Between Sisters
Page 87
“All night?”
“Now, honey. You know I have to take care of my fans. They’re my life’s blood. Did you see my picture in People, by the way? Just me and Jules Asner, sharin’ a little girl talk. ”
“I missed that. Sorry. ”
“I gave you a subscription. What do y’all do, just let it sit around?”
“I’ve been busy with the wedding plans. ”
“Oh. Right. Well, Saturday’s difficult for me, honey. How about the first weekend in August?”
Claire rolled her eyes. “As interested as I am in your schedule, Mama, the invitations have already gone out. Meg’s busy planning the big day. It’s too late to change the date. ”
Mama laughed. “Meg is planning your wedding? Honey, that’s like asking the pope to plan a bar mitzvah. ”
“The wedding is Saturday. I hope you’ll be able to attend. ” There she was, getting stiff and formal again, her usual reaction to stress.
Meghann handed her an aspirin.
Claire couldn’t help smiling.
“She gives me a migraine every time,” Meg said. “Is she still babbling?”
Claire nodded, whispered, “I think I heard the name Anna Nicole Smith. ”
&nbs
p; Meg grinned. “Another nice Southern girl with intimacy issues. ”
“Claire?” Mama said sharply. “Are you listening to me?”
“Of course, Mama. Every word is a pearl. ”
“What time on Saturday? I asked you twice. ”
“The wedding is at seven P. M. Reception to follow. ”
Mama sighed. “Saturday. I’ve been waitin’ three months for my hair appointment with José. Maybe he can take me early. ”
Claire couldn’t take any more. “I’ve got to run, Mama. I’ll be at the Hayden Episcopal Church at seven this Saturday. I hope you can make it, but I’ll certainly understand if you’re too busy. ”
“I am busy. But how often does a woman’s daughter get married?”
“In our family, not often. ”
“Tell me straight up, honey. D’you think this one’ll last? I’d hate to give up my hair appointment for—”
“I’ve got to go, Mama. Bye. ”
“Okay, honey. Me, too. And congratulations. I couldn’t be happier for you. ”
“Thanks, Mama. Bye. ”
Claire tried to smile as she looked up at Meghann. “Saturday’s a bad day for her. ”
“What? An audition for the $25,000 Pyramid?”
“A hair appointment with José. ”