Page 60 of Nice Guys Don't Kiss Like That At Christmas
The rest of the exam proceeds with me way too aware of my face.When Mr.Peterson leaves, I stare at his chart, questioning every interaction, every word choice.
And the morning continues like that.Awkward.Weird.Me second guessing my attitude at every turn.
This was supposed to be my way back up, but everyone knows everyone and I’m sure there will be whispers about me being too much, or not enough.
By lunch break, there’s a nervous sweat trailing down my back and my face hurts from fake smiling so much.My phone buzzes with a text from Claire:
Claire
Have you seen Chuck's engagement photos?Studio lighting, matching outfits, quotations about 'forever partnerships.'Jennie looks...off.
I shouldn't look, but I do.Claire's right; Jennie's smile doesn't reach her eyes.
Claire
Her parents convinced her to come home for the holidays to 'think things through.'Chuck sounded desperate on the phone.Not like him.
My fingers tremble slightly.Chuck losing control?This sounds more… intense.During our marriage, his manipulation was always cold.
Claire
He's been asking where you're working and if you're seeing anyone.Claims it's for 'insurance paperwork.'
The thought of Chuck tracking me has me holding my breath as I text back, crossing my fingers Jennie's realized he's an asshat.
“Eve Foster,” a calm, raspy voice calls my name and I exhale slowly, glancing up from my notes.“I hear you have a book for me.”
Oh great, Adam’s Mom is here for her Spicy Mafia Romance with the zucchini.
“I do.”I clear my throat.“Sally…”
“Sally is trying to make sure we meet,” Adam’s Mom tells me.“Actually, let’s be real… I was going to pass by during lunch.It’s lovely meeting you, dear.I’m Margaret.”
I half want to apologize to her for standing up her son in Pittsburgh.It must be that teacher thing.My mom has the same aura of authority and kindness and calm.But then, Margaret continues, “Sally also told me you’ve been reading Dante’s Secret and I got to ask… Would that size be even medically possible?”she continues as I’m pretty sure my eyes have gone cartoon-wide.“I saw those videos of a measuring tape and that… size … it can’t be comfortable.For anyone.”
"Honey!"Dr.Harrison pops his head into the waiting area."I thought I heard your voice.What are you two talking about?"
"Hmm… Zucchinis?"I mutter as Margaret winks at me and I step to the side."The book’s in the coffee break room, in my bag.I'll get it."
Margaret gives me a smile that makes my throat tight and my heart ache for my parents.
I miss them.Haven't seen them since August when they came to visit me in Chicago, and my last visit to Barnstable was with Chuck for their wedding anniversary.Adam's mom has that same accepting smile, like no matter what, I'll always have a place.
I grab the book, inhale deeply, walk back to the waiting room and hand it over to Margaret Harrison.
"Zucchini, indeed."She takes in Sally's post-it review, her eyes crinkling with amusement behind her glasses."I hope you'll join us for book club.”
Before I can spontaneously combust, Margaret adds, "My husband told me it’s your lunch break and to not hold you up.Rosie's Corner has the best Cuban sandwich in town.”
"Thank you."I manage to squeak out before fleeing like a properly socialized adult.
And Margaret's warm laugh follows me down the hall.Through the closing door, I hear her tell Dr.Harrison, "Yes, the big Zucchini!"
Despite my mortification, something warm settles in my chest contrasting with the cold biting at my cheek as I step outside.Everyone on Main Street is smiling like they’re extras in a Hallmark movie: the USPS guy wearing reindeer antlers waves as he delivers packages, there’s a poster for next Friday’s lighting taped to the window of Rosie’s Corner, right next to one advertising a gingerbread house competition.
Adam’s clinic is a sprawling brick building, humming with the holiday rush of emergencies and “to be safe” check-ups.
Past the Small Animals entrance, I find my girls and LoverBoy in what they call the Quiet Room, a special space for anxious pets away from the kennels.Blanche and Dorothy are curled up together with the tiny Chihuahua on a plush bed, looking more relaxed than I’ve seen them in months.
