Page 59 of Something Borrowed

“C’mon, Vic,” Gwen said. “Be serious. You’ve been able to get any guy you wanted since you were fourteen years old.”

Something sharp and bitter clogged the back of Vic’s throat.

“You’re beautiful, kind, funny, smart,” Gwen continued.

“Outrageously talented.”

Vic hated when they did this. Pretended she was something she wasn’t. Acted like they’d become a trio because coincidence had brought them together and they were similar ages with similar interests. Like they didn’t remember what she was really like, what had forced their acquaintance. Her sinuses filled and she sniffed.

“I’m sorry,” Madeline said. “I didn’t know it was a tender spot. Sincerely.”

She was so damn kind all the time. It was infuriating.

Rein yourself in, psycho. One gaffe, remember. This woman—your friend—has given you more chances than you deserve.

Madeline has been very patient with you, Vic.

Vic inhaled for a count of four, held for a count of four, then released the breath for a count of four.

Madeline smiled at her and winked. And Vic found herself smiling back, even as she shook her head at herself.

She felt much more level when she said, “No, no—it’s fine. In a different world, maybe I would bring him.”

“Why a different world?” Gwen sounded genuinely baffled.

“Gwen!” Vic exclaimed, but softly and without heat. “Come on, yourself. You literally just said Cal is lovely.”

Lines creased Gwen’s forehead. “So . . .?”

“So what would a lovely man want to do with me? As you so accurately pointed out, I’ve always had some man since I was fourteen or so. Have any of them ever been lovely?”

“I—uh—”

“Don’t worry. It was a rhetorical question—but the answer is no. No, they have not. In fact, just ask my poor son. They only got worse the older I got. And the last one? Brent? Well, he was the cherry on top—” Vic broke off, swallowing hard. “And don’t worry. I deserved every ounce of heartache he brought me. I really did because I should’ve—no, I did know better—and I stayed with him anyway.”

“Vic—”

But Vic was rolling now and didn’t let Gwen’s tentative attempt to interrupt her stop her.

“And you both remember why I’m here, right? You both act like we’re truly becoming friends, like I’m not some grubby, shoplifting loser—”

“I’m going to stop you right there,” Madeline said firmly, holding up her hand.

Vic shut up. Sheesh, it was terrible how effective that simple line and its accompanying gesture was. She was going to remember it.

“Yes,” Gwen said in a gently rebuking tone. “I really thought we were becoming friends—or, in your and my case, returning to being friends after being in different towns for a while.”

“A while? Thirty-plus years,” Vic said.

Gwen waggled her eyebrows comically. “I didn’t specify how long ‘a while’ was.”

Vic shook her head but had to grin back.

“Wow,” Madeline said. “This was a big can of worms from one little casual invite.”

Here it comes, Vic thought. Madeline will tactfully rescind her invitation because I’m crazy.

“I still hope you’ll come. By yourself—or with Cal. Or with anyone. Your choice.”