“Dogs are more adorable,” Joy says.
“In your opinion,” Sheri argues. “I happen to get along with cats better.”
Joy pats my hand. “Be honest. Open your heart and spill all. Life’s too short to beat around the bush.”
“You’ll never have the upper hand if you do that,” Sheri contradicts her buddy. “Take it from me. I know how to put men in their place.”
“A man’s place is by your side,” Joy says. “Not above you or below.”
“Agreed, but if you subordinate yourself, he won’t respect you. Play hard to get.”
“I’m not telling her to be easy, but honest.”
“You’re telling her to be dumb.”
“If you’re so smart, why are you single and on this cruise with me?” Joy goes on the offensive.
“Excuse me? At least I have failed relationships to show for it.” Sheri stands up in a huff with her hands on her hips.
Joy pushes back from the table. “I wouldn’t brag about failed relationships if I were you.”
I turn my head from one shoulder to the other shoulder. Looks like the good angel and the bad devil have forgotten about me.
“Thanks, ladies, for your advice,” I say, getting up.
They ignore me and trade barbs, going back to junior high school when they first noticed boys and disagreed on their approach.
My goodbye is barely acknowledged, but I’ve made my decision.
Jordan says to be open and honest. He claims to be wise and real. His philosophy is to be yourself and let it all hang out. That’s why his family is offended by what he does, and he’s pretty much an outcast.
Me? I’ve been playing good girl to my family forever, and playacting roles like dutiful daughter, respectful fiancée, and best friend forever.
Today, I’m going to serve the ball in Jordan’s court, and he can either hit it back to me or let it fly over his head.
