Chapter 7

Bar Talk

Jenny Aronson pushed her way through the doors and glanced around the dimly lit bar, pausing to catch her breath. Spying the object of her search, she hurried over and settled into a chair at the corner table. She studied her companion's face as she divested herself of coat and gloves; he looked troubled.

"Boy, I can't believe how cold it is. Sorry I'm late but I didn't think I'd ever get a cab. How are you, Joe? How's work?"

The waitress appeared at the table as Joe opened his mouth to speak. At his glance, Jenny said that she'd just like a cup of coffee, and he indicated that he'd like another lite beer. Jenny wondered how many he had already had.

"I'm hanging in there. Work's more hectic than ever, and the season is just beginning. Crime doesn't take a holiday. Why is it that people seem to hurt each other more during what's supposed to be a festive time of year?"

Jenny nodded. "I know. I volunteer at crisis hotline and the stories you hear at this time of year just tear your heart out. Abuse . . . suicide; it makes you wonder. Somehow we've lost the spirit of the season. So many people are alone out there . . . if we could just reach out to each other and provide caring and support, maybe things could turn around, at least a little."

Joe shook his head. "People caring for one another? It's a nice dream, but it'll never happen."

Jenny smiled enigmatically. "So much for work. How was your Thanksgiving?"

"Normal Thanksgiving in the Maxwell household -- I ate too much, watched football, and spent most of the day trying to explain to my mother and sisters why I'm not married yet." Joe chuckled. "How was your turkey day? Did you hear from Cathy?"

Ah, now we get to the crux of the matter, Jenny thought.

She contemplated how to handle the conversation as she stirred her coffee. Telling the truth, within limits, seemed to be the best line of defense . . . at least she wouldn't have to worry about keeping her story straight.

"Yes, I did hear from Cathy. Actually, I spent the holiday with her."

Joe's face brightened at her statement, and he asked, "How is she? Where is she? Is she okay? I figured that I'd send her a Christmas card to the house but I wasn't sure if she'd get it."

"She's fine. Very pregnant and very happy. She and her husband are with his family. Anything sent to the house will be forwarded to her. You know, Colleen or I can get word to her whenever needed."

Joe's face darkened. "I just don't understand what all of the secrecy is about. Why can't I know where she is? What's she hiding from? And just what do you know about this guy she's married to?"

"Joe, this is the way Cathy wants it, and the reasons are not our concern. As for her husband, I know that he adores her as much as she does him. He's strong, intelligent, hardworking, caring, and has blue eyes to melt your soul and a bod to die for. In fact, if I thought I had a chance, I'd try to steal him away." Jenny laughed at the absurdity of that statement.

"She's happy? He treats her right?" Joe was still grappling with the fact that everything was so secret. It was one thing to keep your private life private, but this was abnormal, almost paranoid. There was something Cathy was hiding and it made him uneasy.

"She's very happy and, yes, he treats her right. I've seen most of the guys that Cathy has dated and, believe me, she got the crown jewel. They are two halves of a whole, Joe. If something were to happen to one of them, I don't think the other would survive. It’s encouraging to know that that kind of love exists; however, it is making my love life a shambles."

Joe's puzzled look made her continue, "Now that I see what they have, I want the same thing. I want someone to adore me like he does her, and someone I can love back in the same way. I guess soul mate is the most accurate term to describe it."

At the misery that returned to Joe's face, she reached across the table and took his hand. "Cathy's not in town now, but I know she'll get in touch with you after the babies are born, if not before."

"Babies?"

"Yeah, she's having twins. That's why she doesn't get around much." Jenny decided that she needed to lighten the mood. "Believe me, if she's as cranky as she was the last time I saw her, you're better off being miles away. Someone had eaten the last of her chocolate chocolate-chip ice cream and she was really in a snit. Everyone was steering clear of her, except Vincent of course. He has the patience of a saint."

"Vincent? That's her husband?"

Realizing that she put her foot in it but not wanting to let on, Jenny replied casually, "Yes, his name is Vincent." Looking at her watch, she gave a gasp. "Darn! I'm sorry Joe but I've got to run. I'm meeting an author tonight and I'm going to be late . . . again. There just aren't enough hours in the day!" She struggled into her coat. Giving him a peck on the cheek, Jenny smiled and said, "I'll tell Cathy to call you."

As she left the table, Joe grabbed her hand, and she turned back to face him. "Jenny, remind her that I'm her friend. If she needs anything, anything, she can count on me. I'm good with secrets, too."

Jenny gave him a smile. "She knows that Joe, but I'll remind her."

As she got to the door, Jenny looked back to see Joe staring dejectedly at his beer bottle. Her heart went out to him. Maybe . . . maybe. She really wished that Joe could meet Vincent and get to know him. She had the feeling that they could be really good friends. Jenny could tell, however, that subconsciously Joe loved Cathy, and she wasn't sure of his reaction to Vincent. Guys seemed to have more trouble accepting Vincent than women, and throw in a touch of jealousy to intensify the situation! Oh well, she'd tell Cathy and Vincent about the meeting, but she was glad that the responsibility of the decision was theirs.