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rushed up to her and threw their arms around her. They were obviously thrilled to see her and wanted to know everything she'd been doing. She managed to tell them about Matt, and that this was the first time she'd been out since he died. And from a little distance, Jan watched her proudly, as she walked over to say hello to her sister-in-law, Julie.
    And from across the room, where he was talking to an old friend, Jack suddenly looked at them in amazement. I don't believe it, ' he muttered under his breath and excused himself to greet Jan. Would it be rude to say I'm stunned? he whispered to her, glancing at Amanda, and Jan laughed as she whispered back to him.
    Not as stunned as I am. I've been trying to get her out of the house all year. This is the first time she's been out since Dad died, and probably the first time she's been to a party like this since she retired from the movies.
    I'm honored, he said, and sounded as though he meant it, and he waited patiently nearby for Amanda to finish her conversations, and then he walked up to her and thanked her for coming. Julie's will never be the same again after this, he smiled at her. You've finally given us the distinction I've always thought we deserved, but couldn't pull off without you. He was teasing her, but only a little.
    I doubt that, Jack. It's good to see you. It's a beautiful party. I've already run into lots of old friends here.
    I'm sure they're happy to see you. You'll have to come back more often. We'll throw a party for you anytime you want to come shopping. He seemed in good spirits, and Amanda accepted a glass of Champagne from a passing waiter. And as she did, Jack noticed that her hand shook just a little. But there was no other indication whatsoever that she was nervous. She was a thoroughbred to her core, and unlike some of her old co-stars, she looked both beautiful and distinguished. You look incredible, Amanda, he said, hoping he didn't sound too pushy, but it was hard not to notice her looks anywhere, even in a crowd like this one. And amidst the sequin dresses and holiday satins, her well-cut navy wool dress and sapphire earrings made her look even more spectacular than they did. Have you been well? he asked politely.
    She hesitated for only a moment. More or less, she said honestly, with a sad smile. It's been a pretty rough year. Looking back, I guess I'm just lucky I survived it. And she meant it.
    I went through that once, he said thoughtfully, thinking suddenly of Dori. It was the second time that Amanda had made him think of her, more due to the circumstances than to any physical resemblance, or maybe it was just a feeling.
    I thought you were divorced, Amanda said, looking confused as people all around the room recognized her and pointed discreetly ' look ' over there ' it's Amanda Robbins ' is she in a movie? ' haven't seen her in years ' she looks fabulous ' do you think she's had a face-lift? ' still great-looking ' The room was buzzing, although she seemed oblivious to it. She had enormous presence and poise.
    I was divorced, Jack said quietly, explaining his comment to her. In his dark suit, standing next to her, he looked almost like her escort. But a close friend of mine died thirteen years ago. It wasn't quite the same as what you went through, but it was pretty rugged. She was a very special person.
    I'm sorry, Amanda said gently, with eyes that touched his like matchsticks igniting something that almost frightened him when he felt it. Behind the cool facade, she was a powerful and very magnetic woman. And oddly, after her agonizing year, she looked much more alive to him than when she had been with Matthew. But before he could say anything more to her, he got called away to solve some minor problem with the guest list. Two major stars had just turned up at the door, and had not been invited. He told the security guards at the door to let them in, and then got pulled away for something else by Gladdie. And by then, Jan had come to