then i said , `` i 'd like for you to come to lavender house for dinner tomorrow night . '' the floor was marble , cracked and broken . you deserve at least that much . she all but swoosh-clapped her palms and stood back gripping her hips as if finishing a project . `` i read all of his thoughts-past and present-when he was laying in to me . there was nothing to be done but wait . i explained the situation and told her i needed to discuss it with you first . '' 