Melanie Gideon - Wife 22

5. RE: I’m starting a Get Alice Buckle Her Job Back group. Please join me.Alice Buckle is a very good friend of mine. She does not want her job back. Well, not anymore. When she first found out, she would have done anything to get her job back because she was panicked about how her family would survive on NO income (her husband is currently unemployed, too). But after sitting with it for a few days she’s come to agree with Storminnormandy. It is time for her to move on. She wants to apologize for her mistakes. And she really hopes you will not terminate the performing arts program altogether. Posted by: Davidmametlurve182

6. RE: I’m starting a Get Alice Buckle Her Job Back group. Please join me.I have loved every single minute I’ve spent working with your children. Posted by: Davidmametlurve182

My cell rings.

“Are we talking yet?” asks Nedra.

“No.”

“I heard about your job. I’m so sorry, Alice.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’ve got the flu.”

“Who gets the flu in the summer?”

“Apparently me. So did you decide on the lemon or raspberry cake?”

“Oysters.”

“Oyster cake.”

“No, for appetizers.”

“I thought that was too obvious. Oysters being aphrodisiacs and all.”

“That’s a very nice apology,” says Nedra. “Accepted. Potluck two nights from now.”

“You’re still doing the potluck so close to your wedding?”

“Italian. We’ll make it easy. Just bring a jar of tomato sauce.”

“Nedra?”

“What?”

“Jude is an amazing kid.”

“And so is Zoe. Kisses. I’ll talk to you soon.”

I end the call and log on to my Facebook page.

Nedra Rao

Misses her best friend.

2 hours ago

Nedra Rao

“unlikes” Kentwood Elementary.

3 hours ago

Linda Barbedian

Can’t believe she’s going to be an empty nester.

4 hours ago

Kelly Cho

Et tu, Brute?

5 hours ago

Phil Archer

Pawnshop-a time capsule. Who knew?

6 hours ago

Helen Davies

Wanted: VP Food and Beverage Division in Boston. Startle me. Sell me. Pitch me. See LinkedIn for more info.

7 hours ago

John Yossarian is married.

Lucy Pevensie is married.

I guess congratulations are in order?

You, too.

I take it things are going well then?

Things?

With your wife?

Things are becoming clearer with my wife. They are, however, becoming less clear in all other areas.

Like work?

Yes, like work. I’ve been looking for another job. It’s time for me to leave the Netherfield Center.

Because of me?

No, because of me. I crossed the line. You didn’t do anything wrong.

I’m very sorry to hear that.

Don’t be.

Well, if it makes you feel any better it appears I crossed the line, too, at work. I definitely will have to look for another job.

Oh, no, Wife 22.: (

It’s all right. It’s my fault. I made the mistake of mixing up my love for the kids with my love for the job. I was tired. I got sloppy. I should have quit a long time ago.

What now?

Now I make amends.

Still sick. Once again, the house is empty except for Jampo and me. William took the kids to the pool and Caroline and her parents went into San Francisco to look at apartments; she may have to get five roommates in order to afford living in the city, but she’ll move out by the end of the month. I’m going to miss her terribly, but I take comfort in the fact she’ll only be a BART ride away.

I can’t stop thinking about Helen’s Facebook posting. I go to her LinkedIn page to find out more about the job. After reading the detailed description for the VP of Food and Beverage (and having spent the last month being the lucky recipient of William’s gourmet meals and various sundry food obsessions), I know this would be the perfect job for William-a job that would perhaps even qualify as his pipe dream-however, there are three big obstacles. One: William is far too proud to apply for it himself; two: the job is in Boston; and three: me. I’m sure Helen still hates me. But maybe, after all these years, I’ve finally been given the opportunity to set things right.

An hour later, I hold my breath, utter a quick “Please, God,” and press Send.

From: Alice Buckle ‹alicebuckle@rocketmail.com›

Subject: A voice from the past…

Date: August 13, 10:04 AM

To: Helen Davies ‹helendavies@D &DAdvertising.com›

Dear Helen,

I have owed you a real apology for years. Actually I owe you a few apologies, but first, the big one-I’m very sorry about William. I want you to know I did have standards. I believed in the sisterhood. Up until that point I had never been the “other woman” in a relationship and I never intended to become one. But something happened between William and me that was-well, it was unexpected. It just sort of carried us away. Neither one us was looking for it. I know that’s a cliché, but it’s the truth.

I’m sorry that I flirted with him behind your back. I’m sorry that I didn’t invite you to our wedding (I wanted to, I knew it was the right thing to do, but I let myself be talked out of it). But mostly I’m sorry that it’s taken me twenty years to apologize.

And now, in a strange bit of comeuppance, I find myself in the uncomfortable position of asking you for a favor. I’m writing to you on behalf of William. I saw your job listing for the VP of Food and Beverage: William would be perfect for it. He’s too proud to apply himself, but I’m not too proud to ask you for a chance to throw his hat in the ring. I don’t want any special favors, I only ask that you don’t hold me against him.

I’ve attached William’s CV.

All the very best,

Alice Buckle

Alice?

Hi Dad.

I have something 2 tell u.

I have something to tell u 2.

Been clning house. Dump runs. Salvation Army. Pawnshop.

Pawnshop? Why?

Wanted 2 buy Conchita some jewelry.

In a pawnshop?

Don’t make fun. Pawnshop has many treasures. Asked Conchita move in w me.

You’re kidding!!

U don’t approve?

Of course I approve. I think it’s wonderful!

I thought I done with all this.

With all what?

U know what.

Romance?

Sex.

Love, Dad?

Yes, love.

:’(

Why u sad, sweetheart?

:-#

I’m your father. U don’t have to B embarrassed.

I haven’t always told you the truth, Dad.

I know that, honey.

Things are kind of hard around here.

I had a feeling something was going on. U been so far away.

I’m really sorry. I’m feeling a little lost.

Do not give up. U be found soon. Good thgs on their way 2 u.