Part 224 (1/2)

frayed. ”I didn't think you had time for old friends anymore.”

”Marianne-” She couldn't break down right here. There were still

reporters close enough, watching her, snapping pictures. Drew was

going to see the pictures, of her and Marianne together. Then he would

know she lied. She cast desperate looks over her shoulder. ”Can I . .

. I need ...”

”Are you all right?” Marianne tipped down her sungla.s.ses and studied

Emma's face. ”Christ, you look terrible.”

”I'd like to talk with you, if you have a few minutes.”

”I've always had a few minutes,” Marianne retorted. She dug in her

purse for a cigarette. ”I thought you were going straight back.”

”No.” She took a deep breath, and stepped over the line. ”I'm not going

back at all.”

Through the haze of smoke, Marianne's eyes narrowed. ”What?”

”I'm not going back,” Emma repeated, and was terrified when her voice

began to hitch. ”Can we go somewhere. Please. I have to go

somewhere.”

”Sure.” Marianne stuck a hand under Emma's elbow. ”We'll take your

limo. We'll go anywhere you like.”

It took only a short time to reach Marianne's hotel, which, when Emma

began to shake, was the best place Marianne could think of to take her.

They went straight up to the suite, a beautiful pastel set of rooms

overlooking the crowded white sand and blue water. Marianne had already

made the s.p.a.ce hers by tossing articles of clothing over every available

chair. She scooped up the sweats.h.i.+rt and slacks she had traveled in,

gestured for Emma to sit, then went to the phone.