Lindsay

My future years stretch out before me, long and empty. If I continue my path along the highway of scary, old women and cats, my life will continue to be a farce—playacting a role. I have to make peace with my mother. The Bible says not to bring your offering until you’ve made peace with your brother. I imagine He meant mother, too, and perhaps that’s what has bothered me all along. Jane, a woman who’s spent her life running and lying to those she loves, is the only one who seems to get me, which naturally strikes the fear of God into me. I may be simple, but I can see that my life does not line up with what I supposedly believe.

Other than finishing up plans for Haley’s shower, I have no life goal, no actual destination now. And you don’t have to tell me that Haley’s shower doesn’t qualify as a life goal, at least for my life.

It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen the Trophy Wives, and our pedicure did anything but restore me. Jane and I had made a pact of sorts, but I haven’t contacted my mother, and she has yet to tell Ronnie anything. So while our pact may have been made with the best of intentions, nothing has come of it. After several text messages from Tim, the Chinless Bond, I couldn’t bear to step foot in the church. It only reminded me of the joke I probably am to the congregation. The joke I probably always have been.

“But of course, you have to go back,” Jane says to me this fine morning.

“Why would I want to go back? I have to make peace before I make an offering. The Bible says that.”

“Is it just me, or is there a simple fix for that? Those women love you, Lindsay, and I’m here to tell you, friends like that don’t come along every day. I know you feel judged by Bette, but that’s in your own head. For some reason, we women have a terrible time forgiving ourselves, but I saw nothing in her that day that implied she thought your trouble was any worse than the next girl’s. Even if you think they did judge, you can’t write them off for one mistake. Any more than they can write you off for a mistake. That’s what friends do for each other. Do you want to spend your life running, like I have? Go make amends with your mother.”

“We’re both obstinate, aren’t we?”

Jane laughs. “Not exactly a good trait. So who will make the first move?”

“I suppose that I have no choice. It’s going to have to be me because of Haley’s wedding.” It’s the Trophy Wives Club’s final fitting for our bridemaids’ gowns, followed by a ladies’ luncheon, and I’ve dressed in my jeans and high-heeled flip-flops for the occasion. That’s the biggest decision on my agenda—a salad or wrap for lunch. It’s pathetic even to me. I can’t imagine what Jane might say about joining me, but what do I have to lose? We both seem to be on the same page with our ineptitude.

“You’ll come this afternoon for the luncheon?” I ask Jane as she sketches out a painting on the back patio. This one actually looks like something. I didn’t know contemporary artists could actually make real art, and I want to say something kind, but I don’t think my artistry opinion means much to her anyway.

“I don’t know.” She puts the paintbrush down and looks up at me with her fine, blue eyes. “I think I may have worn out my welcome last time, don’t you think? Besides, the gallery owner sold my painting. I want to keep working while I’m here and build up a bit of a nest egg. I knew I should have brought more canvases, but they’re so hard to travel with. I’ll have to borrow your car and get to the art store at some point.”

“Ron built the nest egg for you, Jane. He built one for all of us. Come have lunch with me.”

“You’re not fooling anyone, Lindsay. You just don’t want to answer what you’re up to. And you’re wrong about the nest egg. I won’t take Ron’s money, Lindsay. What sort of woman do you think I am?” She drops the brush into a cup of liquid that smells like the devil. “I’ve made my own way. I don’t need his money. I don’t want his money.”

There is accusation in her words, but I try not to take them personally. Jane did take his money—she just gave it to Ronnie.

Best to turn back to the luncheon—a safer subject to be sure. “Scaly feet belong on things that slither in the desert, not a free-spirited artist from Campeche, Mexico. Come to lunch, and we’ll get a pedicure after.” I say the country like Meh-hee-co, so she knows I’m being respectful.

Jane laughs at my paltry attempt in Spanish. “If I make a habit of this, you’ll expect me to start buying shoes next. I can find them at a much better discount at the street market. Hiking boots even at the surplus store.”

If Jane died tomorrow, her obituary would be full of accomplishments: renowned artist, doting mother, outdoorswoman and adventurer, but there would be no one to write it up for her, save for her son. If I died tomorrow, the Trophy Wives would be standing in line to write up my memorial, but what real accomplishment could they list? She once got a pair of Jimmy Choos for less than $100 at Neiman’s. She is survived by…not even a cat. Well, she’s survived by her dysfunctional Bible Study group, and we loved her for her excellent decisions in nail lacquer and the party favors she chose for her best friend’s shower.

“So you won’t come?” I stand with the door ajar. Jane is once again mesmerized by her canvas, and she simply nods her head. I leave the condominium and stand on the small porch for a moment and wonder if I shouldn’t go back in and try again. Someone needs to light a fire under the two of us.

“Why won’t that boy knock on your door?”

“Huh?” I look up to see my neighbor on the porch across from mine. Her name is Cherry, though she’s got the palest pallor and honestly, she’s more like a molded raisin than a cherry. Her cheeks are a roadmap collection of lines covered by overtly pink blush, but her brow is taut and lifted, like she’s in a state of constant surprise. “Are you talking to me, Cherry?” She’s one of the quiet ones, but when she does speak, her voice booms like a clap of thunder in the clear, blue sky.

“Do you see anyone else out here?” she snaps. “You blondes are all the same. You don’t know how to reel your men in. When I was your age, I didn’t waste my time with this teasing business. I had men eating out of the palm of my hands. Men like Tyrone Power and Dean Martin, and you can’t even get that simple boy to ring your doorbell. It’s dismal. You girls run around half-naked today and still can’t get your man.”

“I don’t run around half-naked! This is Chanel!” I inform her on my blouse choice. “What boy?” Naturally, I know Cherry sees everything that goes on in this complex, but she’s also claimed affairs with every A-lister in Hollywood. She was either the biggest tramp in Hollywood history or has trouble with her memory. For her sake, I’m hoping it’s the latter.

“That boy. The one with the work boots and the sexy buns in the jeans.” She puts her arthritic hands out and pretends to squeeze. I think I’m going to be sick.

“Jake?” I say hopefully.

“Well, I don’t know his name. I’m not psychotic.”

Yes, you are, but I believe you mean psychic.

“He’s been here four times in the last week, but he always chickens out before he rings the bell. Sticks his hand out, pulls it back again, like an amusement park ride. Back and forth, back and forth. Come here, girl.” She motions with her bony forefinger. I step closer to her. “Sex!” she yells. “Sex is how you reel them in!” She mocks a fishing action. “Get yourself some lingerie and a fur coat and you—”

“Thank you!” My ears hurt, and my hands automatically cover them for protection. “Thank you, Cherry. I’m a Christian woman, so that’s not the answer.” And I desperately need a bath now. Maybe with some Brillo pad loofahs to remove the grime.

“Maybe that’s why the boy is chicken. Too much religion dogging him. Never did understand that guilt world you people live in.”

Right now, that makes two of us.

“It’s nothing like that. I’m not even sure who you’re speaking of. He was probably here to check the PG&E meter.”

“No, our meter reader is a fat, Cambodian man! This man is young and virile.”

“My husband just died.”

“That can’t be your excuse. Your husband died eons ago. You should have yourself a new husband by now. You’re not a Lebanese, are you?”

“I have to run, Cherry. If you see the man again, encourage him to ring the bell.” Something tells me, I shouldn’t have said that.

“Have to do everything for you kids. What happened to this generation?” She goes into her place, mumbling as she does so, and slams her door.

I walk out to my car, but glance back into the entryway. Did Jake come looking for me? My heart starts to pound at the very thought, but reality strikes at my soul. Jake is off-limits. I owe Ron that much. It’s like saying I never truly loved my husband. And I did, but the thought that anyone is looking for me fills me with a hope that I know it shouldn’t. If I spend the rest of my life alone, I want to be content. Hope for me is a dangerous avenue. Once taken, you can’t go back. The route without expectations is easier.

The voice of God has grown silent in my ear, no doubt helped along by Cherry, who has a way of drowning out any godly thoughts whatsoever. I love my neighbor, but her advice is something like you’d find in an all-male barbershop of my father’s day.

I feel exceptionally alone as I drive to the bridal shop, trying to muster up excitement for Haley. She has come so far, and she’s going to make the most beautiful bride. I have to put on my party face because Haley seems to have some sort of guilt about having a big wedding. If I don’t relay excitement, I worry she’ll continue to go through the motions, just wanting to be married and not enjoying the process. Everyone should enjoy the process.

The salesgirl inside the boutique opens the door for me. The shop is closed with a sign saying, Closed for Private Fitting. It’s so non-Haley to have anything resembling favored treatment, I think I have the wrong place.

“Haley Cutler?” I say through the crack in the door.

“You must be Lindsay, matron of honor.” The gal gets a little snippy. “You’re the last to arrive. Fitting Room A, down the hall. You’re wearing heels. Make certain they’re the same height you’ll be wearing the day of the wedding. Or find the right size in the fitting room. It’s most important that your gown be the right length.”

Naturally, I want to snap at her that I could pull this entire wedding fitting off without her, but I’m still reeling from my Cherry conversation, so I think it’s best to just shut up. I wander down the hall and step into a room. On a pink-carpeted pedestal, there’s a beautiful bride with long, dark hair wearing a tasteful white gown. Her ample chest fills out the beaded bodice, and her tiny hips disappear in a full skirt. An exaggerated, draping train tells of her youthful zeal, and I realize I’m in the wrong room.

I pause in the doorway, gazing at the vision of a formal wedding. What my life might have been if I hadn’t taken so many shortcuts? To have been the princess for a day, the bride whom strangers cheered for—the loss seems overwhelming now that Ron is gone. We should have done things slowly, appropriately. Instead, we eloped, rather than face people’s concerns. I was a wimp, even when I thought I stood tall in the face of adversity.

“Lindsay? Is that you?”

In a chair beside the bride sits…Jake’s mother. My stomach tightens, as I realize this tiny, virginal-looking bride has to be Jake’s. She is a vision in her gown. And honestly? I’m thrilled that Jake will get the chance to do things correctly. “Mrs. Evans?”

With a flash of the eyes, I see the bride comprehend who I am, and I wish I had the ability to fade into the wall or disappear instantly, like the cats in my complex.

“What are you doing here? Surely, not getting married again?” Mrs. Evans says with reproach in her voice.

“No. My best friend is getting married. I’m here for the bridesmaid dress. My fitting. That gown is absolutely divine on you.”

The bride smiles. “Do you really think so?” She pulls at the full skirt and twirls slightly on the platform.

“Hold still!” the seamstress snaps, and she puts her demure fingers to her lips and laughs.

“Absolutely. You look straight off the cover of Bride.”

“You haven’t changed a bit.” Something in Mrs. Evans’s tone tells me she doesn’t consider this is a positive. I feel as old and questionable as Cherry herself against the dark-eyed bride.

“Excuse me.” I back out of the doorway, unable to find the proper way to address Mrs. Evans.

“Lindsay,” I hear Mrs. Evans say, and I halt in my tracks. I turn to face the music like I should have done years ago.

“How is your husband, Lindsay?”

“Dead, I’m afraid.”

“I’m so sorry to hear it. Was he good to you?”

“He was.” I feel like there are ants crawling all over me, I have an incredible urge to run. “Is that Jake’s fiancée? The bride?”

“It is. Isn’t she a beauty?”

I nod. “Exquisite.”

“Such a sweet girl, too. She loves my son so much. That’s all I ever wanted. For my son to be loved and appreciated for the wonderful boy he is.”

“What mother wouldn’t want that?” I sputter.

“No kids then?” she asks me.

“No.”

“Well, God certainly spoke about what He thought of your choice, now didn’t He? Barren as the Sahara, no doubt.”

“Perhaps, but I don’t proclaim to speak for God.”

“You’re too old now, I suppose. For children, I mean. It’s a pity. Being a mother is the most fulfilling job in the world.”

“I’m sure it is. Hopefully, you’ll get to be a grandmother soon and double your pleasure. I should go. Haley will be waiting.”

“Lindsay, I’ve waited a long time to speak my piece. Give me my moment, won’t you?”

“Of course.” I steel myself, clutching my hands into fists. Mrs. Evans always scared me. Even when she took me into her home and taught me to braise my first cut of beef, she did it implementing a critical eye, ever-watchful of errors.

And just like that, hearing her frightening tone again, it’s like I’ve been transported back in time. I suddenly know why I married Ron and why I wouldn’t have married her son. Ron loved me unconditionally. I was worth something to him. I wasn’t a project that he could mold into something else. He was simply happy to have me alongside him. He loved to watch my face light up when we discovered new restaurants, or the delight in my eyes when we’d get a rare electrical storm over our canyon view. When I saw myself reflected in Ron’s eyes, I was charming and good. In Ron, I saw just a glimpse of what I would look like to my Heavenly Father. I didn’t repeat the unhealthy patterns of my childhood. That was the lesson! If I’d married Jake, I would have been repeating the pattern of my own mother! A smile spreads across my face as I recount that maybe I wasn’t so naïve as a young woman, after all. I wanted to be loved. Not for who I might become, but who I was all along.

“Mrs. Evans, thank you so much! It was wonderful to see you. I wish you all the best!” I turn toward Fitting Room A when I hear Mrs. Evans’s voice again after me.

“Incidentally, I didn’t marry Ron only for money. I married him for acceptance!” I grin as wide as I can as I see Haley and the girls in the fitting room.

“Lindsay, you’re here!” Haley says as I enter the doorway. “What was that?”

“I didn’t marry Ron for money. My whole life has been this puzzle, and I feel like I put it together. Ron thought the best of me.”

“I think the best of you, but all right.” Haley kisses my cheek. “Now get your dress on.”

“Oh, Haley! You make Heidi Klum look positively plain in that gown!”

“Do you like the dresses?” Haley asks, pointing to where mine hangs on a rack.

“I do! I think they’re beautiful. You did a fine job all by yourself, Haley.”

“Does this mean the mourning is over?” she looks me straight in the eye. “Is my best friend back? I know that Ron would be happy to hear it, if so.”

“I am back!”

“Good, then I can start whining. I still feel completely stupid having a white wedding again. Oh, and if you’re not bringing anyone to the wedding, Hamilton has someone you might like to meet.”

“Hamilton! Haley, no offense, but no one wants to be set up by a lawyer who writes up prenups all day, all right? It’s not exactly romantic.”

“Hey! Hamilton is very romantic. I wish you’d spend more time with us. I used to spend time with you and Ron all the time.”

“You lived in my condo. It’s not like we could avoid you.”

“Not every landlord is so hands-on, if you know what I mean.”

“Not every tenant cooks like you. Ron got the best of all worlds—I helped organize the accounting business and you took care of cooking. We were like his very own young, gorgeous, blond harem. Now you’re ready for me to transfer my affections to Hamilton, is that what you’re saying?”

She grins. “No, but I feel like I never see you. For the last two weeks, you’ve been like a ghost.”

“I’ve just been busy with Jane at the house. Would you stop worrying about me? You’re a blushing bride. Where’s your mother?”

“I sent her to the florist. She was driving me crazy.” Haley looks at her bridesmaids, each of them donning their gowns. They’re all the same color (fuchsia) but designed differently. One can’t really put an older Bette in the same dress as the yoga-bodied Penny.

“I hope everyone is okay with this,” she whispers. “My mother has been telling everyone to lose a little weight. I thought Bette might clock her before I sent her to the florist.”

“Haley, it’s all right to enjoy this. In fact, you should be enjoying this, for Hamilton’s sake. Otherwise, you’re just back in guilt mode, and you might as well still be with Jay.”

It’s so easy for me to dole out advice. Me, who has been living alone for a year and doesn’t have anything to show for the time.

Haley sits with her tiara-capped veil on her head, moving it with her fingertips. “I was born to be a princess.”

“You were born to be a Fabergé egg. Sparkly, gem-encrusted, and invaluable.”

We laugh when a seamstress reminiscent of the Cold War comes in and barks orders. “Bride, stand over there! Bridemaids, in order of appearance, over here!” I scamper to get my dress on and back into place before I get sent to the rock quarry for punishment.

Haley salutes and stands on her pedestal, and she speaks directly to me. “If it’s all right for me, then it’s all right for you to go on living. Ron wouldn’t have wanted this for you. Live your life, Lindsay. What do you want to do with it? Bette mentioned that you were thinking of a women’s ministry. Go home and make a list to get it started. Do something! It’s my turn to live vicariously through you. I’ll be the boring housewife.” She giggles.

“As if that were possible—for you to be boring. There are too many rhinestones in the world for that to happen.” I look around the room and all of the Trophy Wives are nodding. It seems there comes a day when friends run out of grief for you and mine was about up. It is time. I’m ready.

The room suddenly gets quiet, and for the Trophy Wives, that’s an amazing feat. I turn around and see Jake’s bride has entered the room. Slowly, I walk across the room, and soon the chatter starts up behind me.

“I wanted to thank you,” she says.

“Me?” I turn around to explain her presence, but the women have all given me the luxury of a little privacy. The young bride and I walk into the hallway, away from listening ears. Even if they’re talking, I know them well enough to know they can do two things at once if the conversation interests them.

“Yes, you, Lindsay. I feel as though I know you. Mrs. Evans is always going on about how surprised she was when you up and married another man. Forgive me for being forward, but we’re both practical girls, Lindsay. If you hadn’t broken Jake’s heart all those years ago, I might never have met the man of my dreams. So I wanted to thank you. I happen to believe everything happens for a reason.”

“You’re welcome.” It’s such a warm moment that I don’t confess what I really want to tell her—Jake’s mother scares the daylights out of me, and I have been thanking my lucky stars since being reminded of her oh-so-charming personality that I did not marry into that family and repeat my childhood of constant critique. But my mother, and life in L.A., taught me manners and not to speak such thoughts aloud.

“It’s all right,” she says, lowering her voice to a whisper. “I know you married for money. I understand completely. It was a practical choice, and I for one, commend you for it.”

“Actually, I think my reasons ran slightly deeper than that. As I was watching Jake’s mother, I realized—”

“So, do you have any tips for me?”

“Pardon?” I feel a pit at the bottom of my stomach as the motive of her conversation comes to light. Is she telling me she’s marrying Jake for his money?

“Tips?” I ask her.

“You know, so that the younger version of me doesn’t come along and snatch him from my arms. How did you keep your husband’s interest?”

She is the most elegant, young woman with a perfectly regal profile and the same, captivating eyes that Jake himself possesses. She means no harm. I can tell her words run no deeper than their surface meaning, but I can only pray she learns the errors of her ways as I learned mine.

“Love him well, despite the money. The love of money is the root of all evil,” I tell her. “In the end, it’s not worth a plugged nickel.”

She laughs. “How could I help but do anything else but love him? I am so glad I got to meet you. Jake’s just ready to have kids now and look how old you are! That would have never worked. You see how things are?”

I force a smile. “I do. Good luck to you.”

“You too! You’re not too old to remarry, you know. Good for you.” She trounces off to her dressing room, and I roll my eyes.

“You only think you know your destiny,” I say under my breath to her back. “Then reality bites you in the—”

“Lindsay!”

Gazing at Haley, I watch her try on a giant rhinestone necklace. As if she reads my mind, she looks back toward me, and I shake my head.

“Killjoy!”

If I died tomorrow, maybe I’d be sorry I didn’t wear more sequins. Who knows? If I controlled less, I wonder if I wouldn’t have enjoyed more. I can’t help but envy the Future Mrs. Jake. Innocence protects one from harsh realities for a long, long time. I’ll bet she had a nice mother who filled her with wonderful Cinderella dreams. Too bad Mrs. Evans comes in the deal. And too bad, the future Mrs. Jake will eventually have to learn the truth.