South Cove. Most of them went off to college, then found jobs elsewhere. I was lucky that Nick Michaels, my friend Sadie’s college-aged son liked working at Coffee, Books, and More during his college breaks, although Sadie had mentioned an internship he was looking at for next summer. One actually in the kid’s field of study.
I realized Greg and the bartender were watching me. “Sorry, I was thinking about something else. I’ll have a margarita.”
“Good choice. The strawberries are fresh from Jensen’s farm, right down the road.” The bartender turned toward the machine that swirled the iced mixture. Greg sipped on his beer and pointed to the line of chairs. “Looks like you might get some reading in after all. The women don’t seem to be all that interested in chatting.”
I shrugged. “We don’t know if we have anything in common besides you guys. Give the group some time to feel each other out and I’m sure we’ll be inseparable by the end of the weekend.”
Or we’ll hate each other. But I didn’t say that part aloud. Let Greg have fun with his buddies. I’d deal with the other women, even if they were all wannabe beauty queens like Jessica.
I’d dealt with that type before. Kathi Corbin who ran Tea Hee across the street had come into town with a distinct handicap. The real former beauty queen was knock out gorgeous. But as I’d spent time with her, I’d also found out she had a quick wit and kind heart. We weren’t best friends, but I trusted her and enjoyed spending time with her.
“I’m not sure that’s true, but…” Greg moved me toward the table. “Come over and meet the guys, then you can go mingle and read.”
I loved how he knew me too well. The bartender handed me a plastic glass filled to the brim with the red ice mixture that looked more like a slushy with a dollop of whipped cream over the top.
I took a sip of the drink and choked a bit. The alcohol level was strong for the fruity mixture. Good, but strong.
“Greg,” the group chimed in almost perfect unison when we walked toward the table.
“Where have you been, man?” A blond man with glasses and a bit of a tummy pooch stood and gave Greg a bro hug. His skin was the color of a codfish. “I haven’t seen you since your wedding.”
“I’ve been here in South Cove since the divorce.” Greg took my arm and stood me in front of him. “Guys, this is my girlfriend, Jill Gardner. She owns the coffee shop and bookstore in town.”
“Hi, Jill!” Again, the group responded in unison.
The standing man flushed. “Sorry about bringing up the whole wedding and Sherry thing. It was just the last time I saw you.”
“No worries.” Greg kissed my head. “Jill knows all about Sherry. In fact, she opened a store here in town selling clothes. She and Jill are almost friends.”
I was taking another sip of courage when I choked again on Greg’s “friends” comment. I looked up at Greg who was grinning. He shrugged, “It could happen.”
“Well, I’m just glad you saw the light and left that woman.” Levi smiled at me. “I’ll tell you a secret. She always gave me the creeps.”
“Let’s put my romantic history aside, okay guys?” Greg nodded at Levi. “You know our host. The guy standing next to him with his foot in his mouth is David Rock. The behemoth over there is Butch, and that’s Mikey, with the beer in his hand.”
“You’re a few behind,” Mikey grabbed a can from the bucket of ice and held it out to Greg. “Finish that beer you’re nursing like a little girl and let’s get this party started.”
Greg squeezed my waist. “You want to join us?”
“I think I’ll head over to the pool. You get caught up with your friends.” I held up my glass in a toast. “Have fun and I’ll see you at dinner.”
“I’ll be five steps away.” Greg shook his head. “You just want an excuse to pull out a book and read by the pool.”
“You know me too well.” I kissed him. Walking away, I surveyed the women tanning by the pool. Jessica lay so still, I figured she was asleep or passed out already. There was a lounger near a woman who had her own book open underneath a large sun hat. Her hair was curly like mine, but blond. And she had a white sunscreen nose.
I grabbed a towel from a table and then spread it out on the chair next to her. “You don’t mind if I join you, do you?”
The woman looked over her sunglasses at me. “Another cast-off wife or girlfriend? For this couples’ weekend, they sure like their bro time.” She held out a hand. “I’m Lois. Butch is my husband. We had to make it official before he went down state so we could at least have a few special visitations.”
“Oh? I’m Jill Gardner. I’m here with Greg.” I wasn’t sure where down state was, so I jumped into the fray. “So where are you guys from?”
“Louisiana. We live in Shreveport, but Butch works on the docks. It’s hard work, but he makes good money.” She cocked her head toward Levi. “Well, not great money like the computer nerd over there. According to the upcoming bride, Levi’s not just a millionaire anymore.”
I’d found out more about two of the couples in less than five minutes than Greg had told me since receiving our invitation. “Greg and I live together.”
Lois laughed. “I take it you just started shacking up?”
“Well, yeah, why?” I wondered if Lois had known Sherry too.
“Just the way you say it. I remember when Butch moved into my apartment. I didn’t know how to describe our relationship. I mean, boyfriend sounds too casual, and yet, you’re not married. Relax, you’ll get used to it. When we got hitched, Butch went off the deep end. Like he was responsible for me or something. I told him he could get off his high horse and just be himself.”
“I don’t know if we’re even ready to talk marriage yet.” How’d we get so deep into the personal stuff so quickly? Of course, I’d starting thinking about the future, but honestly, I liked where we were right now.
“I’ll stop bringing it up then.” She nodded to the other women on the lounge chairs. “Jessica’s the bride to be. MaryAnne is with David.”
MaryAnne waved a hand to me, but didn’t turn her head. “Nice to meet you, Jill.”
“The one swimming is Allison. She’s Mikey’s new wife.” Lois leaned closer and whispered. “Number five. Mikey has problems with commitment.”
“Preach it,” MaryAnne called from her lounger. “At least this one actually talks to us. The last wife thought she was too good for us.”
“So you guys know each other?” I hadn’t expected that.
“Every September we get together at someone’s house.” Lois looked at me. “Greg hasn’t shown up for a few years. I’m surprised he didn’t just bring you along.”
I tried to think back to last fall. Had he invited me to some trip that I’d turned down? “I’m sure we must have been busy on those weekends. Greg works so hard and I’ve got the
