“When you go to Barcelona, think of me,” said Charlotte’s mom, “and remember how I encouraged you to stay on top of the situation.”
“How did you know I wanted to return to Barcelona?” Valerie asked.
“Oh, Charlotte mentioned it.”
“God, I should have known.” Smiling at Charlotte’s mom she should feel exasperated, but actually, she found it kind of sweet. She could see the wine had made Doris, shall we say, a little loose-lipped. Valerie decided to pursue the topic.
“So Doris, what else did Charlotte say?”
“Oh, just that you and Dave had discussed going to Spain. I think it’s a lovely idea. You need to look after him,” she said, giving Valerie a sly wink.
“Well, Doris, I appreciate this but, you know, he just mentioned it in passing, and I said I would think about it, you know, given everything that has happened.”
“Oh,, Valerie, I know you don’t want to scare him, but let’s face facts, this man is now widowed and he needs comforting. You know, widowers are the only way to go!” she said brightly.
“Charlotte says the same thing all the time, but you know, he’s still grieving for Arianna and I don’t want to seem predatory; she was one of my best friends.”
“All the more reason, you need to jump in and hit him while he’s vulnerable,” Doris said, now very animated, toasting the air.
“Umm, Doris, how much wine have you had?”
“That’s beside the point. Look Valerie!” Charlotte showed me Dave’s picture. “Do you realize this man is perfect for you? Tons of hair, owns his home, and loyal to a fault. You’re not getting any younger, you know.”
“Thanks a lot.”
“I don’t mean it like that, but really, we can’t let him slip through your fingers! Another woman will swoop down and pluck him away. And you know what that means?”
Valerie was afraid to ask, as Doris started to pour them more wine.
“Look, you need to grab Dave now, but if that doesn’t work, you should really think about volunteering at a hospice.”
Valerie stood there not knowing what to say. Obviously her dear friend had discussed her plight with her mother in some detail. Almost magically, at that moment Charlotte appeared.
“What are you two talking about?” she asked.
“I’m going to kill you,” Valerie whispered.
