Distant Shores

"Youre the best friend a girl could have. "

They each drank two straight shots before another word was spoken. Finally, Meghann scooted back and leaned against the sofa. "So, kiddo, how the hell are you?"

Elizabeth sighed. "Its pathetic, Meg. For years, I dreamed of starting my life over, but now Im too alone. Im scared to death. What if Ive done the wrong thing? What if--"

"Everything youre going through is normal, believe me. Itll get better. "

"Tell me you can do better than fortune-cookie scribblings. "

"You dont normally want my advice. Im too harsh. "

"I know, but Im desperate now. What would you tell me if I were a client?"

"Get out your checkbook. "

"Very funny. Come on, help me. "

Meghann leaned toward her. "Id tell you that sometimes decisions are made too quickly. Youve loved Jack for a long time. "

"You mean go back to him. " Elizabeth had thought that herself, mostly at night when loneliness and fear crept into bed with her. She knew it would be easier to go back. But she was tired of taking the easy road. "It was like living in quicksand, Meg. I was getting pulled under; more and more of me was disappearing. I cant go back to that. "

"Tell me what happened. "

"In Tennessee I wrote him a letter. It just said I didnt want to move to New York, that I was going back to Oregon. "

"Just?"

Elizabeth ignored that. "When he got here, I told him I needed some time alone. Thats actually as far as I thought it through. "

"I take it Jack saw the big picture. "

"He used the word divorce. I hadnt even thought it. "

"Jesus, Birdie, what did you expect? Hes a man, for Gods sake. You abandoned him, refused to follow him. Its like ripping their balls off. "

"Unfortunately, I was unaware that his balls were the issue. I thought we were talking about our hearts. "

"With men, its always a dick thing. If I had a daughter, thats the real-world advice I would give her. "

"Reason enough to keep you taking your birth control pills. " She smiled, then sighed. "I guess I should have been prepared for his anger--hes always had a healthy ego--but I know he was unhappy, too. I figured he would welcome a little time apart. "

"He probably didnt think you meant it--the letter, I mean. And then, when he found out you were serious, he blew a gasket. Just because he said divorce doesnt mean he really wants one. "

"I know. So, give me some advice here, Meghann. I feel as if Im treading water in the deep end of the pool. I need your three-hundred-dollar-an-hour plan. "

Meghann took a sip of tequila, then said slowly, "Well, for a woman like you, I usually--"

"Like me?"

Meghann winced. "Great mother, decent income, no real work experience. "

"Oh, a woman like me. Go on. " Elizabeth decided on another shot.

"Anyway, usually I recommend finding a job. Its good for the self-esteem, not to mention the bank account. However, I drove through Echo Beach. "

Elizabeth tossed back the drink. "Yeah. Maybe the fish market needs someone to wipe up salmon guts. God knows I have enough cleaning experience. "

"I think you should cast your net a little farther. No pun intended. "