"So, who's going to be at this party?," asked Diana,nervously twirling around her rosary ring, a mini rosary in the shape of a ring and holding on to William's hand with the other.
" Oh,a few people our age, mostly married with kids," said Veronica with what Diana thought was a hint of sadness.
"Is, that sadness, I hear?," asked Diana, a little bit concerned about her usually positive friend.
" I'll be alright. Being single sometimes is lonely,but the friendship of people like you and my friend Maureen helps."
" Good, these friends, are they… accepting?" asked Diana.
" The hosts are great. I'm not sure who they've all invited though," replied Veronica.
" I don't connect with a lot of Catholic mothers, well stay at home ones, even though I am one," said Diana.
" Well hopefully you'll find someone to connect with tonight," said William giving his wife's hand a gentle squeeze.
" How many people will be there?," asked Diana.
Oh, probably two other couples besides the hostess," replied Veronica.
" Good," said Diana who did not want to get anxious and overstimulated with a large crowd.
The hostess,Maureen Smith immediately put Diana at ease. She was casual and not preppy. Her husband,Paul who seemed as equally kind. Then Diana saw a preppy looking pregnant woman with a beautiful smile and perfect teeth. She felt very self conscious and said a quick quiet prayer before being approached by the happy couple.
" Hi, I'm Monica Jones and this is my husband Tom, no relation to the singer of course," She laughed a high pitch girly laugh. Diana wanted to roll her eyes.
" Diana Reid and my husband William," said Diana gesturing to William.
Veronica had met the Jones family before and didn't know they'd be there tonight. She knew they would not jive well with William and Diana, they didn't usually surround themselves by people who were that different from them and were very conventional,traditional and could be off putting.
" Hey, everyone!," said a lively, short redhead who walked in with her tall husband.
" Hi, Liz and Rob!," said the hostess Maureen taking their coats.
" Hi,everyone, Veronica, are these friends of yours?," asked Rob.
"Yes, Rob and Liz Richards, meet William and Diana Reid," said Veronica thankful for their appearance. Liz was very empathetic to those who struggled with their mental health. She occasionally had bouts of depression and had a sister with what had been recently renamed Bipolar. She had also sponsored a young woman with anxiety and depression who became a Catholic when she converted a few years ago.
" Nice to meet you," said Rob who shook hands after his wife did.
" Are you new to Vegas?," asked Liz.
" We've been here since '75 but have registered at the parish at the recommendation of my sister in law, Sr. Anne Mccoy," explained William.
" Great, she's such an asset to our folk choir. She tells me she has a sister who likes to sing,is that you, Diana?," asked Liz.
" Yes, I also like to read. Maybe I'll lector."
" I love doing that. Liz cantors at Mass," said Rob.
After a spirited game of Trivial Pursuit, everyone was impressed at Diana's history and literary knowledge.
" Well, I do.. have a PhD in Literature, 15th century. I taught and did some research until.. I decided I.. needed a change and now I'm primarily a wife and mother," said Diana haltingly.
" That's as it should be!," exclaimed Monica.
" I'll work again someday, I.. think." Diana felt judged by an 80's version of June Cleaver. It wasn't her fault she wasn't an academic, it was that awful Schizophrenia's fault. She excused herself and went to the bathroom, emerging minutes later with a tear stained face. She wondered if her chances of befriending the friendly couples was gone. She soon left in tears, praying the Richards and Smiths would still be open to becoming friends.