“It’s not healthy for a girl your age to be cloistered like this. Is it because of your mother, what she did?” he asked, his eyes narrowing. “Do you still feel you can’t face people?”
“Maybe. I suppose,” I said, appreciating the reason. For now, it got me off the hook.
“Perhaps you should see a therapist, Sam. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
I nodded. “I’ll see. Actually, Cassie and I have been talking about it.”
It wasn’t a total lie. I had been talking about it. She had just not responded with any enthusiasm.
“I hope you don’t mind me saying you look like you’ve gained some weight.”
“I know. I’m on a diet,” I said.
The look on his face told me he was just as good as Cassie when it came to reading my face. I had to look away.
“You’re eating out of boredom, aren’t you?” he asked.
I breathed relief. At least, he hadn’t thought of any other reason.
“I suppose.”
“This is so unhealthy for a young girl as vibrant as you, Sam. Would you mind very much if I nagged my brother about it?”
“Yes,” I said a little too emphatically. I calmed quickly. “Please don’t, Uncle Perry. I would hate myself if I added any new worries to Daddy’s list right now. I’ll be fine. Maybe I’ll do what you suggest and see a therapist soon. Please don’t bother Daddy about it.”
He drank his lemonade and stared at me with skepticism.
“Besides, I’ve been doing a lot with Cassie,” I said. “We go shopping and out to lunch and to movies. It’s given us a chance to get to know each other better.”
He nodded. “Well, I hope more of you will rub off on her than vice versa,” he said, and downed his lemonade. “Okay. I just wanted to be sure to stop in to see how you were.” He rose. “When I return from Greece, I’ll take you to dinner and tell you all about it.”
“I’d like that.”
“In the meantime, watch for my postcards.”
“I will,” I said, and followed him to the front door.
He looked intently at me for a moment and then put his hands gently on my shoulders and kissed my cheek.
“Don’t ever hesitate to call me if you need anything, Sam. I’m always there for you.”
“Thank you, Uncle Perry.”
“Think seriously about the therapy, Sam. You’ve got to get on with your life.”
“I will. I promise.”
“Good. See you soon,” he said, and left.
I couldn’t help wondering if he had left with more concern and suspicions. When Cassie came home, I told her he had stopped by.
“You didn’t greet him without your girdle on?”
“No, but he remarked about my weight.”
“He did, did he? A gentleman wouldn’t be so crude.”
“He was just worried.”