Yet.

"Now. Can I have some privacy, please?" I say.

When Michael leaves, shaking his head, I read the latest from Richard.

I type back, "Yes." Then backs.p.a.ce and type, "Would love to" before clicking send.

I reread the entire exchange, beginning with another one of his weak attempts at a legitimate business purpose.

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27,9:30 a.m.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: Timothy Lynde

Timothy Lynde just rang. He's interested in paying to take himself on the road for a book tour I think it's worth it. Any ideas on what markets might work best for him? Let me know what you think By the way, did I tell you I had a nice time at lunch the other day? Thanks for joining me.

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27,9:33 a.m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: Re:Timothy Lynde

I'll think about cities and touch base with Tim. He's a Mormon so Salt Lake's probably a safe bet As for lunch, yes, you mentioned that I had a lovely time, too.

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27, 9:38 a.m.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: Mormons

A Mormon, huh? I went out with a Mormon once It didn't go so well.

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27,9:44 a.m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: Re: Mormons

Did she try to convert you?

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27,9:50 a.m.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: Re: Mormons

No, I slept with her and she was excommunicated It wasn't good.

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27,9:55 a.m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: Re: Mormons

Shame on you. When did this happen?

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27, 9:58 A.M.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: I'm old

High school.The 70s. What are you, Cla.s.s of 2000?

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27, 10:00 a.m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: And you're funny, too

Ha ha.

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27, 10:03 A.M.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: You

I bet you were cute in high school.

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27, 10:08 a m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: Nope

I so wasn't. I was spectacularly lame.

From: Richard Margo Sent: July 27, 10:08 a.m.

To: Claudia Parr Subject: Re Nope

I bet I was lamer

From: Claudia Parr Sent: July 27, 10:10 a.m.

To: Richard Margo Subject: Re Nope