As they washed their hands a moment later, Windy and Riva made eye contact in the mirror. “I admire that Laurel is a pretty gutsy lady,” Windy said, “but sometimes she worries me. I’m concerned what will happen if she pits herself against someone like Kitty.”
“I know what you mean.” Riva dried her hands. “Kinda like Wile E. Coyote about to catch the Road Runner, but there’s a keg of TNT waiting for him.”
“I never watched cartoons as a kid, but I caught up when my kids were small. I assume Laurel would be the determined but unfortunate coyote and Kitty’s the lucky Road Runner who always gets away but makes sure Wile E. gets blown up or crushed.” Windy fluffed her auburn curls.
“Yep. Road Runner always comes out on top. Of course, he’s got the legs to run.”
“So does Kitty.”
“Look, Windy, I might sneak out of here. I think I’ve had more than enough music and dancing for one night.”
Windy adjusted her beaded necklace. “I’m proud of you for doing as well as you have, Riva. I hope you don’t feel bad aboutwhen we tweaked you about inhibitions. It’s just that we both want to see you break out of your shell.”
“I’m okay. But I’m not so sure Laurel agrees with you. She might prefer I stay in my shell. At least, when it comes to Marcus. I’m afraid she might consider me competition and classify me with Kitty. But I swear, I’m not after Marcus.”
Windy turned to look directly at her. “I didn’t want to mention it, but I think Laurel’s concerns over Marcus are not too far off. And I don’t mean with Kitty. I know my brother pretty well, and I can tell when he’s interested in someone.” Her brows arched as she pointed to Riva. “And if you can’t see it, you must be in denial.”
Riva took a deep breath. “Marcus is a very nice man, and I value his friendship. But that’s all there is to it. Honestly, Laurel needs to understand I’m not out to catch him or any other man. I don’t even know why I came here tonight. It seems places like this are just a setup for romance hunters.”
“Romance hunters?” Windy chuckled. “Never heard it put like that before, but you’re probably right. Though I don’t think everyone here is on the hunt. Some came for the music. And just because you dance with someone doesn’t mean you have to go home with them.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” Riva rolled her eyes. “Anyway, if you could help Laurel to understand that my only interest in Marcus is friendship, I’d appreciate it. Because, honestly, that’s all there is to it.”
“For you, anyway.” Windy had a knowing look as she pushed the restroom door open, but Riva stopped her. She wasn’t quite sure what Windy was hinting at, but she could guess. And it just seemed to confirm what Riva suspected. Now she knew what she had to do. She would call it a night before her friendship with Laurel was stretched to a breaking point.
“I’ll just walk home,” Riva told Windy. “Can you make my excuses to the others?”
“You’re really sure you want to leave?”
Riva firmly nodded. “The noise and closeness in here is getting to me, and I can tell I’m on the verge of a headache.” She hugged Windy. “You stay here and have fun.”
“All right ... as long as you’re sure you’ll be okay walking home alone.”
“A cool stroll in the fresh evening air is just what I need. Good medicine.”
“If you say so.” But Windy didn’t look convinced as Riva made her getaway. Out on the dusky street, Riva felt a bit guilty for faking a headache. Though if she’d stayed inside any longer, she might’ve gotten one. On the sidewalk she could hear the band playing a folk song on the outdoor speaker. They really were good. As she walked away, the music growing fainter behind her, she felt a twinge of regret, or maybe it was a sense of failure. It should’ve been a simple thing to have remained there, to be with the others as they enjoyed the evening without feeling guilty, torn, or conflicted. It was as if something was broken inside of her, or else just stuck. Maybe her friends were right. Maybe she truly was inhibited ... or perhaps she was simply a wimp.
It felt strange but good to be home without anyone else there. Riva put on some calming classical music and strolled from room to room. After a while, she was feeling slightly bored and perhaps missing her housemates just a little. With nothing else to do, she decided to go to bed. After all, it was almost ten and she’d had a long day. As she brushed her teeth, she hoped everyone was still having a good time.
She rubbed moisturizer into her face, wondering if she would ever have the social fortitude to make it through a whole evening out with friends. “You are a wimp,” she told her reflection in the mirror. “Okay, maybe you’re not a wimp. Maybe you just prefera quiet evening at home. And maybe you should quit talking to yourself.” Well, unless she could think of something positive to say ... She stared at her reflection. “At least you gave it a try,” she finally said. “Baby steps are okay.” She smiled and turned off the light. As her grandma used to say when Riva was young and impatient, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Riva could hear voices in the house and knew her housemates were home, but the voices sounded loud ... and angry. She went to her bedroom door to listen. It seemed the disagreement was between Laurel and Kitty—no big surprise—and poor Windy was trying to referee. Riva considered going out to help Windy but remembered what Paul used to say about domestic disputes. Best to stay away. And so she just said a silent prayer for the women, asking God to restore peace in her home. But as loud angry footsteps stormed up the stairs, voices still raised, she suspected peace would not come easily.
She cracked open the door. It sounded like Windy was trying to calm Laurel down. Feeling guilty for being such a coward, she tiptoed out. “Everyone okay?” she asked tentatively.
“No, we are not okay,” Laurel spat back.
“I’m sorry,” Windy said. “Did we wake you?”
“I wasn’t in bed yet.” Riva looked at Laurel. “What’s wrong?”
“Kitty is wrong. All wrong. That woman is a conceited nightmare that someone should kick to the curb.”
Riva blinked. “Wow, I didn’t think you were a violent person.”
She glared at Riva. “You never should’ve let her move into the house.”
Riva wanted to point out that Kitty had come here at Laurel’s recommendation but suspected that wouldn’t help this situation. “What happened?”
