by Cole Reid
“What did you get?” asked Yvette.
“Cheddar cheese omelet,” said Diane, “Coffee and a water.”
“Tan should be drinking water as well,” said Yvette.
“I got one for her,” said Diane.
“What are you having, Tan?” asked Georgia.
“Bacon, eggs, hash brown, coffee,” said Tanis. The coffee came first. A middle-aged waitress set two large white mugs of black coffee on the table with two large waters.
“Can we get two of each?” said Yvette. The waitress nodded without saying anything. Georgia and Yvette slid into the booth to make it a quartet. Yvette threw her arm around Tanis who still had her head down on the table. For a parting meal, the table was strangely silent. They wanted to sit together one last time but the emphasis was on seeing each other. They really didn’t have much to say. Or they did, but it was all classified. They were in an increasingly crowded public space holding back information they couldn’t tell each other in private. It was a situation reserved for government employees only. It left them little decent topics to talk about.
“What happened last night?” asked Yvette.
“Yvette, come on,” said Georgia.
“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” said Yvette, “That doesn’t extend to Hertford, North Carolina.”
“Yeah,” said Tanis, “It’s not gagged. What went down?”
“Diane,” said Georgia, “You don’t have to answer that.”
“But if she doesn’t, she’s no fun,” said Tanis, “Besides, we’re four chicks sitting in a diner booth. If we’re not talking about guys we’ll look suspicious.” Georgia grabbed a card menu from the middle of the table and handed one to Yvette, in an attempt to change the subject.
“Well,” said Diane, “If I don’t say anything, you’ll never know.”
“Exactly,” said Tanis with her head on the table, “Tell us about Bama Boy.”
“I will say,” said Diane, “I will say he’s a Southern Gentleman who’s good with his hands.”
“Ok,” said Tanis, “And what’s more?” Diane smiled and took a sip of coffee.
“Use your imagination,” said Diane, “It’s your best weapon when you’re out there.”
“Yeah but we’re not out there yet,” said Tanis. Diane laughed. Her laugh was always welcome.
“I’m going with a waffle and a milkshake,” said Georgia, changing the subject. Tanis brought her head up from her arms.
“You know something, Gigi,” said Tanis.
“What?” said Georgia.
“Just now with my head down I noticed your accent,” said Tanis, “It’s not really Waspy south and you’re from Virginia.”
“What do I sound like?” asked Georgia.
“You sound like Irene Dunne,” said Tanis.
“Irene Dunne,” said Georgia, “That’s a first.”
“I never thought about that before,” said Diane.
“That I sound like Irene Dunne?” said Georgia.
“Some where around there,” said Diane, “Like a cross between Irene Dunne and Rosalind Russell. Very classic Hollywood. Very nice.”
“Yvette?” said Georgia.
“What?” said Yvette, “You want me to weigh in?” Georgia nodded.
“Now that I think about it,” said Yvette, “You do kinda have that transatlantic accent. It’s nice. You don’t hear it that much, at least not in North Carolina. Probably not in Virginia either.”
“A transatlantic accent in Virginia,” said Georgia, “That would take you quite a while.”
“Well,” said Yvette, “You can’t be the only person with British parents to grow up there.”
“Statistically impossible,” said Diane.
“If we start talking like that we’re going to give ourselves away,” said Georgia.
“Like what?” asked Diane.
“About statistical probabilities,” said Georgia.
“I agree,” said Tanis, “We’ve had enough of that to last a lifetime.”
“We hope not,” said Yvette, “That would be a pretty short life time.”
“Well,” said Tanis, “Our life expectancies decrease somewhat after today.”
“Tan,” said Georgia, “I love you, but shut it.” The table went silent. None had heard Georgia be so direct. It was the side unseen. There had been something in all their files that made them desirable for Project Full House. For Georgia, it had always been assumed that her centerfold-size, maple syrup eyes and wavy brunette hair complemented her academic record. But there must have been something else. Diane, Tanis and Yvette now knew there was something else. There was a side to her that was quick-witted, not in the joking sense but in the judging sense. She was fun to be around but didn’t do nonsense.
The silence was broken by the waitress’ arrival. She had two black coffees and two waters for Georgia and Yvette. The sugar and powdered cream were in the middle of the table. Yvette helped herself. Georgia drank hers black.
“Can I get a stack of waffles with butter?” asked Georgia, “And a vanilla milkshake.”
“Of course,” said the waitress.
“What about you?” asked Georgia.
“I’m gonna go for a ham and cheese omelet,” said Yvette, “And I’ll double up that milkshake if you don’t mind.”
“Don’t mind at all,” said the waitress, “Anything for anybody else?” All heads shook.
“Young good-looking men who do everything together,” said Diane, “Questions will be asked.” Georgia turned her head to see Bryan leading the pack. The waitress took her leave
“Well,” said Bryan, “We weren’t blaring David Bowie on the ride over so everything should seem on the level.”
“Maybe you just turned it off when you got in towards the diner,” said Tanis.
“Maybe,” said Bryan.
“Maybe we should have been blaring it all along,” said Alan, “Clandestine, know what I mean?”
“His cover’s that he’s gay,” said Tanis, “That’s so boss!”
“That might be the Honest-to-God,” said Yvette.
“It might be,” said Bryan, “But then I slide next to Gigi and throw my arm around her like so.” Bryan did exactly what he said. Georgia kissed him on his left cheek. It got a reaction. Alan sat next to Bryan. Hagan was looking for a place to sit.
“Is it alright if I sit next to the Mrs.?” said Hagan to Patrick.
“Sit where ever you like,” said Patrick.
“You’re retarded,” said Diane to Hagan.
“I’m glad you recognize that,” said Hagan, “You can feed me then.”
“Give him a knuckle-sandwich,” said Tanis, “Full of protein.”
“I’m a vegetarian,” said Hagan, “Starting today.”
“Good for you,” said Diane. Hagan sat down. Patrick sat down next to him.
“What is everybody having?” asked Patrick.
“Omelet here,” said Tanis, “Bacon, eggs, hash browns here. Waffle there. Ham and cheese omelet there.”
“How did you catch all that?” asked Patrick.
“She’s been trained,” said Yvette, “And she’s had her head down the whole time, just listening.”
“That’s gotta be what it’s like to be blind,” said Alan, “You see the world by listening. When the plates come, you know what everyone is chowing down on.”
“Let that be a reminder,” said Hagan, “Keep your ears open.”
“Aren’t they always, Genius?” said Tanis.
“Welcome back Tanis,” said Hagan, “You were quite blitzed last night but I see you’re back with us.”
“What order did we go in last night with the booze?” asked Bryan.
“Vodka, whiskey him, SoCo him, tequila me, we scattered some Olympia here and there, then we broke out the wine coolers. Then we finished part of Gigi’s gin,” said Diane.
“Yeah,” said Hagan, “But some of you guys bowed out a bit early. Gigi you bought the most expensive bottle and barely
drank anything.”
“It’s what’s called a send-away,” said Georgia, “It’s my dime but you do the crime.”
“Cheers,” said Hagan.
“Not at all,” said Georgia with a bolted-on British accent.
“There’s that transatlantic,” said Tanis.
“What transatlantic?” asked Bryan.
“You guys missed it,” said Yvette, “Before you guys got here, we all decided Gigi doesn’t sound like the rest of us.”
“How not?” said Hagan.
“She’s got that transatlantic accent à la Cary Grant and all the Hollywood legends,” said Diane.
“If it gets me in the same sentence with Cary Grant I’ll wear it like a badge,” said Georgia, “I’d do a lot to be next to that man.”
“Girl’s got taste,” said Patrick.
“You mean to tell me you’d do anything to be next to Cary Grant too?” said Diane.
“Yeah,” said Patrick, “Well, I was listening to David Bowie on the way over here. Cary Grant would be a step up.”
“Wait,” said Bryan, “I thought I was the one listening to Bowie.”
“We were all listening to Bowie,” said Patrick.
“Except me,” said Hagan, “I was listening to the Wheels on the Bus song cuz I’m retarded.”
The waitress came back with food. She took the orders of the boys but the girls didn’t wait for them. They sat for almost two hours by the time everyone was finished eating and drinking. They split the bill eight ways to keep it simple. Training told them to keep things simple. What wasn’t simple was leaving. They had been trained for that also. After tab and tip, a high-density silence changed the air at the table. It was thick and harder to breathe. It made everyone’s lungs feel heavy. But someone had to break the seal. They couldn’t all go together. They had to leave one-by-one, staggered at eleven minute intervals. Patrick, being on the end, stood up. Alan, being on the other end, stood up as well. Alan was closest to the door so he started to walk. Patrick stood at the table and let Hagan stand up. As Diane stood, her eyes met Patrick’s. He smiled, so did she. Bryan stood and headed out behind Alan. With Bryan gone, Georgia slid to the end of the seat and stood up. She scanned every face at the table without saying a word. Turning around, she walked toward the door. Patrick started walking as well, with Hagan behind him. Diane stayed and stood at the table. Yvette pushed Tanis toward the right side of the booth. Yvette exited on the left side. Diane helped Tanis to her feet.
“You good Tan?” asked Diane. Tanis didn’t say anything. She held her head low and nodded as if still feeling the hangover. She wasn’t.
“Let’s go girls,” said Yvette. Yvette walked toward the door. Diane let Tanis go before her. Diane brought up the rear. Outside they were all assembled. Alan was hugging Hagan and Patrick in a Gridiron huddle. He moved toward Georgia.
“Take care hot stuff,” said Alan.
“I will,” said Georgia. As the other girls came out of the diner Alan made sure to give each a long bear hug. The four boys and four girls formed an intuitive circle in the middle of the parking lot near the door of the diner. The circle gave each a good view of all the others. It was a defining moment for all. There was a small amount of bravery, no more than a crumb. It took guts for them to all admit that forty-one weeks and three days had taken them from strangers to bonded siblings. No one really knew what to say, even though they knew exactly what to do. Director Witt could imagine they would likely be somewhere sharing a last meal before they left for their individual briefings. So, he gave them specific instructions how to do it. They had to leave in alphabetical order by last name, leaving eleven minutes apart. Some of them would be driving in the same direction. The staggered time was meant to insure they would not see each other on the road. From the parking lot forward, they were on their own. Yvette, whose last name was Blanco, was first.
“Alpha order?” said Alan. Yvette nodded. She blew Alan a kiss.
“I just want you to know,” said Alan, “I would have married any of you. I’m even talking about the boys. You guys are some fine gentlemen. And as for you ladies, well, it’s good that we’re leaving now otherwise I might not be able to control myself. Let’s synchronize. 13:17.” They all set their watches. Alan patted Bryan on the shoulder.
“I love you, Big Guy,” said Alan.
“Wait,” said Bryan, “I want everyone to see me do this.” Bryan walked across the circle toward Georgia. Despite her training, she froze.
“Sorry, Gigi,” said Bryan. He grabbed her and kissed her, as if the war was over. Then he let her go. Georgia started laughing so did Diane and Yvette.
“It was my last chance,” said Bryan.
“My turn,” said Alan, “Just kidding.”
“I hate it,” said Yvette, “But we should wait in our cars. We’re too conspicuous standing here.”
“She’s right,” said Georgia. Patrick walked toward Diane and kissed her almost exactly like Bryan kissed Georgia.
“That’s for being what you are,” said Patrick, “Back home we’d have called you a class act.”
“You’re not so bad yourself,” said Diane. Patrick didn’t make the moment hard. His car was close so he walked straight toward it and sat inside. Yvette turned to Georgia. Georgia met her halfway. They joined each other in a squeezing match. They had formed a close bond, everyone knew it but the tight hug made them look inseparable.
“My big sister,” said Yvette.
“My little sister,” said Georgia. As they pulled apart both their faces were slightly red.
“Whatever happens, do what you gotta do,” said Yvette, “Don’t let your curves keep you. You do it.”
“You keep your head on,” said Georgia. Diane came in and threw her arms around both girls. Tanis joined in.
“Next life, we’ll be just as hot and live together next to the Playboy Mansion,” said Tanis, “With guys waiting on us hand and foot.”
“Not even Gigi’s curves would keep me,” said Diane. Diane peeled off the pile and went to hug Hagan. Tanis followed Diane to hug Hagan then Bryan. Yvette did the same. Georgia hugged Hagan then went to Bryan and returned the favor. She went in for the kiss raising her left leg for effect. It was a photo op, without a camera. Georgia let go. She didn’t look at Bryan. She didn’t look at anyone. She walked to her car, three spaces away. She opened the door and sat inside her light brown hatchback ’73 Buick Apollo. The others retreated to their vehicles as well. The parking lot took on an almost graveyard like feel and each car a coffin. The Peers sat silently in their cars. All they could do was look at each other through plain glass. A family of three parked in an empty spot next to Yvette, blocking Georgia’s view of her. A young-looking man with an older-looking wife came from the car and walked hand-in-hand with his young daughter toward the diner entrance. Georgia watched them walk almost in slow motion. As the father opened the door to let his girls go inside, a roaring engine slapped Georgia across the face. Her head immediately rotated in the opposite direction to see the backlights of Yvette’s red Morris Marina as it slowly reversed out of its spot. Yvette was two spaces over and across the driveway from Georgia. Georgia could see her profile as she wheeled the Marina around. Yvette tapped her horn as she rolled steadily toward the diner’s parking lot entrance. Her brake lights blinked as she stopped to check both directions. She sped off to get on the highway. As Yvette’s car moved further away, it pulled more and more of Georgia’s heartstrings. She couldn’t make up her mind if she’d rather see someone else go first, besides Yvette, or if she felt relieved to get the inevitable over with. It was hard to decide because Georgia had to watch all their exits. Georgia’s last name began with the letter S, which wasn’t that late in the alphabet. But it was later than all the others. Georgia would have to watch everyone leave, wait by herself for eleven minutes, then leave on her own. No one would see her go.
Georgia felt for Diane. Diane was next. She had eleven minutes to sit and see, to get one last look at
her fellow kings and queens, if she wanted it. Georgia reached under the passenger seat in her car. Her folder was there. The one with the large black spade embossed on the front. She reached in the folder for only the second time. It was a single sheet of white office paper, mostly negative space. The first thing written on the page was Operation Step Down, then the word Scotland. Next was an address in Norfolk, Virginia with the date and time she was expected to arrive, six-thirty in the afternoon. The reality was she had to arrive no later than six-thirty. She had time. There was nothing else written on the paper. Georgia opened her glove box and reached in to grab a folding map. She opened the map across the dashboard and pinpointed the exact route to Norfolk. The quickest direction was to go north on Route 17 because the interstate would take her longer, despite the higher speed limit. Her mind began to shift back into mode. She was sitting in a diner parking lot in North Carolina with six of her teammates. But she behaved as if she were operational. She looked at her watch. Diane would pull out in three minutes. Georgia had fifty-nine minutes to wait. Her feelings for Diane quickly dissipated as her mind reassessed the parking lot. Diane could focus on doing what Yvette had done. Just roll to the end of the parking lot entrance and keep moving. Georgia had to wait. But the silver lining started ringing in her ears. She knew she would get lonelier each time one of their cars pulled out but she got to spend the most time with the group, what was left of it.