Girl in the Shadows (Shadows 2)

happy. Echo considered it all to be a big party, a

celebration and confirmation that her mother was back

for good. I decided not to say anything about what I

had seen back at Healdsburg. I really didn't know

what it was all about anyway, and for the time being I

saw no reason not to hitch a ride on Mrs. Westington's

train of hope. I was just so happy she could get herself

to be optimistic after all that had happened.

To Mrs. Westington's deep disappointment,

however, Rhona and Skeeter did not return, nor did

they call to say when they would be back. Trevor,

dressed in what were obviously some of his nicest

clothing, arrived at dinnertime. He saw from the look

on my face that all was not well,

"Just sit yourself down. Trevor," Mrs.

Westington told him. "We won't be waiting dinner on

anyone who doesn't have the decency to call." Nevertheless. I saw how she procrastinated and

tried to delay the actual start of the meal. Finally, at

nearly seven-thirty with no word from Rhona, she

decided to begin, and Echo and I helped her bring out

the food. Rhona and Skeeter's empty place settings were difficult to ignore. Hoping to change the mood.

Trevor raved about the food and so did I.

"I'm past the age where I need compliments,"

Mrs. Westinton said.

"You need compliments till the day you die."

Trevor countered. "Everyone needs a pat on the back

now and then."

"Well. I won't hear of it," she said. "And I don't

need to be treated like a disappointed child. I was a

fool to harbor any expectations and waste my energy." "You mean, you didn't do this dinner for me,