Kevin.Over the meal, I had told Beth the tale. She had sat back after dessert and looked at me."So," she said, "that's the woman you are in love with....I exploded in denial, but she shook her head."No, Kev," she said gently. "She might keep messing you up, but you are in love with her. We all knew there was a woman in your life somewhere, but we couldn't think who. You'll get over it. She's mixed up, that's her trouble." I can't take any more," I said plaintively, almost whining, "Every time she. I said that we had lunch together and that we’d be having dinner too. They said that Lawrence and Mr. Hawthorne, I mean Joshua, had called them to assure them that I was safe and that your husband had invited me to stay for Christmas and that you wanted them to come, too. My Mom was really concerned about imposing on you and about fitting in with you. That’s when Tara took the phone and talked to my Mom.’ ‘Yes, Mom,’ Tara said. ‘She sounded really nice on the phone, but she was really reluctant. She was in high school for god's sake. Years ago. What did she used to say when they had known each other for awhile? She would say to anyone who commented on how beautiful she was, and she felt beautiful so she loved the comment, "Just a year ago I was the ugly duckling." She hadn't been hearing compliments recently. Maybe sounding forced from a lover who would say love with equal sincerity. But she had become the ugly duckling again. That's what Jim was saying."You're not ugly, Jane. You'll. When you get inside, the bedroom will be the second door on the left. It will be dark, and don't turn on any lights. The bed will be directly in front of the bedroom door, and a little to the left." I don't know, Bon, I didn't think that..." Don't try and back out now." She said sternly, "the rent's been due for a week. And besides," she added sweetly, "she's very excited about getting the same thing you gave me... the SAME thing. Do you understand?" Yeah, OK Bonnie, I'll do it for you, but I'm.