* * *
Maddy slipped into a casual sundress and a comfortable pair of
sandals as she mentally prepared herself for the evening ahead. For better
or for worse, she'd made the decision to confront reality and at least try to
forge a friendship with Ken and his fiancée. While the few people who
were aware of the situation advised against taking such an action,
Madeline determined that meeting Erin would afford her the opportunity
to put any fantasies of marrying Ken to rest once and for all. Of course, it
didn't help that poor Scott had a death in the family, necessitating a flight
to California; but perhaps it was best for her to deal with things on her
own, anyway. How bad could it be?Several hours later, she would live to regret her decision after making
the acquaintance of a woman who appeared to have nothing in common
with the man Maddy still loved. From the moment she entered their twobedroom
condo on the fifth-floor, she felt a distinctive yet subtle hostility
in the air, similar to the one that had greeted her at Kenny's real estate
office awhile back. And though physically attractive with a willowy figure,
blue eyes and silky blonde hair, Erin definitely exuded a hard, urban vibe,
notwithstanding her impressive career and level of education.
Yet it wasn't her tough Philly accent and rough-around-the-edges
veneer that most impacted Madeline; it was her pervasive coldness and
attitude of indifference. She barely engaged Maddy in conversation
though Ken's former flame conducted herself with as much dignity as she
could possibly muster under the circumstances. And while Kenny did his
best to facilitate the flow of conversation, it wasn't long before Maddy
wished she'd never accepted his invitation in the first place. When Erin
abruptly excused herself to go to bed- claiming a migraine headache-
Madeline resolved to banish all thoughts of Ken and Erin from her mind
forever.
"Ken, it's getting late, I think I should get going," she informed him,
gathering her purse and walking toward the door.
"Madeline, you don't have to leave," he stated, filled with regret for
Erin's inhospitable behavior.
"Kenny, don't you get it? You've made your choice. Now let me make
mine." She neglected to reveal that this would be the absolute last time
he'd see her; it was just too painful to watch him acquiesce to the whims
of such a disagreeable, insecure woman. And yet, Maddy silently
acknowledged Erin's point of view. After all, how would she feel if the shoe was
on the other foot?She might vehemently reject the idea of hosting her
fiancée's old girlfriend for dinner too, no matter how well-intentioned the
motivation.
"I just thought maybe we could hang out on the porch for awhile and
talk," he went on.
"Kenny, that's just not a good idea," she stated plainly. "You and I
both know that. Look, I wish you well, I really do, but it's no longer
appropriate for us to sit and talk the way we used to; we've both forfeited
that privilege. So let's just be thankful for the time we had and move on.
I'll find my way and you'll find yours. You and Erin will get married, have
kids and build a life together-but you'll have to do it in my absence. No
hard feelings, but that's just the way it has to be."
In spite of her best efforts, a determined tear slid down her face; she
quickly brushed it away. Ken just stood there in solemn resignation, until
she reached up to give him a peck on the cheek.
"Take care of yourself, Kenny," she whispered. Then she quickly
turned away and strode to her car, leaving him alone with his conflicted
emotions and second thoughts.