Page 57 of Storm in a D Cup

Of course I knew it was silly. But for all things high society in Boston, who better to ask that the in-law for some intel?

*

‘Erica, what a lovely surprise!’ came Maggie’s clear, intelligent voice. ‘How is my Italian family?’

‘We’re good, thanks, and how’s Dad doing?’

‘Oh, bless him, he’s taken to painting now. I’ve got canvases all over the house, but I’m thinking of banishing him to the cellar. Not that he’s any good, mind. At least nothing like your lovely landscapes.’

‘Awh, that’s nice, thanks, Maggie.’

‘Is everything all right, Erica?’ she asked. ‘You sound preoccupied.’

‘No, everything’s fine. I was just wondering if you’d heard someone in High Society Boston is getting married next year?’

‘And you called me. Bless you, pet, but I try to keep away from those insipid people. But I will keep an ear open for you if you like?’

‘No, that’s OK, Maggie. Thanks anyway.’

‘You should ask Julian. He keeps in touch with Marcus Mallory.’

The name sounded familiar. ‘Who’s that?’

‘Just a local journalist. He’s usually got his finger on the pulse.’

‘OK. And Maggie? Not a word to anyone. It’s supposed to be a secret. There’s a privacy clause so if they think you know something—’

‘I will keep my lips sealed,’ she promised, and after asking me about the kids, she asked me what her son was up to these days. As if I’d be the first to know.

*

Days melted into weeks as life continued as usual, with me not being able to tell anyone about Genie Stacie’s secret wedding. Or to get back into the nook with my husband. So I called someone I knew would die for me.

‘Hey, Dad…’

‘Honey! What a nice surprise! How are things?’

‘Good, good,’ I lied. He had enough on his plate, what with Marcy and all. ‘You?’

‘I’m all right. It’s your sister that’s worrying me.’

‘What do you mean?’ As if I couldn’t guess.

‘Every day she disappears for a few hours, leaving Steve to go out if his mind. At first I thought she had a health or a gambling problem, you know?’

‘And then?’

He sighed. ‘I finally managed to get it out of her. She’s seeing someone else.’

‘Poor Steve…’ was all I could say.

‘Yeah, poor Steve. I mean, if she doesn’t love him anymore, why not just leave him? The boys are old enough; it’s not like they wouldn’t get over it. How sad am I to say that?’ he asked.

‘Awh, Dad, it’s just the way it is. Judy and Steve have never really been that close.’

‘That’s true. And Steve is such a great guy, you know?’

‘I know.’