Ralph was sitting in the glassed-in cubicle which served as his office when Howard arrived at the Auto Circus lot the next morning. He waved, his round face beaming cheerfully, and motioned for Howard to join him.
"Morning, Howie," Ralph said enthusiastically as Howard entered the office. He shook the younger man's hand. "How's the head today?"
"Not too bad," Howard confessed, his voice a little rueful. "I guess I did over-indulge a little, though."
"Nonsense, my boy. Anniversary celebrations were made for over-indulgence." Ralph indicated the client's chair before his molded plastic desk, and then went around behind the modernistic furnishing and seated himself in his swivel chair. He cleared his throat, meeting Howard's eyes; his own were twinkling. "Did you and Cindy, ah, go right to bed after we left, Howie?"
Howard felt heat inadvertently rise on his neck and cheeks as the remembrance of the previous evening's activities with his wife sprang full-blown into his mind once more. "Well, we… I mean, that is… not exactly…"
Ralph chuckled softly. "Tried out the ole Polaroid, eh?" he said sagely. "Norma and I thought you probably would."
Howard searched for words, but none of an appropriate nature came to his mind. He finally managed lamely, "It's a very nice camera, Ralph. We… we appreciate such an expensive gift…"
"Did you – take some pictures of Cindy, Howie?" asked Ralph with a sly intonation.
Howard's face grew an even darker red. "P-pictures?" he stammered.
"Sure," said Ralph, winking. "Like I told you. In the bedroom."