“I do.”
“Schools are hiring now. Not that you need to work, but I understand why you want to.” His tone is condescending. He doesn’t understand anything. His mother, nor his sisters, have ever held a job. Neither has mine, but I’m different.
“So, how are you? I was so upset when you said you couldn’t make graduation.”
“I’m lonely, and wishing you were here so we can finally announce our engagement.”
“We’re not engaged, Roy.”
He clears his throat. “We would be if you were here already. As soon as you get home, I’ll drop down on my knee and promise myself to you.”
Yeah, sure you will.
“So, tell me, when should I expect you?”
“By the fourth,” I tell him, keeping the deadline that my brother gave me. “I’ll be home before my mama’s party.”
“Perfect. Everyone will be at your house. Our engagement will be the talk of the evening. Honestly, Eleanora, the date couldn’t be any better for us.”
I know what he’s thinking. Everyone in town will be at my parents’, even his conquests. They’ll see that he’s betrothed himself to me and is no longer on the market. Not sure some of them will care, but he saves face this way.
“I’m thinking of asking Forest to be my best man. Am I safe in assuming you’ll ask Susannah?”
Susannah, my best friend from high school, who I haven’t seen in four years. When I first went away to college, we spoke all the time. By the second year, it was every few days, which turned into every couple of weeks. Roy’s mention of her puts an ache in my heart. I miss her and should reach out to her, to see what she’s up to.
“Of course, I wouldn’t want anyone else,” I tell Roy. What I don’t tell him is that I haven’t spoken to her in almost a year, but surely, she’s said something to him.
“Hurry home, I miss you.”
“Miss you too.” I hang up before he can tell me that he loves me. My automatic response is to say it back, especially now. I don’t want him to get suspicious and alert my folks that something might be amiss.
With my phone still in my hand, I pull up Susannah’s contact information and press the message button. Long time, no talk. How are you?
Is this my bff?
LOL. Yes. I’m shameful. I’m sorry. College was hectic.
It’s fine. Are you home? I’m dying to see you.
Really? We haven’t spoken in ages and she wants to see me. Either she doesn’t care, or the time apart hasn’t made that much of a difference.
I’m sorry I’m such a crappy friend. You must fill me on everything that’s going on.
Let’s chat later. I’m running out the door for a dress fitting.
For what?
LulaBelle is getting married. She’s two months along but don’t tell a soul! He’s from Wilson. Parents are not happy.
Well holy crap. Call me later.
Smooches
And just like that, my best friend is back in my life. I suppose I have Roy to thank because if he hadn’t mentioned her name, I would’ve asked Sofia to be my maid of honor, along with my other suitemates as my bridesmaids. I’m certain my mother would never go for that though. She’ll want a true southern belle standing next to me.
The thought of planning a wedding makes me ill, as does the thought of marrying Roy. It’s not that he’s a bad guy, but it’s marriage. I’m not ready. My hand covers my stomach in a failed attempt to keep from retching. By the time I reach the wrought iron gate where the garbage can is, I’m already heaving.
Unfortunately, when I’m done, I have to do the walk of shame back to my chaise, where the lovey-dovey couple are now watching me. I pretend not to notice as I gather my belongings and head toward the apartment.