The Sexiest Man Alive. Sandra Marton

      from: SusannahMadison@chic com

      to: [email protected]

      subj: Cures for Cold Feet

      Try an electric blanket. Or get a cat.

      

      

      from: [email protected]

      to: [email protected]

      subj: Women can Purr, Too

      You’re heartless, Madison.

      

      

      from: [email protected]

      to: [email protected]

      subj: Better a Cat than a Kitten

      I’m practical, Haines.

      

      

      CHIC

      The Magazine for Women

      Edgar B. Elerbee, Publisher

      July 28

      Please join me at a buffet breakfast in the boardroom Friday, from 8-30 to 10, in honor of our new editor-in-chief, Julius Partridge Wallinger. Mr. Wallinger brings with him almost 40 years of journalistic know-how. Payroll has asked me to assure you that the problem with last week’s checks was computer related and will not occur again. Thank you for your forbearance.

      E. Elerbee, pub.

      

      

      from: [email protected]

      to: [email protected]

      subj: Hello

      Enjoying vacation. Weather is glorious Relaxing on all sides. Reading, renting videos, etc. Old friend’s been coming around—Sam. Did I ever mention him? My ever - hopeful Mom invites him for dinner each night, which makes me smile. Sam’s a sweetheart. He plays canasta with her after I go to bed.

      Saw an item buried in back of Business Daily. Is it true? Has the new guy gotten the boot already? I’ve only been on vacation a week!!! What about rumor of a Romano Inc takeover? Not really possible, is it? I spotted him in Hyannisport. (Drove there to treat Mom to lunch) The only thing Matthew Romano could do for CHIC would be to let the mag lay him out as a centerfold.. Not that any intelligent woman would find the studly-but-brainlessly-arrogant Mr. Romano a turn - on He was with Ted Turner. Now, there’s a guy I’d love to see buy CHIC. Tell Peter I send love & kisses, & that I miss him

      

      

      MEMO

      FROM: Claire

      TO: Claire

      1. Remember to ask S about Sam, & why he’s playing cards with Mom instead of romancing S.

      2. Remember not to bother asking.

      3. Remember to ask how come she took portable computer on vacation.

      4. Remember not to bother asking.

      5. Remember to suggest S. should toss her hat in the ring for next ed-in-chief hiring go-round. She has an MBA, hasn’t she?

      6. Remember above, for sure S. would make great ed-in-chief

      7. Remember to tell S the Romano thing is nothing but an off-the-wall rumor.

      8. Remember to ask S. how she knows Romano is brainless, arrogant & studly (Studly??? Susannah, how you do talk)

      9. Tell S she’s got a way with a phrase. “Laying out” Romano, that hunk, is a wonderful idea.

      

      

      from: [email protected]

      to: ClaireHaines@chic com

      subj: Tossed Hats & Studs

      OK, I did it. I gave Elerbee my resume. He didn’t laugh ... I guess that’s good news. Re Matthew Romano & layouts: Claire, where are your standards? Who wants a guy who thinks he’s the sexiest man alive? Only a DB, like the one who was draped across Romano’s arm at Hyannisport

      

      

      from: [email protected]

      to: [email protected]

      subj: Sexiest Man Alive? DB?

      When? How? What? Explain, please.

      

      

      from: SusannahMadison@chic com

      to: Claire [email protected]

      subj: When, How, What

      DB=Dumb Blonde, as always seen in tabloid photos of Romano. Sexiest Man Alive, as seen in Romano’s smirk in every tabloid shot.

      

      

      from: [email protected]

      to: [email protected]

      subj: Confusion

      For shame, Suze. Didn’t know you read the tabloids (snicker). And how do you know the Bs are D?

      

      

      from: SusannahMadison@chic com

      to: ClaireHaines@chic com

      subj: No Confusion

      Romano was with them.

      

      

      from: [email protected]

      to: [email protected]

      subj: Yes, Confusion

      How come you’re so interested in Matthew Romano?

      

      

      from: [email protected]

      to: [email protected]

      subj: Non- Interest

      I’m not. I don’t know how we got off on this subject to start with.

      

      

      from: ClaireHaines@chic com

      to: SusannahMadison@chic com

      subj: Confused, Again

      You said he was studly.

      

      

      from: SusannahMadison@chic com

      to: [email protected]

      subj: Insanity

      Good grief ’ I was being sarcastic ’ Why are we wasting time on this man?

      

      

      from: [email protected]

      to: [email protected]

      subj: Hey!

      It wasn’t me who brought Romano the Stud into the conversation.

      

      

      You’re right. I did—and I’m taking him out of it, now.

      Do me a favor Take a look at attached: tell me what you think of these ideas. Would any of them make you, for instance, buy a copy of CHIC?

      Uh-oh. Phone call from Elerbee. Wants to see me pronto.