Page 10 of The PTA President
“So what’d you do with your endless amount of freedom?” she asks, talking through a mouth full of cookies.
I hesitate, fearful of saying the wrong thing. “Right after graduation, I was married and moved into this house. My plans to become a public defender took a back burner so I could focus on my family.”
“Was it worth it?” Those blue eyes have a way of staring into my soul. I swallow hard. Before I can answer, we’re interrupted by a loud, screeching voice.
“Candace, are you or are you not the host of tonight's book club? Should we move this to my house?” Betty asks, walking into the kitchen.
I shake my head and go for the plate of treats, but Natalie grabs it first and drops it back onto the counter with a thud.
Nat waltzes into the living room, and I stay behind, not wanting to get involved or explain why I chose the new girl over them.
“Your taste in literature is atrocious. Go pick up anactualbook, and while you’re at it, go fuck around at Betty’s house.” Nat’s voice cuts through the room, low and sharp.
That’s twice now she’s jumped in to defend me—more than anyone else ever has. Part of me thinks I should go calm them down, but a bigger part hopes Nat stays so we can keep talking. You know when you meet someone, and there’s an instantconnection, where the communication feels so familiar, as if you’ve known them your whole life. That’s what it’s like with her. For the first time in sixteen years, someone cared enough to ask if sacrificing my dreams was worth it.Was it?
“Candace!” Betty squeals. The hairs on my arm stand straight up. Instead of responding, I crouch down behind the counter, taking a brownie with me.
Shoes shuffle and keys jingle as the women get ushered out the door by a very bossy Nat. “Bye, ladies. Tell your husbands I said hi and enjoy The Duke, I’m sure he has a lot to offer.” She slams the front door and sprints to my side.
“Are you okay?” She scoots her body next to mine until our knees touch. Something about it makes me smile.
“Everything’s fine. I don’t know what came over me.” I take the last bite of my brownie. “Is it bad to admit I kind of wanted them to leave so we could keep hanging out?” I ask, keeping my eyes locked on the floor.
Reaching above her, she grabs the tray of desserts and brings it to the floor, putting it in her lap. “Me too, but don’t sweat it. Those bitches are the worst. I’d much rather chill here with you.”
“Oh, I didn’t even ask. Do you need to head home? Is there a boyfriend you’re meeting up with?” I'm wracked with guilt after inviting her over for a book club and not even delivering a book discussion.
“No way, no boyfriend.” She’s shoveling cookies in her mouth like they’re the only ones left on earth. “Where’s your kids? Do you need me to head out?” Crumbs slip out onto my recently mopped floor.
“They’re upstairs. They handle bedtime alone on book nights. They’re either watching TV or have headphones on pretending I don’t exist.”
She grabs another cookie off the plate, seemingly more relaxed now that everyone’s gone. “So, what you’re saying is, I don't have to leave yet?”
I join her and grab one of my own, excitement fills my chest knowing she’s staying. I try not to think too hard about how much I want her to stay.
ChaptEr 7
Natalie
Nat: You make some bomb ass cookies…next time you bake, save me some.
Candace: It’s my mother's recipe. They’re always a hit. Of course, I’ll save you some.
Nat: How much shit did those PTA losers give you today?
Candace: Strangely enough, not much. It’s been a little silent.
Nat: Good riddance. What are you doing this weekend? There’s a show I want you to come to.
Candace: Am I ready?
Nat: Of course…and don’t worry I’ll be there with you the whole time ;)
“I can’t believe you’re going to The Postal Service without me, you’re such a fucking whore,” Megan growls. She figured right now, while zipping up her work jacket, would be the best time to bring this up.
“You’re the one who picked up an extra shift, what are you bitching about?” It looks like we moved in this morning, shit is literally everywhere. It’s been twenty minutes, and I still haven’t found my other boot.
“Does yourfriendeven know who they are?” Her annoyance is the furthest thing from subtle. The ticket was supposed to go to extra groceries like she insisted.Oops.
