good in Boise.”
“Sadie’s a friend and owns her own bakery here in South Cove. She supplies wholesale accounts like my coffee shop and catering jobs, like this.” I took a bite of my own dessert and smiled as the flavor exploded in my mouth. “They don’t know what they’re missing. I might just eat their servings as well.”
Allison giggled. “I’d help, but I’m already going to have to swim for an hour just to help negate the calories in my own. So you own a coffee shop? That’s cool. Mikey wants me to be a stay-at-home mom.”
“Oh, you guys have kids?” I sipped my coffee. “How old?”
Allison dropped her eyes. “That’s the thing, we don’t have kids yet. Mikey says it happens sometimes and we should just relax, but seriously, we’ve been trying for six months. In high school, girls got knocked up after one back-seat mistake. I’m having sex every freaking day and still I get my monthly visitor.”
I wasn’t sure how I felt about Allison’s personal sharing, but at least she was nice. “I didn’t realize you and Mikey had been married that long.”
“Six months. He made it clear when we got hitched that he wanted kids. And not just one or two. The crazy nut wants at least six. He’s talking about even more.” Allison looked at her empty dessert bowl. “Of course, I have no idea how to take care of even one.”
“I think that comes with time. You probably weren’t a perfect swimmer the first time you got in a pool, right?” I eyed Greg’s untouched dessert.
“Actually, I was kind of a child protégé. I trained for the Olympics, but I never could get my times down to where I was a serious contender. My dad said I had too much body fat to really compete.” She shrugged and pushed away the empty cup. “I won a few national titles, but nothing important.”
“Wow, I’ve never met a competitive swimmer before. Did you grow up in Boise? Were there a lot of swim programs there?” I took a sip of the coffee and tried to push Greg’s uneaten strawberry delight sitting within arm’s reach out of my mind. It wasn’t working.
“I started competing in junior high. We traveled a lot for events. It got me a college scholarship, so I went to Cali State. I loved living in California, but Mikey didn’t like it here. So we’re back in Boise.” She stood. “It’s a great place to raise kids. I’m heading back to the pool for some lap time. I’ll see you out there.”
As she left, Brenda Morgan walked into the room. She eyed the uneaten plates and sank down into Greg’s seat next to me. “People are funny about desserts. Some don’t eat because they’re on a diet, some people would rather just drink their calories.”
“I think you’ve got both in this group. Don’t tell Sadie her creation went to waste.” I sipped my coffee. “What’s been going on in your life? I haven’t seen you forever.”
“I’ve been busy here at The Castle. I really enjoy my job, even if it is becoming clearer by the day that Craig didn’t know what he was doing.”
“I’m glad you’re finding your spot. But don’t forget your friends. I’d love to have dinner with you sometime.”
“As soon as I get a break, I’ll give you a call.” Brenda took an unused coffee cup from the table and filled it from a nearby carafe. She nodded toward my cup and I shook my head in affirmation. With filled cups, we leaned against the chair backs. “So I heard about Jackie’s upcoming nuptials. What about you and Greg? Has he mentioned making your living arrangement permanent?”
“I’m still getting used to having him around all the time.” I sipped my coffee. “Not sure I’m ready for the big white dress. At least not for a few years.”
“Well, I can relate to that. After the way Craig treated me, I don’t think I’m going to give anyone else that power again.” She held up a hand. “I know what you’re going to say. All men aren’t crazy like my ex-husband. The problem is that they don’t wear warning labels and I’m bad at reading a man’s mind.”
“You have plenty of time to find love.” An echo of laughter came in through the open patio doors. “I guess I should get out and be sociable.”
“No worries. We’ll take care of this.” Brenda stood and picked up the carafes off the table. “By the way, I’ll have a van here at nine for your use.”
“A van?” Had there been a discussion of the couples going somewhere that she’d missed out on?
“Sure, for your tour of South Cove? All the women have been talking about hitting the shops tomorrow. Don’t tell me Greg didn’t mention that you’re leading a tour group.” She studied my face. “Okay, then, maybe he didn’t know either. According to the itinerary they sent me last week, the guys are going out on a charter about five tomorrow morning. And you and the women are going into town. Seems a little sexist, but I’m just the host here.”
“I’m not sure we didn’t get the better end of that deal.” I’d gone out fishing with Greg and his brother once. I loved watching the ocean and even the sun come up, but mostly I got a lot of reading done. At least I’ll be able to do an errand for Mayor Baylor while we’re there. Now I wanted Greg’s dessert and maybe a few more. What did I know about leading a tour? At least it should be interesting. I’d start at my shop. That way I could check on Deek, my newest employee who was taking my shifts this weekend.
I wandered out to the pool area where the boys were back at the table and the women were scattered around the patio. Allison was swimming. Jessica appeared to be sleeping. And Lois and MaryAnne had taken over another table, frozen margaritas in front of them. I ran a hand over Greg’s shoulder as I passed by the table. I thought about stopping and asking who had volunteered me to babysit the female side of the party the next day, but the pecking order was becoming clear.
Boys rule, girls wait for boys to get done.
Not exactly the type of life I lived or even wanted to play at for a weekend. Greg and I would have to talk about future visits if we were still together for next year’s reunion. I can only hold my tongue so long and then I know I’d say something. But I’d give him this weekend.
At least I’d try.
Lois pointed to the bar. “You look like you need a drink. Go get one and join us. We’re talking about MaryAnne’s trip to Boston next month.”
I nodded. “I’ll be right there.” At least these two were friendly. Three if you counted Allison, but it appeared that she spent most of her free time in the pool staying in shape. The girl just needed to relax.
Taking the frosted glass filled with the frozen drink, I made my way to the table. “Boston, huh? I’ve never been. What are you going for?”
“My business. I run a beauty supply company and I’m speaking at the convention. You know, the typical motivational stuff.” Mary Anne sipped her drink, her long nails painted pink with flamingos drawn on the polish.
Lois leaned closer to the table. “David doesn’t know, but Levi is a silent partner in the business.”
“Seriously?” I didn’t know how anyone kept a secret with this group.
MaryAnne laughed at my reaction. “I should tell him, it’s been years now, but Levi keeps telling me to keep it between us. He doesn’t want David to feel uncomfortable in their friendship.”
I took a sip of my drink. “That sounds reasonable. So your business is doing well?”
“We’ve really taken off this year. I should be able to buy Levi out by the end of next year; that is, if he’ll sell. The beauty business is hot right now and he’s getting a great return on his money. I can’t really blame him, I wouldn’t have been able to start up without his help, but I’d like to be sole owner someday.” MaryAnne stole a glance over to the guy table. “At least he doesn’t mess in the day to day operations. Some people I know with silent partners are ready to kill them