Annie's Rainbow - Fern Michaels [85]
“If it was so great, why aren’t you eating?” the retired pharmacist asked sourly.
“I guess I kind of lost my appetite. It is tasty, though. I’ll eat it for lunch tomorrow.”
“You always say that, then you throw it away,” Elmo grumbled as he started to clear the table.
“That’s my job. You sit, Elmo, since you cooked,” Tom said.
Annie shrugged and lit a cigarette. Jane followed suit. “Want some wine or beer?” Annie asked.
“I’d like a double shot of bourbon straight up,” Jane said.
“I think I’ll join you,” Annie said.
Elmo was off his chair in a minute. “I’ll get the bourbon.”
“Elmo, did you bring one of the coffee bags? I can’t wait to see it.”
“Got it right here. Tom said they look classy.”
“Oh, I like this,” Annie said. “What do you think, Jane? Your artist’s opinion.”
“It has a good feel to it. Just the right weight paper. I’m partial to apple green no matter what. The daisy is perfect. I like the idea that it’s raised, kind of puffed. Tom’s right, these are-classy bags. Did you order matching takeout bags?”
“Yes, but lighter-weight paper. Tom and I kicked it around for two days and decided to go with lettering and just a spray of daisies on the lower corner.”
“I’m glad you didn’t go with those plastic bags with the holes for handles. This is quality. Did you get a good deal?” Annie asked.
“Yes, he did,” Tom said. “The raffia handles were Elmo’s idea. They’re secure. Two pounds of coffee can be heavy. Assuming someone buys two pounds at a time. It was cheaper to get the bigger bag as opposed to two bags for two pounds.”
“You guys did good,” Annie said fingering both the shopping bag and the coffee bag. She wished she could feel more excitement. Another time, another place, and she would have been ecstatic over these latest ornaments to her business.
“By the way, Annie, Stella and her husband are going to take to the business like ducks to water. She’s learning to use a computer. Another week or so and she’ll master it. That was a very wise move on your part. You might want to think of managerial positions for them at some point,” Tom said.
Annie nodded. Right now, all she wanted was to be alone with the dogs:
“That does it. I’m going to drive Elmo home. I know you must be tired, Annie, so I’ll say good night. We have all day tomorrow to talk about things.”
“I am tired. Thanks, Tom.”
Annie walked to the door with her brother and Elmo. She hugged the old man. “We need to talk, Elmo,” she whispered.
“No, Annie, we don’t. Let it rest. I mean that.”
Annie’s throat closed up tight. She nodded.
“It was a damn good dinner, too,” Elmo grunted.
“I swear I’ll eat it for lunch. Maybe breakfast. I swear, Elmo,” Annie said, a desperate look on her face.
“Annie, look at me. I’m okay with this. I’ve lived my life, and it was a good life. I have no regrets. If it’s my time, then it’s my time.”
Annie nodded again as she chewed the inside of her cheek. She knew by morning her mouth would be raw. She managed a raspy, “Good night.”
Back in the kitchen, Annie looked at Jane’s glassy eyes and then at the bourbon bottle. Suddenly she was seeing someone she didn’t know. “Spit it out, Jane. We’ve been friends too long for me not to know when something is wrong.”
“Every damn thing in the world is wrong. I think my husband is cheating on me. No, that’s wrong. I know he’s cheating on me. I hired a baby-sitter one night and followed him. She’s nineteen if she’s a day. She’s gorgeous with a drop-dead figure. She drives a racy red MG convertible. She comes from a rich family. Her father owns the company Bob works for. He walks around with this sappy look on his face. He leaves early in the morning and comes home after midnight. He has no interest whatsoever in our daughter. She was having problems in school. He doesn’t attend any of the events. It’s like I’m a widow.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this before?