A Woman in Search Of...

To stop further discussion of Brad she asked, “So, what do you do, Sue?”

Sue took a sip of her water. “I work for my grandfather who owns McPhe Studios.”

“Wow! They make some great movies.”

“Yes, we do.”

“What do you do there?”

“I’m in charge of movie distribution.”

Sue’s answer showed an air of arrogance. But Wendy didn’t want to pass judgment right away.

“Not sure I know what it means.”

Their drinks were served. Wendy decided to take it easy. She didn’t want to drink too much and lose this new and perhaps very interesting friend. Sue explained about her job, and Wendy listened without interruption. It impressed Wendy that Sue had such a huge responsibility in distribution. But to work for her grandfather she must be diligent.

When the bill came Wendy started to pay her share, but Sue treated.

“Thank you, that’s very nice.”

“No problem.”

Next time, if a next time happened, Wendy would treat.

They walked out together and agreed to see each other the next night at the Cove. Sue could bring new excitement into Wendy’s life.

The next evening Wendy looked up guitars in the Yellow Pages and found a store that not only sold guitars but gave lessons. She’d check it out later but couldn’t wait to learn to play. As she put the phone book down Scott called. He just wanted to know how she was. They had a short conversation where she shared about taking guitar lessons.

“That sounds fun. Never knew you to be musical.”

“I wasn’t but I thought I’d give it a try.”

“Happy for you. Well, I won’t keep you.”

“Thanks, bye.”

Well, what to think about his call…she had no idea. He continued to sound so different, so nice.

After dinner Wendy got dressed and headed for the Cove.

As soon as she arrived Rusty took her aside. “Are you still interested in the private party I told you about?”

“Sure.”

“Ok, it’s Sunday night. I’ll give you the address before you leave.”

“Outta sight, thanks. You’ll be there?” she asked as she started to turn away.

“Not to be missed,” he said winking. She nodded back and headed for the piano bar. Sue held a seat for her.

They both watched as Brad poured out his exquisite voice. Sue whispered to Wendy several times about Brad’s showmanship and his personality. They chatted during his breaks. She enjoyed that they could share Brad in their conversations. At his next break Sue went to talk to him. They visited for almost his whole break.

When Sue returned, she didn’t say anything about their conversation. Wendy considered their relationship was already moving forward, or this evening would be the start. Wendy decided to leave. She told Sue. On her way out she stopped to see Rusty. He handed her the address, “Be there or be square,” he yelled over the clatter.

She chuckled and put the address in her jacket pocket as she left.

As Wendy drove home, she thought about Sue and what her relationship with Brad was. Wendy wrinkled her nose as she thought about Sue being obsessed with him, Wendy understood and didn’t care if they had a thing going. She’d be delighted to hear anything Sue might be willing to share.

On Friday she stood at the forest end. The sun beat into the nursery, casting shadows from the lattice below the glass roof. Wendy pushed the button to open the glass about eight feet. The electrifying glow from the crimson sun fascinated her. As she looked down, she stared at the little window Elliott pointed out to her when the orchid looked so shiny. She shook her head and moved away.