"I couldn't say. " Since knowing someone since high school didn't make you friends, she thought.
"At our age, it's best not to count the years in any case. But since we've known each other longer than either of us cares to admit to, I feel like I have to let you know what's going around. But first I want to say, since I haven't had a minute to talk to you since . . . theincident , that I've never been so shocked or sodumbfounded as I was when that horrible Bryce Clerk walked into your house, just like he had a right to, the night of your party. "
"It's all right, Cissy. He walked right back out again. "
"And a good thing, too, as I don't know if I could've held myself back. I just don't know. I couldn't believe that Mandy. Of course, that girl hasn't got the sense God gave a retarded flea, but that's no excuse for not taking the time to find out who the manwas before she came traipsing into your home on his arm. "
She waved a hand. "I just can't speak of it. "
"Then we won't. I really have to get back to work. "
"But I haven'ttold you. My tongue just runs away from me when I'm upset. He wasthere , with that ridiculous, brainless girl again. He was there, Roz, at Jan and Quill's, big as life, like he didn't have a care in the world. Drinking champagne and dancing, smoking cigars out on the veranda. Talking
about hisconsulting company. Just turned my stomach. "
She held a hand to it, as if even now it threatened to revolt. "I know Jan said you'd sent your regrets, but I lived in horror that you'd change your mind and walk in any minute. I wasn't the only one, either. "
"I'm sure. " Very sure, Roz thought, that there'd been plenty of excited buzz, and half-hopeful glances toward the door. "Jan's entitled to have anyone she wants to in her own home. "
"I certainly don't agree with that. It's a matter of loyalty, if not good taste. And I had lunch with her today to say just that. "
As she spoke, she opened her purse and took out a compact to blot her nose. "Turns out Quill cleared the way for him. They're doing some business together, not that Jan seems to know a thing about that, the woman's just clueless when it comes to money matters. Not like you and me. "
"Mmm" was the most polite response Roz could think of, as Cissy had never worked a day in her life.
"To her credit she was mortified while we talked about it over lunch. Mortified. " Taking out a lipstick, she repainted her mouth to match her suit. "But there are some, and I admit I heard some of this at the party as well as here and there, there are some who feel some sympathy for the man. Who actually believed he was treated poorly, which just beats all, if you ask me. The worst of it is, the version that you physically assaulted him the night of the party, running him out when he attempted to make bygones, so to speak. That you threatened him and that silly girl even when they went out again. Of course, every time I hear it, I do what I can to straighten it out. I was there, after all. "
Roz recognized the avid tone. Give me some fuel for this fire. And that she wouldn't do, no matter how angry, how vilified she felt. "People will say or think what they want to say or think. There's no point in me worrying about it. "
"Well, some are saying and thinking that you didn't come to Jan's, or other get-togethers, because you knewhe would be there, and sporting a woman nearly half your age. "
"I'm surprised anyone would spend so much time concerned with speculating on how I might react to someone who is no longer a part of my reality. If you see Jan, be sure to tell her not to worry about it on my account. "
Roz rose. "It was good to see you. I've just got to get back to work here. "
"I want you to know I'll be thinking about you. " Cissy got to her feet, gave Roz another air peck. "We've got to have lunch sometime soon, my treat. "
"You and Hank have a good time in the Caymans. "
"We will. I'm going to send you those brochures," she called over her shoulder as she walked out.
"You do that," Roz muttered.
She walked out the opposite way, furious with herself for being hurt and insulted. She knew better, knew it wasn't worth it, but still the score to her pride ached.
She started to turn into the propagation house, but veered off. In this mood she'd do more harm than good. Instead, she skirted around, headed into the woods that separated her private and personal domains, and took the long way home.
She didn't want to see anyone, speak to anyone, but there was David out in the yard, playing with Stella's boys and their dog.
The dog spotted her first, and with a few welcoming yips raced over to jump, and scrabble at her knees.
"Not now, Parker. " She bent to scratch his ears. "Not a good time now. "
"We're hunting buried treasure. " Luke ran over. He wore a silly black beard hooked over his ears and hiding half his freckled face. "We have a map and everything. "
"Treasure?"
"Uh-huh. I'm Blackbeard the pirate, and Gavin's Long John Silver. David's Captain Morgan. He says Captain Morgan can put a shine on a bad day. But I don't get it. "