Page 82 of Obsession

I’m pissed at him.

I want to stay away from him to protect what little of my heart I have left.

I’m miserable when I stay away from him.

Like the reversed Hanged Man, I feel stuck. Maybe that’s the reason for my recurring dream. Okay, then Universe, if that’s the case, how do I get myself unstuck?

“Morning, sugar pie,” Grandma says, startling B.B. My cat runs over to me and I scoop her up, giving her a snuggle. “That’s the most skittish cat I’ve ever seen,” Grandma comments.

“I can’t blame her,” I defend my cat. “Who knows what kind of nefarious magic Bettina involved this poor cat in. Hey, before I forget. Have you talked to Florence lately?”

“Now that you mention it, no. But Amelia said Florence has herself a new boy toy.”

“Well, I tried to visit Florence the other day, but I guess it was the boy toy who answered the door. He wouldn’t let me in her house.”

Grandma appears unconcerned. “She’s shacked up with a man and is probably just tuckered out from all the sex. Florence has had a dry spell, and at her age, a marathon sex session might take her a few days to recover.”

“I’m worried I didn’t get to talk to Florence and that her new ‘friend’ seemed to be running the show. And what do you mean ‘at her age?’ You do realize you and Florence are around the same age.”

“True, but I keep my hips and pelvis loose with hip-hop dance. You should work yours out too now that the chastity belt is back on.”

“I’m going to take Amelia her candles. Need anything while I’m out?” I change the subject. I so don’t need to hear about my Grandma’s loose hips and pelvis. Or Florence’s marathon sex sessions. Or my current love life, or lack thereof.

“Carton of Pall Malls.”

“Aubry, do not enable her destructive behavior,” Aunt Callie says as she joins us carrying a box of new T-shirts.

“So my destructive behavior is fair game but we have to tiptoe around yours?” Grandma fires back.

“I’m gone,” I say, easing my way out of this little mama/daughter argument.

I drive over to Amelia’s house—a beautiful old Revival with a garden that could easily be showcased in Southern Living. “Aubry, dear, what are you wearing? Did you forget the bottom half of your outfit, or is this how you young ladies parade around town these days?”

I take a deep breath. I’m wearing a T-shirt dress I admit is a tad on the short side. But come on, it’s not that short. “I brought your candles,” I say, handing her the box.

“Excellent. Just put it on my tab.”

“Sure. I also wanted to drop by and see if you’ve spoken with Florence lately.”

“Come in.” Leading me to the kitchen, she pours us both a glass of sweet tea. I follow her to the screened-in back porch, and we take a seat in wicker rocking chairs. “Aubry, dear, I appreciate your concern, but this isn’t the first time Florence has gone man crazy. After her husband’s death, she was insufferable. Eventually she’ll come up for air, realize the man she’s infatuated with is a deadbeat, and kick him to the curb.” She takes a sip and continues, “So she’ll have her little love affair, and when that’s done, there will be hell to pay for making me lose my cruise deposit.”

“Can’t you just ask her to reimburse you?” I point out, sipping my tea.

“Of course I could, but then there would be no repercussions for Florence’s bad behavior. Aubry, dear, you’re a kind soul. And kind souls get trampled on like doormats.” I have been trampled on a time or two here lately, I’ll be the first to admit. “Honestly, I’m amazed you’ve been able to hang on to that demon of yours for this long.”

“Didn’t Vivian tell you about my bedroom prowess?” I answer smartly.

“That’s your one saving grace.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“What I mean is you play by the rules while everyone else doesn’t even own a rule book. Stop trying so hard to atone for your mama’s sins. Those were her mistakes, not yours.”

“If you hear from Florence, please let me know.”

“Fine, dear, I will. Stop fretting, or you’ll get worry lines.”

I drive back to my apartment and wonder how much of Amelia’s advice I should take to heart. Realizing I’m scrunching my forehand, I smooth out the lines with my fingers.

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