Page 41 of Web of Dreams (Casteel 5)

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hand-painted scarf. "Oh, this is great, Leigh. How

clever of you to pick it out. It will go with so many of

my outfits. I'm sorry I wasn't there with you, but I will

make it up to you in a thousand ways. You'll see." "I bought Daddy a hand-carved cane," I said

softly.

"That's nice." She went into her bathroom to run her water. I stood there for a moment listening to

her hum to herself and then left.

Daddy arrived shortly before dinner. Momma

was still in her suite talking to her friends on the

telephone and doing her nails and hair. I still hadn't

had an opportunity to tell her about the Spenser sisters

and Fulton and Raymond, but I expected to tell her

everything at dinner. Suddenly, I heard the front door

open and heard Clarence say, "Hello, Mr.

VanVoreen."

Daddy! I thought and jumped up. He was

already in his office, gathering some papers. " Daddy!"

"Hello Leigh. All settled back, are you?" "Yes. Momma's here. She's upstairs." "I see." He went back to his papers quickly. "Are you staying here for a while?" I felt so

sorry for him. He looked tired and worn, older than

ever, and I kept thinking how much worse it would be

for him once he learned about Momma's love for

Tony Tatterton. Maybe he still held on to some hope,

like I had, even though she had gotten the divorce. "No, Leigh. I've got to get back to the office

and prepare for my next journey."

"But where will you sleep tonight?"

"I have rooms at the Hilton. You must not

worry about me. I want you to take good care of

yourself and . . ." His eyes rose as if he could see

through the ceiling into Momma's suite. "And your

mother." He went back to his papers, sorted through

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