Beards

by Serena J Bishop

  “You think?” Steven quipped and approached the circle of women. “Consider this a stern warning. Keep the noise down and wrap up your club soon. I don’t want called here again.”

  “Absolutely, officers.” Roni led them out of her apartment. “Have a good night and I’ll see you next month, Officer DiCarlo.” She shut the door and smiled.

  “I can’t believe that just happened,” commented Steven as they descended the stairs. “One of those ladies was actually wearing a sweater with a reindeer on it.”

  “Gotta love school teacher fashion.”

  “You just love the teachers, especially the ones with pretty green eyes.”

  “Was it that obvious?” Gina asked, worried.

  “Of course not. I’m the only one who knows that the only thing that shuts you up is a pretty lady. Just don’t forget,” they exited the building and entered the cold night, “you’re a married woman now.”

  “I keep forgetting that,” Gina said seriously.

  ONE MONTH LATER, JANUARY 1991

  “HI, SORRY I’M LATE. BUSES were running a little behind.” Gina stood at the door with a paper bag, her sheepish expression framed by wind-blown short, dark hair.

  Roni smiled and held the door open wider. “Not a problem. We just sat down with our drinks. Come on in and let me take your coat.” While Gina removed her coat, Roni suggested to the others, “Why don’t you all introduce yourselves while I put this with the others?”

  The small group of mostly middle-aged women quickly rattled off their names. A woman with a gray-silver bob, Sarah, asked, “I’m guessing you don’t want us to call you ‘officer’?”

  “That’s correct. Please call me Gina,” she sat and removed her book copy along with a bottle of wine. “The last time I was here I couldn’t help but notice what kind of book club this was.”

  “A very astute observation,” replied Roni. “There are glasses out and a corkscrew on the kitchen counter. Help yourself to the snack food we have out as well.”

  A short while later, Gina returned with a glass of red and helped herself to a vacant seat across from Roni. “Who brought the all of that jerky I saw out there?”

  Nancy’s frail hand went up proudly. “That’d be me. It seemed appropriate given the primitive nature of Clan of the Cave Bear.”

  “We always try to bring some sort of snack or drink that relates the book we’re going to discuss,” added Mary. “And speaking of discussion...”

  “There is to be no discussion of husbands, children, or work unless it relates to the book. This is a stress-free zone.” Louise, without her reindeer sweater, pointed out to the newcomer.

  “I think that’ll be easy enough,” Gina said. “Especially for this book.”

  “Really?” Sarah’s gray eyebrows arched in surprise. “There are definitely elements of male aggression. I would think that would seep through, between your profession and your husband.”

  Gina was momentarily confused, but then caught on. “Oh, right,” she forced a laugh, “him. I’m a newlywed, so I keep forgetting.” She held up her left hand, which featured the simplest of gold wedding bands. “It’ll be difficult, but I promise I won’t bring him up.”

  Roni watched her newest guest with extreme interest. She had never met a newlywed woman who didn’t talk about her new marriage incessantly, let alone a woman who had forgotten. Roni fluffed her blond hair off of her shoulder. “Well, now that we have that rule out of the way and we have our drinks, let’s talk about the book. I wrote down some topics of discussion.”

  In two hours they discussed what it meant to be a “strong female” between thoughtful sips of wine and nibbles of jerky. They also explored the practicality of herbal remedies, the nature of beauty, and the pros and cons of banishment. Soon, the gathering wound down and the membership gathered their things to leave.

  “What time does your bus come?” Roni asked Gina as she moved a chair back to her dining table.

  “Not for another half-hour.” Gina picked up two chairs, one for each arm.

  “You can stay here for a little while longer where it’s warm if you’d like.”

  Gina smiled and truly appreciated the gesture. “I would like that. Although, that does sound like a ploy to get me to help you clean.”

  “You caught me,” Roni teased. “But you’re already doing it anyway, so I can’t feel too bad.”

  “See you tomorrow, Roni. See you next month, Gina.” The other women yelled as they left in mass.

  “It was nice meeting you all. Drive them home safely, Francis.” Gina was pleased that while there was plenty of wine, there was also a designated driver.

  Roni locked the door behind them and felt a sudden burst of anxiety. She had hoped Gina would take her up on her offer to stay, but realized she was now actually alone with the woman who possessed dark, penetrating eyes and strong arms. Roni made pushing in the chairs a complicated task to stall as she thought of something to say. “You added great viewpoints tonight. Did you enjoy yourself?”

  “I really did,” Gina continued to consolidate paper plates and napkins before she followed Roni into the tiny kitchen to throw them out. “I have to admit, while I love to read, I’ve never been a part of a book club before. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but it met my expectations.” Gina paused as she did recall one strange moment as she casually leaned against the counter. “Okay, that’s not entirely true. I was a bit surprised when Sarah grabbed my bicep like that.”

  “Yeah, I’m sorry about that. She can get a little personal sometimes. I thought you took her comment about ‘not looking so tough’ pretty well.” Roni reached across Gina to tear a paper towel off the roll, “Pardon me.”

  Gina was thrown by Roni’s sudden close proximity. Not that she minded the incidental contact. “I understood what she meant. Once I take off my vest and puffy police jacket I don’t look so big or intimidating, which is fine by me. I’m not trying to be intimidating when I discuss cavemen and feminism.”

  Roni chuckled as she wiped down her countertop. “You’re pretty funny. I liked your crack about all the snappy dialogue there was in the book. Although, I think the sarcasm was lost on half of them.”

  Gina smiled broadly at the compliment. “Well, just as long as you understand my jokes.” She peered into green eyes that were now scrutinizing her face. “What?”

  Roni grinned, “You have a dimple when you smile.” She left out the part where smiling made Gina’s already delicate facial features even softer.

  “See, I can’t be intimidating even if I wanted to be. Dimples don’t terrify.”

  “I bet that isn’t true at all,” Roni retorted and turned on the faucet to fill the kitchen basin. “I bet there are times you want to be and you can scare the hell out of people. Just like me.”

  Gina snickered. That was just too funny. “Okay, I’ll admit given the situation I can be a little scary, but there is no way you could ever—” Roni narrowed her eyes and jutted out her broad jaw slightly, as she stared Gina down. They were similar heights, but Roni made her feel small, even with her ten-pound muscle advantage. It was like she was being reprimanded in Catholic school all over again. “I take it back. You’re terrifying. You direct that look at children?”

  Roni smirked and added a squirt of soap to the water. “Only when they deserve it.”

  Gina thoroughly enjoyed her time with Roni, but didn’t want to risk overstaying her welcome. “It looks like cleanup is just about done so I should probably get going. Just my luck the bus would be early this time. Plus, it’s a school night for you so I know you need to get your rest.”

  “Don’t remind me—with tomorrow being Friday and just coming off of break, the kids definitely don’t want to be in school. Neither do the teachers, for that matter.” Roni saw that small dimple in Gina’s cheek emerge again. “I um...I should get your coat. Just give me a second.”

  Roni met Gina by the door with the peacoat in her hand, reluctant to see her last guest leav
e. Gina did more than demonstrate that she was an interesting addition to the club. She was also kind and playful. “I really hope you’ll be able to come to next month’s book club.”

  “Me too.” Truly, this was the most fun Gina had in ages. Roni was considerate, but had a dark, mischievous side. She suspected Roni had been keeping those traits a bit more in check than normal. She wanted to be around to see more of that side emerge. “What’s next month’s book?”

  “Love in the Time of Cholera.”

  Gina shrugged her coat on. “Who doesn’t enjoy a good romance?”

  “I know I do.” Roni casually leaned her slender frame against the door jamb and allowed herself the luxury of appreciating her guest’s attractive face one more time. “Goodnight, Gina.”

  Gina let the image of the leggy blonde in front of her settle into her brain so she could rewind it at will and remember the moment exactly as it was. “Goodnight, Roni.”

  ***

  Gina handed Steven a cup of coffee and shifted her gun belt to sit comfortably in their patrol cruiser. “I used two packs of sugar this time.”

  Steven took an appreciative swallow. “Mmmm. That’s more like it. Black and sweet, just like me. You ready?” At Gina’s eye roll, Steven turned the ignition and started the first loop of their shift. “I didn’t get a chance to ask you earlier. How was your book club?”

  “It was fine.” Gina smiled and sipped her coffee.

  Steven pursed his full lips and nodded. He wasn’t buying that answer. She only used three syllables in one sentence. But he knew that if he kept quiet long enough, Gina would spill her guts. It was a technique his older sister, Monica, used on him when he was a boy.

  His silent response drove Gina mad. “Okay, I had a really good time. The book discussion was more interesting than I thought it would be, given the nature of the themes. This one woman brought phenomenal venison jerky. Afterwards, I helped Roni clean so I wouldn’t have to stand in the cold. Her suggestion.”

  “Her suggestion...Right,” he drawled out. “Did this extend any more of those vibes you had felt before?”

  “It’s tough to say. You know how some people are just naturally, really friendly? That may just be her way. Plus, I know what you’re going to say—”

  “You’re married.”

  “There it is. And speaking of my husband, did you two have a fun boys night?”

  Steven grinned. “We went to the batting cages. I may have jogged around the bases afterward.”

  “I bet you did.”

  ***

  Roni sat with her friend, Allison, as they waited for their Educational Law class to start. Their matching hair, fair coloring, and figures made them almost twin-like. This was somewhat fitting since they had been sorority sisters at Penn State. After graduating from college, they both followed the job market to central Pennsylvania. Naturally, starting graduate school together in Educational Leadership seemed like the next logical step.

  “Back for more, huh?” Allison asked.

  “Yeah, I guess we’re both gluttons for punishment. How was your semester break?”

  “Positively fantastic. It was great having a few weekends where I didn’t have to use a t-test. How about you?”

  “I read a lot. Fun stuff though, not this,” Roni held up their tome.

  “Are you still in that book club with your friends from school?”

  “I am, and things just got a lot more interesting. You know, if you wanted to, you could come.”

  Allison bit down on her lower lip as she thought about the offer. It could be fun. “Nah, I just got HBO. Between grad school, teaching, and that, my evenings are pretty filled. I love that they can swear and show nudity.” Her attention drifted to the show in front of her. “Oh boy, look at this guy.”

  Their instructor for the semester waltzed into the room with extremely torn jeans, flip-flops, and a tee shirt that read, More Bush in ’92. “Welcome to Educational Law. Is there anything wrong with my outfit?”

  Allison whispered to Roni, “This is a good omen for you—this guy likes bush too.”

  “Shut up, Allison.”

  ONE MONTH LATER, FEBRUARY 1991

  OH GOD, SHE’S GOING TO hate me. Faint frown lines appeared on Roni’s face. “You’re going to hate me.”

  Gina stood outside of Roni’s threshold. “Why would I hate you? And are you wearing pajamas?”

  Shit. And I’m not wearing makeup either. “Yes, I am. But please come in and make yourself comfortable. I’ll explain both the hating and the pajamas.”

  Gina did just that as Roni explained to her how they had to cancel book club at the last minute due to a raging stomach virus that was going around the school. She had left a message on Gina’s answering machine earlier in the day to tell her of the postponed event. But, clearly, Gina didn’t receive it in time.

  “I’m really, really sorry, Gina,” Roni said, in her oversized PSU sweatshirt and sweatpants while they sat at either end on her couch. “You came all the way out here for nothing.”

  “It’s okay. It’s not too far and I’m sure you did leave the message in time. Steven and Early are just awful at relaying messages to me...probably because no one ever leaves me any.”

  Roni propped her arm up on the top of the couch. “You live with two men?”

  Gina blew an exaggerated breath out. “Yeah, I do. I have four brothers so I knew what I was getting myself into. I live with Steven, my partner, who you met, and Early.”

  “That’s an unusual name. Early is your husband?”

  Gina folded her lips inward and nodded. “Yep. He’s from Louisiana, although his name is pretty much the only southern thing about him.”

  “Interesting. And he’s fine living with your partner?”

  “Oh, they’re pretty good friends. Very close, those two. They’re doing boys night while I’m at book club.”

  “I guess that arrangement works out pretty well then.”

  “It does.” She regarded Roni quizzically. “You know, most people are normally shocked that I work and live with Steven.”

  Roni shrugged her shoulders, which had practically disappeared in the large sweatshirt. “Why? Rent is high in the city and a room’s a room. I mean, I would probably get sick of having to live and work with the same person, but I don’t judge how other people want to live their lives.”

  Gina smiled at the news. She should have known that Roni would understand and be non-judgmental. “I’m glad you see it that way, but speaking of living life, I should probably let you get back to your evening since we’re not meeting tonight.” Gina started to rise, but Roni lightly pressed her hand on Gina’s knee.

  “Nonsense. You’re here, so we can still talk about the book or just get to know each other. Besides, ‘my evening’ was going to consist of watching L.A. Law.”

  “I love L.A. Law!”

  Roni sat up quickly and tucked her feet underneath of her body in one swift move. The act was spontaneous and joyful, but also graceful. It brought an immediate smile to Gina’s face. Roni excitedly asked, “We could talk about the book and then watch the show together? I see you brought some wine, you could have that while I nurse my tea.”

  “Actually, could I keep the wine here for next time? Tea and conversation sound great.”

  Roni left to make their tea while Gina laid out her notes and copy of Love in the Time of Cholera on the coffee table. She had noticed how well prepared Roni had been last month and wanted to come with her own, hopefully original, ideas. Gina skimmed over her notes. She had some insight about love letter correspondence due to what she had witnessed when she was in the Army. She also noted the importance of public health and safety, and the virtues of fantasy love versus reality. The creaking of boards caused her to stop reading and glance up. Roni had undergone a transformation while making tea. My God, she’s gorgeous. “You look...different.”

  Roni had changed into jeans and a v-neck cotton shirt. “Now that I have company I thought I should clea
n myself up a bit. I love that ratty sweatshirt, but I like to reserve it for when I’m either depressed or alone.” She rested the tea tray on the coffee table and was pleased to learn that under Gina’s peacoat, she was wearing a fitted sweater. The material hugged her surprisingly ample chest and highlighted the tiny gold hoops she wore. “You’re looking more comfortable now too.”

  “I am more comfortable. Thank you for making this,” Gina picked up her teacup and thought of Roni’s sweatshirt, even though her new look was definitely more flattering. “Did you go to Penn State? You seem to have a lot of their stuff.”

  “Yes, I did,” Roni stirred a sugar cube into her tea, “much to my parents’ chagrin. They wanted me to go to Pitt. That’s where I’m from.”

  Gina’s mouth opened in pleasant surprise. “No way. I’m from Bloomfield!”

  Roni grinned. “Little Italy? There’s a shocker. Technically, I’m from near Bethel Park, but no one usually knows what that means so I just say Pittsburgh.”

  Gina’s brow furrowed as she thought. “Bethel Park? Isn’t that...”

  “In the sticks? Yeah. I grew up on a dairy farm away from society.” She sipped her tea. “That’s how I got into books, actually. I didn’t like it there, nor was there anything to do that I liked. So, I read as an escape. Of course, it didn’t help that my brother, David, was there.” Roni contemplated the relationship she had with her brother. “I still kind of hate him.”

  “My brothers were okay to me growing up. I had to share a room with my brother, Enzo, until I was eleven, but then I got my own room because Antonio and Sal moved out. I was pretty close with Enzo, but having the quiet of my own space really gave me an appreciation of reading. It let me go to my own world. Then I kept reading once I enlisted in the Army. Where I was also surrounded by men.”

  Roni would have killed herself if she had to live that way. “My imagination isn’t vast enough to picture living with all of those different guys.”