Getting Old Is a Disaster by Rita Lakin Read Free Book Online

door."
      The ringing is now followed by knocking and then a seductive female voice calling, "Come on, Jack, I know you're in there."
      Now it's Jack's turn to moan.
      Another voice is heard. A high-pitched one. "It's seven o'clock."
      And yet another female voice, a wispy one. "I brought the cards."
      Jack gets off the coach. I roll over into a sitting position, straightening my dress as best I can.
      He whispers to me, "Don't move, they'll go away."
      "Who are they?" I ask.
      "My bridge partners."
      A few moments later, Jack's cell phone rings from a side table, once again startling us. Jack snarls. "They aren't giving up." He glares at it as the phone keeps ringing, then finally it stops.
      We wait breathlessly. Silence. He smiles at me, sensing victory, then grimaces as the pounding on the door begins again.
      We look at each other. No use. Jack says, "One thing you can say about bridge players, they are tenacious!"
      Moving to the door, he runs his fingers through his hair and turns on the lights. "Damn, damn, damn . . ."
      He struggles with the double lock, cursing. When he finally opens it, there is an immediate flurry of activity. One woman, nice-looking, in her fifties, wearing navy blue sweats, lugs in a small square folding table. Two other women carry packages. One of them, a redhead wearing a rather sexy sundress with a jungle/tiger print, moves easily to the kitchen. The one following her is taller and big-boned. Even though they see me sitting there, none of them has the decency to be embarrassed.
      The sexy voice calls out, "We brought all the snacks this time because we knew you didn't have time to shop."
      The taller one adds, "Mostly pretzels and chips."
      As if in a trance Jack helps the woman in blue sweats unfold the card table.
      I sit up straighter on the couch, trying to look casual and relaxed although I am neither. I'm actually frustrated and annoyed. I cross and recross my legs. This can't be happening again. It can't. Is this some cosmic joke?
      Finally the trio turns to stare at me. The sexy woman stands much too close to Jack, who looks beyond sheepish.
      "Hi," says the sexpot. "I'm Louise Bannister." With that dress, I expect her to growl.
      The tall woman says, "I'm Carmel Graves, from one flight up."
      And blue sweats waves cheerfully. "I'm Carol Ann Gutsch from two doors down."
      "My bridge partners," says Jack, shamefacedly. "Tonight's our usual game night. I guess I forgot."
      I get up from the couch and move on shaky legs. "I'm Gladdy Gold," I manage to say, my voice breaking. I can't even look at Jack. "I was just leaving," I stammer.
      "No, don't," Jack says, holding tightly to my arm. He faces the trio of card players. "I'm terribly sorry, but I made other plans tonight."
      "So I see," says Ms. Bannister, assessing her competition. "I wish you'd called. I could have made other arrangements and not wasted my evening."
      Carol Ann behaves as if someone ran over her pet cat. "I was so looking forward to tonight. I circled it three times on my calendar."
      Carmel also seems crestfallen. "Maybe I could still make it to the movies if I can find someone to drive me. I don't see too well at night."
      They look to Jack, waiting. What a bunch. The man-eater is trying to make him feel guilty because such a hot tootsie could have filled her dance card over and over again.
      Carol Ann is making him feel even guiltier about her lonely night ahead, and Carmel is playing the "I'm so needy" card. Jack doesn't have a chance.
      I touch his shoulder and shake my head. I say to the group, "Please, don't let me upset your plans." I give Jack a quick peck on the cheek and leave.

    * * *
    As I hurry toward the stairwell, Jack is suddenly behind me. "Gladdy, wait."
      "Let me know who wins." I can barely stifle my sarcasm.
      "I am going to insist we play another night. Come back in. Please." He tries to pull me into