by Lacy Kinsley
“I thought so.” Kimmy interrupted her. “I liked you better when you were single and didn’t have your own store! At least then I knew we were friends. You haven’t even asked me once how Travis and I are doing. And I still haven’t heard back from you if William found out anything definite. It’s been two months! Two months! I feel like you don’t even care about my feelings, anymore. I’m consumed with fear about him cheating, and you haven’t done anything to try to help me find out! So, you know what? —Forget it! I don’t need you like you apparently don’t need me.”
“Kimmy, please, this is all a miscommunication.” Veronica implored.
“No! It’s no communication—that’s the real problem! You’re so involved with your life that you have no time for me. And I have enough to worry about besides our ‘friendship’. So, why don’t we take a break and I’ll call you in a month and half! Because I can’t handle the stress! I have school work to do over the holiday and . . . never mind. I’m sure you don’t care, anyway.” Kimmy snapped.
“Of course, I care! You’re my best friend. I think of you as family. I love you! You’re more like family to me than my parents. You can’t write me off! That wasn’t what I was doing! I was working hard! Where are you? I’ll come over and we can talk! I am so sorry! I was . . . busy! I was!” Veronica begged on the verge of tears.
“I’m going to work. Then I have tons of homework. I finally graduate in May. So, I have a lot to do considering I would like to be designing by then.” Kimmy said, blowing her off. “I guess I’ll talk to you later when I have time.”
“Just a minute!” Veronica blurted out. However, it was in vain because Kimmy quickly hung up. Veronica tried calling her back, but her phone simply rang for nearly three minutes. She tried calling repeatedly. By the fourth call with no answer, she was crying. She grabbed her car keys and drove to Kimmy and Travis’s condo. No one was home.
When Veronica got back she was feeling depressed and guilty. Kimmy was right. She’d ignored her, and her fears about Travis. And all this while her best friend, who she thought of as a sister, was upset and hurting. She was selfish! But she wouldn’t do that again. And she would find out once and for all what Travis was doing—somehow.
William was home when she got back. He was stocking her fridge with groceries. He took one look at her and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I’m fighting with Kimmy.” She responded miserably. “She’s right I’ve been a total jerk to her lately.”
“How?” He asked with a scrunched nose. He couldn’t see how.
“I’ve been so busy I haven’t made time for her, and she is still upset thinking Travis is cheating on her.” Veronica exclaimed.
“Still? She thinks that after everything you told you?” He asked. “But he’s always there, and the few times he wasn’t making rounds, and no one knew where he was, he was down in the gym. I’m almost positive the one time Kim went to see him he was down there and she didn’t know to look there. The first time I figured that out I kept going down there, and he was on the weights—every time. You told her that. Twice!”
“I know, but I think she wanted you to confront him. Not that she said those exact words, but she wants proof. I guess. I really don’t know what she wants. Maybe she wants me to confront him.” She added, “Maybe I’ll ask him outright. Accuse him of being with another girl.”
“Babe, don’t do that. It’s not you.” He objected.
“But she’s never going to talk to me again. She’s never been mad at me like this! Ever! I don’t know what else to do! Short of having a detective follow him. But I would hate that done to me, too! Neither is very nice.” She exhaled, “If she doesn’t trust him, why be with him. They should break up!”
“Seriously, you think that? It’s nothing, and she’ll find out it’s been nothing all along. You don’t break up over something this stupid. I hope you wouldn’t break up with me over something like this. You don’t throw in the towel over something you’ve never even talked about.”
“You’re not helping. Of course I wouldn’t break up with you about thinking you’re cheating. For one, I can’t believe you would ever do that. And two, I’m not afraid of talking to you about something like that. I have too much of a temper to hold my tongue. But it’s not us we’re talking about; we’re talking about them. They obviously don’t communicate. It won’t work if they don’t ever talk.” Veronica complained. “And after I figure this out with Travis, I’m not agreeing to help them anymore. It’s immature. I’m not dating either of them. All it’s doing is putting me in a bad mood, and now it’s made her mad at me. We shouldn’t have interfered in the first place.”
“I’m sorry.” He said.
“So, what should I do about Travis?” She asked him. “I want your advice.”
“I’ll have to think about it. Maybe I should be the one to come out and ask him, or tell him what’s going on. But he’s my friend. I don’t want to upset him. I don’t think I’d like some other man telling me my girlfriend tells other people things she doesn’t tell me. I know I wouldn’t like that! I wouldn’t feel like her best friend anymore, that’s for sure.” William asserted. “I don’t know. I’ll think about it. Give me a day to figure it out.” He put away the last of the groceries. “Do you want a hug? A real one?”
“Yes, and tell me how I’m supposed to fix this.” He squeezed her tightly, and held onto her as she gruffly added, “She told me she liked me better when I was single and didn’t have my own store. I can’t help being busy. Then she accused me of having time for you, but not her.” He loosened his grip, and then she sighed.
“I don’t think she’s being fair. The door swings both ways. She wasn’t exactly calling all the time, or pounding on your door. And if she did, she would have seen you; that’s how I saw you—I came over. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you two couldn’t be more opposite.”
“I get this a lot! People don’t understand how we are so close. But Kimmy has a big heart. She’s honest, loyal, funny and what others perceive as immaturity I think is fun. She is bubbly.” Veronica said.
“You misunderstand me. I was trying to say, very inarticulately, that maybe she isn’t communicating everything. Maybe there’s more to what she’s told you. And she feels it’s okay to gripe at you because she knows you’ll always love her. But even I know how busy you were. I didn’t like it, either, but you work, and you love your job. It would be selfish to make you feel bad for it. She can’t call you selfish for doing what you have to do to pay your bills. It’s your job. Besides, you aren’t going to have more than two orders a month now. You’ll have your life back. It was a hiccup. You told her that right?”
“I didn’t have time! She was talking over me, and was so upset I don’t think she heard what I said.” Veronica replied.
“Well, I think you should keep calling her. Maybe send her some flowers.” He laughed, “And not sign them, and see if Travis gets jealous.” He grinned. “I’m teasing.”
“No! That’s a great idea! I’m going to do it!” Veronica released him after a quick kiss. “Where’s the phone book?”
“I have the number on my phone.” He said, dialed the number and then handed her his cell. “Send red roses.” He smiled.
Veronica pulled out her credit card, ordered two–dozen red roses, and asked them to not disclose whom they were from. She paid for them, and requested delivery the next day. She put them on hold and asked William, “Should I have them say something like, ‘I’ll always want you in my life,’ or would that be too much?”
“You can’t break up with me. I’ll always want you in my life.” William suggested. Veronica had the flower shop put those exact words onto a card. When she hung up William added, “That’s a good idea, because Kimmy will know it’s from you and she can have him call you. Then he won’t think she is dating someone else. No permanent damage.”
“Well, we’ll see how that’ll work.” Veronica said.
“It has to get
them talking. He doesn’t beat around the bush about anything. Hopefully, she’ll say something about thinking he’s cheating, and if she does it will all be over by Sunday. And I’m still betting they’ll elope in Vegas.” He said with a smile. “So when will they deliver them?”
“Tomorrow at noon.” Veronica said.
“Perfect.” He said. “So, are you better now?”
“Not really. She still isn’t talking to me.” She said.
“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked.
“And say what?” Veronica shrugged. “Did you get ice cream?”
“No, but I can get you some.” He said.
“No, let’s go have fried ice cream.” She suggested.
“No. That sounds gross. I think I’ll pass.” He said. He laughed and looked at her like she was green.
“It’s actually good.” She said. “Come on, my treat. We’ll go have some, and if you don’t like it, I’ll never make you eat it again.”
“You’re sweet.” He laughed, and kissed her. “I’ll try it, but I can’t let my fiancée pay for a date. No man of principle would. But thank you, though.” He kissed her again, and then grabbed his keys. “Let’s go before I lose my courage.”
William was literally eating his words. He took one bite of the fried ice cream before ordering another so he could eat it all by himself. “Apparently, I need to trust your odd food combinations.” He said with a smile.
“I guess so.” She laughed.
“I think we should up the ante of our bet about Travis and Kimmy. I already see you weekends and every day except Monday nights.” He stated.
“Okay, but you are not going to win.” She grinned. “But what do you have in mind?”
“I’ve been thinking about it and I think if they do end up getting married in less than a year from last July, then,” he paused, “I get to set the date we get married.” He said. “Because I’m not waiting five years. Period! I’m not waiting three, either.” Veronica laughed. He grinned.
“And if they don’t get married by July in Vegas you’ll take me to Cancun for two weeks. I pick the date when we go.” She said.
“We already decided it was a trip to Cancun. I’ll pay for our wedding, too.” He said.
“I don’t know if my Dad would like that. He might want to pay for it. I can’t agree to that.” Veronica said. “I’d have to ask him first.”
“Okay, if he wants to he can pay for your dress. Those are expensive.” William clarified.
“I don’t know. I’d have to ask him.” She chimed again. “My parents aren’t rich by any means. They might not be able to afford a dress. And I want designer. I’m spoiled working in the fashion world. I can’t help it. I love nice clothes.” She laughed. “I think it’s more likely that he’ll pay for the dinner before the wedding, and call it good. I’m sure our wedding will be huge with all the friends you have, so . . . I’ll ask him what he wishes to do. Honestly, I have no idea because I’ve never talked to him about it.”
“I obviously love clothes too, Babe. I’ll get you whatever dress you want. Let’s not worry about it. I will pay for whatever your father doesn’t, even if it’s everything or nothing at all.” He quickly added, “So is it a deal?” He held out his hand for her to shake it. She smiled, and then took it.”
“I almost feel bad about making that bet with you.” Veronica gloated and laughed. “That’s what I like to call a sucker bet. They aren’t getting married in seven months!” He simply shrugged his shoulders and ate his ice cream.
“Did I ask you if you wanted to go to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve?” He asked.
“No.” She said.
“Do you want to?” He asked.
“Yeah, it might be fun.” She consented.
“It is fun! I did it last year. It was a blast—a little crazy, but fun. No, it was a lot crazy.” He added, “I can ask Travis and Kimmy to go, too.”
“Oh! You big cheater, I get where this is going!” Veronica teased him.
“No, honestly, Babe, no! That isn’t where I was going. It was a thought. Maybe if you and Kimmy were together on Thursday and talked it would be fine. This could all blow over by next weekend and you two could have fun in Vegas.” He said. “I was thinking of you. Honest. I went with Travis last year, too. I’m not cheating!”
“Okay, then, yeah. I would like that.” She said. “Besides they won’t marry seven months early, anyway!” She grinned.
“Okay, what about my sister and Colin?” He asked.
“Sure.” She said.
“Great.” He smiled. He picked up his phone and started texting Chip.
“How’s your sister, anyway?” Veronica asked.
“She isn’t saying anything other than she’s fine, and they (her and the girls) are happy without him. However, Cleo isn’t. Cleo has a new habit of licking her lips. Her lips are constantly chapped now, and it’s so bad her bottom lip has a scab. She’s sensitive. Claudette is starting to realize divorce isn’t only extra holidays. So, it’s hard to believe ‘they’re happy’ if the girls aren’t. But Nora is oddly quiet.” He divulged. He put down his phone and ate the last couple of bites of fried ice cream.
“What about her and Colin?” She asked smiling.
“I don’t really know. My sister didn’t want to work at one of his real estate branches. Despite buying a condo here, he hasn’t been up since the party. She’s been in Texas for two weeks with my folks, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything despite Colin living down there.” He shrugged, and added, “Colin is a good guy, and for as long as I can remember he’s always made excuses to spend time with her. That’s the point of asking them to Las Vegas to help Colin, considering my sister is so stubborn.” He grinned mischievously.
“Well, she got a divorce not too long ago. I’m sure the last thing on her mind is getting married again, even if it is to a longtime friend who seems to be madly in love with her.” She said.
“He’s loved her since high school. And he was never very subtle about it.” He added, “Poor Colin.”
“High school! How did he take it when she married her ex?” Veronica asked.
“Not well. He asked her to marry him the day before her wedding, for probably the hundredth time, and when she married Devin, he was depressed for nearly a year. It got worse when he found out her husband was cheating on her. He hates Devin. And I know you said hate is a strong word, but I actually think he does hate that man.” William stressed.
“Why would she ever marry Devin if Colin was that in love with her? I mean, did they date and it not work out, or what? Because I don’t get it.” Veronica said.
“Me, neither. It’s a mystery. They used to flirt all the time. During college they kind of slowed down on flirting a bit, but when she got married it stopped. It’s all I know. I’ve never asked. Nora never talks to me about him, and he says very little about her. You and Nora are a lot alike. You’re both very private, and rarely talk about personal things. She may be even more private. Colin, now he’s different. He’s not shy. He says what he thinks, and enough to let me know he still loves her. But you have to understand how depressed he was to appreciate why I don’t talk to him about it.” William added, “He’s more sensitive than me, and that is saying something.” He laughed. “Nora says he’s like chocolate, because he may seem hard at first, but he a big softy and he’s sweet. That and he melts in her hand.”
“That’s weird. She sounds so in love, but I can’t believe she’s the type of person to run from it.” Veronica declared.
“They have a weird relationship. I think she convinced herself that his flirting isn’t real. Because how else can you explain him asking her to marry him as many times as he has and her still say no.” He shrugged. “I know my sister. She hides it well, but she’s as in love with him as he loves her. Devin,” he shook his head, “was her running. But I don’t get it. As I said, she’s a mystery to me.” He added, “She’s insecure, I guess.”
“I guess so.”
Veronica said. “Colin is a very patient man to still love her after so long, and after she married someone else.”
“He’s a good guy. His dad is the same way. His folks have been married longer than mine. Colin also really looks up to his father, and values his good opinion of Nora; both of his parents love her. His sister died before we even met him, but he still talks about her. So, it’s not surprising he holds onto people he loves. Because he is so loyal, I will always approve of him being with my sister.” He changed the subject, “Do you want to go?” He asked. “I’m kind of in the mood for going out to the movies.”
“Yeah, that sounds fun.” She said.
CHAPTER TWENTY–EIGHT
Veronica and William were about to walk out the door when the phone rang. William looked at his watch. “We’re going to be late to the Vet. Let’s have your answering machine pick it up.” He added, “It’s already a half past two.”
“I want to quickly grab a string cheese, anyway. I’ll meet you in the car.” Veronica said, as she picked up the phone. “Hello?” She pressed the receiver to her ear as she walked into the kitchen.
“Veronica?” A man replied.
“This is. Who’s speaking?” Veronica asked but the moment she did she suddenly realized who it was. She snapped her fingers to get William’s attention so he wouldn’t leave. She mouthed, “Travis,” and pointed to the phone, as he said his name. William put Hope’s cage down. Veronica put the phone on speaker. “Oh, hey Travis. William is here. Are you calling for him?” She shrugged, not sure what to say. William shook his head, and pointed to her as if saying she would have to do it.
“Um, no. I’m trying to clear something up with you, actually. Have you sent Kimmy anything lately?” He asked her.
“Yeah.” She said.
“Can you be more specific?” He asked her, already sounding more relieved.
“I got her flowers because she’s mad at me. Why?” Veronica asked.
He was quiet for nearly ten seconds. “You scared the crap out of me!” He laughed. “Next time put your name on the card. Okay? I thought she was cheating on me.”