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Thank goodness it’s Friday. During the night, the meeting with Scott, the publisher Jeb, and the male members of the management team popped up on my work calendar. What could be cooking? Whatever they plan to dish, I’m ready.
When I enter the conference room at ten, the other attendees are already seated. Flashing a friendly, yet businesslike smile, I say, “Good morning.”
Two men murmur, “Good morning,” in return.
I lay my laptop and handbag on the table, then stop at the Keurig to prepare a cup of coffee. “While I’m up, does anyone want anything to drink?” More snippets of conversation, but no requests for coffee.
I select a seat, adjusting the chair settings for comfort. After a minute to stretch, I say, “Everyone has a lot to do today. Let’s get this show on the road.” Silence follows as the men look at one another. Ultimately, all eyes land on Scott.
He clears his throat. “You may wonder why we called this meeting.”
“No. I presume we’re here to discuss how we’re dealing with an abusive client, or to announce my promotion and raise. Perhaps both.”
More silence as the men again look at one another.
“Abusive client?” Jeb asks.
“Surely you’re incensed by the way Mr. Johnson treated your staff. Besides the blatant chauvinism and ageism issues, what about intellectual property issues? Liability issues?”
More silence as the men again look at one another.
“I’m not as prepared for this meeting as I’d thought. Let’s reschedule for Tuesday afternoon,” Jeb says.
“Fine. Until then, I’m cashing in some of the comp time I’ve banked from my overtime hours,” I say.
“We don’t give comp time hours,” Scott says.
I smile. “We do now.”
A three-day weekend that begins before Friday noon is an extravagance. Between outings with Princess, I find myself highly productive. I tweak my resume and LinkedIn profile, outline options for the Double S recipe project, and brainstorm careers I might enjoy. Before I go to bed, I light a candle, pour wine into a plastic cup, and luxuriate in a lavender-scented bubble bath.
***
SATURDAY FLIES BY AS we run weekend errands. I treat myself to a pedicure while Princess gets her pawdicure. She enjoys spa time and allows the groomer to tie a pink ribbon to her collar.
When we arrive home, a happy hour social is in progress at our community pool. “Princess, let’s get social.”
She yaps agreement.
We chat with neighbors we’ve lived by for years, but rarely had an actual conversation with. Princess impresses the youngsters with tricks and the rest of us with her impeccable manners.
Clark, a new neighbor, is a handsome man in his fifties, recently divorced. He’s an aggressive flirt, but I never want to put myself in a position where I may need to vacate the complex under the cover of darkness. I’m learning.
I approach a new female resident and extend my hand for a shake. “Hi, I’m Bev.”
She hugs me. “I’m Hannah. I don’t do handshakes, I’m a hugger.”
“Duly noted. Nice to have friendly new neighbors.”
“I’ve been here two months. So far, so good. I’m in P.R. I relocated for State Farm.”
“That sounds exciting. I’m a project manager for a local publisher–proofing, editing, and some original writing. I’ve been doing it forever, and it’s time for a change.”
“This is kismet. One of our teams needs those skills. If you’d consider a thirty-two-hour position, I can put you in touch Monday. State Farm has great insurance benefits.”
“That would be fabulous. Thank you. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Um, yes. My boyfriend’s moving here in three months. Until then, I have no social life. If you do anything fun, I’d love to tag along.”
“Perfect timing. On Saturday nights, I often join a fun group for dinner and a movie. Sometimes there’s three or four people, other weeks as many as fourteen. I live there.” I gesture to my unit. “Come over at 6:40. I’ll drive.”
Princess indicates it’s time to leave by gently tugging on her leash. Hannah gives me another quick hug. “Thank you. Tonight will be fun.”
***
SUNDAY MORNING, I WAKE with an acute case of cotton mouth and a headache. Hannah fit right in with the group and loved the movie, though even with subtitles, I couldn’t follow the convoluted plot. Then at The Taco House, there was Felix on a date. They appeared completely at ease together. She nicked a tortilla chip right off his plate. I’m trying, but I can’t think of anything nasty to say about either of them. She was age-appropriate, smartly dressed, did nothing unseemly, and had a gracious smile. He behaved too, at least while they were in public. I don’t want to imagine what they might enjoy in private.
Sandy was right. It was amazing Felix was available even for a short time. Sure enough, a smart woman scooped him right up. Last week, this would have thrown me for a loop, but today, I’ll allow myself five minutes to wallow, then I’ll get on with the day.
As I’m only allowing five minutes, my wallowing deserves better coffee. “Princess, I’m swinging by the Double S. I don’t want to drink this mud.” She yawns. “I’ll bring you a biscuit, and then we’ll go to the dog park.” She yawns again. “How about we pick up Snug to go with us?” She stands tall, wags her tail, and makes a happy yip.
Because I dawdled getting out of bed, I arrive at the bakery later than my usual time. The Double S smells of freshly baked goods and bustles with activity. It’s time to get excited about our cookbook project, which should create a sensation.
While standing in line, I survey the crowd, looking at the happy customers. Doug sees me and waves. Jodi isn’t behind the counter. She must be taking care of business in the kitchen.
My breath catches in my throat. At the coziest spot in the bakery, right next to the oversized bay window, sits Felix and the female he was with last night. Good thing I hadn’t started my wallowing yet. Heightened wallowing merits sugar, and I add a chocolate muffin to my order.
After I pay, a server hands over my coffee and a small sack containing two dog treats and the muffin. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Felix headed to the restrooms. Before I realize I’m in motion, I’m standing by the table in the cozy spot, studying Felix’s woman.
Sunshine streams through the windowpanes and illuminates a halo around her. Damn, she’s an angel. She smiles at me. “Hello. Do I know you?”
What am I doing here? “I...I thought I might have left something on the table. Sorry to bother you.”
As fast as I’m able, without mowing down any of Doug and Jodi’s customers, I scurry out. I’ve lost my mind. Although, if Felix is dating someone who’s not me, a divine being should be good enough.
After I pick up Princess, we get Snuggilicious and drive to the dog park. While the pups play, I ponder the future of my career. Hannah’s offer of an interview with State Farm has me hopeful. Optimistic there will be an interview, I prepare a list of questions to ask and anticipate others that might come my way. After a couple of hours in the sun, we head home for a nap. We’re not due at Sandy’s until six.
We nap longer than intended and arrive at Sandy’s a quarter after six. Sandy, Darren, Jodi, and Doug are in the back yard by the grill. The burgers smell divine, and my mouth waters.
“Sorry I missed you this morning. After I saw Felix with his friend, I figured that’s why you didn’t stick around,” Jodi says. She hugs me, then steps back to appraise. “You don’t look upset. In fact, you look even cuter than usual.”
“Yes, you do,” Sandy says, going in for a hug. “I can’t believe he’s dating anyone. He didn’t mention that when I saw him at the literacy center on Thursday.”
“What was he doing there?” I ask.
“Same as me. Volunteering with his students.”
“Do you know what age kids he teaches?” I ask.
Sandy shakes her head. “He’s the head of Arts and Humanities at the university. He and his grad students tutor ESL students to help them succeed when they get to college. Didn’t you read those articles about him in the paper?”
“I might have only looked at his pictures, but that makes sense.”
“What makes sense?” Jodi asks.
“That the man’s a saint because he’s dating an angel.” My friends stare, waiting for an explanation. “It doesn’t matter. Seriously. I blew it with Felix, but the new and improved me isn’t focusing on the negatives. Beverly 2.0 had a triumphant week and wants to tell you all about it.”
Over dinner, I entertain everyone with my evolved approach to life, the latest developments at the publishing house, my new friend Hannah and a possible interview, my admirable composure at the Taco House, how bizarrely I confronted an angel, and my plans for the new week. Evenings with my besties always rock.
New week, I’m not afraid of you. Bring it on.