the story of how we met? If I have please stop me,” Georgette begged as she followed Jane down to the tennis courts.
Jane forced her face into a smile, “I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing that one yet.”
Georgette smirked, “It’s a good one!”
They began to practice. After a few one-on-one lessons, Jane realized that Georgette wasn’t so much interested in the sport as she was having another female companion to talk to. One that wasn’t related to her, and one that didn’t need her help—in Jane’s opinion the woman seemed to spend little to no time on herself. Jane admired this trait, once or twice even considered leaving her out of it altogether, but her determination was too strong to take the least resistant path.
“I was in Park City, for Sundance—I used to go every year. I was a mess that particular January, recently divorced,” she began, hardly attempting to hit the balls as her face took on a dreamy gaze. “There I was treacherously trying to navigate the narrow and icy streets in 5-inch heels with a martini I stole from a bar, and there was Dave trudging towards me, decked out in ski gear! We locked eyes, I clumsily slipped and he caught me before I could ruin myself completely.”
“How romantic.”
“Yes, he was on vacation with his family. The first holiday he ever took! Can you imagine such a thing?”
Jane could. She’d never been on a vacation in her entire life—there was no need to respond to Georgette, she would continue talking regardless.
“Of course they made it all about religion, wanted to see what the Mormons lived like. Yuck! He’s so lucky I found him. Honestly. He might still be living with them now if that wasn’t the case. Not that he’s unmotivated, just too accommodating to his selfish mother. It drives me insane.”
“That sounds really frustrating.”
“It is, it’s the whole reason I had to leave beautiful sunny California and land here, the middle of Nothingville.”
“I imagine that gets tiring for someone as well-traveled and cultured as you.”
“The pay-off was worth it. I’ve done my fair share of grand adventures, what I was really craving when I met Dave was to settle down and find peace.”
It’s elusive, Jane wanted to say, but instead she said, “Have you found it?”
“Oh, mostly in helping others. Things get strained a little here and there, but after the abuse I’ve endured, I count myself very fortunate and grateful.”
Jane wanted to pry, “Abuse? Sorry, I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable—“
“Not at all!” The older woman replied with a gracious smile. “It’s my life’s work. I was married to a monster once. It inspired me to help others in similar circumstances.”
“That’s incredible.”
“I like to think so. Repo Ridge isn’t the most exciting place, but I have Dave and my Sam...and there are plenty of people to help here.”
There most certainly are.
“Your family is very lucky to have you.”
“What about you? What’s your story?”
Jane had been dreading this moment—she’d done her best to keep rapid-fire questions on Georgette and away from herself. But she knew it was only a matter of time before someone as empathetic as Georgette would attempt to assess her emotions and history. There weren’t enough minutes left in their lesson for Jane to even begin to answer her question somewhat truthfully. She’d always had trouble with summarizing, but now was her chance to shine.
“I’m pretty boring, honestly.”
“That’s not true! Did you grow up here?”
“My family moved around a lot. I just ended up in Repo Ridge because of my job.”
“Where are you from?”
“A place similar to this one.”
Georgette instantly picked up on her discomfort and backed off. Jane was banking on her misinterpreting her short answers.
“I apologize, that was intrusive.”
“No it’s fine, I just try to stay away from unhappy memories. Moving forward is more my speed.”
Georgette nodded sagely, the commiseration prevalent in her eyes.
This irritated Jane. She did not need saving. There was no romantic fairytale love for her to find, no peace of mind, no ability to move forward until this matter was dealt with. The force that she hit the tennis ball with startled Georgette into action as she reached for the swiftly moving object.
She missed. Just like she had when she fell straight into Dave Collin’s arms. Jane pitied her for that.