The Love Sucks Club(21)

“What are you lookin’ at?” Roxanne makes an attempt at a New York accent.

“You’re right,” I say. “You definitely don’t look like the average clientele of the Pit.”

“The question,” Sam says, “is whether or not we have an obligation to let Voldemort know that her new girlfriend is obviously not interested in a monogamous relationship.”

“We don’t know that,” Roxanne says. “I mean, technically, they’re just dancing.”

We all look up again in time to see Mandy throw her leg up over the guy’s hip and his hand disappear under her tight skirt.

“Okay, maybe a bit more than dancing,” Roxanne amends.

“It doesn’t matter,” I say, making room for the pizza that the waitress has brought over.

Sam gets up and grabs napkins and paper plates from the other side of the bar. Taking a big bite of pizza, I chew for a couple of minutes. “We don’t know anything about their relationship and I certainly don’t owe her anything.”

Sam nods. “Well, they’re putting me off my meal.”

We all come around to one side of the table and sit in a line with our backs to the dance floor.

“This is cozy,” Roxanne says.

“Better than looking at that,” I reply.

We finish our meal and divide the bill. Somehow, we always end up leaving a good tip here, despite the terrible service. Maybe it’s a well of sympathy for the waitress who has to watch things like Mandy and some dude having sex on the dance floor. I’d be miserable if I had to see shit like that all of the time. Hell, I’d be sick if I had to see that all of the time.

We leave the bar and walk down the street to where Roxanne is parked. Rox and I came down the hill together tonight. Sam walked over, so Roxanne offers to give her a ride home. As we’re standing on the sidewalk discussing it, I see Susannah and Olivia walking out of the quickie mart with a couple of guys. I wave them down. Susannah takes one man’s hand and drags him over.

“Dana, this is Thomas,” she gushes.

Shaking his hand, I size him up, surprised. He’s about my height and kind of muscled. Behind geeky horn-rimmed glasses, his eyes look intelligent and open. He gives me a warm smile as he squeezes my hand. His handshake is firm, but not tight. Touching his hand, I look into his eyes and for an instant, I’m reminded of my father.

“Nice to meet you, Thomas.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. I’m a big fan of your work.”

“You read lesbian romance novels,” I say, raising my eyebrows.

“Since you’re a local celebrity, I figured I better see what the fuss is about.”

Olivia is clinging to the hand of another man, but since she doesn’t make a move to introduce him, I simply nod in their direction and turn back to Susannah. “We’re on our way home. What are you up to?”

“Olivia and Gary are going to a movie. Thomas and I would rather get some ice cream and walk on the beach.”

Her voice is firm and I wonder if that is really what Thomas would rather do, or if it is what Susannah would rather do.

“Well, be careful to stay on the beaches in front of the restaurants,” I caution. “Strange things happen on secluded beaches after dark.”

“Don’t I know it,” the man with Olivia leers. Thomas gives him a dismissive look. I think I like him already.

“Come on, Thomas,” Susannah tugs on his hand. “I want ice cream.”

She practically drags him away as we say goodbye. Watching them go, I’m suddenly hit by a wave of sadness. As my ears start ringing, I can see Thomas and Susannah, many years in the future. Susannah is berating Thomas for not fixing something. Her face is still pretty, but it has become drawn and sharp. She’s simultaneously herself and my mother. I lean against Roxanne’s SUV and close my eyes.

“Dana? You all right?” Sam’s voice seems to come from far away.

I drag myself out of the vision and look at my two friends. “I’m fine. I’m fine.” I don’t know whether I really had a vision, or if I can just see so much of my mother in Susannah that it scares me. Either way, I send up a small prayer that Thomas isn’t as much like my father as he seems.

Roxanne puts her arm around me as Sam opens the passenger side door for me. “I really am fine,” I insist.

“I’m not saying you’re not fine,” Roxanne says. “But you looked really gone for a minute.”

“Everything changes,” I reply, blinking at her. “And yet, everything always seems to stay exactly the same.”

“That’s life, buddy,” Sam says, climbing into the backseat. “That’s life.”