Episode 30: Rain in my Brunch

The historic U.

Sunday, March 15th at 7:48am:

Location: Diane’s apartment on Capitol Hill
Scene: Diane under the covers

“Tick! Tick! Tick! Tick!” my eye lids were barely peeling apart as I was forced awake from a wonderful slumber.  Was I really just at Tiffany’s with my tiara and black sheath staring longingly at George Peppard as he threw gems my way? Not quite the same scene as the movie but lovely all the same and a warm contrast to this cold, dreary, rainy morning. I yawned and hugged the covers even closer.

“Ring! Ring! Ring!” the cacophony that was my land line sounding off propelled me awake in an instant. No more Tiffany’s. No more George.

“Darling good morning and why so early”, I uttered with a deliberate slur speaking with a fully awake Jaz on the other end of the line.

“Let’s do brunch at BB&P in about an hour. Today is my last day on the show so I can finally relax. We have at least until noon to talk and catch up!” she continued.

“I will be there!” This was the best news I’d heard in weeks and a perfect time to bring out my new cowl neck cardigan from Forever 21 believe it or not.

Sunday, March 15th at 8:52am:
Location: Busboys and Poets on  14^th and V St., NW
Scene: Girls sitting on one of the couches

“I have a taste for some eggs and sausage this morning.”  Jaz stated while perusing the menu. Her usual was the granola, coffee and the french toast.

“Darling, aren’t you a strict vegetarian?” I asked while Cindi looked on curiously scrutinizing Jaz with her piercing eyes through her cat framed glasses.

“Oh please, as of last week, I am a flexitarian.” She said calmly afterwards pointing out that Cindi’s new bangs looked amazing. I looked at her baffled. That had to be a made up word.

Deciding to move beyond the topic of her food choices, I asked “now that the play is over, what do you plan to do? I hope you are no longer thinking about moving out-of-town like you were a few months ago.”

 “I’m not sure as of yet. With all the Shakespearean theaters in the area I could try to hone my skills as a classical actress and see where it leads from there. My only issues are whether I will be able to make enough money and two are there enough opportunities in this area and beyond. We shall see. Hopefully I won’t have to wait until I’m old and grey to get my Tony.”

“Or you Oscar! Don’t be silly. You will be fine.” Cindi finally piped in. Her ponytail seemed to bounce with more spirit than she herself has been able to muster all morning.

“What’s going on Cindi?” I asked out of concern. I hope it had nothing to do with Aidan.

“Aidan was laid off yesterday with about 20 other associates. Everybody at the firm is upset about this. I am worried too about my job but my new case is doing well and the client is bringing the firm lots of business.”

“I am sure you will be okay.” I tried to reassure her but I also knew that many other attorneys in the city had been laid off by their firms. Trying to make light of the situation, I said, “If anything, you can always crash on my couch and or try consulting. We can be work buddies.”

She rolled her eyes, “sure, thanks. Hopefully, we will both be safe from either of those options.”

Episode 23: Strange Bed Options

A Study of a Caribbean Beach in December

Friday, January 2nd at 7:23am:

 

 

 

Location: Diane’s Father’s home in Boston

Scene:  Standing in the living room with her bags.

 

“Dad, are you ready to head out?”

I had been calling him for the last 15 minutes. My flight leaves in 3 hours but I was just afraid of the walking into another web of chaos at the airport.  I remained impatient although Carmela had accepted the mission to pull him away from his study and the telephone. He was unofficially working from home today.  I would have asked my step brothers to take me to the airport but they had already taken off with the speed of running bulls when their college buddies suggested spending New Year’s Eve in New York. It had been kind of nice just the three of us in the house over the last few days.  A rarity though they’ve been married for six years now. Carmela gave great advice on my Chris situation and I was going to open myself more to a romantic relationship with him. 

“One moment,” he called from the top of the stairs, “I just need to put on my shoes and we should be on our way.” 

Thank goodness!

Sunday, January 4th at 10:44am:

Location: Busboys and Poets, 5^th and K St., NW Washington, DC

Scene:  Ladies on top floor couch sipping on hot chocolate and reading the paper.

 

“Did you all hear about the dress registry website?” Jaz lazily flopped one of her booted feet on the couch. I could tell by looking at her knees that she had a great tan from her vacation home in Miami.

“No. I’ve been a hermit the last few days. What about it?” Cindi responded.

“It’s the best idea ever! Events are listed on a website and women who plan to attend can add the dress they plan to wear with dress details and a picture to the site.  For one of the Inaugural Balls someone listed that they are wearing an H&M dress.  Now, I am all for making sure some other diva does not show up with the same dress at the same event, but what diva would want someone else to know how much they actually paid for a super fabulous outfit.”  She explained with eye rolls using her hands to express how appalled she felt. 

“Hilarious indeed!  I will have to check it out. So, Cindi how was your vacation? Your tan looks great by the way darling.” She was seating in front of me more relaxed than I’ve seen her in a long time, red turtle neck, gold hoop earrings, hair in a ponytail and a slight brush on her lips of her favorite MAC lip gloss.  I wonder who the guy is.

“My vacation was great.  The family was together with my grandparents for the first time in four years. Grandma looked healthy after a scary stay in the hospital at the beginning of the month. Yvonne got to show off her engagement ring to the cousins. We partied till the sun came up just about every night for a week. Good times.” She nonchalantly stirred her hot chocolate.

I gave her a sideways glance, scrunching up my nose Samantha the witch style. I did not believe her. “Really and what else has been going on since you’ve returned?” I continued. Jaz’s head finally popped up in my direction periscope style.

“Nothing.” She squinted at me, “just vacation afterglow. I did see Jamie Foxx on the flight back. He is so cute.”

“Are you kidding me? Please don’t let me regurgitate my breakfast. Every time I see him on the blogs pouring drinks down a girl’s throat I think classy <air quotes>. He seems like the kind of guy who would purposely ride on the packed train car just to cop a secret feel.” Jaz spat her criticism and finished with another elaborate eye roll.

“Well, I still think he’s cute and would not hesitate to get secretly copped if the opportunity knocked.” She continued with a sly smile. Jaz turned the page of the Post style section obviously trying to ignore her response.

“How is Aidan?” I was still suspicious that something was brewing with that relationship and did want to get thrown off the scent.

“My goodness, you are like my second mother! Ok, so I have been sleeping with Aidan. I’ve just been too embarrassed to tell you ladies. I should have never taken things to home base with him.  But anyways I ended it this morning and so I am wearing a happy color.” She ended puffing out her chest and smoothing out her cashmere turtle neck. “Peruvian Connection by the way.” And so was the end to the revelation.

“Hmmm…the big reveal finally. We knew there were holes in the story you told us a few weeks ago.” Jaz nodded in my direction.

I shook my head, “maybe for 2009 we will have to work on getting you a serious man.”

“I know. You are probably right but we shall see.” I knew deep down she was in it for the chase and there was no chance of her staying in a relationship for more than the three month mark.

 

Episode 16: Shocks and Awe

(First timer? Read from the start.)

Friday, October 31st at 10:08pm:

Location: Thomas Jefferson St., Georgetown

Scene: Blocked off streets, costumed masses, Mardi Gras without the beads

 

“Huh?!” Jaz said as her eyes flew open with shock while glancing at Cindi’s “costume”.  It was a moment of quirky first look like did she not get the Halloween memo.  Jaz glanced quickly at me and then walked rapidly to the edge of the sidewalk, the golden braids of her Goldilocks costume slapping her ears as she bopped along in her white Mary Janes.  She will never be able to wear those shoes with anything else. I thought to myself. She delicately hugged Cindi like she had just emerged from a terrifying ordeal and in need of some comforting. I laughed at the sight covering my mouth with my extensive wig.

 

“Hon, who are you supposed to be? I can’t guess. Did you dress up?” Jaz noted out loud. Jaz took Halloween seriously and by looking at Cindi you could tell there was an off chance she was dressed in her work suit but could also have worn one of those costumes that needed some sort of explanation so you could get it.

They walked over to me and after our hugs and kisses session, we all stepped back and gave each other discerning looks.  Cindi successfully guessed without hesitation that I was dressed as a witch.  Surprise, surprise.  Not hard to tell with my long beaked nose and lengthy black wig and pointy hat.  This year I did not feel like going the sex kitten route in a leotard and a bunny tail. No mood for cat calls and butt pinches.

“Ummm. Your turn.” I said as we both turned in her direction anticipating an anti-Halloween montage.  She pulled out a handmade sign from her pocket that said “Michelle Obama” and only then did her sleeveless suit dress make sense. Diva statement indeed!

Saturday, November 1st at 1:08pm:

Location: Busboys and Poets

Scene: lounging on couch; crowded brunch scene    

 

“It was so much fun hanging out in Georgetown and U St. last night!” Cindi exclaimed.

“However after that guy in Marvin spilled his drink on my suit it was game over. Note to self – expensive dresses and crowded bars are like coffee and vinegar, not meant to be together. I hadn’t worn a costume in ages and now I think it ups the enjoyment factor. So, is Jaz coming out today?” She continued.

“Nah! She said that she has lots of cleaning to do because her mom might be visiting next week.  She said something about two months worth of laundry!” I answered. “So what’s up with you?  It’s been so long since we had a ‘just the two of us’ moment.” I exclaimed.

“By the way, lunch is on me! So, what is up with Chris? I thought you liked him.” She asked catching me off guard while I people watched at our new spot BB&P II.

“I do like him. But he is just into having fun now since his 5 year relationship ended and I realize that I want more at this age than a great date here and there so we are just going to be friends. He invited me camping next weekend with his friends.  I would invite you but I already know the answer. My mom thinks that I should be patient and wait at least six months before tossing aside a relationship, but who has time.”

We were interrupted by the waiter and ordered the Chai latte with soy.

Cindi responded “Oh Lord, I think we both have the thirtieth birthday syndrome. This year has meant the surfacing of this antsy inner person woken up like Rip Van Wrinkle nagging me at the oddest moments about the things I hadn’t accomplished or cared for beforehand. I would go for brunch in Eastern Market and stare at couples holding hands and kissing and instead of thinking get a room I look and sigh. I would see strollers that were always in barriers to my quickly making it from one end of a block to next, now become bearers of cute little cooing packages. I don’t like this annoying new me but it has made me contemplate my dating style and stick more to my list. Now, if the butterflies, respect and ambition are not evident within the first two months forget about it.” She finished with a Robert De Niro accent. We laughed. Random.

“Hmmm…you sound like the Newsweek stats are getting to you.” I said thinking back to all the media dating gloom and doom that was surfacing in the past few years. “I vowed to be more open-minded and to start thinking outside the box.”

“Actually, I kinda have a crush on someone at work but not only do I think he is out of my league, I don’t want to mess with my ‘sharp as a tack work is my life’ reputation.”  When Cindi mentioned potential love interest at work I was taken aback.

“When did you get the chance to find a crush at work? Did you both bond over the copy machine’s ability to spit out non-chewed up copies or coffee rings on draft pleadings. Darling, I am confused.” My eyebrows were now tildes, “have you acted on this crush? Does he know? Because this is so unlike you. I on the other hand would kiss and then think.” I finished thinking of all the indiscretions I’ve had so far this year with Jerry my boss as a witness.

“Well…one night I was at work. It was ten o’clock and Aidan a senior associate and I were eating some Armand’s pizza and getting for the long haul. We were just told a few hours prior that we were responsible for two motions due by COB the next day.” She started.

“Whoa! I’ve never heard about him before.” I noted with intrigue the idea of straight laced Cindi in the middle of her own Harlequin novel was fascinating.  Jaz would never believe me.

“Well, you know I hate talking about work. So, Aidan and I have been working together on the case from hell.  He gives me my assignments but for the last few months we’ve split many of the tasks equally. We always eat dinner together and have the best conversations. The night of the pizza, I reached over to grab a slice of cheese from the box that was on his side of the desk and he landed a kiss half way on the side of my cheeks and half way on my lips. I turned around in shock and he full on kissed me. It was awkward yet fantabulous but I was all of a sudden conscious of every motion, look or gesture I made while around him from then on.” She finished and then took a sip of her Chai.   

“What does Eric, your work husband <giggle> think about this?” I just had to ask because she always related zingers from Eric and we had a feeling he was gay. They always seemed to hang out during the day.

“Are you kidding me, I haven’t told him because he tends to talk too much. I just keep thinking about how he always seems to have the latest gossip about everyone at work. I always wonder if he would talk about me too.” She analyzed.

“So what are you going to do?” I was curious and knew for sure there would be more to the story.

“Try not to run into him in elevators by himself. We did last week and he grabbed my hands and leaned in to kiss me. I moved. It was midnight but people were still in the office. Still need to process what’s happening. Stay away from his office now that the case is winding down. He always feels the need to apologize. I don’t want to say what happened out loud. Too much drama in the way of happiness.”  She finished obviously shaken and happy to get it off her chest.

“I can tell you are still processing what happens. I would talk to him about at work PDA. Not that I am discouraging you but I know if your bosses found out it would not bode well for you becoming partner eventually but darling tell me is he cute?” I was curiously living in the moment, since Cindi might never be this risqué again.

“Imagine a brunette with Hugh Jackman facial features, six-foot tall, green eyes and super-duper smart.” She finished with an inhale.

I nodded and faux fanned myself. It was now evident there would be a few more chapters left in this book.