The Groom Wanted Seconds: A Novella by Shirley Jump

is going to get those old women out of their chairs and excited to do a few jabs, it’s a half naked man.”
    Rebecca laughed, then headed inside the other half of the duplex where Candace lived, sharing the house with her grandmother. The arrangement worked well for both women, especially for Grandma Woodrow, who liked the company and didn’t want to admit she might need someone to look after her once in a while.
    “I’ve got the supplies we needed,” she called as she opened the door. Candace’s half of the house was a diametric opposite to Grandma Woodrow’s zebra and tiger print house. Candace had decorated her rooms in soft earth tones, with a cream colored sofa and glass shelves. Candace, who made neat into an Olympic sport, kept every inch tidy and spotless, not so much as a postage stamp out of place.
    “Perfect timing. We’re almost ready to get started,” Candace said.
    “As soon as I finish mixing this sangria, we are,” Maria called from the kitchen. A second later, she emerged with a pitcher and three wine glasses. Orange slices and apple chunks danced in the red wine. She poured them each a glass, then set the pitcher beside a platter of brownies. “You gotta try these brownies Candace made,” Maria said. “All our customers are going to love them.”
    Rebecca laughed. “Customers plural? We have like four so far.”
    “They’ll multiply. Like rabbits.” Maria grinned, grabbed a brownie, and took a generous bite.
    Rebecca lowered the bags to the table, and began unpacking the contents. As she did, she spied the envelope, caught up in her rush to grab the supplies out of her car. Before she could tuck it away, eagle-eyed Maria spied the envelope.
    “Whoa, whoa. Does this say from Jeremy Hamilton?” Maria squeezed the package, then arched a brow. “Small box inside. Hmmm…like a ring box?”
    “Come on, Maria. Not even Jeremy would propose by FedEx.”
    Rebecca grabbed the envelope and shoved it into her purse. “He’s practical enough to think that would be a good idea. But I’m not opening it.”
    Both Candace and Maria had the same immediate response. “Why not?”
    “Because we’re over.”
    Candace looked at Maria. Maria looked at Candace. “Sure you are,” Maria said.
    “We are.” Even to Rebecca’s ears, the affirmation sounded as weak as overcooked spaghetti. If they were so over, then why did she still think about him all the time? Why did she lie in bed at night and remember making love to him, the way his hands had known every inch of her body, his lips working in sweet concert to leave her satisfied, happy? Why did she still feel disappointed that he hadn’t stayed to talk at the coffee shop?
    Was Candace right? Was Rebecca choosing fear over reason?
    “Then I guess you won’t care if I look and see what he sent you. Right?” Maria reached for the envelope.
    Rebecca grabbed the basket closest to her and began stuffing the bottom with blue and white shredded paper. “Not at all.”
    But as Maria undid the Tyvek and reached inside, Rebecca’s movements slowed, then stopped, and she lifted her gaze to see what Jeremy had sent. Maria’s fingers closed over the contents. “Too big to be a ring box. Maybe a bracelet? Earrings? Keys to a condo in the south of France?”
    “On Jeremy’s pay?” Rebecca laughed. “I don’t think so.”
    Maria opened the envelope wider and peeked inside. “Hmmm. Very interesting. Very interesting indeed.”
    “What is it?”
    Maria jerked her head up and grinned at Rebecca. “I thought you didn’t care.”
    “I’m just…curious.” Rebecca glanced at her friends, then sighed. “Okay, I do care. Just because I broke up with him doesn’t mean I don’t still care.”
    Candace shot Maria a grin. “You owe me ten bucks.”
    “You two bet on my feelings for Jeremy?”
    “Hey, you were out of town. We had to keep ourselves entertained.” Maria handed over the envelope, then sat back with a Cheshire cat smile.
    Rebecca pulled