Getting to Happy

by Terry McMillan

  They’re at a bridal salon, sitting on a round velvet sofa, surrounded by fifteen or twenty mannequins in wedding gowns.

  “They don’t look very excited, do they?” Savannah says to Bernadine and Gloria.

  “They’re virgins. They’re scared. Tonight’s the big night,” Bernadine says. “That one over by the window couldn’t wait. She’s pregnant. Look how she’s sucking in her stomach. Ho.”

  All three burst into laughter.

  “They need some plus-size brides in here,” Gloria says.

  “And some maternity gowns,” Savannah says. “I don’t see any Latinas representing.”

  “Asians get married in Phoenix, too,” Bernadine says.

  “At least there’s one black one in here. She looks more like Britney Spears, though, doesn’t she?” Gloria asks.

  Okay. So that killed a few more minutes.

  Over the past couple of weeks, Robin had been to every bridal salon listed in the yellow pages. She liked this one best. Had narrowed it down to four dresses. They’d seen three. Though all of them were gorgeous, so far, none looked like they were made for Robin.

  “I can’t do this by myself,” she’d said to them. “I’m too nervous. I need you guys to help me decide.”

  “Hold your horses, ladies!” Robin yells from behind a white door.

  A middle-aged woman, in a black tailored suit and support hose, comes out and stands in front of them. She smiles, then crosses her arms. “She’ll be out shortly, ladies. Some of the gowns take a little extra doing to get into and out of. May I get any of you a glass of water, coffee, anything?”

  They shake their heads no but thanks.

  “I think you’ll love this one.” She pivots like an usher and disappears behind that door.

  “She should rethink those shoes,” Savannah says.

  “She’s on her feet all day,” Gloria says. “I’d be in flats, too.”

  “Nobody has come through that door and we’ve been here over an hour. Two-inch heels wouldn’t kill her,” Savannah says.

  “Did anybody hear what Sparrow suggested Robin wear?” Bernadine asked.

  “I’m afraid to hear this,” Gloria says.

  “A long white slip.”

  “It could work,” Savannah says.

  “What do you guys think of this one?” Robin asks as she tiptoes over and stops directly in front of them. They stand up. Robin takes a few steps back so they can get a better look. Her friends don’t say a word. After Robin twirls around, all they can do is cover their mouths with both hands.

  Everybody Dance Now

  “Here we go again,” Savannah says with a sigh. She and Bernadine have been driving around the parking lot of the Scottsdale Princess hotel and Resort for almost ten minutes without any luck.

  “There’s one!” Bernadine says as she checks her lipstick in the visor mirror. “And do us all a favor tonight, Savannah, please don’t complain about how people are dressed or how tired the band is or how the DJ is stuck in the eighties, and especially when he plays “It’s Electric”—which you already know is going to happen, okay?”

  “Just so you know, I wasn’t planning on complaining about anything. I’m trying to get into the habit of not being so critical.”

  “I have to see this to believe it.”

  “Did I mention how snazzy you look this evening?”

  Bernadine pops her upside the head. She’s wearing a dark gold dress with black spaghetti straps. It wants to shine but stops short. Savannah has on a two-tiered teal-and-cream floor-length dress. It’s cotton knit and shows some of her curves.

  “You don’t look like such a slouch yourself. Now hurry up,” Bernadine says. “My feet are already killing me.”

  “Yours? I just bought these suckers today. I should’ve worn them around the house a few hours to break them in.”

  “Don’t tell me you plan on dancing, Savannah?”

  “If the spirit moves me. You never know.”

  “Did you know this is where I met James?”

  “I thought it was the Biltmore.”

  “Nope, right in that bar over there.”

  “You never said a word about this, Bernie.”

  “Well, I’m telling you now.”

  “And you’re all right?”

  “Do you think I’d be here if I wasn’t?”

  A parade of black folks are heading inside. It looks like they’re on a moving walkway. The women are sparkling and glittering. The men are tuxedoed.

  Bernadine flips her cell phone open when she feels it vibrate. “Where are you guys? Already seated? Are you the first ones there or what? Anyway, we’re walking in the door right now. Table twenty-six. You see anybody you know yet? Get out! That’s so nice. Bye,” she says. “Can you believe our girl is really getting hitched, Savannah?”

  “I can. Michael’s a good guy. I think it’s going to last.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “When you get married at fifty, what reasons could you possibly have to get a divorce? Besides, Robin is live entertainment.”

  “Anyway, she and Gloria are already at our table and apparently there are some elderly people sitting with us, too.”

  “Good, then we’ll be with our peers.”

  As they walk into the gigantic ballroom they look around until they spot their friends. The band isn’t on stage yet but their instruments are waiting for them. Herbie Hancock’s music is playing in the background. The parquet dance floor is empty. There must be well over a thousand people here. Most of the big round tables are already full. Candles flicker. The centerpieces are desert bouquets.

  “Hello,” Bernadine and Savannah say to the two elderly couples. All four have silver hair. Their skin is the color of molasses.

  “Hello to you, ladies. Where are your husbands tonight? Left them at home, did you?”

  “We did,” Robin says before anyone has a chance to respond. “You know what happens when football season starts, sir.”

  “That I do,” he says.

  “Are you all planning to cut a rug this evening?” Savannah asks.

  “We’re just excited we could be here for this important occasion. We feel blessed to be alive and have so much to be thankful for. We can’t stay long, but we’re ready to hit the dance floor as soon as they play something we can dance to.”

  Robin is nodding and smiling from ear to ear. Instead of the simple black, slinky dress she told everybody she was wearing, she’s draped in a sequined explosion of every color you could find on a Las Vegas showgirl.

  “Is that dress new?” Bernadine asks her.

  “Girl, Michael bought this for me. He helped me pick it out. I’m on a shopping diet.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Gloria asks.

  “It means I’m not buying anything I don’t need. Until I get a job.”

  “How many hours has it been so far?” Savannah asks.

  “Sixteen days, and it’s killing me. I won’t lie. They’re having a twice-yearly sale at Nordstrom’s starting tomorrow but guess who’s not going?” She points to her chest.

  “I didn’t mean to say that,” Savannah says.

  “Yes you did. It’s just you being you, Savannah. Can I get anybody a drink?” Robin stands tall. Gets her bag. She isn’t the least bit upset.

  All three women shake their heads no.

  “Well, times have sure changed,” she says. “I would love a glass of chardonnay. I’ll be right back.”

  Before she makes it to the bar, Robin can’t believe it when she sees Lucille all gussied up and sporting a new hairstyle. There’s Norman, sitting next to an elderly woman in a wheelchair. And Fernando! “Well, hello there to all my ex-coworkers! How’s everybody doing? Lucille, you look wonderful! Retirement is certainly agreeing with you! And thanks again for the tickets.”

  “You’re quite welcome. I wanted you to meet Hank, but his sciatic nerve flared up so he’s at home icing away. Your dress is just gorgeous, Robin.”
/>   “It is working for you, lady,” Fernando says. “Hey, what’s that on your left hand?”

  “An engagement ring.”

  “You mean you’re getting married?” he asks.

  “That’s what it usually means, Fernando!”

  “Well, congratulations!” Lucille says.

  “So where are you hiding him?” Fernando asks.

  “At home. It’s a girls’ night.”

  “That’s just super,” Norman says. “Robin, I’d like you to meet my mother, Mary. She can’t hear, so there’s no need to say anything.”

  Robin smiles and waves.

  “And this is Lupe,” Fernando says. “Remember the ex-con and amateur golfer?”

  “The infamous Lupe?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I didn’t take your advice, though. Instead of a job, I opted for barber school. Fernando, too.”

  “Well, this is just great. It’s so nice to see you guys. And everybody doing so well. It really is. Are you holding up okay, Norm?”

  “I’m great. I’m not going to Costa Rica. Sold my land. I’m doing lots of gardening and taking care of my mother. If all goes well, I hope to see you back here next year. The music is super and the people are very kind.”

  Robin gives them a thumbs-up. Changes her mind about the wine. She heads back to the table. “I’ll have what you guys are having.” She looks at her friends and smiles.

  They people-watch and enjoy the mellow jazz. It’ll be a while before the DJ starts playing dance music. The band members are coming to the stage. They look to be in their late fifties. The drummer taps his snare. As soon as they begin to play “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” both of the elderly gentlemen stand up, pull their wives’ chairs out and take them by the hand. “We’re going to dance a little,” one of them says. The women are smiling as if this is their prom night. “And then we’re going to head on home. It was very nice to have met you all.”

  “Don’t you want to stay for dinner?” Gloria asks.

  “We always eat before we come to this type of affair. We also have a long drive ahead of us.”

  “Where are you headed?” Savannah asks.

  “Tucson. We live in a senior facility down there.”

  “What’s the name of it?” Robin asks.

  “Fiesta Village,” one says.

  “Do you know Pearl Stokes?”

  “Of course we do!” one of the women says, holding her husband’s hand tight. “We were at her birthday party earlier this summer. We had the time of our lives. Are you Robin?”

  “I am!”

  “She talks about you and a different bird . . . oh . . .”

  “Sparrow,” the other woman says. “All the time. We’ll be sure to give her your love and tell her how nice you looked.”

  “Thank you,” Robin says.

  The four of them wave goodbye and head for the dance floor.

  “We should be so lucky,” Savannah says.

  “Excuse me,” Bernadine says to Gloria. She’s staring at her left hand. “Where’s your wedding ring?”

  Gloria points to the diamond pendant around her neck. “Right here.”

  “That’s nice,” Bernadine says.

  The other women nod in agreement. They know what a big deal this is. What they don’t know is that for the first time in almost nine months, Gloria has started sleeping in her own bed. That she has taken down all the pictures of Marvin except the one of him fishing and another of the two of them sitting by the pool, reading the newspaper. Tarik took it. Gloria stored the others with her keepsakes.

  “Speaking of jewelry, where did you get those earrings, Robin?” Savannah asks.

  “I made them.”

  “Don’t make any more,” Bernadine says.

  “I have to agree,” Gloria says. “Let your daughter make the jewelry.”

  “They don’t look like they move even though they dangle,” Bernadine says.

  “Is that blood on your neck?” Savannah asks.

  “Damn it! Sparrow told me to use those little round silver things but I couldn’t get them on.” She takes them off and slips them into her purse.

  “I hope this isn’t your new hobby,” Gloria says.

  “You know what I just remembered, you guys? I used to have a real hobby.”

  “Used to doesn’t count,” Bernadine says. “We’re trying to live in the present and leave the past where it belongs. But what was it?”

  “I used to make pottery.”

  “Good pottery or that fucked-up-looking pottery?” Savannah asks.

  “It was the fucked-up kind. My mom and dad used to display it in parts of the house where company never went. I still enjoyed doing it. It wasn’t like I was trying to get it in Target or anything.”

  The music stops. A balding black man stands at the podium and taps on the microphone, looks out at the audience. He is pleased all the tables are full. He begins what will be a long list of awards and speeches. How much money they raised for the Katrina victims and that they should be proud. The women will listen and applaud as dinner is being served.

  Savannah is excited when she recognizes the chicken breast she was expecting. Gloria says yes to the roast beef, but passes on the gravy. They smile at three limp carrots with a lonely asparagus tip asleep on top. On the other side of the plate is a small island of white rice. Neither Savannah nor Gloria will touch it. Their goal is to avoid eating anything white. When dessert arrives, they push the coconut cake to the side. The only person who eats it is Robin. She can afford to.

  “I’m going back to school. To get my teaching credentials,” Robin says matter-of-factly.

  Everybody looks stunned, then happy.

  “This is the best news I’ve heard since you told us you were getting married,” Savannah says.

  “When did you decide to do this?” Gloria asks.

  “In Napa. On a train. During a massage. When I was eating eggs Benedict. When I was meditating! After going online and looking at all the great teaching opportunities. I can picture myself in a classroom. I really can.”

  “I’m proud of you, Robin,” Bernadine says. “Make that two of us going back to school. I just enrolled in a one-year program at the Culinary Institute.”

  “Oh, shit, I forgot! Michael stole the tasting menu from our hotel restaurant. His buddy’s going to get one from that French Laundry for you, too.”

  “Thanks for thinking of me, honey. And thank Michael for stealing for his soon-to-be sister-in-law.”

  “So finish what you were saying,” Robin says.

  “Before I open another restaurant, this time I intend to do it up right. I hope it’ll be the talk of Phoenix. I’m going to learn how to prepare all the dishes I love so they not only taste good but are good for you.”

  “I’ll do a show about you and your restaurant whenever you open it.”

  “Seriously?”

  “I’m getting a new format. It could be called a talk show.”

  “Hallelujah,” Robin says. “It’s about time.”

  “The station’s sending me to New Orleans in a few weeks. I’m going to interview some folks to find out how they’re managing.”

  “Isn’t Casper down there?” Bernadine asks.

  “Jasper. Yes, he is.”

  “Didn’t you kind of like him a little bit?” Robin asks.

  “I think he’s nice.”

  “Are you going to go out with him again?” Gloria asks.

  “I think so.”

  “Don’t think too hard or you’ll talk yourself out of feeling it. Remember, every relationship starts with a date,” Robin says.

  “That’s not always true,” Savannah says.

  “Just give him some the next time you see him so you can get that out of the way. Then decide if you want to take it to the next level.”

  “I kind of agree with Robin,” Bernadine says. “You better get it while the getting’s good. What do you have to lose at this point?”

  “I agree with you both,” Gl
oria says.

  “This is how I ended up marrying Isaac. I’m not making the same mistake twice. I just want to have some fun.”

  “You don’t think having sex is fun?”

  “Shut up, Robin.”

  “I hope to do it again one day,” Bernadine says.

  “You couldn’t possibly be talking about sex,” Savannah says.

  “That, too. Maybe meeting someone. Possibly dating again.”

  The women look like they’ve seen a ghost.

  “What did they put in the water when you were at rehab?” Robin asks. “Whatever it was, I hope you brought some home.”

  “I’m not dead. I’ve been frozen for a while. As you guys can tell, I’m thawing out.”

  “This is fan-fucking-tabulous,” Savannah says. “You keep on doing those poses and meditating your behind off. Hey! Remember when you talked about having one of those progressive dinners or something?”

  “I do.”

  “Why don’t you start planning one?”

  “You can have the first course at my house,” Gloria says.

  “We all know somebody that nobody knows, so let’s invite some new somebodies and expand our circle of friends. Not just men.”

  “Bernie, does he have to know how to meditate and do yoga?”

  “Go to hell, Robin.”

  “I thought you and John were getting kind of close again,” Gloria says.

  “He’s like an old friend I happened to be married to a long time ago. He’s definitely been there for me. Question, ladies: When and where’s the next Blockbuster Night?”

  They all look at one another.

  Gloria raises her hand. “Two weeks.”

  “What movie?” Robin asks.

  “Well, since our bootleg days are over and we’ve seen all the latest . . .” Savannah says. “Did anybody ever see Monsoon Wedding? It’s hilarious.”

  “You’ve already seen it?” Gloria asks.

  “I could watch it again. Easy.”

  “And keep your mouth shut during the movie?” Bernadine says.

  “I promise.”

  “I’ll control the remote,” Gloria says. “Let’s give ourselves a half hour, forty-five minutes to an hour tops, to catch up and weigh in, so to speak.”