I’ve learned bits of everything and I can research the rest. I used to be a voracious reader, too.”
“Used to be?”
“I read so much for work now that it’s difficult for me to get into reading for pleasure. I just found the local library and took out a few things I’ve been meaning to get around to.”
“Did you study writing in school?”
“Graphic arts, actually. That’s where I met Lissa. I read somewhere that seventy-five percent of college graduates aren’t working in anything related to what they studied. I seem to be the exception.”
“I can believe that,” Pam said. “I meet and greet lots of high-powered executives and very few of them are in any field they studied in school. Actually most of them are scared witless that someone will find out that their job requires very little actual”—Pam made quote marks in the air—“‘learning.’”
“True enough.”
“What do you do on the weekends, for fun?”
Tay sighed. “I swim fifty laps a day, as long as the weather cooperates, and take care of Lissa’s animals. I’m taking several online courses, one called American History Before the Civil War, one on astronomy. There are a lot of podcasts I subscribe to as well. Keeps me busy, sort of.” She knew she was babbling a bit, but it was so nice to have someone outside the office to talk to.
“Sort of?”
“I get bored sometimes.” No, she wouldn’t whine.
“I can imagine. No boyfriends?”
“Not anymore. Steve moved out around Christmas.”
“Bad breakup?”
“Sudden and a bit wrenching, but if I’d been more observant I would have seen it coming. I think I was too bookish for him. He’s a musician and I think he wanted me for ego boosting and financial support.”
“Ahhh. The old financial support. I think he gave up a lot when he split.”
Surprised, Tay said a sincere “Thanks.”
A considering look flashed over Pam’s face, then vanished. “Good sex at least?”
From anyone else that question would have sounded out of place, but Pam was so warm and friendly that Tay just answered. “Frequent, at least, but I’ve had better. Not recently, however.” Pam’s laugh was infectious. What was it about this lovely woman that encouraged sharing of girlish secrets? Tay realized that it was the first time she’d been able to really laugh about Steve’s defection. “And what do you do, if I’m not being too nosey?”
Pam hesitated slightly, then huffed out a short breath and said, “Not nosey at all. I host corporate and upscale parties. Business affairs, weddings, showers, charity gatherings and such.”
“Ah, right,” Tay said, wondering whether one could actually make a living doing that. “I think Lissa mentioned that. So that’s why all the cars on most weekends.”
“I hope there haven’t been any problems for you.”
“Not in the least. That must be an interesting business. How did you get into it?”
“Long story.” She glanced at her watch. “And I don’t have enough time to get into the tale of my life right now. I’ve got a charity tea today.” She paused, then chuckled. “What a euphemism. A tea. No one actually drinks tea, but it does define the hour.” She paused again. “I came over here to invite Dave and Lissa over. Would you consider stopping over for just a short while?”
“I don’t think so,” Tay said, tempted to do almost anything to relieve the boredom.
“I know it’s an imposition, but the Steinbergs, who are hosting this event, are new in the area and don’t have enough friends to fill the backyard. It should have been too cool at this time of year to have it outside, but today is so fabulous that the party will spill into the backyard. There won’t be nearly enough people to make it look busy so I’m gathering everyone I can think of. I thought I’d drag Dave and Lissa over to fill out the crowd.
“The Steinbergs didn’t want to invite their close friends for fear that they’d feel they had to contribute, but they are even calling a few of them. You don’t have to give a cent, of course. Just stand with a drink in your hand, make conversation when you find someone who’s convivial, and at other times just inhale occasionally and look like you’re having a good time. It would be a great favor to me.”
“That’s a nice offer, but I won’t know anyone and the Steinbergs will know I’m an interloper.”
“Not at all. Everyone is asked to bring friends and they know I’ll invite people, too. The Bonners wouldn’t have known anyone, either. Please.” Pam leaned forward and patted Tay’s hand. “I hope I won’t embarrass you, but I have to tell you that you make a fabulous first impression. You’re such a charming person and it would really help me out.”
Tempted, Tay asked, “What’s the dress code?” She had a few things that might do, and she had Lissa’s closet to work from.
“Summer casual.” Pam stood and pirouetted. “This is what I’m wearing. How about an enticement? I’ll give you the cook’s tour of the house and maybe we can have a swim and a sauna afterward. And you’ll get to meet Linc.”
“Linc?”
“He’s the main guy in my life.”
“You’re not married, I gather,” Tay said.
“I was widowed several years ago. Long story. I’ve moved on with my life, in ways I can’t even begin to explain to you. No children either, more’s the pity. Maybe we can get together for lunch one day next week and exchange life histories. Right now, however, I have to get back home. Please come over this afternoon, even if it’s only for a few minutes.”
“Can I think about it? I’m not very good with people I don’t know.”
“Nonsense. You and I hit it off quickly so I’m sure you’ll hold your own without any trouble. The guests will all be bright, interesting people and with your varied interests you’ll fit right in.”
“What time?”
“Come over any time after three. It probably won’t last much past five or so but you can always run for the hills if you’re bored out of your mind.”
She considered, then made a snap decision. “Okay. I’ll find something to wear and be over between three and three-thirty.”
“Perfect.” Pam put her cup in the sink. “I can’t thank you enough.”
The two women walked to the front door and as Pam stepped out onto the walk she impulsively leaned up and kissed Tay on the cheek. “I hope we can get together soon. I’ll be pit deep this afternoon, but since I’m sure we have a lot in common, I’d love to get to know you a little better. I originally made the offer as a toss off, but I mean it. I would really like to have lunch with you one day soon.”
Delighted, Tay said, “I’d like that a lot. I work at home a few days a week, usually Tuesdays and Thursdays, so maybe then.”
“Great. Well, I’ll see you later and then we’ll figure something out.”
As Pam walked back to her house she thought about the fascinating woman she’d just met and wondered whether she’d made a new friend and/or a new business associate. She certainly looked good, not gorgeous by any means, but she had a classic attractiveness and a way of looking you right in the eye when she spoke to you. And when she smiled her entire face lit up. Her features were good and with a little makeup and a decent haircut—why in the world did she wear that long, awkward braid?—she’d be fit for any setting.
Pam thought about business. In addition to the obvious reason for the party, Jeff Steinberg