Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

soon as I told him what I needed. "One of my clients

is Renardo de Palma. His salon is very prestigious and

his client list is a veritable who's who of Palm Beach." "We're not trying to impress anyone but

ourselves," I told him, and he laughed.

"I don't know a woman here who would admit

otherwise," he joked. "Let me see what I can

manage."

Less than twenty minutes later, he called back

to tell me we had appointments at two.

"It's like the best restaurants." he revealed.

"They always hold an opening for a favor, and believe

me. Renardo owes me a few."

"Now so do L" I said.

"It's my pleasure. Let me know what else I can

do for you. Willow." he offered.

I couldn't wait to tell my mother, who, now that

she realized it wasn't just our dreaming aloud to each

other, really became quite nervous. I had to reassure

her that we would be fine and I wouldn't leave her

side for an instant. While I was doing so. Linden

suddenly appeared in the doorway. He was dressed

and had his hair brushed neatly.

"Linden, dear." Mother cried, "how are you?" "Hungry." he declared.

I wondered if he had heard our talk about going

to the beauty parlor and would then recall asking me

to retrieve his paintings from the gallery.

"Good morning," I said, and he turned to me

and nodded. His eyes looked clearer. His face had

more color and he seemed more rested,

"I'm sorry I slept so late," he said. "I have been