&nb
sp; "I appreciate that you're attending college. Willow," she said. "but we're attending the real world. You should not neglect it."
I had no idea what she was referring to. but I didn't get angry. I apologized and promised to make a real effort to see them all soon. She hung up in a huff. and I did not expect to hear from her or any of them again, but the following Tuesday. Jennings had a message for me when I returned from class. It simply read, Manon Florette. Call immediately, and her number.
Figuring it was just another of their dramatic social crises. I did not rush to a phone. I changed, spent some time with Mother, and then returned to my suite and girded myself for what I imagined was going to be some silly conversation. She answered on the first ring,
"I've been waiting for your call. Your butler told me when you were expected." she snapped.
"I'm sorry. Some unexpected things came up," I said. "You have no idea how unexpected," she retorted. "What is it. Manon?"
"The others have all set aside whatever they were doing to meet with you. Be at the Rosebud in fifteen minutes. You know where it is and you know it's close by."
"What is this about?"
"Just be there," she said. and hung up before I could offer some excuse. I was annoyed. but I couldn't help being somewhat curious. This was over-the-top. even for the members of the so-called Club d'Amour.
The Rosebud was a small coffeehouse. but it had a very pretty garden patio from which you could see the ocean. if you had the right table. I had no doubt Marion would have the right table. but we weren't meeting there to enjoy the scenery. I could see them sitting on the patio when I arrived. I was surprised that they were all there before me. It made me think they had all been at Marion's home when I called. all waiting with her. That realization turned my heart into a tiny drum, the beats increasing with every step I took toward the entrance of the restaurant. I went in and through the small lobby to the side door to the patio. They all looked my way, all with the same intense expression. It took my breath away,
"What's going on?" I managed, and sat. The waiter pounced.
"Just coffee," Marion snapped at him. He nodded and fled,
"We have told you what we do, why we formed our alliance," Manon began, nodding at the others. They were all focused on me.
"So?"
"We have rather hard news for you. Naturally. because of your present condition, there was some debate as to whether we should reveal anything at this time. but after a thorough discussion. we all decided your condition made it even more essential we don't put it off."
"Put what off. Manon? All this high drama might be exciting to you all, but--"
-Thatcher is having an affair." she blurted. "Actually, it would be more accurate to say continuing one.
"Absolutely more accurate." Marjorie piped up.
I glared at her for a moment and then, my heart now pounding, turned back to Manon.
"What are you saving?"
"Years ago, before you arrived on the scene. Thatcher had what everyone thought was a very serious relationship with a woman named Mai Stone."
"I know all about Mai Stone," I said quickly.
"Do you?"
Their smiles annoyed me.
"Yes. I know he was serious about her, but she left him for a very wealthy prince and--"
"She did and she didn't. From time to time, we heard of her secret forays back to Palm Beach, her sexual assaults on young Mr. Eaton," Manon continued,
"They even had a love nest of sorts." Sharon said.
"A beach house that Addison Steele, a rich friend of his, has here." Liana added. and I felt my face turn so red, I thought the blood would pop the top off of my head.
The waiter brought the coffee and set it down. No one spoke, but everyone stared at me. Then Sharon turned to Manon,
"I told you it might not be healthy for her. She looks at she's going to abort right on the spot."