A Woman in Search Of...

Elliott and Wendy stayed for two sets. They waved good-bye to Rusty as they passed him and headed for Wendy’s.

They visited for a few minutes in the car, then kissed goodnight. Wendy walked up her front porch, opened the door and turned the porch light on so Elliott knew she arrived safely inside. As he drove away Wendy realized how much she truly cared about him. For a reason she couldn’t explain, she didn’t have the same kind of love for him as she did for Brad.

Cindy called Saturday morning and they decided to meet at the local deli for lunch. The gesture surprised Wendy.

“It’s good to see ya, Wendy. I know I’ve been in my own world for a long time and I’m sorry. Full-time teaching and work at Pirate’s Cove part time, just too much pressure.”

“I actually thought you were mad at me until you sat down the other night and talked to me.”

“I wasn’t mad, I was just selfish, and it’s taken me awhile to figure it out. I’m very sorry. I started to believe myself as someone special because I felt so needed at the Cove. I now know I wasn’t any more special than any other woman there.”

“You’re still special and needed there,” Wendy said with encouragement.

Cindy’s voice cracked and her face flushed. “I’m not.”

Wendy stared puzzled.

“They decided to add more hours and I can’t do them with my teaching job and that comes first.”

“Couldn’t you still work weekends?”

“Nope, they want to give the new person they hire full time work.” Cindy‘s face contorted. “To be perfectly honest Brad and I had an argument and I think this is why the change.” Tears formed in her eyes. “I had to quit.”

Wendy’s mouth fell open, “Oh no, I’m really sorry.”

“Thanks.” Cindy dabbed at her tears. Wendy hurt for Cindy. “Incredible,” was all she could say.

“I don’t mind leaving too much…two jobs exhausted and stressed me out. Plus, he’s seeing at least three different girls. They even tell me about some of their times with him, maybe not aware that I may be one of them too, or they just wanted to gloat. I see the way he looks at them, and how they look at him, not to mention the cute asides he makes to them.”

“Do you think he’s dumping you?”

“I think he made that clear by increasing the hours plus not talking to me much. I mean what can I do, confront him? You don’t do that to him. You get my drift?”

Wendy reached across the table and put her hand on Cindy’s arm. “Unfortunately, I do. I’m terribly sorry.”