Let Them Eat Fruitcake

by Melody Carlson

“Are you still going to counseling?” asked Megan.

  Kendall glared at her. “None of your business.”

  “Sorry,” said Megan. “It’s just that you told us that you wanted our help, remember? You said you wanted to change.”

  “So, where did you stay last night?” asked Megan.

  “That is none of your business either,” said Kendall.

  “I’ll bet I can guess.” Lelani grinned slyly.

  “If you must know,” said Kendall, “I spent the night with Matthew Harmon.”

  “Matthew Harmon the actor?” asked Megan.

  Kendall nodded smugly. “That’s right.”

  “I heard he’d been making a movie in town.”

  “It was a wrap party,” explained Lelani. “I actually had a nice conversation with Aaron Stone.”

  “The Aaron Stone?” Megan blinked.

  “Yep.” Lelani laughed. “I said the same thing. But he’s actually pretty normal and nice.”

  “Of course he’s normal,” said Kendall defensively. “They’re all normal. What did you think they’d be?”

  “I don’t know.” Lelani shrugged. “Snobs, maybe?”

  “And you actually slept with Matthew Harmon?” Megan asked Kendall.

  “Why not?” Kendall had a hard-to-read expression. Megan wasn’t sure if it was pride or embarrassment.

  “Why not?” repeated Megan. “Well, for starters he’s married.”

  Kendall didn’t say anything.

  “How did you know that?” Lelani asked her. “I didn’t notice him wearing a wedding ring.”

  “Maybe he took it off to shoot the movie,” said Megan. “But I do know he’s married.”

  “How?” demanded Kendall.

  “I saw him being interviewed on the local news a couple of weeks ago. They showed some footage of his other films and they had a shot of him with his wife. She’s an actor too, but not as well known as him. I think her name is Heidi something.”

  “Heidi Hardwick?” asked Kendall suddenly.

  “Yes, that’s right,” said Megan.

  Kendall looked somewhat disturbed by this.

  “Who’s Heidi Hardwick?” asked Lelani. “I mean what’s she been in? Would I know her?”

  “She’s in a TV series that just premiered,” said Megan. “I can’t remember what it’s called. It’s on Fox. But she’s really pretty—dark hair, dark eyes.” Even as Megan said this, she thought she saw Kendall flinch. But maybe it was for the best. The sooner Kendall realized that it was wrong to get wasted, wrong to sleep around, and especially wrong to sleep with married men, the better it would be for her and everyone.

  “Anyway, Heidi Hardwick seems to be hot, and I’m guessing her career is about to take off.”

  “Matthew said their marriage has had some problems,” said Kendall.

  “I’m not surprised,” said Lelani sharply.

  “No, I mean before this,” said Kendall. “He said it’s hard having two careers going in totally different directions.”

  “And I’m sure that last night’s little fling won’t help much,” added Megan.

  “Maybe their marriage is ending,” said Kendall with what sounded like too much hope.

  “You mean you’d like them to split up?” asked Megan.

  “If they’re unhappy …”

  “Meaning you’d do what you could to help them split up?” asked Lelani.

  “Meaning … what will be will be.” But the gleam in Kendall’s eyes seemed to suggest more.

  “I can’t believe you, Kendall,” said Megan.

  “Look,” Kendall narrowed her eyes. “I did not know that Matthew was married. At least I don’t remember him telling me that—last night—although he said he did.”

  “Being drunk does that to a person,” said Megan.

  “Well, whatever. But I didn’t knowingly sleep with a married man.”

  “Fine,” said Megan. “But now that you know he’s married, would you do it again?”

  Kendall considered this. “It depends …”

  “It depends?” Megan knew her voice was too loud, but she couldn’t help herself.

  “If I thought that Matthew and I had a future together, and if I thought his marriage was over, sure, I’d probably sleep with him again.”

  “Oh, Kendall!” Lelani just shook her head. “You’re pathetic.”

  “No, I’m honest. If you can’t take the truth, don’t ask.”

  “But he used you,” protested Lelani. “He used you for a one-night stand, Kendall, doesn’t that hurt a little?”

  “Look, you guys.” Kendall grew serious. “It was more than just a one-night stand. I know you won’t get it. I don’t expect you to. You’re both such Goody Two-shoes and I know you’d never do anything like this. But then you might not ever meet your true love, either.”

  “Matthew Harmon is your true love?” Megan knew her tone was sarcastic, but how could she help it? Was Kendall totally insane?

  “Maybe.” Kendall held her chin up.

  Lelani just shook her head.

  Kendall looked from Lelani to Megan, then back to Lelani again. “I don’t know why I’m even telling you guys this, but I think I’m in love with Matthew.”

  “In love with Matthew the guy,” asked Lelani, “or Matthew the celebrity?”

  “With Matthew the guy.” Kendall sighed. And it actually looked like she had stars in her rather bloodshot eyes. “Seriously, I’ve never felt quite like this before.”

  “After spending one night with him?” demanded Lelani. “One night when you were pretty much wasted?”

  “Why would I expect you to get this?” Kendall set her mug down on the table with a clunk, then stood up, walked off, and loudly stomped up the stairs.

  “I guess I wasn’t too tactful,” said Lelani.

  “You and me both,” agreed Megan. “But I just couldn’t help myself. I cannot believe her sometimes.”

  “Just sometimes?” Lelani frowned.

  “Well, I guess I’d hoped that she was changing. I mean, I know she’s Kendall and, well, kind of a loose cannon. But I thought the counseling was helping some. And she’d asked us to be sort of like her support group.”

  “Maybe we let her down,” said Lelani.

  “We can’t control her.”

  “Well, I never should’ve agreed to go to the wrap party with her last night.”

  “I don’t know …”

  “I mean it was actually kind of fun. But even Gil questioned me.”

  “Why?”

  Lelani shrugged. “I think he was kind of jealous. And the truth was, even though it started out to be fun, I started to feel like I was there for the wrong reasons. Or that the guys there assumed I was there for the wrong reasons.”

  “Like you wanted to sleep with Mr. Hollywood too?”

  “Exactly. Although nothing was further from the truth.”

  “Well, that seems to be why Kendall went.”

  “Yes, and I figured that out once we were there. I saw her eyes light up when she spotted Matthew, like she had this whole thing all worked out in advance. I honestly think she’d set her sights on him long before she talked me into going with her. Like she had this great big plan to get him in the sack with her.” Lelani frowned. “I know that sounds mean, but in hindsight, I think it was a setup, and I actually feel a little sorry for Matthew.”

  “What about his wife?”

  “Yeah, it must be some marriage.”

  “Still, it’s so weird. I mean, I can’t imagine wanting to sleep with a guy simply because he was a celebrity.” Megan drank the last of her cocoa.

  “And now Kendall thinks she’s in love?” Lelani sadly shook her head.

  �
�I think she’s in crush. And I’m sure it won’t last long.”

  “Especially since they’re done filming in Portland now.”

  “I wonder if he’s still around.”

  “It sounded like most of the cast and crew were going home today. My guess is he’s gone, or Kendall wouldn’t have come home.”

  “As irritating as Kendall can be, I still feel a little sorry for her,” admitted Megan.

  “She does tend to be her own worst enemy.”

  “Well, maybe she’ll learn something from this.” Megan picked up the mugs and took them into the kitchen.

  “And me, too.”

  “Huh?” Megan peered at Lelani.

  “Well, to just say no.”

  “No?”

  “To Kendall.”

  Megan laughed. “Just say no to Kendall. I’ll have to remember that line.”

  “You’re lucky you weren’t here last night. She probably would’ve roped you into going too. Where were you, anyway?”

  “Marcus picked me up after work and took me to dinner.”

  “So … is it getting serious?” Lelani’s eyes lit up like this would be a good thing.

  “No, not really.” Megan sighed. “I mean, he’s a sweet guy. But we are so different. I’m not sure if it will ever get serious.”

  “I’m not sure that’s what Marcus thinks.”

  “Well, I’ve made it clear to him that I’m a Christian,” declared Megan, “and that I don’t plan to get serious with a guy who isn’t.”

  “And yet you go out with him?”

  Megan shrugged. “Maybe that’s a mistake. But when he popped in and told me he had made a reservation at Tullah’s … well, I was hungry.”

  “You ate at Tullah’s?”

  Megan actually smacked her lips. “It was great.”

  “So it’s okay to compromise your values if it entails really good food?”

  Now Megan frowned. “I guess that does sound a little flaky.”

  “I’m not trying to be critical,” said Lelani quickly. “I’m just curious.”

  “The truth is I’m trying to figure things out myself,” she admitted. “Sometimes life doesn’t seem totally black and white. I think I used to believe that. But the older I get, the more I question this.”

  “Meaning you really do like Marcus?”

  Megan nodded. “But at the same time I’m not totally comfortable with that feeling.”

  “Because of your religious beliefs.”

  “Yeah, basically. You see, my dad was a really strong Christian. Well, my mom, too. But my dad used to talk to me about waiting for the right guy. Not that I’ve quit waiting. I mean, I’m still a virgin.”

  Lelani glanced away.

  “Okay, too much information,” said Megan quickly. “I know, I know. But my point is that my dad had these high expectations for me. He told me that he’d been praying for my future husband since I was a little girl. And he really believed there was this one, special, perfect guy for me. You know how dads are.”

  Lelani’s brow creased. “I guess.”

  “Anyway, I suppose I didn’t think about it too much during college. I mean I was involved with a guy who I thought was The One. But then he wasn’t. And then life was busy, and Dad got sick. And now that he’s gone … well, more than ever, I want to do this thing right. But at the same time, I’m not even sure I know how.” Megan frowned. “Does that make any sense?”

  “I don’t know.” Lelani patted her on the back. “But if anyone can figure it out, Megan, my money’s on you.”

  Megan nodded, but she wasn’t convinced. And she wondered why everyone else seemed to assume that she had things under control. Did she really exude some false sense of confidence? Or did she simply take her faith seriously, whereas they didn’t? Or maybe, and she hoped this was it, maybe they could see God shining through her.

  Still, when it came to her relationship with Marcus, she felt generally mixed up. She’d been praying for God to guide her, but so far he wasn’t being too clear. She didn’t feel like it was wrong to spend time with Marcus. He was a genuinely good guy, and he’d been a good friend to her. He was helpful and trustworthy and straightforward. And she was being honest with him. She never said anything to get his hopes up as far as a long-term relationship. Mostly, she told herself, they had a nice friendship. And, really, what was wrong with that? It wasn’t like he was complaining. Maybe, if she were to be completely honest with herself, she would have to admit that perhaps she was the one who wanted more. And that was the part that seemed wrong.

  Six

  Anna

  “Oh, you poor thing,” said Kendall when Anna stepped out of her bedroom wearing the detestable bridesmaid dress.

  “It really is awful, isn’t it?” Anna held out her arms and turned around to show off the horrible bow in back.

  “It belongs in the hall of fame for ugly bridesmaid dresses.”

  “I just don’t get why brides insist upon torturing their bridesmaids like this.” Anna grimaced to think how far back this stupid outfit had set her pocketbook. “Really, what’s the point?”

  Kendall laughed. “Isn’t it obvious? The bride wants to make sure she’s the prettiest one at the wedding. Naturally, she has to make her bridesmaids look like a bunch of dogs to accomplish this.”

  “Seriously? That seems absurd. Would you do that to your bridesmaids?”

  Kendall gave her a sly grin. “Now what do you think, Anna?”

  Of course, Anna suspected Kendall would probably pull a stunt like that. Hopefully Anna wouldn’t be around to participate by then. “Well, I wouldn’t do it,” declared Anna. “I’d want everything about my wedding to be pretty—even the bridesmaids. And I wouldn’t have more than three at the most.”

  “So are you planning a wedding?”

  “Me?” Anna firmly shook her head. “No, of course not.”

  “You and your little publishing friend aren’t serious then?”

  “Not that serious, that’s for sure. By the way, his name is Edmond.”

  “Yes, Edmond. Well, you could do worse than marry the son of the publisher.”

  “He’s not the son. He’s a great-grandson.”

  “Whatever. Is he picking you up?”

  “No. I’m going by myself.” Anna was still surprised that Edmond hadn’t returned her call last night. Okay, even though she hadn’t left a message, he should’ve checked his caller ID. And he should’ve called by now anyway. Perhaps it was just as well.

  “You’re joking.” Kendall stared at Anna with horror.

  “My parents haven’t met him yet.” Anna reached for her coat.

  “So?”

  “So … you don’t know my parents.” Anna slipped her cream-colored trench coat over the poofy dress and attempted to button it over the layers.

  “You look like the Michelin Man,” observed Kendall.

  “Thanks a lot. I needed to hear that.” Anna tried to fasten the belt around her midsection, but thanks to the bunches of fabric beneath, it was impossible.

  “Well, you’re obviously not concerned about looks if you’re willing to go to a wedding looking like that and without an escort.”

  “Obviously.” Anna made a face at Kendall before she headed down the stairs. “And if I fall down, I expect I’ll just roll along like the Michelin Man.”

  Kendall chuckled. “Now, that’d be something to see.”

  Anna just hoped Kendall wouldn’t push her.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to ride with Gil and me?” offered Lelani.

  “Thanks anyway,” Anna told her. “But bridesmaids are expected to be there early. Don’t ask me why—all we ever do is stand around.”

  “I’m surprised you don’t
take the dress and change there,” said Lelani.

  “Yeah,” added Megan. “Aren’t you worried about wrinkling?”

  Anna rolled her eyes. “I’m actually hoping that this will flatten it out.”

  “See you there,” called Lelani.

  Anna waved, then went outside. At least it had quit raining now. Maybe her hair wouldn’t frizz after all. Not that anyone would be looking at her hair in this dress.

  The only comforting thing about wearing a horrid bridesmaid dress is that you’re not alone. And once Anna was with the others, lost in a sea of hot-pink satin, she didn’t feel quite so conspicuous.

  “I’ve decided to boycott all weddings when I turn thirty next year,” said Caroline. “I’m done.”

  “Even mine?” asked Anna. Of all the cousins, Caroline was one of the only ones that Anna would’ve actually wanted in her wedding.

  “Okay, maybe yours. But only if you promise to have moderately dignified dresses.”

  “Definitely dignified.”

  “So, do you have a groom in mind?” asked Caroline.

  “Not really.” Although she went on to talk a bit about Edmond. “But it’s not really serious,” she said finally.

  “Sounds interesting.” Caroline winked. “Will he be here?”

  Anna explained that he hadn’t met her parents yet and, unlike everyone else, Caroline got it. “It’s not easy be part of a humongous Latino family.”

  “Yes, when I tried to explain it to Edmond, I asked him if he’d seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”

  Caroline laughed. “Yes. That’s just about perfect.”

  “Except he hadn’t seen it.”

  Finally it was time to line up. The music was beginning to play, and following the four flower girls, Anna was the first bridesmaid to be escorted down the aisle. She tried not to notice the looks she got, reminding herself that other ugly dresses would be right behind her. Her escort was a kid with a bad complexion who appeared to be about fifteen. Probably related to the groom. As usual, the procession and ceremony seemed to take forever. And by the time Anna was finally escorted back up the aisle—the first to enter and last to exit, since she was obviously Maria’s least favorite cousin—her feet were killing her and she wished she’d thought to bring a spare pair of shoes for the reception.