Part 5 (2/2)
”I'm sorry, that's library records.”
Jersey set down her cup and gave Marian an intent stare. ”Oh, not her name, surely.”
”Yes, including her name. And don't call me s.h.i.+rley.”
”Marian, how long have we been friends?”
”Forever, Ellie, and I still can't tell you.” At the moment, Marian honestly couldn't remember. The throb in her pelvis was getting stronger.
”I'll never forgive you if Sandy gets her first.”
”Join the F.B.I. and bring some special agents with you invoking the Patriot Act, and then I can tell you.”
”She lives here in town?”
”I can't tell you that.”
34.
”Marian!”
”Ellie!”
Ellie got that look, that about-to-burst-into-song look.
”Ellie, don't you dare. Not today.”
”Tell me her name.”
Patty paused at the table, leaning her square, buff frame over Ellie's shoulder. ”If you sing aMarian the Librarian' I will help Marian kill you.”
”Amen,” Carrie added. ”Fresh Meat is not worth fighting over.”
”Oh, I don't know, she's gorgeous.” Ellie continued to give Marian a narrow stare.
”Let's do a pool.” Terry smiled brightly. ”I'm willing to place a bet.”
”Oh no, guys, please . . .” Marian began. She suddenly ached all over. She was in no mood for proof that everyone regarded her as the least likely to attract the interest of a new woman. That she didn't want to attract anyone at this point in her life was suddenly beside the point.
Dollar bills floated onto the table. Even Patty dropped one in.
”My money's on Carrie,” Jersey said firmly.
”How flattering-but our auras weren't compatible.” Carrie regarded Marian serenely. ”I'm not seeking her out.”
”Neither am I,” Marian said quickly. ”And I'm not betting.”
”We should get Hemma and Amy to bet,” Terry added.
Great, just what I need, Marian thought, the woman I love betting for or against me seducing someone else. Her mood went from charcoal to black.
”So everyone is backing Ellie?” Terry poised her pen over a napkin she'd already dated. ”You want to change your mind, honey?”
Jersey glanced at Carrie and then nodded. ”Okay, I'll back Ellie, too.”
”Wait.” Ellie put her hand over the small pile of bills. ”If you all pick me you'll just get your money back. This is pointless.”
”Then I'll make it interesting,” Carrie said. ”I'm betting on Marian.”
35.
”But I'm not trying.”
Terry did her perfect Yoda impression. ”There is no try, only do, young Skywalker.”
”But I don't want to do her.” Marian glanced around. ”Seriously.”
”There are lots of babies in the world that prove you don't have to be actively trying to create something new.” Carrie shrugged.
”It'll make the bet worth doing.”
”Guys?” Marian put her hand on her abdomen.
”What?” Ellie snapped.
”I've got cramps.”
The napkins on the table ruffled in the collective sigh of relief.
Ellie touched her cup to Marian's in salute. ”Thank goodness.”
”Way to go.” Terry slapped Marian on the shoulder. She gathered up the bills and folded them into the napkin on which she had recorded their bets. ”Carrie takes the long odds, so we have our-selves a horse race.”
<script>