The Secret Lives of Housewives by Joan Elizabeth Lloyd Page A

all the teasing. She allowed herself to smile. “Yeah. For dinner tonight.”
    â€œFabulous. You’re going, of course,” Cait said.
    â€œI don’t know.”
    â€œGod, if I weren’t married, I’d jump at the chance. Actually, I think I’d jump him.”
    â€œWhat’s he like?” Angie asked, sipping her soda.
    Monica related all she knew about him, sticking to the facts.
    â€œSo he’s not married, bright, charming, and as we’ve all agreed, beautiful,” Cait said, taking a bite of her sandwich. “What’s the hang-up?”
    â€œI don’t know. All the guys I date are work types. Just short-term flings. Nothing important. This feels different, and I don’t think I want it.”
    Eve adjusted her glasses, then reached for Monica’s fries. Angie slapped her hand, so, with a grin, she withdrew her fingers. “Feels different how?” Eve asked.
    â€œI don’t know. I like things easy, light, where everyone knows that nothing’s going to get serious.” And nobody’s going to let you down.
    â€œIt’s just a dinner, Monica,” Cait said, wiping her fingers on her napkin. “He didn’t ask to marry you.”
    â€œI know, and it sounds silly when I say it but I don’t think I’m going to go. Too many possible problems.”
    â€œIf that’s the way you feel, just say no,” Eve said. “Call him up and tell him you’re not interested.”
    â€œYeah. I guess that’s best.”
    They talked while they finished their food, the conversation often getting back to whether Monica should date Dan or not. Eventually Angie reached beneath her feet for her tote bag. “Much as I’m enjoying this, I think I’d better get going.”
    â€œRelax, Angie,” Cait said. “Tony can watch the babies for a little while longer. We’re just getting started here.”
    â€œStarted giving Monica a hard time about Dan,” Angie said, finding her wallet and putting some money on the table. Then she sighed and rested her elbows on the table. “Anyway, I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to meet with you guys like this.”
    Eve looked crestfallen. “Why? I really enjoy these girls’ days out.”
    â€œMe too, but weekends are going to become really hectic once school starts.”
    â€œSchool? How come?” Cait asked.
    â€œTony’s been working with his brothers all summer. They’re in construction and Tony’s been earning some really good money.”
    â€œOkay,” Cait said. “So?”
    â€œEither Frank or Paul has been able to pick him up so I can have the car during the day. It’s hectic getting the babies out, but I can get most of my errands done while he’s at work. Once he’s back commuting to the Bronx, I’ll be carless all week, and there are just so many things to do that I’ll need both days to catch up.”
    â€œHe drives to the South Bronx?” Eve said.
    â€œThere’s no good public transportation and the neighborhood’s not good to walk in. They have a gated parking lot for the teachers so he takes the Ford.”
    â€œYou only have one car?” Cait seemed incredulous.
    Angie slowly nodded. “Yup. I’ve been angling for a used van but we just can’t swing it right now. So, sadly, once Tony’s back at work I’ll need all the weekend time I can get to do all the things I need to.”
    â€œListen,” Cait said. “That’s totally out of the question.” She tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear and steepled her fingers. “I’m not willing to give up on our lunches. What do you say, ladies?”
    â€œNot a chance,” Monica said.
    â€œNo way,” Eve said softly, adjusting her glasses on the bridge of her nose.
    Cait brightened. “I can’t see why I can’t drive you wherever you need to go,