Read Online December Rain by A. L. Goulden - Free Book Online Page A

won’t make you talk.” Robin disappears into the kitchen with her arms full.
    “I can’t believe you did this to me!”
    “Fuck it! Let’s just get away from all of this for a couple days.” Robin points to the sink that’s full and the surrounding mess. “It’s really disgusting in here.”
    “I didn’t invite you over remember? Drop-in.”
    “I’ll send Carla over while we’re gone to clean this up.”
    “I’m not going anywhere.”
    “Yes you are.” Robin storms towards the make-shift bedroom.
    “Right now? This minute?”
    “Yep,” she hollers.
    “No!”
    “This is happening.”
    “Too much effort. I have shit to do.” Monica tries to sound convincing as she notices the stack of magazines and mail near the front door that she hasn’t looked at. The sound of a hanger screeching on metal snaps her attention. Robin has a stripped sweater in her hands when Monica walks in.
    “This looks fine. Great idea using that pipe to hang stuff on too. Now grab a pair of jeans, some panties...” She turns to scan her shoes. “These boots are going too, and you’re done. No effort. Oh... and where’s that moto jacket I got you. That’s a must.”
    Monica watches as Robin stuffs her things into a green duffel bag. Am I too old to throw a fit? She’s not gonna let me out of this even if I scream. She’ll drug me like the last time. Monica sinks onto the bed in defeat.
     
    Monica is a pouting child sitting near the gate waiting to board. Robin has a stack of trashy celebrity mags and a huge bottle of water, more than anyone needs for a flight that’s barely an hour. The flight attendant starts making announcements so Robin hands over her ticket, and for the first time in weeks her brow lifts. She’s never flown anywhere first class. When she looks for confirmation Robin grins.
    “You didn’t think I’d go coach right?” She winks and nudges her shoulder. When it’s time for them to board Monica finds herself walking a little taller as hundreds of eyes watch. The perks of the flight are uplifting, literally. Monica keeps her feet up in the recliner style leather seats the whole time, and has two mimosas with an omelet that kick her mood up half a beat. Robin is of course pleased with herself, but her constant texting before and after the flight has Monica nervous.
    “So what’s the plan?” Monica asks as they walk through SFO.
    “We’ll drop off our bags early and get to the Marina for lunch with the ladies. Then we’re off to get facials before hitting Top of the Mark for some jazz and classy martinis.”
    Monica scrunches her brow. “What are we fifty? I thought you said we were going out like we used to.”
    “Alright, we’re going out like we used to want to, but couldn’t afford to. Let’s try to have a good time.”
    “Maybe we could go out out. Like to a real bar and hear something a little more... dance worthy.” Robin gives her a glare for being ungrateful. “The facials sound fantastic! But the Top of the Mark is where you hook up with lawyers and wannabe beatniks for overpriced food and drinks.”
    Tristan and Rianne are waiting at a little cafe in the Marina when they get out of their cab. Rianne’s long curly black hair is big and wild to match her aviators and feather earrings, while Tristan’s cherry lip gloss is the perfect pop of color to her funeral attire. Monica is more relieved to see their beautiful faces than she thought as they stand with their arms open wide. The hugs are heavy like she imagines a mother would give, but their forced nature makes it a bit humiliating as well.
    “Are you okay sweetie?” Rianne asks holding her hand.
    “No. Not really, but I’m here... so I guess that’s supposed to fix it.”
    “Cut the shitty attitude. We’re here to love you fucker.” Robin sticks out her tongue.
    “Mature.” Monica turns to Tristan sensing she’s all bottled up and waiting to clear her chest. “What’s on your mind? Might as well get it out now.