Three Weddings and a Bar Mitzvah

by Melody Carlson

  “They’re always moving things around here,” Nana continued. “And then they eat my food. They come at night, you know, when I’m asleep. They think I don’t know what they’re doing, but I do.”

  “Hey, Nana,” said Kendall. “Want to go for a ride? It’s sunny out, and we could get ice cream.”

  Nana was already out of her recliner and reaching for her old blue sweater and purse, a cream-colored Gucci from the sixties. Kendall hooked the purse handle over one arm as she helped Nana get into the sweater. Kendall knew the purse held little more than an old compact and lipstick and handkerchief. But the residents weren’t allowed to keep money in their rooms, because it usually got lost or stolen.

  “Ready?” Kendall asked.

  “I was born ready.” Nana chuckled as she hobbled toward the door.

  “Do you think you need your cane?” Kendall reached for it.

  “No, that’s for old ladies.”

  “Mind if I use it?”

  Nana laughed. “If you want to look like a fool, go right ahead.”

  They slowly made their way through the building. Nana called out to her friends, bragging about how she and Kendall were going out for a good time and too bad the rest of them couldn’t come. Finally they got to the reception area, and Kendall signed her out.

  “Shall we make a run for it?” Nana asked as she stood in front of the double doors.

  “Yeah,” Kendall told her. “Let’s break outta here.”

  Nana pretended to run but actually shuffled through the automatic doors. Kendall, holding the cane in one hand and Nana’s elbow in the other, stayed close by.

  “There’s my car,” Kendall nodded toward the Mercedes.

  “A convertible?” Nana sounded pleased. “Let’s put the top down.”

  “Good idea!” Kendall helped Nana into the car, reaching into the glove box in hope of finding a scarf. “Hey, look at this,” she said as she produced a red and black one and handed it to Nana.

  Nana examined the silk. “Hermès,” she said quietly.

  Kendall peered at the writing. “You’re right, Nana, it is Hermès. Man, you are good.”

  Nana chuckled. “Some things one never forgets.” Then she struggled to put the scarf on her head. “Although I seem to have forgotten this. Can you help me?”

  Kendall carefully wrapped the scarf around Nana’s head, carrying the ends around the back to secure it smoothly. “Very nice.”

  Nana patted the scarf and smiled. “Thank you, I am très chic, no?”

  “Oui! Très chic, madam.” Kendall laughed as she reached over to release the top, then pushed the button to lower the roof. “How’s that?”

  Nana leaned back and smiled. “Très bien.”

  “You lived in France for a while, didn’t you?” asked Kendall as she slowly drove through the parking lot. That was all it took to open Nana’s memory bank to when she and her husband lived in Paris during the fifties. It was like she became someone else as she spoke of the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre as if they were all old friends. She described drinking espresso and red wine at cafés, where they would smoke cigarettes and talk for hours. It all sounded terribly romantic and reminded Kendall of some of the old classic films set there. Nana let out a long sigh.

  “I have an idea,” said Kendall as she drove along the river toward a small artsy town just outside of Portland. “Let’s pretend we’re in Paris today.”

  Nana clapped her hands. “Oh, yes, I like this idea.”

  Kendall managed to snag a parking spot right on the main street, then helped Nana out of the car. “I think we should start with pastry and espresso, don’t you?”

  Nana nodded, then patted her scarf. “Should I leave this on?”

  Kendall studied the bright silk scarf and the slightly ratty cardigan and old Gucci bag. “You look marvelous, dahling.”

  Nana smiled and held her head high. “We shall proceed.”

  Fortunately, one of the cafés had outdoor seating and an open table. They sat and ordered espressos and a croissant and éclair, which they shared. Occasionally Nana lapsed into French and Kendall wished that she’d taken more than just one year of the language in high school.

  “C’est si bon,” Nana said as she smacked her lips after polishing off the last of the chocolate éclair.

  “C’est si bon,” Kendall imitated her.

  “Now we will shop,” Nana announced as she reached for her purse.

  Suddenly Kendall felt seriously worried. Shopping was taboo to her. And yet she knew Nana used to be quite the shopper, which might be part of the explanation for why Kendall was the way she was. It had to be genetic. But she also knew Nana had no cash. And Kendall’s cash was limited, plus she had promised not to do any recreational shopping. She did not plan to break this promise.

  “I know: We will window shop,” Kendall said firmly. “But first let me pay the bill here.”

  Before long, they were window shopping and actually having fun. Yes, at times it was rather tempting. Like when Kendall saw a spectacular Kate Spade bag that was basketlike and would be perfect for a honeymoon. But she controlled herself and wondered if she might find something similar (but much, much cheaper) on eBay. When Nana made an attempt to purchase a pair of size-six red patent-leather high-heeled pumps (such a bargain at only $69, although Nana wore size eight), Kendall clandestinely hinted to the salesgirl that they were “just looking.”

  “Sorbet!” Nana announced as they were leaving the shoe shop.

  Kendall took a moment to remember that was like ice cream. “But should we have lunch first, Nana?”

  Nana shook her head and solemnly said, “Sorbet.”

  Kendall patted her rounded tummy. “I don’t know, Nana. I think the baby needs something a little healthier first.”

  Nana turned and stared at Kendall with a confused expression. “What baby?”

  “Remember, Nana, I told you the last time I visited that I’m pregnant.”

  Nana blinked in surprise. “You’re having a baby?”

  Kendall nodded.

  “Are you married?”

  Kendall made an uncomfortable smile. “I’m engaged, Nana. We’re getting married in June. And you’re coming to the wedding, right?”

  Nana grinned. “A June wedding. Lovely. Will the baby be there?”

  Kendall patted her tummy again. “In here and under my wedding gown.”

  Nana chuckled now. “A pregnant bride. Now I’ve seen everything.”

  “So, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get some lunch before sorbet.”

  “My treat,” said Nana. Kendall didn’t question her as they crossed the street to a small deli. To Nana’s delight, the soup du jour was French onion, and they both ordered a bowl. Then they walked a bit more, and Nana seemed glad that Kendall had brought along the cane. Finally, Kendall could tell the old woman was wearing down.

  “I know, let’s drive down the Champs-Élysées,” said Kendall as they got near the car.

  “Oui, oui!” cried Nana. Soon they were driving along the river again. Kendall knew it didn’t really look like the Champs-Élysées, but Nana did enjoy what was left of the flowering trees, although she also looked very sleepy.

  “I think we should go home now,” Kendall said gently.

  Nana sat up straighter. “Sorbet first.”

  “Oh, yeah, right.” Kendall tried to think of a swanky little ice-cream store along the way but could only come up with Dairy Queen. Still, she reminded herself, this was Nana and they were using their imaginations today. So she went ahead and pulled into the DQ.

  “Vanilla sorbet or chocolate?” She asked with her best French accent.

  “Vanilla, si’l vous plaît.”

  “I’ll be right back,” Kendall said
as she hopped out of the car to order their ice cream. She kept an eye on Nana as she stood in line. It looked like she was taking a little catnap. Kendall hoped she hadn’t worn her out. Nana’s life was so boring most of the time, not that she probably noticed. Still, it was fun to take her out and hear her stories of such a glamorous life. So sad to think she might forget everything someday. Or maybe she would remember it all somewhere deep inside of her. Who knew?

  “Here you go, Nana.” Kendall handed her the small dish. “Vanilla sorbet.”

  Nana dipped her plastic utensil into her DQ ice cream as if it were a silver spoon and a crystal cup, and as she tasted the cool treat, she might’ve been savoring some of the finest Parisian sorbet. “Délicieux,” she proclaimed.

  Kendall licked her cone and Nana daintily ate from her cup as Kendall slowly drove back to the nursing home, giving Nana enough time to finish every last drop. Then Kendall pulled up right in front of the entrance, helped Nana out, handed her the cane, then walked her inside.

  “My granddaughter and I have just been to Paris,” Nana announced loudly as Kendall signed her back in. “We had espresso and pastries and French onion soup, and the most délicieux sorbet imaginable.”

  Her friends were looking at her with expressions ranging from envy to interest to totally blank stares, but Nana continued to tell them about the red shoes and how they rode in a convertible. She patted her head. “And this is Hermès,” she said proudly.

  “You keep it until next time,” Kendall told her, planting a kiss firmly on the wrinkled old cheek.

  “And my granddaughter is going to have a baby,” Nana continued narrating to whoever wanted to listen. “She’s not married yet, but she will be in June.” She peered at Kendall. “Is that correct?”

  Kendall nodded. “Yes, you got that right. Now, I better go.”

  As Kendall walked away, Nana continued to regale her friends with stories of all the fascinating things they’d done in Paris, but lines between fact and fiction seemed to be getting more blurry. Perhaps that was simply how Nana’s mind worked. Kendall supposed that she could relate to it on some levels.

  Kendall felt totally happy as she drove home. She actually felt as if she had truly been to Paris. Perhaps she had, at least when it came to hearing Nana’s memories. Really, she should have a Nana Day more often. Maybe next time they could go to Rome. Or maybe even Maui!

  Eleven

  Anna

  Anna had managed to avoid Edmond throughout the weekend. Or so she told herself. The truth was, she thought perhaps he was avoiding her. That did not set well with Anna. Consequently, she dressed very carefully before going to work on Monday. After several false starts that left her bedroom looking like a mini rummage sale, Anna decided on the charcoal-gray pinstripe suit. She thought it made her look taller and thinner, not to mention very professional. Not wanting to be too professional, she paired this with her tall black boots and a silky white blouse that was cut just right—not so low as to be skanky, but not too prim either. She took time with her hair and makeup as well.

  If she was going to break up with Edmond, and that was a distinct possibility, Anna was going to do it in style. She was going to walk away with her head held high, and she was going to maintain a sense of dignity that would demand respect from her coworkers. See, she thought as she unplugged her oversized curling iron that she’d been using to straighten her hair, this is what comes from dating people in the workplace. From now on she would know better!

  “Wow, Anna,” said Kendall as they met at the top of the stairway. “You look awesome. Is that like your power suit?”

  Anna gave her a cool smile. “Something like that.”

  “I heard people are supposed to dress for the job they want, not the job they have,” Kendall continued as they went down. “You look good enough to own the company.” She chuckled. “I guess if you married Edmond, you sort of would.”

  “Edmond doesn’t own Erlinger Books,” Anna said sharply.

  “Well, his family does. And I assume that—”

  “People shouldn’t make assumptions.”

  Kendall gave Anna a cautious look now. “Everything okay with you and Edmond? I mean I realize he kind of stood you up on—”

  “He didn’t stand me up,” she said in a forced friendly tone, “we just decided to do some things separately.”

  “Oh?” Kendall was clearly curious but probably afraid Anna was going to snap her head off again.

  “Sorry to sound so grumpy,” Anna said with a smile. “It’s just that I have a busy day ahead of me and I’m trying to—”

  “No, that’s okay,” Kendall said quickly. “You know me and my big mouth, and then I go and put my big old foot in it. You’d think I’d learn to shut up sometimes.”

  Anna put a hand on Kendall’s shoulder. “I actually like knowing that you say what you mean, Kendall.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. It’s kind of refreshing. Especially when so many people can be insincere. So don’t mind me.”

  Kendall brightened as Anna picked up her purse and headed for the door. “Well, have a great day, Anna. And you really do look spectacular.”

  “Thanks.” Anna took a deep breath and stepped outside to what looked to be a fairly nice day. At least it was starting out that way. She paused for a moment, trying to decide whether to walk or drive. Normally, she would walk on a pleasant day like this. But she might need her car for a quick getaway. She was driving. And since she had plenty of time, she would stop for a perfect cup of coffee too. Then she would walk in, sleek black briefcase in one hand, Starbucks in the other, and act as if she owned the world. Yes, it would be an act—but it would be a good one.

  “Anna,” said Edmond when she was barely in the building. “How are you?”

  She smiled brightly at him as she walked down the hallway toward her desk. “I’m great, Edmond. How are you?”

  He looked slightly stumped. “Uh, fine.”

  Her smile got even bigger as she set down her briefcase. “Oh, good. Did you have a nice weekend?”

  “Uh, yeah, I guess. Did you get my messages?”

  She took a slow sip of her coffee, pausing to savor the flavor before she pressed her lips together as if trying to remember something. “Oh, yes, I think I got one or two of them. You know I was so busy, I sort of forgot about voice mail. I’m sorry.” She looked directly at him, giving him her best innocent expression. “Was I supposed to call you back?”

  “Well, yeah, I thought so, but maybe I didn’t make myself—”

  “I’m sorry. It’s just been a busy weekend. Lelani and Gil have decided to have their wedding here after all. We were sort of scrambling to get things together, and there was just a lot going on.”

  He blinked, then adjusted his dark-framed glasses, frowning like he wasn’t sure what to say next.

  How about I’m sorry, she was thinking, but she simply smiled and took another sip.

  “I thought you were going to join us at Blue Moon on Friday,” he continued stupidly. “The music was really great and a lot of us were—”

  “Hey, Edmond,” said Lucy in a sugary-sweet voice as she walked up from behind him. She wore a very short denim skirt, dark hose, and a top that was way too tight. Didn’t she know what business attire meant? Maybe someone should give her an employee handbook.

  “Hello, Lucy,” he said a bit stiffly.

  “How’s it going?” Then Lucy actually reached up and began rubbing Edmond’s shoulders like she thought she was his personal masseuse. “Is that stiff neck of yours feeling any better to—”

  “If you’ll excuse me,” Anna said quickly, “I really have work to do.” She turned her back to them and set down her coffee, snapped open her briefcase, turned on her computer, and hoped that they would get the hint and take their massage elsew
here! To further her subtle message, she picked up her phone and called a copy editor, leaving a convoluted message about something on the copyright page that she wanted to revise before the day was over. So what if it wasn’t real. She could explain that later. She’d simply claim she’d gotten her wires crossed.

  She hung up and looked cautiously over her shoulder. They were gone, and now Anna was fuming. Not that she planned for anyone to know she was fuming. No way. Anna had learned long ago to keep her emotions in check—at least in certain situations, like school or work or public places. She did not like being stereotyped as a hothead Latina who couldn’t control her temper. She left that to her mother. But Anna knew that if she were with her mother right now and if they were alone, Anna would cut loose and throw a regular hissy fit. She felt confident her mother would jump right in too. Maybe later.

  “Hi, Anna,” said Chelsea. “How’s it going?”

  Anna forced a smile. “Okay. How are you doing?”

  Chelsea shrugged. “It’s a Monday, what can I say? But at least Felicia’s coming in late today. That’s a nice perk.”

  “Well, I’m sure you have lots to—”

  “Hey, we missed you at Blue Moon on Friday. Edmond said you were coming, but you never showed.”

  Anna just shrugged. “I was busy.”

  Chelsea nodded then stepped closer, lowering her voice. “Are you and Edmond still a couple?”

  Anna narrowed her eyes. “What makes you think we ever were a couple?”

  Chelsea waved her hand. “Oh, everyone knows you guys are a couple.”

  “Everyone?”

  “Sure.” Chelsea nodded. “I mean at least you were a couple. Are you still?”

  “Why are you asking me this?” Anna scowled at her. “I don’t see how it has anything to do with the workplace.”

  Chelsea made a nonchalant face. “I just thought you’d want to know.”

  “Know what?” Anna folded her arms across her front and waited.

  “That Lucy is putting the move on Edmond.”

  Anna feigned a light little laugh. “Tell me something I don’t know.”