”“Ellie is quite a cook,” Said Ted, “she has had to be, since her mother died some years ago.”“Don’t let him fool you,” said Ellie, �...�Dad is quite a cook himself.”We talked on of the weather, some politics, and other stuff for some time. I even mentioned I was still recovering from a messy divorce. At one point, as I was looking at Ellie, I said, “Your Christmas decorations are subtle and very good. They show a deft touch. I wish I had a Christmas present for you to place under the tree.”She. " Okay, Rob, we'll talk more tomorrow."I checked the house was locked up and the alarm system active before I headed to my room. My shower was quick and I went to bed. I didn't even try to read before going to sleep.In the morning Kay and I crossed paths in the kitchen. I was having a grapefruit and she had a yogurt. She was on her way to school when I went to my office. I had some catching up to do. I was at it all day, only taking a short break for a sandwich at lunch time. I was still. "I bet Jon can't wait to get you upstairs after you've had a bad game." Actually he normally can't escape quickly enough. I think he's always scared I'll throw something at him!" I said, starting to laugh the tension away, then a switch just flicked inside me again. "It just winds me up, you know, it's just so fucking frustrating."I turned my back to Claire and stuck my head back under the shower to rinse off the shampoo, continuing to vent off, when I felt her hands on my shoulders, her. "Dave replied, "It's a long week. I'll make sure I leave some time for you."Sam said goodbye before his father picked up the phone and explained, "I'll meet you at the golf course at eleven o'clock. The shotgun start is noon, right?"Dave answered, "Yeah, noon. See you at eleven. And thanks again for caddying for me. I couldn't ask Alec to miss the first college tournament even though I know he would have."After their farewells Dave hung up the phone but immediately picked it up again and dialed.