The Long Way Home - Tara Brown Page 0,1

being told what to do.”

I leaned in, “Only in the bedroom and only in a certain bedroom. I am a nearly-married woman for God’s sake. Keep it in your pants.” I rested a hand on his forearm, in the exact spot a lady should, and squeezed, “It was nice seeing you, Frank. Say hello to Ruth for me. Jesus.”

He sipped his drink, still chuckling, “Of course. You know she hates you.”

I shrugged, “What can I do? Tell her to wait, Phil and I are planning on kids next year after the wedding. By then I’ll be needing plastic surgery and extra elastic in my undergarments as well.”

His face split into a smile, “I think you’ll always be one of those naturally-beautiful women, even with a few extra pounds. When you get tired of the kids and Phil, you know my number.”

I narrowed my gaze, “Ohhhh, Frank. That was a good one. I may call you this week, after all.”

He scoffed, “I won't hold my breath.”

I pointed, “But you will open your cheque book.”

He nodded, “Yes, ma’am.”

“There’s a good man.”

I turned and walked to the group of ladies gossiping in the corner. Angela gave me a sly grin, “Flirting with Frank for donations is almost prostitution. You know that right? You are working the room hard, considering you don’t have any kids yet.”

I sipped my wine, “I’d sell my soul to beat Doreen out in donations and investors. She is such a bitch. Besides, we need to keep the loyal investors we have.”

Diane winked, “Pretty sure none of them wants a hot piece of soul.”

I smiled back, “Well, I’d sell that too for the right price.”

Helena laughed, “Oh, me too. Lord, at least then I’d be getting some.”

The group chuckled amongst us. We were best friends. I didn’t trust a single one, but I loved them more than anything. It was the world we lived in.

Diane looked around, “Where is your sister? She should be here. She and Shawn must be ready to start having kids.”

I laughed, “Brandi bailed on this at the last minute. Said she was doing something with Shawn’s parents.”

Helena gave me a sarcastic smile, “Lucky bitch. Hey, did you girls hear about Rebecca Solez?”

I gave Helena a confused look, “That Rebecca girl we graduated with?” I didn’t want to think back that far. We were at ten years. It made me cringe.

She nodded, giving us all a grievous look, “She’s pregnant.”

I smiled, “Oh, good for her.”

Helena shook her head, and I could tell by Diane’s face, it was bad news. “Why?”

“Mark is sterile. Has been since eleventh grade.”

My jaw dropped, “Oh wow. Well then,” I held my wine glass in the air, “Good for her.”

We all laughed.

My eyes finally caught a glimpse of Phil. I hadn’t noticed he was in the corner talking to someone. I frowned and looked to the side, but I couldn’t see any better. I lifted my head to try to get a better look. It was Eleanor Grey. Eleanor, who had slept with my neighbor Daniel the summer before. She beamed at Phil and nodded like the idiot she was. She smiled and sipped her drink, not stepping back from his close conversation. I felt like a knife twisted in my stomach as he leaned in, too close and too similarly to Frank, and laid his hand on her waist. Whatever he was saying made her blush like a schoolgirl. She nodded and grabbed his hand, pulling him to the far side of the room and out the door.

Helena followed my stare. I saw the disapproval on her face. She looked back at me but I averted my gaze. I didn’t need her sympathy or want to confirm that, I too, suspected something wasn’t right there.

I glanced over at the bartender, but forced my gaze away. It was the wrong choice. I didn’t even know if Phil was doing anything. I mentally slapped myself; where else were they going, holding hands? Of course they were sneaking off to one of the back rooms at the country club.

My throat was burning. I smiled, “I need the ladies’.” I passed my wine to Angela. She nodded. I knew she’d seen it too. They all did. We always saw everything; it wasn’t usually one of our own husbands or fiancés. I was the last to be married. I had held out the longest.

I fought the urge to run from the room, forcing myself to walk in a controlled pace. I was fully shaking when I