"I have no idea."

"Oh." Rachel sounded disappointed. "He said he'd known her for a long time. I

thought you'd probably know her."

Jodie chuckled. "He knows so many people that I wouldn't be able to guess. Afterall, he's lived in Chicago for years."

"Oh, he'll probably tell me," Rachel finally said with a laugh. "Once he's overhis anger. We were supposed to visit some friends in northern Wisconsin this weekend, but I guess he's planning to see her instead."

"I'm sorry, Rachel. I know this must be painful for you."

Rachel sighed. "It's my fault. I must have been going through PMS or something and

took it out on him.""I hope the two of you can work it out," Jodie said. She was sincere. It would be easier for her to have him completely unavailable.

"Thanks for listening, Jodie. I appreciate it."

Jodie hung up, dropped her purse in the drawer and peeked around the corner intoDean's office. It was empty. Thank goodness. She doubted that he'd appreciate herdiscussing him with Rachel, although in the past she and Rachel had talked to eachother regularly.

The next time the phone rang, it was Dean.

"Hi, sorry I didn't let you know I wouldn't be in this morning. Something came upthat I needed to take care of."

"No problem. Believe it or not, your phone has been quiet. Maybe everybody thinks

you're still on vacation."

"Good. I should be in around two o'clock."

"Okay."

As soon as she hung up the phone, the intercom buzzed. It was Betty.

"Your secret admirer has left something for you at my desk."

"I'm sure I don't have a secret admirer."

"Well, someone just sent you a beautiful bouquet of tropical flowers. They look

and smell heavenly. He must be in looove." She drawled the last word.

What was Lynette up to now?

When Jodie walked into the reception area, she found a truly awesome vase filled

with lush flowers. "Was there a card?" she asked.

"Don't know," Betty replied.

Jodie looked through the long stems and saw a small white card. She opened the

envelope and stared at the message.

Thought you'd enjoy the scent of the islands in your office. D

"Well?" Betty asked brightly.

"Oh! A friend from school."

"No kidding. Have you been seeing him long?"

She looked at the flowers before answering Betty. "I've known him for years."

Jodie carried the large vase back to her office and placed it on top of the filing

cabinet. The flowers smelled enchanting, and she wished she knew what Dean Loganwas up to.

Nine.

When Jodie arrived at Lynette's on Friday, she realized they had company. Shestopped in the hallway to hang up her coat. As soon as she walked into the livingroom, Chuck said, "Look who's in town," motioning to Carl Grantham, who was sittingacross from him.

"Carl! What a surprise. What brings you to Chicago at this time of year?"

Carl got up and hugged her. He'd been Chuck's best man at their wedding, and asthe maid of honor, Jodie had spent time with him. He was a great guy. He was alsogay, which she considered to be a loss to the female population.

"The company sent me. I tried to convince them that Florida would have been

better, but they wouldn't listen to me."

Carl could have been a model had he wanted, but he preferred being an engineer.

"How long are you going to be here?" she asked.

"Until Tuesday. Chuck and Lynette insisted I stay here with them. I told them I

could get a hotel since it was a business expense, but..." He shrugged his shoulders.

"I know. I've never been able to win an argument with Chuck either, and you'veknown him longer than I have!"

Chuck chimed in. "We've got a lot to catch up on. The guest bedroom is far enoughaway from the kids that he won't be disturbed by them."

Lynette came in from the kitchen. "Hi, sweetie," she said to Jodie, giving her a

hug. "You're just in time to help me get the food on the table."

"Where are the boys?"

"They're spending the night with Chuck's folks, and Emily is asleep. I won't

guarantee for how long, though, so let's eat."

Over dinner Carl told them what was going on in New York and discussed some of theplays he'd seen. His partner was an actor who was presently in one of the popularmusicals on Broadway.

"I would love to see him onstage sometime," Jodie said.

"His voice alone sends chills through me.""And when did you hear his voice?" Lynette asked with a smile."While you guys were on your honeymoon and I called Carl to tell him he'd left his jacket in my car. Carl wasn't there, so Chris and I had a nice long chat."