It's A Wonderful Midlife Crisis (Good To The Last Death #1) - Robyn Peterman Page 0,55
and the surrounding towns on a first-name basis.
“Oh my, no,” June said. “I went to Atlanta. I didn’t need anyone gossiping about my saggy bosom.”
“You have a lovely bosom,” Heather said, patting June’s hand.
“She a lesbian,” Jennifer said. “That’s a true compliment there.”
Heather laughed and rolled her eyes. She threw a chip at Jennifer and nailed her right in the middle of her over-Botoxed forehead.
“So how was the first day of the exam?” I asked, sipping on my frozen margarita.
I was shocked that I wasn’t exhausted. Having a drink should have been off the table for me, considering what I’d done this afternoon, but I felt bizarrely terrific. I’d even gone for a run after I’d gotten home from getting John’s phone. Usually, I ran five miles, but today I ran with such ease and speed, I upped my mileage to ten.
Turning forty was not as bad as it was reported to be. Maybe Missy had been correct. I hadn’t felt this good in… well, ever.
John had been beside himself to see Karen. Even though she couldn’t see him, it was as if she’d felt his presence. I was kind of relieved that I only had one dog that could see the dead. I’d put gaff tape over the lid of the trash can and asked Donna to keep an eye on Karen while I was gone. Both dogs had taken to each other immediately. John had been right. Everybody loved Karen and Karen loved everybody. I was probably going to have to get an electric fence for Karen. I didn’t worry about Donna running away, but our new addition was a loose cannon.
It also occurred to me that I had a dog named Donna and a dog named Karen. While I was a fan of Donna Karan, I really didn’t want people thinking I’d named my dogs for a fashion designer. I’d decided to remedy that by always saying Karen’s name first if I was calling both of them.
“The exam went as I expected and I aced it,” Heather said with a grin, raising her glass.
“Humble much?” Jennifer asked with a laugh as she too raised her glass.
“Only on Fridays,” Heather said with a wink.
“You’re gonna own this town, baby,” Missy announced. “Watch out for Heather. She can put you away for life.”
I froze and thought about John’s phone locked in my bedroom safe along with my passport and other important legal documents. Should I give it to Heather instead of the authorities? Maybe she’d let me get by without having to explain myself completely. It might be worth a try.
“You okay?” Missy asked, kicking my foot under the table. “You look like you saw a ghost.”
If she only knew. “Fine. I’m fine,” I said, kicking her back. “Just a little tired.”
I could feel Heather’s eyes on me. She was still obviously worried about me and the possibility that I thought Steve’s ghost was hanging out. Sucking up my tired, I put a smile on my face to allay her fear—a real smile.
“Hey,” I said, grabbing Heather’s hand and squeezing it. “I’m really proud of you.”
She smiled and squeezed back. “Thank you. I’m kind of proud of myself,” she said with a chuckle. “So, what’s it like working from home this week?”
“Very nice,” I said, giving up on avoiding the queso and digging in. I ran ten miles today. I could eat a little cheese… or a lot. “I could get used to it. Donna is the best dog in the world. Oh my God,” I said with a laugh. “I adopted another one today.”
“Are you nuts?” Jennifer asked.
“Yes. Yes, I am,” I told her. “When I go back to work, Donna will be alone and I wanted her to have a friend.” The lie came effortlessly, but it wasn’t all a lie. I did consider Donna when I promised John I would adopt Karen. “Two isn’t any harder than one.”
“That’s what my ex said when I found out he was cheating with the gal at the post office,” Jennifer announced to the entire restaurant. “That Kitty Benton is a hussy. Of course, my ex couldn’t get hard without Viagra, so not real sure he made a solid point.”
“That was the worst pun ever,” Heather said with a groan.
“I’m good like that,” Jennifer shot back with a cackle. “I’m just full of them!”
“And on that note, I’ve got to get some sleep,” Heather said, standing up and motioning for the bill.