Eight

Ben had come to put the animal through his paces several times in Brian's absence, fulfilling the promise to his grandson. He talked to Andrea about the Chicago trip when he came on those occasions and had encouraged her.

"It will be good for you to stretch your wings," her father had said.

Andrea sensed a different attitude from her mother. Ruth felt it was "inap­propriate" for a young woman to travel without a companion and had sought to dissuade her daughter with thinly veiled disapproval. Andrea was wearied with her mother dictating what was acceptable. She determined to go to the art fair, alone if she had to, even though the idea was frightening.

Andrea had hoped to conquer her fear, but her anxiety had grown as the weekend drew near. When it was time to pack for the art show, her nerves were taut.

Claire loaned Andrea her old canopy, display panels and several other items Andrea was unable to find. She had driven to Claire's house the day before to pick them up.

The afternoon was warm, so Andrea parked by the curb in the shade of a sycamore tree and carried a plate of fresh baked brownies to Claire's door.

"Is this rent for the display stuff?" Claire said with a big smile as she opened the door. "I may have to collect every week."