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Eddie looks up with interest in what I’m about to say.
“Really?” Marjorie asks, waiting for more information.
“Was it about a photography job?” Louise prods.
I take another small bite from the petit four in my hand and cover my mouth with my free hand as I reply, “No, no. It was Rich’s wife, Monica Holsey, with an invitation to the Heartbeats gathering she has next Friday."
Eddie pushes away from the fridge and grumbles, “They’re still hosting those BS events?”
“She called me today and invited me, so I guess they are. I just learned about the group recently,” I tell him.
My soon-to-be mother-in-law and godmother-in-law share a glance. “Are you going?” Louise asks.
I put the tiny piece of cake I’m holding down onto a napkin. “I thought I would go, but I don’t know.”
Eddie casts a long glance at me, fueling the tension in the air. “Well, you won’t miss anything if you stay away from that bunch, little sis.” He offers me and Marjorie a hug, then turns to his mother. “I think I’ve had my fill of socializing for the day. I’m about to head out.”
Louise walks over to Eddie and leans in for a smooch, her eyes alive with love. “Good night, son. Be back in the morning for breakfast at ten. We’re doing it in the guesthouse.”
“I’ll be there.” Eddie looks content as he waves goodnight. “See you all in the morning.”
“Eddie’s right, you know?” Marjorie asks in a hushed tone when he walks out.
“He is,” Louise replies. “That group has been filled with little snobby and jealous acting witches since I’ve known about them. They don’t like the women whose men really care about them because most of them can’t get their own men to come home. Granted, they spend their men’s money on charity events and do some good, like with their free Christmas dinners and Thanksgiving Turkeys.”
Marjorie waves her hand. “With the bad karma from being around them, those things aren’t worth your time.”
Louise agrees, “You could create a charity event and do more good for yourself and the community at once.”
Marjorie adds, “Heck, we’ll help create it if it keeps you away from the likes of them."
I shrug. "I can believe it, but I thought it might be nice to get out of the house and network. Plus, I owe at least one of them a few choice words, and I’d like to do it face to face."
Louise sighs softly before giving me an encouraging smile. "You could network with them, I suppose. And I supposeyou could talk to the one you feel you need to have choice words with.”
Then, under her breath, Marjorie adds, “Or we could beat each one of them with a wet noodle.”
Louise gives Marjorie an approving nod before she trains her serious gaze back on me. “Leslie, just be careful, okay? Don't let them get too carried away. Because they will." She starts cleaning, putting away the cakes and wiping down the counter as she speaks, “They used to manipulate my sweet Alexandria before Eddie put his foot down and stopped her from going to those things.” Her voice sounds teary when she looks at me and pleads, “I really don’t think you should go.”
Listening to her words, I think maybe I’m too hopeful about the outcome of spending time with the heartbeats. Wayne and I have been through a lot. I don’t want to add any more stress to our lives with our wedding next month. Jasmine had me hyped and ready for whatever at dinner, but now, I’m not so sure that’s the way to go.
“I will put some more thought into it,” I assure Louise and Marjorie.
Marjorie nods. “Good. You’re a smart girl, and I believe you will come to the best conclusion.”
“Have you talked to Wayne about it?” Louise asks.
I run a thumb over my engagement ring. “Not yet. I’m going to talk to him later tonight.”
“Well, see what he thinks first,” she suggests.
“I definitely plan to do that.”
We all share an understanding look before going back to chatting about everyday topics like our family and upcoming plans for the wedding day.
“All right, they’re gone. How are my favorite ladies?” Wayne says when he enters the kitchen, but his eyes roam over my body, eyeing me as if I’m a petit four with glistening pinkfrosting sprinkled with raspberries. Like he’s about to savor me the same way I just savored my surprise dessert.
“Ah, sleepy.” Marjorie yawns, fighting back a thick wave of sudden exhaustion. “I’m exhausted,” she admits, her voice losing some of its zeal. “I better get some rest in the guest house before I drop dead.” She gets up and walks over to hug Wayne. “See you tomorrow.”
