“I wonder if this is the first sign of insanity.” I said aloud. “Maybe. Yes. No. Stop it! Get dressed Stephanie before those nice men in white coats come and drop a net on you.”
I finally emerged from Allison’s bedroom dressed in a pair of black jeans and a chartreuse silk blouse. If Allison noticed my prolonged absence she never mentioned it. In fact she did not mention much of anything. She smiled simply and told me that I looked nice. There was something different in the tone of voice she had chosen. It was very big sisterish. Allison was clearly drawing a platonic line in the sand. Upon Maureen’s arrival, Allison informed her that I would be joining them.
“Great now we can get her drunk and learn all of her deep dark secrets.” Maureen teased.
“Too late Mrs. Giavanni already beat you to it.” I countered. “She promised not to reveal where the bodies are hidden.”
“Clever girl.” Maureen responded with a laugh. “So how did Mrs. G get a hold of you so soon?”
“Stephanie is renting the studio downstairs.” Allison explained in full big sister mode. “Who is driving?”
The driver was decided by flipping a coin. Maureen lost. “Waste of a good baby sitter.” She muttered.
“What are you bitching about?” Allison teased her. “We are the ones that have to be seen in a mini van.”
As Maureen drove down Rte. 128, I felt something I had not experienced in a long time fear. I was relieved once we left the highway. My reprieve was short lived. The roads in the city were a mess. “What is this?” I exclaimed as we sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic. “Bureaucracy in action … better known as the Big Dig.” Maureen snarled.
“Just what are they digging for?” I asked in amazement.
“Whitey Bolger.” Allison teased making reference to the reputed mob boss from Southie, who had managed to disappear right under the FBI’s watchful eye. As Maureen strung together a list of expletives that would make a sailor blush, Allison explained that the Big Dig was being constructed to alleviate the traffic problems that plagued the city. Boston is a great old city. But the original roads were simply paved over cow paths. This was common in New England. The Big Dig looked great on paper it would ease the traffic without marring the beauty of the city not to mention create jobs. But the reality was that the project had long ago ran over schedule and massively over budget. Some reports stated that if and when the project was completed it would be outdated. “Really?” I questioned.
“Not exactly there is an upside.” Allison explained. “The project started in 1982. I forget when the original finish date was. But when it is done a lot of the traffic will go underground. All of those ugly green bridges we crossed are coming down. It will certainly improve the Boston skyline. It just that for the past seventeen years driving in the city has become a nightmare. I think the new completion date is 2004. Personally I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“Suddenly I feel like Connecticut is another country. I mean we have our share of traffic problems but nothing like this.” I sighed as we finally entered Cambridge. “We Bostonians are not known for ability to play well with others while commuting.” Allison explained. “Driving is considered a contact sport. Use of directional is considered a sign of weakness. Trust me driving in Massachusetts is not for the faint of heart.” I was about to laugh but something about the expression on Allison’s face told me that she was serious.
“Moron!” Maureen screamed as she honked the horn.
I looked out the window to see a group of College aged people wandering into traffic apparently having not regard for the crosswalk or traffic lights. “This is MIT.” Allison explained pointing to the domed building. “Where they can split an atom but they can not cross the street like a normal person.”
“Christ!” I groaned as Maureen sped through traffic. “I need a drink.”
“Well you are in luck.” Allison said lightly as we entered Harvard Square. Maureen maneuvered around the twist and turns past the famous university. “Church Street is the best TexMex in the area. But watch out for the margaritas.”
“Are they bad?” I asked as I held onto my seat for dear life. “How can Allison be so calm? I have already rattled off twelve Hail Mary’s in the last thirty seconds and I’m not even Catholic.”
“No the margaritas are very good. That is the problem a couple of those babies and you loose all self control.” Allison seemed so calm as cars seemed to aim directly at the mini van. Feeling suddenly faint I closed my eyes unable to watch.
“Space!” Maureen squealed.
“Hold on!” Allison cautioned me as Maureen threw the mini van into reverse on a busy street. Her children’s toys bombarded me as I held on for dear life while the sounds of honking horns from irate drivers echoed in my ears. Somehow Maureen managed to maneuver the vehicle into a tiny parking space with little effort.
“Yes!” Maureen congratulated herself.
“Still alive back there Stephanie?” I opened my eyes to find Allison’s blue gaze staring back at me. “Stephanie? Breath Honey?”
“I think I’m going to be sick.” I gasped pulling various squeaky toys off of my lap.
“I have the effect on women.” Allison smiled. “Welcome to Massachusetts.”
“Does everyone drive like that?”
“Only if you want to get anywhere.” Maureen explained.
The restaurant was very noisy and crowded, but there was a homey atmosphere to it. Since there was a line a people that stretch-out onto the street we decided to wait at the bar for our table. Maureen took the pager that would alert us as to when it was our turn to be seated. We pushed our way threw the crowd and managed to grab two seats. I offered to stand and pay for the first round. The skinny blonde bartender raced over as Allison took her seat. “Hey Girl. How are you?”
“Same old same old.” Allison responded flatly.
“So grand gold rocks no salt?” The bartender cooed as she leaned slightly over the bar. I couldn’t help but notice that movement allowed her a better view of Allison’s cleavage.
“You know it.” Allison answered politely as she turned to me. “Stephanie what would you like?”
“The same.” I answered as I pushed myself closer to Allison and glared at the blonde.
“Make that two, Amy.” Allison instructed her.
“I’m sorry I didn’t see you.” Amy lied. “Maureen what can I get for you?”
“Pepsi.” Maureen sighed.
“Lost the coin toss?” Amy laughed.
“Yes damn it.” Maureen snorted.
Amy returned with our drinks and an order of chips and salsa explaining that the snacks were on her. I was more than a little miffed when I went to pay and was forced to shove the money at Amy who had not taken her eyes off of Allison. Fortunately another customer began to clamor for Amy’s attention before I snapped at her.
“I was really hoping that it was her night off.” Allison sighed.
“Why?” Maureen laughed. “All you have to do is look at her and we are waited on immediately. I did not get this much attention when I was pregnant.”
“Try the chips Stephanie.” Allison offered turning her attention away from the drooling blonde. The chips were excellent and the margarita was everything that Allison promised. The only thing bothering me was Amy. The blonde was really beginning to work my nerves. Every time Allison and I began to engage in a conversation there was Amy. No matter how many times Allison brushed her off she was relentless. The final straw came when for the second time she brought another round of drinks for Allison and Maureen and pretended to have forgotten that I was there. The first time had angered me. The second time I was ready to lung over the bar. Allison’s voice stopped me from reaching over and choking the life out of the blonde.