Josie didnt show for the six A.M. walk with her friends. She had no choiceshe was exhausted. Rick brought her home about ten the night before and stayed until three in the morning. How was a girl supposed to survive a seventy-two-hour emotional, spiritual, and sexual roller-coaster ride and still be interested in a break-of-dawn Monday morning hike?

So she took Genghis out on the leash for a quick lap around the block instead, knowing she looked as rough as she felt, and hoping she wouldnt run into anyone she knew. She stepped in a pile of dog doo in the middle of the sidewalk. God, how she hated irresponsible pet owners! By the time she got back to her apartment, she had less than an hour to get herself together and get to work.

As she was drying her hair, Howie showed up at her apartment, wanting to talk about Beth. Josie sat with him on the couch, her hair still wet on one side, and listened to him vent and cry. She assured him that giving her sister another chance was the smart thing to do. Howie hugged her, told her what a great listener she was, and reminded her that the family was going out to dinner that night for her fathers birthday. She arrived at the paper a whole hour late with only half of her hair styled.

Of course, Bea was the first person she saw when she entered the newsroom.

Sorry I didnt make it this morning, Josie said, hardly able to look her in the eye.

Bea cocked her head and twisted her lips. You should check your voice mail more often, Joze. Weve all canceled for the week.

Josie felt her eyes widen. Not once in all their years of friendship had they canceled their walking date for an entire week. A couple days, sure, like when everyone accompanied Ginger to divorce court. But a week?

Whats wrong? Josie said, the guilt sending her heart rate through the roof. Shed disappeared for days on end and had no idea what shed missed in her friends lives. Oh, my God, did Roxie get fired?

Bea shook her head. The Spanish Inquisition doesnt meet until Wednesday, but Roxies plan is to continue her pedal-to-the-metal freaking out until then. And one of Gingers boys was picked up by the police late last night for trespassing and curfew violation, so shes taking a couple days off to deal with him.

Josie stood frozen in the center aisle of the newsroom as Bea spoke, people weaving by them to get where they needed to go. She felt numb with remorse, ashamed for abandoning her friends for a manespecially when they didnt even know she had one!

Look, Bea, Ive got something I need to confess Bea touched her arm. Why dont you save that thought until we all get together again next week? Im sure whatever it is, Ginger and Roxie wouldnt want to miss it. Bea smiled. It can wait a few days, right?

Josie squinted, trying to figure out why Bea would turn down an exclusive. That wasnt like her. Josie had the feeling shed missed much more than Bea was letting on.

But Im late for an editorial meeting, Bea said. Talk to you later, okay? I like your new hairdo, by the way. /Ooo-kaay./ Josie watched Bea take her usual speed walk through the newsroom. Then she raised a hand to the still-damp left side of her head.

A college intern bumped Josies arm in passing and coffee splattered down the front of her white blouse.

At that point, Josie admitted to herself that she may have just wrapped up the most stellar weekend of her life, but the week ahead wasnt looking so hot.

Just wanted to update you on where we stand on this lovely Monday morning.

Rick motioned for Teeny to come in the living room and have a seat. He took the large rectangular package from him, pleased with how it had been bundled in several layers of bubble wrap under the brown paper.

This is great, Teen. Come on in.

It wasnt often that Rick took a day off, but he decided to cut himself some slack that particular morning. As it happened, the weekend with Josie had required physicaland emotionalskills hed either ignored for many years or had never used at all.

And he was worn out.

Teeny took a seat on the white leather couch and crossed his legs, launching right into it. Lets see, Bennett Cummings is officially MIA, your brand-new girlfriend knows everything about you, including the security codes to your properties and how much youre worthto the pennyand Gwen Anders just turned in her resignation.

Teeny held out a single sheet of Meadowbrook stationery. Rick reached for it, immediately reading the four terse lines of type followed by Gwens elegant signature.

He groaned. I told her this wasnt necessary.

Teeny shrugged. She showed up bright and early and left it on your desk.

Didnt have a damn thing to say to me when I asked her what was up.

Rick frowned, then handed the paper back to Teeny.

Ill call her.

Teeny shrugged. You can do whatever you like, of course, but I have a feeling our girl Gwen is serious. Ive never seen her look as ragged as she did today. He shivered. Scary.

Rick laughed and sat down in a chair across from Teeny. So whats the latest with Cummings?

Nothingthats the problem. Nobodys seen him at his estate. Nobodys talked to him. Hes not used a credit card or conducted a bank transaction or made or accepted calls to his cell in five days.

Maybe he really is

Not in any hospital we can find.

All right, Teen. Rick sighed. What do you suggest we do?

His friend looked around Ricks Pacific Heights home. You could stay in here for the rest of your life. You know, watch TV and take naps.

Rick smiled. That may be whats happening today, but its not what I plan to do with the rest of my life.

Oh, yeah? You got plans I dont know about?

Rick got up from his chair and went to the bank of windows, knowing that when he said aloud all hed been thinking that morning it would sound like crazy talk. He knew Teeny wanted him to be happy, but more than that, he knew his friend wanted him to be safe and sane.

I plan to ask Josie to marry me. He kept his back to Teeny, and waited for the response he knew was coming. When he didnt receive it, he turned around. Teeny had fallen against the back of the couch and was cradling his bald head in his hands, as if he were trying to keep his brains from falling out.

Id like to find a ring by the end of the week, Rick continued. Something simple but so stunning it will blow Josie away. When Teeny still had no comment, Rick went over to him and leaned in his face.

Dont try to talk me out of it.

Teeny shook his head. Wouldnt dream of it.

Rick sat back down. You think Im moving too fast?

Teenys hands fell from his head and he smacked them down on his knees.

Fast? He laughed. Fast would be if youd known her for a couple years.

This is warp-speed shit, Rick. Youve only known her for a couple of /weeks/!

Rick nodded. So you dont like her?

Teeny shot up from the couch. I /love/ her, man. Shes great. Im not questioning the who of this situation, Im questioning the when.

I dont need more time. I know its right. I know shes the one.

Okay. Teeny held up his palms in surrender and sat back down.

The two stayed silent for a long moment. Teeny finally said, If you believe its the right thing, then it is.

Thanks.

And you know Im not one to shy away from high-end jewelry shopping, so count me in. Teeny got up again and headed for the door.

Hey, wait a second. Rick reached in his jeans pocket and pulled out a small piece of memo paper. He glanced at Josies handwriting and smiled at the memoryJosie had jotted this information down before Rick left her place much earlier that morning. She had been naked and twisted up in the sheets, her cheeks and chest flushed and her eyes sleepy. Rick handed the same paper to Teeny. Check on this womans story for me when you have a minute. Id appreciate it.