Mick stopped by Josef's office unexpectedly a week into the New Year. He was surprised to see Beth there since it was long past her regular hours. They weren't working. He felt a stab of jealousy. What were they doing together so late? Beth rushed over to kiss him but Mick was watching Josef. "What's going on? Josef gets that look in his eyes for only one reason."

"It's not what you think ..." Josef began but Beth broke in. "Mick, he gives me something you can't. It doesn't mean I don't love you."

"How long has this been going on?"

"A few months," Beth replied.

"But we've only done it three times," Josef said. "Don't make it sound worse than it is."

"I should have known," Mick said. "The end of June, September and December, when Beth started watching the calendar. She was waiting for the quarterly reports!"

"I'm sorry, Mick, but Josef knows things that you don't. He's taught me so much."

"We just talk," Josef said. "And I answer any questions she has."

"I know you," Mick told Josef. "I'll bet it doesn't stop there." Mick turned to Beth. "Has he ever done anything that made you uncomfortable? Suggested a risky investment? Promised a rate of return he can't possibly deliver in this economy?"

"I would never take advantage ..." Josef began but Beth cut him off again. "Of course not. He's very conservative with my portfolio. A few times I've wanted to try something a little ... unusual, and he always refuses."

"Well, thanks for looking out for her," Mick said grudgingly.

"My pleasure," Josef replied. "No, wait, I didn't mean that. It's a privilege not a pleasure."

"It's okay, you don't have to lie. I know how you feel about financial matters."

"I have needs, too," Josef said. "It's nice to be appreciated. I consider everyone whose portfolio I manage a partner. And it's more fun when your partner is enthusiastic."

"You're saying I haven't satisfied you all these years," Mick replied. "I guess I have taken you for granted. I apologize."

"It's all right, Mick. Not everyone enjoys it."

"I'm glad you have Beth now. She really likes this stuff." Mick paused. "But what about Sandrina? Have you thought about her?"

Beth and Josef glanced at each other, a guilty look that Mick understood immediately. "Oh, no," he said sadly. "All three of you ... together?"


A/N: This is a spoof, I guess. Consider it Moon-lite instead of Moonlight.