They get down to business

Hank and Veevee entered the lobby of a beautifully updated old building. Veevee used the elevator door as a mirror for a last-minute fix-up to her hair. She punched an access code into the elevator, and they took the lift up to the top floor and a bright, airy office space full of windows.

Veevee greeted the woman at the front desk who had taken her old job. "Hi Candy," she said.

"Hi Ms. Menard, what a nice surprise," the receptionist said. "You're supposed to be on a cruise, what happened?"

Candace Martinet could have passed for Veevee's younger sister or daughter, maybe -- the same blonde hair, peachy complexion and curves -- but the crowned heart ring on her wedding finger had been exchanged with another woman she was in deep, faithful love with.

Jordan called from the office in the back corner. "Ms. Martinet, is Virginia here? Send her back. And Hank too. Then take lunch."

Veevee laughed. "Always proper, our boss," she said. "Won't even use my nickname." Veevee cleared her throat. "Ship had a little accident. Everyone off safe. Tell you more if we get a chance later."

Candace's eyes went from Veevee to Hank. "Um, have fun?" she said. Candace was well aware of the purpose of Veevee's weekly visits to Jordan. But Hank?

Veevee grinned. "That's right, it's noon on Funday," she told Candace. "Fun for everyone."

"I'm going to lunch now," Candace said. "Take care, in case I don't see you."

"You too," Veevee said.

Veevee led Hank back to Jordan's corner office. Jordan welcomed them in. He looked every inch the successful businessman, with a light summer suit, fancy shoes and a gold watch on his wrist.

"Virginia," Jordan said to Veevee. "And Hank, good to see you again. You remember my wife Rashida?"

She was just as Hank remembered, but dressed for a warm day rather than a cool evening. Rashida had the same big round glasses, but her long-limbed figure was outlined by a linen sundress and highlighted with gold hoop bracelets and white sandals.

Hank took Rashida's hand and bowed over it. "Very well, and pleased to meet you again. How's your book going?"

Rashida smiled, her eyes crinkling behind her round lenses. "You know Fifty Shades?" she said. "I'm at about Shade Thirty-Seven."

After a quick re-acquaintance and check-in about sexual boundaries and practical issues, Jordan claimed Veevee and his office as his partner and venue for their usual weekly nooner.

Candace was gone from her desk, and the small office looked deserted.

"So where should we go?" Hank asked Rashida. "Did you just want to grab lunch and talk?"