Part 26 (2/2)

”Yes.” Marian found a faint smile somehow. ”I don't need any rescuing at the moment, but thank you.”

They reached the Beetle and Liddy paused while Marian found her keys. ”You're sure you'll get home okay?”

”Yeah. I'll take a pill and crash.”

”Okay. If you're sure.”

Marian nodded. Liddy didn't move on, though, so Marian looked up at her. ”I'm so sorry.”

”So am I.”

Marian wondered if they were talking about the same thing.

When Liddy stepped slightly closer and lowered her head, she knew they were.

The kiss was so gentle that Marian wanted to weep. It asked nothing of her, but felt so welcome that she caught back a whimper.

Liddy must think her pathetic. So needy, so whiney, crying all the time. Wanting all the time.

She pulled back her head and took a deep breath. ”I really am sorry.”

Liddy did walk away then, and Marian hurt too much to cry.

163.

I didn't even get the d.a.m.ned book, Liddy raged at herself.

Another day not getting much done and she hadn't even picked up the one thing she went there for.

Like you didn't go there for her kisses, an inner voice whispered.

Be honest. To look into her eyes again, that's what you were really after.

She parked the Hummer behind the house and stomped across the overgrown lawn to the back stairs. As she unlocked the door she heard the phone and dashed across the kitchen to pick it up before voice mail took over.

”Honey, I can't believe I actually got the real live you!” Her mother's warm voice was very welcome in Liddy's ear.

”Hi, Mom.” What had she thought, that it would be Marian?

Marian didn't even have her phone number. How could she be thinking about forever when she didn't even know where Marian lived?

”You sound blue. Are you sleeping?”

”I'm fine.” Like she was going to tell her mother about Marian, right. And what the h.e.l.l was there to tell? It wasn't as if a person could get a broken heart in a weekend.

”What's Iowa like?”

”Well, sort of like Fresno. Only prettier. Hills, and woods and lots of water. It's really hot, though. Not compared to Fresno, but compared to Berkeley.”

”And you're eating well? Not just living on oatmeal and bananas?”

”Yes, Mom. I had sus.h.i.+ today.”

”In Iowa?”

”I know, fooled me too. It was good.” She smiled to herself.

Marian's face before taking that first bite had been a picture. ”I've been out to see nature and visited the libraries, and there's even a homeopath I could see if I don't feel well.”

”In Iowa? They have homeopaths in Iowa?”

164.

”Mom, there's a master sensei here in Iowa. And some excellent coffee. And running water in most homes.”

Her mother's laugh was soothing over the phone line. Liddy wanted to curl up and try to explain about Marian, but it all sounded so . . . s.e.xual. Mom had admitted that s.e.xual heat had been the reason for her first marriage, and look how that had ended.

”Iowa City reminds me of Berkeley, actually. Not as big, but there are street musicians and vendors downtown, and people with card tables with pet.i.tions to save the spotted naked whales. Lots of rain-bow flags, and plenty of peace b.u.mper stickers. I think you'd like it.”

”You're sure you're in Iowa?”

”Yes, Mom. I have the parking tickets to prove it.”

”Well, that's comforting. At least I know you're running true to form. Pay them, would you, so they'll let you leave the state.”

She laughed. ”Yes, Mother, I will do all as you say.”

They talked about Aunt Selma in Cedar Rapids. Liddy agreed to call and arrange a visit, though Aunt Selma had last seen Liddy in diapers. ”So what's up with you and Daddy?”

Her mother's warm voice was so comforting. ”Yesterday we got all the sets finished for a quick little play.”

”Another one? You guys are manic.”

”I'm Scarlet O'Hara.”

Liddy giggled. ”You've got the figure for it. I'll admit it even if you are my mom. But how do you have time to learn a part that big?”

”Gone with the Wisdom is a peace metaphor. Scarlet is just an ideal, so I have no lines. I just get to stand there with my bosoms cinched up and a price tag dangling from one ear.”

”Okay.” Liddy could picture the makes.h.i.+ft stage at one end of the park near home. She'd been to plenty of the performances of the Neighbors for Peace Troupe. ”Don't hurt your bosoms. I hate it when that happens.”

”Daddy sends his love and wants to know if you've sold the Hummer yet.”

”No, though I've been tempted several times.”

165.

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