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failed even to say hello to Abby, who waited at the dining room door to greet Mike's guests. Attractive in a form-hugging black dress adorned only with a pearl necklace, Ruth stood close to Mike, whispering to him as he followed her into the room. She wore matching pearl earrings that dangled even lower than the last pair Abby had seen her wear. |
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Lowell shook Abby's hand with clammy fingers and murmured in a nervous monotone, "I think this party was a mistake. It can only remind Mike" |
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But Mike left Ruth's side to join them then, and Lowell did not finish his sentence, leaving Abby wondering what he had been going to say. |
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Hannah's cooking was, as usual, wonderful, but Abby did not enjoy supper. Only Mike and Lowell talked, in forced conversation. Lowell was dressed as formally as at the office, from his dark suit to his shiny laced shoes. He punctuated much of what he said by grimacing to push his spectacles back up his nose. More than once, he apologized for the problems at Arlen's Kitchens. "I hope you aren't mad at me, Mike. I just thought we could try a little something different." |
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"I'm not mad," Mike said each time, but his tone lacked conviction, and Abby understood why Lowell kept seeking reassurance. |
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Ruth said little, mostly staring at Abby with coldness narrowing her large blue eyes. Abby was certain that Ruth had hoped Mike might turn to her after his wife's death and that she had |
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