Riva took a deep breath. “Have you ever tried to change?”
“Change?” Kitty looked like Riva had just suggested she shave her head.
“I’m not talking about outward changes.” Riva frowned. She thought less flamboyant clothes, makeup, and hair might help, but she wasn’t going there. “I’m talking about inside changes.”
“I’m not following you.”
“Well, in my case, the inward changes are associated with God. Knowing he loves me, has a plan for my life, wants to lead me ... all of that changes my interior. And that makes me see my world and the people in it differently.”
“Which explains why you’re such a Pollyanna Goody Two-Shoes.”
Riva shrugged. “I suppose it might look like that to you. Although I don’t think I’ve been very Pollyanna-like. Not since Paul died. But I’m trying to make a comeback.”
Kitty seemed to soften a little. “You really loved your husband, didn’t you?”
“Yes. He was my soulmate, my best friend. I still miss him and he’s been gone a year and a half.”
“Lucky you.” Kitty let out an exasperated sigh.
Riva pursed her lips. Kitty’s lack of sensitivity was a bit disturbing.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean you’re lucky that your husband died.” Kitty wiped away some tears. “It’s just that you’re telling me about something I’ve never experienced. And in all likelihood, I never will, so it’s kinda like rubbing my nose in it.”
“Then maybe you should let me finish what I was trying to say. Yes, Paul was a wonderful husband. None better as far as I’m concerned. But having God’s help has made all the difference. I wouldn’t have survived losing Paul if God hadn’t been there for me. And anything good inside of me is a direct result of God’s influence. I guess I’m suggesting that you consider asking him for help. Because you do seem to need some help.”
“Thanks a lot.” Kitty scowled.
“You’re the one who just told me you’re a god-awful mess, Kitty. If you don’t want my advice, just say so.”
“Are you going to kick me out?”
Riva thought hard, silently begging God to lead her. “Not today. But I am giving you notice. If some things don’t change, you will have to find other arrangements.”
“There’s that word again. Change. I don’t know how to change.”
“Are you asking for suggestions?”
Kitty stuck out her bottom lip. “I’m not sure.”
Thinking this might be her best chance to have Kitty as a “captive audience,” Riva decided to go for it. “For starters, I don’t think you should be drinking at all. Give the party girl act a break.”
“Seeing that I’m confined to my bed at the moment, I suppose I don’t have a choice.”
Riva glanced around the messy room. “You don’t have alcohol hidden in here, do you?”
Kitty just shrugged, but her eyes darted to the closet, which appeared to have regurgitated its contents, with clothing and purses and shoes pouring out. But what caught Riva’s eyes was a pair of tall black boots, standing up straight. And this was definitely not boot season. She got up to take a closer look. One boot contained a partially full bottle of vodka. The other held a nearly empty Jack Daniels.
“Classy,” Riva said as she pulled out the bottles.
“Excuse me. I was stressing over Danny.”
“And this helps?”
“It dulls things.” Kitty fidgeted with the frozen peas on her foot. “Do you think I need to see a doctor? I don’t really want to, and I’m sort of between insurance providers right now.”
Riva took a peek at the ankle and shrugged. “I guess that’s up to you. Doesn’t look too serious to me. Do you have any elastic bandages to wrap it with?”
“No.”
