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

How could I hurt Alex? What happened? Are you going to work it out? Just ask what you want.”
    She tries to act offended, but she does want to ask all of those questions and more. Rianne gives her a pleading look with a tilted head to caution her to be gentle. “I’m just hurt that you didn’t tell me when you were staying at my house only a month ago.”
    “We weren’t getting a divorce a month ago.”
    “No, but you were having troubles and I was there... you could have talked to me.”
    “It wouldn’t have changed anything. I’m sorry.”
    “I knew something was up. I mean, there was a lot of naked going around on Halloween.”
    Monica smiles a little embarrassed but then gets sad at the memory.
    Ri swoops into gear. “I saw photos of that costume. It was awesome. You looked hot.” Monica’s smile lifts.
    “I should’ve known with all the weight loss.” Tristan continues until Robin finally elbows her.
    “Well I put a couple pounds back on last week so no worries there.”
    “Are you running? Exercising?” Monica shakes her head at Ri and reaches for the menu.
    “Alright, let’s get some salads ladies. Nothing that will bloat before our facials.” Robin smiles and winks.
    Tristan golf claps. “I’m so excited! My skin is a mess.” Clearly Tristan’s skin has never been a mess, but she’s trying to shift the mood now that she’s feeling bad. “Monica what facial wash do you use? Your skin always looks so great.” Monica looks at her stoic for a moment. “I’m serious.”
    “By the way,” Robin interrupts, “Monica doesn’t like my plan to hit Top of The Mark. She wants to go out and dance.”
    “Or hear a band. Just something that doesn’t make me feel old. We’re not old ladies. You said we’d go out like we used to... we used to go to dive bars and listen to rock bands.”
    Tristan scrunches her face at Rianne who adds with a smile, “Jack’s band is playing tonight.”
    Monica’s eyes light up. “Seriously? They’re back together?”
    Ri’s eyes reflect a sadness. “Yeah, they’ve been playing live for almost a year now. They recorded a new demo a month ago and have a new manager.”
    Monica lets that sink in as she realizes her distance has made them nearly strangers. “That’s great. We have to go see them then.” Robin gives a glare to Rianne for bringing it up.
    “I was alright with doing the Mark or something different to be honest though. You know, I see them play all the time,” Ri says.
    “Yeah, I kinda wanted to do the classy girl’s night too, like Sex In The City with martinis,” Tristan adds.
    “That’s what I’m talking about,” Robin says.
    “Wait. Wasn’t this supposed to be my weekend? Wasn’t I dragged here to have a good time and go out like we used to?” Monica uses air quotes to emphasize her building anger. “I want to go hear Jack’s band and dance.”
    “You got to dance a lot last time you were here, didn’t you?” Tristan regrets opening her mouth immediately and leans back as if she’s about to be slapped. “It’d just be great to be able to hear each other and have a conversation. You know, catch up on big events in our lives.”
    “Let it go.” Monica glares at her.
    “What? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it. That party was just so loud. I’m sure it was great for dancing. You did dance all night, just not with us.”
    “Tris, I’m sorry we acted like idiots in your house and ruined your double date plans, but I apologized the next morning, so drop it.”
    “I know. I’m not mad about that anymore. It just feels like you moved away and kinda ended our friendships.” Monica knows she’s somewhat right. “I just miss talking to you. I miss frozen yogurt and Buster Keaton and your great bargain shopping skills.”
    “Alright this is getting painful. Just kiss kiss and make plans to play Barbies tomorrow.” Robin sets her menu down and motions for the waiter.
    “Tris I don’t exactly talk to Ri every