“We all do, Whit … is it okay if I call you, Whit?” Summer asked. When I nodded, she continued, “It’s only normal. How long were you and your husband together?”
“Marcus and I were together for twenty-five years, married for twenty,” I replied.
“Wow,” she whispered.
Yeah, I figured that was almost as long as she’d been alive.
“Insecurities are understandable but, Whitney, Luca approached you,” Margo said, pointing her toothpick at me to emphasize the you. One drink had turned into a few and a round of tapas. “He was obviously attracted and went out of his way to talk to you. Often, our insecurities are unfounded. The things we get hung up on, men couldn’t care less about. He would have happily taken you home with him right now if you’d given him even the slightest indication you were interested.”
Summer, Margo’s new number one fan, nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
I held up my hand to stave off any more commentary.
“My body is like a road map of my life with Marcus,” I explained. “Stretch marks from both my pregnancies, a scar on my ankle from going four-wheeling while we were dating, a couple more on my back from mole removals and a cancer scare. I was never self-conscious of my body with him because he lived through it all with me, but with a stranger? To be that vulnerable and open myself up to possible judgement … I just don’t think I can do it.”
Everyone was quiet for a moment and I was sure they were picking up what I was putting down. Then Summer blurted out, “I have hemorrhoids.”
I blinked and Margo snorted as she covered her mouth and tried not to laugh.
“I’m sorry?” I asked, sure I’d heard incorrectly.
I mean, that wasn’t something you blurted out over mushroom tarts, was it?
“Hemorrhoids. I’ve had them since I was a teenager and they just never go away,” she replied nonchalantly.
“Have you tried cream?” I asked, the mom in me coming out.
“I’m allergic to hydrocortisone, so I can’t use it.”
“What about witch hazel or essential oils?”
I was big on home remedies.
“No, do you think that will work?” she asked.
“It won’t hurt to try. Give me your email and I’ll send you some links.”
I picked up my phone, opened the contacts, and handed it to her.
“I have inverted nipples,” Margo announced.
Our heads swung toward her.
She shrugged and said, “Guys seem to view it as more of a challenge than anything else.”
“Have they always been inverted?” I asked, leaning in and lowering my voice. “Because if it’s recent there could be a larger issue.”
“I’ve seen my doctor and everything’s fine. I could get it corrected with a plastic surgeon, but I’m not sure I want surgery, at least not at this point.”
I wasn’t sure why her answer gave me such relief, I barely knew her. Yet, the fact she had gone to her doctor and there was no underlying issue did make me feel relieved. We’d only known each other a short time, but I found myself really enjoying both Margo and Summer.
They were completely different than my usual friends, most of whom were no longer on speaking terms with me. Since I didn’t have the fancy address, social calendar, or handsome husband, it seemed they no longer had time for me. In fact, I’d heard though the grapevine that a few of them were now doubles partners with Marcus and his new wife. The woman they all knew he was cheating on me with.
“Anyway, I only shared, and I’m sure Summer did too, to prove we all have things about ourselves which embarrass us, but we don’t let it stop us from having fun and indulging in the opposite sex. I can guarantee, no man would take a look at your stretch marks and walk out of the bedroom. Hell, he probably wouldn’t even notice them. By that point all of his blood’s rushed to his dick and he only has one goal in mind … and believe me, nothing short of a terrorist attack is deterring him from that goal.”
“Preach,” Summer said, raising her glass to toast Margo before downing the rest of the contents.
I laughed, feeling much lighter than I had earlier in the evening and actually happy I’d left my condo rather than ignoring my therapist’s advice and binging something on Netflix. Again.
“I hate to say it, but I have to go. I actually have a job interview in the morning … the first one in seventeen years, and it wouldn’t do to show up with a hangover,” I said, pulling some money out of my wallet for the bill. “We should really do this again.”
Funnily enough, I meant it.
“Yes,” Summer practically shouted. “Whitney has my info; give me your phone, Margo, and I’ll give it to you as well. Then you both text me so I’ll have your numbers and I can plan the next meeting of the club.”
Seems she’s really adamant about calling this a club.
Margo obliged and handed over her phone.
“So what are you both thinking, same day and time next week? Make it a weekly get-together?” Summer asked.
“That works for me,” Margo replied. “If something comes up at work, I’ll just let you both know.”
“And it should work for me as well. Thursdays my kids are with their father and the job I’m interviewing for doesn’t involve late nights except during tax season, so even if I get it we should be good.”
“Perfect,” Summer said as she handed Margo back her phone. “I’m so happy you knocked me down, Margo.”
Margo chuckled and said, “Me, too.”
Four
Luca
“TGIF, am I right?”
I lifted my chin as I walked by the intern standing by the coffee machine, intent on getting settled in my office before my nine-a.m. meeting.
“Good morning, Mr. Russo.”
“Morning, Pam,” I replied, giving my
