I used the spare key she had given me and went inside to wait for her. There was a note on the table that said she was at the studio but would be back around six. There was cold beer in the fridge and some chicken salad. I was to make myself at home. There was lots to tell me. Three exclamation points followed by the standard hieroglyphics indicating kisses and hugs. She was obviously in a very good mood. Well, she deserved it. Myrtle’s note sounded so happy that I have to admit to feeling a little guilty about my morning with Rita. I resolved that Rita would be a one-morning stand and would remain only a fond memory, although I didn’t throw away the scrap of paper she’d given me with her phone number and the inevitable words “call me.” Well, I’d have to stay in touch with her just to see how her screen test turned out. Besides, Myrtle and I had been straightforward with each other and had not made any binding agreements. Even so, I felt a little funny about the morning. Right at six, a car pulled up in front of the beach house.
