Fat Fridays

by Judith Keim

  “Let me know when you do. We women have to show support for one another. Don’t bother to come in to work today. Just take the day off and get some rest.”

  Relieved, Sukie hung up. There was no way she could concentrate on her job today.

  Tiffany called her boss and learned neither Betsy nor Carol Ann was coming into the office.

  “I’ll get dressed and go downstairs to get rid of the news people,” Sukie said. “They’ll hang around until someone speaks to them.”

  Tiffany grabbed her arm. “Sukie? I can’t go out there. You understand, don’t you?”

  Sukie nodded. “Don’t worry about it. I know how Beau’s family is about publicity—especially something nasty like this. Before I do anything, though, I’ve got to call my children and let them know I’m all right.”

  The phone rang. It was Rob. Sukie filled him in on all that had happened.

  Rob cleared his throat. “Thank God, you’re all right. I love you, Mom.”

  Tears stung Sukie’s eyes. He hadn’t said that to her since the divorce. “I love you, too, honey.”

  Sukie hung up with him, dialed Elizabeth’s cell and waited for her to pickup. After four rings, Elizabeth’s recorded voice came on, and Sukie was forced to leave a message. She’d call Cam later, after he got Chloe to daycare.

  Pulling her clothes on, Sukie wondered what she should say to the press. Realizing she had no choice, she went outside to talk to them. Bill Michaels and two of his men had appeared and stood ready on the sidelines.

  A female reporter pushed her way to Sukie and held a mike under her nose. “What’s your reaction to the attempted murder? How long have you known Lynn Hodges? Did you know that wasn’t her real name? Was it your fault that she was almost killed on your property?”

  Sukie reeled back on her heels as the reporter’s words sunk in. My God! Was it her fault Lynn was almost killed? If she hadn’t called the meeting, maybe Lynn wouldn’t have been shot. The thought made Sukie dizzy. She grabbed onto the porch railing, fighting for balance.

  Catching a steadying breath, Sukie spoke as clearly as she could. “Lynn Hodges or Grace Jamison is a wonderful woman who was not allowed to live a normal life because of her ex-husband’s stalking. Like so many women in this country, her life was ruined by the violence of a man. I don’t wish to say anything more at this time except to ask you to respect our privacy and to pray for Lynn’s full recovery.”

  “Wait! Tiffany Wright is part of your group. Isn’t that Judge Wright’s daughter-in-law? There’s talk of marital problems there. Why was she here and not at home?” said a man, whose smirk irritated Sukie.

  Stunned by his brazen cruelty, Sukie backed away from the reporters. “No further comment.”

  She turned and hurried back inside the house, feeling as if she’d had her clothes ripped off. So much for trying to cooperate with the press, Sukie thought sourly. They could damn well find all the information they needed in the sheriff’s report.

  Sukie went into the kitchen, made a fresh pot of coffee, and called Betsy and Carol Ann. They all agreed to meet at Betsy’s house for a different kind of Fat Fridays lunch.

  After talking to Cam, Sukie phoned the hospital and spoke to the nurse on the surgical floor, hoping to talk to Lynn.

  “Grace is still pretty doped up from the medicine, and the doctor is with her now,” the nurse informed Sukie. “Hold on and I’ll try to get a message to her.”

  The nurse came back on the phone a few minutes later. “Sorry. She couldn’t take the call, but she asked if you all could come see her tomorrow.”

  Sukie was disappointed, but she understood. “We’ll be there tomorrow morning.”

  “Sure thing,” said the nurse. “She just needs a little time.”

  With the Sheriff’s help, most of the press left Sukie’s yard. A few hours later Betsy greeted Sukie and Tiffany at her door, her expression somber. “Do you realize this is the only time Lynn hasn’t shown up for one of our get-togethers? Damn! I still can’t get over the whole thing.”

  When they walked out to the screened porch, Carol Ann was already seated at the table. She gave them a forlorn wave and dabbed at her eyes. “Lynn couldn’t take my call.”

  Sukie took a seat. “I told the nurse we’d be there tomorrow morning.”

  “Well, I’m glad we’re together today,” said Betsy, “though I keep imagining Lynn will appear soon. But she’s here in spirit, right?”

  Sukie nodded and waved her hand for attention. “I have an idea about raising money to cover her expenses. We can set up a fund for her at Citizens Bank and notify the newspapers and the television stations. The story has caught the attention of all of them. I know the Chairman of the bank. I’m willing to call him and start it off with a donation of my own.”

  “Perfect,” said Carol Ann. “Lynn’s quiet and reserved, but I think she’d appreciate this.”

  “Me, too,” said Betsy. “It’s a simple sincere outpouring of good wishes.”

  “We’ll keep it very tasteful,” agreed Tiffany.

  Planning the fund drive seemed to help each of them cope with what they’d experienced. By the time Sukie left Betsy’s house mid-afternoon, she was more at peace. Still, there was something she needed to do for herself.

  She drove to Rob and Madeleine’s house.

  Madeleine greeted her at the door and gave Sukie an extra long embrace. “I’m so sorry about what happened, Sukie. Is Lynn going to be all right?”

  Sukie nodded. “We think so. Can I spend some time with my grandson?”

  Madeleine smiled. “I thought you might be by. I’ve put him in a new outfit, just for you. Come on. He’s been fed so he should be ready for a good cuddle.” She grinned. “And it will give me time for a shower. I haven’t had a chance before now.”

  Remembering baby-filled days like that, Sukie smiled and followed Madeleine upstairs to the nursery.

  Jonathan lay asleep in his crib looking like a miniature version of Rob, his mouth still working as if he were nursing. Sukie picked him up and held him close to her chest. As he nestled against her, a sense of comfort swept through Sukie. Life was unpredictable. Death was a part of it, but so was new life. Sukie clung to that thought as she sat in the rocker and held him, moving back and forth in a soothing rhythm.

  Sukie awoke with a start as Madeleine lifted Jonathan out of her arms.

  “I’m sorry...” Sukie began.

  “No, no. I’m glad you got some rest, Sukie. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through.”

  Madeleine put Jonathan down in his crib and they walked downstairs together, in tune with each other.

  That evening, Sukie had dinner at Cam’s house. Being with him, hugging Chloe to her, Sukie marveled at how lucky she was. Almost a year ago, she’d been certain her life would never be happy again. Fate had chosen a different future for her and had kept her from a bullet.

  “Be safe,” Cam whispered as he held her before she left to go home. “If anything happened to you...”

  “Sssh, I love you,” Sukie said, silencing his fears with a finger on his lips. Somehow, Sukie knew they’d be given time to enjoy what they had, even if they had to fight for it.

  ###

  Sukie and Tiffany picked up Betsy and Carol Ann for the trip to Roswell. Driving the car, Sukie could hardly wait to see Lynn for herself. Her voice had been weak but filled with relief when Sukie had spoken to her earlier that morning.

  At the hospital, they were directed to Lynn’s room on the second floor. Betsy knocked lightly on the door, and they tiptoed inside.

  Lynn lay asleep on the bed, her face almost as white as the sheets. Her shoulder area beneath the hospital gown and extending out from the bandages was bruised and swollen. An IV was taped to the back of one hand, which lay limp atop the sheets. Sensing their movement, Lynn’s eyes flashed open. A smile slowly spread across her face, adding needed color to her cheeks.

  Sukie rushed to Lynn’s side. “You saved my life, Lynn! How can I
ever thank you?” She leaned over and kissed Lynn gently on a flushed cheek.

  Lynn patted Sukie’s hand awkwardly. “Call me Grace. It’s over—just like the sonuvabitch said.” She gave Sukie a weak grin. Relieved to see such spirit, Sukie smiled back.

  Carol Ann placed a vase of flowers she’d brought on the nightstand next to Grace’s bed. Betsy handed Grace a box of chocolates. Tiffany took hold of Grace’s hand and reached out to Carol Ann. They all held hands, surrounding Grace’s bed like a circle of protection.

  They’d each faced challenges and become stronger. Thinking of herself, Sukie couldn’t imagine her life without Cam and Chloe. These women had helped her understand she should simply enjoy the almost magical relationship she shared with Cam, that it was worth striving for and keeping, and that she deserved it.

  She gazed with affection at the others. She wasn’t sure what the future held for them, but she knew whatever challenges came their way, the women of the Fat Fridays group would survive—together.

  Thanks for reading Fat Fridays. I hope you enjoyed the women’s stories. Readers are already asking for more and I’m sure they will appear again. If you enjoyed this book, please help other readers discover it by leaving a review on Amazon, Goodreads or your favorite site.

  Enjoy an excerpt from my forthcoming book, WINNING BIG (A unique little love story for all ages). This writer believes finding love is essential for all creatures, big and little, and that true love fulfills us and comforts us in a way unlike any other. The story is to be shared with others of all sizes, shapes, colors and backgrounds in the hopes that they, too, find happiness and true love. So enjoy the story of Theodore and Lila, mice who find true love while saving The Winston Hotel.

  Readers are calling it a charming, fun, story and the perfect gift for all lovers of romance and happy endings!

  WINNING BIG – a little love story for all ages

  CHAPTER ONE

  Standing beside the entrance to the glitzy beachside hotel in Florida, Theodore Tailer straightened his coat, doffed his hat and took a deep bow. “Welcome to The Winston, sir.”

  The man’s huge black shoes marched by Theodore’s brown furry body without missing a step. He shot a disappointed look at his grandfather, who nodded his gray mouse head.

  “It’s all right, son. This hotel is as much ours as anyone else’s, and you did the right thing by greeting him properly. That’s what I’ve been doing for years. Now it’s your turn.”

  Theodore ran a paw over his whiskers and took a deep breath. It was an honor to be selected as the doorman representing the mice in the building. The demanding guests arriving here weren’t always aware of the smaller guests accompanying them, but they, too, needed to be given a suitable welcome.

  It was true, though, that if any mouse was ever discovered in the people’s part of the hotel, they would all be eliminated. That was a scary thought for Theodore, who had to do his job discreetly.

  A white stretch limo pulled up to the hotel’s entrance.

  “Here she comes. Zanna Loverly,” prompted Grandfather. “She deserves extra special attention not only as a movie star but because she’s such a nice human.”

  A short, curvy woman with long, blond hair stepped out of the car and waved to everyone. Her bright red lips curved pleasantly as people stopped what they were doing and stared. A young girl rushed over to her and asked for an autograph. Zanna cheerfully complied before preparing to go inside.

  Theodore doffed his hat and took a deep bow. “Welcome to The Winston, Ma’am.”

  Grandfather coughed and shook his head. “Never call a movie star Ma’am, no matter how old she is. They like Miss much better.”

  In awe, Theodore stared up, up, up at the well-known starlet’s face. Zanna’s silver heels tapped the entrance’s marble floor in a loud staccato as she strode inside. The smell of flowers followed her.

  Grandfather nudged Theodore. “Here comes the one I’ve been waiting for. Her name is Lila. She goes everywhere with Zanna. ”

  Theodore straightened, prepared to bow.

  A white mouse wearing a pink boa and a sparkly pink dress jumped out of the limousine, scampered toward the bushes, then sashayed toward the mouse’s entrance.

  “Welcome to The Winston,” said Theodore, mesmerized by the prettiest mouse he’d ever seen. Her eyes were the palest pink, her tiny nose a shade darker. She arched her tail in a perky pose, and stopped, looking him over ever so closely.

  “I-I hope you have a lovely stay,” stammered Theodore. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. Anything at all.”

  “Humph.” Her nostrils flared the tiniest bit. She lifted her nose. Without a backward glance, she walked behind the bushes alongside the hotel’s main entrance and into the special revolving door for mice. Theodore watched as she kept pace with the door’s circular movement by doing a delicate tip-toed dance.

  “Ahhhh,” sighed Theodore. His heart pounded in his chest. She was...lovely, he thought, caressing the word in his mind.

  “Never, never, do that,” grumped Grandfather, jarring Theodore out of his trance. “You acted like you wanted to date her. She’s a guest. You’re just the doorman. Understand?” He stared at Theodore. “Now get that dreamy expression off your face.”

  Theodore blinked. “But she’s the most beautiful mouse I’ve ever seen.”

  Grandfather shook a paw at him. “There are a lot of beautiful creatures here at The Winston. You’re going to see many of them. However, a good doorman remembers his place and is always a gentleman.” He stopped talking as several pairs of scruffy sneakers raced by.

  “Wel...” Before Theodore could squeak out the rest of his greeting, the sneakers disappeared from view with several noisy slaps of the pavement.

  “Don’t worry about them.” Grandfather clapped Theodore’s shoulder. “They’re kids out of control and without any manners. Oh, yes. Your life is about to change forever with this job.” He let out a laugh that wasn’t altogether merry.

  Theodore’s brow creased with worry. No matter how hard the work was, he had to succeed. After his father’s untimely death, he was in charge of the family. His mother was counting on him to provide a safe place for her and his thirteen siblings and to make sure they had plenty to eat. Working as the doorman at The Winston would ensure that.

  A long black limousine glided up to the front entrance. The driver stopped the car, got out, and ran around to the back door. He opened it with a flourish.

  Theodore held his breath.

  Long tan legs, above a pair of red spike-heeled shoes, emerged from the limo. The dark-haired woman who stepped onto the sidewalk was as beautiful as Zanna Loverly, but a frown marred her brow. When someone started to approach her, she waved them away.

  A small white fluffy dog leaped out of the car with a yap.

  “The dog! Get the dog!” the glamorous woman ordered the driver. “Here, Fifi!”

  The dog ignored her mistress and headed right for Theodore, a murderous look in her eye.

  Theodore froze with shock.

  Grandfather grabbed Theodore’s arm and jerked him inside the mouse entrance. From behind the glass of the tiny revolving door, Theodore shrank from the dog’s ferocious scowl as she barked and barked. The driver picked up the dog and handed her over to her mistress. Safe for the moment, Theodore’s body still trembled as he observed the woman rain a number of kisses on the dangerous little dog.

  From behind the glass door, Grandfather clucked his tongue. “Pampered dogs like that can be a nuisance. We must be alert to them.”

  “Who is that lady?”

  Grandfather’s lip curled. “Simone Skinner. She’s Zanna Loverly’s arch enemy. I wonder why they’re here together. It can’t be good.”

  Another black limousine pulled up out front. Theodore checked to make sure the dog was safely in the lobby, then, he hurried outside to ensure any small guests would be properly greeted.

  Two gentlemen exited the car. One was a short heavy
-set man whose gray hair formed a long, curly fringe around his head. The other was a movie star Theodore recognized. With his muscular body, bad boy reputation and easy smile, Rocky Strong was everyone’s favorite hero. Theodore’s mother was a big fan.

  “Who’s the guy with Rocky?” Theodore asked.

  Grandfather shook his head with disgust. “A big-wig producer by the name of Samuel Horner. He comes here quite often. He’s a real cheapskate. Word is he doesn’t leave the maid a tip and whenever he eats in his fancy suite, he doesn’t leave any scraps for the rest of us.”

  The driver and the bellman struggled with luggage as the men headed indoors. During the commotion, a gray mouse wearing a bright red bandana around his head swaggered toward the mouse entrance of the hotel.

  Theodore gave his grandfather a questioning look.

  “His name’s Bandit. He travels with Rocky.”

  “Yo! How’s it going?” Bandit said, holding up a fist to be punched.

  Not sure how to respond, Theodore doffed his hat. “Welcome to The Winston.”

  Bandit blinked. “Huh? Are you for real?”

  Theodore pulled himself up as tall as he could, but he was no match for Bandit’s height. “I’m the new doorman. I’m just doing my job.”

  “Well, little guy. I best go inside. I understand Lila is here.”

  Theodore could feel the blood leave his furry face. Was Bandit Lila’s boyfriend?

  Grandfather nudged him. “Here’s another one.”

  A mouse as wide as he was tall approached, munching on a piece of particularly rotten cheese.

  “Maurice. Mr. Horner’s traveling companion,” prompted Grandfather.

  “Welcome to The Winston,” Theodore said, forgetting to doff his hat as he stared at Maurice’s round stomach. Too busy munching on his cheese to acknowledge Theodore, the mouse named Maurice made his way inside the hotel.

  “No matter how rude our esteemed guests behave,” said Grandfather, “the doorman never expresses his disapproval.”

  Theodore nodded. Being a doorman at a fancy hotel was no easy task. He spent the rest of the morning bowing and greeting guests of all shapes, sizes and types.