The vivacious, young designer

Christopher gradually recalled that it was the same woman who had danced with him last night. He looked at her suspiciously, as he thought she had approached him last night purposefully. But she was claiming that their encounter last night was nothing but a coincidence.

"Are you sure you didn't know me before?" he probed, curiosity mingling with his doubt. He couldn't resist the nagging notion that their meeting last night had been planned rather than coincidental.

A lilting laugh escaped Nancy's lips. "If I had known you earlier, I wouldn't have dared to make any advances," she said, her hand clasping his with unwavering confidence. "I don't sleep with my clients. Besides, you are married."

Christopher nodded slowly, his contemplation of her words accompanied by a budding smile. He admired her candid and vibrant demeanor, a refreshing contrast to the mysteries that had lately surrounded him.