Club Fantasy by Joan Elizabeth Lloyd Page A

Zero and found her eyes filling at the sight of the massive empty space and the memories of that awful day, then pulled herself together and walked to Chinatown for lunch. In the afternoon she visited the United Nations Building, wondering whether she’d ever work there. They probably have all the translators they need, she thought, but it would be exciting to be part of international peace negotiations or something equally dramatic.
    She arrived home, marveling at the fact that she already thought of it as home, at about five. She poured herself a glass of iced tea, stretched out in the back garden and called Marcy, knowing her sister would have just arrived home from work. “How did your second day at Paramount go?” Marcy asked.
    â€œJust great. I felt really good about my part in the negotiations. I think I really greased a few of the wheels.”
    â€œYou always do, Jen,” Marcy said. “Tell me about the boss. You were less than candid when I spoke to you on Wednesday.”
    Jenna could hear the unbridled curiosity in Marcy’s voice. “I didn’t mean to be evasive. He’s nice.” She lowered her voice. “He took me to dinner.”
    â€œWhat?”
    Louder, she said, “He took me to dinner. We had real Indian food. You’d have loved it. We had—”
    â€œI’m not interested in the dinner menu. Tell me about the man. Come on, give.”
    â€œHe’s very nice. Midthirties, divorced, like that.” Somehow, for the first time, she found she didn’t want to go into all the details of her evening. Although it was nothing more than a dinner between business acquaintances, it felt personal.
    â€œOkay,” Marcy said, no trace of ire in her voice. “I understand if you want to keep this to yourself. One of the things we vowed was to build separate lives while you were gone.” She paused, then continued, “By the way, I saw Glen today. He said to tell you that he’d give you all the time you want but he’s still hoping you’ll come back. He’s still acting as if you’ll be back by Christmas.”
    â€œHe’s so focused on that six-month thing. I wish he’d just let go.”
    â€œI know, but he’s really in love with you. I think you really threw him a curve when you turned him down. He seems a bit lost now.”
    Jenna uncrossed and recrossed her legs. “You’ve always been fond of him. Take him to dinner and try to get him to understand. Take him to dinner just because.”
    â€œI’m not horning in on your boyfriend, Jen.”
    â€œHe’s not my boyfriend any more, and if you’re interested, nothing could make me happier.”
    â€œIf you’re trying to push a relationship, let me make this clear. Glen’s a nice guy and I like him as a friend but I’m not interested in him. I’m not interested in anyone. I’m very happy just the way I am.”
    They had had this discussion several times recently. Jenna worried about the way Marcy seemed content to sit around with little or no social life. Maybe her dates with Glen had been a bit predictable but at least she’d had dates. “I know that. I just wish—” she stopped herself. It did no good to restate something that Marcy already knew. “I love you, Sis, very much.”
    â€œI love you, too, Jen. Call me when you want and I’ll do likewise.” The connection ended.
    Chloe arrived home a few minutes later. “How about going somewhere for dinner?” Chloe believed the old joke. What she made for dinner was reservations.
    â€œSure. Where to?”
    They settled on a noodle house a few blocks down on First Avenue. “I’ve got a date tomorrow night,” Chloe said, neatly eating her soup with spoon and chopsticks. “He’s got a friend in from out of town. Any interest?”
    â€œI don’t think so,” Jenna said, juggling a spoon in one hand