Summer Wine

by Barbara Winkes

  Rebecca was stunned. She and Andy didn’t have a lot in common after all.

  “We keep this among us for now,” Callie said, searching her gaze for confirmation. “If Andy bothers either of us one more time…don’t worry, Sara, we won’t mention your name.”

  Sara looked relieved. “Thank you. I’m glad it’s out now…I was freaking out when I saw all those leaflets. I thought the husband was a creep, but he seemed really worried. Um, I guess I’m hungry now.”

  Too many secrets harming too many people. Rebecca thought of what Mona had said about Andy being brainwashed. She felt once again torn, angry at Andy for hurting Maggie, at the same time sad for her for being forced into the shadows. Her erratic behavior made a lot more sense. She’d been lying to herself so many times she finally believed in those lies. Nevertheless, Sara had found out about Andy’s whereabouts last weekend, and she hadn’t told anyone. Rebecca didn’t blame the girl for not knowing what to do, or maybe doing the wrong thing. Eric might have deserved to know, but he too, was trapped in his own prejudice. The memory of his outburst sent a shiver down her spine.

  Convenient for people like Eric and Andy that they always found someone else to blame for the mess they created.

  “You have no soul,” he’d thrown at her. Those words still stung, no matter how irrational she knew them to be.

  “Hey, is dinner ready?”

  Dina finally joined them in the kitchen, eyes and cheeks glowing from what had no doubt been a pleasant conversation with Tomaso.

  * * * *

  The dinner invitation from Eve Regan, a friend of Betty’s, came as a surprise, especially since the party was a plus one event. Rebecca had designed her website and marketing materials, but there hadn’t been much conversation between them other than business and small talk. From Betty, Rebecca knew Eve had hesitated to hire her based on how often Rebecca and her family had been talk of the town. She didn’t mention any of that in their meetings, and was satisfied with Rebecca’s work.

  “Don’t worry, it’s nothing too formal,” Eve assured her. “We’ll be no more than twenty. Betty and Charles will be there. Times are changing, right? If you say plus one, you really have to mean it.” She laughed, which sounded as if the subject made her a bit uneasy.

  “Well, thanks,” Rebecca said, careful not to deepen the conversation. Eve didn’t get the message.

  “I hear Callie will be doing a reading for the women’s shelter. That’s admirable, given not everyone has welcomed her here. I want you to know I don’t care. Whatever makes people happy—and happy people are less annoying to be around, don’t you think?”

  “Probably. I’m sorry, but I’m a bit pressed for time.”

  “Funny thing about Andy, isn’t it? Eric’s raising hell, making everyone think she disappeared, and all of a sudden it was nothing?”

  “I’m sure they will figure it out.” Rebecca was well aware Eve was fishing for something. She wouldn’t be tempted into either starting rumors or telling the truth. Andy and Eric took care of the former just fine.

  “I’ll have you know that I don’t agree with Father Reynolds. I don’t mind you or anyone sitting next to me in church. It’s not like that’s going to make me gay, right?”

  “Well, you never know.”

  Eve’s laughter came with a few seconds’ delay, telling Rebecca she wasn’t that good at making a joke, and that she should get out of here, and fast.

  “Thank you for the invitation. I left you all the material. If there’s anything else you need, call me.”

  Rebecca took a deep breath when she finally closed the door behind her, shaking her head to herself. She hoped not all of Eve’s guests were as curious. Both she and Callie were tired of living under a microscope.

  She had a bit of time left now that she’d made her escape. Callie was probably busy writing, and Rebecca decided she’d check if Betty had a second coffee for her. She’d probably learn who else would be at the party, and there was something else she had to get advice for.

  * * * *

  Betty had indeed a fresh batch of coffee to offer, complete with a cupcake from Roz’s café.

  “Oh, no, I can’t,” Rebecca said with honest regret. “I’ll have to make dinner when I get home.”

  “Have it anyway. I have the impression you’re the only one of us who gets a proper workout. Your mind is in the gutter right now, I can tell.”

  Rebecca accepted the plate, trying to ignore that her cheeks were burning. “Whatever. Eve invited me to her dinner party.”

  “Yeah, she talked about that.” Betty pulled herself one of the patio chairs, leaving Rebecca the swing. “And look who showed up just in time to be able to attend. I don’t understand that woman a single bit—do you?”

  “Wait. Andy will be there?”

  “What do you think?” Betty asked mildly.

  “Great. I can already tell it’s going to be pleasant.”

  “Ignore her. It’s probably all you can do. Neither of you is going anywhere.” When she could tell Rebecca wasn’t convinced, Betty continued, “I’ve been a horrible friend, I know. I’m trying to do better, and maybe she is all wrong…”

  You don’t know half of it.

  “…still, you both have to live here.”

  “That’s the point. Maybe I don’t.”

  “No.” Betty gave a heart-wrenching sigh. “I mean, it’s gotten better around here, with Roz’s place, and since Charles’ career has been taking off, but I’d still die of boredom if you go away. Don’t look so surprised. You were always the one who thought Autumn Leaves was perfect. What about the kids? Don’t you want to wait until Maggie goes to high school?”

  “I’m not saying we’re leaving tomorrow. I’m still trying to figure out if there are enough friendly people to outweigh the mean ones.”

  “Father Reynolds.”

  Rebecca nodded.

  “Then why don’t you confront him?” Betty asked. “I’ve been wondering about that. He kicks you guys out, sends Andy on your case and you drive a whole hour to service every Sunday?”

  “I don’t want to get into that now. Maggie is doing okay, and that’s the most important thing. The rest, we can handle.”

  “I don’t mind that extra hour.” Lately, many members of the congregation chose to go the extra miles. Rebecca was aware it wouldn’t last forever, but she was grateful for the show of solidarity from her friends and neighbors. “I like Reverend Cole,” Betty continued. “What I don’t like is the thought that Reynolds is plotting more mischief with people like Andy and the dozen or so that still go to service there. They talk at the fundraiser meetings. It’s not pretty.”

  “So I’ve heard. Look, I can’t have another conflict, not at this moment.” Rebecca felt a bit guilty about her reluctance. She also believed she had some good reasons. She and Callie could seek the confrontation, but at some point there was the question of how much poisonous hate a person needed to expose themselves and their loved ones to. Even if it was a bit of a cop out, there would be another day to deal with Reynolds. “As you know, I have a party to prepare as well.”

  “That’s right.” Betty chuckled. “I was afraid you’d pack up and have your vacation at that time.”

  Rebecca shrugged. “It’s just a number, right? You survived.”

  “I did, but I’m sorry if I don’t have any expert advice. Have great cake and enough booze in the house. You’re not going to invite David, are you?”

  “Oh, no, of course not. I don’t even know if I want a big party. My parents are coming. It may be a dozen people at the most. It’s not going to be a big deal.”

  “If you have a say in it,” Betty said with a wink, leaving Rebecca to wonder what she meant.

  * * * *

  The secret meeting for planning Rebecca’s birthday took place at David and Susan’s residence. To Callie’s relief, Dina had the foresight to ask her to come at a time when David wasn’t present. She also offered her opinion regarding the names on t
he guest list.

  “It’s great that Grandma and Granddad are coming from Florida. I knew they could never be as fucked up as Sara’s parents.”

  Both Callie and Susan flinched a bit at the choice of words.

  “Well, aren’t they? In any case, we’ll invite all the girls from the group. Plus Asha and Mrs. Romano. Maggie will be over the moon to see her again. She keeps complaining that the new teacher isn’t nearly as nice. See, I don’t understand why Dad and Susan can’t come.”

  “That would be a little awkward, don’t you think?” Susan said softly, to Callie’s relief taking on the task of explaining. “I’d still like us to give her something. A giftcard, perhaps for the spa? Callie?”

  Jolted out of a sudden fantasy involving Rebecca and a hot tub, Callie nodded, self-conscious. “I’m sure Rebecca would love that. Thank you.”

  “So, who else?” Dina gave the ever-growing list a critical look. Callie wasn’t sure when they had become a planning committee of two, but at this point, it was hard to turn back. Maggie was in on the secret as well, and the two girls wanted a big, happy party for Rebecca. Callie agreed that all of them deserved it, and hoped Rebecca would see it that way too.

  “The moms from Maggie’s book club? Not all of them,” Dina said. “She always hangs out with Stella, so I put Jenny.” She narrowed her eyes. “Do we need to rent a tent? What if it rains?”

  Callie caught Susan, behind Dina’s back, trying hard to suppress a smile. “No, I don’t think we need a tent,” she said. “Where would we put it? If it rains, we take the party inside.”

  “Okay. Roz is making the cake, of course. Catering choices are Mediterranean, Italian, and Barbecue. I’m thinking Italian.”

  “Not at all obvious. That doesn’t make the time go by faster, you know.”

  Dina rolled her eyes at Callie.

  “She’s right though,” Susan said. “We’ve tried the Italian buffet once. It’s pretty great. I think I might even have a birthday card. Why don’t I give you the money for the spa day, and that’s settled too?”

  “Sure, no problem.”

  Callie followed her into the living room. As soon as Dina was out of earshot, she said, “You know, you don’t have to do that. Rebecca understands.”

  Susan gave her a rueful smile. “I’m sure she does, and of course the girls want David there, but…I hope you don’t think I’m a bitch for not feeling that way.”

  “Don’t worry. I get it.” Between the two of them, they didn’t need to explain anything else. For their respective reasons, they both were happy to keep David’s involvement to a minimum.

  “Thanks.” Susan opened her wallet and took out a couple of bills. “I’m sorry to make you do this on top of everything else, but I really think it’s better that way. Enjoy.”

  Callie didn’t ask. Susan had moved out earlier this year, but returned to live with David soon afterwards. Her decision wasn’t up to anyone’s judgment. If it helped make him understand Rebecca had made a commitment to someone else, buying a gift certificate with Susan’s money was the least of her problems.

  Especially when that gift possibly involved a hot tub or a sauna…

  Callie was home minutes before Rebecca returned from her morning appointments, happy and unaware of the scheming that was going on around her. Not all of her news was happy though.

  “I know it’s basically a working dinner for you, so it’s tough to say no, but Andy and Eric?” Callie shook her head at the thought. “I can’t believe we’ll have to sit at the same table with them, after everything.”

  “Don’t you think they’ll take it down a notch? There’s a scandal brewing after all.”

  “I don’t know,” Callie said, wondering if it was a good moment to reveal another birthday surprise to Rebecca, and deciding against it. “They’ll just deny harder and be even more obnoxious, I’m afraid. I guess we’ll find out.”

  “I’m sorry. We don’t have to go.”

  “I think we do. Andy’s going to shoot daggers with her looks, and Eric is going to pretend we’re not there. Nothing new.”

  “I cheated too.” Rebecca sighed. “I guess that one’s always going to catch up with me.”

  “I know. It wasn’t just you…I wasn’t innocent in this either.” Callie knew better than trying to sugarcoat the facts. No matter how righteous they had felt, how much in love, Rebecca’s words were still true. “Those were different circumstances. Whatever you did doesn’t excuse her behavior.”

  “I didn’t always have a plan,” Rebecca admitted.

  “You didn’t plan to scare someone else’s kid into nightmares either. It’s hard to have compassion for someone who doesn’t seem to have any. You were never like that.”

  “I guess not, but it doesn’t hurt to hear it again.”

  “Okay. It’s just one evening. We’ll get through this, right?”

  “Of course,” Rebecca assured her. “At this point, it was hard to say who was looking forward to the vacation more. Dina might not win that one.

  * * * *

  The only incident so far was when Rebecca overheard Andy say “I didn’t know you’d invite her!” to Eve who wasn’t fazed at all.

  “Yeah, well, it’s a small world, isn’t it? You should see the work Rebecca has done on my website. It’s stunning!”

  “Sure.” Andy didn’t bring up the subject again, but her angry sideways glances spoke volumes.

  Under the table, Callie took Rebecca’s hand. “At least the food is great. Let’s try to enjoy it, okay?”

  It wasn’t that easy under the couple’s angry stares, but Rebecca willed herself to give it a try. They had every right to be here. Everything else was Andy and Eric’s problem. Eve, however, had no qualms about stepping right into the hornet’s nest. Rebecca was beginning to suspect she had invited Andy mostly for the additional drama she expected to happen.

  “You must know you gave us quite a scare, but you look great, Andy. I can tell that retreat has done you some good. Do they have a spa there?”

  Andy gave her a terse smile. “It’s to reach purity of mind, and I believe I did succeed. I would never abandon my family.”

  Callie’s hand on her thigh nearly made Rebecca laugh. It may have been meant as a calming gesture, but it did nothing to help with her purity of mind. There had been a point when she was terrified of rejection, by her family, her friends. She tried to be decent and respectful with everyone, but there were some people just unable to return the gift. She had stopped worrying what they thought of her a while ago. For Andy, she had nothing but pity, even more so after what they had learned from Sara.

  Rebecca felt like she should have a talk with the girl sometime soon, about hanging out in bars where strangers hooked up. She wasn’t Sara’s mother, but there was no one else who’d have that talk with her.

  “Tell me, what exactly do you do there?” Eve pressed on. “Yoga? I must tell you, I went to a retreat once, a few years ago. There were a lot of things going on that were far from pure.” Eve laughed. “Of course I didn’t participate in those.”

  “I am proud of my wife,” Eric said, a sharp edge to his tone. “Temptation leads to ugly things, but it does come in a pretty package sometimes. That’s how the devil gets his way.”

  Callie started coughing, and Rebecca patted her back gently while most dinner guests were too stunned to react. Betty had her gaze hefted to her plate, the corners of her mouth twitching as she struggled to suppress the smile.

  “I don’t know about that,” Rebecca said. “To me, scaring children to get your way is pretty devilish. It has nothing to do with temptation, but making a choice to do something truly evil.” Callie’s coughing fit ended abruptly, her fingers tightening. “Eve,” Rebecca continued, “speaking of temptation, the food is amazing. I’d love the number of the caterer.”

  “Oh. Yes,” Callie agreed quickly. “We have a party to prepare soon.”

  “No problem. They are pleasant to work with. Just like Rebecca. Ev
eryone please pick up my new brochures later. Andy, didn’t you say you needed invitations for your parents’ anniversary?”

  Rebecca wondered if Eve was really so unaware of the Autumn Leaves rumor mill, or if she simply had too much fun fueling the fire. She couldn’t wait for this evening to be over. Thank God the wine was excellent too.

  * * * *

  After having survived her ex Nicole and her increasingly abusive behavior, Callie knew what it was like to live in a reality that could crumble around you at any moment. She wondered what she would have done, had it gone on any longer, and if, in order to establish her version of reality, she would have blamed everyone else for what was so obviously wrong.

  Eve’s walk-in wardrobe felt claustrophobic when they ran into each other, picking up their coats. The old saying “if looks could kill” applied. Andy was so eager to escape she got the zipper of her coat stuck, and in the process or her frantic attempt to fix it, pierced her finger on the teeth.

  “Don’t touch me!” she warned, sounding slightly hysterical, as if the thought had even once crossed Callie’s mind. Everyone had a few drinks too many tonight.

  “Don’t worry. I don’t attack people in other people’s homes…or anywhere, that is. You should ask Eve for a Band-Aid.”

  “You are horrible!” Despite her seething words, Andy seemed on the edge of a nervous breakdown. She might be in a desperate situation, but that didn’t entitle her to the kind of behavior she was displaying constantly, an uncomfortable reminder of an angry Nicole. Blame whoever was nearest.

  “Fine. Bleed all over the place, for all I care.”

  “Why are you doing this? Why are you so happy to destroy my life?”