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“I didn’t!”

The tent on catching up, and I was left standing behind a potted ficus tree, doingto act like it wasn’t killing me The only other person in my boat it seemed was Nikki, but she made a beeline for Patrick’s side The two of them chatted like old friends Of course, Patrick chatted with everyone like old friends

I was about to give up when Uncle Bill appeared at lad you’re back or not” Aone of my nephews a run for his money”

My body was still tense, but I lad I’m back”

His rough hand covered ht, you’re alelcoly Ron was until all the pretty ladies showed up”

That h Bill had the same easy personality as Patrick “Where’s your pretty lady? You’re not such a bad-looking old cow poke”

He shook his head, his thick broering over his brown eyes “That ship sailed a long tio, I’m afraid”

The way he said it hinted at a story, and I was curious to hear more At that moive thanks

We were full of sreen bean casserole e finally took our places in front of the fire I’d ed to sit as far froered on the fringe of the room His eyes were on lasses of wine My stomach had finally relaxed, and I basked in an unmerited sense of power

Bill, Patrick, and Elaine dominated the after-dinner conversation as always, and Sylvia joined they Nikki sat back and sipped her wine, answering whenever Patrick pulled her into whatever playful debate they were having Apparently, Nikki and Patrick had become close the year he’d worked in Princeton, but she’d carried a torch for his brother the entire time Great

Finally, I decided to go to bed Stuart still brooded in the background, and I was exhausted froht, Nikki hopped up to joinof the house, of course I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it earlier Sylvia took a bedroo where Stuart and Bill stayed

We said goodnight, and she followedyour discussion earlier In your room”

Her eyes said she ht not be so sorry

I tried to play it off “It’s not your fault I wasn’t thinking about where you were staying”