"Now, Mother, Darrin's got an important presentation to make and I don't want you to ruin things for him!"
"Oh I'll be good, Samantha dear...heh-heh-heh...eye of newt and toe of frog, let's give that Durward the head of a dog!"
"I can predict the rest of how this episode is going to go" said Liberty, as she watched the show on TV.
"You know 'Bewitched' is meant to be just a bit of fun, Libs" said Summer as she finished up the dishes.
"Yes, but it's the same thing every week! All these sitcoms are like that and don't get me started on 'I Dream Of Jeannie'...I mean, the way they depict the space program is highly inaccurate!"
"I won't! Anyway, food's ready...who wants some?" asked Summer.
"I'll be fine with just a coffee...I'll eat later" replied Liberty.
"Did someone say 'food'? I'm there!" said Travis, bounding into the room. "So what's happening?" he asked.
"Libs is down on Bewitched" said Summer, handing Travis a plate of food and Liberty a mug of coffee.
"Oh, that's a shame...hey, who do you think would win in a fight? Samantha or Jeannie?" Travis said.
"Television's so boring...why don't we do something more active instead?" suggested Summer.
"I'm up for that! I agree about the TV; it's all depressing news about Vietnam or dumb sitcoms at the moment." said Liberty. "How about hitting the gym, perk ourselves up?"
"Excellent idea, I really want to burn up some energy! Are you coming too, Travis?" said Summer.
"What, exercise? Running on machines that don't go anywhere? Lifting weights that don't need lifting?" said Travis.
"Oh come on, it'll be fun...we can be together having a work out" said Summer.
Travis thought about it and leaned in closer to Summer. "Will you be wearing your leotard?" he whispered to her.
"Yes" she said.
"Count me in" he replied.
After they'd gathered up their keep fit gear they headed to central Willow Creek to the gym. The girls were keen and raring to go...Travis less than enthusiastic.
Inside was busy but after getting changed Summer found a free treadmill and proceeded to do an endurance run. On the next treadmill was the senior gym instructor; Clinton, who had a reputation of being a hard taskmaster if you hired him as your personal fitness trainer.
Liberty decided that her reflexes and upper body strength needed working on she opted for the punching bag.
...and Travis checked out the gym's other facilities.
Meanwhile, back on the ground floor, Summer was getting into the groove but next to her Brent Hecking was struggling.
"Brent, lift your feet up more...and remember your breathing!" said Brant.
"It's alright for you to say that!" gasped Brent. "You were in the Army and sometimes I think you've become your old drill instructor! I'm strictly civilian!"
Travis, in the meantime had actually managed to get his fitness kit on and was trying out a punch bag. He figured it would be easier to manage than the treadmills or the weights.
Liberty watched Travis' punching technique. This wasn't about self-defence, although he had a weird moment a few months ago when he wanted to get a gun to protect the home, but fitness and Travis was exerting a lot of effort for not much gain there.
"Trav...try throwing a punch more from your shoulder than just jabbing with a fist. It'll work your muscles a lot better." Liberty said.
"OK...more shoulder...and....FIST PUNCH!" he yelled.
"Trav...you don't have to say 'fist punch' when you're boxing" she advised. On the other side of the room a young lady, who was also doing boxing training, looked at Travis and shook her head in disapproval.
Meanwhile, back on the treadmills, Summer was getting some grief from the instructor.
"You call that running, little lady? You need to pick up those feet and BREATHE, not flail about like a rag doll...PICK UP THOSE FEET!"
"I'll have you know that I competed at cross country running at school, and won trophies" Summer replied, indignantly.
"This ain't no cross country run at an all girls' school....THIS IS THE GYM! NOW HAUL ASS, SISTER!" he bellowed again.
At that moment Travis strolled in, looking exhausted. He saw the stand off between Summer and Clinton and walked over to intervene.
"OK, buddy, reign it in a little..." said Travis but when Clinton stepped off the treadmill he stood right next to him, his muscles bulging.
"Now what have we here..." said Clinton, menacingly.
Travis looked up at Clinton and gulped. "Ah, you're kind of big...well, this is my girlfriend and I think she's doing just swell there" he said.
"You look like you could enrol in some of our classes as well. Get some muscles on you" said Clinton to Travis.
"I've been working on my muscles...look, here's one right here" Travis said, pointing to his arm. "A work in progress you might say"
Liberty in the meantime had finished her workout and had headed upstairs to get a drink and take a breather. As she turned a corner in the narrow confines of the changing room she had quite literally bumped into Brent Hecking, who was wearing just a towel and had to quickly grab on to it before it fell completely to the floor.
"Oops, my mistake, Brent!" said Liberty apologetically. "You know how all fingers and thumbs I am!"
"I think I've retained my modesty" chuckled Brent, nervously. He tightened the towel around his waist. "It's as much my fault; my head in the clouds as usual." He seemed a little downcast.
"Is anything the matter, Brent?" asked Liberty. He sighed.
"Nothing serious...it's just that Brant is always on a health kick. Drink this, eat this, excercise more...some days I find it hard to keep up with him. I'm worried though that if I don't keep up with him and let myself go a little he might....oh, I think I might have said too much! Erm, let's say Brant might find another housemate." said Brent, embarrassed.
"I know you and he are gay, Brent" said Liberty. "We all do...well, except Julia. She hasn't picked up on the hints yet. But you can talk freely with me about you and Brant being a couple."
"Phew, that is a load off of my mind...wait, everyone knows? Oh, not important right now...oh yes, well you can see my problem: Brant's into the whole body beautiful and peak fitness ideal and I'm worried I'm not measuring up to that and if I don't...well...he might find another who does measure up."
"How realistic is that thought, Brent?" asked Liberty.
"Not really, but it creeps into my mind sometimes...like today." said Brent.
"Try not to let fear affect your judgement or trust in Brant..." said Liberty, sympathetically. Brant still looked unsure but then their conversation ended abruptly as Brant entered the room.
Back downstairs Travis had managed to bluff Clinton into thinking he was a lean, mean fitness machine and the overbearing instructor backed down and walked away from him and Summer.
"My hero" said Summer, appreciatively.
"Well, you know, it's about knowing when to stand up to someone and having an escape route worked out" replied Travis.
"Always the joker" Summer said. "But you're a cute joker, I'll give you that."
"So, are we done here? Would you like to take a walk by the river?" he asked, suggestively.
It was a warm, bright day with a light breeze which cooled the young lovers as they watched the wide, winding river.
"Hey, Summer...we timed this well...here comes the Delta Lady!" exclaimed Travis. The Delta Lady was an old 19th Century paddle steamer that had been refurbished and travelled up and down the river as a pleasure boat. It was very popular with tourists visiting the city and was an impressive sight whatever time of the day. In the evening it was all lit up to further dazzle onlookers.
"Do you know, I've never been on board" said Summer.
"Really? Never? Didn't your parents ever take you on it when you were a little girl? Haven't you been on it since?"
"When I was a girl it was still being repaired from that time a Japanese submarine torpedoed it."
"Yeah, that was a weird one...considering the war had already ended when that happened. Anyway, I should take you on a date on it. It's got a nice restaurant on the upper deck."
"Sounds great" replied Summer. "Let's move a little closer"
"Now you seem to be in a romantic mood today, Trav" she added.
"And you seem to be in a very energetic one" he replied. "How about we combine them both?"
"I like the sound of that!" said Summer and the two of them drew ever closer together until...
At that moment the Delta Lady passed right by Travis and Summer and the passengers on the deck let out a cheer when they saw the kiss. Travis waved back at them.
"That will give them something to talk about with their friends" said Summer. "But that was wonderful, Travis. I'm so lucky! And that kiss just makes me want to spring right up into the air!"
Summer got up and did precisely that.
"Wow, you are bouncy today!" said Travis. Summer sat back down beside him and they were about to snuggle again when they were joined by Liberty, who was still in her exercise clothes.
"I wondered where you two had got to" she said. "Aren't you going to go back in the gym?"
"We're done with the gym for today" said Travis.
"Aww, I feel really raring to go" said Liberty.
"Well, how about we head on over to Blue Velvet for a bit of dancing?" said Summer.
"Sounds good...I'll go back and get changed and meet you there." said Liberty. "Oh, and have you got a quarter? I'm going to phone Gary and invite him along too"
"Sure" said Travis, fumbling around in his pockets for a quarter he could give to Liberty. "The more, the merrier"
The Blue Velvet was packed and swinging and the music was blaring out loud...so loud they couldn't hear themselves talk; all that was left to do was drink and dance.
"Wow, this place is really happening!" said Liberty.
"Yeah, this is the best it's been in ages...shame I have to go to work soon" said Summer, at the top of her voice.
"What?" said Travis, suddenly.
"I...HAVE...TO...GO...TO...WORK!" replied Summer.
"WHAT? NO!" said Travis, looking sad.
Summer sidled up to Travis' side and spoke directly into his ear. "Yeah, sorry babe. We've been having so much fun I almost forgot I had to go myself."
Summer went to leave but had second thoughts. Maybe just stay to the end of this song... she thought.
But leave she had to, not before having a long and protracted kiss with Travis...and another...and another (the last one right in the doorway of the club). That left him and Liberty dancing, although not together.
"Hey, when's Gary going to get here?" he said.
"Anytime soon? Why, you seem keen to see him too!" she said, teasingly.
"He's a good guy, an honorary member of the Foundry Cove Gang"
"Oh, there's a gang now, is there? And why is he only an 'honorary' member?"
"We don't just hand out membership to any old guy, you know!" said Travis. "His membership is pending"
"And do you have little laminated membership cards as well?"
"Right next to my Lothario Club membership...oh, look, here comes Gary now"
Gary entered the bar and Liberty went right up to him to say hello and give him a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey, sweetie, good to see you" she said.
"You too...I tell you, it's good to get out of the office: Work is just blah, blah, blah these days. Too much waffle and inaction." he replied. "So, you guys been hanging out here? Cool!"
"Let me get you a drink, Gary" said Travis.
"Thanks...a beer would be great. So, let's sit and have a chat, Libs" said Gary.
"What's happening in Foundry Cove...give me the latest" asked Gary.
"Apparently there's a Foundry Cove Gang that has membership cards" replied Liberty with a chuckle.
"Is there an application form?"
"I'm trying to get one for you" she replied.
"Ooh, you think I'm eligible?" Gary said, with interest.
"In more ways than one, sweetheart" she said, blowing a kiss.
"Sign me up then!" he replied.
Travis returned with the drinks. Liberty spoke up. "I've told Gary about the Foundry Cove Gang...have you got a membership application form he can fill in?"
"Buy the next round and you're automatically in" said Travis, raising his beer bottle.
"Deal" said Gary.
As they sat there in the Blue Velvet, Liberty and Gary were fliting with one another and having playful chats. Travis was beginning to feel like a third wheel and was missing Summer's company. He knew she had to work but in social situations like this, having her by his side would make him feel less self-conscious.
"I'm going to head back to Garden Essence" he said, eventually. "Got some work to catch up on. You two have a great time"
He left but Gary and Liberty were feeling that the main bar area was getting a little too crowded so they stepped out into the garden terrace at the back.
"I think I'm in the gang now" said Gary to Liberty.
"Just one more entry requirement to go" she replied.
"And what would that be?" he asked, his face being drawn ever closer to hers.
After they had kissed Gary said "Did I pass the entry requirement?"
"With flying colours" she replied. "I'm hungry, how about we head on to my place for a bite?"
"To eat?" asked Gary.
"That as well..." she said, flirtatiously as she kissed him again.
They headed back to Garden Essence, both giggling like kids, where Liberty grabbed a couple of plates of something Summer had made earlier. Their chef friend was a fantastic cook and there was always plenty in the fridge she had made to tempt the tastebuds.
"That's one of the things that makes me always want to come and visit" said Gary. "The other being you, of course" he said to Liberty.
"You romantic, you. You're always welcome; I know Summer and Travis really like you too."
"I hope so...it must get tricky around here trying to co-ordinate everyone's romantic life. Who's in, who's out"
"Oh tell me about it!" said Liberty rolling her eyes. "Well, I haven't heard from Travis so I'm not sure he's home and Summer's still at work which leaves us here on our own." she said with a smile.
"Coffee?" she added, suggestively.
"I'll take it with milk" Gary said...also suggestively but what he was suggesting was anyone's guess.
They got up and sauntered over to the coffee machine where Liberty brewed a fresh pot. "It's very quiet here" she said.
"Very" Gary replied.
"We could just tip toe into the bedroom for a coffee...and a chat...and some..."
"Exercise?" he said, whispering into her ear.
"Well, something like that" she replied.
"Let's skip the coffee and move straight on to exercise part" he added.
The two of them skipped down the hall to her bedroom and proceeded to get undressed. Then they quickly dived under the bedcovers for a bit of WooHoo.
Meanwhile, Travis had returned from a cycle ride and went into the kitchen to get a glass of water but the faucet immediately sprung a leak.
"Oh no...it's gushing everywhere! Just spurting out! I'll have to find the stopcock and shut it off. That's going to leave a mess on the floor..." he said, tutting and unaware of what was going on in Liberty's room.
After they had made merriment, Liberty and Gary were giggling like silly teenagers. "So are you sure your housemates are out?" said Gary, gently running his index finger over Liberty's breasts.
"Almost certain" she replied, smiling at him. "Shall we have a peek?"
"If they see us they'll know what we've been up to!" he said.
"They're my housemates, not my parents!" she replied. "I'm getting peckish, I want to raid the fridge!" she said, leaping out of bed.
"I need the john but I can't go out there in these underpants! Hang on, I'll put some clothes on first...wait, Libs! You can't go out there like that!" he said, noticing she'd put some panties and a bra back on.
"Catch me if you can!" she replied, playfully, as she scurried out of the door. Gary, in a panic, chased after her.
In the hall they were silently tip-toeing to the kitchen when they heard Travis' voice. "Hello, gorgeous, good day at work?"
"It was OK but I'm glad to be back home" replied Summer. Liberty stopped dead in her tracks and quickly shoved Gary into Travis' room; which was largely a study these days as Travis slept with Summer.
"We can't hide in here! What if Travis or Summer want to get a book?" whispered Gary.
"You hide under the bed, I'll hide under the desk...It'll be fine" replied Liberty.
That lasted all of 2 minutes before Gary piped up: "I really gotta pee!" he squeaked. "I'm going to make a break for the bathroom...wish me luck."
"Gary...nooooooo!" said Liberty, but too late; he was gone. Gary tip-toed down the hall, quietly opened the bathroom door and closed it...silently...with a gentle lock. Then he relieved himself in peace and quiet. It was only on the return journey back to the study when he bumped into Travis.
"Oh, hey Gary...so you and Libs decided to head back here?" said Travis.
"Yeah...I hope you don't mind..." began a nervous Gary in response.
"Look, man, you and Liberty are cool. If you want to get it on you go for it!"
"I meant, I hope you don't mind me using your bathroom"
"Oh, what? Sorry, man. Yeah, sure, that's cool too....but you know, if you want to go ahead with Liberty in the bedroom then don't worry about Summer and me: We're totally cool with that."
"Erm, we already did that." said Gary, meekly.
"Ahhhh, well....I'll just leave you two to chill out, man." said Travis, lightly punching Gary on the arm in approval. As Gary made his way back to the study, he was surprised to see that Liberty wasn't there but instead was Summer.
"Oh! Sorry...erm, have you seen Liberty?" he asked.
"She said she's gone back to her room and will see you there." Said Summer, matter of factly. "So did you guys have a nice time this evening?"
"Yes, thank you." replied Gary.
"You must tell Travis and I all about it" said Summer, cheerily and patting the empty space next to her on the bed. Gary took the cue and sat down.
"Not that much to report....we danced, had a few drinks..." he said. Fortunately for him, Travis entered the room.
"Hey, Summer...can I have a word with you for a moment?" asked Travis.
"Sure, babe, what is it?" she replied.
"Listen...Gary's on a date with Liberty and they'd like to be left alone, if you catch my drift" he whispered.
"I thought we could all hang out..." said Summer, innocently.
"Summer....they'd like to be alone. In Liberty's bedroom" Travis said, raising an eyebrow.
"But surely....ohhhhh, I see what you mean. Yes, how silly of me" she said, suddenly realising what was implied.
"And how about you and me, hanging out in our bedroom?" said Travis.
"Sure, shall we can have a catch up about our respective days, talk about what we'd like to do on the weekend and all kinds of neat stuff..." she said, perking up.
"Summer...we could do other things in the bedroom as well" said Travis, hoping the penny would drop.
"Ohhhhhhhh, I see" she said, suddenly realising. "Now that would be fun!"
Suzy couldn't help but go for a jog past her old neighbourhood. Courtyard Lane and Foundry Cove were just under a mile away from each other so it was no great effort to plan a keep fit run that would pass right by her old house and those of her friends. There was still a tether between her and them.
She was wondering if she's bump into one of them and, as luck would have it, there was Julia walking down the road towards her.
"Oh my goodness! Suzy!" Exclaimed Julia.
"Julia! You look great, how are you? Give us a hug!" replied Suzy.
"A hug...oh...erm...alright" said Julia, overcoming her aversion to physical expressions of friendliness for a moment to greet a dear friend.
"Out for a run, I see" added Julia. "Just how far away is your new home?"
"Oh not far at all; about a mile. You must come over sometime to see it. Now look at you; pretty frock, lovely jewellery...going somewhere special?"
"No, not particularly but it's a lovely, bright morning and I felt a bit more colourful today." said Julia. Suzy wondered if she was meeting someone special later on, knowing that Julia would rarely admit to such things, even to her closest friends.
"Once we've fully unpacked and up and running in the house Neil and I will have all you guys and girls over for a get together...now I must keep running or I'm going to get very cold very soon! Have a great day, Jules...whatever you get up to" she said with a knowing smile. There has to be a guy involved she thought to herself.
But there really wasn't. Julia just wanted to feel relaxed and positive about herself for a change. It was a warm day so thick, woollen turtleneck sweaters were out and a lightweight summer frock was in. It was that simple, but then Suzy's mind did race to all kinds of places and possibilities...
Julia was now going to head to the Spa: She much preferred it to the gymnasium as it was a calmer environment with no loud music playing, plenty of alternatives to just running and lifting weights and no sweaty jocks either!
Ahh, the peace and tranquillity of the steam room...free from the distractions of the world outside...just breathe in and breathe out and...
"Finally, I made it here! I'm telling you, the car parking options around here are dreadful? Did you struggle to get here as well?"
"What?" said Julia, startled into full consciousness again. There was a frustrated looking woman standing over her in the steam room.
"Do you find the parking here frustrating?" said the woman.
"I do not have a car. I took the bus here." replied Julia.
"Hurumph" said the woman, taking off her robe, hanging it up and sitting next to Julia.
"Well, I'm here now...time to relax." and with that the woman inhaled and exhaled deeply and loudly. Then she started to chant.
"Cum-bahhhhhhhhhhhh, cum-bahhhhhhhhhhhh, ohmmmmmmmm, ohmmmmmmmmmmm, cum-bahhhhhhhhhhhh...I do this to equalise the air pressure in my lungs."
"I....see...." replied Julia.
"I'm also trying to inhale the steam as well to purify my lungs." continued the woman.
"Erm, I'm not sure it works that way..." said Julia but the woman wasn't listening.
Julia slipped away from the steam room and went to get changed into her exercise clothes. She really wanted to join a yoga class but it was full, so she went to a private room and did some meditation there.
"Calm....balance...centre..." she mumbled to herself. "I am in control, I feel fine, I am at peace..."
Yes, Julia had conquered all her stress...she was completely self-contained. Her work, that was for another day. Her life, that was in balance; just right for her needs. Her emotional state, peaceful. Relationships....well....she had friends and that would suffice. Indeed, she was going to meet up with an old friend this evening...
Once finished at the spa she put on her summer outfit again and headed back to Willow Creek to meet with Joelene, her most unlikely friend. Joelene was a singer and model and was once a Lothario Kitten who was the April centrefold for the magazine before she became disillusioned with it. Now she was just making a name for herself in pop music.
Outside the Blue Velvet bar, the two friends met.
"Julia! Great to see you! You look amazing in that dress; the colour suits you." said Joelene.
"Does it? It's something I just threw on this morning. Shall we go inside?"
The place was really busy and it was still the early evening. The girls had to fight their way to the bar but Jolene had spotted someone she recognised....and they recognised her.
"Joeene! What are you doing here?" said a young, dashing looking guy with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"J, nice to see you too" replied Joelene, giving him a peck on the cheek before sitting down at the bar. "Oh, let me introduce you to my friend, Julia."
J took a brief look at Julia and didn't register any emotion or interest. "Oh, hi" was all he could manage before turning back to Joelene. "So, I haven't seen you since that last club meeting you were at; what's been happening?" he asked.
"I've been on tour, I've done a few fashion shoots...WITH my clothes on, I'll have you know!" Joelene replied
Whilst Joelene and this J character were chatting, Julia spotted one of the dreaded Lothario Kittens at the microphone and singing.
"Why is she here?" Julia asked Joelene. It was J who answered her.
"Alan Cuffe's got a deal with the owner of this place: Saturday night one of the Kittens performs here. That's Skye, Miss June."
"Ah, my replacement!" commented Joelene.
Julia shrugged her shoulders. "Meh, she's OK...that's a backing tape she's singing to though, not a real live band."
Abruptly the music came to an end and Skye looked to the barman, who looked at her and shook his head. The Kitten looked embarrassed and gingerly held up the microphone to her mouth.
"Erm...it seems we have a bit of a technical problem here." she said, apologetically. "We're trying to fix it...alas, I don't have a piano accompaniment tonight."
Joelene leant over to Julia. "You could offer to play piano for her!" she whispered.
"Me? But that's a Kitten! I hate that scene!" replied Julia, indignantly.
"I was a Kitten once and we met when you accompanied me. Even Alan was in the audience that night. I hate to see a young singer stranded like that up there, no fault of her own when the equipment breaks down."
Julia nodded quietly, downed the last of her wine, and got up to walk over to the piano.
"Excuse me, Miss Skye or whatever your name is" said Julia, haughtily. "I am a pianist; you might recognise my friend Joelene over there. I will play the piano whilst you finish your set. I won't play anything lewd though; no hoochie coochie, no gyrating dance music and no songs with narcotic references if you please."
"How about 'Let's Spend The Night Together' by the Rolling Stones?" asked Skye.
"Definitely not! Let's see your set list...hmmm...no, no, certainly not! Ah, this one is acceptable." said Julia.
"OK, that's a groovy choice, let's do this." said Skye. She turned to the audience and spoke into the night. "Thank you everyone for your patience...help has arrived in the form of...erm, what's your name?" Skye whispered to Julia.
"Julia Epstein...DOCTOR Julia Epstein"
"OK...help is here from Doctor Julia Epstein, the medical maestro on piano. This is one you should all know, it's from the last Beatles album, Rubber Soul and it's "In My Life"...
Joelene, in the meantime was trying to make a good impression on J. He had joined the club not long before she left and she didn't get the chance to know him well whilst they were both members. He was handsome, charming and witty but things never went further than that, despite the flirting that would go on. However, on this occasion, J seemed more interested in Skye than her...
Once Julia and Skye had finished the song, the barman gave them a heads up that the backing tape was working again. Skye thanked Julia for coming to her rescue.
"You know, you're pretty good. I'd like to work with you again at a future gig. How about it?" asked Skye.
"I offered to help you out as a favour to our mutual friend, Joelene. As a rule I do not help any enterprise connected to Lothario. If you were to do a gig not under their umbrella, and I was free, I would like to accompany you in the future." Julia replied, firmly. Skye shrugged in agreement.
Julia went back over to the bar to join Joelene. "Jules, I hope you don't mind but can we split from this joint now?" said Joelene.
"Oh, why?"
"I don't like the vibe right now" said Joelene, looking in the direction of J, who was in turn smitten by Skye.
"OK, where do you suggest we go next?" asked Julia.
"You might not like this idea but hear me out...." said Joelene.
"THE ROMANCE FESTIVAL, SERIOUSLY!" exclaimed Julia once they'd arrived in downtown San Myshuno.
"I know, I know, you hate lovey dovey romance stuff but the bar here's really good and the food...wow, the food is some of the best in the city. We can avoid all the romantic stuff and just have fun."
"If you say so..." said Julia, looking on in disapproval at a couple chasing each other around and giggling like schoolchildren.
However, she did recognise someone very familiar to her; her aunt Elle. "Auntie Elle! Auntie Elle! Hello there!" she called out but Elle was in a world of her own and didn't hear Julia calling out.
"Can you wait a moment here, Joelene? That's my aunt over there and I want to say hello to her. I'll be right back." said Julia before trying to catch up with Elle. However, Elle had turned a corner up ahead and when Julia had caught up to where she had been, Elle was nowhere to be seen. Julia sighed and went back to find Joelene, who had already found something exotic to eat.
"You should try some of this, Jules. I can't pronounce what it is but it's delicious." she said.
"I will, shortly...I saw my aunt, you know, the one with the health problems just now but she ignored me."
"Accidentally?"
"I hope so. Her moods do change rapidly. I don't know whether I'm in her good or bad books at any given moment. Sigh, oh well, I'll telephone her later this week to see how she's doing. So...let me get one of those bowls."
Julia bought some edamame and enjoyed it. Once both women finished eating they checked out the scene at the festival.
"So what happens here, Joelene?" asked Julia. "I've always been put off by the name, 'Romance Festival'"
"Well, in theory you bring a date here or you hope to find a date and the environment is meant to inspire romance" replied Joelene.
"Sounds like a waste of time to me" said Julia.
Joelene smiled. "Oh Jules you really shouldn't be so down on love. This isn't sex, this is romance. The art of courting, of getting to know someone you're interested in a little better and sparking a bit of chemistry between people. It's a more wholesome version of what the Kitten Club gets up to."
"My parents were introduced to each other by a matchmaker" replied Julia. "A much better system. Their prospects were analysed and assessed and the matchmaker used all her knowledge to find the right people to match up. No need for dating and guesswork."
"Forgive me for bringing this up, Jules, but didn't you open up and feel a pang of romance between you and that doctor?"
Julia gulped nervously. "Well...I did but look how that turned out. Now a matchmaker would have assessed that Vincent's true loyalty was to helping the world instead of getting romantically involved with one person." she replied.
"OK, now there isn't a matchmaker here but there is a Love Guru." said Joelene.
"A what?"
"A Love Guru. She consults the tea leaves and gives sage advice on love and romance"
"And tea leaves are going to tell me who I should marry? Pfft!" said Julia, dismissively.
"Let's give it a go and see what happens..." replied Joelene.
"...and then there was my Aunt Irma who married this investment banker from New Jersey and THAT was a disaster for both of them! Split up after 8 months of marriage and she still hasn't married. She's sworn off men. Aunt Irma is such an inspirational figure in my life; encouraged me to become a doctor, helped me with my love of art and music..."
Within 3 minutes of meeting Saya Sakomoto, the Love Guru, Julia was pouring her heart and thougths out to this old, wise woman who mainly sat there nodding but saying little.
"And what about you, Joelene, what has led you here to see me and ask for my guidance?" said Saya, turning her attention to Julia's friend.
"I still haven't met a man since I had an accidental lesbian affair with a co-worker." replied Joelene, matter of factly.
"I....see..." said Saya, thoughtfully. "Was the other young lady?" Saya continued, pointing at Julia.
"Oh no!" said Joelene suddenly.
"Definitely not" added Julia. "I'm completely unromantic with men and especially women. If I get married, and I must stress 'if', then children and family are vitally important. Besides having an affair with a co-worker is most unprofessional."
"What about Vincent?" said Joelene.
"I did not have an affair with him!"
"But you thought about it" said Joelene.
"Alright ladies, I think I can give you both some advice: You will meet the right people at the right time...do not force it or rush things. You both have long journeys ahead of you. Sayonara."
As the Guru left their table, Joelene turned to Julia and said "so much for that. We're no closer to having a good time with any guys."
"Good job that's not what I'm looking for right now....hey..." said Julia, noticing someone she recognised across the square from where they were sitting. "...I know that man. Burr DeBenning, yes, he's a friend of Suzy's."
"Are you interested in him?" asked Joelene.
"Not really. But if I can attract his attention, I'll introduce you to him."
"Ooh, thanks. He does look cute and what interesting sideburns." said Joelene, looking the man up and down.
However, their interest was soon dimmed when they saw Burr eagerly talking with a woman neither recognised.
"I think we may have just missed that boat..." said Joelene with a sigh. "I'm sorry to have dragged you here" she added.
"It's been fun; not my scene but fun to watch. Ugh, not that couple though! Get a hotel room you two!" replied Julia. "Well, I'm going to head on home...I'm getting very tired."
"Jules, next time it'll be your choice of where we go...are you OK?" asked Joelene.
"Oh I'm completely fine...I am calm, balanced and centred" she said, with a little grin of smugness. "Don't worry about not finding a catch here tonight, I'm sure you'll meet someone you like and who likes you very soon."
"Excuse me..." said a man, approaching where Julia and Joelene were sitting. "Aren't you Joelene Scholl, the singer?" he said.
"I am..." she replied.
"I saw you in concert a couple of weeks ago...you were great. I'm a fan of your work" he added.
"Really? Are you going anywhere or can you spare some time here?" Joelene said, looking him up and down and smiling?
