Page 28 (2/2)
I clily called "Paul's kind of southern veranda" Certainly it wasn't the customary California patio
There was so different about the patio today If I had been less troubled, perhaps I would have spotted i As it was, it took me minutes to realize Clover wasn't there I looked around, distressed, calling him
"For heaven's sake, Jory," called Emma from the kitchen , "don't yell so loud I just put Cindy down for a nap and you'll wake her up I saw Clover a fewa butterfly"
Of course I felt relieved If one thing brought out the puppy in my old poodle, it was a fluttery yellow butterfly I joined E to ask for a long time, what year did Mom marry Dr Paul?"
She was leaning over, checking inside the refrigerator, gru to herself "I could swear there was soht Since we're having liver and onions tonight I saved as left of the chicken for Bart I thought your finicky brother could eat the leftover thighs"
"Don't you remember the year they were married?"
"You were just a little one then," she said, still ruh covered dishes
Eue about dates She couldn't reain how er brotheryou know, the stepfather we have now"
"Yes, I remember Chris, he was so handso than Dr Paul was in his oaya wonderful man, your stepfather Paul So kind, so soft-spoken"
"It's funny Moer brother instead of an older one--don't you think it's odd?"
She straightened and put a hand to her back, which she said hurt all the time Next she wiped her hands on her spotless white apron "I sure hope your parents aren't late tonight Now you run and hunt up Bart before it's too late for him to take a bath I hate for your mother to see him so filthy"
"Emma, you haven't answered my questions"
Turning her back she began to chop green bellpeppers "Jory, when you need answers, you go to your parents and ask Don't come to me You may think of me as a familyand let me finish dinner"
"Please, Eot to do sohten out Bart, and how can I when I don't have all the facts?"
"Jory," she said, giving me a warm smile, "just be happy you have two such wonderful parents You and Bart are very lucky boys I hope Cindy grows up to realize how blessed she was the day your hter"