The Things We Do for Love

Either way shed look like a real loser. Not to mention that the DeSarias might wonder what had happened to her tip money.

Drugs, Maria would say, shaking her head. So sad. No doubt shed blame it all on Laurens red hair.

If she told the truth--that shed had to cough up back-due rent--Maria and Angie would give each other that startled Oh, shes poor/how pathetic look. Lauren had seen that look a hundred times in her life, from teachers and school counselors and neighbors.

She went to the window, stared out at the foggy night.

There were moments that mattered, that changed your life. Was a homecoming dance one of those memories that should be acquired at all costs? Would she be . . . lessened somehow by a failure to attend? Perhaps she should go in a vintage dress and pretend it was a fashion statement, an airy disregard for convention, instead of a response to her penniless life. They all knew she was on scholarship anyway. No one would say anything. But Lauren would know. All night shed feel a little broken inside. Was the dance worth that?

These were questions a girl should ask her mother.

"Ha," Lauren said without a trace of humor.

As usual, she had to follow her own counsel. There were two choices. She could make up a lie . . . or she could ask Angie for help.

ANGIE SAT AT THE STAINLESS STEEL COUNTER. NOTES and papers were spread out in front of her.

Mama stood with her back to the sink, her arms crossed. It didnt take an expert to read her body language. Her eyes were narrowed and her mouth was a needle-thin line of displeasure.

Angie proceeded with the utmost caution. "Ive spoken with Scott Forman at the theater. Hes ready to give us a fifty percent discount on tickets if we include him in our ads. "

Mama sniffed. "The movies are terrible these days. So much violence. It will upset peoples stomachs. "

"Theyll be eating before the movie. "

"Exactly. "

Angie pressed forward. Business had really picked up since the inception of the coat drive. It was time to implement the rest of her plan. "Do you think its a good idea?"

Mama shrugged. "We will see, I suppose. "

"And the advertising--you think thats smart?"

"How much does it cost?"

Angie laid out the pricing sheets. Mama glanced at them but didnt move from her place at the sink. "Too much. "

"Ill see if I can negotiate better pricing. " She gently moved her notepad, revealing a menu from Cassiopeias, the four-star Italian restaurant in Vancouver. "Do you have any suggestions for wine night?"

Mama sniffed. "We could talk to Victoria and Casey McClellan. They own that winery in Walla Walla. Whats it called--Seven Hills? And Randy Finley up at Mount Baker Vineyards makes good wines. Maybe they would give us a good rate to feature their wines. Randy loves my osso bucco. "

"Thats a great idea, Mama. " Angie made some more notes on her list. When she finished, she nudged the Cassiopeias menu.

Mama craned her neck forward and tilted her head. "Whats that?"

"What?" Angie bit back a smile. "Now, about the fresh fish. We--"

"Angela Rose, why do you have that menu?"

Angie feigned surprise. "This? I was just interested in our competition. "

Mama waved her hand airily. "They have never even been to the old country, those people. "

"Their pricing is interesting. "

Mama looked at her. "How so?"

"The entrees start at $14. 95 and go up from there. " Angie paused, shaking her head. "Its sad that so many people equate high prices with quality. "