Portia pulled Gloria to the settee and they sat down. “What makes you think it will be so bad?”
“When I get home, Josh will tell me about his first day at the unemployment office. How can I tell him about my promotion?”
“You make it sound as though you and Josh are in some kind of competition.”
“I don’t know what we’re doing, but I do know that my promotion reinforces just how much our lives have changed. Josh was supposed to be getting promoted.”
“I don’t think you’re giving Josh enough credit. He’ll support you in this. He may feel a tinge of envy, maybe even some hurt, but he’ll support you in this and be happy for you.”
“I hope you’re right,” Gloria sighed.
“I know I’m right. Now, when are you going to tell him?”
Gloria hedged. “I’ll tell him.”
“Tonight?”
Gloria smiled through her tears. “You don’t give up, do you?”
“Not when it comes to my favorite couple. Now, why don’t the four of us get together tonight for a celebration?”
“I’m not sure tonight is a good night. Not with Josh’s visit to the unemployment office today.”
“Why don’t you give Josh a call and see what he thinks? Maybe a night out is what you both need.” When Gloria would have restated her refusal, Portia added, “You don’t have to decide right now. Call me at home before seven and let me know. We’ll probably do dinner and dancing. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
Before Gloria could answer, the door opened and a woman walked into the bathroom. Gloria took that opportunity to walk over and check her face in the mirror. She expected to look like a raccoon, but her makeup was still intact. “We’d better get out of here, don’t you think?”
Portia grinned. “Why not? I’ve done all my screaming.” Portia got up from the settee and they left the bathroom. Before they parted for their respective offices, Portia said, “Don’t forget to call me. You and Josh will have a great time. Trust me.”
“I’ll call you, Portia. Promise.”
***
When Gloria got back to her office, she sat at her desk. This should be one of the happiest days of my life, she thought. Under normal circumstances, it would have been. But circumstances aren’t normal. They haven’t been normal for a while. God, when will things settle down? When will I stop walking on egg shells around my husband?
A knock on her office door brought her out of her thoughts. “I hear congratulations are in order,” Foster Dixon said.
Gloria smiled. She had known Foster for over five years. He was both a competitor and a friend. Once he had wanted more than friendship, but she was already in love with Josh. “Thanks, Foster. You didn’t have to drop by, you could have called. How did you hear?”
Foster walked fully into the office and took a seat. “I’ve known for a couple of weeks now. Thought I’d wait until you knew before I told you.”
“And you were able to keep a secret that long?”
“That’s me. Tight-lipped Dixon. I’m known far and wide for my ability to keep a confidence.”
Gloria chuckled. “You’re known far and wide for a lot of things, but I don’t think being tight-lipped is one of them. What’s the real reason you didn’t tell me?”
“Eleanor threatened me.”
“My boss told you before she told me?”
Foster nodded, smiling all the while. “How does it feel, Madam Vice President?”
Gloria gave a slight smile. “Quite honestly, I don’t feel anything right now, Foster.”
“That doesn’t sound like the Gloria I know. My guess was that you and Portia would be bouncing off the walls by now. I bet Portia is.”
Gloria laughed again, feeling more relaxed than she had felt in a long time. “You’re right. Portia is bouncing off the walls.”
Foster laughed then, a rich, full, male laugh, something Gloria had not heard around her house in a long time. “What’s keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground?” he asked.
“I’m excited, even if I’m a tad more reserved than my usual self.”
“I know about Josh.”
The statement surprised her. “It’s not a secret.”
“I was sorry to hear about it. He got a bad break.”
Gloria moved an inch away from him. She didn’t buy Foster’s sympathy. He and Josh were not friends. “Since when have you been concerned about Josh?”
“I’m not. I’m concerned about you and I know that you love Josh. I know that really well.”
If anyone knew of the depth of her love for Josh, it was Foster. He had tried everything thinkable to win her away from Josh, but nothing had worked. “There’s no need for you to be concerned about us. We’re both fine.”
“Your lips say that, but your eyes tell another story.”
Gloria debated discussing this with Foster. Maybe getting a man’s perspective would help. It took only a second for her to dismiss that idea. Another man’s perspective, maybe, but not Foster’s. She didn’t want to confuse things with them.
As if sensing her thoughts, Foster said, “I want to be your friend, Gloria. Nothing more. You chose Josh and I’ve accepted that.”
“Josh and I are fine, Foster.” Seeing the skeptical look in his eyes, she added, “Really.”
“I don’t believe you, but I care enough about you not to push it. Let me take you to lunch to celebrate your promotion.”
“No, thank you. That wouldn’t be wise.”
“Are you afraid to have lunch with me?” Before she could answer, he added, “If you need a chaperon, Portia can come with us. I know she won’t turn me down. How about it? Give a guy a break, will you?”
Gloria couldn’t resist his puppy dog expression. “You win. If Portia is free, we’ll go to lunch.”
Foster grinned then. “Who said Christmas comes but once a year? Having lunch with two gorgeous women makes any day Christmas for me.”
***
Gloria looked at her watch. Six-thirty. Josh was late. Today was the first day she had beaten him home since he lost his job. How much things had changed! A few short months ago, six- thirty would have been early for Josh to get home. No use thinking about that now, she thought. I just hope everything is all right.
She had already called Portia and told her that she and Josh wouldn’t make the celebration. She wanted to be alone with Josh when she told him anyway. If things went well, they could have a private celebration.
“Gloria,” she heard Josh call when he opened the door. “Where are you?”
She hadn’t heard his car. “I’m in the kitchen.”
She pulled off her apron and walked out of the kitchen to meet him. She was taken aback when she saw him. He practically beamed at her.
“Sorry, I’m late,” he said, gathering her in his arms. “I had a good day today.”
“I can tell. What happened? You look like you won the lottery?”
He kissed her on the lips. “I said I had a good day. If I had won the lottery, I think the word would be great.”
He brushed her lips with his again.
“Whatever happened today sure has you in a good mood,” she said. “You didn’t go to the unemployment office?”
Josh palmed her bottom and pulled her tighter against him. “Of course I went. I told you I was going, didn’t I?”
Gloria licked Josh’s lips. “But you weren’t too happy about it. It must not have been as bad as you expected.”
Josh wrapped his arms around her waist and walked her to the couch where they sat down. “It was worse. God, you’d think I was the scum of the earth.”
“You say that, but you don’t sound upset about it. What gives?”
“I met a guy in the unemployment office. We really hit it off. His name’s Elliot and he’s been out of work for almost a year.”
“What’s so special about this Elliot guy?” It was unlike Josh to be so excit
ed over meeting someone.
Josh shrugged. “It just felt good talking to someone in the same situation as me. Someone who understands how I feel.”
I’ve tried to understand, Gloria thought. “I’m glad for you.”
“Elliot was a middle manager at Welco Automotive. He lost his job when they shut down his division. That was eleven months ago.”
“And he hasn’t found a job yet? He can’t be too happy about that.”
“Of course he’s not happy about it, but he’s making the most of it. He and his wife, both. I told him that we’d have them over for dinner soon. His wife’s name is Marilyn. From the way he talked about her, I’m sure the two of you will hit it off.”
“You think so?” Gloria was skeptical. Josh had just met this Elliot guy and he was already inviting him over.
“I know so. You have something in common—out of work husbands.” Josh hugged her to him, adding, “I know this hasn’t been easy for you, Gloria. You probably need someone to talk with as much as I do.”
“You make it sound as if I’ve been suffering, Josh. It hasn’t been that bad.” At Josh’s skeptical look, she added, “Maybe a little.”
“It’s been more than a little, Gloria. You’ve said it before. Our lives are changing and we’ve had no power over it. Talking with Elliot today, I realized the feelings I’m having are normal.”
“Of course they’re normal. I’ve told you that.”
Josh caressed her shoulders. “I know you have, Gloria. You’ve been very supportive, but today with Elliot was different. We talked about fears, fears that only another man in the same situation could understand.”
“You can share your fears with me, Josh. I want you to,” Gloria said, her voice rising.
“I know you do and sometimes I’ve wanted to share them with you, but I was afraid. Afraid that you would think I was weak. Hell, I was afraid that I was weak. That’s why talking with Elliot helped so much. As I listened to his story, I accepted that he wasn’t weak, that he wasn’t a failure. Accepting him gave me room to accept myself. Can you understand that?”
Gloria nodded in understanding. Josh had found someone to share his deepest thoughts with and that someone was not her. She was happy for him, but she was also a little hurt that he hadn’t felt secure enough to share those things with her. “Of course I understand. I’m glad you and Elliot hit it off. When do you want to invite them over?”
“How about next week? I really want you to meet his wife. Did I tell you Elliot is starting a business?”
Gloria shook her head. “What business is he in?”
Josh proceeded to tell her about Elliot’s business. She heard his words, but she focused more on him than the words he was speaking. It had been a long time since she had seen him this excited, this animated.
“Marilyn knew about his dream, and when he couldn’t find work after looking for a while, she encouraged him to follow the dream.”
“She sounds like a remarkable woman. What kind of work does she do?”
Josh laughed. “You know, Elliot didn’t say and I didn’t ask. We’ll find out when they come over. Why don’t I call him now?”
“Sure. Call them. It won’t take much to prepare a small dinner party.”
Josh kissed her on the lips and got up from the couch. “Don’t worry about the preparation. I’m doing the cooking. All you have to do is show up. You can do that, can’t you, sweetheart?”
Gloria smiled at Josh’s lightheartedness and her jealousy toward his new friend vanished. She knew she was going to like Marilyn and Elliot. She already liked them. She’d never be able to repay Elliot for what he had done for Josh.
While Josh was on the phone, Gloria remembered that she hadn’t told Josh about her promotion. He was so happy tonight. Why bring that up now, she reasoned? “I’ll tell him later. When we’re in bed. After we’ve made love.”
***
It was six o’clock before Gloria arrived home Thursday night. “I’m sorry I’m late, Josh.”
“No problem, sweetheart. Everything is under control. Elliot and Marilyn won’t be here for another hour. Why don’t you change and relax?”
Gloria dropped down in one of the kitchen chairs. “God, I’m tired. Do you know what I’d like? A nice, hot, relaxing bubble bath.”
“Why don’t you do it? You have plenty of time. Relax. I want you to have a good time tonight.”
The promotion, Gloria reminded herself, tell him about the promotion. “There’s something I want to talk to you about first. It’s important.”
“Not so important that it won’t wait until you’re out of the bath. Now get to it.”
“But, Josh . . .”
Josh took Gloria by both arms and pulled her from her chair. “No buts allowed. Tonight is for fun and relaxation.”
Gloria didn’t resist because she didn’t want to. She should have told Josh about her promotion last night, but the right moment had never come. It had probably been the right moment all night, but she hadn’t wanted to chance spoiling their interlude. She had given herself the same excuse since she’d learned of her promotion a week ago. Josh had been his old self again and she had reveled in it. He was still like his old self now. “Okay, Josh, I’m going to my bath now, but we’ll talk when I’m out.”
“Fine. We’ll talk when you’re out. Now get out of here.”
***
Josh walked into the bedroom a while later and found Gloria standing in the doorway of her closet, dressed in her bathrobe. “Sweetheart, they’re here. Why aren’t you dressed?”
Gloria pulled dress after dress out of the closet. “I know they’re here. I heard the bell. Why didn’t you wake me?”
“How was I supposed to know you were asleep? I thought you were taking a leisurely bath.”
“That’s the problem. It was too leisurely. I fell asleep in the tub. Now I’m not ready and I don’t have a thing to wear.”
Josh looked from the pile of dresses on the bed to the full closet and shook his head. “Well, I’m sure you’ll find something, but hurry it up, okay?”
Gloria dropped another dress on the bed. “Go back down and entertain them, Josh. I’ll find something to wear.”
He walked to the door. “Don’t be too long. They’re waiting to meet you.”
Josh walked down the stairs to the living room and his guests. “You’ll never guess what happened? She fell asleep and now she’s scrambling to get dressed?”
“You’re probably going to get in trouble for telling us that, Josh,” Marilyn said from her seat on the couch.
“That’s only if she finds out,” Josh responded.
“You know women, Josh, they stick together. Marilyn will tell her.”
“I will not, Elliot. You’re so bad.”
Josh watched the couple’s playful interchange. Once again, he told himself that meeting Elliot had been a good thing for him. For them. He could see the lives of the two couples intertwined for a while. He smiled at the thought.
“What are you thinking about, Josh?” Marilyn asked.
“He’s probably wondering where his tardy wife is,” Gloria answered from the doorway. “I’m sorry I’m late, everybody. It’s all Josh’s fault.”
Elliot laughed first, then Josh joined in. “How is it my fault?”
Gloria gave Marilyn a “you know men” look, then extended her hand. “I’m Gloria and I’m glad to finally meet you. Josh has done nothing but talk about you and Elliot since they met.”
Josh walked up behind Gloria, placing his arm around her waist. “And that guy over there is her worse half. Elliot, meet my better half, Gloria.”
Elliot shook Gloria’s hand. “Josh talks a lot about you, too,” he said. “I see he didn’t exaggerate your beauty.”
At Gloria’s blush, Josh added, “We’re fortunate men. How did a couple of ugly mugs like us get such beautiful women?”
Marilyn spoke to Gloria. “Only me
n secure in their looks talk like that. Sometimes it’s burdensome being married to such an attractive man.”
Gloria agreed. Marilyn and Elliot were an attractive couple. The petite Marilyn was much shorter than Elliot. She fit under his arm perfectly. Elliot was an inch or two taller than Josh but in Gloria’s opinion, he was nowhere near as attractive. “I know what you mean, but let’s not tell them we’ve noticed that they aren’t exactly a pair of dogs,” Gloria whispered loud enough for the men to hear. “We don’t want their heads to swell.”
Josh released Gloria and motioned to Elliot. “Since our women are talking about us like we’re not here, why don’t you follow me to the kitchen. I prepared the dinner; you can help me serve it.”
***
Gloria and Marilyn watched their husbands leave the room. “They’re good guys, aren’t they?” Marilyn said.
Gloria smiled. “I think I’ll keep mine. You know why they left us alone, don’t you?”
“Yes, I know. Elliot had done nothing but talk about Josh since they met. It’s very important to them that we like each other.”
“I know. Josh has never taken to anyone the way he’s taken to Elliot.”
“It’s the same with Elliot. You’d think he and Josh had known each other for years.”
Both women were silent for a minute. “It’s the job loss, isn’t it?” Gloria asked softly.
Marilyn nodded. “In all the time that Elliot has been out of a job, I never considered his need for a support group. I thought I was enough support for him. I thought he was doing fine, but I’ve seen the difference in him since he’s met Josh.”
“The same with Josh. I never thought it could make such a difference.”
“I admit to feeling a twinge of jealousy when Elliot first began talking about Josh, but now I’m beginning to understand.”
“I was jealous too.” Gloria smiled at Marilyn, then added, “He said you and I would get along and I think he’s right.”
“Has it been hard for you?”
Gloria didn’t have to ask what Marilyn was talking about. “The hardest thing I’ve ever faced. If there were something I could do, we could do, to change the situation, it wouldn’t be so bad. It’s the helplessness that kills me.”
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