AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, Brooke,” says Edith with true affection, “girl, you have to open up a little. I know I am getting personal, but someone has to.”
“She is right,” chimes in Sylvia. “The last time you were in a relationship was two years ago. You need to get out there, Brooke.”
“What the hell just happened here? Am I a case study for you two talk-show queens? You both are supposed to fight while I watch.”
Luckily, the server shows up with our drinks and a large plate, the fries piled neatly into a bunch wrapped in a translucent wax paper, and a heart-shaped puddle of ketchup sits neatly on the other side of the plate.
“Ooh ma hi God,” shouts Edith with a delight that brings all of us to laughter. “I love this, I love you,” she says to the waiter, who smiles happily at her. He has a crew cut and an innocence that makes him likable in a younger brother sort of way.
Edith is already snapping pictures of the snack. “You have done such a great job, I am going to make a wish for you,”
“That’s very kind of you, Ma’am,” he says shyly, and his facial expression reveals he has no idea what Edith will say next. None of us do.
“May you meet the most beautiful woman in Hawaii, and may she become your wife, so she can be in your arms at every sunset!”
The young server goes into a silent, thoughtful mood.
He finally breaks the awkward silence. “Oh, I’m afraid that won’t happen.”
“Why?” says Edith. She just can’t let it be. She has to get involved.
“I am studying to be a priest. I cannot marry. But thank you, I know you meant well.”
Edith’s jaw drops open, and then more stupidity. “Are you sure?”
Awkward silence.
“I’ll check back again if you need anything. Enjoy the fries and drinks.”
Sylvia is kicking Edith under the table while I shake my head. We try to be silent until the future priest is out of hearing range. And then we burst out with a mixture of shock and laughter.
Sylvia has her own giggly accusation. “Edith! Why can’t you mind your own fucking business?”
“How in the world was I to know he is planning to be a priest?”
“I think you depressed him,” I say between laughter. “I think he is having second thoughts.”
“The guy just saw three women, one of them wishing him an ideal life of romance with the most beautiful woman he apparently can never have. You made him doubt.”
“Oh no, did I? I mean, priests live full lives. They solve murder mysteries and hear sexy confessions.”
Sylvia spits out her drink in uncontrollable laughter, which sends me into a fit.
“Oh, God! Please stop Edith,” I beg her, trying to control myself at this unexpected craziness. But the real craziness was just beginning.
THE INVITATION
BROOKE
The three of us are roommates in NYC. I went to high school with Sylvia, and we have been friends since then. Sylvia teaches at the local high school and loves it. Her students love her, and she brings back their cute drawings which have invaded our small, shared kitchen. Edith is a librarian and a budding novelist with a social media audience. Her crazy sense of humor won us over whenever we borrowed books from the library. All three of us ended up renting a small apartment in Brooklyn. I, as a designer, want to design my line of handbags one day. The one crazy thing we all have in common. We love luxury handbags. And out of that shared passion, the plan to attend this Annual Handbag Convention was born. Blown saving accounts and maxed out credit cards later, we ended up in Hawaii for five days of fun.
“Oh, no, the priest is returning,” squeals Edith.
“He is not a priest yet,” Retorts Sylvia.
“Might never be.” I send them into another fit.
We try to calm down and pretend to talk about other things as he approaches.
