August 3rd

Friday

The story is done! I've edited, proofread and re-written this a million times. Please read and tell me what you think, esp if you "get" the ending. Don't be shy-- harsh critism is ok.

"Roomies"-- A short story

Tracie didn’t want a roommate. She was private, and valued her space too much to share it. Unfortunately, rent was getting too much to handle by herself, so she was forced to take out an ad in the newspaper. Her fourth prospect rang the bell.

The girl on the other side of the door was no more than five feet tall with waist-length wavy black hair, wide eyes and a pink book bag slung over her shoulder. She was wearing a cropped black shirt and loose, drawstring yoga pants.

Tracie wiped her hands on her shorts. “Hi, I’m Tracie,” she said, clutching the girl’s hand awkwardly in a firm shake. “You’re here for the apartment?”

The girl bobbed her head. “Hello, Tracie,” she said in a peaceful, distant voice. “I’m Bethany.”

“Come in, lemme give you the tour.” Tracie ushered her inside. “This is the living room, and in here,” she walked down a small hallway, “is the bedroom. It’s big enough for another twin bed.

“I see that,” Bethany said, with the same distant tone.

“And this is the kitchen. “ Tracie waved dramatically.

Bethany bobbed her head again, absent-mindedly tracing her fingers over the sofa pattern.

Tracie hopped onto a counter stool and motioned to Bethany to do the same. “I’ll be honest with you. I’ve been interviewing people all week and everyone has been all wrong. I implicitly requested a non-smoker—you don’t smoke, do you?”—Bethany shook her head—“I’ve had people who like to party all night, and I need my sleep. I work a 40-hour week and I’m not exactly a night owl. Ah…what else…I’ve had people with pets, people with way too much stuff that just won’t fit in this place—“

“Well, Tracie,” Bethany said. (There was something about the way she said “Tracie” that made her back tingle.) “I’m an early riser so I go to bed early. I left my party days behind when I turned twenty-one. I don’t have any pets and the only luggage I have is right here,” she patted her backpack.

“ I see,” Tracie said. “Tell me about a little bit more about yourself,”

Bethany swept her hair back, revealing the delicate violet embroidery on her shirt and a long silver chain. “I’m from Ohio,” she began. “I come from a small family. I’m a vegetarian. I had a relationship once upon a time but you know how that goes. Tori Amos is my favorite musician, and I love the color pink.”

Tracie was struck by her abrupt sentences. “Ok, well let me tell you about me,”

Bethany dug into her backpack and withdrew a small blue silk bag. She pulled out a stack of cards. “I can tell all I need to in here,” she said, tapping the cards wisely. She grasped Tracie’s hand.

“Ok,” Tracie said, swallowing hard.

“You’re a very sensitive person, aren’t you?” Bethany said, staring into Tracie’s eyes intently.

“I think so,” Tracie said lamely.

She dropped Tracie’s hand and arranged the cards in a horseshoe pattern. She closed her eyes and inhaled. She opened her eyes and traced her fingers over a card. “You were a creative child,” she began. “Always into projects. Always involved in something. You weren’t shy about expressing yourself.” Tracie found herself nodding, wondering if she was really onto something.

“Things are not as they seem.” She trailed her fingers to another card. “And this card shows me that you have a loving heart. You seek a soul mate. You do not have a boyfriend—“ her eyes flicked up to meet Tracie’s for assurance, and Tracie nodded in agreement—“but you crave someone. A dark haired individual is in your future. And it will be soon.” Satisfied with herself, she locked eyes again with Tracie’s.

“Wow,” Tracie said, struggling with what to say in response. “Are those tarot cards?” Stupid question, she admonished herself.

“Mm-hm,” Bethany said, collecting the cards and putting them back in her bag. “I find they help me make decisions better than anything else does. And you radiate such positive energy, I knew the cards wouldn’t let me down with you,”

Tracie tugged at her shirt and sat up straighter.

“This apartment is absolutely charming,” Bethany said, rising from the stool. She walked over to the living area, sweeping her hands out, as if to take it all in. “Did you decorate it yourself?” Tracie nodded. “You have a real eye for decorating, Tracie. Do you know that?”

“Thanks,” Tracie said, shoving her hands into her pockets. “Actually, I love interior decorating. I toyed with the idea of becoming an interior decorator in college, but I went the communications route instead.”

“Really.” Bethany crossed her arms in front of her chest, her face glowing her interest. “Tell me more.”

“Why don’t you ask the cards?” Tracie joked, hoping Bethany understood her humor.

She did. Bethany smiled lovingly and put her hand on Tracie’s arm. “You really have delightful karma, Tracie. It was my karma that drew me here, I think. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t even looking for an apartment, but somehow I was drawn to your ad in the paper. I was drawn to it,” she said passionately.

Tracie nodded, wordless. Generally words like karma and positive energy made her cringe, but there was something about Bethany that made her feel like she could believe in such things.

“Bethany, it was a real pleasure meeting you,” Tracie said. “Leave me your number and I’ll get back to you this week to let you know about the apartment.”

Bethany scrawled it down on a pink Post-It and said goodbye. Before the door clicked shut, Tracie had already made her decision.

* * *

Tracie woke up, showered, and got ready for work. She worked in the Creative Department of Russ & Goldstein, a small copywriting firm in the heart of downtown Miami. She loved it. She’d worked long and hard to get the position, working at tedious receptionist and secretarial jobs for years. Finally, she had a position that actually required her to think, and she couldn’t be more grateful.

Breakfast was coffee, two Pepperidge Farm cookies, and Excedrin’s to insure caffeine dependence. “I promise I will eat healthy tomorrow,” she vowed, as she did every morning. She took one last gulp of coffee, threw on a chic red leather jacket and left.

Her thoughts turned to her roommate situation. Her instincts drew her to Bethany, much like Bethany was drawn to her newspaper ad. Maybe there was something to this karma thing. The most supernatural thing Tracie had ever done was a Ouija board at a slumber party in the ninth grade, and she swore she’d never believe in any of that crap again. Six girls sat around the board, holding hands, waiting for the pointer to move. They waited for fifteen minutes. Tracie remembered sitting there, feeling hot and uncomfortable from the candles that lit the room. The pointer never moved, and they ended up chucking the idea and watching All The Right Moves on HBO.

Overall, Bethany seemed like a nice person, Tracie concluded. She seemed like someone she could really get to know and like. It had been far too long since Tracie had had a really good girl friend. Most of her friends were guys from work, and guys were fine, but there was something special about a girl friend, something a guy couldn’t offer. Girls were warmer, more sympathetic, more sensitive people. Girls listened without judgment, while boys always dived in and offered advice.

Tracie lost herself in the new Radiohead CD, while weaving her blue Celica through the traffic on I-95. Traffic was absurd. She sneaked into the carpool lane and made it to work with fifteen minutes to spare. She parked, fluffed up her hair, and entered the lobby of the office.

“Hi, Tracie, nice jacket!” cooed Fran, the cheerful receptionist.

“Thank you,” Tracie said, leaning over the desk to sign in. She went straight to her cubicle, draped her jacket over her chair, and went to work. She had a million things to do today.

Marty, one of her co-workers, slid his chair over to her desk.

“What are you doing for lunch? Mickey D’s or something better?” Marty asked.

“I brought a sandwich,” Tracie said apologetically. “Maybe tomorrow.”

Marty, ever the office flirt, put his hand on his heart with mock sincerity. “You always put me off,” he said sadly.

“Tomorrow, I promise,” she said, stifling a girlish giggle. Marty rolled back to his cubicle.

Work went by quickly, and before she knew it, Tracie was signing out and heading straight to the vending machines.

“Hey, “ Donnie called, jiggling change in his hand. “Getting your late afternoon chocolate fix?”

“You know me,” Tracie said. Donnie was undoubtedly the most attractive guy in the office. He always dressed like he worked on Wall Street, in a dark blazer, suspenders and pressed pants, while most of the male co-workers dressed in khakis and polo shirts. He wore his black hair slicked back, mafia-style. Every female coworker, including the gay mailroom guy, Gerard, had a crush on him. Tracie had to admit her heart jumped a little every time he spoke with her.

“Some of us are going to Gusto’s Friday night,” Donnie said, choosing a Dr. Pepper from the machine. “For drinks and whatnot. You’re always welcome.”

“Sure,” Tracie said, trying to sound like she went to Gusto’s all the time. She tossed her hair back. “I’ll be there.” She chose a 3 Musketeers and walked to her car.

She decided when she got home she would call Bethany and give her the good news. She was going to wait a week, but why put it off when she knew she wanted Bethany for sure? She only hoped Bethany hadn’t changed her mind.

Tracie waved at the security guard in front of her building and took the elevator up to the fifth floor. She peed, washed up, poured herself Diet Coke, flopped into her favorite recliner and dug her bare feet into the shaggy blue rug. She dialed Bethany’s number.

“Tracie?” Bethany said.

“How did you know it was me? Did you sense my karma?” Tracie said with all seriousness.

“No, Caller ID,” Bethany said, giggling.

“Of course,” Tracie said, feeling like an idiot. “Bethany, I’m calling because I decided you’re the best candidate for the apartment. Do you still want it?”

“Most definitely,” Bethany breathed. Tracie felt herself being pulled back into Bethany’s warm and gentle voice. “When can I move in? I haven’t much to bring.”

“Why don’t you come by tomorrow, after five?” Tracie said. “I’ll be home from work by then. Ok? Sound good?

“Sure does. I can’t wait, Tracie. You know, I have a good feeling about this. I think we are going to be great friends.”

* * *

“You hardly have any clothes,” Tracie commented, watching Bethany unpack. Bethany was meticulously pulling out each item, smoothing it out, and re-folding it.

“I don’t need many clothes,” Bethany said matter-of-factly. Tracie examined the charm around Bethany’s neck—it was a big silver disc with an inscription on it. “You like it?” she said, noticing Tracie’s interest.

“Oh,” Tracie said, embarrassed. “Yes, it’s very pretty.”

“Thanks,” Bethany said, drawing out the word slowly. She looked down and touched the charm. “It’s from my ex, Andy. See?” Tracie looked. It said, Love, Andy.

“You must’ve really been in love to still wear it,” Tracie said.

“Yeah,” Bethany tugged at it reassuringly. “I really was.” She let it drop between her breasts and retrieved some more folded shirts out of the bag.

“Can I see your Tarot cards?” Tracie asked.

Wordless, Bethany handed her the blue silk bag. She put her hand on Tracie’s shoulder and said gravely, “Be kind with them,” she said. “I’m not supposed to let anyone use my cards. They absorb my own personal energy, but you have such a warm aura that I trust you with them.”

Strangely honored, she went through the pack, careful not to crease them. The Joker, the Empress, the Fool. She studied the intricate drawings. How fascinating it must be to read Tarot cards. There was a whole world she knew nothing about, she thought.

Tracie rose from her cross-legged seated position. “I’m going to make spaghetti,” she said. “Do you want some?”

“No thanks, I’ll get some tea later,” Bethany answered, not looking up from her unpacking.

“Just tea?” Tracie said incredulously. “Don’t you eat?”

Bethany looked up at Tracie and shrugged. “Not so much. I eat one meal a day.”

Tracie put up the spaghetti and sat down on her recliner to watch TV. She lowered the volume, remembering that she didn’t live alone anymore.

Later in the evening, Bethany took a bath. The only reason Tracie knew was because she left the door partway open so she could listen to her Celtic CD. Tracie never took baths. She could never sit and do nothing for so long. Bethany swore by them. She said she “needed” a bath every night to help align her chakras.

“What are you watching?” Bethany said, emerging from the bathroom. She was wearing a white towel and smelled of herbs.

“Just some Lifetime movie,” Tracie said. “You smell great. What is that?”

“Scented oil I put in the bath,” Bethany said. “You can use it whenever you like.” She went into the kitchen and made some tea.

“You want tea?” she said.

“No thanks.”

Still in her towel, Bethany sat on the sofa, sipping her tea. The doorbell rang.

“Who could that be,” Tracie wondered out loud. She looked out the peephole and saw Donnie from work. She straightened herself out and opened the door.

“You left this at work and I’m the closest to your place,” Donnie said, standing at the doorway. He held out her red leather jacket.

“Oh, wow, thanks,” Tracie said, feeling foolish for leaving it there.

“Hi there,” came a voice from behind Tracie.

Tracie turned her head and saw Bethany, standing in her almost-nakedness, her long black hair swirling down her shoulders like a mermaid.

“Is this your sister?” Donnie said.

“Roommate,” Tracie corrected.

“I’m Bethany,” she purred.

“Donnie,” he said, his eyes flicking up and down.

“Thanks for bringing this over, that was really nice of you,” Tracie said quickly.

“No problem. Still coming tomorrow night?”

“Of course.”

“Why don’t you come too?” Donnie said. “Any roommate of Tracie’s…”

“If you don’t mind,” Bethany said quietly, looking over at Tracie.

“Of course not,” Tracie said.

Donnie left and Tracie shut the door, wordless.

“You dig this guy, don’t you?” Bethany said.

Tracie blushed. “I’ll admit he’s good-looking.”

“More than good-looking,” Bethany said. “He’s downright gorgeous.”

Tracie went to the kitchen cabinet and retrieved some chocolate chip cookies.

“What’s the plan for Friday night?” Bethany wanted to know.

Tracie chewed on a cookie, and then blew out a long sigh. “We’re going for drinks at Gusto’s, this bar nearby where I work. The guys from work always hang out there. I don’t go there often cause I’m not much of a drinker.”

“I can tell you’re not,” Bethany said, nibbling on a cookie. “You don’t look like the kind of person who needs to be inebriated to have a good time.”

Tracie chuckled. “You know what? You’re very intuitive, but I bet you knew that.”

Bethany laughed. She tossed her hair back, allowing it to rearrange in swirls down her shoulders. “You’re so funny, Tracie! You crack me up!”

Tracie couldn’t tell if she was being sincere or not. She ate one more cookie then decided to go to bed. Bethany changed into an oversize T-shirt and hung by the doorway frame to the bedroom “I love your bed. So cozy,” she cooed.

“Thanks. It is.” Tracie fluffed out her queen size comforter and let it settle on the bed.

Bethany flopped down on the bed. “Is this down?” she said.

“100% goose feathers,” Tracie assured her, lying down.

“Mm….” Bethany swept her hand over the stitched quilting. “You know, you have beautiful hair,” she said, touching it. She smoothed it out, like she did the blanket.

“Are you kidding? You’re the one with the beautiful hair,” Tracie said, nevertheless reveling in the compliment. She was instantly relaxed by Bethany’s touch and felt her eyes close softly.

“Blond hair is so…pure. There’s just something about it,” she said, braiding Tracie’s hair into neat little rows.

Tracie sighed contentedly. They fell asleep in her bed.

* * *

Tracie hit the alarm and snuggled deeper in her blanket. She didn’t want to get up, the bed felt so good. Then she remembered that tonight was Friday and that meant dressing up and seeing Donnie at Gusto’s, and she got a little shiver of excitement and started to wake up. It was then that she noticed Bethany curled up at the other end of the bed.

Tracie smiled at the sleeping Bethany, thinking how cute and peaceful she looked in her bed. The next thought made her stomach flip-flop—did Bethany fall asleep on her bed on purpose? Tracie frowned as she walked to the sink, piling her hair on top of her head so she could brush her teeth. She uncapped the toothpaste and sawed away at her upper teeth. So what if Bethany fell asleep on her bed on purpose—she had even commented how cozy the bed was, didn’t she? Tracie spit into the sink and sighed, crossing her arms in front of her chest and looking into the mirror.

It was stupid to worry about this at all. Bethany fell asleep in her bed. Period. There was nothing more to think about. She went to work.

* * *

Bethany was already dressed for going out when Tracie came home. She was drinking tea and looking through the newspaper at the dining room table.

“Hey,” Tracie said, tossing her purse on the sofa. “Looks like you’re all ready to go. Lemme change and grab something to eat and we’ll get going.”

“No rush,” Bethany said, in her usual calm demeanor. She stood up, and Tracie took a good look at her outfit. She had on a white, billowy translucent blouse knotted above her belly button, a long, sheer light pink skirt and white sandals. The light colors emphasized her tan skin. Tracie looked down at her own, tamer outfit.

“Hey—I’m sorry about falling asleep in your bed,” she said suddenly.

Tracie waved it off. “Don’t worry about it.”

“No, seriously, I need to get my own bed. I promise I’ll have one in a day or so.” She stomped off to the bathroom to re-touch her makeup.

Tracie felt slightly sad at the thought of Bethany not sleeping with her soon—then quickly felt guilty at the thought. She fixed a quick dinner for herself.

Bethany spritzed a cloud of something that smelled like pears. Tracie finished a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a hurry, anxious to get to Gusto’s before the guys got totally wasted.

“Tracie, I feel like I know you so well already,” Bethany said, as they got into the car.

“Oh yeah?” Tracie said, amused. She turned down the radio.

“Yeah. You seem so genuine. Tell me about your job.”

“It’s a copywriting agency,” Tracie said, getting on the I-95 ramp. “So basically I write those little paragraphs that accompany a photo of a product, trying to sell it.”

“Tell me more about it,” Bethany urged.

Happily, Tracie filled her in on the details. Before they knew it, they were parking at Gusto’s.

Tracie couldn’t help but notice all the male attention Bethany was getting as they made their way through the packed bar. She wasn’t surprised. With her long, graceful hair and little body, she was quite eye-catching.

Donnie, Marty, Seth, Michael, Stephen and Jeff sat around a high table, drinking beers when Tracie spotted them. She gave them each a peck on the cheek, introduced Bethany, and joined them at the table.

“You’re not from here, are you?” Marty said to Bethany.

“No, I’m from Ohio,” she said.

“I knew you didn’t strike me as a Miamian,” Donnie laughed.

Tracie ordered a diet Coke. She suddenly saw Bethany as competition rather than friend, and it felt dreadful. Or was she jealous of all the attention Bethany was giving to the guys? She couldn’t put her finger on it, but it made her feel extremely unnerved. Marty must have picked up on her mood because he pulled her chair closer to him.

“What’s up, cutie?” he said, slightly buzzed, a lazy smile on his face.

Tracie smiled back, dutifully sipping her soda. She watched, in amazement, as Bethany ordered a strawberry daiquiri.

“Any more news on the promotion?” Tracie asked, trying to divert her attention.

“Not yet,” he said, and ordered another beer.

“You guys are roommates, huh?” Marty said. “You gotta invite me over!” he laughed and tossed back the beer. Tracie felt her stomach flip-flop for the second time today. She was suddenly sorry Bethany had been in the living room when Donnie had come over.

Bethany, on the other hand, was having a great time. As she was palm-reading Donnie, Seth ordered her another drink. Bethany let her hand settle on Donnie’s arm as she told stories, much to Tracie’s annoyance. Was it her drinking that made her so overtly flirtatious? Tracie figured that must be it, forgetting how touchy feely Bethany was in general with her.

Glen Russ, one of the bosses, soon joined their table. He ordered a beer, then tapped Tracie on the shoulder. “Who’s your friend, Tracie? She’s cute.”

“That’s Bethany,” Marty said, in a voice that sickened Tracie. He made the word “Bethany” sound sultry.

Bethany wasn’t drunk when they left—just a little buzzed and drowsy. She locked arms with Tracie as they left, partly as a friendly gesture, partly to steady herself.

“Your co-workers are great,” she slurred, as they walked towards the parking lot.

“Yeah, they’re a nice bunch of guys,” Tracie said, trying to squelch her feelings of annoyance. She liked Bethany too much to let pettiness ruin it. She started the car. “Everyone seemed to like you a lot.”

Bethany smiled drunkenly, stretching out in the seat. “Those guys are nice, but I like you the best,” she said, putting her hand over Tracie’s reassuringly. This time it made Tracie feel uncomfortable. She involuntarily jerked her hand away.

They were wordless the rest of the way home.

Tracie got ready for bed. She wondered if Bethany would join her again. She did. When Tracie woke up, she was gone.

* * *

Tracie found a Post-It on the fridge:

Trace, I went to get us bagels. I hope you like cream cheese!

Love, Bethany

Tracie’s heart warmed instantly at the kind gesture. When she was done with her shower, Bethany was home, slicing bagels on the kitchen counter.

“That was so nice of you!” Tracie said.

Bethany shrugged and said, “Look what else I bought.” Tracie looked. It was a small disposable Fuji camera.

“You take pictures?” Tracie said.

“I wanted to take a picture of us to send to my family back in Ohio,” she said. “They’re dying to know all about my new roommate.”

Tracie helped herself to a bagel. Bethany held the camera out and snapped a quick picture of the two of them.

The morning went by uneventful. Tracie watched Lifetime movies while Bethany went to a thrift store to look for a bed. She came home with piles of clothes with no mention of a bed. Tracie figured she couldn’t find a decent one.

“Was that a hot tub I saw downstairs in the pool area?” Bethany wanted to know.

Tracie said yes and they decided to go downstairs. Bethany brought the camera.

“You look like you could use a neck rub. I bet you get a lot of tension in your neck and back from work.” Bethany said, kneading her expert fingers into Tracie’s neck.

Tracie felt totally and utterly comforted, the steamy water enveloping her body while Bethany worked out the kinks in her neck. A woman walking her dog came by to sit near the tub, and Bethany asked her to take a picture of the two of them. They posed, Bethany’s arms encircling Tracie.

“This will be so cute,” Bethany said, satisfied.

“Mm…” Tracie said blissfully, as Bethany continued to massage her. Again the guilt welled up in the pit of her stomach, overshadowing the relaxation she felt. She let the guilt dissolve and concentrated on being relaxed, on being in Bethany’s company.

* * *

The weekend went by, and Bethany still hadn’t bought her own bed. Tracie didn’t mind. At work, Donnie had asked about Bethany, and when Tracie relayed the message she was surprised at Bethany’s disinterest, especially since she had called him gorgeous. Tracie was getting the distinct feeling that maybe Andy was a girl. She hadn’t actually said it was her boyfriend, had she? The more Tracie thought about it, the more it made sense. Tracie decided not to say anything about it.

* * *

When Tracie came home from work Monday night, the door was open to the apartment. Curious, Tracie stood at the doorway, scanning the living room to see if anything was missing. Everything seemed to be in order.

“Hello…” she said uncertainly.

A guy wearing a red sweatshirt emerged from the hallway. Tracie held her breath.

“Are you Tracie?” he said gruffly.

“Who are you?” she said, trying to compose herself.

“Andy Green. Bethany’s boyfriend.” Andy Green said. “Bethy let me in. She’s in the bathroom.”

“Oh,” Tracie put her over her heart. “Ok. Yeah, I’m Tracie.” She walked in, shakily.

“So you’re Tracie,” he said sourly, making himself comfortable on the sofa.

Not knowing what to say, Tracie busied herself in the kitchen, hoping for Bethany to come out of the bathroom soon.

Bethany finally emerged. “Hey, Tracie, did you meet Andy?” she casually threw an arm over Tracie’s shoulder.

“Yeah, I did,” Tracie said. She gently slipped out of Bethany’s hold and opened the refrigerator.

“Andy and I have to talk so we’ll see you later,” Bethany said, motioning for Andy to get up. Andy muttered something that Tracie couldn’t hear and followed Bethany out.

Tracie watched them leave, feeling nauseous. She closed the refrigerator and went to her room to lie down. On the bed lay the photograph of the two of them hugging at work. Curious why it was there, Tracie picked it up and put it on her nightstand. Another picture of them in the hot tub was. Tracie couldn’t understand why the pictures were strewn around everywhere—both her and Bethany were very tidy. Nevertheless, she put them back in the photo packet, pulled back her sheets, and fell asleep.

* * *

She awoke the next morning, Bethany asleep at the other end of the bed. She realized that she was woken by a scuffling in the next room. It was the wind, she surmised. But she was wrong. A figure peeked his head inside the room. It was Andy.

“You scared me!” Tracie hissed, tugging the blanket tighter around her. “How did you get in?”

“Bethy gave me a key,” he said matter of factly.

Bethany woke at the noise. “Oh, hey, Andy,” she said, not sounding surprised that he was in the bedroom.

“I’ll be in the living room,” Andy said coldly. Bethany took that as a hint to get up.

After the door clicked shut, Tracie said, “Why did you give him a key?”

“I’m sorry,” she said. “He’s been after me to get back together with him, I guess I wasn’t thinking straight.”

Tracie sat up and smoothed out the blanket. “Are you getting back together with him?”

Bethany shrugged, which seemed like a yes. Tracie clutched her stomach. She wordlessly got up and went to the bathroom. Bethany and Andy went out. Bethany came back in a few hours and confronted Tracie.

“I think I’m going to be moving out,” she said. “And move in with Andy.”

Tracie nodded silently, and watched Bethany pack the tarot cards and billowy shirts into the bag.

“I’ll leave you this month’s rent, since I gave such short notice,” Bethany said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “Give me a call and we’ll hang out.” She patted Tracie, smiled awkwardly, and left.

She watched Bethany from her bedroom window, walking arm in arm with Andy, and she understood it all. She went to the kitchen for some chocolate.