Twisted Roots (DeBeers 3)

Oh, no, I thought. It was not that often that Daddy invited me to dinner at his home. Most of the time, he picked me up with Adrian and Cade in the car and we all went to a restaurant, sometimes with Danielle coming along as well, but not always.

Daddy's home wasn't as big as Aunt Whitney and Uncle Hans's estate, an estate I had seen only in pictures and had passed by and gazed at from our car. but Daddy's home was one of the prime North Lake Way estate properties.

Adrian and Cade never stopped reminding me that they lived in a more desirable location and an even bigger house than I did. It had a very wide and long entry hall with Italian marble flooring, a dining room about one and a half times larger than ours, also with marble floors. Daddy's house had a more elaborate library, too, with black granite floors and a floor-to-ceiling bay window that provided a magnificent view of his wonderful gardens and tennis court. The pool had been recently redone with an expansive travertine terrace, and he had renovated his cabana, creating a living room with a travertine flooring and sliding doors that opened to the pool. There was a new steam sauna installed as well. The cabana had a guest bedroom. Adrian and Cade had practically taken to living there, considering it their private club. I knew they had friends over frequently, and from what they told me, their parties weren't the sort Mommy would like to see me attending.

Daddy was always into boating and now had his own yacht at his own dock. Adrian and Cade had been given Jet Skis for their birthdays last year. They bragged to me how popular they had become at their school, claiming an invitation to their house on the weekend was a "prize."

I felt terribly pulled in two directions. Should I call Heyden and tell him I had to go to my father's for dinner and try to get him to consider the following night? On top of what I had seen happen at his house, he might not believe me. I hadn't known him very long, but I hated the idea of disappointing him or giving him the impression that I was trying to find an excuse to get out of the date. Actually. I would rather be with Heyden. I thought.

On the other hand, it was so rare that Daddy wanted me at his home. I knew that it was usually when he was sure his parents weren't going to be there, or his sister. I didn't see him all that much these days.

I really didn't know what I was going to do when I called. To my sur

prise his butler didn't answer. Adrian did. It was difficult to decide who enjoyed tormenting me more. Adrian or Cade.

"The Eaton residence." he said, parodying their butler. whom I knew they tormented as well. Adrian was somewhat more nasal than Cade. so I could tell who it was immediately.

"Adrian, it's Hannah." I said.

"Hannah? Hannah who, please?" he replied. He loved to tease me about my last name.

"You know who I am. Adrian. Stop it,"

"Is this a prank call? Are you going to whisper obscenities into the phone? If you are, please begin. I have my tape recorder ready."

"Adrian. I have to speak to Daddy."

"Daddy? There is no one here by that name. We have a caddy, but he is at the golf course.""

"Stop it!" I shouted. "Stop what?"

"All right. Adrian. You've had your fun. Please let me speak to my father,"

"Your father? Isn't he that Cuban person?"

I didn't answer.

"Hello? Is there anyone there?"

"I'm waiting," I said.

"One moment, please." he said. He put me on hold and I know deliberately took his time. It was nearly two fall minutes before Daddy picked up. I was ready to give up and call again,

"Hannah?"

"Oh, Daddy. Adrian is so mean." "What did he do now?"

"He teased me and teased me and then left me holding the phone for so long."

"I'll speak to him." he said. "What's

happening?"

In the second or two it took for me to reply. I envisioned Heyden's dark eyes seizing on mine, and I saw the look of interest and wonder in his face.

"I can't come to dinner tomorrow night." 'Oh?

"Why not?"