Conversation during dinner was stilted and uncomfortable as usual, and three hours later I was no closer to learning why Dr. Avila wanted me in Rio—was Father being evasive, or did he truly have no idea?—my stomach was churning, and I really needed a cigarette in the worst way.
Coffee and dessert were finished, and the evening was finally over. I touched my napkin to my lips and set it beside my dessert plate.
“I need to get on the road. It will be after three by the time I get home.” I rose, kissed my mother’s cheek, and shook my father’s hand.
“We’ll see you before you leave, David.”
That meant another long drive. “Yes, sir.” I’d have to make reservations for dinner at the country club.
“And it will be a good idea for you to spend the night.” It was an order, not a suggestion. “We’l
