Weekends

by Lindy S Hudis

  "What are we supposed to wear tonight?” Angela was rummaging through her weekend clothes.

  "I don't know—something casual, I guess. I'm not dressing up.” Beverly said between puffs. “What do you think Allison will think of that?” Angela raised an eyebrow.

  "I really could give less shit.” Beverly exclaimed.

  "Now, now! She is your mother.” Angela mocked. Beverly knew that she'd go mad if her girlfriend was not there to save her sanity. She could just hear her mother now; ‘Piglet this’ and ‘Piglet that', ‘sit up straight', ‘eat slowly', ‘don't talk with your mouth full.’ Even though Beverly and Paul were twenty-two and twenty, Allison still talked to them like they were three.

  Allison had tried that shit on Angela, without much success—Angela just ignored the selfish woman. As somebody who had been on her own since she was seventeen, Angela had no desire whatsoever to be mothered, especially by someone as smug as Allison Collins. Allison was a lady who had never done a hard day's work in her life, and Angela had absolutely nothing in common with her. Angela felt the feeling was mutual, and that Allison just tolerated her daughter's best school friend. If Allison only knew, Angela thought, that would be too funny.

  Angela selected a simple, white, cotton t-shirt, blue jeans, her red cowboy boots, and silver, heart shaped earrings. She wondered if people would think she was a cousin, too. Or maybe a long lost sister. She wished that she could just come out and say that she was Beverly's lesbian lover and shock the hell out of them, but she didn't want to embarrass anyone, especially Beverly.

  Beverly stubbed out her cigarette, jumped off the bed, and grinned. “I have a sudden burst of energy. I'm ready to handle anything, even dear old Mom,” she shouted.

  "Good, I have a feeling you're going to need all the energy you can get for this evening. I know I'll need it.” Angela retrieved her makeup bag and began to apply mascara.

  "Maybe you could use a good, stiff drink. You can get loaded if you want. I can't.” Beverly said, putting her chin on her lover's shoulder

  "Sure you can.” Angela told her. “If there are people around for Allison to impress, she won't even know you're alive."

  "Your mouth to God's ears.” Beverly thought that the idea of getting a cool buzz sounded terrific, especially if mom wasn't around. Also being in their own room on the beach, that sounded wonderful.

  "Getting drunk and crazy? Where have I heard that one before?” Angela said. They smiled knowingly at each other.

  Just before their lips met, the bathroom door flew open and a stark-naked Paul came flying out. “Taa daa! Make way for the stud!” he exclaimed, grinning triumphantly. The girls giggled. Paul ran to the window giving the girl on the beach a thrill.

  "Oh, if Mom could see her little all-star, baseball player, angel boy now!” Beverly teased.

  "You need to get your ass in the shower, we have to meet Mom and Dad at four-thirty, remember?” Paul was jerking on his boxer shorts.

  "Why?” Beverly smirked.

  "Gotta meet your Uncle John.” Angela chimed in a singsong voice. Paul rolled his eyes. They hadn't seen their uncles or cousins in a very long time, since they were little kids. They were all curious to see them, and a little nervous, for neither knew what to expect. Angela noticed that Beverly was lost in thought and decided to wrap her arms around her lover.

  "It'll be okay. I promise.” Angela told her gently.

  "I hope so.” Beverly had her doubts about that.

  * * * *

  Shauna opened her eyes and looked up just in time to see the big guy with all the muscles flash her from the window of the little villas adjacent to the beach. She smiled to herself. The thought of a sexy naked man made her thoughts turn again to Robert. She wondered how his divorce was going and when they were going to get married. Robert had promised her they would be one day. She rolled over on her back and stared up at the sky, wondering what time it was. She was to report to her father sometime that afternoon to meet her long-lost aunts, uncles, and cousins. Then everybody would attend a dinner, they were about fifty people or something like that.

  The salty air and the sound of the sea was more soothing that anything else in the world she had ever known. The thought of putting in a transfer to U.C.L.A. was mighty tempting, but not possible. Even if there were any money to make the move, her father would go to pieces at the thought of his baby going across the country and leaving him. Her fantasy was that Robert would move out with her and they would live happily ever after in Hollywood, the very place where dreams come true. Who knew, maybe she would become a famous actress too. She sat up, and snapped her mind back into reality. Oh well, it's a nice way to pass the time. The sand in her bathing suit was starting to itch, and it was almost time to meet her father. She gathered her things and sauntered up the beach to the hotel, lost in thought.

  Back in the room, all was not so tranquil. Michael had discovered the mini-bar in the corner and helped himself. He had gotten quite tipsy in the process. As soon as Shauna walked through the door, he verbally attacked her.

  "You're such a fuckin’ bitch, Shauna.” he shouted violently. She ignored him. She had put up with this abuse for years. “Where the fuck have you been? Answer me!” he demanded, thrusting his chest at her.

  "Fuck off, Michael, none of your business.” she snapped back. She looked around and noticed that Michael, in a drunken stupor, had also trashed the room—clothes and garbage lay everywhere, along with the empty bottles of booze from the mini-bar.

  "You need a shrink, Michael. You need help,” she yelled.

  "Fuck you, cunt!” he screamed. He began to throw things, and she sought refuge in the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Deep down, she was scared of her brother. She honestly believed that he was indeed crazy. He was prone to violent rages and alcohol-induced fits, and on more than one occasion, attacking her physically with her father having to come to her aid.

  She tried to tune out his ranting and raving she heard through the door by turning on the shower. Stepping out of her simple little swimsuit, she got in, the warm water offered some relief from the noise Michael made. She wondered if the people in the next rooms could hear, and if so would they call the front office to complain? That thought was pretty funny. He more than deserved it. He only carried out his anger on her.

  She relaxed as the hot liquid ran down her shoulders and stomach, the steam slowly filled the air. She wished desperately that she could share this weekend with the love of her life, but he could only be here in her dreams. She thought how crazy it would be if he was indeed here, but of course, if he was here, then his wife would be too.

  She wondered for a minute if Michael was right, and that life sucked. Michael was convinced that only the rich got richer and the poor got poorer, and that only the “privileged” got the breaks. She did not wish to think that way. Stay positive, Shauna thought. Life was incredible, and wonderful things did happen. At least she was waiting for them to.

  * * * *

  Joe strode through the lobby of the hotel making his way to the elevator. Every female eye in the place seemed to follow him. Wherever he went, women froze—then they melted.

  "Hi!” a tall, middle-aged redhead was waiting for the elevator with him. “Are you a guest here?” He nodded, “Yes, I'm here with my parents."

  "Not here with your wife?” she winked.

  "I'm not married, not yet.” he smiled. The elevator finally came and they both stepped inside. She held out her hand. “I'm Carol, here from San Francisco for a little R and R. How about you?” Joe shook her hand politely. “I'm from Beverly Hills, here for a family reunion. I'd love to have a little R and R, but I gotta be the good son, ya’ know.” Joe explained. Carol chucked. The elevator arrived at the third floor, and the gold plated doors slid open. “Well, I gotta run. Nice to meet you, Carol.” he said civilly.

  She smiled seductively, shaking her mane of red hair. “I'm in Room 412, come by later for a drink? Maybe?” she asked as Joe stepped out o
f the elevator.

  "Sorry, I gotta do the family thing. Enjoy the rest of your weekend,” he told her, watching her woeful expression as the elevator doors closed. He searched the elaborately decorated hallway for Suite 326. He found the door open and his mother, dressed to the nines, giving instructions to the hotel caterer about how the hors ‘d'oeuvres should be arranged.

  "Joey-Bear!” Joyce went to hug her son. “Your uncle is coming up right now. Isn't this exciting? Long-lost family."

  Joe made himself comfortable in the spacious suite, and helped himself to a Budweiser.

  Joyce was busying herself with John's tie, John did look very distinguished. This powerful man was actually anxious to see his brother for the first time in ten years.

  "John? Johnny?” A voice came from the doorway. A man who looked like a younger, careworn version of John was standing there.

  "Stephen, hey!” John went to hug his brother. “Long time no see, huh? Joe, come see your Uncle Stephen and cousins.” He beckoned his son over.

  "You remember ‘Little Joey'?” John put an arm around Joe.

  "Hello, Uncle Stephen. Nice to see you again.” Joe politely shook his uncle's hand. Lots of hugs and hellos were exchanged. Joe was glad he was drinking a beer—this was not a night to be sober.

  "Joe, you remember your cousins, Shauna and Michael, don't you?” Joe nodded his head.

  Uncle Stephen yelled out the door down the hallway, “Hey, guys! Hurry up, will ya. Come see the family."

  While his mother was offering his uncle something to drink, Joe's cousins appeared. He vaguely remembered Shauna and Michael. Shauna had grown into a beautiful young girl, with piercing, brown eyes. He put his beer down and went over to greet her, smiling. She smiled back. “Remember me?” Joe gave her a hug. “Well, you sure have grown up."

  Shauna blushed. “So have you, ‘Little Joey'.” she said.

  "Please, I'm not ‘Little Joey’ anymore. Come on in, you guys.” Shauna followed him into the suite, as a sullen Michael ambled in.

  "Joe, you remember my brother, Michael, don't you?” Shauna asked, waving her brother over.

  "Hi, Michael” Joe extended his hand to him.

  "Yeah, whatever.” Michael pushed passed Joe into the suite and plopped himself into a quiet corner. Joe glanced over at his cousin, who shot him a nasty look.

  "Friendly guy.” Joe observed.

  Shauna looked embarrassed. “Don't mind him.” she shrugged. “He hasn't had his ration of raw meat yet today.” Joe laughed. His radiant smile captivated her, and his sky blue eyes literally sparkled. Shauna shifted nervously. She did not remember her cousin being so gorgeous. He was just a skinny kid when they last saw each other. She definitely didn't remember those incredible eyes. She wished she could think of more to say. Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud screech.

  Her Aunt Allison had arrived and was making her appearance known. “Big Johnny!” Allison said as she ran to John, throwing her arms around him.

  "Hey, little sis! How goes it?” John picked her up in an embracing hug.

  Joe looked over at his other cousins, then turned to Shauna. “I guess we'd better go be social,” he said, taking a sip of his Bud.

  "Yeah.” Shauna agreed. They headed over.

  Beverly, Angela, and Paul glanced around the suite. “Some spread.” Paul whispered to Angela. “No kidding!” she replied.

  Joe approached Beverly. “Hi, Cuz."

  Beverly recognized him immediately. “Hi Joe-Joe, how have you been?"

  He grinned. “Now that's a name I haven't been called in years. I've already been called ‘Little Joey’ once already.” Joe motioned playfully to Shauna.

  "Hi, Cousin Beverly.” Shauna smiled shyly.

  Beverly's eyes went wide with a smile, she went to hug her cousin. “Shauna! Hey little one, what's up with you?” Shauna had kept in touch with her through the years via letters, and she really was glad to see her.

  "I'm going to college in New York.” Shauna told her cousin.

  "I know, Mom told me. You must meet Angela. She is going to college in New York in the fall.” Beverly called Angela over.

  Paul glanced over at Joe, and extended his hand. “So, Cousin Joe, how's life treating you?"

  Joe shook his hand. “I hear you are going to play some pro-ball?"

  Paul smiled broadly “Yup, L.A. Dodgers."

  "Excellent, dude! Good for you!” Joe was impressed.

  Angela appeared. She and Joe locked eyes. “Is this a new cousin I haven't met yet?” Joe asked.

  "No, this is my friend, Angela.” Paul introduced. Angela looked at Joe and nodded. Man, could he turn a lesbian straight! she thought. This guy is scrumptious. She couldn't take her eyes off him.

  "Nice to meet you, Angela. Welcome to our family circus.” Joe gestured with his arms.

  Angela laughed. “That's what I hear.” Why was a lesbian staring at this sexy hunk of a man?

  Beverly turned to Shauna. “So, what college are your going to?"

  Shauna hung her head. “Just a junior college in upstate New York, no biggie."

  "Hey, that's great. Be proud that you are going to school. Angela is going to go to N.Y.U.” Beverly told her. Shauna lowered her eyes. “I could never get in to N.Y.U."

  Beverly put a friendly arm around her younger cousin. “You and your self-esteem issues. We are going to have a talk about that this weekend, you hear me? Hey, is your jerk of a brother here too?"

  Shauna motioned with her head toward Michael. “He's right over there being Mr. Social Butterfly.” Shauna told her. Beverly glanced over to a scowling Michael, ignoring the festivities. “We're gonna have a talk about that too.” Beverly told her young cousin knowingly.

  Shauna pleaded. “Please, don't start any trouble. We haven't seen you guys in a long time. Just be cool, okay?"

  Beverly looked at her. “No trouble, I promise. I'll be cool as Kool-Aid."

  Shauna wasn't so sure about that.

  Joyce proceeded over to the group. “Hey guys, are you going to stand in the doorway all night? Come in and party!” she announced, slightly tipsy from the red wine.

  "We're just saying hi, Mom. Come on, let's raid the food.” Joe motioned everybody in.

  "Sounds good to me.” Paul chimed in. They gathered at the hors ‘d’ oeuvres table and helped themselves.

  Allison appeared, a silent Uncle Patrick trailing behind. “Now Kiddies, let's not fill up too much on these snacks. We have dinner at seven. Oh, Piggie? Did you say hi to your Uncle John and Aunt Joyce?” she chirped, pulling a piece of lint off of her daughter's sweater.

  "I'll be right over, Mom.” Beverly answered. Allison fussed with Beverly's hair and skittered away.

  "Piggie? And I thought Joey-Bear was bad.” Joe chuckled.

  Beverly rolled her eyes. “Mom thinks Paul and I are still toddlers. Well, I'd better go over and say hi to your dad.” Beverly went to hug John.

  Meanwhile, Shauna inspected a piece of sushi. “Umm, what's this?” she held it up and sniffed it.

  "That's a spicy tuna roll. Ever had that before?” Joe explained to her as Paul chowed down.

  "Is it raw fish?” she asked warily.

  "Just pop it in your mouth.” Paul said between bites. Shauna put the sushi in her mouth and immediately gagged. She spit it out into a napkin and threw it in the garbage. Joe and Paul snickered.

  "It's an acquired taste.” Joe smiled.

  "Ick. I'll just have some crackers,” said Shauna, reaching for some melba toast.

  Joe glanced around the room and noticed that Michael was still staring out the window. What a jerk, Joe thought to himself. He toyed with the idea of having a little word with Michael about how rude he was being. Looking over at his father and his Uncle Stephen drinking, laughing and having a good time reminiscing he decided against it out of respect for his father. He'd just let it go and be civil.

  Angela turned to Joe. “So, are you the one from Beverly Hills? The writer?"


  "Yes and no. Yes, I'm from Beverly Hills, and no, I'm not a writer. I just graduated from film school.” Angela seemed interested. “Which one?"

  "N.Y.U.” Joe answered. Angela's eyes widened.

  "Hey, I'm going to N.Y.U. Med-school in the fall.” she told him, unable to take her gaze away.

  "Excellent!” Joe exclaimed. Angela stifled a giggle.

  "Dude! Excellent! Wow, you people from L.A. really talk like that,” she said. Joe glanced at her. “Really? And where are you from?” he asked, eyes smiling.

  "Greenwich, Connecticut. But we call each other dude, too.” Angela laughed out loud at her own joke.

  As Joe looked around for his missing beer, Angela gazed at him. She had never seen a man so sexy and attractive in her life, and had never seen eyes so gamey. She felt a tingling sensation below the belt that she previously only had felt for females. Getting turned on by a man? This is something quite new.

  "You're staring.” Paul bent down to whisper in her ear. “And you don't even like guys.” Angela jerked her glance away. “No, I wasn't.” she said, but knowing that, indeed, she was.

  Joe changed the subject. “So, who wants a drink?"

  "Me!” Angela grinned, reaching for some sushi.

  "Me too!” Paul chimed in.

  "What about you?” Joe glanced over to Shauna.

  "Just a Coke for me. My father would flip if I had any alcohol,” she said.

  "Sweetie, you are on vacation. One glass of wine won't kill you.” Angela poured some in a glass for her.

  What the hell, Shauna thought, a little wine won't hurt anything. She took the glass from Angela and swallowed a little gulp. “So, how do you know Beverly?” Shauna asked while Angela was pouring herself some wine.

  "We were college roommates.” Angela answered curtly.

  "Are you two close friends?” Shauna inquired, eyes questioning. Angela ignored the question and turned to Paul.

  "What are you having?” Angela asked, changing the subject.

  "Not sure. Joe, what are you drinking?” Paul asked. Joe held up his bottle of Bud. “Sounds good to me, I'll have the same.” Paul grinned.

  "Once a frat boy, always a frat boy.” Angela shook her head and handed Paul his beer. All around them were the sounds and activities of happy reunions. Hugs, laughter, shrieks, and lots and lots of ‘remember when's’ and ‘how about that time's'. All and all, it was a lovely scene, with the exception of a miserable-looking Michael pouting in the corner. He was very unhappy to be there, and he did not care who knew it. With his arms folded in front of him, he sat alone. He was still a little buzzed from his afternoon drinking binge, and his headache only intensified his bad mood. He watched his slut sister kissing up to the good looking, rich, spoiled, Beverly Hills brat, and his father doing the same. He decided he was not going to join the rest of them for dinner and abruptly got up heading for the door. Shauna spied her brother leaving.