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transformed. A dozen small tables with sparkling white tablecloths had been arranged around the patio. There was a small wooden floor for dancing beside a raised platform for the string quartet, which would be replaced late in the afternoon by a three-piece band for dancing. Originally Vin had wanted to have someone barbecuing steaks to order, but the caterer had flatly refused to have that "smoky mess" all over his yard.
His yard
. Pam could only smile. Thank God it was only one afternoon.
    When the guests began arriving and the valet parking staff began to shuttle cars to the parking area at the elementary school several blocks away, Pam accepted that it had all been worth it. "This house is amazing."
    "I can't get over how lovely the grounds are."
    "It must have cost the earth."
    "I hadn't realized how well Vin was doing."
    "And look at that pool. I gather it's heated, too."
    "And it's got a spa, too, with a sauna."
    She had bought a new outfit for the occasion, a gauzy silk blouse patterned with swirls of deep blue and turquoise, over full, matching deep blue silk pants. She wore large silver and turquoise earrings and a thick matching bracelet and necklace. She'd had her soft brown hair cut and blow-dried in the city in a sophisticated jaw-length style that curved beneath her chin and accented her oval face. At Vin's insistence she'd even had her makeup done that morning, and she had to admit that the soft mauve shadow and liner made her brown eyes look deeper and slightly exotic.
    For hours she worked the room as Vin had suggested. She moved from one group to another, making sure that everyone was entertained. Several times she carried a tray of champagne flutes to be sure that all the guests were feeling relaxed. She fielded compliments on the house and the party with an innate charm that she hadn't realized she had.
    The small combo began playing at five-thirty, and several couples made use of the dance floor. At six the guests adjourned to an elaborate buffet and took plates to the tables. By ten that evening the moon had risen and finally everyone had departed.
    "That was quite a party," she said to Vin as they dropped onto lounge chairs beside the pool. "I think everything went really well."
    "It certainly did, and a few very big people said they'd call me next week. It certainly showed how far I've come."
    "Everyone seemed to have a great time." After several minutes Pam huffed out a breath and swung her legs off the chair. "Let me change into jeans," she said to Vin as she looked around at the masses of glasses and plates cluttering every horizontal surface, "and I'll get started cleaning this joint up."
    He grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her onto the chair beside him. "Forget everything. I arranged with the same folks who cleaned up yesterday. They'll be here first thing tomorrow morning and they'll take care of everything." He kissed her lightly on the top of her head. "You were a wonder, darling," he said, holding her close. "Even Eugene Banner Senior commented on how charming you are and what an asset you are to me. He really meant it. You were fabulous."
    She had no idea who Eugene Banner Senior was, but Vin's tone showed that he was impressed, so she was, too. "I didn't do much," Pam said, glowing under his praise. "The people you hired did most of the work."
    "You held it all together. Next time you'll be able to direct and organize everything."
    "Next time?"
    "Several of my clients wondered whether they could use the house for their office summer and Christmas parties and I said we'd think about it. Can't you picture a Christmas party: big tree in the corner, fire in the fireplace, eggnog, the works. I didn't promise anything, and I wouldn't without checking with you, love, but it would mean a lot to me. I'm incredibly complimented that anyone would even suggest it."
    "I guess," she said. It would be a lot of work, but if it would advance Vin's career…
    "Listen, you take to this like the proverbial