Page 44 of The Neighbor
With a shrug, she answers, “Sort of. My father was really into history. I can’t tell you how often we visited D.C. when I was a little girl. He used to say the city had something to teach every time we went there.”
I take my first bite of the chicken salad and savor the taste. It’s cool and refreshing, but there’s something slightly spicy underneath the chicken and mayonnaise. Nothing too hot but enough to give the dish some pizzazz to make it interesting.
“This is very good. Perfect for a hot summer night.”
She nods but doesn’t respond as she continues to eat, which feels a little rude for a hostess, so I continue talking, sharing what I saw on my walk here tonight. “Suzanne looked like she was packing up to leave as I walked by. I think she might be getting ready to sell the house.”
With a sigh, Caroline says, “I’m guessing she has to. She and Jared probably own the house jointly, and in a divorce, they’ll have to sell it or one of them has to buy the other out of their share. I can understand her wanting to leave, though. That place probably has a ton of memories for her, and I bet she wants a fresh start after everything that’s happened.”
“True. She’ll be okay, though. She’s got a great job that pays well, so she doesn’t have to worry about that, I’m guessing.”
A faint look of disgust passes over Caroline’s face, but it’s quickly replaced by a smile I can tell is forced. “Money isn’t everything. I’m sure she’d trade all she has for the happiness she thought she had.”
Not wanting to let our night descend into sadness because of the Suzanne and Jared situation, I quickly change the subject. “Tim and Kimmy were out on my way here. He’s a funny guy. I think he’s happy, but whenever I’m around, he talks about being single like he’s reminiscing about his good old days.”
“That’s because he’s a typical man. He wouldn’t want to give up the wife and kids and the house in the suburbs because he enjoys the way people see him because of those things, but he can’t help but think if he was single he’d be living the good life. He’s lucky he’s got a wonderful wife. Kimmy’s the best.”
She really is a fan of the party planner of Park Circle. That never fails to surprise me since Caroline seems to be far more liberated and independent than Kimmy.
So I compliment her, knowing I need to. “She really is the best. This neighborhood wouldn’t be the same without her.”
Caroline reaches for her second tomato with chicken salad and smiles, happy with my comment about her friend. Then suddenly, her expression changes drastically and her eyes open wide.
“Oh, I forgot the wine. Hang on. I’ll be right back.”
A glass of something would be terrific right now. I’ve never been a huge drinker, but wine never fails to relax me, and right now, I could use something to calm me down. It’s like my insides have decided Caroline’s fate and are getting antsy about when it’s actually going to happen. I haven’t consciously decided tonight’s the night she’ll die, but clearly, my body has.
I take a huge breath in and let it out slowly, trying to relax so I don’t tip her off that something’s wrong. That’s crazy, though. She has no idea I’m thinking of anything but enjoying my timewith her. She likely suspects I’m going to make a move on her at some point tonight. She’s not the only one. Tim thinks the same thing. I guess it’s only natural. She is a beautiful young woman and I’m a single man. I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone else in the cul-de-sac has been wondering when this would finally happen.
Well, everyone except Suzanne and Jared. They’ve got other things on their minds.
When Caroline returns from the kitchen, she’s holding two glasses of red wine. “White wine goes best with chicken, or so they say, but I only have red. I hope you’re okay with that.”
As I take a glass from her hand, I nod. “I’m fine with red. I’m not someone who usually follows what they say goes with what dish.”
She sits down at the table once more and lets out a heavy sigh. Is something bothering her? I thought this night had been going well.
“Thanks. It feels like this is an occasion for a toast.”
“It does. I’m struggling to come up with anything clever at the moment, though. I’m not good at these kinds of things. Not enough practice, I guess.”
Lifting my glass in the air, I say, “To new friends and her new house. Congratulations to you, Caroline.”
“Thank you. Let me know what you think of the wine.”
I take a sip and then two more to get a good taste of the drink. I’m not usually a fan of merlot because it’s often too strong, but this isn’t bad at all.
“That’s very good wine.”
“Believe it or not, it’s from Trader Joe’s. I had it at my going away party a few months ago and loved it, but I was surprised when I asked my friend where she bought it from, and she told me Trader Joe’s. I swear you can get anything at that place.”
Instantly, my interest is piqued by her mention of a going away party, but I file that detail away for later, choosing instead to make small talk for the moment. “Really? That’s interesting. I don’t think I’ve been to a Trader Joe’s in ages. I guess I have a reason to go back now.”
Before we can get to having any meaningful conversation, someone knocks on the front door. I have to hide my irritation with how fucking intrusive everyone in this neighborhood is, pasting a smile on my face as she practically jumps up from her chair.
“Looks like it’s nosy neighbor time. Something tells me we should have done this at your house. I’ll be right back.”
I turn around and watch her walk to the front door as I silently bet on which one of our neighbors has decided to interrupt our night. Kimmy? That’s probably the most likely choice but Marilyn might be a close second. Then again, while she’s friendly enough, I don’t get the sense she’s as nosy as good old Kimmy.