Page 30 of Embracing Trust

And that’s my hint. I’m not going to let myself get embarrassed although a few of the doctors give a light chuckle when Luke orders me to the living room to Cynthia and the snob squad.

As I make my way back to the living room, the doorbell chimes, and five more guests enter. Cynthia greets the group—two men and three women who make their way back to the billiard room, passing me as they go.

Apparently, not all females are banned from the billiard room.

I find my oversized chair in the living room still vacant. Although I feel like plopping down in disappointment and dread, I sit down as gracefully as a debutant at her ball.

I take out my phone.

Julia: With Cynthia and her gang. Snob squad hell.

Merilee: WTH?

Julia: Way out of my league. Wish you were here to play black olive pool, remember?

Merilee: How can I forget? Straws as pool cues. LOL

Julia: There’s an expensive ottoman here that would be perfect.

Merilee: Hang in there! Thinking of you. Talk tomorrow. Gotta work. Bye.

After listening to a whole saga of Pamela and her search for a new nanny, I can’t take this anymore. Two of the three women from the billiard room join our group and the chatting commences. It seems endless—like hours have passed. I open my clutch and check my phone for the time. Hopefully, Luke will be ready to leave soon. The group is so engrossed in their discussion of Cynthia’s charity work, they don’t notice my escape. I peek in the billiard room, and I’m surprised to see the third woman bending over the pool table with her cue stick in hand as she lines up her shot. Her tight blue jeans hug her curves, and the low-cut tight white shirt gives the men a perfect view of her ample breasts. A few of the men look at the shirt in appreciation. Including my date.

I thought Luke was really interested in me.

I drag myself back to my chair in the living room as I shuffle my feet along the way.

I’m not sure what my future with Luke looks like. Putting my shyness aside, I normally don’t have problems getting along with people. My job as a photographer pushes me out of my comfort zone at times and forces me to deal with a multitude of personalities. At work, I’m friendly and confident, but here, I’m about as confident as a rug.

The current conversation is Cynthia’s latest shopping trip to New York City. It seems like they’re trying to include me as Erika asks if I’ve ever been shopping in New York City. Although I haven’t been shopping in the Big Apple, I was able to hold their attention with a trip to San Francisco Merilee and I took two years ago. Once I rattled off a few expensive shops, I felt more included. I didn’t mention, however, that we only browsed in those stores and didn’t buy anything.

I can’t take these women anymore. Their conversation has moved onto a couple who couldn’t make it to the party. Walter and Brenda. Unfortunately, Brenda is the victim of their cattiness. I grab my clutch purse and head through the dining room. I avoid passing the billiard room as I don’t want to see my date enjoying the view of billiard room girl.

Geez, I almost wish I’d run into Colonel Mustard or Professor Plum. I’m sure they would be more entertaining.

I can’t get to the French doors fast enough. I open the door and step out onto the patio. I feel like a prisoner making my escape.

The patio is dark—only a gleam from the full moon and the illuminated gardens at the end of the expansive property. I take a deep whiff of the fresh evening air. So peaceful.

I sit on a bench on the patio’s edge as I continue to take a few deep breaths and relax. A breeze comes up and I catch a slight aroma of something sweet. Flowers? I hear voices and laughter. A woman laughing. I focus my attention on the area where I hear the voices. I squint as my eyes adjust to the darkness, and I can make out two people at the stone fence. A man and woman.

Hmmm…Someone got bored with the snob squad. Who is that woman? Oh! The blue jeans and white shirt. Billiard room girl. The woman from the billiard room playing pool with the men. I wonder who she’s with? They’re kissing.

The man. Khaki pants and a dark-colored shirt. Short-sleeved. Maybe a polo. Which doctor was wearing that? As I’m pondering the attire of the male guests, billiard room girl goes to her knees. Oh my gosh. Not cool. Get. A. Room. I can see what’s going on. She’s right up to his crotch and he’s yanking her hair towards him.

I blink a few times and my stomach drops. It can’t be. I rub my eyes. It’s Luke with billiard room girl and she’s giving him…

Scurrying into the house, I power walk down the hallway and peer into the billiard room. I count the men, and everyone is there except my date. I hear voices in the hallway, so I step around the corner. Billiard room girl and Luke are holding hands as they return from outside.

As soon as they’re out of sight, I quickly make my way to the front door. I pause before I pass the living room and the women are so involved in their conversation, they don’t notice me. I make it to the front door and before you can say ‘get me the hell out,’ I’m on my way down the driveway toward the gate. Luckily, as I’m approaching, the gate opens to allow a sportscar to enter and I make my getaway.

My black heels click on the sidewalk as I come to the unfortunate realization that I am, in fact, in a gated community. Oh great. The thought of shimmying my way up a wrought iron fence in my little black dress, black heels, and beaded handbag doesn’t do anything for me.

These heels pinch and my toes are shoved down into the narrow toe space. I can also feel a blister forming on the back of my right heel. Ouch.

After dragging my way down Bamboo Drive, I finally spot the gate. There is also a pedestrian’s gate at the end of the sidewalk.

Please. I hope I don’t need a card or something. These people certainly can’t lock me into their neighborhood, can they?

---