It might be a houseboy’sprerogative to change his mind, but it’s a Daddy’s prerogative to vetothat change. Shane said a firm no. I’d had my chance and I’d declinedit. Besides, my attitude was wrong and I’d go, not with the intention of enjoying the occasion, but of finding fault with something or someone. On reflection he was probably right, not that it made me feel anybetter. I had no choice but to gracefully accept the ruling, well, accept it anyway. Grace didn’t figure in any noticeable way. If they didn’t want my company, fine. I would seek out people who did. I called Lee to see what he was doing. He had a date lined upand much as he’d love to see me, this was the first ‘live’ woman he’dpulled in ages and no offence, but he didn’t plan on taking a gaygooseberry along, as with his luck she’d fall for the unattainable andhis chances of a companionable fumble in the dark would be reduced,as per usual, to him playing a character from Sad Stars Wars, Han(d)Solo, and fumbling alone.
