Autumn Leaves by Barbara Winkes

a knowing expression on her face. She knew nothing, Rebecca thought with sudden anger. She had no idea how often they, in their small universe, had failed to accept people just because they were different. They had made jokes, more clueless than mean-spirited, but certainly inappropriate. Betty couldn’t possibly understand how bad Rebecca felt about that. She’d gotten lost in Callie’s work of fiction, was torn between wanting to open those doors, but afraid to do so. What if in the end, she got more than she bargained for?
    There was a moth circling one of the party lights, and Rebecca chose to watch it instead, mesmerized, reminded of her earlier thoughts. If nothing else, she could sympathize with a living being that couldn’t withstand the temptation of being burned.
    Later, when all guests had left, the yard was mostly cleaned up, and Rebecca was comfortably buzzed on Callie’s expensive wine, David said, “I need to confess something.”
    Rebecca wasn’t too worried. If anything, she was grateful she wasn’t the only one struggling with something. Knowing David, it couldn’t be that bad. He’d probably done a load of white laundry with a red sock in it. She smiled at her own train of thought.
    “That’s okay. I’ve had enough wine to be quite forgiving.”
    He laughed. “It’s a good moment then. About going to the movies on Tuesday…Charles invited me to come see his brother’s boat.”
    “Oh. I suppose it’s a guy thing.”
    “Would you be terribly disappointed?”
    “You’ll be back on the road soon…I can handle it, but Maggie will not be happy,” Rebecca presumed.
    “I know. I’m sorry. Why don’t you ask Callie to come? We have the tickets anyway.”
    “Yeah, I could do that.” Rebecca hesitated, wondering what Asha would think of an invitation to go see Toy Story 3 . On the other hand, Maggie might be thrilled, and they had never had their girls’ afternoon out. She warmed to the idea, her earlier thoughts notwithstanding. They wouldn’t be so prominent with her daughters sitting right next to them.
    “She’s writing children’s books after all,” David added. “She might have fun with that.” After a small pause he continued, “You didn’t seem so tired today.”
    “Yeah. I think I’m feeling better.”
    “Good.” He leaned forward to kiss her. “I think we’re going to need all the energy we can muster for Disneyland. The girls are really excited.”
    “Me too,” Rebecca said, reaching out to switch off the lamp on the nightstand. “It was a nice evening.”
    “It was. I don’t understand what the hell is up with Betty though.”
    “Why?” she asked, her heart beating faster as she anticipated more questions. Until now, she’d never thought of Betty as malicious, but Rebecca became wary where her friend was concerned. She was wondering if they could still call themselves friends at all.
    “I don’t know, she seems…off. She asked me what I was thinking of having a lesbian babysit my children.”
    “What?” Not that it was that much of a surprise.
    “I said we were grateful to have somebody who could make the time and did a great job.”
    Rebecca smiled in the dark. “I bet that went over well.”
    “None of our business who Callie sleeps with,” David said. “I’m just glad you have somebody to talk to outside of Saturday brunch. I was afraid you’d be lonely sometimes.”
    Rebecca didn’t say anything to that, but she reached up to touch her face, the skin feeling warm under her fingertips. Did David even know what he was saying or how she could possibly interpret his words? Why was he so laid back about the facts when it had taken her some time to come to terms with them?
    “Good night, David,” she said after the silence had stretched on too long. If she felt like crying again after the temporary high, it could only be the alcohol. She had to be more careful the next time.
    * * * *
    Callie kicked off her shoes and threw her dress in the