church?”
“Gives me some sense of purpose. St. Augustine’s needs help to supplement their food kitchen.”
“So now you’re Lutheran?”
“Oh no. I just volunteer my baking services twice a week. I enjoy it. Baking’s my creative outlet.”
“You’re a pleaser, Tara. That’s what you are. Clem must adore you. You’re cute and you cook and you’ve got no kids to wear you out and fuck up your quality time.” Lorraine’s voice had a distinct ring of envy to it. “How long have you two lovebirds been married now?”
Tara pushed the flashing blue button on her expensive La Pavoni Italian espresso machine.
“Six years this May,” Tara said, raising an eyebrow at the thought. “Boy, time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it?”
“You’re still crazy about him, aren’t you?”
“Hell, yeah! He’s still hot -- muffin?” Tara offered up a warm tray of macadamia nut muffins.
Lorraine took one and pulled it apart. The steamy inside gave off a deliciously sweet, nutty aroma. “You made these, too?”
Tara nodded. Lorraine took a bite and closed her eyes. Tara got back to work.
“Mmmmmm…damn. You make me wanna punch you, you’re so domesticated.”
“Aren’t you teaching your yoga class this morning?” Tara asked, waiting for the La Pavoni to start spluttering steam to froth up the milk.
“Uh-huh, so I shouldn’t be eating all these calories.”
“Sorry,” Tara smiled.
“So, how’s that pretty boy husband of yours doing?” Lorraine asked as she grabbed another muffin and put it in her bag.
Tara huffed a quiet sigh. “Stressed out of his noggin, actually. Either he’s gonna make CEO or get fired.”
“Shit. No pressure there! I’m so glad I teach yoga. Stress free gig, baby. Maybe you should find something to do other than spend every day cleaning and shopping and baking shit. If his ass gets canned you can’t both be jobless living in a house this big.”
Tara cupped her mug and sipped the creamy foam. “I’ll be honest, Lorraine, I’m bored to tears. I’ve got to do something useful with my time.”
“Get a job and hire a maid! Jesus, with Clem’s fat salary you could have permanent live-in help, this place is so big. Wal-Mart are always looking for greeters, y’know,” Lorraine joked.
“I think I need more mental stimulation than that, thank you very much.”
“Talking of stimulation…” Lorraine flashed a coy grin, which Tara duly noted.
“Oh, so that’s why you wanted to come by. Who is it now ?” Tara asked as Lorraine’s grin broke into a broad, excited smile.
“Tara, I swear this man is an angel. Look, you know what I think of the male species. They’re all egocentric assholes but this one is different I tell you. You have to meet him. His name’s Curtis and he’s just plain adorable. I met him at the club and we’ve been dating two weeks now and boy, does he have a body on him or what? O Lordy!” Lorraine fanned her face with her hand in mock sweat. Tara shook her head like she’d heard it all before, knowing how quickly Lorraine got through boyfriends.
“And what’s that face for?” Lorraine asked.
“Let’s just hope this one sticks,” Tara mused. Lorraine jumped off the barstool.
“Well, we were sure getting sticky the other night!” Tara pulled a face as Lorraine broke into a belly laugh. “So, Mrs. Drew. What are you and Mr. Workaholic doing Friday night? Because we all need to go out to dinner and I’ll introduce you to my new man.”
Tara shrugged. “Friday? God. No idea. We never do anything anymore. I’ll ask Clem if he can make it but I can’t promise.”
Lorraine checked her watch and grabbed her bag. “Gotta run. Listen, Clem and Curtis are really gonna hit it off. He’s a big sports nut, too. Call him right now – Friday night at seven. Maybe we’ll do McCormicks.”
As she walked Lorraine to the door, Tara liked the idea of a double date night out on the town though she knew that was unlikely to