JANICE HEARS EXCUSES

Janice listened as the story of Roy Cohen poured out. “Before James died we were part of group that net twice a month for lunch and conversation. Three couples. George and Doris, Nancy and Don, James and me. After James died George invited Roy Cohen to the group. From the time we first met Roy we never clicked, but nothing boiled over.”

She paused, closed her eyes and took two deep breaths. Janice waited. “Roy is a know it all. And a control freak. He insists on controlling the direction of the conversation. I think I could deal with that...” Silence

“I did deal with it until..” More silence. “Until-- as I was cleaning up James’ computer entries I found it. Roy had sabotaged James’ promotion to full professor. I confronted him. He admitted it. He offered a feeble explanation about protecting his own career and  his place in the department. I just cannot go twice a month and sit side by side with him.”

Janice raised an eyebrow “Then don’t go.”

“It’s not that easy. I have tried to make appointments on meeting days. But I …. I can’t keep doing that.”

Janice fought a need give an unkind response. “You can just say I am not coming anymore.”

“You aren’t getting it. George and Doris-- James and me. We were best friends for nearly thirty years. They were beside me all through James illness. And so supportive after. Well George died last year and Doris and I. We needed each other. Until I found out about Roy. I can’t ask her to just dump Roy. How can I say ‘Choose. It’s me or Roy’”

Evie buried her face in her hands. Silence.

Janice said, “You’re telling me you guzzle wine because of this? Evie, that’s bullshit and you know it.”

JANICE CONFRONTS EVIE

Janice, summoned by her old friend, Evie, arrived to a house in disarray and a friend encumbered by too much wine. That was last night.

Janice awoke to the smell of coffee and the whir of the vacuum. Evelyn clad in an over sized T shirt and a blue bandana did not notice Janice’s entrance. She started when Janice clapped her hands. “Damn it Janice, don’t sneak up on me.”

“You’re looking better than you did last night. And so is the room.”

Silence.

“Do I smell coffee?”

Evelyn scurried to put away the vacuum. “And donuts. Or would you like a bigger breakfast? I think I have ham and eggs.”

“Coffee and donuts are fine. But first-- Evie just what in hell is going on here?”

Silence.

Janice watched a jittery Evie set out two cups and a plate of donuts-- with more fuss than needed. “Evie you pleaded with me to come here. I came and what did I find?”

“I expected you today, not yesterday.”

The strained silence, the hot coffee. The Crispy Creme Donuts did little to lessen the tension. Finally Evie said, “I am in a real funk.”

“Fueled no doubt by wine-- I suspect by the number of empty bottles which I see you have removed from the room.”

“Roy Cohen is---. You don’t know him. But he has turned me into someone I don’t like.”

“Who is Roy Cohen?”

“He was a colleague of James. We had a spotty relationship with him and his snarky wife from the beginning. But now I’ve discovered-- and he does not deny it- in fact he admits it and tries to justify it--” She paused and sipped her coffee. Janice fought back the urge to say “Get on with it.”

“He admits he was the one who sabotoged James’ promotion to full professor.”

“And that drives you to drink?”

“Not by itself.”

Janice closed her eyes to avoid looking directly at Evie when she said, “Tell me more.”