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Sailing in the afternoon, dinner out someplace nice. What do you say?”
    â€œThat sounds great,” Val said. “I’d like that a lot.”
    â€œTomorrow, after school, tell Bruno to take you and Connie shopping,” her father said. “Buy yourself a pretty dress. You can wear it Saturday night. And a nice sweater or two. You’ll need one for sailing.”
    â€œThanks, Daddy,” Val said. “I’ll model them for you tomorrow.”
    Her father was silent for a moment. “I don’t think I’ll be making it back tomorrow,” he said. “Probably Wednesday instead.”
    Val wasn’t sure whether she was disappointed or relieved.
    â€œI guess if you and Michelle are on the outs, you wouldn’t want to stay there,” her father said. “How about at the Farrells? They’re always happy to have you.”
    â€œAmanda Farrell’s in a clinic again,” Val said. “They took her to one yesterday.”
    â€œThat’s okay,” her father said. “Kit’ll be grateful for the company. And I’d just as soon not have you spend time there when Amanda’s drinking. Why don’t you have Bruno drive you over now, and you can spend the next couple of days there. Connie can take both you girls shopping. Tell Kit to buy herself something pretty, my treat.”
    â€œI think I’ll stay home tonight, Daddy,” Val said. “I have kind of a headache. But maybe tomorrow I’ll stay with Kit.”
    â€œI don’t like the idea of you being alone for so long,” her father said. “Is it a bad headache? Do you want Connie to call the doctor?”
    Val managed to laugh. “It’s nothing serious,” she said. “I’ll take a couple of aspirin, it’ll go away.”
    â€œIf it doesn’t, you have Connie call the doctor,” her father said. “No matter how late. Promise?”
    â€œI promise,” Val said.
    â€œI’ll try to make it home tomorrow,” her father said. “I can’t make any guarantees though.”
    â€œI’ll be fine by tomorrow,” Val said. “Surprise quizzes give me headaches, that’s all.”
    â€œDo you want Kit to come over and keep you company?” her father asked. “I can call and tell her to.”
    â€œKit has a paper she has to write,” Val replied. “She didn’t get it done over the weekend, and Sister Gina Marie gave her a one-day extension. I think we’d better leave her alone to finish it.”
    â€œTea’s good for a headache,” her father said. “Tell Connie to make you some tea.”
    â€œI will,” Val said.
    â€œI’ll call you in the morning before school to make sure you’re okay,” her father said. “And if you need me for anything, Connie has my number here. All right?”
    â€œI’m fine, Daddy,” Val said. “I won’t be needing you.”
    Her father laughed. “I’m not sure I like the way that sounds,” he said. “But you don’t feel well, so I won’t argue with you. Take it easy tonight. Don’t worry about homework. You can catch up tomorrow when you’re feeling better.”
    â€œI’ll see you on Wednesday,” Val said.
    â€œI’ll talk to you tomorrow,” her father replied. “And think about shopping. That always used to cure your mother’s headaches.”
    Val hung up the phone and rested her head against the pillow. She hated going shopping with Connie, who had no taste whatsoever. It was more fun to go with Amanda, who could be scathing if she or Kit picked out something really wrong, but who had a great eye for just what would look good and could even explain why. But Amanda was out of action for the next few weeks.
    The telephone rang again. Val grinned. She was never so popular as when she wanted to be left alone. She picked it up, said hello, and waited to hear