CHAPTER SEVEN
Jenny and Becky Lee sat on the queen bed in Bella’s room as she stood in front of the full length mirror holding up two sundresses.
“The light teal one.” Jenny’s voice was decisive.
“No, the floral one.” Becky Lee was just as sure of herself.
“Thanks a bunch, guys. You’re so helpful.” Bella looked at both dresses, holding up one and then the other in front of her. “I give up.”
“Okay, go with the floral one that Becky Lee likes. I like it too.”
Bella couldn’t remember having this hard of a time picking out an outfit to wear since her high school days.
“Maybe I should just call him up and cancel the date."
“Or maybe you should just get dressed and quit worrying about everything. You'll have a fabulous time.” Jenny got up from the bed and walked over to Bella. “Put on this floral dress and those cute sandals. I'll pick out a necklace.”
“I haven't been on a date in so long I won't even know how to act. What in the world will we talk about? Thank goodness you made most of the food for the picnic, Becky Lee.”
“Some nice sandwiches, an appetizer that isn’t messy to eat, cheese and crackers and peach pie. It was no problem. We all know how much you love to cook.” Becky Lee laughed and joined Jenny at the dresser and dug through Bella’s jewelry. “I like this twisted bead necklace. That will go great with your dress. Wear these cute earrings with it, too.”
“You're a life saver, Bec. My cooking, other than mac and cheese, spaghetti, or peanut butter and jelly is nonexistent these days.”
“Izzy, your cooking skills have always been nonexistent,” Becky Lee teased.
“Don’t brag. We know you’re the best cook and baker in the county.” Jenny turned to Becky Lee. “Did you bring me a piece of your pie?”
“But of course. It’s in Izzy’s kitchen.”
“You’re the best,” Jenny said.
Bella slipped on the bright floral sundress. She’d bought it the day after Rick had said he was leaving, a minor revolt against his dictates of always dressing in muted tones. She ran her hand down the smooth cotton. She hadn’t had much money to spend on herself, but this dress always made her feel independent. It was a silly thing for a dress to do, but it did. Becky Lee came up behind her, dropped the necklace around her neck, and fastened the clasp. Bella turned and looked in the mirror again. Yes, she still loved this dress.
“Wear your hair down.” Jenny declared.
“You guys aren’t giving me much choice this afternoon.”
“Because you aren’t making any decisions.” Becky Lee rolled her eyes.
Bella had to agree with that. She couldn’t make up her mind about what to make for the picnic or what to wear. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how she looked at it, her friends had descended upon her with helpful advice, decisions, and most of the food for the picnic. Of course she’d expected no less when she had told them that she had a date tonight.
“Mom? You about ready to go?” Jeremy’s voice came through the door.
“Just a minute. Almost ready.”
She took one last glance in the mirror. “We better go.”
The three friends walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen.
“Wow, you look nice, Momma.” Timmy glanced up with a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Bella wasn’t sure that was a compliment or not. Did she usually not look nice? She smiled at her son, deciding to take it as a compliment. “Thanks, sweetie.”
She picked up the picnic basket and they all filed down the backstairs and out into the late afternoon sunshine. The boys piled into the car and Bella turned to her friends.
Jenny gave Bella a quick hug. “Have fun.”
“Gotta get to work.” Becky Lee waved as she headed for her car. “Call me tonight when you get home. I want to hear everything. Y’all have a good time.”
Bella got into her car. She babied that car, hoping to get many more years use out of it. Gil had fixed the broken window, thank goodness. She couldn’t imagine having to take on a car payment now, much less buy a car outright. “Seat belts fastened?”
“Yep.” Her boys answered in chorus. They knew her car didn’t start until their seat belts were on. She hoped it carried over into their teen years when they became drivers and she wasn’t there to remind them. Better to make the habit while they were young.
She pulled out of her parking space behind the building. Jenny waved to them as they pulled away.
“We’re going to stop and pick up Mr. Campbell on our way to your dad’s house.” Bella glanced in the rear view mirror at the boys.