Web of Dreams (Casteel 5)

"Good night, Leigh." She giggled.

"What?"

"You were so great, the way you pounded on Marie's door and told them all off. I wish I had had the courage to do that before. How did you get so brave?"

"I'm not," I insisted.

"Oh yes, you are," Jennifer said. "You're the bravest girl I know and I'm so happy you're my roommate. Welcome to Winterhaven, Leigh."

"Thank you, Jen. Good night," I said again and closed my eyes, exhausted from the turmoil and the effort it took to be happy and safe in a world that could be so mean and cold.

The next day Miss Mallory came to the cafeteria during lunch to find me.

"Mr. Tatterton is here, my dear," she announced, smiling at me in a tight way. "He's in my office and wishes to speak with you."

"Is anything wrong?" My heart raced with fear for little Troy.

"Oh, I am sure not," she said.

When I looked at the others, they were all hiding smiles and containing their laughter.

"Thank you," I said and followed her out of the cafeteria.

"Please," Miss Mallory said, "use my office as long as you wish." She left Tony and me alone. He was sitting on the leather chair near the desk and looked very distinguished in his double-breasted, dark blue suit.

"Is everything all right?" he asked, his gaze steady. "Yes," I said. "I'm fine. How's Troy?"

"He's doing much, much better. I think we'll be able to bring him home in a week or so."

"That's wonderful, Tony." I shifted my eyes for a moment because he was still gazing at me so intensely. "How's Momma?"

"The same," he said with a sigh. "Now she's on a new diet regimen, lunch consists of a little champagne and cucumber sandwiches. Oh, and she's taking up bridge."

"Bridge?"

"Yes. Seems the women she admires all play bridge. I'm paying someone to give her instructions and teach her all the fine points," he said, crossing his legs and meticulously running his fingers down the sharp crease of his blue trouser leg. He had long, strong fingers and his nails shone.

"So," he said, "there's nothing you need? Clothes, school supplies, spending money . . . anything?"

"No," I said, but I wanted to say Yes, I need Momma to show some interest in what happens to me too.

"Okay," he said standing. "Perhaps, I can come by one evening and take you out to dinner before I return to Farthy. Would you like that?"

"Not this week," I replied quickly. "Daddy's calling and coming to take me out to dinner."

"Oh." His lip curled a bit. Although he tried to keep his blue eyes calm and unreadable, I saw that he wasn't used to being rejected. A man of his wealth and power rarely was.

"Maybe next week," I added, and his eyes brightened again.

"Fine. In any case, I'll be by about five o'clock on Friday to pick you up in the limo. Enjoy your dinner with your father." He kissed me on the forehead quickly before he opened the office door to leave.

When I returned to the cafeteria, I found "the special club" all gathered at the window gazing out at Tony, who was standing by his limousine, talking to Miss Mallory. They were all "oohing" and "ahing," gasping and whispering. As soon as they saw me, they returned to the table.

"He's so handsome," Ellen said. "For once, Jennifer didn't exaggerate."

"When do we all get invited to Farthingale Manor?" Marie asked, and all of them chimed in excitedly. I told them as soon as I thought the timing was right, I'd have them all over for a weekend pajama party. Suddenly, I was the most popular girl in Winterhaven.

Daddy called on Wednesday and arrived on Thursday to take me to dinner. As soon as I was told he had arrived, I rushed down the corridor and into his waiting arms. He laughed and gave me a big kiss. Then he held me out to look at me.