Their Double Blessing

At the play Mary hugged George like they were best friends. He was in disguise and her sister gave multiple compliments. They even got into a conversation about fashion trends as they waited for the play to start. It was strange seeing them get along so well, reminding Patricia that while George didn’t chose Mary, she was more attuned to the world that he lived in. Always wanting to have more than she had and willing to do whatever it took to get it. Including becoming culturally aware of anything considered popular or of the upper crust.

Their first meeting had gone off without a hitch, leaving her both relieved and jealous. Mary was attuned to George in a way she could never be. Following the latest trends wasn’t for her. She just wanted to know about local news, anything important in her community, activism and work. Everything else was need to know and that didn’t include the best dresses or plays to be seen. She didn’t even understand why the actor featured as Hamlet for a week only was such a big deal. Mary had begged her not to share that information.

But during the final act a bodyguard entered with a need for him to leave urgently. George apologized before going. Stating that is team wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t urgent. Not even he knew what it was since the man wouldn’t say inside the theater. Mary was completely okay with it, saying they would see him another time. Patricia peppered quick questions before he left. When the play ended Mary told her to get a grip and she nearly lost it. Then she burst out laughing and they were both guffawing, looking like weirdos since they’d just watched a tragic play. They left arm-in-arm as happy as sisters could be.

“George is great, I hope things work out between you two,” Mary said on the ride home. Her sister had been a lot nicer lately. Cleaning up her space since the third date and even leaving a little extra money for utilities. She wondered if it might be because of who she was dating. George hoped it was because Mary was worried he was replacing her. Which was why he wanted to have this meeting now instead of later. By the way they hit it off, he was Mary’s new bestie. Plus, she wanted to believe Mary had changed for good reasons.

“I do too, he’s so kind and tries to understand what I need. That’s the kind of man I’ve always wanted. One who accepted me for who I am.” Patricia felt as if she was in a dream. One that she hoped would never end. She was finally ready to believe that they could last forever. Even her sister was completely on board and nothing bad had happened. They could go home and talk about the day some more and get along like good siblings did.

But when they arrived at the apartment the pair froze. Waiting at the door was someone no one expected to see. Standing around looking nonchalant with a casual smirk was Ronald Drake. The ex who had conned Mary somehow found his way back to her. Patricia recovered first and slammed him against the wall. “What are you doing here slime ball? You really have the audacity to come to my place after what you did. I should fling you down the stairs.”

“Whoa, Pat, I’m not here to cause trouble. What happened with Mary was a complete accident. I was scammed too and had to skip town because I got in bad with some dangerous people. When things cooled down I came to see how my girl was but couldn’t find her. I feared the worst until I heard she was with her big sister.” Ronald held his hands in the air. He was mixed race with the kind of looks that drive girls crazy or worse, stupid.

“Let him go Patricia, I can defend myself,” Mary ordered. “Why are you here? After leaving me penniless you have the nerve to show up at my sister’s. I have to start from scratch because of you, begging my own sister to let me live with her. That was demeaning.”

Patricia was surprised by Mary’s words. Her sister often acted as if she was doing her a favor living there and barely paying back until recently. “Exactly,” she decided to say.

Ronald brushed back his curly hair. “I know things went south between us but give me another chance. I’m staying at a motel and trying to do things right. Things will be different this time. I want to start over, maybe even get married. See? I have some of the money I lost,” he presented two envelopes bursting with money.

“Where the hell did you get that cash from?” Patricia demanded.

Mary however squealed and jumped into his arms. “I knew you couldn’t have abandoned me. Yes, I want us to be together again.”

“Are you serious?” Patricia gasped.

“Just go inside I’ll talk with you later. Don’t worry, he won’t be allowed in your place. Ronald has to earn that.” Mary walked off with Ronald.

“Like hell he will.” Patricia stormed into her apartment.