Grace Takes a Time Out Ch. 15

Alicia nods 'yes'. "It was a couple of years ago. Neither one of us was particularly good at dating at the time so it just faded away."

"What do you think of the new worked-out buffed-up version? Maybe not Brad Pitt, but ..."

"Yeah, it's a real improvement. Even a few rudimentary social skills; I'd say Grace has done wonders with him. Too bad for her she has to give him up."

"I don't get it, why does she have to give him up?" asks Marcy, genuinely concerned. "Sure, I'm really looking forward to going out with him: he's gotten seriously cute and at the party he seemed more confident and together than I've seen in the past, but why is she out of the picture?"

"Kids coming home for school. She figures she needs to be squeaky clean for the kids – I mean," Alicia almost laughs "he is the baby sitter – and the PTA and all the conventional morals of this town. She can sneak my Mom in 'cause women always get together and talk and hang out, but a young, handsome stud? People would notice. People would talk."

"Wow." says Marcy. "Linda describes him as the guy who couldn't get a date at a girl scout convention even if he was the only guy there. Sounds like he knows how to keep a low profile."

Shirley cuts in: "That was before; now he's better." She takes the notebook out of her purse. "Ali's going off to UC weekend after next so we've blocked out most of his time after Sunday for her, but there's still some mid-day spots and an evening if you're interested." She smiles and lifts her eyebrows, inquiring. "Otherwise it may be another week or more."

Marcy looks first at the notes on the page, then up again at Shirley: "You're shittin' me! Is this your idea or his? Who all are you scheduling him for?"

Shirley responds: "Ours, and for us. We'll let him know in a day or two."

"You guys don't actually expect him to agree to your 'schedule' or whatever it is, do you? I mean what's in it for him?" She looks to one side and the other at the other two women, who look back at her with looks as blank as they can manage, but Marcy can see the twitching of suppressed grins. Her eyes open wide and her jaw drops. "You're both screwing him, too?" The grins become more pronounced; Marcy collapses back against the back of the bench and is silent for a moment staring away down the mall. "All I've ever heard, third hand through Angelica, is that he's never been kissed, so yeah, sign me up so I can see what this is about. Whatever is available, I'll work my schedule around it."

She continues to stare into the distance, amazed. "But what about Grace? How are you getting around her? I mean, I thought Peter was a good guy, trustworthy and honest and all that. And she seemed to like you both." Marcy straightens and turns again to look at Alicia.

Alicia responds: "It's a long story, but it's OK. We all know what's going on with all of us, including Grace. Peter tells the truth and he's one of the good guys. If anything, Grace is the one pushing him, working to boost his confidence, teaching him how to get along better with other women."

"Whatever." says Shirley, somewhat dismissively. "I just know he's a hot stud, a nice guy, and a good dancer to boot."

"Thanks for prioritizing, Shirl." says Alicia, with sarcasm. Marcy looks over at Shirley with her mouth hanging open, awestruck.

"I think my head is going to explode." Marcy says, wearily. "This is too much for one day. Was that a nine point earthquake or just a meteor strike?"

"Hey girls!" says Shirley, injecting some energy back into the group: "We're all on the same team here. Let's go over to Ali's and chill out in the pool." The other two look to Shirley; the tension is broken, positive action planned. "We can stop off and get some machetes, sharpen them up, and protect Ali's family from the rabble!" They all laugh and get up from the bench.

*

Down the mall in a sandwich shop Grace and Peter are finishing lunch. She has peeked into the bags and made admiring noises, as well as talked seriously with Peter about dealing (coping?) with the other women. And they've made companionable small talk. "Got your van here?" Grace asks when they're done and leaving the shop.

"No, I just had Dad drop me off as they left town; I'd hoped you'd give me a lift home before or after I put in some time in the garage today."

"My car's here," she says as they arrive at the mall door. "How about I drive you back to my house and you can spend a few hours in the garage getting that started. I'll drive you home to get your van in the morning."

That stops Peter; he looks at her, thinks, looks out at the parking lot and sees the Miata – sparkling and shiny, just washed. "I'd like that. Thanks."