I met Zosia and Emmy for drinks at the Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel. With its candy-striped ceiling and peachy pink and dark green booths, the Polo Lounge was a favorite among celebrities and the Hollywood elite. The two of them were already at a table in the back when I arrived. The maître’d picked up a cocktail menu from the hostess desk and escorted me to where they were waiting.
Zosia jumped up and out of her seat first. “Jo, darling, how are you?” she said kissing me on both cheeks.
Emmy followed suit and grabbed me for a big bear hug.
“If I knew I was going to get this kind of a greeting I would’ve come out to LA even sooner,” I joked.
Zosia patted the bench beside her. “Come, sit. Emmy has big news.”
Emmy swatted her menu towards Zosia’s head. “Z, you promised you’d let me be the one to tell her.”
“I’ve been waiting for you to say something.”
“You didn’t even give me half a chance, Joanna just got here.”
“Oh, what different does it make, who tells her? What’s important is the news. Guess what? Emmy’s engaged,” she screeched.
Emmy folded her arms over her chest. “You’re ridiculous. I can’t even believe you just did that.”
Zosia threw her hands up. “Did what? Go ahead, show her the ring.”
Zosia pulled Emmy’s left hand out from under her arm and placed it on the table to reveal a gorgeous five carat cushion cut diamond on a platinum band.
“Oh my god Emmy, I’m so thrilled for you. When did it happen? How did it happen?”
“Two days ago, we went on a hike with the kids up to the Griffith Observatory and he dropped down on one knee. He did it right there in front of the kids and the other hikers on the trail. It wasn’t over the top or Hollywood. It was simple and genuine. It was perfect.”
I pulled her hand closer to me. “And look at this ring. Wowzah.”
“That may be the one place he went over the top, but I’m totally okay with it.”
“Of course, she is,” Zosia said.
“Have you started talking about the wedding yet or is it too soon?” I asked.
“We talked about it a little. We both want something small and intimate. We’re thinking maybe Cabo or Maui? Just some close friends and family. Truthfully, I don’t really care what we do.”
I put my hand over hers. “I’m so happy for you.”
Zosia clinked her glass with a fork. “Ladies, I have some news of my own. Richard called a few days ago. It’s the first time we haven’t spoken through our attorneys in I don’t even know how long. He wants to come to an agreement on the divorce settlement. He’s tired of the intense media coverage and finally offered a settlement number we both can live with.”
“What are you going to do?” Emmy asked.
“I’m going to take it. I’m ready for all this to be behind me and besides I have some business ideas of my own. He’s not the only mogul in the Barry family, you know?”
“Oh, I don’t doubt it for a second,” I said.
Emmy laughed. “What about you, Jo? What’s going on with you?”
“Well, considering I’m jobless and homeless, I’ve never been happier.”
“You know you’re welcome to stay with me. I have at least a dozen empty bedrooms,” Zosia offered.
“Or me. We have a guest house that’s all yours if you want it,” Emmy said.
I was thoroughly moved by their abundant generosity. “You guys are incredible friends, but I’ve been thinking about going back to Topsail.”
“Topsail? Why?” Zosia asked.
“The local theater is holding auditions for a production of Twelfth Night. Viola was that one role that got away. It feels like a cosmic coincidence that’s the show being put on.”
“So, you would audition for the show and then what, live on Topsail?”
“Just for rehearsals and the run of the production, and that’s assuming I even get cast in the show. Am I crazy for wanting to do this?
Emmy narrowed her eyes. “Does this have anything to do with Todd Aldrich? Maybe more than one thing is drawing you back to the island?”
“Todd? No. Whatever we may have had ended when I left Retreat House. We both agreed it was for the best.”
“He agreed too?” Zosia asked.
“He tried to convince me to stay, but I just didn’t see the point. He’s the guy I met at a breakup Boot Camp? We’re a forgone conclusion, aren’t we?”
“There are no rules with this Jo, I mean look at me and Matt. I went to the Boot Camp to get over him and here we are engaged. All I’m saying is don’t push happiness away with two hands simply because you’re having a hard time believing a rebound could be a real love.”
“She’s right,” Zosia said.
“At this point, I’m not even sure if he’d want anything to do with me.”
“I saw the way he was looking at you when you were kneading dough. He’ll want to see you. You can count on that.” Emmy added.
After dinner I went back to Merritt’s house and logged onto the computer and the Topsail Little Theater website. I searched for the Twelfth Night audition link and clicked it open. I scrolled down to the role of Viola, closed my eyes, and before I could second guess the decision typed in my name and hit submit.