They give me a romper meant to look like a suit. “What are you two wearing that you’re putting me in these ridiculous dresses?”
“Well, I’m not going, for starters. Each table is like, a hundred thousand dollars, and my fuck buddy isn’t invited, so I don’t get to go. I’m here for moral support.” Taryn sniffles, sipping from her thermos.
I open my mouth to object, but then back up. “Saying your fuck buddy isn’t going to be in attendance implies that there is a fuck buddy in the picture,” I point out, slipping back behind the door to try on the next outrageous dress. At this point I know it’s for fun, but, my God, do people actually buy these things? I step out in a riff off of an Elizabethan style dress complete with a tall collar that extends over my head, except that the sleeves are clear and the skirt is tiered.
“Seriously?” I ask, stepping out to more giggles, and then I look pointedly at Taryn.
“Sooo, there might be someone I am having a lot of inappropriate sex with.”
“As long as it’s legal and whoever it is isn’t married, I don’t see a problem.” Vivian shrugs and I nod in agreement, posing for their silly photos, stepping back to put my clothes on.
“Well, if we were going based on when Ellie’s dress was from, it’s totally illegal.”
“How's that?” Vivian asks.
I emerge with the dress we picked an hour ago, its hanger slung over my fingers.
“Well, it was frowned upon during Queen Elizabeth’s time to fuck brothers.”
“I’m going to need you to elaborate on that,” I say. I’m still fretting over the price of the dress when Taryn elaborates, albeit unwillingly.
“Well, and please don’t hate me, but I slept with Charlie and now I’m sleeping with Brad.”
Vivian spits out the sip of water she was drinking.
“Shut the fuck up. I did not hear this. La la la la la.” I try to plug my ears as I hand over Charlie’s credit card to pay.
“I can’t tell what bothers you more: that I slept with your boyfriend or that I’m sleeping with his brother.”
I glare at her, taking back the card, carefully stowing it and the receipt away. “Definitely that you’re sleeping with his brother. That is something Charlie should know and I can’t tell him. So, now I have to keep something from him. But if you insist on talking about having sex with my boyfriend, I’m going to get mad about that too.”
The shopkeeper almost looks disappointed when we walk away.
“I’m going to do both of you a favor and shut this shit down right now,” Vivian says with a shake of her head.
“We’re in a class together. We were studying and... ” Taryn doesn’t finish as she spreads her hands and shrugs.
“I didn’t realize the anatomy of a penis was relevant to a business degree,” I hiss. I’m more stressed over knowing this than I am about Taryn and Charlie sleeping together. I knew they dated and a part of me must have known that they slept together. It’s nauseating to have it confirmed.
“They are if I ever want to get a job. I’m going to have to get on my knees to get an interview. So yes, pensises matter for a business degree.” Taryn sneezes. “I wish it were easy for me the way it was for Charlie; he got his job because of Daddy. And Jack...well, being Charlie’s best friend certainly helped him. Hell, the elder Breckenridge will probably even move people out of the way for Brad.” The bitterness in Taryn’s voice is almost tangible.
“Listen, I have to get back to work. You two promise that you won’t kill each other?” Vivian says as she tries to break away.
I look at Taryn, feeling guilty for snapping at her. Why do I even care if she’s fucking Brad? What business is it of mine? And really, this is what this poor girl has to go through in order to have a career?
“I’m good as long as Elia is,” Taryn says and looks towards me.
“All fine. I’m sorry it’s so rough for you, Taryn.” I lean forward and hug her, but she shrugs her shoulder with nonchalance.
Taryn offers to drop off the dress at my apartment because I have one last errand to run. I have to get my kittens. Charlie tried to promise he wouldn’t be too late but I know he can’t really make those promises with his job. His dad gave Charlie an informal review and told him that he’s been slacking off since the fall and it would not be tolerated any longer. I assured him he didn’t have to worry about me with the kittens. I am determined to find something to do with my time. The temp agency agreed to give me another chance and is working on finding me some opportunities. Until then, I’m happy to be a stay at home cat mom and try my hand at illustrating again.
The little balls of fur cry the entire way to the apartment. Bonsai and Mochi are contained to our bathroom at first. Watching them explore on the slippery floor both breaks my heart, because they are struggling with getting any grip, and makes me squeal with delight. I don’t stop taking photos, finding everything they do adorable. I don’t send the pictures to Charlie, knowing that it’s cruel to tease him with them when he can’t be here. I should leave them in the bathroom until they get used to the space, but when mischievous gray Bonsai sneaks out, I have no choice but to let them into the bedroom.
When Charlie gets home, he finds me spooning them in bed. I hear the bedroom door click shut as he enters. My book is still in my hand where I fell asleep, lights on for Charlie’s return.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you,” he whispers, keeping the light dim. “Any room for me in the bed?” he asks, stripping and climbing in. I’m well-ensconced on my side of the bed, no threat to Charlie’s side. He moves to my side, spooning me. We fit together so easily, like we have been made for each other. One arm slips under my neck, folding over my shoulders. One leg slips between mine while his other hand extends over my middle, finding a small pile of fur purring in their sleep.
“Always,” I whisper, turning my cheek to him for a kiss. His lips press against me before we both fall into a deep sleep.