Fat Fridays (24 page)

Sukie wondered who was taking care of Chloe but said nothing. Chloe was no longer her concern. Come this Saturday’s Nighty-Night gathering, it would be a relief to know Chloe would, most likely, be absent and Sukie wouldn’t have to face Cam. Still, Sukie would miss her. And though she didn’t want to admit it, even to herself, Sukie would miss seeing Cam stride into the room, holding Chloe’s hand.

She finished picking up discarded meeting agendas from the conference table and went to her desk, vowing to do better with Edythe. She had to keep the job. Her computer skills were shaky and she had no other training. If Ted and she were forced to go back to court, Sukie wanted to be able to prove to the judge she’d done more than sit around, doing nothing.

When she got home from work Sukie called Ted, determined to resolve the issue of housing. Ted gave her a churlish hello.

Sukie ignored his tone. “Ted, we need to talk about this house. You’ve been telling the kids that I’m going to have to sell it. I’m well aware of the fact you’re looking into building a lake house. Judge Wright told me you talked to him about buying his boat. I don’t think any judge is going to look kindly upon those facts. So, back off.”

“What’s happened to you, Sukie?” Ted snarled. “I didn’t write that note you called me about, but I’m not surprised you got it. I have a new family to think about. Don’t you get that?”

Sukie steeled herself. “What I get is that you’re trying to bully me into something I don’t want at this stage, all because of...” She stopped. This conversation was going nowhere. “I meant what I said, Ted. Any more threats of taking this house away from me and we’ll go see the judge.”

“You
are
a bitch!” He slammed down the phone before she could say anything else.

Sukie’s body thrummed with unspoken, angry responses. Stay strong, she reminded herself. Stay strong.

T
he days and weeks flew by in a blur of projects. Now that people knew there was a children’s librarian, Sukie was called upon to give talks to community groups, hold story hours for two different age groups and perform research to broaden the inventory. Of all her duties, the Nighty-Night program was her favorite. The response to the series had been outstanding and the board was eager to keep its success going. 

Sukie drove into the parking lot of Bea’s Kitchen, eager to see everyone in the Fat Friday’s group and receive her weekly serving of acceptance. 

Betsy was already seated at a table when Sukie walked in.

Concern filled Sukie as she noted the dark circles under Betsy’s eyes, the downward turn of her mouth. “How are you?”

“Richie and Sarah are back together.” Betsy’s lips quivered. “She made him promise not to see me until I regain common decency, as she put it. She said I’m an embarrassment to her. She’s telling everyone else I’ve had a nervous breakdown. Richie called to say he’ll pick up the last of his things from the house on Saturday while Sarah’s on a shopping trip to Atlanta.”

Sukie reached over and clasped Betsy’s hand. “I’m sorry. That hurts.”

Betsy’s eyes filled. “I was afraid this might happen. I’m not saying much to anyone else, but I’m heartbroken.” 

Carol Ann and Lynn arrived, followed by Tiffany. They all exchanged quick embraces and settled at the table in front of their menus.

“Think I’ll have the pork chop today.” Lynn slapped her menu down on the tabletop with an air of finality. 

Studying Tiffany surreptitiously, Sukie selected the baked chicken and waited for the other women to place their orders. Tiffany looked healthier than Sukie had ever seen her. Perhaps it was the glow of pregnancy that some women seemed to wear like a crown.

Tiffany glanced over at Sukie and smiled.

“Did anyone else get strange phone calls this week?” asked Lynn. “I got one, asking if I’d been working at MacTel for long and if I’d be interested in purchasing life insurance. I hung up right away, but something about it has been bothering me ever since. I don’t think it has anything to do with Buck, but it didn’t sound right.”

“Oh, no!” Tiffany clapped her cheeks with her hands.

They all turned to her.

Tiffany looked as if she was about to cry. “I bet it’s this whole thing with my mother-in-law.” She proceeded to tell them about the investigations her mother-in-law had ordered. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea she’d gone ahead and done this.”

Carol Ann looked annoyed, and Betsy, angry. Lynn wore a frightened expression that made Sukie’s stomach clench.

Tiffany’s eyes filled. “I told Sukie I’d be glad to leave the group, if that’s what y’all want.”

“No,” Lynn said, commanding attention. “You mustn’t let them control you like that.”

Betsy took hold of Tiffany’s hand. “Sweetie, you’re part of us.”

“It wouldn’t be the same without you,” added Carol Ann. “You gotta stay.”

Tiffany gave them a tremulous smile. “Thank you. It means so much to me.”

“I told Tiffany we’d all help her in any way we can,” Sukie said, and the others nodded their agreement.

Their meals were placed before them, and the table grew quiet as they dug into the southern home-cooked food. 

“I’ve got a bit of good news.” Happiness brightened Carol Ann’s features. “John has agreed to let me have an open house at the condo on Saturday. You’re all invited to come. He wants to thank everyone in the group for convincing me to try on-line dating.”

Carol Ann gave the details of the party. “All y’all will come, won’t you?”

Sukie glanced at the other women. They all nodded.

“We’re agreed then?” said Betsy. “We’ll meet at the condo at eight, and if any of you want to join Karen and me for dinner ahead of time, just give me a call.”

“I might just do that. I like these Saturday night get-togethers,” said Lynn with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.

As people were rising to leave, Tiffany pulled Sukie aside. “I found out why Muffy doesn’t like you. The ladies at the country club told her about your date with Regard.”

Annoyed, Sukie burst out, “It wasn’t a date!”

“I know, but Muffy thinks it was. I’m sorry if I’ve made it uncomfortable for you.”

Sukie sighed. “Don’t worry about it. We all need to stick together.”

As Sukie left the restaurant, she wondered how her life had become so complicated. The thing with Muffy Wright was silly. She had no interest in breaking up Muffy’s marriage or anyone else’s.

At the library, Sukie glanced through the new books she’d ordered, and selected four for the upcoming Nighty-Night program. The stories had to be fast-moving and allow plenty of acting out or else she couldn’t hold the attention of restless toddlers. It was a challenge, but she loved drawing the little ones into the stories, sharing the action and pictures with them.

“Hello, Sukie.”

Sukie looked up from her desk to see Mary Anderson approaching. “Hello, Mary! What are you doing here?”

Mary smiled. “You told me you were the children’s librarian. Bob is back in town helping Cam, so I thought I’d drop by to see you. Have a minute?”

“Sure.” Sukie was happy to see her. She’d been so welcoming when they’d first met.

Mary pulled up a chair. “Bob told me not to interfere but, Sukie, I feel I have to say something. Cam needs your help.”

Sukie felt the blood leave her face. “What’s wrong? Omigod! Is something wrong with Chloe?”

Mary shook her head and stared at Sukie in silence. 

Suspicion grew. An entirely different thought entered her mind. “I suppose he needs me to babysit, right? The same old babysitter with privileges routine?” The look of satisfaction on Mary’s face made Sukie stop.

She clasped Sukie’s hand. “Good. You still care.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Cam has been miserable these past weeks and I think I know why. He won’t come out and tell me everything, but I know enough to realize it’s because of you. He’s a stubborn man, and I doubt he’ll come to talk to you on his own, but you’ve hurt him. For what it’s worth, he told me you didn’t want to see him anymore. He said you just didn’t get it.”

“Get it?” Sukie’s nostrils flared. “A babysitter with privileges? Certainly not.”

Mary had the audacity to laugh at her. “He told me that part, too. Sukie, have you no idea how difficult a time this man has had? He’d never do that to you.”

“I’m too old to do this...this privileges thing. What I felt for him was so real, so deep.” Tears came to Sukie’s eyes, but she quickly brushed them away.

“He cares about you, too. That’s why I’m here, though both Cam and Bob would be furious if they ever found out. Do you have it in you to call him, Sukie?”

Sukie shook her head. “It’s become so much more than that. My job is in jeopardy. I can’t lose it. And my children and others weren’t happy about my seeing Cam. He’s just starting a family and I’m about to become a grandmother. In so many respects, we’re worlds apart.”

Mary sat silently, continuing to study her. “I thought I knew you better than that, Sukie. I never should have come here. Enjoy that grandchild of yours. I must go.”

Mary left, and Sukie put her head down on her desk, trying to hold in her tears. No matter how much she might wish things were different, they never would be.

###

T
ime alternately dragged and flew by as Sukie awaited the children’s arrival for Saturday night’s story time. Their excitement when they saw her dressed in a granny night gown over her clothes was contagious. Gathering the children around her, getting them settled on comfy pillows, Sukie relaxed. She was well into a story about a pet pig saving a tightrope walker at a circus when she heard someone call her name.

“Miss Sukie!” Chloe ran toward Sukie, her arms held out. Just before Chloe reached her, she tripped on her blue nightgown and fell into Sukie’s arms.

Sukie glanced up to find Cam staring at her. Without saying a word, he turned and walked away. Watching him leave, Sukie’s heart pounded with dismay. Cam hadn’t even cracked a smile at her or waved goodbye to Chloe. 

Chloe climbed up on Sukie’s lap. The other children moved restlessly, waiting for Sukie to continue. She picked up where she’d left off, trying to concentrate on the words and pictures in front of her.

As Sukie read one book, then another, she couldn’t stop thinking of Cam’s stern expression. Even if she might have wanted to talk to him, Sukie knew “keep away” signs when she saw them.

Every time an adult appeared to pick up a child, Sukie tensed. When only Chloe remained, she began to wonder if Cam had planned it that way. Thinking of being alone with him, her body grew cold then hot.

“Where’s Daddy?” Chloe’s little voice echoed in the empty room.

“Here,” came a deep voice.

Cam walked toward them, his expression grim. Without looking at Sukie, he took Chloe by the hand. “Say thank you to Miss Sukie.”

Chloe stamped her foot. “I want to stay with her!”

His face darkened. “Come on, Chloe. It’s time to go.”

“No! Sally wants to live with Sukie. Me, too!” Chloe let out a woeful wail that made Sukie want to gather her in her arms.

Sukie knelt beside her. “We’ll always be special friends, Chloe. Remember that. I’ve got to go, too. I’ll be late for my party.”

“Will you come visit me?” Chloe wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her nightgown.

Sukie rose and gave Cam a helpless look.

“Maybe, someday, I can drop you off at Miss Sukie’s house for a visit.” Reluctance slowed his every word.

Chloe’s lips curved. “Promise?”

His jaw working, Cam looked away. After a few awkward seconds, he nodded.

Chloe danced out of the room, circled back and left again, playing in the hallway. 

Moving restlessly from one foot to the other, Cam stared at Sukie. 

She started to say something then stopped, unable to trust her voice. 

“I’m sorry,” Cam said, and turned away.

“Cam?”

He faced Sukie and waited for her to continue.

“I...I wish things could have been different between us. I really do.” She fought tears.

“Me, too.” He walked away.

Sukie wanted to run after him, beg his forgiveness, tell him what a fool she’d been. But she stayed resolutely in place, knowing it was not what he wanted. The memory of their lovemaking, their laughter, their ease with one another was like a sharp-edged knife ripping at her. Grateful no one else was there to witness her misery, Sukie took out a tissue, wiped her eyes and blew her nose. She told herself it was for the best. Her family and co-workers would be happy it had ended. Talk about her in this small town would finally die down.

Sukie locked up the building, wishing she hadn’t promised to go to Carol Ann’s open house. The pieces of her broken heart were rubbing her insides raw.

C
arol Ann and John drove into the upscale complex to the condo they were about to share. The three-story condos lined the shore of the lake, providing water views from ground level decks and middle-floor balconies. Studying the brick and clapboard buildings, Carol Ann could hardly believe she might live here permanently. With its style and sense of exclusivity, it was everything she’d always wanted.

John drove Carol Ann’s car into the garage, and Carol Ann unloaded the groceries she’d bought at World Foods. Desperate for their approval, she wanted to make a good impression on the Fat Fridays ladies.  

Inside the kitchen, Carol Ann unloaded her CD player and turned on music, playing it softly in the background. She placed cheese on a platter, arranged crackers next to the cheese and added green grapes for color. She stood back and gazed at them, proud of the effect. Checking her watch, she opened a can of peanuts, poured them into a plastic bowl and slid frozen appetizers into the oven. Doing these simple chores, she filled with excitement. It was the first time she’d entertained friends like this.

The door bell rang. Anxiety curled through her in nervous twists and turns as she hurried to the door. Betsy, Karen and Lynn stood together on the doorstep.

Carol Ann ushered them inside eagerly. “Look around, y’all. I’ll be right there. I’m going to open a bottle of wine.”