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.”