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Angel On My Shoulder

By Arlene Rains Graber

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Chapter 1

Pringle Taylor groaned. Wasn’t it only yesterday she ran three miles? You’d think my hamstrings would be in better shape given the amount of exercise they get. Okay maybe the three-mile instead of the usual two was responsible.
Her high school trainer’s words blazed through her mind. Stretching is the most important part of exercising. She continued feeling every pull and twist. Don’t slack on it. You can do it. Almost finished. She heaved in a deep breath of fresh air. Spring in Brooklyn was just around the corner.
Brooke should be along any minute for their Friday night ritual. A short run, then dinner. Pringle shifted to the other leg and eased into a forward lunge. On the phone just an hour ago, Brooke voiced, she had news. The conversation dictated something in their lives would be changing yet Pringle couldn’t imagine what. Brooke’s words replayed in her mind.
“Can’t wait to see you.” Silence.
“Sounds like something is up. Anything wrong?”
“I have great news, but you’ll have to wait until we meet.”
“Don’t do that to me. Any news you say is great, is huge. I can’t wait to hear. So spill.” Brooke was an open book. It wasn’t like her to keep secrets. No, this had an unsettling ring to it.
“No can do. But it’s colossal. Let’s meet say six o’ clock at the corner of Flatbush and Maple. I’ll fill you in then.”
Pringle winced, stretching her back and raising her arms toward the sky. What news could Brooke have that would cause this much excitement? Pringle knew most of what went on in her life, and Brooke knew Pringle inside and out. She hoped it was simply that her best friend had decided to renew her contract at the Alternative School where they both taught. It was nice having Brooke in the same school. They often had lunch together, and collaborated on teaching methods. But last week, Brooke received an offer from one of the private schools in Brooklyn. That’s it. Pringle felt smug. Can’t pull one over on this gal. Yep, it had to be something about the job.
She was still doing stretches when Brooke arrived at the corner. “Hey, girlfriend, get over here and tell me what’s going on.”
Brooke gave Pringle a quick hug then started lunges. “Hold on until I get stretched out, then I’ll give you some awesome news.”
Brooke’s eyes sparkled, and there was a definite flush to her cheeks. Surely, she wasn’t moving away and afraid to tell her. Whatever it was, it had to be good. There was one thing Pringle knew about her friend—she didn’t excite easily.
“Okay, don’t keep me in suspense. I can’t stand it.” Pringle grunted, bending toward the sidewalk.
“Let’s get this stretching out of the way first. I want to look you in the eye when I spill the news.”
Pringle stood erect and scowled. “I’m not budging until I know what’s going on. Do you love making me suffer?” She placed both hands on her hips and waited for Brooke to spill. Her eyes shot daggers indicating she was serious.
Brooke relaxed from a hamstring lunge. She broke into a broad grin and in a gush of words burst out, “I’m getting married.”
Pringle stared. Finally, she found her voice. “You’re what?”
“Getting married!”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. Corey asked me on Wednesday, and I said yes. I would have called you immediately, but wanted to enjoy impending matrimonial bliss by myself for a few days. We intend to get married this summer. I know it seems rushed, but honestly, it feels right. Corey is the man I want to spend my life with.”
Pringle stood aghast. Tremors of adrenalin rushed through her body. Not good ones. How could she get married? Brooke and Corey had dated for a mere six months, and while there was little doubt they were compatible, marriage was quite another thing.
“Are you totally sure? This is a huge step.”
“I couldn’t be more sure. He’s fantastic. He’s a Christian, has a great career, loves me, and wants to start a family right away. What more could I want?” Brooke began dancing with arms waving in the air. “Pringle, I’m on cloud nine.”
“I’m shocked. I mean, it’s so sudden. You haven’t even known Corey a year.”
Brooke’s expression turned to a frown, and her eyes narrowed. “I know, but can’t you be happy for me instead of so negative?”
Brooke was absolutely right. That old disparaging flaw was surfacing and Pringle didn’t like it. She’d made good progress reeling in judgmental tendencies, but every now and then, they reappeared. Pringle broke her stance and hugged Brooke. This was her best friend and her happiness was all that mattered.
“I’m sorry. It just caught me by surprise. Of course, I couldn’t be happier for you. This is exciting, what a summer we’ll have planning.”
“Well, there’s more. I want to go to Martha’s Vineyard for the month of July as a last single girl’s thing. I’ve taken our usual cottage and hope you’ll be able to stay the entire month. I’ve invited Connie and Fran and maybe Stella can come too. We can dream about the future and enjoy a time of woman power and fun.”
“But you said you were getting married this summer. How does that work?”
“August. That’s how it works. My plan is to spend time with my best friends at the Vineyard and then come home and get married.”
Trying hard not to be pessimistic, Pringle chose her words carefully. “So, you’ll have everything planned by the time we go?”
“Most of it. I’ll get the rest done at the island. That is if you’ll all help. I know I’m being selfish asking you to give me a whole month of your vacation, but you’re my best friend and I really want you to be there the entire time if possible.”
They had traveled to the Vineyard over several summers, but usually only for a couple of weeks. It had become a ritual with their small group, but what would Pringle do about her summer job? Still, it sounded wonderful. An entire month to laze around, reading, eating, sunbathing and boating far away from the city.
“A month?” Pringle shifted her voice to that of contemplation. “I don’t know. I’d intended to work part-time at the boutique this summer. But, they said I could set my own schedule, so wonder if I could just work June and August? I do love the Vineyard and spending a last hurrah with my best friend before she’s lassoed into marriage… hey I’ll make it work.”
They hugged again and again. Brooke getting married. Amazing. Something Pringle hadn’t thought of in several years. Okay, maybe just a little, but certainly not now.
At dinner, the talk centered on Brooke’s future.
“I don’t want marriage to interfere with our friendship, Pringle. You’ll be welcome in our home anytime, and we’ll still have our regular time for walks and dinner. It just won’t be on a Friday night. Weekends will be reserved for Corey and me. We’ll set another night during the week.”
Pringle’s scowled and her voice drew a reasoning tone. “Yeah, but I won’t be able to pick up the phone and call anytime I get the urge—like the middle of the night.”
“Sure you will. We’re best friends. You have priority where no one else does. And if you don’t call me often, I’ll be upset.”
During the rest of the dinner, they discussed plans for the Vineyard, the excitement of Brooke’s impending marriage, and colors for the wedding. They tossed about several ideas, before Pringle changed the subject to Hunter.
“I’m envious,” Pringle said. “Hunter and I have settled into a nice easy dating thing. So much so, I don’t think we share what I’m seeing here. Everything about your face, voice, and body language screams happy.”
“Hey girl, a marriage proposal from Hunter can’t be far off.”
“Maybe, but like I said, our relationship is more of a companion type. We’re more like good friends in a routine type of relationship. Not much thrill, but still it works. I’m too busy concentrating on getting that PhD. That’s my first priority, and at the rate I’m going, it’ll take at least three more years.”
“Wait a minute. PhD or not, are you saying that your relationship lacks spark? Passion? Excitement?”
Pringle hesitated before replying. “Something like that. Not sure, but, I know I love him in my own way, and I do go warm all over when I see him. You know, it’s sort of like we’ve been married for thirty years type of thing. But forget all that, I can’t possibly think of a personal life until you’re able to call me Dr. Taylor.”
“And that I will. Let’s get desert, I’m still hungry and this is a celebration.”
Pringle settled back into the booth. Her thoughts on her life. It was full. She taught kids that didn’t have much of a chance in life except for the Alternative School. She lived in a great apartment just off Prospect Park, and dated a perfect man. It couldn’t be better.

* * *

Back in her apartment, Pringle walked through the kitchen and into her bedroom. She dropped her purse on the dresser and reached for her P.J’s. A tune from the Oakridge Boys broke the silence. She grabbed her cell phone and gave Hunter a warm greeting.
“Hey you. Good timing, I just got home.”
“Hi honey.” Hunter’s voice was low, calm, and delicious.
Visualizing him on the other end of the line brought an unmistakable warmth sailing through Pringle’s body. A good feeling. Yes, in her own way, she cared for him deeply. He was good for her.
“Hi yourself. What’s up?”
“Nothing. Just wondering how your day and evening were, and if you had plans for breakfast.”
Pringle settled into the cushy chair next to her bed and told him about her day at school and the tour to the stock exchange they would be doing next week. Then Hunter gave her an account of his day. Hunter was so easy to talk to and always had a genuine interest in her life. Maybe that’s why they had dated for over two years. It was wonderful sharing dreams, and bouncing off goals that each wanted to achieve. He was her best cheerleader toward that PhD and never complained when she had to study.
Lately he had hinted about the possibility of marriage, or so Pringle thought. Remarks like “Maybe we should be thinking about the future more than we do.” And, “Would you ever want to live in Manhattan” all pointed in that direction. Pringle ignored the comments and always changed the subject. Well, she was only thirty, and while she loved him in a very caring way, she hoped marriage would not enter the picture for at least two more years. Her life was well ordered and perfect. She enjoyed having Hunter around, but goodness they weren’t ready for marriage. Still, if he knew her thoughts, he might leave, and she couldn’t bear the thought of losing his friendship. It would be up to her to keep things just the way they were. Light.
“Breakfast is scheduled at my kitchen table, working. Oh, tonight I spent the evening with Brooke, and guess what?”
“Can’t. Tell me.”
“Brooke and Corey are getting married. Can you believe that? This isn’t like Brooke at all.”
“What? Getting married?”
“No jumping into marriage after only a few months of knowing the guy. I’m concerned for her.”
“Well, guess some folks know instantly. They seem good together, and Brooke isn’t the impulsive type.”
“I guess. What did you do this evening?”
“Nothing special, just poured over my finances and projected a plan for the next two years.”
“Sounds boring. No boy’s night out?”
“Thought about it, but it didn’t sound appealing. Other things on my mind. Think it’s time I planned for the future instead of living day to day. So, sure you can’t squeeze in breakfast tomorrow?”
“I can’t, Hunter. I need to spend the morning calculating student grades, and then come up with some suggestions for summer reading. But we’re still on for the concert tomorrow evening, aren’t we?”
“You bet. I’ve made dinner reservations at Sonia’s for six. If that’s okay, I’ll pick you up at 5:30.”
“More than okay. You know how I love Sonia’s.”
After she hung up the phone, she felt a twinge of guilt. Hunter’s voice sounded flat after she declined breakfast. Should have agreed to go, maybe. No, she had loads of class work to complete before the end of the year. She also needed to go over the plans for two field trips. Anyway, she would see him tomorrow evening.
Pringle had trouble sleeping that night. Why was it so easy for Brooke to make a decision about marriage? Maybe Hunter was right. Love at first sight and all. And, from what she knew of Corey… he was perfect for Brooke. Heavens, she and Hunter had been dating for over two years, but marriage? She couldn’t think of spending time or dating anyone else, but she wasn’t ready to walk down the aisle with him either. Did she love him? She thought she did, but enough to get married? Crazy, of course she did. She was lucky that Hunter seemed content with their arrangement. They’d make that decision when it was time.
Pulling the covers over her head, she scrunched down, curled into a fetal position, and smiled. Settle down? Like, who could be more settled than me. She worked, went to dinner with friends, dated Hunter, cleaned house, worked on student plans at home, researched her dissertation, and went to church. That didn’t sound like someone who needed to settle down. More like someone who needed to settle up.
She threw off the covers, got up and walked over to the window. She gazed into the clear night. A luminous net of stars covered the skies, an unusual occurrence in otherwise smoggy New York. Life is good, she thought. She had a circle of wonderful friends, and Marcus got a B in reading today. Still, she couldn’t shove Brooke’s news from her mind. What was her best friend thinking? Did she even know how she wanted to live the rest of her life?
“Okay, maybe I’m just jealous,” she said aloud. “After all, I’m thirty. I should be thinking about marriage and a family. But, do I want a family? Not sure.”
The clock read 3:00 a.m. in glaring red numerals. She walked back to bed and picked up a book from the night stand. Life was not complicated. Tomorrow, she would grade papers, clean house, and go to dinner with Hunter. So why were tiny shoots of anxiety racing through her veins? Why did she feel something was about to change?

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