5

CHRISTMAS WAS JUST AROUND the corner and I still hadn’t gotten anything for Max. I was supposed to go visit my parents, but Max was adamant that I shouldn’t fly, so I persuaded my parents to come to Los Angeles. I was actually glad Max convinced me to ask them to come. Since Becky wasn’t traveling to her parents, it would mean we would get to celebrate together with Nicole and Kate, too.

It had been a while since the four of us went out to dinner, so we agreed to meet tonight. It was the first night Max wouldn’t be at my apartment. I’m sure Becky would be happy about that. Not that she minded him coming over, but it would give us time to catch up and hang out.

“So…he leased a 740 Beemer for you?” Nicole exclaimed, twirling her straw. “That is so sweet. Those cost a fortune.”

“I wouldn’t have protested, but knowing Jenna, I’m sure she did. Didn’t ya?” Kate asked.

“Of course I did, but somehow Max always gets his way. I mean, not always, but with things like this. He said it makes him happy,” I explained, looking at my menu. I was so full of excitement and nervousness about my new car, I was sure my stomach didn’t have room for food.

“Don’t worry and don’t feel guilty. It’s leased, anyway. Make him happy,” Becky said sharply.

We all looked at her, giving her the “what’s up with you” look.

“What?” Becky snapped. “Why are you all looking at me like that? I’m just saying....”

Becky had no idea how harsh her tone sounded. Something was definitely wrong.

“Are you okay?” Nicole asked.

“I’m fine…fine. Just a little stressed. I’m behind with my work,” she said and hid behind her menu.

Something was bothering Becky for sure, but I couldn’t tell what it was. She usually confided in me, but I hadn’t been available much lately, and for that, I felt awful. I made a mental note to ask her later.

“Enjoy it while it lasts, honey, cause when you get married, it will be different.” Kate paused. “Take the advice from a married woman, nothing stays forever. Things change, especially once you have a child.”

“Like what?” Nicole inquired, breaking her eyes away from the menu.

We all leaned in closer with curiosity. “Well for one thing, Keith used to take care of me; he was always so attentive. Once the long dating relationship was over and we got married, I felt like I was the one taking care of him. Not only do I have a daughter, I’ve apparently gained a son, too.”

“Have you spoken to him about it?” Nicole asked. “You already know Craig and I had a long talk and everything is better now. Men are what I would call non-intuitive. You have to tell them everything; spell it out. They don’t understand. They are not the same species.”

Kate looked flustered. Instead of responding, she continued. “I mean, is it so difficult to wash the damn dishes while I feed Kristen, change her diaper, and bathe her?” she huffed. “He just sits on his ass and watches television. His dirty socks are all over our bedroom and he leaves the newspaper on the couch. Do you know how much dirt and ink a newspaper leaves on a couch? I know he’s had a long day at work, but it takes two people to raise a child, not just one. Sometimes I feel like I’m a single mom. I love Kristen, but I need a break too. Just because I don’t work doesn’t mean I’m not keeping up with my share of the responsibilities.”

Kate’s voice softened toward the end and her expression changed from being intense to relaxed. I guess she just needed to let off some steam. We all looked at her, but we couldn’t give her any good advice, since none of us had been through it.

Nicole draped her arms around Kate. “Just talk to him. He doesn’t know how you feel.”

“I so needed to be here with you guys. I need my girlfriend therapy. I love my life right now, even with these small problems, but sometimes I miss our college life,” Kate continued.

“I know what you mean,” Becky seconded, apparently thinking about those years too. “No responsibilities, no work…just going with the flow, living one day at a time, and definitely, all the parties.”

“I hear ya,” Nicole agreed. “But we’ve gotta move forward.”

Our waitress came to take our order, interrupting the conversation.

“What do I feel like tonight?” Kate mumbled under her breath.

“I’m not that hungry. Let’s do family style,” I suggested.

“Sure,” they all said in accord.

We placed our order and the waitress left.

THE RIDE TO OUR apartment was quiet. I was too busy concentrating on driving, while Becky had focused her attention outside the window. Feeling the tension in the air, I wasn’t sure how to start the conversation. When we stepped into the apartment, I didn’t want Becky to go straight to her room, so I asked her if she’d like some tea. Accepting my offer, Becky sat at the dining table while I prepared the drinks.

Placing the hot mug in front of her, I sat in the opposite chair, and saw beautiful red roses in a vase with a big red bow tied around it. I loved how they filled the room with their sweet scent. “Are these yours?” I asked.

“Oh, I completely forgot.” Becky ran her fingers through her hair, looking tired “They were delivered this afternoon. They’re for you.”

“For me?” I questioned. Only one person would send red roses to me, but they didn’t look like the roses he usually sent; these were much smaller. Still smiling, I opened the envelope and began to read the card.