Page 21 of The Night the Lights Went Out
A look of panic crossed the girl’s face. “I’m hungry. Can I eat something first? And then I’ll go say hi.”
Lindi asked Jenna to scoop up the two discarded backpacks before the three of them walked into what indeed looked like the perfect spot for a medieval banquet. It was longer than most bowling alleys, as was the trestle table that ran down the middle of it. Wooden rafters bisected a cathedral ceiling, and four wrought-iron chandeliers with real lit candles dangled above the table. Cleverly disguised recessed lights and three walls of tall casement windows with leaded glass flooded the room with light that glinted off the plastic wrap on dozens of elaborate trays, bowls, and platters. Merilee gave a silent thanks to Sugar for the loan of the tray, trying not to imagine her embarrassment if she’d brought anything disposable or resembling plastic.
Leaning in discreetly toward Merilee, Lindi whispered, “Heather’s husband is a doctor, but about six years ago he retired from practicing and opened up a bunch of those doc-in-a-boxes all around the state. It was so successful that they’ve branched out into twenty other states. In case you were wondering.” She stepped toward the table and made room for her own large crystal salad bowl and Merilee’s cookies.
A short, plump woman with olive skin and black hair was busily taking plastic wrap off the food and rearranging the silver boat of fruit that sat in the middle of the table, cascading grapes of three different varieties draping onto the lace tablecloth. She looked up and smiled at Lindi and Merilee without even pausing as she worked.
“That’s Patricia—the house manager,” Lindi said quietly. “You’ll meet Claire, too—she’s the assistant. You should probably get to know them both since you have children in both of Heather’s kids’ classes. She’s very involved, so everybody gets to know Patricia and Claire.”
It wasn’t clear whether Lindi thought this was a good thing. The two mothers stood back from the table as Jenna put tiny pieces of food on a scalloped glass plate, studying each offering as if it were a specimen under a microscope.
“Did your husband come?” Merilee asked, noticing the large number of dads present.
“No, he stayed at home with the baby. Henry’s only eighteen months and desperately needs his nap or we all suffer.” She lifted her hand and waved to a dark-haired woman on the far side of the table. The woman smiled and approached them with two plates, both brimming over with food.
“Merilee, this is Jackie Tyson. She’s the physical education teacher and girls’ cheerleading coach. And no, she doesn’t take bribes, so don’t try.” Lindi and Jackie both laughed, but it had an edge to it, as if somebody actually had tried.
Merilee introduced herself, trying not to smile as she realized she could have guessed the woman’s occupation judging by the bike shorts and muscled thighs.
“Nice to meet you,” Jackie said with a warm smile and another laugh. “Don’t stand too close, though—my husband and I biked here. It didn’t register that it would be so hot or so hilly.” She lifted both plates. “But at least I won’t have to feel guilty about all the calories.”
Merilee nodded with appreciation. “That’s impressive. I had a tough time driving here—thought my brakes might give out on a couple of those inclines.”
“Will your Lily be trying out for the cheerleading squad?” Jackie asked.
“She hasn’t mentioned it to me. She’s never wanted to do one of those cheer camps or asked about trying out, and I never pushed it.”
“I take it you weren’t a cheerleader, then?” Jackie asked.
Merilee kept her smile in place. “I was. But it was a very long time ago.” She took a deep breath, eager to change the conversation. “Lily would like to play tennis—maybe try the junior age-group of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association. Her dad plays on a men’s singles ALTA team and I think that’s given her the idea. She had lessons last summer and really enjoyed it and was actually pretty good, and because we’re not in a neighborhood anymore, I thought ALTA would give her a chance to meet other girls her age outside of school.”
“Bailey plays ALTA and is trying out for cheerleading, too,” Jenna said quietly before biting a grape in half.
“Yes, well, the only way I can manage our schedules is to have the kids pick one sport per season to focus on, and that seems to work for us.”
“Us, too,” said Lindi. “It’s the only way I can remain sane.”
“Do you play tennis?” Jackie asked Merilee.
“Oh, gosh. No. When it comes to racquet sports I have the coordination of a toddler. I love the game, though. I was thinking of maybe joining the lowest level—I think that’s C-9—where my lack of skills might not be noticed. More of a social outlet where we play a little tennis.”
Jackie and Lindi exchanged a glance before Lindi explained, “There is no such thing as a social level in ALTA. They’re all in it for blood. Or a bag tag—that’s what you get to hang on your tennis bag when you win a championship. And they’re in it for the food, too. The lower the skill level, the higher the quality of the food the players bring to each match. It’s as competitive as the actual tennis. If not more so.”
Merilee laughed, then stopped when she realized she was the only one.
“My husband must be wondering where his food is. He’s on lifeguard duty down on the dock, so he can’t leave,” Jackie said. “And let me know if you hear of anybody who wants a cat. I just found a litter of kittens and my husband’s being mean and saying I can’t keep them. He says one Beagle and an orange tabby are enough.” She nodded at Merilee. “It was a pleasure meeting you. Feel free to call me at the school if you have any questions about the athletic programs or need any advice—although if you’re friends with Lindi, she’s probably got you covered.” She smiled again, then left to weave her way through the growing crowd, confirming Merilee’s guess that the entire elementary school must have been invited.
A few women she knew by sight waved at her and she smiled and waved back, but she didn’t approach them, afraid of any conversation that might mention the blog. And wondering if one of them might be the writer and not wanting to inadvertently give away any more blog fodder.
“Merilee! So glad you could make it!” Heather appeared in all her blond glory, her tanned and toned arms displayed to perfection in a white form-fitting sundress that showed off an impressive chest and lean body. Merilee found herself slouching as she crossed her arms, deciding that despite what Jackie had said, she’d join a tennis team and subject herself to humiliation if it meant looking like Heather Blackford.
Her bright blue eyes flickered over Merilee’s sleeveless blouse and pleated shorts before settling briefly on her navy blue Keds. Turning her head, she said, “And good to see you, too, Lindi.” She beamed at Jenna. “I understand you were the only one who got all the answers right on the first math quiz. I think we’ll have to have you over to study with Bailey before the next test.”
Jenna’s eyes held a mixture of hope and terror. “That would be nice,” she said quietly, her hand slipping into Lindi’s as her gaze dipped to the floor.
Lindi smiled. “I’m going to take Jenna to change into her swimsuit. I’ll leave Lily and Colin’s backpacks in the pool house if they want to get changed later.”
“Thanks, Lindi. And speaking of which, I need to go find my children—”
