“He’s smart and hardworking.” Jessica took a sip of coffee. With a wistful look, she said, “And he’s handsome.”
I nodded. “So he’s perfect?”
“Not exactly. The closer I got, the more it seemed like he was just a gazillion unresolved issues wrapped up with a bow. I don’t do fixer-uppers.”
“He’s seeing that therapist, though.” Then I tried out a line I’d heard so many other women use. “I only date men in therapy.”
Jessica raised her Styrofoam coffee cup. “Hear, hear, sister!” She took a sip. “So, how’s the reno going?”
I shook my head in despair. “We’re doing what we can, but all the contractors are busy over the holidays, and you know I’ve got that December 31 deadline.” For the animal inspection and the home inspection now. I flashed a lopsided smile. “If you know any handymen, hook me up!”
“Actually…” She pulled out her phone and said, “I’ve got a number for you. My brother Bob is hard up for cash. He’s going through a divorce, and I bet he’d take anything.” She looked up before sending the contact card. “Don’t date him, though.”
With that business resolved, she eyed the pile of cards. “So are you going to deal me in?”
In the glow of camaraderie and the friendship that Dr. Rosetti must have been speaking about, I dealt her a hand.
“Do you do this every night?” I asked.
Lana nodded. “At least until I kick it.”
“Can I join?” I would enjoy a social life until Lana kicked it.
Jessica raised her cup. “To friendship.”
How could I not drink to that?
I eyed the coffee with the clumped Coffee Mate floating on top and downed a sip. I could power through this.
I braced myself like I was about to take a hit, clenching my abs, and willed my body to drink coffee like a normal person who played cards with friends. A woman who liked pancakes on Christmas morning andvolunteering with old people.
I kept it down for approximately one minute before it started to come up. The only saving grace was that there was an attached bathroom. Instead of vomiting in a holiday display, I made it to the toilet.
“I’m sorry, sweetie,” Lana said. “I should have known you weren’t feeling well. You’re so pale.”
“I’m fine.” I waved off her concern.
A look passed between Lana and Jessica. “Have you missed a period?”
Lol. “Oh, no worries there. I can’t have babies.”
“That’s what my friend Jenny said, too,” Jessica said.
“No, I’m sure.” People always knew something was off with me. Nope, I wasn’t pregnant. Didn’t have PMS. I was just a vampire.
Puking seemed like a clear end to the interlude, so I collected my purse. “Thank you for the company.”
Jessica stopped me. “Not so fast. It’s Friendsgiving, and I’m not about to let you go home looking all melancholy.”
“It’s Thanksgiving already?” Time really loses meaning when you’re facing eternity. Now that I wasn’t working a regular job, I’d completely lost track.
“Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving, goof. Tonight we’re celebrating Friendsgiving at the tav and kicking off the holiday trivia bowl.”
I balked at the invitation. “I should go home.”
“Unless you vomit again in the next ten seconds, I’m gonna insist you come.” She started counting down. “Ten, nine, eight—”
Lana chimed in. “You can’t say no to Jessica. It’s impossible.”
