Gertrude, Simmons, Bryce, Lorianna, Glorietta and Penelope sat at a fine restaurant during Spring. The weather and days were arrived and sat down outside, there was still plenty of day left. As it would settle into evening, the weather was warm in this day.
It had been everybody sat down together. Penelope and Gertrude could care less to see at this point. Lorianna and Glorieta wasn’t as much affability as Simmons and Bryce had in lifelong friendship. But that’s natural. Glorieta and Lorianna had their own growing up and Bryce and Simmons were different characters.
Gertrude sat down first, the seating on each side and one each at the ends. Rectangular. Bryce and Gertrude, sitting to the right with Lorianna on the one seat, then Gertrude, then Bryce, right before Glorieta at the other seat on the left then Simmons and Penelope across from Bryce and Gertrude.
“We haven’t together in a while.” Glorieta started. They were all adjusting their silverware while napkins on their laps.
“Yeah, it’s been a while.” Bryce said. “How’ve you been Penelope? How’s your life?”
Penelope then went on to talk about school in mental illness and abuse against women at her church.
“That’s incredible.” That’s what Lorianna called her.
“Thanks Lor.” That’s what Penelope called Lor.
“Football.” Gertrude spoke up. “He’s not the captain, he makes a lot of speeches in the locker room. Standing up and stuff. All he does is hopes his football team wins. They haven’t lost either, so his is working.”
Simmons smiled, pouring himself some that was already on the table.
Now everybody had spoken and had a turn, starting from Glorieta and ending with Simmons. It was an unspoken rule, the way the banter went. After the first and the last to speak their turn, it was now maintained conversation best. Gertrude smiled at Penelope, staring into the dark abyss.
“I’ve got a situation for you, Gertrude.” Penelope started. “But anyone, feel free.” She put her forearm on the table, then started gesturing with her hands as she spoke.
“Let’s say being brave enough, but also foolish enough in the climate we are in today with the stronger focus on women’s advocacy. Is this okay?”
The table paused to hear Gertrude’s response, because she was specifically called out and the question was aimed at her and was harmless enough.
“Well,” Gertrude asked.
“Well,” Penelope started. “Bravely eager, I suppose, but that’s not the point.”
Gertrude saw in Penelope’s eyes that this situation had actually happened, but she kept coy.
“Well, that would take.”
Penelope did not. She did not do or say anything. It just got quiet. Then she spoke.
“Maybe.”
“Oh. Well, did you?” Gertrude pushed.
“Who, whoa, whoa.” Lorianna spoke up. “I thought you don’t.”
Then Bryce spoke up. “Lori. She does not. That’s not her. She simply has I recall.”
Simmons and Bryce looked at each other.
“Yes! Exactly. I was just trying to have a conversation with the guy. Anyways. This is stupid. Next subject.”
Glorieta then spoke up. “When we were kids, Lori, Bryce, can wager, that if a guy was trying to go steady, he would get together and talk about how social circle, if he wasn’t already. Right Lor?”
“Well, yeah. I mean, you make it sound like something. But yes. A guy would hold confident as Bryce.”
“That’s right.” Bryce stated.
“But we actually had friends competitive in this day and age.” Lori stated.
“It’s not that.” Penelope started. “It’s I can’t with someone as liberal as Gertrude. Catering to entree.”
Just to clarify, it was well-known that never satisfied. But, those were fighting words.
“And what are you ordering for dinner? you eat
“You know Gertrude, Ive enough credit. fine. an ounce of intellect toward a decent debate does make me build. And I will. I just don’t understand I guess. But I do know.”
Gertrude held her tongue. “Men are complicated and complex. and simple. You solve women’s problems and be forever alone. I dive inadventures of man and do my own,” -she took a sip of tea. “Learning.”
“Well, have fun.” Penelope said.
“I do.” Gertrude finalized.
The talk became more civil after the women had less to argue about while letting the remainder of the warm setting sun.
Short Stories