A Million Little Things (Mischief Bay, #3)

Pam started to say “the usual” only to realize that in the past few weeks, things had gotten a little more complicated.

“Jen is still upset about Jack. A friend of hers and I staged an intervention and that didn’t go well. She didn’t speak to me for nearly two weeks. That only changed last Thursday because she needed someone to stay with Jack while she went to a doctor’s appointment.”

Pam thought about the clipped phone call she’d had with her daughter, followed by their brief exchange when Jen had dropped off Jack.

“I don’t know what to do about her,” she admitted. “I spent three hours with that boy and he’s fine. I swear he’ll talk when he’s ready.” She paused. “But what if I’m wrong and Jen is right?”

“Then you’ll deal with it,” Olimpia, a petite redhead in her late fifties said firmly. “You’ve raised three children. You have experience. There’s something about this new generation of mothers. They think they’re the first ones to ever raise a child.”

Laura, a tall, full-figured woman groaned. “Don’t get me started. My daughters are sticklers for organic. They actually go through my cupboards as if expecting to find a box of cookies labeled Poisonous for Children, But Oh, So Delicious.” She shook her head. “I’m not an idiot. I know what I’m doing. But do they think that? Of course not.”

“Jen needs to get out more,” Olimpia said. “She’s not back to work yet, is she?”

“No.” Pam thought about their conversation. “She said she checked out day care places but didn’t find one she liked.”

“Is it possible for one to exist that she would like?” Eugenia asked. “I don’t mean that to sound mean, but isn’t this the same woman who insisted every item of bedding be natural cotton without dyes?”

Pam winced as she recalled Jen’s very detailed baby registry. “That would be her. I just wish I knew what to do. How to help.”

“You’re there for her,” Laura pointed out. “All she has to do is ask.”

That was true, Pam thought. She would be there, no matter what. “I suppose it’s something that she trusts Jack with me. Not that she has much choice. If not me, then who?”

“Where did we go wrong with our children?” Eugenia asked. “I swear, they all need a time-out.”

Everyone laughed. The waitress came over and asked if they wanted another round.

“These are so delicious.” Laura held up her glass. “I’m going to speak for all of us and say yes. It’s not like we’re driving.”

Every trip they tried a new cocktail. Sometimes it went well and was their favorite drink for their time together. Other times, it was quickly abandoned. This weekend’s suggestion had been a French 75. Pam had never heard of it before, but found she liked the blend of gin, lemon and champagne. It went down very easily, which could be both fun and dangerous.

For a second she wondered what Miguel would think of her friends. She had a feeling he would enjoy their company as much as she did. In turn, he would charm them.

Her evening with him had been a lot of fun. After their margaritas, they’d gone to dinner at McGrath’s Pub on the boardwalk. Conversation had been easy. Maybe too easy. Pam wasn’t sure she was ready to like Miguel. What if she wanted to keep seeing him? What if she started to actually care about him? That would be far too confusing.

She looked at each of her friends, then asked, “Do any of you date?”

The table went silent.

“That’s unexpected,” Eugenia admitted.

“I don’t,” Laura said flatly. “I’m not pining for my late husband. I miss him, of course, but I have to say, I love being single. I get to do what I want, when I want. My kids and grandkids keep me busy. I have no idea where I would find the time.” She turned to Olimpia. “Next.”

Olimpia smiled. “I date. Some. There’s no one special, if that’s what you’re asking, but I’ve been known to dine out with a man from time to time.”

“Do you want to find someone?” Pam pressed. “Fall in love?”

“Gracious, no. If I felt sparks, I probably wouldn’t say no, but casual relationships are plenty for me.” She smiled. “Besides even though there are plenty of age-appropriate men around me in Florida, you know what? They still want to go out with someone younger.”

They all looked at Eugenia, who sighed.

“I’ve been seeing someone. He’s very nice and we’ve been together about a year now.”

Pam felt her eyes widen. “You never said anything.”

“I know. I thought y’all would think I didn’t want to be friends anymore and I love our trips. I still want to take every one of them.”

“We’ve never talked about this before,” Olimpia murmured. “I wonder why that is.”

“We don’t want to be judged.” Pam spoke without thinking, then realized it was true. “No matter our age. We worry about fitting in. We’re all widows. If one of us has a man, does that change our friendship?”

Laura frowned. “I hope not. I’d be happy for any of you if you fell in love again. It’s just not for me. Nurses and purses. That’s all men want when they get to be our age.”

“That’s harsh,” Olimpia said gently.

“Maybe, but I’ve seen it happen.” She turned to Pam. “What about you?”

Pam thought about Miguel. “I accidentally went on a date.”

They laughed. “How was it an accident?” Eugenia asked.

Pam explained about meeting Miguel at Zoe’s barbecue. She told them who he was and about Saldivar tequila. “He’s so handsome and charming. When he called and asked me to dinner, I thought he wanted to talk about his daughter.”

“And he didn’t?” Laura asked.

“Not really. He came over a couple of days ago. We had dinner. It was nice.”

“And?” Olimpia voiced the question gently.

“I’m mostly confused. About dating. I never thought I would. I wasn’t looking. John is still such a part of my life.” She held up her hand. “Yes, I know I’m technically not married, but I don’t feel single. Given the choice, I would rather be with John than with anyone else. Only no one is offering me that.”