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Sophie and Nina walked out of the studio and headed to a spot where they could eat something gooey. It would negate the hour class they just took, but that was the way they rolled.
“What I needed was yoga and not Pilates. As I approach fifty, I can’t do things like moving boxes without paying for it,” Sophie said.
“Believe me, girl, the body goes downhill fast after fifty, but I’ve learned to embrace it. I get more massages and no longer feel guilty about getting an injectable now and then," Nina said. “How’s Laden?”
“Oh, I haven’t seen him in a week. I’ve been working or otherwise busy every time he calls. He’s nice but?—”
Nina interrupted. “That’s the kiss of death. A nice guy isn’t what you need, but someone with pizazz. Maybe someone younger, so you should ask Malcolm if he has any friends.”
Sophie nearly spit out her cinnamon bun. “Ugh. Do you really think I would date someone my son’s age? I want pizazz, too, but I’m pretty sure I can find that in someone more age-appropriate. Laden is only forty-three, and that’s about as young as I’ll go. Any younger and we may not like the same music or have similar pop culture references.”
“Can I be honest about Laden?” Nina asked.
“Yes, but I sense the poor guy is about to get a harsh review,” Sophie said with a giggle. Neither woman would spread malicious rumors about another person, but they would say anything to each other.
“Laden is as interesting as watching paint dry. You say he’s only forty-three, but he acts like sixty-three. He’s good-looking, but he needs a personal stylist or at least a tailor,” Nina said.
“He’s nice and smart,” Sophie said. “I do think it’s odd that he’s never been married, and he’d be better suited for a quieter gal. I’m going to stop leading him on because he might never get the hint.”
“Good. That means I can start hunting for a real man to fix you up with,” Nina said.
"Don't you dare! It hasn't worked in the past. Remember the doctor that you insisted I would mesh with?” Sophie asked.
"Yeah, he was a little weird. I met him at a party that Zeth dragged me to. I figured that all the doctors there would be at least somewhat like Zeth. Rocky was a bit of a misstep.”
“I’m surprised they let him practice medicine. One of the first things he asked me was if I had scars, and then he asked where. I answered and told him that I had a scar behind my ear. He asked if he could kiss it. I was out of there and would have talked to anyone different.”
“Zeth told me he left the hospital and eventually the medical field entirely. He’s probably a used car salesman in Buffalo,” Nina said.
“That was an awful time for me because I was coming off my divorce and the death of my father. I had a dream this morning about the day my father died.”
“I remember his service being small and subdued. It was so different from when my Dad passed. I come from a big Italian family, and he was friends with half of Staten Island. We sang, danced, and drank a lot. Most of us forgot why we were all together but then everyone remembered Vito Sampizi died,” Nina said. “Not that there was anything wrong with your dad’s service. You don’t have a sibling and neither did your dad.”
"Yeah, my mom couldn't have kids after me, so I was a singleton. My dad was gone half the time, so that made it worse,” Sophie said. She looked down at her empty plate and across to Nina’s. “Are you interested in splitting another?”
“Come on, have I ever refused an offer like that?” She laughed hysterically and called over the waiter.
“I have to tell you about the call I had from my father’s probate lawyer. She wants to meet with me and me alone," Sophie said.
“I thought your mom inherited nearly everything. Why would she want to talk to you only?”
“I have no idea. My father had considerably less savings than we thought, so it can’t be extra money. I’m supposed to call her this afternoon, which I will. I’m not going to tell my mother until after I meet with her because whatever it is will become a bigger thing than it has to be,” Sophie said.
“You and your mom crack me up. It’s a classic love-hate relationship. If someone walked in on a conversation between the two of you, they’d think you were bitter enemies. They'd be wrong because the two of you always end your conversations with ‘I love you.’”
“That about sums it up. It’s a generational thing and she doesn’t see anything the way I do. During the course of a discussion, we realize how foolish we’re being. Vera Cast is one of a kind.” Sophie popped a hunk of roll in her mouth.
“It’s gotta be tough for your mother because your father was probably the only man she ever loved. Do you think she’ll start dating again?” Nina asked.
“No, she’s happy playing bridge, and once a year, she goes to Vegas with the girls. She doesn’t seem lonely because she has me to spar with, Malcolm lives close by now, and she loves her grandson. Then there’s Will,” Sophie said.
“Who’s Will?”
“I thought I told you about my mother’s poodle. No comment on the name. I think it’s weird and inappropriate to name your pet after a dead husband. I told her how I feel, and she thinks I’m wrong.”
“I’m on your side with the dog thing. I do think that she would benefit from a little romance, and there are dating apps for seniors only. She would likely find a nice widower who can relate to what she’s going through. I’d help with her profile.”
“It would be a hoot to see my mom step out with a man, but she’d never do it. Her marriage to my dad was magical. They always had a date night before he left for long stretches of time, which was often,” Sophie pointed out.
