Chapter Seven

The clanging of the telephone made Claire's head throb. She groped for the receiver, asked the hotel clerk to call back in half an hour, and rolled over and went back to sleep.

Allison went ahead and got up. After using the bathroom, she lit a cigarette and called home to check her answering machine. Brian and Andy had both left messages confirming they were in Chicago, and had included their callback numbers.

Allison called Brian first. He answered the phone after several rings, yawning. "Hello?"

"Hey, Brian, it's Allison. How was your flight?"

"Good."

"Need a ride?"

"No, I rented a car."

"The memorial service starts at two. Do you know where Shermer Funeral Home is?"

"Duh! I grew up there, remember?"

Brian's sarcastic tone pricked Allison like a needle. "I was just checking."

"Sorry, I'm just tired. It's been a rough week."

"Tell me about it."

"Look, I'm sorry about what happened—"

Allison cut him off. "What's done is done. John wouldn't want us to argue about it."

Brian sighed. "I can't believe it."

A lump rose in Allison 's throat. "I know."

"I was dreaming we were all together again—all of us, just like before."

A single teardrop traced down Allison's cheek. "I'd better go. We'll talk later. Okay?"

"You bet."

Allison hung up the phone and sat in silence for a while, summoning up all her courage. Even after all these years, the thought of Andy still made her heart flutter.

"Hey," Claire said from beneath her covers.

Allison squeaked. "I thought you were asleep!"

"I wish." Claire rolled over and propped herself up on an elbow. Her hair was disheveled, her brown eyes bleary with fatigue. "Want me to call Andy?"

Allison inhaled a deep breath and blew it out. She nodded. "I don't know if I can handle it."

Claire got out of bed and stepped into her slippers. She donned a terrycloth robe, brushed a strand of hair from Allison's face, and squeezed Allison's shoulder.

Allison smiled. "Thanks."

xxx

Andy was taking a shower when the telephone in his motel room rang. He leaped out of the shower, whipped a towel around his waist, and raced to catch the call, leaving a trail of water on the ragged carpet.

"Hello?"

"Andy?"

"Who's calling?"

"It's Claire."

Andy was stunned. "Claire Standish?"

"Yes, silly. How many other Claires do you know?"

"Just my daughter."

Claire gasped. "You named your daughter after me?"

Andy blushed. "Well, yeah. She reminds me of you. She's a redhead too."

"Aw, that's so sweet. I'm flattered."

"It's no big deal." Andy raised the edge of his towel and wiped off the water that had dripped onto the writing desk.

"I didn't wake you up, did I?"

"Nah. I was in the shower."

Claire giggled. "Are you talking to me naked?"

Andy laughed. "I'm wearing a towel. How did you know where to get a hold of me?"

"I got your number from Allison. She said you left a message on her answering machine."

"Allison?" Andy paused. "Have you seen her?"

"We went out to dinner last night."

"Oh, wow. Trip out. So, you guys are cool now?"

"Yeah, we worked everything out. It was really nice to see her again. I forgot how much I missed her." Claire gazed at Allison. Allison's brow furrowed. She mouthed the words I'm not here. Claire nodded in reply.

"That's great," Andy said. "Hey, is she still, you know, pissed off at me?"

"It's not about dredging up the past, Andy. Today's all about John." Claire started to choke up. Tears streamed from her eyes. Allison came over, sat beside Claire, and hugged her.

"You okay?" Andy said.

Claire wiped her eyes with a tissue. "This is really hard for me, you know?"

"Yeah. After Allison called me the other night, I cried for the first time since I was a little kid. I couldn't help it."

"It's okay for a man to cry."

Andy sighed. "What a bummer."

Claire changed the subject. "So what have you been up to all these years?"

"I got married."

"Congratulations."

Allison went back to the chair she had been sitting in, assumed the lotus position, and began to meditate.

"I've got two kids, a boy and a girl. I'm a graduate-assistant wrestling coach at Nebraska."

"Sounds like you're living the good life."

"Well, the pay sucks, but it's what I want to do. I guess I can't complain. I've got a good life."

"Are you happy?"

Andy mulled it over. "Yeah. I am."

"Well, that's the most important thing."

They chatted for a bit, catching up on old times. Since Claire and Andy had stayed friends through graduation and parted on good terms, there was no lingering animosity between them, no compulsion to apologize for past wrongs. It was a pleasant conversation, and it even cheered Claire up a little.

Claire laughed. "Sounds like your mom hasn't changed a bit. How's your dad?"

"He had a stroke a few years ago."

"Oh, no, that's awful."

"He's in a wheelchair now. He can't walk any more. He's pretty messed up."

"Andy, I'm so sorry."

"Yeah, well, it is what it is. You know, it's funny: I used to hate and fear him; now I feel sorry for him. I don't hate him any more. I'm glad he pushed me so hard to excel. I think it made me a better person, you know, in the long run."

"That's good."

Andy sighed. "It's weird, seeing him in that wheelchair. He used to be so full of life, but that stroke really took a lot out of him. Now he's a beat-up, broken-down old man. It's pretty depressing."

"That's so sad." Claire lit a cigarette.

"Are you smoking?"

"Mm-hm."

"Since when do you smoke?"

"Since college."

"You hated smokers in high school." Andy cleared his throat. "Well, I guess I'd better call my mom. I wish I didn't have to impose on her like this. She hates driving in the city." He snapped his fingers. "Hey, I think they have bus schedules in the lobby. Maybe I can catch a bus to Shermer in time for the funeral. I don't know why I didn't think of it before." He laughed sheepishly. "Guess I'm still a dumb jock."

"I can come pick you up."

Allison mewled and shook her head. Claire ignored her.

"I don't want to impose," Andy said.

"It's no hassle. I rented a limo for the weekend. Give me your address and I'll pick you up on the way."

"Hang on."

Andy found some stationery on the writing desk and told Claire the address. Claire wrote it down on the slip of paper with the phone numbers for Andy and Brian. "Got it. I'll call you when I'm ready to leave. It's gonna be a little while, so you can eat breakfast and relax."

"All right. I guess I'll call my mom and tell her I found a ride. Thanks, Claire."

"No problem."

They exchanged good-byes and hung up. Andy stood there, dripping on the carpet, staring off into space, thinking of Allison. His stomach knotted. He sat down on the edge of the lumpy bed, the damp towel bunching around his waist.

Allison blew Andy's mind that Saturday in detention. He had never met anyone else like her, before or since. His wife was a good woman and he loved her, but she had never made him feel quite like Allison had. No one else had ever seen through him and into his very soul. She was a quirky, unique person. There was something special about her. It was her combination of boldness and shyness, her fiery defiance and heart-breaking vulnerability. Allison was a rare treasure who needed to be cherished and protected by a loving, devoted attendant. Andy might have been the one for her, but it was too late now. He just had to accept the situation the way it was.

The worst part was, he knew he had no one to blame but himself.

xxx

Allison gave Claire "the look." "What the fuck?"

Claire sighed. "You're gonna have to face him sooner or later. You need to get this over with before we get there."

Allison deflated. She knew Claire was right. "Okay."

"Why don't you call Brian and tell him we'll pick him up? We might as well get all this stuff out in the open and deal with it now. God forbid we have a group meltdown when they lower John's coffin into the ground." Claire covered her eyes and moaned. "Oh, God."

Claire and Allison sat on the sofa and held each other, sharing their grief. They felt a mutual bond taking root.

Allison wiped her eyes with a tissue. "What happened to Andy's dad?"

"He had a stroke. He's still alive, but he's in a wheelchair. Andy said he's in pretty bad shape."

Allison frowned. "Poor Andy." Her expression changed to one of curiosity. "So, he named his daughter after you?"

Claire blushed. "That's what he said."

Allison cocked an eyebrow. "That's quite an honor."

Claire cleared her throat. "Want some breakfast?"

"Not really."

"We'd better eat. It's gonna be a long day."Claire pointed at the writing desk. "There's a menu in the top drawer. Order anything you want. I'll call room service and have them send it up."

"All right."

"Coffee?"

"For sure."

Claire rubbed her temples with the tips of her manicured fingernails and groaned. "I've got a god-awful hangover. I hope I don't barf. Have you got anything for pain?"

"What, like pills?"

Claire nodded.

"Let me see." Allison dug around in her sling bag until she found a prescription bottle. "Tylenol with codeine." She gasped. "Oh shit! These are Mrs. Bender's pills. I must've pocketed them by mistake."

Claire smirked. "Still a klepto, huh?"

Allison frowned. "I didn't mean to take her pills. What if she needs them?"

"We'll see her in a little while. You can give them back to her then."

Allison removed two pills from the bottle. "Think that's enough to do the trick?"

"That'll work. Hey, I've got Xanax. You want some?"

Allison took a deep, shuddering breath and nodded. They exchanged pills and washed them down with mineral water Claire poured from a carafe.

The telephone rang. It was the front desk. Claire thanked the operator and hung up.

Claire's cigarette, which she had left in a pink granite ashtray, had burned down to the filter. She removed another from her pack and lit it. Allison bummed a cigarette from her and dialed Brian's number.

xxx

After breakfast, Allison and Claire changed clothes, went downstairs, and boarded a limousine. Claire was dressed all in black, chic but subdued. Allison wore a modest black gown with a shawl draped over her shoulders. Both of them wore traditional hats with gauzy mourning veils. Their pale skin provided a vivid contrast to their stark clothing.

Allison and Claire were sluggish and half-asleep, spaced-out and numb. It was the lethargy of bereavement combined with tranquilizers. The specter of Bender's death cloaked them like a shroud. They held hands in solidarity.

The limousine stopped to pick up Brian. Allison and Claire didn't recognize him at first. Brian had grown six inches and filled out nicely. Without his braces and zits, he was actually quite good-looking. His voice was deeper, and he seemed much calmer and more self-confident—a far cry from the shy, hapless nerd they knew back in high school.

Brian grinned. "Remember me?"

Claire goggled. "Wow! Get a load of you, hot stuff!"

Brian got inside the limousine and took a seat opposite the women. He was clad in a natty black three-piece suit with matching topcoat and gloves. He toted an umbrella and galoshes. The weather forecast had predicted a cold, rainy afternoon, so he had come prepared, as always. Claire had enough forethought to bring raincoats for herself and Allison.

Claire was astounded by the changes in Brian's appearance. "You're quite a hunk, Brian." She gave Brian a saucy smile that made his spine tingle. He still had a crush on her.

Brian laughed. "You know, people from high school always freak out when they see me now. If I'd looked like this back then, I would've been crawling with babes."

"Yeah, but you wouldn't have had any time to do your homework."

Brian sneered. "Who cares?"

Claire smirked. "Very funny."

Brian turned to Allison, who up until now hadn't said a word. "Hi, Allison." He blushed. "Look, I'm sorry about—"

Allison cut him off with a wave of her hand. "You don't have to apologize. Brian. It's history."

Brian pointed at Claire. "So, you guys are cool now?"

Allison nodded. Claire squeezed Allison's hand and smiled.

"That's great. I'm really glad you guys made up." Brian cleared his throat. "What about us?"

"We're cool, Big Bri. And Claire's right: you look great."

Brian grinned. He leaned forward and hugged Allison. Claire couldn't resist getting in on the act, and they had an impromptu group hug. It made everyone feel better and put them at ease.

They chatted about the usual things: work, friends, family, and their love lives—or, rather, their lack of love lives. None of them had a significant other. It was something else they had in common.

"How's your family?" Claire asked Brian.

"Pretty good. My dad had a heart bypass, but the doctor said he'll be fine. Mom mellowed out after I graduated from college. My sister's a lawyer in Minneapolis. She just got engaged." He grinned. "She used to be a little shit, but she's pretty cool now."

"Wonderful." Claire turned to Allison. "Hey, what about your parents? I haven't heard you mention them once."

Allison shrugged. "I haven't talked to them since I moved in with John. That was, what, nine years ago?"

"Nine years! Jesus! Don't you think you should give them a call? They're probably worried to death about you."

"What's the point? They don't give a flying fuck about me."

Brian shook his head. "If I had a daughter and she disappeared without a word for nine years, I'd be pulling my hair out."

Allison set her jaw. "I wouldn't know what to say to them."

Claire placed a hand on Allison's shoulder. "You've changed; maybe they have too."

"I doubt it." Allison blew her bangs off forehead.

Some wounds never healed. Claire decided to let it go.

The mood had changed. They sat there in silence, trying not to look at one another. Brian whistled. Claire caught his eye and shook her head. Brian stopped whistling and folded his hands in his lap, abashed.

Allison felt guilty about causing a fuss, but it was none of their business. She hoped Claire understood.

The limousine stopped at Andy's cheap motel. Claire felt the air thicken with tension. Brian sensed it too. Allison was as rigid as a frozen board, her fingernails digging into the palms of her hands. She took a deep breath and braced herself.

xxx

Andy splashed on some cologne and squirted Binaca in his mouth to freshen his breath. He fiddled with the knot in his tie, killing time. He was as nervous as a virgin on prom night. He figured Brian was the forgiving type, but he wasn't so sure about Allison. She struck him as the type who might hold a grudge forever. He hoped that wasn't the case.

Life was like a Rubik's Cube, a puzzle that was difficult to solve. Most people never figured it out. Some just gave up and quit, but quitting was not in Andy's DNA. He was a fighter.

Andy's black suit was a cheap, off-the-rack garment. The seat of the pants was shiny from so many hours spent sitting on benches, but he couldn't afford a closet full of tailor-made clothes. His dress shoes were also well-worn, but at least they matched his outfit. Andy didn't mind living a frugal life, but he was afraid his family might resent him for it. If he could work his way up to a head-coaching job, the money was pretty decent—nothing like the big bucks college football coaches made, but a pretty respectable figure. He didn't want his family to miss out on anything because he had passed up a cushy corporate job working for his father-in-law. It was nothing personal: Andy just wanted to see how far he could go as a coach. It kept his competitive fires burning. Like so many athletes, he found it hard to walk away from the sport he had devoted years of his life to.

Andy locked his room, went downstairs, and paced back and forth in the lobby, chewing gum like he did during wrestling matches. It was much more nerve-wracking being a coach than an athlete. As a wrestler, at least he had some control over the situation. As a coach, all he could do was watch and hope his players performed as they were trained, and no one got seriously injured. He buttoned up his threadbare overcoat and donned a set of mittens.

Andy was irritated that he had changed all of his plans at the last minute to attend Bender's funeral. But Andy had bared his soul to the other members of the Breakfast Club, and they had opened their hearts to him—one in particular.

Allison.

Andy shivered. He pictured her in his mind's eye: smooth, creamy skin; rich brown hair; eyes the color of chocolate milk. What would happen when they saw each other? It was bizarre that he was so captivated by her. He had never even noticed her at school before they met in Saturday detention, but he had really been hot for her way back when. Was there any of that old chemistry left?

The limousine pulled up at the curb outside. Andy spat his gum into an ashtray, straightened his tie one last time, and went outside.

xxx

Allison squeaked when she saw Andy step out of the motel. Her whole body tensed up. Claire held Allison's hand. Brian squeezed her shoulder for encouragement. Allison took a deep breath and composed herself.

The door opened and Andy got in. He took a seat beside Brian. The chauffeur closed the door and went back to the driver's compartment. The limousine cruised down the road.

Andy smiled. "Hey, guys."

"Hey, Andy," the others chimed in unison. Everyone laughed, which eased the tension a bit.

Andy seized the moment. "Holy shit! Is this Brian 'The Brain' Johnson I'm looking at?"

Brian's cheeks flushed. "I grew some at college."

"I'll say! Too bad you weren't this big in high school. We could have used you on the football team." Andy gazed at Claire. "Hey, Claire. You look more beautiful than ever."

Claire beamed. "Hey, yourself." She patted his hand. "It's so good to see you."

"Yeah, it's good to see you, too—all of you." He looked at Brian and Allison. Brian smiled. Allison gave Andy a noncommittal stare.

Andy coughed. "Uh, look, you guys—"

Claire touched his arm. "No more apologies. We all agreed. Right?"

"Right," Brian said. Allison nodded, her eyes averted.

"It's all in the past," Claire said.

Andy peered at Brian. "So we're cool?"

Brian grinned. "Hell yeah." They shook hands.

"Nice grip. You work out?"

"A little. Hey, you'll never guess who I beat for class valedictorian."

"Who?"

"Larry Lester."

Andy chuckled. "You're shitting me."

"He really made me work for it."

"That's great, man. I'm proud of you."

Claire lit a cigarette and faced Allison and Andy. "Okay, you guys, let's settle this."

Andy steeled himself and looked into Allison's eyes. "Something happened between us. You made me feel like I was worth more than just a stupid trophy. Nobody ever made me feel like that before. I guess I fell in love with you that day, but I've got a family now and I love them too. I never meant to hurt you, I swear to God. I just hope you don't hate me."

"I don't hate you. You broke my heart, but I got over it. You did me a favor, in a way. You made me realize someone could love me—even if it was only for one day." Allison smiled. "Maybe we can still be friends."

Andy blew out his breath, relieved. "Here's to old friends."

"Sounds like a toast," Claire said. "Who wants a drink?"

Everyone raised a hand. Claire laughed and opened the wet bar.

Allison was torn by conflicting emotions. Seeing Andy made her realize how much she still yearned for him, but that was out of the question. He was married with children.

Shit!

Allison put on a brave front. She could cry about Andy later. Right now, crying about Bender took precedence.