The Things We Do for Love

"This coat is too old for me," Mom said from the other room. "What does yours look like, Lauren?"

"Take it," Mrs. Mauk said, pushing the coat toward Lauren.

She couldnt help herself. She took it, slipped it on, and suddenly she was warm. She hadnt realized until just then how long shed been cold. "How do you say thank you for something like this?" she whispered.

Mrs. Mauks eyes filled with understanding. "Its hard," she said quietly, "being the one who needs help. "

"Yeah. "

They stared at each other a moment longer. Finally, Lauren tried to smile. "I guess Ill go to the restaurant and see if I can find her . . . say thank you. "

"Thats a good idea. "

Lauren glanced down the hallway. "Ill be back in a while, Mom. "

"Bring me a better coat," Mom yelled back.

Lauren didnt dare look at Mrs. Mauk. They walked out of the apartment and down the stairs together, neither one speaking.

Outside, Lauren waved good-bye to Mrs. Mauk who, although hidden, was always at her curtains, watching what happened on her street.

In less than thirty minutes Lauren was at DeSarias Restaurant, opening the door.

The first thing she noticed was the aroma. The place smelled heavenly. She realized how hungry she was.

"I guess you found me. "

Lauren hadnt even noticed the womans arrival, and yet they were standing almost face-to-face. The woman was only an inch or so taller than Lauren, but she was a commanding presence. First of all, she was beautiful-- movie-star beautiful--with her black hair and dark eyes and big smile. And her clothes looked like something out of an expensive catalogue. Black pants with flared legs, high-heeled black boots, and a pale yellow scoop-neck sweater. There was something familiar about her.

"Are you Angela DeSaria?"

"I am. Angie, please. " She looked at Lauren, and there was an almost liquid softness in her brown eyes. "And youre Lauren Ribido. "

"Thank you for the coat. " Her voice snagged on the sentiment, sounded thick. She realized suddenly where shed seen this woman before. "Youre the woman who gave me money. "

Angie smiled, but it seemed off somehow, not quite real. "You probably think Im stalking you. Im not. Its just . . . Im new in town and kind of at loose ends. I saw you and wanted to help. "

"You did. " Lauren felt it again, the emotion thickening her voice.

"Im glad to hear that. Is there anything else I could do?"

"I could use a job," Lauren said quietly.

Angie seemed surprised by that. "Have you ever waitressed before?"

"Two summers at the Hidden Lake Ranch. " Lauren fought the urge to squirm. She was sure that this beautiful woman saw every flaw that Lauren tried to hide--the hair that needed a trim, the shoes that leaked in the rain, the backpack worn thin.

"I dont suppose youre Italian?"

"No. At least not that I know of. Does that matter?"

"It shouldnt. . . . " Angie looked back at a closed door. "But weve always done things a certain way. "

And youre not it. "I understand. "

"You saving up for college?"

Lauren started to say, "Yes," but when she saw the understanding in Angies dark eyes, she found herself saying, "I need a dress for the homecoming dance. " The minute she said it, she blushed. She couldnt believe shed revealed something so intimate to a stranger.