She will be the perfect host I promise.” Holding her hand he follows her inside. They walk calmly into the living room. Belinda sits suggestively in... an armchair. Her flimsy, red flowery summer-dress looks very provocative. Belinda’s sickly smile breaks the ice. “Hi Alan its lovely to see you again.” “Hi Belinda. What a pretty dress.” “Ah thank you babes very sweet of you.” Louise laughs at their reunion, joining him on the sofa. They discuss her wedding which happened over a year ago. Belinda. Tim woke up feeling light-headed. He wondered why, and then he remembered his meeting on the beach, and the song, and her promise to meet him again. He whistled while he washed and dressed, and spent all day writing furiously. There were a couple of poems that seemed to have arrived from nowhere, dying to be written, and then he continued with the piece of prose he’d been composing. It was a great distraction, and it was evening before he knew. Marguerite had spent the day trying to behave. Then of course we’ll be sure to get other colors by mixing those.’ He looked over to her, but the same bewildered look was on her face. ‘We’re going to paint? Right now?’ She asked. ‘You’ll see.’ Smiling, he grabbed the four thick paintbrushes he had also picked up on his journey that day and tossed the bag in the other room, out of their way. ‘Stand up.’ He walked over to her, took both of her hands in his and helped her up off the floor. ‘Stand here, right in the center.’ She complied,. "I haven't seen you in some time. How are you?"The other woman turned, recognition was followed by cold hatred sweeping over her face."Mrs. Carpenter, I may have to attend this party. I'll probably even have to do some things which I will hate myself for later. But just because I have to be here does not mean I have to associate with you."Jennifer, realizing the woman's animosity was the result of her decision that day in Tremper's office, tried to explain."Alecia, I didn't want to have to make.