The Giving Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini Page B

was definitely not fine. “In time” meant at that meeting, not some vague date of Brenda’s choosing in the distant future. The resort had set a deadline, and if they didn’t have all the money by then, they wouldn’t receive their savings.
    Checks from the other two forgetful members arrived within days, but Brenda sent nothing. A week after the meeting, Pauline e-mailed her a cheerful reminder, to which, not unexpectedly, she received no reply. Another week passed without a word, so Pauline sent another, considerably less cheerful e-mail. The third week brought more silence and yet another reminder, and before Pauline knew it, a month had gone by. Pauline had hoped that Brenda would slip her a check at the guild meeting, but Brenda didn’t so much as glance in Pauline’s direction by the time the evening wrapped up and the quilters headed out to their cars.
    Pauline steeled herself and hurried to catch up with Brenda before she could drive away. “I guess you haven’t been getting my e-mails,” she began, managing what she hoped was a cordial smile.
    â€œOh, yes, those.” Brenda shifted her purse on her shoulder and glanced at her watch. “I got them.”
    â€œOh, good. I was worried. So, did you bring a check?”
    â€œNo, not tonight. I said I’d pay you in time and I will. Relax.”
    There was that word again. “Brenda, it’s already past time to be ‘in time.’ Could you write me a check tonight so I can pay the resort, please?”
    â€œI don’t carry a checkbook. I do all my checks on my computer.”
    Or not at all, as it suited her. “Okay, then when can I expect to receive it?”
    â€œSoon.” Brenda’s SUV chirped as she pressed a button on her key fob. Pauline stepped out of the way as she opened the door and climbed aboard. Without another glance in Pauline’s direction, Brenda drove off, leaving Pauline dumbfounded and fuming in her wake.
    Pauline could have paid Brenda’s share as she had many times before, but Ray didn’t like it and Pauline wasn’t especially thrilled with shelling out so much money with no idea when she might be reimbursed. But it wasn’t just about what Pauline could afford or couldn’t. A principle was at stake. Brenda had voted in favor of the plan, she had agreed to pay, and her salary was at least twice Pauline’s, so she could certainly afford it. She was just being stubborn. She just didn’t like Pauline telling her what to do.
    Pauline waited four days, long enough to be sure that if Brenda had mailed the check the day after the guild meeting, it would have arrived. And then, with the resort’s deadline swiftly approaching, she composed an e-mail to the guild, the usual weekly summary of their accounts, income, and expenditures. In a postscript, she noted that the resort’s deadline for securing their discount was only two weeks away. “Almost everyone has paid,” she added, “so, Brenda, if you could please get that check to me immediately, I’d really appreciate it.”
    The first response was from the guild president addressed to the entire list, thanking Pauline for the detailed update.
    The second response was from Brenda, and it was sent privately.
    Â 
    From: [email protected]
    To: [email protected]
    Subject: Your e-mail
    Pauline:
    Thanks for the oh-so-thoughtful reminders about the payment. FYI, I already have a mother, but if you would like the job I can definitely tell you where to go to apply.
    I will tell you yet again to RELAX. I have been a Cherokee Rose Quilter for much longer than you and have always paid my fees. I told you I would take care of it and I will. If the treasurer job has become too stressful for you, maybe it is time for you to let someone else take over.
    Brenda
    Pauline felt as if the air had been squeezed from her lungs. Hands shaking, she scrolled back to the