Mary watched as the heads of the women in the ad and classified sections lifted from their monitors and watched as he strolled across the room to the reception desk. The receptionist, who earlier that week had been disinterested and sullen, was friendly and, Mary hated to say it, perky, when she saw Ian approach. And Mary heard at least a dozen muffled sighs when he spoke.“Good morning, darling, we’re here to see Jerry Wiley,” he said with a smile. “Is he available?”She sighed. “Are you available?” she wondered aloud, and then realizing what she said, her face turned a dark shade of red.Ian leaned forward, over the tall reception desk, and took her hand. “Ah, darling, I know you’d just break my heart,” he said softly. Smiling up at him, she stood and just stared at him for a few more moments. Then she shook her head, as if waking from a trance, and took a deep shuddering breath. “I’ll just go get him,” she said eagerly. “I won’t be a minute.”Smiling at her, he nodded.
