said they would meet with the board and discuss it, but they’re only ever interested in the wealthy parents, so I can’t imagine they’ll be the slightest bit interested in us now that the money’s gone.”
“No! That sounds so mercenary.”
“I know. It’s one of the things I’ve always struggled with, that Highfield Academy is such a status symbol, but I guess when you’re part of the club, you don’t think about it. I’ve always known that they treat the famous and the wealthiest parents differently, but I think they always saw us as among the wealthiest, so we took it for granted.”
She sighs before continuing.
“I’ve met people who went to the Academy for interviews and hated it because they felt it was so elitist, and I always felt I had to defend my children going there, but already I feel like an outsider, and I suddenly realize exactly what everyone is talking about.”
“You can’t seriously mean you’re being treated differently.”
“Oh I do. There was a dinner party last weekend with a group of parents in Paige’s grade, and we’ve always been included. I mean, it’s like a regular dinner club, and we’re friends with these people, we’re part of this group. We weren’t invited.”
“Jesus! That’s horrible!” Kit is shocked.
“I know. If it hadn’t happened to me, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
“Are you sure there isn’t some other explanation?”
“Put it like this: I wasn’t supposed to find out, and one of the moms asked me what I was bringing, and was mortified when I said I knew nothing about it. So then the woman who’s hosting rang and left some stupid message saying they were having some work done in the house, and they had to keep it very small as they didn’t have access to their dining room, and she hoped I wasn’t offended.”
“That sounds reasonably plausible, no?”
“Yes, except the next day she had a holiday gift show. In her dining room.”
“Oh my God! So she lied completely.”
“Yes.”
“Did you call her on it?”
“I couldn’t be bothered. I just want to stay as far away from those people as possible. The truth is, I liked them, but they were never my real friends. I would never call up a single one of those mothers if I was in a crisis, and isn’t that, after all, the definition of a friend?”
Kit smiles. “It’s part of it. Trusting someone, being able to be yourself and feeling safe. Those are all parts of it too.”
“Well, thank God for you.” Charlie raises her Diet Coke in a silent toast to Kit, and Kit, with tears in her eyes, raises her can in return.
Later that day, Edie puts mint leaves from her garden into the pot and pours hot water over them.
“I love your kitchen,” Kit says, looking around happily. “It’s so . . . cozy.”
“You mean cramped.” Edie barks with laughter, placing a steaming mug in front of Kit. “Don’t worry. I love it too. I can stand at the sink and everything is within about three steps.”
“I didn’t mean the size. I meant the way you’ve done it. I love that it’s so retro.”
“This isn’t retro, my dear girl. This is original. These closets were installed in 1958.”
“That’s what I meant.” Kit grins. “Now, Edie, I know you don’t want to talk about it and you’re doing everything you can to avoid it, but your friend Rose gave Steve the all-clear, didn’t she?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean she’s right.”
“You said Rose is always right.”
“Not always. She’s an excellent judge of character, but I’d forgotten how much she is swayed by a handsome face and a full head of hair.”
Kit starts giggling. “Oh Edie, just admit it. You might be wrong.”
“I hope I am wrong about your young man,” Edie says and frowns. “For your sake.”
“Well, I like him, and I’m happy,” Kit says. “Isn’t that enough?”
“Maybe for now. I would say be careful, but I’m old enough to know, from the look on your face, that it’s far too late for that.”
“It is a bit.” Kit sighs. “And if it makes you feel better, he’s lovely to me. I feel thoroughly spoiled, and no one has treated me quite this well for ages. He’s sending flowers every day.”
“I can tell. Your house looks like a florist has set up shop.”
“And yesterday a bottle of French perfume arrived! Smell!” And Kit extends her wrist.
“Very nice.”
“You just hate being wrong.”
“I do, it’s true. But I hope I am. Where’s that sister of yours tonight?”
“Going to a