That Was Then... Read Online Free PDF Page B

got a full-time job last week. He cut back on his class load. Not so much that it will jeopardize his diploma, but just enough that he can work the swing shift at his dad’s office building—forty hours a week. Not in advertising like Mr. O’Conner, but as a maintenance man who scrubs toilets and mops floors.
    Nat says he has to wear these gray striped coveralls and weird shoes, but she thinks he looks cute in this new uniform. Just the same, I’m guessing it’s a little humiliating for someone like Ben O’Conner. Not exactly like wearing your football jersey on game days, like today. Maybe Ben was relieved not to be at school all day. It must be hard seeing his jock friends doing theirregular thing while he’s stepping into a whole different life.
    “Ben doesn’t have to work tonight,” Nat tells me when I pull in front of her house.
    “Big bachelor party?” I ask in a somewhat sarcastic tone.
    “No, but Cesar is getting some of the guys from church together,” she says with slight exasperation, which I’m sure is meant for me. “No strippers or girls popping out of cakes.”
    “That’s good to know.”
    “But what about me?” she says.
    “What about you?” I toss back.
    “Well, you’re my maid of honor…seems like you should do something special for me.”
    I let out an involuntary groan.
    “Kim Peterson!” She’s frowning now. “You don’t have to be such a wet blanket.”
    “Well…” I begin, “I did just give you a bridal shower last week.”
    She softens a little. “I know and that was nice. But this is my last night being a single girl, and besides we don’t even have a rehearsal or a rehearsal dinner or anything tonight.”
    I control myself from rolling my eyes or saying something really regrettable. Like, what does she expect? It’s not like you can blame her mom for putting some stops on this comedy of errors. Nat already admitted that, even without the frills, it’s costing too much.
    “So?” I ask, knowing how stubborn Nat can be. “I’m not exactly experienced at this kind of thing. What would you suggest?”
    “I don’t know…”
    “Pizza and videos?”
    She kind of shrugs.
    “Look, Nat…” I hear the edge in my voice now. “This isn’t exactly your normal kind of wedding situation, you know? Do you want me to call a bunch of girls from high school and invite them to come over and party?”
    She sadly shakes her head. “Pizza and videos will be fine.”
    Now I feel guilty. “I’ll get some ice cream too. And you can spend the night if you want.”
    She brightens now. “Okay, this is sounding better and better.”
    “Around sixish?”
    “I’ll be there. Maybe we can do pedicures and facials and stuff. Get all prettied up for the wedding.”
    I force what I hope looks like a genuine smile. “Sounds great!”
    I do my part, foraging through the video store for Nat’s favorite old movies and then over to Safeway in search of her favorite cookies ’n’ cream ice cream, finally swinging by Pizza Hut to pick up our order. By the time I get home, Nat is already there. And I can tell by my dad’s expression that he’s relieved to see me.
    “There she is now,” he says in an overly jovial voice. “I told you she wouldn’t be long. You know howpunctual our Kimmy is.” He winks at me. “Now if you ladies will excuse me.”
    “You mean you don’t want to stick around for a pedicure?” I tease as I set the pizza box on the counter.
    “No, but I might sneak a piece of this…” He peeks in the box.
    “There’s plenty,” I say as I put the ice cream in the freezer. “It’s a giant.”
    “Ooh, you got my favorite.” Nat snags a piece.
    “Nothing but the best for the bride-to-be,” I say, trying to keep my voice light. I’ve been reminding myself of how cheerful Caitlin was at the shower last week. And really, what can it hurt to put on a happy face?
    Now it’s midnight, and after pizza, ice cream, movies, facials, pedicures, manicures, even