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"I'd better return to the hotel. I'm expecting some messages." I said. even though I wasn't.

"Just go back and pack up," Bunny told me. "Why spend another night there?"

"I'll see," I said.

"There's nothing to see about." she wheedled. "You'll be far more comfortable here. and you will be able to accomplish a great deal more in a shorter time."

"Mother, will you let the woman make up her own mind?" Thatcher said.

"I'm just trying to point out the obvious advantages, Thatcher."

"If they're obvious, they don't have to be pointed out." he countered.

She thought for a moment. "Sometimes, we don't see the most obvious things." she replied, sounding as if it were something she had drawn out of her well of memorable sayings.

Thatcher shook his head.

"Here," Bunny said, handing me a pink card with gold trim. "Our phone number. Call me if you need any help with anything, anything at all."

"She's not planning on moving furniture here. Mother."

"Nevertheless, there it is." she said, nodding at the card.

"My mother is just impossible," Thatcher told me as we started for the door.

"Thank you for inviting me. Bunny. Please tell Mr. Eaton I said thank you. too."

"You had better start calling him Asher. If you don't, he'll complain about how old you make him feel." she warned.

I promised I would.

"How old you'll make him feel," Thatcher mimicked as we made our way to his car. "Everyone clings to his or her illusions here as if they were holding on for dear life."

"Present company excluded?" I asked.

He smiled back at me, and we act into the car.

"Why is it I suspect I was the main topic of conversation?"

Thatcher asked.

"She worries about you," I told him.

He raised his eyebrows skeptically. "Bunny? Worries? People in Palm Beach don't worry. They just find out what the solution to the problem will cost and then buy it Didn't you see the sign on entering the island?"

"What sign?"

'There's one that reads. 'Check your worries at the gate. Smile or turn right around and leave.' Do you know there is no cemetery or hospital in Palm Beach? Death and sickness are not tolerated."

We both laughed.

I studied him for a moment. I wanted to return to the house and stay, of course. What a wonderful opportunity it presented to me. I could approach my mother again but in a quieter, softer, gradual manner. However. I didn't want my motives misunderstood. I was certainly not here to play any Palm Beach romance games,

"Do you feel like telling me about Mai Stone?" I asked him.

"I knew it! I knew she brought all that up. Did she tell you her parents sold her to an Arab billionaire for his son?"

"Yes. It's not true?"