If We Ever Get There: A Novel by Laura Barrow

Author:Laura Barrow [Barrow, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Published: 2024-06-18T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 21

LOLA

April 7, 1962

Dear Patsy,

Who could have imagined that one little wedding should take so much time and energy to plan? Wallace’s mother and mine have taken over the whole affair. They say I don’t have to worry for a thing, and all I need to focus on is finishing my studies and graduating next month. But it seems any time I get a minute to spare, I’m being carted off to a dress fitting or a cake sampling or a free makeup tutorial at the department store.

My mother insisted on a satin gown with a lace bodice for the wedding. To spite her, I’ve chosen a strapless tea-length tulle number that cinches my waist so tightly I resemble a life-sized Barbie doll. Truthfully, a small part of me is still put out about Frances, and this was the only card I had left to play. But mother is relentless. Finally, we reached a stalemate in which she pretended not to notice me for three whole days and moped around the house like a bereaved widow. I told her if she let me have the dress, I’d carry a bouquet of white freesias instead of the yellow tulips she claims are far too splashy for a church wedding. I suppose concessions must be made if I am ever to be free of her. I’ll bet your mother never forced you to endure these sorts of fashion atrocities, Patsy. I read in your fan newsletter, of which I am a most devout subscriber, that you design your own outfits, and your mother sews them. I am green with jealousy!

Between all the wedding talk and final exams next month, I’ve had little time to earn money for the Gibson and even less time to practice at Helen’s. My calluses are beginning to soften, so I’ve been running the tips of my fingers over a piece of sandpaper before bed at night.

On top of everything, the boys found my cigar box and stole seventy-five cents for hard candies. They didn’t think I’d notice, but I have a running ledger beneath the lid. As I write this, they are out hunting bottles and cans to pay me back. When they do, I’ll have seventeen dollars and fifty cents put away. That’s accounting for the lock I purchased this morning at the drugstore.

Sincerely,

Lola

P.S. My mother said I couldn’t uninvite Mitsy from my party, so I told her I’d rather not have one after all. But she said eighteen is an important year for a girl, especially since I’m to be married soon, so she baked a coconut cake and invited Helen and Mitsy and Wallace over after dinner this evening. The whole thing felt entirely juvenile. We just sat across from one another like dolts with nothing interesting to say. I imagine you would tell me to chin up and soldier on and forgive Mitsy as life is much too short to hold grudges. Except in the case of Frances where the statute of limitations does not exist.

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