hadn’t been looking specifically, she would never have noticed it, but the office wing, beneath its veneer of tiled designs and paint-work to match the rest of the house, was virtually a fortress.
The noise from the pooi rose to a crescendo that culminated in a shriek as Enrico emerged from a flurry of water and bodies waving the lower half of Sandy’s swimsuit triumphantly over his head. “One down, one to go,” he yelled.
“Not fair!” Sandy screamed. “I was drowning. That’s an unfair advantage.”
“Carol’s turn,” Enrico shouted.
“Like hell,” Carol laughed. “That’s inequality. Sandy, give me a hand and let’s get the bastard.” The commotion started all over again.
“It sounds as if they could use some help,” Sverenssen said, turning his head to look across at Lyn. “Go ahead and join in. There aren’t any restrictions on how you enjoy yourself here, you know.”
She let her head fall back on the raised end of the chaise and forced a smile. “Oh, sometimes spectator sports are just as much fun. Anyway, they seem to be managing okay. I’ll be the reserve division.”
“She’s being smart and saving her energy,” Larry said, speaking to Sverenssen and sending Lyn a broad wink. She did a good job of pretending not to notice.
“Very wise,” Sverenssen said.
“The real fun starts later,” Larry explained, grinning. Lyn managed a half-smile, at the same time wondering how she was going to handle that. “We’ll find you lots of new friends. They’re great people here.”
“I can’t wait,” Lyn said drily.
“Isn’t she charming,” Sverenssen said, glancing at Larry and looking approvingly back at Lyn. “I met her in Washington, you know-a most fortunate encounter. She has people that she visits here in New York.” It made her feel like a piece of merchandise, which was probably a pretty close assessment of her situation. She wasn’t especially surprised; if she hadn’t been prepared to play along for appearance’s sake, she wouldn’t have come in the first place.
“I get to Washington a lot,” Larry said. “You work there or something?”
Lyn shook her head. “Uh uh. I’m with the Space Arm in Houston-computers, lasers, and people who talk numbers all day.
but it’s a living.”
“Ah, but we’re going to change that, aren’t we, Lyn,” Sverenssen said. He looked at Larry. “As a matter of fact I was thinking of something in Washington that would suit her perfectly, and prove far more interesting, I’m sure. Do you remember Phil Grazenby? I had lunch with him one day while I was there recently, and he wants somebody bright and attractive to manage the new agency he’s opening. And he is talking about really worthwhile money.”
“We’ll have to get together there if you make it,” Larry said to Lyn. He made a face. “Aw, but that’s business, and it’s a long time away. Why wait until Washington? We can get to know each other right here. Are you here alone?”
“Yes, she’s free,” Sverenssen murmured.
“That’s great!” Larry exclaimed. “Me too, and I’m the perfect guy for introducing new faces around here. Believe me, honey, you’ve made the right choice. You must have good taste. Tell you what-you can partner me in one of the games later. So we’ve got a deal, right?”
“I live for the present,” Lyn said. “Suppose we let later take care of itself later, okay?” She stretched to squint up at the sun, then looked at Sverenssen. “Right now all I’m going to be good for is a case of radiation sickness if I don’t cover up. I’m going to go inside in the shade and put on something else until it cools down a bit. I’ll see you later?”
“By all means, my dear,” Sverenssen said. “The last thing we want is for you to end up on the casualty list.” Lyn unfolded herself from the chaise and walked toward the house. “I think you may have a little game of playing hard to get to win before-” she heard Sverenssen murmur. The rest was drowned out by another burst of screaming from the pool.
Cheryl raised her head and watched as Lyn disappeared between the shrubs. “You’ve got nothing to offer, Larry,” she said. “Now! could show her a good time that’s really different.”