The next day, after picking up my mother's medication at the Druggist, I drop into the Shopette for a cup of coffee. I'm not ready to go home yet, especially since my mother heard that I left the Sledge's without properly saying goodbye.
Mrs. Sledge had phoned to make sure everything was alright. She apologized for Eugene, without knowing for what she was apologizing. My mother did the same and then retired to her room complaining of a headache. One would think it was the presence of her daughter doomed to spinsterhood that was killing her and not the cancer burning in her blood.
I take a stool at the counter and pull my novel from my purse. Three girls I knew from high school take a booth right behind me. They are too engrossed in their conversation to recognize me.
"So has Mary talked to the florist yet? The one my mother recommended?"
"The one your sister used a couple years ago?"
"Yes, I thought they did quality work."
"Oh dear no, too much baby's breath." The girl named Catherine scoffs, "And the carnations! Oh no, that will not do."
"It's not like she's marrying the Governor, Cathy."
"It's not like she's marrying a street peddler either, Joan."
"No matter, the point is it's only a month away and as her bridesmaids we need to be more supportive and helpful."
"Has Mary said yet who Sidney has chosen for his best man?"
An odd silence descends on the table. With my back to them, I cannot see their faces. But I can guess the looks being passed between them. I gently stir a spoonful of sugar into my coffee.
"Please don't tell me-"
"He is his best friend after all, Cathy."
"But did you see him last month at the ball? He was positively dull. And what serviceman shows up at a formal function without his uniform? Where is his pride for his country?"
"Eugene never was like Sidney," Joan offers as I hear their waiter returning to their booth.
Their egg cremes and slices of apple pie are passed out and I glance over my shoulder. Catherine Harvey is still pinch faced at the news of Eugene being the best man. Her mousey friends look anxious sitting across from her, blending the ice cream down into their soda glasses.
"Well, of course I won't say a word of it to Mary. It's not her fault that her fiancé is friends with the town crackpot." Catherine twirls her finger over her temple for emphasis and rolls her eyes. Her friends giggle uneasily in response.
I put a quarter on the counter and leave without having taken a sip of my coffee.
As I push the door open and step out onto the sidewalk I nearly collide with someone. After getting my bearings, I glance up in shock to see Mary Houston. It's hard to believe she has gotten prettier since we graduated but it's true. She smiles genuinely and reaches out a hand to steady me.
"I am so sorry, I should have been paying better attention," She gushes without an ounce of counterfeit, "Ellie Mitchell! I haven't seen you in years, how are you?"
"I'm well," I manage while doing my best to regain composure. The diamond on her finger is reflecting directly into my vision, "I have heard I need to be giving you my best wishes for your happiness. When is the date?"
"In one month," Mary sighs and pushes the netting on her stylish hat out of her dark eyes, "I cannot believe how fast it's coming up. There is still so much to do."
"I can imagine." I shrug and swallow, unsure of how to make a graceful exit.
"I saw you with Eugene Sledge at the ball a few weeks ago."
I am struck dumb by her comment and can only manage to blink back. Mary gives a nervous laugh.
"He's a good man."
"I don't know him well." I concede.
Mary's expression chances to honest concern. It's enough that she is so lovely but to be kind as well, no wonder Sidney proposed as quickly as he did.
"You should try to get to know him, if you can." Mary smiles and grips my wrist, "He's been through a lot, Sidney has told me. If you could just give him a chance. He needs a sweet girl."
I almost tell her that he doesn't know what he needs but nod and smile back politely.
"Thank you. I must be getting home, I'm late already." I pull away, "Good luck with your wedding, I'm sure it will be beautiful."
"Thank you," She calls but I am already flying across the street towards my car.
