Idol Urges by Ruby Bassett

be a hotel maid. If you don’t finish college, what will you have?”
    “Susan, don’t be so dramatic.” Wendy pulled back.
    “I made a choice. Billy and I rushed into marriage and we’ll probably be living in that same house forever. Soon I’ll have a brood of kids. I don’t mind, it’s what I want. But you want something else.”
    Wendy gaped back at her friend. “I should talk to my mom.”
    Susan relaxed her grip and sat back. “Sure, talk to your mom, think about it. Mull it over until registration for classes closes or the Pre-Law classes fill up.”
    Defensive words formed on Wendy’s tongue, but she bit them back. Susan was right. A person needed to take a certain amount of risk. If she could strut into that sex club and ask someone to have an orgy with her, then she could probably quit her job as a hotel maid and go work for a friend as a waitress.
    Maybe the club cleared her mind for more than just Chemistry.
    “Maybe you’re right,” Wendy said at last.
    “I’m always right. Wasn’t I right about Robert?”
    “Uh, what do you mean?”
    “Didn’t you call him? He said he liked you and I bet he’s a good kisser.”
    “I wouldn’t know.” Wendy avoided looking at Susan.
    “Of course, you wouldn’t. You’ve got to let go once in a while. Would it kill you to allow a man to kiss you, or at least hold your hand?”
    Wendy couldn’t stifle the laugh that bubbled up. “You’re right. I should be more involved with men.”
    And not just any man. It all clicked into place. She had balanced her work and school for so long, she was expert at it. With the amount of time she had spent at the club clearing her mind, she could have been working at night.
    Wendy gathered her belongings and headed for the locker room.
    “Your shift isn’t over,” Susan said.
    “I know. I’ve got to see Franco about a job.”
    Wendy flung open the locker room door.
    “You mean you’re quitting?” Susan stumbled in behind her.
    “I have to Susan. I have to get my priorities in order.” Wendy dumped the contents of her locker into her bag. “I’ve always taken the safe route, never gone after what I really wanted.”
    “But if you walk out, they won’t give you a reference. How do you know Franco will give you a job?”
    Wendy nearly ripped the polyester uniform as she tore if from her body. “I don’t know. That’s the point. I’m taking a risk. But that’s who I want to be, a woman who goes after what she wants. Not someone who waits around. Franco won’t wait for me. I shouldn’t have to wait for him.” She held out the uniform to Susan. “Please let them know. Thanks.” Wendy gave her friend a peck on the cheek and sprang from the room.
    She walked out into the employee parking lot for the last time. The sun might have been behind some clouds, but Wendy looked through new eyes seeing vibrant fresh colors. Every distinct thought made sense to her.
    The old woman sat under the palm tree next to the display of macadamias.
    Wendy strode to her. “Hi.” She hunted for the right words, an apology for what she had said before.
    “Hello, dear. How is your mind?” The woman’s keen eyes looked right through her, but were friendly at the same time.
    Wendy laughed. “Oh, just fine, thanks. I’m sorry I lost your tiki idol.”
    “No, you didn’t.” The woman shook her head. “You just didn’t need it anymore.”
    “Thanks. I don’t need it now, either. I think I’ve got it all figured out.”
    “I’m sure you do.” She smiled and nodded.
    “I’m not sure how to thank you.”
    She shrugged, causing her bright orange muumuu to fall off one shoulder.
    Just then the bus pulled up. Wendy abandoned any further talk but continued to look behind her as she boarded the bus. The old woman cocked her head to the side and kept her wide smile in place as the bus pulled away.
    It would be a long ride to the restaurant, past campus. Impatience to act on her plan would stretch the ride even longer. She