Chapter 5
We went in Erin’s Jeep Liberty — she was our DD for the night — and she drove all the way out to Abbotsford to a pub she knew. A long drive for a quiet night out, but the roads were dry and this way it was unlikely we’d run into anyone who knew Jeff. Lots of laughter and girl talk on the way – always a thrill for me. Helping me forget my nervousness. Once we’d arrived and settled down at a table, and especially as the evening wore on, I really relaxed and could enjoy just being Diane. Four girls at a table inevitably resulted in appraising glances, but since I was the homely one of the crowd the looks were directed mostly towards my three companions, which suited me fine. This is incredible, I was thinking — all that unease for nothing. But then it came back with a vengeance. A nagging little fear, that had never really left, suddenly loomed large. “Rachel”, I whispered in a voice that did not disguise my concern, “I have to go to the washroom”. “The big test, eh ?” said Rachel with a smile. “C’mon kiddo, I’ll go with you.” She was doing her best to reassure me, making light of something I dreaded, but the anxiety continued to mount as I followed her through the crowded pub and up to the Ladies washroom door. But once through it, with none of the women there giving me a second look, I felt a little bit better. So I headed for a cubicle, shut the door, did what I had to do, then waited until I was sure Rachel would be finished. With new courage I came out, nonchalantly I thought. Rachel was fixing her hair in front of the mirror and looked across encouragingly. But then the smile left her face, she sighed and rolled her eyes. “What ?” I said, back to being terrified.
“Diane, Diane, Diane” she said, quietly so she would not be overheard. “What is it that a girl takes to the washroom that a guy never does?”
I couldn’t answer.
“Her purse, silly, her purse!”
Ohhh….
Always something else.