When she was gone, he looked down at Sally, who was staring up at him as if he were a god.
NINETEEN
On Friday, Meghann called exactly on time.
Elizabeth considered not answering, but knew it would be pointless. Meghann would just call back every five minutes until she got through.
With a sigh, she answered the phone. "Heya, Meg. "
"I would have let it ring forever, you know. "
Elizabeth sat down at the kitchen table. "The thought occurred to me. "
"Tonights the big night. The painting class you told me about. God, I wish I could be there. "
"You mean you wish you were driving me to class. "
"And walking you to the door. "
Elizabeth smiled a little. "I did consider not going. "
"Of course you did. But if you dont do it now . . . " Meg let the sentence trail off, unfinished. An uncoalesced threat, worse somehow for having no form.
"I know. And Im going. I am. "
"Good. Will you call me when you get home? I have a date, so I should be home by nine oclock at the latest. "
"Is that his curfew?"
"Very funny. He happens to be twenty-eight, a most respectable age. I just dont waste time anymore. If a date isnt going well in the first thirty minutes, believe me, its not going to pick up. "
"Maybe hell surprise you. "
"Birdie, they all surprise me. Last week, I hugged my date at the door and felt a bra strap. Well, I gotta go. Keep your chin up and remember how talented you are. "
Were.
"Ill remember," she said.
"Keep moving. Dont stop or slow down until your ass is in the chair. "
"Okay. "
For the next hour, Elizabeth followed her best friends advice. She didnt allow herself to pause or sigh or slow down or think.
Pack the supply bag.
Take a shower.
Dry your hair.
Get dressed.
Drive.
She managed to get to the community college in less than thirty minutes. She parked right in front and went inside.
Outside classroom 108, a sign was posted. It read: BEGINNING PAINTING/ 5:00.