Nowhere to Hide by Debby Giusti Page A

day begging Lydia to take him to Bobby’s house early.
    â€œMrs. Jackson said six o’clock, honey. Why don’t you read one of your library books while you’re waiting.”
    â€œAw, Mom!”
    By four o’clock, Lydia was tired of Tyler’s whining and sent him to his room for a time-out, while she tried to find something to wear to Joel’s party.
    She had accepted the invitation to spite Matt. Now, she wished she could stay home with a good book.
    When was the last time she’d been to a social gathering, other than a birthday party for one of Tyler’s friends? She couldn’t remember. Sonny never enjoyed parties. Not that he hadn’t gone out in the evening. He called them work-related events, and wives weren’t included. Lydia could only imagine the type of work he had been doing.
    The phone rang.
    â€œHello.”
    â€œLydia, it’s Katherine. I’ve decided to extend my stay. Patrick’s sister is stronger, but she still needs help. That is if you and Tyler are doing all right without me.”
    â€œOf course, we are. Don’t worry about us. In fact, I have something planned with the island photographer.”
    Katherine laughed. “You met Joel?”
    â€œHe invited me to his house for a party tonight. Tyler’s going to a sleepover at the Jackson home.”
    â€œJoel’s definitely a ladies’ man. He probably decided to give the party just to impress you, dear.”
    â€œHe seems harmless. Beside, I’m not interested in getting involved with anyone.”
    â€œA party would do you good. I bought a couple of dresses on my last shopping trip to New York. But when I brought them home, I realized they’re too youthful for a woman my age.”
    â€œNow, Katherine, you don’t have an old bone in your body.” From her chuckle, Lydia was sure the woman appreciated the compliment.
    â€œWell, then maybe I should say, they’re not my style. Try them on, Lydia. They’ve still got the tags on them. See if they fit. I’d be so pleased if you’d get some good out of them. Goodness knows I won’t be taking them back. You’ll save me from packing them up and giving them to charity.”
    â€œYou’ve been too kind already.”
    â€œNonsense. Do me a favor and wear them. I insist.”
    After hanging up, Lydia opened the closet in themaster bedroom and peered at the clothes hanging neatly on the racks. Just as Katherine had said, Lydia found the dresses, still in plastic garment bags complete with the manufacturers’ tags.
    Although Lydia knew Katherine would look attractive in anything, the dresses did seem designed with a younger woman in mind. Lydia selected a pale purple sheath. The fit was perfect and the color enhanced her skin tones.
    She gasped when she looked at the price tag and promised she would somehow make it up to Katherine. After applying makeup and using a curling iron to add a little bounce to her hair, she returned to the living room.
    â€œTime to go,” she called. “Tyler?”
    Where was he?
    Tyler pulled open the sliding deck door and stepped inside. “I had to get my Frisbee.”
    â€œLock the door, honey.” Lydia dashed back to the bedroom to get her purse before she and Tyler hustled out the front door.
    â€œRemember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ And go to bed when Mrs. Jackson tells you to.” Climbing into the SUV, she added, “I’ll give Mrs. Jackson the telephone number of where I’ll be. Call me if you get lonesome.”
    â€œBobby said his mom bought lots of junk food.”
    Great, Lydia thought. Ever since Sonny’s death, Tyler’s stomach had bothered him. Nerves, the pediatrician told her. An overload of sweets wouldn’thelp. Tyler would probably come home exhausted and on a sugar high.
    â€œI brought my Action-Pac, Mom. I told the guys I’d let them use it.”
    She knew