Three Women Read Free Page B

that there were always other possibilities that might unfold before Friday. She understood, but nonetheless, it hurt her feelings.
    Suzanne rushed into the living room. “You’re looking good. Is everything okay, sweetheart?” It was impossible to tell from Elena’s appearance if she were doing well or poorly, for she always looked lovely. Often it startled Suzanne that she had given birth to such a beauty. Elena had her father Victor’s coloring, black hair and instead of Suzanne’s nearsighted green eyes, she had large, large dark brown eyes, doe eyes, dramatic and appealing. She was a good five inches taller than Suzanne (Victor, the Guatemalan politico, had been six feet two). Her skin was olive like her father’s, and her mouth was full and sensual. Nobody ever missed Elena in a crowd. She had a dramatic voice too, in a lower register; Suzanne herself was an alto rather than a soprano. She had often been told her voice led people to expect a bigger woman. Petite Suzanne and her statuesque daughter stood in the living room a bit squared off as always. Suzanne could not help the nails of worry that pounded into her.
    â€œSo how’s the good daughter?”
    â€œI assume you mean your sister.”
    â€œWho else would I mean?”
    â€œShe’s working hard at school.”
    â€œShe’s always working hard. Even when she’s asleep, she’s working hard. That’s how good daughters are.”
    â€œElena, did you come all the way over here to pick a fight with me about your sister? Please tell me what’s up. Please.”
    Elena threw herself down on the couch. She was wearing a tight short leather skirt that rode up. Suzanne had to control herself not to point that out. She had learned a few things over the years, one of which wasnever, never to comment on Elena’s clothing or any new body piercings or tattoos she noticed. Various earrings in both ears and her nose stud, but she didn’t observe any new mutilations. She was relieved. Her daughter’s body was so beautiful, and she was always devising what seemed to Suzanne new punishments for it.
    â€œDo you have a beer? Cold?”
    â€œMaybe, I’m not sure.” Beer was not something she regularly stocked in the winter. “Wouldn’t you like something to eat? I haven’t eaten yet myself.”
    â€œI’d rather have beer on an empty stomach. Then I’ll eat a big meal and go swimming.”
    â€œElena, is something wrong?”
    â€œOf course not. What could be wrong with me, except for my existence? I’m sure you’re going to say I told you so.” Elena grimaced and turned away.
    â€œTold you so about what?”
    â€œThat it wouldn’t work out living with Jennifer. So now she’s moved out on me and I’m getting evicted.”
    â€œEvicted, why? Do you need money for rent?” She was ready to write a check.
    â€œWhat use is that? It’s too late. They’re throwing me out.”
    â€œBut why didn’t you pay your rent?” Suzanne had the familiar sense of being drawn deeper and deeper into a bottomless bog. “Don’t you make enough at that restaurant?”
    â€œThat bitch fired me, that’s why.”
    â€œAh. Why?”
    â€œYou think she does anything that makes sense? She felt like it.”
    â€œIf you’ve been fired without cause, I think you have a case.” Suzanne had a hopeful moment: she could be useful to her daughter. She even imagined Elena’s gratitude if she won a case for her.
    â€œOh, Mother, don’t be such a lawyer prick. I slapped a customer.”
    â€œOh…I’m sure you had good reason.”
    â€œSo I’m going to be out on the street next Friday.”
    Suzanne was silent for a moment. Then she said what she had to. “Of course you can move back in. We can rearrange the rooms—”
    â€œDon’t act so martyred. I promise I won’t