The Best Things in Life

by Kate Sweeney

  Morgan opened the door for her. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  Cara just nodded and walked out.

  She stood in the hallway staring at the closed door. She started down the hall on shaky legs; she heard the ding of the elevator bell. She walked to the opened doors, seeing the same bellman with other guests.

  “Hello. Going down?” he asked.

  In the back of her mind, she remembered telling Betty she would look after Morgan.

  Well, it wasn’t her responsibility. Morgan was a grown woman. She started toward the elevator, then stopped. No, Linda could take care of everything. She was going on a much-deserved vacation. She took another step closer to the elevator, then looked down the hall; in the back of her mind, she heard Betty’s voice—take care of her. Cara then rapidly shook her head. She started for Morgan’s room, then stopped and turned back to the elevator.

  “Nope. Nope. I’m going on vacation,” she said. “Morgan is a grown woman. I’m going on vacation.” She had the creepy feeling she was being watched. She slowly turned to the elevator to see the bellman and two guests watching her.

  “Put that dance to music or get in, will ya?” one guest suggested.

  Summoning as much dignity as she could, she marched into the elevator. “Down, please.”

  “Are you sure?” the bellman whispered.

  “Not in the least. But we’ll go with it for now.”

  Chapter 18

  “Is Morgan all settled in?”

  Cara looked up. “Huh? Oh, yes. She’s fine. The room has a wonderful view of the lakeshore.” Cara picked up a pen off Linda’s desk, lightly tapping it against the palm of her hand.

  “Good thing the city is footing the bill.” Linda rocked back in her chair.

  “Well, the woman said they’re giving a discount, given the circumstances, and they’re throwing in one of those yummy bathrobes.” Cara looked up. “She looked a little pale when I left.”

  Linda raised an eyebrow. “Are you worried about her?”

  “Me? No, don’t be silly. I’m just letting you know, in case.”

  “In case what?”

  “In case she has a relapse or something. She just got out of the hospital ten days ago or whatever log cabin hospital that was. And Betty was hopping mad at her. She wasn’t supposed to leave. So, I’m just telling you, so you’ll know if something happens to her. Good grief, Linda.”

  “Why are you getting pissy with me? I’ll watch her. And by the way, I just got a call from the mayor’s office. He’s left for the rest of the week. So, we’ll get some assistant in his place. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling she’ll be fine not meeting the mayor. She doesn’t seem too keen on all this attention anyway. It might make her feel more at ease. I was just about to call her.”

  “Go ahead. I’m sure she’ll be very happy to get back to the woods.” Cara tossed the pen on the desk.

  “What is wrong with you?” Linda picked up the phone. “Debbie, get me the Drake, will you?”

  “There is nothing wrong with me.” Cara flounced back into the chair.

  “I would think you’d be ecstatic. You’re going on vacation. When are you leaving again?”

  “What? Oh, noon tomorrow since Kim made all the arrangements without telling me.”

  “Well,” Linda said. “You certainly don’t sound like a happy woman who is going to Cabo with her girlfriend for a week.” She picked up her phone when it rang. “Morgan Gavin’s room, please.” She waited for a moment. “Morgan? Hi. It’s Linda Adams with the Sentinel.” She laughed. “No, they’re not kicking you out already. And I’m fine, thank you. I hope everything is to your liking.” She listened, then laughed again. “Well, if you get lost in the bathtub, make sure you have the phone nearby. Look, the reason I’m calling...”

  Cara listened absently while Linda talked to Morgan. Why was she envisioning Morgan in the bathtub? She shook her head, then rubbed her temples. She needed to be on that plane to Cabo.

  “I’m glad you’re not disappointed.” Linda raised an eyebrow and looked at Cara. “Cara? Sure.”

  Cara vehemently shook her head. Linda gave her a scathing glare.

  “Of course, I’ll let her know. Thank you. I think she’s a good person too.” Linda stopped, letting out a hearty laugh. “Well, that’s another topic. How about I pick you up later for dinner?” She laughed. “Certainly, you can do anything you like. That’s all right. Just don’t lose that compass. I’ll see you in the morning then. Breakfast at nine, still? Wonderful. Have a good night, and order anything you like for dinner.” She laughed again. “Yes, don’t forget the doggie bag.” She replaced the phone on the cradle and sat back. “She wanted to let me know what a nice person you were and how helpful. And how much she loved the article. She told me to give you a raise. That’s why I was laughing.”

  Cara picked up the pen again, lightly tapping it on the desk. “I don’t want a raise.”

  “Good. You’re not getting one.” Linda leaned forward. “Don’t you have a date?”

  Cara looked at her watch. “Yes.”

  “Don’t sound so enthused.”

  “I’m enthused. Of course, I’m enthused. You want to see enthused?”

  “Not really—”

  “Well, I am. I’m going out tonight, then I’m getting on that plane and going to Cabo, and I’m going to have a wonderful week. I’m gonna drink, lay in the sun, and have wild sex every night!”

  Linda’s jaw dropped. “Eww.”

  “Oh, shut up!”

  “What is wrong with you?” Linda held up her hand. “Never mind. Something has happened to you in the last ten days. You do need a vacation to clear your head. Go. Have a wonderful time. Take care of your gal…”

  “She is not my gal!”

  Linda looked stunned. “Kim isn’t your gal?”

  Cara’s gaze darted around the room. “Yes, she is.”

  “Y-you just said she wasn’t.”

  “You said take care of your gal. Morgan is not my gal. I have no idea where you’d even get that idea. Honestly.”

  “How does Morgan fit into this?” Linda watched her for a moment before continuing in a quiet voice, “I said take care of your gal. As in Kim. Ya know, your gal.”

  “Oh. I—” Cara stopped and rubbed her temples. “I’m sorry.”

  “That’s okay.” Linda walked around her desk. She pulled Cara up by the shoulders. “Go home. Take a nice long shower. Go have a great night and a relaxing vacation. I’ll take care of…everything here.”

  “I-I told Morgan’s mother I’d look after her,” Cara said, looking at her hands.

  “I have a feeling it’s more than Betty. Am I right?”

  Cara rubbed her temples again. “Oh, I don’t know!”

  Linda’s eyes widened. “Oh, no.”

  “What?”

  “You’re in love with her. And I mean Morgan.”

  “I am not,” Cara said decisively. “So, we kissed…a couple times.”

  “You did?” Linda ran to the door. “Debbie, do not disturb me for anything.” She ran back to Cara. “You kissed? Tell me.”

  “There’s nothing to tell. Morgan told me she had feelings for me and understood my life is here and with Kim.”

  “Okay, that explains one kiss. But after Morgan’s understanding, where do the other kisses come in?”

  Cara got up and paced in front of the desk.

  “You’re attracted to her. I knew it. I could feel the tension between you. I thought I was just being hopeful.”

  Cara stopped pacing. “Hopeful?”

  “Yes, hopeful. Cara, when you and I talked last, I could tell in your voice. By the way, you said you were confused, but you didn’t go into about what. It’s about Morgan, isn’t it?”

  Cara just stared at Linda, who waved her hand in front of her face. Cara blinked.

  “What?”

  Linda laughed. “You’re in a bad way, my friend. I’ve never seen you this conflicted. Sit down before y
ou keel over.”

  Cara leaned on the back of the chair. “I don’t know what to do.”

  “Now that’s hopeful.”

  “Linda, that’s not hopeful. I have Kim to consider. I have a job that I love.”

  “Whoa, whoa. You’re getting over your skis and balled up. Just take a few deep breaths and relax. Your face is all red. I think you have a few things to figure out.”

  “How can I figure this out when I’m in Cabo with Kim?” Cara could feel her voice rise with every word.

  Linda winced. “I don’t know. That’s up to you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Now get out of here. Go take a long hot shower. You’ll figure this out.”

  “You think so?”

  “Of course. You’re a smart woman. And you have a good heart. You’ll know what to do.”

  “Thanks, Linda.” Cara walked out of the office, then turned back to her. “I’m sure she’s already done it, but make sure she calls Betty.”

  “Why don’t you call her?” Linda said quietly.

  “That’s a good idea.” She took out her phone, then stopped. “No, I’ll give Morgan time to talk to them. I’ll call later.”

  “Coward.” Linda pushed her out the door.

  For the second time that day, Cara stared at a closed door.

  *******

  The hot shower did nothing but make her think of Morgan. It distracted her completely while she dressed.

  She ran to the door when the bell rang. “Of course I’m running late.”

  “Hi.”

  “Hi. I’m running a bit late.”

  Kim walked in. “That’s what you’re going to wear?”

  Cara looked down. She wore a black pantsuit with a white silk blouse. She slowly looked at Kim. “Yes, it is.”

  “Okay.” Kim held up her hands. “I just bought you that evening dress for your birthday. If you remember.”

  “Which I asked you not to do. If you remember.” Cara slipped into her jacket.

  “Can you blame me if I like to look at your legs?” Kim asked in a seductive voice.

  Ordinarily, Cara would have been flattered. She opted not to say anything. She grabbed her purse and keys.

  Kim reached out and held her arm. “You’re beautiful.”

  Cara smiled and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Thanks. Let’s go, we’ll be late.”

  They grabbed a cab to Orchestra Hall, got their drinks, and Cara watched Kim mingle with the Chicago elite and other critics from various magazines and newspapers. She sipped her wine and dutifully smiled and shook hands when introduced. One woman caught Cara’s eye. She was gorgeous. She was dressed in a slinky dress, her dark hair worn up and off her neck. Far too much makeup for Cara, but then Cara hardly wore any at all. She was in great shape, and Cara watched her watch Kim. Kim walked over to her, kissing her cheek.

  That’s when Cara saw it—the eye contact between them. The woman looked at Kim as though she knew every inch of her. And when Kim walked away and did not introduce Cara to her as she did everyone else, Cara felt something else.

  They walked into the hall and took their seats. Cara was aware that this woman sat two rows in front of them.

  The lights dimmed, and that was it. Cara had no idea what she listened to. And the glass of chardonnay made her drowsy. She stifled a yawn or two after glancing at Kim, who seemed distracted. Cara wondered when this happened to Kim. She had a good job with the Tribune. But she saw dollar signs when the Sun-Times offered this job to her. Cara remembered she couldn’t make the move fast enough.

  And once that happened, things changed quickly. They used to ride their bikes along the beach, go to the museums, eat hot dogs from the vendors. And now, almost overnight, it was evening attire, limos, and fine dining. A wave of guilt tore through Cara, trying not to admit to her culpability. She went along with the change, with the façade. Kim had money and liked to throw it around, and she liked to spend money on Cara, and Cara let her. In the past few months, their relationship had changed from down-to-earth and fun-loving to all show and glitz. It was hard for Cara to admit something else—Kim liked this life much more. This was the real Kim Brady. And Cara wasn’t sure that was what she wanted. Thinking back to all the fun-loving times, Cara had to admit she practically had to drag Kim along. How could Cara easily allow herself to replace the fun-loving with the opulence?

  When Kim nudged her, she realized everyone was leaving.

  “It’s over already?”

  “Wasn’t it fantastic?” Kim asked the man in front of them.

  “Marvelous,” he said, shaking her hand. “Now I have to get back and review it.”

  Kim led Cara away from the flow of people. “He’s long-winded.”

  “He seemed very nice.”

  “He’s from the old school.”

  Cara looked at her. “What does that mean?”

  “All work. Doesn’t know how to play the game. That’s why he’s still at that magazine.”

  “Maybe he likes that magazine.” Cara stopped walking.

  Kim did, as well. “What?”

  “I said maybe he likes the magazine. Maybe he’s happy and content.”

  Kim snorted. “And broke. C’mon, we have reservations. I don’t want to lose my table.”

  *******

  Cara certainly felt underdressed. She followed Kim and the host to their table. White linen, fine crystal. Cara sat opposite Kim, who grinned from ear to ear. The restaurant was small, maybe a dozen tables and a small circular bar by the large paned window.

  “What do you think? Swanky?” Kim asked.

  “Yes, swanky.”

  “I was on a waiting list for three weeks. And that’s only because they had a cancellation and I know the copy editor at the magazine who did their review.”

  “Good for you.”

  “Are you being sarcastic?” Kim asked.

  “No, I’m serious. I know how much you love these types of restaurants. I’m glad you could get a reservation.”

  The server came to the table, and before Cara could order, Kim picked up the wine list and ordered a bottle of wine. This was something Kim did all the time—Cara found it irritating now.

  “You’re quiet.” Kim looked at the menu. She didn’t wait for an answer. “I can’t wait to see what the special is. Ellen says it changes nightly.”

  “Who’s Ellen?” Cara cocked her head when Kim looked like someone threw ice water in her face. Cara laughed. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  Cara watched her, feeling a pang of regret, sadness, loneliness, you name it. “Is she the woman at the theater tonight?”

  Kim seemed stunned again. “What woman?”

  “The dark-haired woman in the silky black dress that looked like it was spray-painted on her.”

  “Oh, yes. That’s Ellen. She’s a private secretary for someone you wouldn’t know.”

  “That sounded dismissive. How do you know who I know?”

  Kim smiled. “I’m sorry. She’s the private secretary for Vera Monte.”

  “I have no idea who that is,” Cara said, concentrating on her menu. “So, is that how you know Ellen?”

  “Yes. We’ve met at a few gatherings. Vera Monte is a patron of the arts.”

  “Ooh, zaa-zaa.”

  When Kim didn’t laugh along, Cara looked up. Kim frowned while she looked at her menu.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” Kim said quickly.

  “That means something,” Cara said lightly. “C’mon. Tell me.”

  “All right.” Kim put the leather-bound menu on the table. “You don’t take me seriously. Me or my work.”

  Cara looked at her in disbelief. “Since when?”

  “Since you’ve been sneering every time I want to take you someplace. Or when I ask you to accompany me…like tonight.”

  “Sneering? Now you wait just one minute—”

  The server came with the bottle of wine. Car
a waited with gritted teeth while the server opened the bottle. She opened her mouth, then shut it when the server poured a small amount in the glass. She angrily watched Kim drink the wine—as if she knew what she was doing. Kim nodded to the server, who poured two glasses and walked away.

  “Tell me something. Why should I take you seriously when you don’t?”

  Kim took a drink of wine but did not look directly at Cara. “What do you mean?”

  “You know what I mean. You really don’t care about working in this field. You took this job for the money.”

  “I’m very respected in this field.”

  Cara took a healthy drink of wine, surprised at how smooth it went down. The vision of pheasant glasses flashed through her mind.

  “Why are you smiling?”

  Cara looked up. “What? I wasn’t.” She gently ran her fingertip over the rim.

  “Yes, you were.” Kim leaned forward. “Thinking about your moose woman?”

  Cara gripped the wineglass so hard, she thought it would break. “That’s a nasty, unkind thing to say.”

  “They don’t have moose up there?” Kim leaned in. “And while I’m thinking about it, just how does she make a living? I know she’s a pilot, but she can’t be financially set, that’s for sure.”

  “It’s a different way of life. She helps out her friends, and they repay with whatever they can.”

  “For instance?”

  Cara smiled. “It’s the barter system. One friend repays with venison, and one has a farm. So, when Morgan helps them, she gets produce or eggs. Things like that.”

  “You’re not kidding.”

  “I’m not kidding. Money is not always the prime mover.”

  When Kim let out a snort of derision, Cara had enough.

  “Change the topic. Now. And please do not call her the moose woman again.” She felt the anger rising; she took a long drink.

  “Go ahead, say it,” Kim said, swirling her glass of wine. “You want to say it.”

  “Let’s not get into this now. We’re going on vacation tomorrow.” Cara looked down at her wineglass.

  “Which I’m paying for.”

  Cara’s head shot up. “That was rude. And unnecessary.”

  “I think it was. That’s what I’m saying. I don’t think you appreciate what I do for you.”