And, because I was annoyed, I responded without thinking, “Yes, I can. When we get married, she’ll be-”
“You’re getting married?!” Elizabeth’s shouted exclamation echoed against the porcelain tubs and drew all remaining eyes to our position.
I glanced around the store, offered nothing but an unfriendly glare in apology for her outburst, then took Elizabeth by the arm and escorted her to the back of the store. When I was satisfied that no one was listening or watching I responded in a low voice, “I haven’t asked her yet.”
Elizabeth blinked at me, her mouth opened and closed. I gave up and rolled my eyes.
When she finally spoke her voice was a tight whisper, “I can’t believe you’re going to ask her to marry you!” To my surprise she sounded excited, happy.
I blinked at her, my mouth opened and closed.
“Oh my God, you have to let me help! I want to help! This is so exciting!” She hopped back and forth on her feet, clapping her hands.
I responded through gritted teeth, “No. I don’t need your help. I can do it on my own.”
She stopped hopping and abruptly frowned. Her voice was still a whisper although somewhat louder, “See- this is why I don’t like you!”
“I thought you did like me-”
“No- I do like you, I like you for Janie, but I don’t like that you hide things! Why do you do that?”
I studied her. Elizabeth’s hands were back on her hips and at least she didn’t appear angry. She looked hurt. What I knew about Elizabeth I’d learned from Janie; it was obvious that Elizabeth had been taking care of Janie in one way or another since college. It occurred to me that I might need to modify my approach.
I licked my lips and glanced towards the door; what I was about to admit would be easier if I didn’t have to look at her, “I’m not used to sharing- information, resources… people.”
I heard her sigh before she spoke, “Well, me either. But I love Janie and what is important is her happiness, I want her to be happy-”
“You know I love her.” I growled; the preachy tenure of her words and tone instantly irritated me and my response and resulting glare was perfunctory.
“I know- I know you love her. But,” she held her hands up between us, her eyes wide and pacifying, her tone softening, “we have to find a way to get along- you said it yourself.” She added on a sigh, “We have to learn to share.”
I released a slow breath and reluctantly admitted to myself that Elizabeth was right, we had to share Janie. This was the issue. I didn’t know how to share her. I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to. Part of me wanted to stay in bed with her every second of every day and explore her perfect body. There was a ferocity behind the sentiment that still surprised me, caught me off guard. But, I loved her and that meant I needed to do things just because they were good for her, made her happy.
“Also, you might find that I’m pretty handy to have around.” Elizabeth’s mouth curved into a beseeching smile, “I’m a valuable ally. For example, I am exceptionally good with wound care.”
I allowed a half smile but I knew it didn’t quite reach my eyes. I comprehended that befriending Elizabeth was a much better strategy than merely tolerating her.
I rubbed my hand over my face; before I changed my mind, I quickly consented to her interference. “Ok. Fine.”
“Ok? Fine?”
I refocused my attention on the short blonde and found her watching me, her hands clasped together hopefully.
“Ok, fine you can help me-”
A high-pitched squealing sound met my ears and I winced; then, she hugged me. I patted her on the back, hoping to pacify this bit of overzealous effervescence.
“You won’t regret it! Oh my God, I’m so excited- have you picked out a ring?”
I was already regretting it but decided to keep that to myself.
“No. I haven’t done anything yet.” Crossing my arms over my chest I glanced at my watch then at the front door. Janie would be arriving at any minute and I didn’t want to be talking about engagement rings with Elizabeth when she showed up.
“That’s ok, I know what she likes. I can help with that- but don’t get her a diamond unless it’s synthetic because-”
“I know, I know- the atrocities of the African diamond trade. I was, uh, actually thinking about getting her something antique.”
Elizabeth glanced up thoughtfully then nodded, “Yeah, that’s a good idea- did you know she really loves rubies?”
The question promptly caught my attention. This was actual valuable information, “No, I didn’t know that.” Maybe Elizabeth could be helpful after all.