I hugged him hard.
"What would I do without you?" "You're never going to find out."
* * *
My mother woke me at nine the next morning, gliding fretfully into Cary's room as soon as visiting hours began.
She pulled me out to the hallway, drawing the attention of everyone in the immediate area.
It was early, but she looked amazing in eye-catching red-soled Louboutins and an ivory sleeveless sheath dress.
"Eva.
I can't believe you went the entire weekend without your cell phone! What were you thinking? What if there had been an emergency?" "There was an emergency."
"Exactly!" She threw up one hand, since the other arm had her clutch tucked beneath it.
"No one could get hold of you or Gideon.
He left a message saying that he was taking you away for the weekend, but no one knew where you were.
I can't believe he was so irresponsible! What was he thinking?" "Thank you," I interjected, because she was getting wound up and repeating herself, "for taking care of Cary.
It means a lot to me."
"Well, of course."
My mother took it down a notch.
"We love him, too, you know.
I'm devastated this happened."
Her lower lip trembled and she dug in her bag for her ever-ready handkerchief.
"Are the police investigating?" I asked.
"Yes, of course, but I don't how much good it will do."
She dabbed at the corners of her eyes.
"I love Cary dearly, but he's a tramp.
I doubt he can recall all the women and men he's been with.
Remember the charity auction you attended with Gideon? When I bought you that stunning red dress?" "Yes."
I'd never forget it.
It was the night Gideon and I first made love.
"I'm certain Cary slept with a blonde he danced with that night - while they were there! They disappeared and when they came back .
Well, I know what a satisfied man looks like.
I would be surprised if he knew her name."
I remembered what Cary had said before he fell asleep.