Bess and Frima by Alice Rosenthal

Author:Alice Rosenthal
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: She Writes Press
Published: 2018-11-05T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

“I knew it!” Beth exclaimed. “I felt it in my bones. My brother, the heartthrob, following you around like a puppy. And you know something? I’m really truly pleased about it. Sisters at last! So when does it happen?”

“The wedding?”

“What else?”

“Late April in Ellenville. We haven’t set the date yet.”

“So soon? And you told me to slow down! Ahem, no hurry is there? Okay, okay, don’t bite my head off, I’m only kidding.”

“One of these days, you will allow me to bite your head off after you say something provoking without heading me off at the pass,” Frima replied testily. “And if you don’t stop, I won’t let you be maid of honor.”

“Oh my God, you want me to be maid of honor? Really? Now, that’s what I call exciting! But what about Vinny?”

“Won’t work. He’s a man.”

“Hilarious. You know what I mean.”

“Well, I doubt that Jack would choose him as his best man. But, believe me, if you and Vinny aren’t there together and openly, there ain’t gonna be no wedding.”

“Atta girl! Well, I am tickled pink to be your maid of honor. I don’t have to wear pink, do I? I mean I will if I have to, but—”

“Pink? Wear anything you want, even if it’s as bright red as the worker’s flag. Just don’t overshadow me.”

“Strong words.”

“I need them these days. Ever been engaged? Well, don’t be. Not that I wouldn’t be quite happy to see you married. Any chance that you and Vinny are thinking along those lines?”

“I wouldn’t count on it. I don’t think I’m the marrying kind.”

“But you love Vinny, don’t you?”

“Yes, and he loves me, but remember I grew up the daughter of a terrible marriage.”

“So did Jack. But I guess one marriage among the four of us is enough for now,” Frima said lightly, backing off. It was evident that Beth didn’t want to talk about this.

Beth sat by the phone after they hung up, relieved that she was home alone. Her feelings were too roiled up to talk to another human being, and for a wild moment she wished that Rhubarb were there with her. She could talk to the dog, say anything whatsoever, and he would look at her with complete acceptance in his soulful eyes, hoping for no more from her than a dog biscuit. “One marriage is enough for now,” Frima had said. That was a mouthful. She wondered if Frima was aware of how loaded those few words were.

She was pleased that Frima was marrying Jack. She had learned to be optimistic about this union. She tittered to herself. Now that was a Jane Austen attitude, if there ever was one—you learn to be happy, you endeavor to be satisfied—and you are amiable, always amiable. Funny how much she loved Austen. Probably because she was so unlike her. Those witty, elegantly written fantasies, always a well-deserved happy ending—in marriage. Well, Beth couldn’t take refuge in a novel now. And for her there would be no happy ending in wedded bliss.

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