THE BELFRY NEWS was out, and the phone calls and emails began.
SAMANTHA WIGGINS: “WE started out hating Mindy and now it’s spread to hating each other. This board used to be fun. Honestly? I think she’s emotionally disturbed. Ruthie, I’ll help you any way I can. Shall I see if I can talk to people?”
CRYSTAL SCANLON: “I can’t believe this! Well, actually? I can. She’s such a pill. But Ruthie, what can we do? Let’s have lunch next week, I’ve got a household of guests.”
EDITH HOLLIMAN: “I called Mindy about this as soon as I heard. She said that it’s better for the Belfry, and it’s better for you. The place has to move forward out of a box, or something. What does Carole think?”
STEPHANIE GREEN: “I can’t believe this. It’s a coup. I didn’t know anything about it! I’m calling Mindy right now. Ugh. Nobody likes that woman except Gloria. And everyone hates Gloria.”
WALKER HOLLAND: “CATHA gave a presentation to the exec committee on taking over the job permanently. She has some good ideas. The North Fork really is changing. There are new markets to tap. And Mindy is such a force.”
TOM CRANDALL: “MINDY told us that we can’t talk to you. It’s against board policy. She’s hired her father’s attorney. She’s always so thorough. I’m sorry, Ruthie. It was a great run. We’ll just have to see where it goes.”
PAM WOLFER: “I can’t imagine the Belfry without you. Are you selling your house? Because my daughter is looking.”
CLARK “QUADS” FUND: “They suck.”
TOBIE PINCUS: “I told Catha that she was a traitor and a skunk. Right to her face. She started to cry and say how hard it was for her. The staff is furious. We hate her! Did you know she’s been undermining you for at least a year? She knew there were board members who didn’t think she was doing a good job, so she went after yours. Even after you protected her. I was there, I saw it. You had her back, she stuck a knife in yours. It’s nice when things work out that way.”
GUS ROMANY: “MUSEUM boards are brutal, baby. Get out while you can.”
SAMANTHA WIGGINS: “I can’t get in touch with Carole. Don’t they have cellphones in France?”
From: Ruth Beamish
To: Carole Berlinger
Subject: need advice
Carole, the merde hit the fan at the meeting. I resigned. I found out that Catha has been campaigning for my job. I know you’re exploring stone circles or something but can you write back? I need advice! And tranquilizers.
Thx, xo r
From: Catha Lugner
To: Ruth Beamish
Subject: this mess
Ruthie,
Crazy times, huh? Mindy said you were leaving and asked me to step up. I hope you can recognize that it’s for the good of the institution that we both worked so hard for. I’m sure there will be exciting new things on the horizon for you! Midlife change is awesome. Let’s stay friends during this transitional time! I sent you and Jem a basket from Locavoracious. Be on the lookout!
xo CSL
From: Catha
To: Ruthie
Subject: disappointed
There really was no need to throw the basket on my porch. The raccoons dragged all the food all over the lawn. I’m sorry you can’t be an adult about this.
From: Ruthie
To: Catha
Re: disappointed
Fuck you, Iago.
From: Penny Kaplan
To: Ruth Beamish
I just heard. Holy shit!
…The Chinese ideogram for crisis is danger and opportunity you know. You could get a tattoo.
From: Elena Serrano
To: Ruth Beamish
I’m starting a petition for reinstatement. Come over for coffee.