Into the Woods (DeBeers 4)

"To your own party?"

"I don't need to be put on display and practically beg for new friends. Winston."

He smiled. "'That's good," he said, surprising me. "I didn't like the idea. either."

I turned to him. He was being truthful.

"My parents always did things like that, tried to get me involved with this one or that one because it would be a good social contact. They even tried to arrange my marriage once."

"Really?"

"Yes, with the daughter of an oil executive who had an estate here. in Palm Springs, in the Hamptons, and in Monte Carlo. I felt just as sorry for their daughter. She knew she was being manipulated. too. In the end we were both honest with each other and ended it before it could get started.

"Meaningful relationships are like anything else. They'll find their own depths and levels if you leave them be."

"That's right," I said.

He smiled. "I know it's hard to change your whole life like this. Grace. It takes time to make so many adjustments. but I hope you'll be as happy as your mother seems to be. I'd like it if you would come to me with any problems you have."

"Okay," I said.

He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek and then stood up.

"You know. I was wondering. Grace. I'm sorry I don't know. But do you have your driver's license?"

"No," I said. "My father was going to give me driving lessons this year. but..."

"I'd like to do that." he said. "You should know how to drive, even though we have a chauffeured limousine always at your disposal. You shouldn't have any fewer skills than any other girl your age. Okay?"

"Sure," I said.

"We'll start tomorrow." he promised. "Watch that sunshine now. The sea breeze can fool you."

"I know." I said. "Thanks." He smiled and walked off.

He did what he promised. We began my driving lessons on the property first, and then, to put the finishing touches on my lessons, he hired a private driving school instructor who helped me get my license.

To celebrate Winston decided we should take the yacht to Key West for the weekend. Actually he and Mommy would find the flimsiest excuses to do something expensive, whether it was to fly up to New York to see a show and shop or to rush off to Bermuda for a few days.

We did have a fun weekend in Key West. Winston, either at Mommy's request or after his own decision to cheer me up. spent more time with me and doted on me more than he did Mommy. He was eager to show me everything in Key West. Mommy went on another buying spree.

"I can't wear everything you've bought me as it is," I complained.

Of course you can, and that doesn't matter. What matters is you'll have choices to make. Clothes accommodate and enhance your moods," she explained.

"Who told you that?"

This designer we met in Monte Carlo. He's right. Some mornings you wake up feeling today is a turquoise day or a light green day, and if you have the outfit to wear you'll be happy you do.

"And then there is the style as well."

She could go on and on with these lectures if I let her. I thought. What I would do was agree and go do something else. Winston sat in the background or off to the side with that small smile on his lips. He and I began to exchange conspiratorial glances. Mommy didn't notice. I could just imagine how angry she would become if she had. but I couldn't help enjoying it.

In fact, Winston and I grew closer and closer before the summer ended and I had to begin school. Some days we just sat and talked at the pool, discussing books. news. Sometimes he would tell me stories about his youth. Mommy was often off with one or two of her new acquaintances, going to lunch or to some lecture on art. She stopped trying to get me to go along, but she wasn't happy about that.

"There are daughters of people I would like you to meet, girls with wham you can share things in common now. Grace, but to do that you have to come along with me occasionally."

"I'll make new friends in school," I promised. For the present it was enough to get her to relent,