Why didn't I notice this? Why wasn't I paying attention? How
can I put on a great dinner party and know every conversation that is being held?

I was working furiously trying to make all the guests comfortable and most of all, seeing that everyone was having a good time.

A good time? Yes, apparently, my husband of twenty-two years

was having a very good time at our party.

Little did I know that he was huddled up in a corner talking to a
blonde half his age, aboutheaven only knows wha

I didn't know this petite blonde girl. The Averys telephoned at
the last minute and asked if they could bring their visiting niece.
Naturally, I was trying to be gracious and kind when I heard myself
saying, "of course, dear."

I vaguely remember being introduced to her by the Averys,. I
thanked Jean Avery for the daisies that she had already placed in a
water-filled, light yellow vase. Jean was thoughtful that way.
"Beth, I'd like you to meet my niece, my favorite niece, Victoria
Linder. We call her Vickey', for short."

I remember mumbling something like "it's a pleasure" while
wondering if I was ever that young. Her winsome smile produced
beautiful straight white teeth something I had always wished for.
I could tell her hair was naturally blonde. Her blue eyes glistened
like some kind of rare gem and of course, she had a figure to die
for.

"How sweeeet of you to let me come to one of your famous
parties," Vickey cooed, as she offered to shake my hand.
Did she have to be charming, also?

I returned the handshake and asked my husband Dan to introduce
her around and perhaps offer her a drink.
"Just make her feel welcome" I said as I waved him on.

This is where it all beganat my own party.

I trusted Dan so much that when he began to work out at the
YMCA and refuse to eat ice cream, I was thankful that at last, my
nagging was paying off! Hooray, he would have a long, healthy
life, after all.

Exercise did pay off for Dan. He looked ten years
younger, especially after he decided getting a tan would go along
with his new physique.

I was so happy that he was taking care of his body and so
cheerful about it that when he asked if I minded if he played poker
two nights a week at the club, I said, "Of course not, dear."

I used these two free nights to give myself a manicure, pedicure
and once a month a hair

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