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She chose her words carefully “Angel talked toyou But he’s very proud of you”

“He mentioned you,” she said

“I’m one of his doctors”

There was a pause, then, “Did he really say he was proud of me?” The question sounded wistful

“Yes, he did”

Lina laughed, a short, sharp sound that ended quickly “Yeah, well, I’ve got o to bed”

“Oh, right, Lina Like I can sleep with you out I’ll be waiting up for you”

Lina laughed “I can always hope See you at eleven-thirty, Mom”

“Eleven Be careful and have fun Wear your seat belt”

“Mohed dramatically “Come on …”

Madelaine grinned at her own neuroses “You’re lu

cky I don’t make you wear a crash helmet Tell Vicki and Zach hello for me And, Lina …”

“Yeah?”

“I love you”

There was another quiet pause, and Madelaine could hear her daughter breathing on the other end of the phone “Yeah, Mom I love you, too”