Anita had sized up Robert Dolan at their first meeting on a parent’s night at his high school. He did nothing to her as a man. He struck her as too tame and too good. He did not give off as he talked to her the kind of bold rough undertone that the voices of real men give off. Anita’s search for mister right was a hunt. A man’s presence had to make her feel he was a bold hunter looking for game before she gave him back a sign that she was game.
Ursula opened the door for her mother and Rachel. She kissed her mother’s left cheek and closed the door behind them. They took a few steps into Robert Dolan’s apartment and looked about. Anita Ridley was an attractive woman of forty-six with a slim figure and a height and carriage that resembled her daughters. Robert went up to her and offered his hand. The two shook hands.
“How are you, Anita?” asked Robert. “I’m happy to see you. Have a seat.”
Robert waved towards the sofa and Anita sat near one end. Robert sat at the other end and looked at Anita.
“Ursula and I have found happiness and peace together,” he said. “We wish the same for you and Rachel.”
“I’m not happy,” said Anita Ridley, “and I won’t be at peace until you give me back my daughter.”
“I’m not holding her against her will. She’s free to leave.”
“Do you want her to leave?”
“No.”
“Then you’re holding her here. You’ve found some way to control her and keep her here against her will.”
“I’m here because I want to be here,” said Ursula strongly.
“You’re not. You’re here against your will if you’ve started a relationship with an old man. A girl doesn’t normally do that.”
“I won’t leave,” said Ursula in a stronger voice, almost yelling. “You won’t make me leave.” But her voice broke and she was near tears. “You don’t understand me,” she said in a softer voice, trying to hold back her tears. “I’m happy.”
“You can’t be happy living with a seventy-year-old man,” said Rachel.
“Come home with me and let me take care of you,” said Anita. “I only want what’s best for you.”
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