Dan was sweet not to gloat. He had gently urged Carol, at the very beginning, to re-think the color scheme for the theatre renovation, and then he let it go. Still, the old movie palace was hers, a truly surprising inheritance from her grandfather, along with enough funds in trust for a complete overhaul. It was Valentine’s Day when she got the news two years ago, and in a moment of whimsy she chose pinks and raspberries and anything that might match same.
Now, having flown back to the city to get a first viewing of the end result, well, Carol thought mortification might be too strong, but to say she was merely chagrinned didn’t capture her mood either.
At least her daughter Kathy was pleased. Thrilled, actually, and already fantasizing out loud about dances and plays for the summer season. What little girl wouldn’t be? And that’s really what mattered, Carol told herself. It is, isn’t it? Isn’t that what matters?
image: Bernie Fuchs














