what he was doing. He needed a few seconds to convince
himself that he wasn't going crazy. Finally, he looked at
Dan. "You weren't kidding when you said she was a killer."
He threw his hands in the air and let them collapse in his
lap.
He turned to Kay. "I accept your bet. One hundred
million dollars for Constance to donate, if I can't bring a
woman out to Malibu who doesn't know who I am." He
shook hands with Kay, then wagged a finger at her and Dan.
"But you're going to lose, so you two better get ready for
some surfing lessons when you return from your
honeymoon."
He pursed his lips and turned to look at Constance.
"And don't you get your hopes up too high, either."
Constance glanced at the ceiling. Her tight smile seemed to
be holding back a laugh.
Kay stared at O.E., her mouth formed in a circle. "You
know, I really didn't expect you to agree to this, but I'm glad
you're taking it seriously. I honestly think it will help your
love life to stop boasting so much."
Dan stood up and held his hand out to Kay. "I think
we've done enough damage here-it's time to go." He
looked around to Constance and O.E. "Early flight to Tahiti
tomorrow. We'll see you next month." Dan shook O.E.'s
hand and gave Constance a hug.
They were about to leave when O.E. pulled Dan aside.
"Listen, Dan, can I borrow your place while you're gone? I
can't bring a woman to my home, it screams wealth. Yours is
more modest. And most importantly, it isn't mine." He shot
a wry smile. "I can honestly say, 'I'm house-sitting for Dan
Avery,' and nobody will figure out who I really am. Get it?"
Dan quirked a smile. "Why not?" He reached into his
pocket and handed over some keys. "Don't anger the
neighbors, and try and keep your bodily fluids off the
artwork."
O.E. grinned. "It's a deal."
Kay gave them both hugs. "Have fun, O.E. I actually
hope you win."
After they left, Constance regarded O.E. "As much as I'd
like to see you lose, I have to admit that I hope you win, too.
Go get her, Oscar!"
Oscar! Ouch. He frowned at the mention of his name
and experienced his first pang of regret at having accepted
the bet. It didn't matter either way. Now he had something
new to do, and dammit, he was going to do it. O.E. got up
from the table and laid a tiny grin on Constance. "Watch