Fat Fridays (2 page)

She climbed into her Camry and headed over to the local World Foods store. Turning on the car radio for the first time in months, she thought about the group she’d just joined. Betsy was a fairly recent widow, Tiffany a young beauty, Carol Ann, an unsophisticated sweetie, and Lynn? Lynn was a tough puzzle. Sukie wondered about their stories. Everyone had one.

Sukie’s hands tightened on the steering wheel as she pulled into the World Foods parking lot.  Everyone in the neighborhood shopped there on Fridays. She drew a couple of deep breaths and parked the car. She had no choice but to go inside. Her refrigerator was empty and she was tired of sneaking into the store during off-hours.

She grabbed her purse. It was now or never, she told herself, even as that old feeling of inadequacy threatened to overwhelm her. Ted’s betrayal had made her feel so ugly, so unlovable, so...so...stupid!

Like a frightened child on her first day of kindergarten, Sukie timidly entered the store.  Fresh strawberries, straight from Florida, greeted her in a rosy display. She picked up a small basket of them and walked into the produce department, bypassing the colorful flowers that seemed to shiver each time the front doors opened, blasting cold February air over them.

She was evaluating the freshness of the romaine lettuce when a familiar voice rang out behind her.

“Sukie, bless your heart, how are you? I haven’t seen you in a dog’s age.”

Her blood turned cold. She turned to face Katy Hartmann, the president of the neighborhood women’s association. Katy thrived on a steady diet of gossip, no matter who or what the occasion.

Sukie forced a smile. “Hi, Katy. I’m fine, thank you.” She crossed her fingers at the white lie. “Just stocking up on my fruits and veggies.”

Katy’s overly-bright smile faded into an exaggerated show of sympathy. “I’m so sorry about you and Ted. Not that I was surprised, mind you. He was forever flirting with me. And, Emmy Lou? Obviously she did a whole lot more than coach at the local gym.” Fishing for more information, she leaned toward Sukie eagerly. “I had no idea you had such a temper, Sukie. I say good for you. We women need to stand up to our naughty men!”

Hiding a shudder, Sukie stepped back. “How was the Valentine Party? Betsy Wilson told me the club did a beautiful job with the luncheon.”

Katy shook her head. “That Betsy. She’s such a character. You should have seen her tackle her food.”

Staring at Katy’s rail-thin body, anger built inside Sukie. “It’s nice to know
she’s
secure enough to eat what she wants.”

At Sukie’s sharp tone, Katy’s eyes rounded. “Well, that’s one way to put it.” She wiggled her fingers hello as a woman came into the store. “Oh, I’ve got to go! Debbi is in charge of our next meeting, and I need to talk to her.” Katie’s smile wavered. “Are you going to be able to attend this one, Sukie?”

Sukie shook her head, struggling to come up with an excuse. “Probably not. I’m taking courses at the library.” 

“Courses?” Katy perked up. “Why, bless your heart, that’s wonderful! Which ones?”

“Computer courses,” Sukie blurted uneasily, caught in another white lie.

“Good luck. I’ll tell the others.” Katy all but flew to Debbi’s side.

“You’ll tell everyone,” Sukie muttered, grinding her teeth together.

Bless her heart!

###

S
ukie carried the groceries inside her house and set them down on the kitchen counter. It hadn’t been that long ago when doing so would have brought her a great deal of satisfaction. But cooking for one had taken the joy out of creating meals her husband had once loved.

She set to work putting away the groceries. She’d heard Ted and Emmy Lou ate out together every night. In a small, growing suburban town like Williston, with just six local restaurants including the Dairy Queen, that meant strutting their stuff all over town. Back when Sukie had attended Pilates class, Emmy Lou had bragged about not being able to cook. Sukie shook her head. After all her sumptuous meals Ted had loved so much, he’d taken up with a bimbo who couldn’t even put together a simple supper.

Sukie opened the cupboard where she’d hidden the chocolates she’d gorged on through the tough times and tossed the few remaining pieces into the garbage. No more self-indulgence for her! She stopped, retrieved one over-sized chocolate bar, and tucked it behind the vinegar. An emergency might come up. Better safe than sorry.

Outside, blue sky and bright sunshine beckoned. Sukie grabbed her coat and headed out the door. It had been ages since she’d walked the neighborhood.  Spring – her favorite time of year - was on its way, about to nudge winter from the scene.

She stood a moment, admiring her surroundings, so full of promise. Plantings of various sizes and shapes filled the landscaped spaces between the large houses and served as a playground for the birds flitting among the budding branches. The trees would soon leaf out in pale green glory. Bradford Pear trees were about to blossom, and then their white flowers would coat the branches like fallen snow. Redbud trees would soon add patches of brilliant pink, making the world seem a fairyland of spring colors.

Sukie drew in a breath of fresh air and vowed to make a fresh start too.

Walking along, she noticed a SOLD sign in front of a house in the cul-de-sac at the end of her street. She idly wondered if it meant more children in the neighborhood. She hoped so. It seemed like yesterday her Rob and Elizabeth had been running through the neighborhood. The sounds of active children playing, calling to one another, reminded her of the satisfying years when her own children’s activities had filled her busy days.

As she drew closer to the newly sold house, a golden retriever galloped across the lawn toward her. Sukie stopped and waited for him to approach. He came to a halt, sniffed her palm and wagged his tail.

A low, male voice called from the direction of the garage, “Prince, come.”

“I’ll get him! Let me!” came a high, sweet voice from the same area. A little girl with blond ringlets ran toward Sukie, her hair flying behind her like a falling crown of gold. The lawn dipped in front of the child. She tripped and tumbled to the ground with a high-pitched yelp.

Sukie reached her just as a man, whom she assumed was her father, joined her and lifted the sobbing child into his arms. Sukie studied the little girl. She appeared to be about three years old and was among the prettiest Sukie had ever seen.

“I’ve got her, but thanks,” the man said above the noise of the child’s cries. “Come, Prince.”

As they walked away, Sukie wondered what her own grandchild would look like—perhaps, a dainty little girl, all pink and white, with honey-colored curls, or a broad-shouldered, lusty-voiced boy like Rob. 

The man stopped and turned. The sniffling little girl in his arms laid her head against his shoulder and stared at Sukie. She saw now that the girl had her father’s refined features. His blue-eyed gaze settled on Sukie. They stood, studying each other.

She couldn’t pull her eyes away. He was a very intriguing man—sexy and masculine, yet sweet and gentle with his daughter. As handsome a man as she’d ever seen. A real hottie as Elizabeth would say. The rest of the world disappeared in a haze of keen mutual awareness and a quiet seem to settle around them, like something she’d read in romance novels.

He shot Sukie another admiring glance that lingered. Heat spread in delicious pulses to every part of her body, reminding her how it’d once felt to be sexy. As if he knew her thoughts, he smiled. 

Sukie’s cheeks flamed with teen-like embarrassment. She forced herself to mind her manners. “I’m Sukie Skidmore, your neighbor from down the street. Tell your wife I’ll stop by sometime next week. In the past, I’ve tried to welcome everyone to the neighborhood.”

“Thanks.” He nodded. “I’m Cameron Taylor.”

With a quick wave to her, he disappeared into the garage, and Sukie went on her way. Overwhelmed by the instant attraction she’d felt toward a complete stranger, she took deep breaths to calm her racing heart. His wife, she thought, was one lucky woman.

When Sukie entered the house, the phone was ringing. She checked caller ID, happily picked it up and took a seat at the kitchen table. A call from Elizabeth, attending college in New York, was a rare opportunity for a mother-daughter conversation. Though Sukie missed her, she was glad Elizabeth wasn’t around to witness all the crap with her father. 

“How are you, Mom?” Elizabeth asked. A note of worry wavered in her voice.

“Holding on. Betsy Wilson called me earlier this week. I met her and a few of her co-workers for lunch today. She calls it Fat Fridays because no calories are counted.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I’ve always liked Betsy. But, Mom, be careful how you soothe your sorrows, so to speak.”

“I am. As a matter of fact, I’m losing weight. I can’t decide if it’s worry or anger.”

“Probably both. I hate that Dad did that to you.” After a pause Elizabeth continued. “Guess what? My friend Laurie and I went to an off-Broadway play last night, and afterwards we went to this great little Italian place for dinner. And, Mom, I met this really hot guy. I love living in the City.”

“I’m glad.” Sukie said, meaning it. Elizabeth was living the kind of life she herself had dreamed of as a young student—a life that was productive, independent, and full of fun. Somewhere along the way, she’d lost it all. But, no more! She’d crossed the bridge from depression to determination and she was going to enjoy her new status.

After they hung up, Sukie stared out the French doors of the kitchen and clutched her cold fingers. She’d lied to Katy Hartmann and had to make it right.

Her mouth grew dry at the thought of what she was about to do, but she went ahead and punched in the number.

“Williston Public Library,” a voice answered cheerfully.

Sukie took a deep breath. “Is it too late to sign up for the computer course?”

B
etsy Wilson returned to the office, pleased Sukie had joined her and the others for lunch. In many ways, theirs was an odd group of women, but they’d become good friends in a short time. Working together on the top floor of MacTel Communications, where tempers ran high from execs under stress, it was good to have a buddy or two or three on your side. Funny, Betsy thought, how you meet some women and there’s an instant connection, a willingness to help one another get through the ups and downs of another day. She’d always treasured that about women. 

Betsy leaned back in her desk chair and gazed at the framed photograph of Caitlin and Garrett, her two grandchildren. She’d placed their picture on the corner of her desk where everyone could see them. Studying their sweet little features, her heart swelled with love. She felt so lucky to have them in her life. Lifting the tiny bottle of perfume they’d bought her at the dollar store for Valentine’s Day, she opened it, inhaled the flowery aroma and dabbed a little behind her ears.

Her grandchildren were the frosting on a cake, the sugar in her coffee, whatever cute saying she could come up with. She loved them like crazy.

Their mother? Not so much.

Betsy’s thoughts turned to Sukie. She had a heart of gold. They’d been neighbors a long time, friends from the first day they’d met, back when their boys were young. Growing up, Richie had spent a lot of time at Sukie’s house. Betsy had always admired her.

Her husband? Another story.

Betsy’s boss handed a folder to her. “I need this done right away. Think you can do it?”

“Sure.” Betsy smiled, but wondered why he always waited until the last minute to land a new project on her desk. Setting aside personal thoughts, Betsy focused on her work.

The afternoon sped by as she put together an agenda and a Power Point presentation for a sales meeting. She’d tell anyone who asked that she was no techie, but she loved being part of the scene at MacTel Communications. All those crazy scripts and programs everyone talked about meant little to her. It was the admin work she enjoyed. She edited the presentation one last time, emailed it, and printed off a hard copy for her boss.

“Night, Betsy.” Carol Ann waved and headed for the elevator.

Surprised at the late hour, Betsy gathered her things. It had been a hectic week and she was tired. But she would take the time to stop by Sukie’s to make sure she was really on board for Fat Fridays.

Betsy drove into the neighborhood and pulled up to Sukie’s house, one of the bigger ones in the area. Betsy remembered how Ted used to brag about that. Funny, she thought, how some couples seem so out of kilter—Sukie, so genuine, and Ted, so full of himself. Lately, Betsy had pushed hard to force Sukie out of the house. She figured once Sukie began to show herself around town, all that nasty gossipy stuff would die down. Small towns could be mighty difficult. Small southern towns, even worse.

Sukie answered the door with a smile that lit her face. Returning her smile, Betsy thought it unbelievable that Ted had left Sukie for someone who looked and dressed like a slut and didn’t seem to have much going on in the brains department.

“Come on in.” Sukie tugged her inside. “How about a glass of wine? After lunch today, I went grocery shopping and took a long walk in the neighborhood.”

“Congratulations, hon! It’s a beginning, right?” Betsy was glad her campaign had done some good.

Sukie nodded, blushing prettily. “I talked to Elizabeth. She was pleased I’m joining your Fat Fridays group. She’s always liked you, Betsy.”

“Elizabeth is a great gal. If I’d had a daughter, I would’ve wanted her to be like Elizabeth—smart, kind, pretty.”

While Sukie poured two glasses of white wine, Betsy took a seat on one of the black leather stools lining the gray granite counter at the kitchen bar. They clicked glasses in a tinkling salute and sipped. The cool liquid slid down Betsy’s throat easily and warmed her stomach.

“So, how are you doing? Really?” she asked Sukie, taking another soothing sip of wine. 

Sukie shrugged. “I’m getting by, though I’m still trying to figure out my finances. I got the house and I’m getting some alimony. It surprised me that Ted agreed to it so quickly, but I don’t trust him. You know how he is. He’ll find a way to make my life miserable. He betrayed me once, who’s to say he won’t again?”