Four of a Kind by Valerie Frankel

Author:Valerie Frankel [Frankel, Valerie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-345-52541-3
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2012-02-07T05:00:00+00:00

“Claude, this is Renee Hobart,” said Carla, introducing her husband to her new friend. Acquaintance? Person of interest? What should she call Renee?

She’d been dreading Casino Night and the prospect of hours of socializing with Brownstone parents. She was grateful that Claude came along. He looked handsome in his gray suit, and it was easier to navigate with him steering her along. Carla casually mentioned that she might play a hand or two, and he hadn’t objected. Given the tension in the house about money, they were both trying to be as nice to each other as possible. Still, Carla felt the strain. When she saw Renee cutting through the crowd like a steamer ship, elegant and large, smiling at her and reaching for her, Carla was awash with relief. A third party. Someone to talk to. Plus, Claude would love her.

“Is your husband here, too?” Claude asked after he and Renee shook hands.

“He couldn’t make it,” she said.

“Working?” asked Claude.

“I shouldn’t complain. At least he has a job,” said Renee. “We work at the same firm. Twenty lawyers have been let go in the last few months. The atmosphere is awful, but you have to stay positive.”

Renee went on a bit about work, and then the conversation stalled.

“They did up the school nicely,” said Carla.

“You should see the gym. It’s been discoed,” agreed Renee.

The Casino Night activities were spread throughout Brownstone. Gambling in the middle school gym. Dancing in the lower school gym. Drinks and mingling in the main lobby and libraries.

Claude said, “Mirror ball?”

“Several,” said Renee. “And some of the parents really dressed the part. Or, I should say, barely dressed.”

The three of them were in normal, night-out clothes. Carla wore her regal purple caftan and thought she looked elegant. Renee also had a dramatic presence, in all black with a thick, beaded multicolored necklace. A statement piece. Carla would never wear such a chunky adornment. But with slicked-back hair and high eyebrows, Renee pulled it off beautifully. Instead of feeling jealous, Carla felt a swell of pride in having a handsome companion in Renee.

They agreed to do a lap around the event venues. The threesome headed for the short stairs that led directly to the gym. Carla felt good. Relieved. She hadn’t had a chance to call Renee about setting up a coffee, mainly because she didn’t want to seem pushy. Seeing her tonight did away with her hesitation. Claude was smiling; he seemed pleased to have an attractive woman on each arm.

Then they were ambushed.

Robin Stern, drink in hand, came up behind them. “Can I steal Carla for a minute?” asked the redhead. “Hello, Claude,” she added, leaning in to kiss him. He allowed it. Then Robin introduced herself to Renee. They exchanged vitals—their names, their kids names and grades.

“I like your costume,” said Renee.

“My what?” asked Robin. She looked down at her peasant shirt and skirt and said, “Not a costume. Believe it or not, I dress like this every day. Stevie Nicks circa nineteen seventy-eight, I know.

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