{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang2057\deflangfe2057{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Arial;}
{\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f3\froman\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05050102010706020507}Symbol;}{\f10\fnil\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05000000000000000000}Wingdings;}
{\f36\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Verdana;}{\f38\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02040502050405020303}Georgia;}{\f39\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f40\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}
{\f42\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f43\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f44\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f45\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}
{\f46\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f47\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f49\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Arial CE;}{\f50\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Arial Cyr;}{\f52\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Arial Greek;}
{\f53\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Arial Tur;}{\f54\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Arial (Hebrew);}{\f55\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Arial (Arabic);}{\f56\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Arial Baltic;}{\f57\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Arial (Vietnamese);}
{\f59\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f60\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;}{\f62\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}{\f63\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}{\f64\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}
{\f65\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);}{\f66\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}{\f67\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New (Vietnamese);}{\f399\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Verdana CE;}{\f400\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Verdana Cyr;}
{\f402\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Verdana Greek;}{\f403\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Verdana Tur;}{\f406\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Verdana Baltic;}{\f407\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Verdana (Vietnamese);}{\f419\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Georgia CE;}
{\f420\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Georgia Cyr;}{\f422\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Georgia Greek;}{\f423\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Georgia Tur;}{\f426\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Georgia Baltic;}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 
\snext0 \sautoupd \styrsid5327960 Normal;}{\s1\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs32\cf9\lang1033\langfe1033\kerning32\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd 
heading 1;}{\s2\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs28\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd heading 2;}{
\s3\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd heading 3;}{
\s4\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs22\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd heading 4;}{
\s5\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\f1\fs22\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \sautoupd heading 5;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden 
Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{
\s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \sautoupd Normal (Web);}{\*\cs16 \additive \i \sbasedon10 
Emphasis;}{\s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon15 \snext17 \sautoupd Centered;}}
{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid29539150\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}
\fi-360\li1800\jclisttab\tx1800\lin1800 }{\listname ;}\listid-132}{\list\listtemplateid-1317086730\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}
\fi-360\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid-131}{\list\listtemplateid1155044462\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}
\fi-360\li1080\jclisttab\tx1080\lin1080 }{\listname ;}\listid-130}{\list\listtemplateid1773824844\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}
\fi-360\li720\jclisttab\tx720\lin720 }{\listname ;}\listid-129}{\list\listtemplateid-1114886164\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}
\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li1800\jclisttab\tx1800\lin1800 }{\listname ;}\listid-128}{\list\listtemplateid-94998330\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext
\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid-127}{\list\listtemplateid219575700\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0
{\leveltext\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li1080\jclisttab\tx1080\lin1080 }{\listname ;}\listid-126}{\list\listtemplateid-1372437844\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0
\levelindent0{\leveltext\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li720\jclisttab\tx720\lin720 }{\listname ;}\listid-125}{\list\listtemplateid691962692\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1
\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li360\jclisttab\tx360\lin360 }{\listname ;}\listid-120}{\list\listtemplateid125986958\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1
\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li360\jclisttab\tx360\lin360 }{\listname ;}\listid-119}{\list\listtemplateid-1116671112\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0
\levelstartat0\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid1109028194\'01-;}{\levelnumbers;}\loch\af36\hich\af36\dbch\af0\fbias0 \fi-360\li720\jclisttab\tx720\lin720 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1
\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}\f2\fbias0 \fi-360\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0 \fi-360\li2160\jclisttab\tx2160\lin2160 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698689
\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li2880\jclisttab\tx2880\lin2880 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}
\f2\fbias0 \fi-360\li3600\jclisttab\tx3600\lin3600 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0 \fi-360\li4320
\jclisttab\tx4320\lin4320 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698689\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-360\li5040\jclisttab\tx5040\lin5040 }
{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}\f2\fbias0 \fi-360\li5760\jclisttab\tx5760\lin5760 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23
\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0 \fi-360\li6480\jclisttab\tx6480\lin6480 }{\listname ;}\listid626861858}}{\*\listoverridetable
{\listoverride\listid-119\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid-125\listoverridecount0\ls2}{\listoverride\listid-126\listoverridecount0\ls3}{\listoverride\listid-127\listoverridecount0\ls4}{\listoverride\listid-128\listoverridecount0\ls5}
{\listoverride\listid-120\listoverridecount0\ls6}{\listoverride\listid-129\listoverridecount0\ls7}{\listoverride\listid-130\listoverridecount0\ls8}{\listoverride\listid-131\listoverridecount0\ls9}{\listoverride\listid-132\listoverridecount0\ls10}
{\listoverride\listid626861858\listoverridecount0\ls11}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid5327960\rsid8193564\rsid8747988\rsid11292439}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.6359;}{\info{\title Equal Shares - Chapter}{\author SteveH}{\operator SteveH}
{\creatim\yr2006\mo8\dy18\hr20\min7}{\revtim\yr2006\mo8\dy18\hr20\min7}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages11}{\nofwords2592}{\nofchars14775}{\*\company -}{\nofcharsws17333}{\vern24703}}{\*\userprops {\propname Editor}\proptype30{\staticval Bob Hebert\'3b Just
 Jess}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow1\dgvshow1
\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nojkernpunct\rsidroot5327960 \fet0{\*\template 
C:\\Documents and Settings\\Steve Hamilton\\Application Data\\Microsoft\\Templates\\ES-DOT.dot}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2
\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \b\f1\fs32\cf9\lang1033\langfe1033\kerning32\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5327960 {\*\bkmkstart _Toc143679033}Chapter 3{\*\bkmkend _Toc143679033}
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 
\par It was a month later. Denise and Stan had been on six dates now and were firmly established as real friends and not just as work colleagues. Denise chuckled in her mind about being \lquote boyfriend\rquote  and \lquote girlfriend\rquote 
, but they both didn\rquote t really think of it that way.
\par 
\par At least, Stan didn\rquote t.
\par 
\par Denise found that she was thinking 
more and more about the way Stan held his chin in his hand sometimes, or his strange habit of whistling some unknown tune, often out of key, when he was thinking. Her own past relationships made her reluctant to consider anything closer, however.
\par 
\par On the plus side, Stan had ventured out of his depression and his colleagues were profoundly grateful. Elizabeth, in particular, was pleased to see her surrogate son looking and acting happier again.
\par 
\par It was an improvement professionally, as well. Last week, Bob had mentioned this to Stan, who sheepishly admitted that he\rquote d been in a funk for a long time. Still, he\rquote d told Bob, \'93I\rquote m taking life a day at a time. }{
\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 Today}{\insrsid5327960  I\rquote m fine. }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 Yesterday}{\insrsid5327960  I\rquote d been fine. }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 Tomorrow?}{\insrsid5327960  We\rquote ll see.\'94
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 
\par Another design review meeting, and once again it was Anne\rquote 
s project. Stan found himself paying far less attention than he should have to the details of the latest design proofs and changes. He was much more interested in the hazel eyes, blonde hair and elfin features of their presenter.
\par 
\par The subject of his attention was either unaware of it or, more likely, ignored it. Stan managed to stay professional enough to take the necessary notes and ask some pertinent questions, all of which were answered in a positive, knowledgeable and
 self-confident manner that told everyone there \endash  and especially Stan \endash  that of }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 course}{\insrsid5327960  everything was in hand and correct.
\par 
\par Anne\rquote s colleagues in the design team were definitely junior partners in this design, even though some of them had much more experience. Actually, Stan had heard one of them telling another that, \'93I hate being that woman\rquote s gofer, but }{
\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 God}{\insrsid5327960 , she\rquote s good!\'94
\par 
\par There was a discussion of timelines. The first \lquote silicon\rquote  was due back from the wafer fab six weeks after delivery of the design data. Then they had to allow another couple of weeks to have it packaged and returned as testable chips.
\par 
\par Anne loftily told the meeting that she\rquote d be ready for evaluation in eight weeks, the data was ready to send now. No one was going to say nay to her opinion an
d the meeting broke up after agreeing to send the new chip design for fabrication. Stan thought he saw a gleam in Anne\rquote s eye that hadn\rquote t been there earlier, but she caught him looking, and he broke eye contact immediately.
\par 
\par After his customary, \'93Thank you everyone,\'94 Stan left to get on with the rest of his day.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 
\par Elizabeth had been watching Stan for years and thought she knew something.
\par 
\par \'93Well, have you asked her yet?\'94 she teased across the desks. Stan looked at her, completely at a loss.
\par 
\par \'93You\rquote ve been thinking of someone and for a change it\rquote s not Caron, is it? I can tell.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Elizabeth, I don\rquote t know what you mean. Denise and I are friends, nothing more,\'94 answered Stan.
\par 
\par \'93I never said a name,\'94 Elizabeth answered, quietly. \'93But if it\rquote s not Denise, who is it that\rquote s got you all introspective and quiet.\'94 She paused a moment. \'93Stan, you\rquote re not relapsing, are you?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Actually, I wasn\rquote t thinking of Caron. I was thinking of Anne.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Hmm?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Anne Berkely, in the Design Group.\'94
\par 
\par \'93I know who she }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 is}{\insrsid5327960 , I didn\rquote t know you had any interest in her, that\rquote s all.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Well, I don\rquote t,\'94 Stan said, \'93but when you asked, I was going over the meeting this afternoon. She\rquote s the lead designer.\'94
\par 
\par \'93}{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 Right}{\insrsid5327960 , that\rquote s }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 all}{\insrsid5327960  you were thinking about her for, wasn\rquote t it?\'94 Elizabeth arched an eyebrow at him.
\par 
\par Fully on the defensive now, Stan said, \'93She\rquote s }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 very}{\insrsid5327960  attractive, you know. I am allowed }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 some}{\insrsid5327960  lapses into fantasy!\'94
\par 
\par The two friends shared a laugh. However, Elizabeth worried inside. Denise should have been on his mind, not Anne \endash  Denise would be upset if she knew. Well, Elizabeth wouldn\rquote t be the one to tell her, not yet anyway \endash 
 after all, Stan was right, a simple fantasy meant nothing.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 
\par The following Wednesday, it was Stan\rquote s turn to drive. That afternoon, Denise asked if they could go for a meal instead of just a drink, \'93\lquote cuz I didn\rquote t have time for lunch today.\'94 Stan agreed, because he couldn\rquote 
t think of an excuse }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 not}{\insrsid5327960  to.
\par 
\par \'93You make the reservations, Stan. I\rquote m like putty in your hands tonight!\'94 she joked.
\par 
\par Stan didn\rquote t think much of the joke, but he waited until Denise left before his face fell. He looked over at his assistant.
\par 
\par \'93Elizabeth, you talk to Denise, don\rquote t you?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Yes, Stan?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Does she think there\rquote s more to her and me than friendship?\'94
\par 
\par \'93What makes you ask that?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Elizabeth\'85\'94 there was a hint of a whine in Stan\rquote s voice.
\par 
\par \'93Denise has just asked if she and you can go for a meal tonight. There\rquote s no need to jump to conclusions,\'94 Elizabeth calmly replied
\par 
\par \'93Look, we \endash  I thought \endash  Denise is \endash  I dunno, we\rquote re good }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 friends}{\insrsid5327960 , but\'85\'94
\par 
\par Elizabeth looked at Stan calmly, but he could see the concern in her eyes.
\par 
\par \'93But friendship is all there is, for you. Is that it?\'94
\par 
\par Stan looked down, \'93Yes, she\rquote s great, but\'85\'94
\par 
\par \'93But she\rquote s not your }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 girl}{\insrsid5327960 friend,\'94 interrupted Elizabeth. \'93Well, like I said, you\rquote re jumping to conclusions. But if you\rquote re right, you know you\rquote 
re going to have to tread carefully, Stan. She\rquote s never told me about it, but I\rquote ve seen that she\rquote s been hurt before. If friends is all you can be with her, but she wants more \endash  \lquote Case Not Proven,\rquote 
 as they say in Scotland \endash  you\rquote ll need to be }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 very}{\insrsid5327960  gentle in telling her.\'94
\par 
\par Now, Stan looked up, \'93All I can do is play it by ear, I guess.\'94
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 
\par Stan had made reservations at a local curry house for nine o\rquote clock, allowing them 
time for a quick drink first. He picked her up at eight, as usual, and Denise was happy enough to chat away on their way and at the pub across the road from the restaurant.
\par 
\par Stan was paying }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 just}{\insrsid5327960  enough attention to Denise\rquote s chatter to get away with it, while thinking about the two of them. Looked at objectively, he supposed someone could have concluded they were dating 
\endash  after all, they }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 had}{\insrsid5327960  been out for drinks for the last six or seven weeks. Oh dear.
\par 
\par They crossed over the road and walked into the restaurant. They were quickly seated \endash  the place was nearly empty at this time in midweek \endash 
 and the waiter asked about drinks. Both asked for water, and after it was brought to the table they chose their meals.
\par 
\par Denise chose a mild Korma, while Stan opted for a stronger Dhansak. As they waited for their food, Denise began chatting again.
\par 
\par \'93Raoul never liked Indian food,\'94 she said.
\par 
\par \'93Mmmm?\'94
\par 
\par \'93My ex. He said that all that spice was simply there to cover the bad meat.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Have you ever eaten }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 real}{\insrsid5327960  Indian food?\'94 Stan asked.
\par 
\par \'93I don\rquote t think so,\'94 Denise replied.
\par 
\par \'93Ghita, you know, in Production?\'94 Denise nodded, and Stan continued, \'93She laid on a spread once, I can\rquote t remember what the occasion was. Several of us from work were invited. }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 Huge}{\insrsid5327960 
 amounts of food, looking and smell
ing thoroughly enjoyable. It was lovely, and you could tell that there was a lot of pride that went into it. I think that convinced me that, while there may have been a kernel of truth there once, the idea that Indian food is so spicy hot in order to hide
 the rancid meat is an old wive\rquote s tale, an urban myth.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Oh. Well, Raoul }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 was}{\insrsid5327960  a fucking ignorant bastard at times.\'94
\par 
\par Stan looked up at Denise in surprise. \'93That\rquote s the first time I\rquote ve }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 ever}{\insrsid5327960  heard you swear. Even when you have some idiot telling you that }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 \'93of course\'94}{\insrsid5327960 
 he\rquote s remembered to \lquote File, Save\rquote  before switching off, you }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 never}{\insrsid5327960  swear. So tell me about Raoul, and why he was such a,\'94 and he curled his mouth into a wide grin, \'93
fucking ignorant bastard.\'94
\par 
\par Denise looked at him, then finished her mouthful and patted her mouth with her napkin while she collected herself. After a mouthful of water she said,
\par 
\par \'93Raoul was witty, handsome and charming. He was excellent in bed. I thought he was all I could dream of. Trouble is, several other women were led to believe the same thing.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Oh.\'94 Stan said, flatly.
\par 
\par \'93Putting it simply, Raoul couldn\rquote t keep his dick in his pants if he saw a woman he was attracted to. He was attracted to a }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 lot}{\insrsid5327960  of women, too. In the end, I found out about six of them. 
\par 
\par \'93We were not engaged or anything, but Raoul }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 had}{\insrsid5327960  given me a bracelet \endash  and it gave me }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 great}{\insrsid5327960 
 satisfaction to walk in on a dinner he was having with one of his Other Ladies, take off the bracelet and lay it on the table next to her plate. I told her that it, and he, was hers now \endash  unless Sandra, or Reyna, or one of the others wanted him.

\par 
\par \'93I walked away, but I heard her slap his face before I got out of earshot. I was very, very satisfied to do that, but when I got home I cried and cried. I\rquote d loved him, we\rquote d been together for four years, and though we\rquote 
d never said anything I was sure he loved me back. Then he goes and breaks my heart.\'94
\par 
\par \'93I\rquote m very sorry,\'94 Stan said, quietly. \'93I shouldn\rquote t have pushed the issue.\'94
\par 
\par \'93No, no, that\rquote s fine, friends share. I\rquote m not going to let it spoil the night!\'94 she said, but Stan could see she was being brave. Denise\rquote 
s eyes moistened. Stan changed the subject to some gossip from work, and no more was said of Raoul.
\par 
\par That night, Caron\rquote s concerned dark eyes told him he\rquote d have to be careful. Elizabeth had been right \endash  Denise was vulnerable, if she thought there was more than friendship possible \endash  and there wasn\rquote t, not from his side 
\endash  she could get badly hurt.
\par 
\par Before he went to sleep, Stan thought about tomorrow\rquote s schedule. He had a few routine things to do, then in the afternoon there was a peer review meeting. Anne would probably be ripping some poor guy\rquote s brain, as well as several week\rquote 
s work, apart.
\par 
\par His last thought was that it was unusual for him to think about work }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 at all}{\insrsid5327960  while at home.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 
\par \'93I missed you last night!\'94 Elaine said as he walked through the door.
\par 
\par Stan laughed, \'93Yes, we went for Indian food instead.\'94
\par 
\par \'93As long as you two had fun, that\rquote s all that matters!\'94 Elaine told him.
\par 
\par Stan walked through to his desk. \'93How\rquote d it go?\'94 asked Elizabeth, grinning. Stan\rquote s demeanour told her most of what she wanted.
\par 
\par \'93Nice meal. She told me about Raoul.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Hmm?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Not here. Have a coffee with me in a few minutes, I\rquote ll tell you then.\'94 Elizabeth agreed, and they turned to professional matters.
\par 
\par An hour later, Stan still hadn\rquote t been able to get away, but finally it looked like he could take a break. He caught Elizabeth\rquote s eye and they walked together to get their coffees.
\par 
\par \'93Did you know that Denise had a long relationship go wrong?\'94 he started.
\par 
\par \'93Yes, I remember. I don\rquote t know any details.\'94 Actually, Elizabeth was wondering }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 which}{\insrsid5327960  relationship.
\par 
\par \'93Well, she thought that Raoul was The One, you know? Then she found out he was cheating on her, multiple times. She broke up with him immediately, but it broke her heart. I think she\rquote 
d been hearing wedding bells, but it turned out he was just using her.\'94
\par 
\par \'93God, poor Denise,\'94 Elizabeth was quiet for a moment. \'93You know this means you\rquote ll have to be }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 very}{\insrsid5327960  careful with her. Stan, you have to tell her if you don\rquote t want more tha
n friendship. Otherwise she\rquote ll think you\rquote re leading her on.\'94
\par 
\par \'93I\rquote m not!\'94 Stan said, with a little too much force.
\par 
\par \'93Shhh. I know, Stan. But you }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 know}{\insrsid5327960  that\rquote s how it might look?\'94
\par 
\par Stan sighed. \'93Yes, I know. It already looks like we\rquote re \lquote Dating\rquote , doesn\rquote t it?\'94
\par 
\par Elizabeth laid her hand on his, flat on the table.
\par 
\par As Elizabeth answered, \'93Yes, Stan. Stan, you have to tell her!\'94 She realized that Stan\rquote s eyes were tracking someone behind her and quickly glanced over. \'93You }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 do}{\insrsid5327960  like Anne, don\rquote t you?\'94
 she grinned.
\par 
\par \'93Of course I like her. Half the company likes her, probably more \endash  just about all the guys and half the women.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Stanley! I shall forget you said that,\'94 Elizabeth said, with mock outrage.
\par 
\par \'93Sorry Elizabeth.\'94 \lquote But you know it's true,\rquote  he thought, \lquote she's enough to make a gay man straight. She's way out of }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 my}{\insrsid5327960  reach.\rquote  Still, he couldn't keep a grin from his face.

\par 
\par At lunch, that day, Elizabeth was once again sitting with Denise. They chatted about this and that, and then\'85
\par 
\par \'93How did your date go last night?\'94 Elizabeth asked, her face carefully neutral.
\par 
\par \'93Very well! We had a nice meal, chatted away \endash  just lovely!\'94
\par 
\par \'93Don\rquote t go too fast, Denise. I don\rquote t think Stan\rquote s ready for that, yet. You\rquote re starting to think of him as your boyfriend, aren\rquote t you?\'94
\par 
\par Denise dropped her eyes to the table, \'93Yes, I think I am.\'94
\par 
\par Then, she looked back up into Elizabeth\rquote s eyes, \'93Is that wrong?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Denise,\'94 Elizabeth said with compassion, \'93as I said, I don\rquote t think Stan\rquote s ready for that. You\rquote re his friend that he goes out with once a week.\'94 She looked past Denise into the distance. \'93It took me a while, too.\'94
 Her gaze returned to Denise. \'93You\rquote ll end up hurting both yourself and, I think, Stan. He\rquote d blame himself if you got hurt, without knowing how to solve the problem.\'94
\par 
\par \'93So you think I should cool it a little?\'94 Denise asked, almost in a whisper.
\par 
\par \'93I\rquote m sorry, Denise, but yes. For the moment. I think you\rquote ll }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 know}{\insrsid5327960  when he\rquote s ready to go further.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 
\par It was the following Wednesday afternoon. Stan and Denise had spoken since the restaurant but neither had talked about what was on their minds. Denise realized she had to confirm something.
\par 
\par  \'93Stan?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Yes, Denise?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Shall I pick you up at eight for a drink at the }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 Mitre}{\insrsid5327960  as usual?\'94
\par 
\par \'93That\rquote ll be good Denise. See you then,\'94 and Stan turned back to his work. \lquote Well, there\rquote s nothing like a dismissal,\rquote  she thought.
\par 
\par Stan barely noticed.
\par 
\par Just before going home time, Anne strode in to confirm the due date of her design with Harry, the Materials Controller. Stan looked up, and followed her with his eyes as she entered, made her enquiry, nodded and left. She never glanced Stan\rquote 
s way once. \lquote Just as well, or I\rquote d have blown my cover,\rquote  he realized. \lquote Better snap out of it.\rquote }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 
\par }{\insrsid5327960 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 - - - - - - - - - -
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 
\par Denise and Stan were awkward with each other that evening. Denise had picked him up as usual in her StreetKa, but they\rquote d hardly exchanged a word on the way, both wanting to say something but neither knowing how to start.
\par 
\par They got their drinks, said \'93Hello!\'94 to Elaine and settled down at a table.
\par 
\par After a couple of minutes, Denise looked up at Stan.
\par 
\par \'93You first,\'94 she said.
\par 
\par \'93Um?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Look, it\rquote s obvious we both want to say something. You go first.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Okay.\'94
\par 
\par He paused for a moment longer.
\par 
\par \'93Denise, I think I ought to tell you something. I\rquote m not really }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 ready}{\insrsid5327960  yet, not for a, well, a }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 relationship}{\insrsid5327960 .\'94
\par 
\par She grinned at him for a moment, and then went serious.
\par 
\par \'93I had a chat with Elizabeth, too.\'94
\par 
\par \'93I rather thought you might have,\'94 he said. \'93She\rquote s a very perceptive lady. What did she tell you?\'94
\par 
\par \'93That you weren\rquote t ready for a relationship yet.\'94
\par 
\par \'93}{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 Very}{\insrsid5327960  perceptive.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Uh-huh.\'94 She laid a hand on his. \'93She\rquote s looking out for us both, Stan. She doesn\rquote t want to see us get hurt, and if she\rquote s right \endash  and it seems she is \endash 
 then trying to go further than friends would hurt both of us, since you can\rquote t do it yet. So, friends it is. Good friends, who go for drinks and cheer each other up.\'94
\par 
\par Denise seemed to have a little difficulty getting that last bit out.
\par 
\par Stan cleared his throat, \'93Well, on that note, who\rquote s that with Elaine?\'94
\par 
\par Denise looked, and giggled.
\par 
\par \'93Oh, that\rquote ll be her latest.\'94
\par 
\par The best Stan could manage was an interrogative grunt, \'93Uh?\'94
\par 
\par Denise burst into laughter. She got herself under control, and beckoned him closer.
\par 
\par \'93You didn\rquote t }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 know}{\insrsid5327960  about Elaine? I think she\rquote s had half-a-dozen girlfriends since I\rquote ve known her.\'94
\par 
\par Stan simply gaped, shut his mouth, and said, \'93How come I\rquote m }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 always}{\insrsid5327960  the last to find out these things? I }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 swear}{\insrsid5327960  the gossip mill }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 
deliberately}{\insrsid5327960  goes right around my desk without stopping.\'94
\par 
\par Denise, still giggling, said, \'93That\rquote s \lquote cuz we all want to protect you from the nasty, horrible world out there. We don\rquote t want you to know the terrible truth!\'94
\par 
\par Mock grumbling, Stan said, \'93But I don\rquote t }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 want}{\insrsid5327960  to be protected!\'94
\par 
\par Denise told him, \'93It\rquote s for your own good, you know!\'94 and disintegrated back into laughter again.
\par 
\par When the two of them left, Elaine waved, and Stan waved back. He couldn\rquote t help but look at the two women. }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 Now}{\insrsid5327960 , it seemed obvious \endash  they were very close together, their body language wasn\rquote 
t that of \lquote just friends\rquote  at all. \lquote Not that you\rquote re a great student of body language,\rquote  he silently chided himself.
\par 
\par On the drive to his home, Denise asked,
\par 
\par \'93You\rquote re okay with Elaine, aren\rquote t you?\'94
\par 
\par \'93Sure. Her lifestyle, her choice. I just didn\rquote t know.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Good. I don\rquote t want to see her get in any trouble.\'94
\par 
\par \'93She\rquote s doing nothing }{\cs16\i\insrsid5327960 wrong}{\insrsid5327960 , Denise. Why should she get into trouble?\'94
\par 
\par Denise had just reached his house, so she pulled over and parked.
\par 
\par \'93No, it\rquote s not wrong, but it\rquote s still unusual and frowned upon by a lot of people. She could be made very unhappy i
f someone, who shall remain nameless but whose initials are Stanley Hinch, were to open his big mouth and say the wrong thing.\'94
\par 
\par Denise continued softly, \'93But you won\rquote t do that, will you Stan, because you\rquote re a good guy, not a thoughtless Neanderthal.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Like I said, I\rquote ve no problem. One of Caron\rquote s colleagues was gay, he and his partner had a ceremony shortly before she died. I wished them well and the best of luck. Luck because there\rquote 
s still prejudice, but they were obviously in love with each other. That\rquote s what matters.\'94
\par 
\par \'93Yes, Stan, it is. Well, thanks for the evening.\'94 She looked him in the eye, \'93Good friends, right?\'94
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960 - - - - - - - - - -}{\insrsid11292439 

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5327960 \f36\fs24\cf9\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5327960\charrsid8193564 
\par }}