CHAPTER SIXTEEN

On the way home from work, the idea popped into Didi’s head to drive by Kevin’s condo. Maybe he was home and she could catch a glimpse of him. She slapped the steering wheel and yelled aloud, “Good grief, what am I thinking?”

Squashing that notion as flat as a Kansas prairie, Didi whipped the car around and pulled off the road to deliberate on what to do next. She had a party to plan, and Saturday was going to be fun. They’d have a fine conversation discussing men, or jobs, or perhaps their dream vacations. And Kevin, of course. Maybe even Jake.

Her focus on the party spurred her on to the grocery store for much needed supplies. She pulled into the parking lot of the Save-a-Bunch and bopped her forehead with the heel of her hand. She’d vowed to follow the advice she’d read in a diet magazine to shop when full. Here she was, as hungry as a squirrel who’d forgotten where she buried the nuts. Before stepping into the store, she banned herself from the bakery aisle. Best to flee from the temptation.

A modest amount of extra cash existed in the O’Brien treasury. She’d been careful lately. Some pretty plates, a new tablecloth, and a floral centerpiece were in order. Fresh flowers and a trip to Linens and Things went on her “To Do” list. But what was she going to make for the party? With chocolate on her brain, as usual, she decided on her decadent frosted fudge brownies—with sprinkles. With a room full of females expected, chocolate in any shape or form was a safe bet.

At the checkout counter, she picked up an Almond Joy for Kevin, like always. Old habits die slow deaths. She slapped it back on the shelf. Instead, she helped herself to a large peanut butter cup—and then surprised herself by putting it back. Now, that deserved a mental pat on the back.

An hour later, Didi ambled through her door, balancing three bags of groceries. Her calico galloped to greet her, fluffy tail swishing like a feather duster. Depositing her party food and the week’s groceries on the counter, she picked up Maisie and cuddled her. A throaty purr was her reward, and Maisie’s soft kitty feet kneaded her shoulder. The cat was such a happy creature and always so glad to see her that Didi’s insides warmed and she smiled to herself.

She stowed away the food and called Suzy. “Are you available for a girls’ night at my place this Saturday? I’m having some friends over for a potluck get-together, and it won’t be any fun if you’re not there. Can you make it? Around six?”

“Yippee, girl food. Sounds like fun.” Suzy squealed. “Perfect timing, too. Michel is going out of town this weekend to visit his mom. And get this. He’s taking the kids. So it’s just me and Percival the pound puppy, but I’m not sure how late I can stay. I’ll have to get home early to let Percy out, but I’m sure I can spare a few hours for some girl talk.”

“Oh, Suze, I’m so sorry I haven’t been over to meet Percy yet, and you’ve had him, what, two weeks already?”

“Three, to be precise, but that’s okay. I can’t wait for you to see him, though. Longhaired dachshund puppies are adorable creatures—at least, when they’re asleep and not chewing on your slippers. What can I bring to the party?”

“A man.” Didi laughed and plunked down on a stool at the breakfast bar. “I’d like a really good man. Just kidding. Well…sort of. But back to the party. I thought it would be fun for everyone to bring their favorite dish, and I’ll make the dessert.”

“In that case, why don’t I make my tried and true seven-layer Mexican taco dip if you can stand to eat it one more time? Is that enough, or do you want me to bring anything else? Who’s coming?”

“Oh, I love your taco dip, and that’s all you need to bring. I’m expecting eight people, so keep that in mind. Kelly’s not dating anyone right now, so I’m thinking she’ll be available. She’s not the cooking kind, so I’ll ask her to bring the drinks.”

“About time I get to meet your friend Kelly, huh? I think we’ve been hearing about each other for years. Remember last week when you and I went out for coffee? I cracked up when she called you to find out why boiled eggs explode in the microwave. From what you’ve said, there will be no awkward silences with Kelly around.”

“She will indeed be the life of the party, as always.” Didi elected to keep quiet about Kelly’s intimidating resemblance to Marilyn Monroe. “I already asked Maria from church and Kristin from work.”

“Are you going to invite anyone from the ladies’ Bible study group?”

Before Kevin had appeared on the scene, Didi fellowshipped with several women from church. She’d enjoyed getting together with a small group for a biweekly Bible study. Her cheeks heated. She’d been out of contact for months.

Didi missed her friends. “I thought I’d ask Samantha and Fanny.” Why had she let herself stay away from such a pleasant assortment of women? One person or another from the group had often called to invite her to get-togethers, but somehow she’d always found a reason not to go. “That makes five, plus you and me. To make an even eight, I’d love to ask Carol Ann, but I’m not sure. I’ve mentioned before how raunchy her humor can get, and well, since she’s rather down on God, I’m not sure how well the group would mix. What do you think?”

“I’d love to meet your friend, and I think we can depend on our church friends to be gracious and nonjudgmental. Don’t worry, Didi. Everyone will love her.”

“You’re right, as usual. If she’s free, she’s in. I haven’t seen her since Christmas, so it’ll be good to catch up.”

“I don’t think you’ll regret it. The party sounds like a grand idea.” There was a slight pause on the line. “Everything okay with you?”

“I’m doing better than okay. Thanks for asking. Um, you’re not going to believe this, but I have a date for Friday night.” Didi sauntered to the pantry and searched for something to nibble on. She snatched up a nutty granola bar and ripped the wrapper.

“What? Not that louse, Kevin.”

“Uh, no…”

“Then who?” Suzy inhaled a long breath and let it out slowly. “Okay, so let me get this straight. You have officially told Kevin you and he are over, right?”

“Uh-huh.”

“And when was that?”

“Sunday night.” A twinge of guilt knotted her stomach. Why was she dodging her best friend’s questions?

“What is today?”

“It’s Wednesday.”

“Well, okay, just so we’re clear.” Suzy uttered a long-suffering sigh. “So…now you have a date on Friday? This Friday?”

“Yep. His name is Jake, and I met him at a youth rally…or at the vet’s…um, both. Am I an idiot or what? Men aren’t very high on my list right now, and here I am setting myself up for another fall.”

“Not all men are bad news, Didi, but it does seem kind of soon to be dating again. Have you thought this through?”

How best to answer that?

Before she could reply, Suzy started in again, giggling. “Is he cute?”

Didi laughed. “He’s adorable. Cute, funny, blue eyes, tawny-brown hair, muscular shoulders. He has the physique of an athlete, he’s kinda shy, and he’s a history teacher—middle school. Brave man.”

“Christian?”

“I’m hoping so. Meeting him in a church is a good beginning.”

“I thought you said you met him at the vet’s office, but you can give me the details later. Be careful, and hold on to your heart.”

After her conversation with Suzy, Didi called Samantha and Fanny. Without exception, the ladies were thrilled with the idea and asked why no one had thought of doing this before.

Last of all, Didi gave her good buddy Carol Ann a ring and received a definite “yes” to her invitation. As luck would have it, Carol Ann had dumped her latest love interest, and she was as free as a redbird. She’d bring her juicy lemon chicken—the one dish she knew how to make.

Perusing her list, Didi congratulated herself on her brilliant idea. Eight was a good size for a nice, casual dinner party. Perhaps she’d rent a chick flick, but Didi suspected the night would end up being a talkfest.

Didi had a tasty menu shaping up. The party would feature a festive mix of ethnic foods and American favorites, and they’d all be as big as water buffalo at the end of the night. Didi scanned her list. The menu would include:

Assorted Drinks - Kelly

Mexican Taco Dip - Suzy

Asparagus Lasagna - Samantha

Broccoli Cheese Soup - Fanny

Lemon Chicken - Carol Ann

Shrimp Fried Rice - Kristin

Vegetable Tray - Maria

Frosted Fudge Brownies with Sprinkles - me

With a plan in place, Didi inhaled, more at peace. She’d let a lot of things slide in her pursuit of happiness—i.e. Kevin—and it was time for her to put her life back in perspective. A more balanced review of her priorities was in order, and she’d make more time for friends and spend less time worrying.

She sat on the couch with a satisfied cat on her lap. Why had she neglected many of the people and events that had mattered to her? Because any activity that hadn’t included Kevin had annoyed Kevin. Now, there was an epiphany. When Kevin was irritated, Didi was sure to hear all about it. When Didi had been the cause of his anger, she’d tiptoed on eggshells for days so as not to make it worse. Had she been blind not to see this?

Something Pat had said during their lunch sank in. Her friend had asked Didi if Kevin treated her right. When she was with him, did he make her heart sing? The answer was a resounding “no,” or at least not anymore. Being around Kevin put her on edge. She’d loved him—or at least, she thought she had—but her fiancé had taken a great deal of effort to like sometimes. Were relationships supposed to be that much work?

Kevin considered her his possession. After thinking it over, she had to admit he wasn’t entirely to blame. She’d allowed it to happen. Afraid of upsetting him, she’d forgotten to wonder if he was upsetting her.

Well, things were going to change. This Saturday would be the perfect day for her party. Last Friday had been her final date with Kevin. This week, she had two things to anticipate. Jake could turn out to be interesting, and she would see her friends and have a blast. Pat would be proud of her. She was proud of herself.

* * *

Kevin drove around the block one more time, just to be sure Didi was in for the night. She’d gone to work, the grocery store, and then straight home. Good girl.

Now he could go home and maybe get a good night’s sleep tonight. Uncle Chad had called him again and made it clear he had to be at work tomorrow. Sure, he’d show up, but he wouldn’t work too hard. Maybe he’d take Tiffany out to lunch—give her a thrill. If he played his cards right, he might score some afternoon delight.