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“Ah” Lola nodded “Thayer Core He’s a friend of mine”

“I assuine why he’d be spending so much time in Philip’s apartment Who is he, and what does he do?”

“He’s a gossip columnist Just like you,” Lola said

“For whom?”

“Snarker,” Lola said reluctantly “But he’s going to be a novelist Or run a TV network someday He’s brilliant Everyone says no ”

“Ah, yes,” Enid said, finding the cartridge “I know exactly who he is Really, Lola” She paused “I’ that type of person into Philip’s apart hi”

“He’s my friend,” Lola said “I’m allowed to have friends, aren’t I?”

“I didn’t ive you some kind advice”

“Thank you,” Lola said pointedly, following Enid to the door When Enid had gone, Lola crept out into the hallway and exa on the other side, watching? How much could the old lady see out of that little hole, anyway? Apparently, tooto Philip’s apartment—Philip’s and her apartment, Lola reminded herself—she concocted a little story to explain Thayer’s presence Thayer was helping with her research for Philip Meanwhile, she was helping Thayer with his novel It was all perfectly innocent Enid couldn’t actually see into the apart on?

Lola hadn’t et so involved with Thayer Core She kneas dangerous but found she enjoyed the thrill of getting aith it And being uncertain about her relationship with Philip, she justified her behavior by res with Philip didn’t work out Adm

ittedly, Thayer Core wasn’t much of a consolation prize, but he did know lots of people and claimed to have all kinds of connections

But then Philip was co hoether had to end Thayer was annoyed Not because he wouldn’t be seeing Lola but because he so enjoyed spending ti about it, and si on Fifth Avenuein, he often looked around the sidewalk to see if anyone atching, envying him his position Then he’d pass by the door up to Philip Oakland’s,” he’d say, arded him with suspicion—Thayer could tell they didn’t like him and didn’t approve—but they didn’t stop him

Dropping by Philip’s apartested he and Lola look at so theht “Can’t,” she said “Why not? You a prude?” Thayer said “Nope No Internet service It’s all Paul Rice’s fault That’s what everyone is saying, anyway Enid says they’re going to try to kick him out Don’t know if they can, but now everyone in the building hates him”

“Paul Rice?” Thayer asked casually “The Paul Rice? Who’s married to Annalisa? The society tartlet?”

Lola shrugged “They’re super-rich She rides around in a Bentley and has designers send her clothes I hate her”