A Woman in Search Of...

The weeks passed quickly with Christmas just around the corner. Wendy and Mike met regularly at the bar and her place. In between she and Elliott spent times together. They went to movies, ate out, or enjoyed other activities. Wendy’s life excited her more than she ever imagined. She appreciated the changes she had made in herself that made her so desired, not just by one man, but two men who cared about being with her. The swinging seventies were for her.

The Fireplace Grill started to turn a profit after three months and Wendy and Jake couldn’t be happier. They appreciated all the people who drove along PCH, and enjoyed the walk out to the pier, or standing on the beach and watching the waves as they hit the sand. Pacific Coast Highway stretched for hundreds of miles, always packed with traffic. Fireplace Grill was one of only three food stops leading from Pacific Palisades to the center of Malibu, so cars stopped often.

At the nursery the holidays brought in many more customers than Wendy dreamed of. Plants made wonderful holiday gifts. For customers she suggested decorating them with red ribbons or anything festive to add to their cheerfulness. Businesses liked to decorate their offices and she received calls for plants from several of them. A local hospital requested two dozen six-inch plants. People still complimented her about the nursery and the calming environment it gave, especially with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It offered a respite from all the activity.

Carol managed the nursery with precision and thoughtfulness.

Wendy and Carol stood behind the counter. Wendy opened with, “I appreciate all that you do here. I think it’s time for a raise.”

Carol turned to her. “Thank you. That’s very nice of you.”

“It will be a six per cent increase.”

“Thanks, that’s so generous.”

“You deserve it.”

When at the Fireplace Grill, or when Wendy saw her guys, Carol was always there for her. Carol’s friend, Brenda, helped whenever necessary and Wendy appreciated having her on the team.

Cindy continued to see Brad, but not as much as earlier in their relationship. Cindy met a man from her building, Kenny, and they dated.

“Kenny is so cool,” she told Wendy. “He makes me laugh all the time.”

“I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks, and I’m glad you have found two good guys for you.”

“Me too.”

Wendy sat at Cindy’s pool, watching some macho guys brave the water. The women watched them, in or out of the water.

“Hey, Wendy, do you see the guy in the gold bikini trunks? He raised his eyebrows and smiled at you.”

“I saw it too. Makes me feel good.” The wind whipped her hair and she brushed it away from her face.

“Your makeover is fantastic especially with the weight loss. Your long, straight auburn hair is pretty sexy looking, not to mention your greater use of makeup. No wonder guys now stare at you. You look so different from when we started going to Hoffman’s…great changes

“Thanks, you’re really sweet.” Wendy appreciated the attention she now received. “So, how are things with you and Brad?”

“They’re good and he’s hot. Still wish we could get together more often.”

“Just be grateful you’re still one of his interests. I mean there are a lot of gals who wait for the opportunity.”

“Yeah, I’m sure he gets it on with Patty and the blond girl. I think her name is Jean. And, of course, Karen, the Palm Springs date.”

“Is she still buggin’ you?”

“It will always bother me, but I accept what is. Be calm and carry on, right?”