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Rona picked up her glass and took a large swig of water.
‘It’s’ – she paused – ‘I don’t want to interfere. The kids can do what they like. I would never mention it to them. But I wanted to talk to you about it.’
She looked at Mary expectantly. She was reminded of Wally’s brown eyes; they shared the same neediness, although Rona was far less cute.
‘About what?’ Mary said.
‘About Otis’s girlfriend.’
Rona was clearly feeling awkward and uncomfortable, but Mary could not understand why, or what it had to do with Otis, or his girlfriend.
‘I’m not sure I follow,’ she said.
‘He’s dating Tiffany,’ Rona said. ‘Right?’
‘Yes.’
She took another sip of water.
‘The thing is – and I know this is not really my business, and I wouldn’t talk to anyone else about this, but it’s you, so I feel like I can – she and Forkie have always had a kind of special relationship. Since they were young I always thought they would be great together. Like, long term together. And they were dating a while ago. It didn’t last but they’re – I hate to say it, it sounds so corny – but they’re,’ she made air quotes, ‘“meant for each other” and Forkie has been hoping they could, maybe, get back together. But obviously that’s more difficult now.’
Mary had no idea Tiffany and Forkie had a past relationship, which made her wonder how serious it had been. But either way, Rona getting involved was not a good thing for anyone.
‘What are you saying, Rona?’
‘Well, it’s kind of a new relationship, right? With Otis and Tiffany? And they can date if they want, but I think it would be good for everyone – Otis included – if he let Forkie and Tiffany sort out things between them before he and Tiffany …’
‘Are you saying that Otis should – and for the record I can’t believe I’m saying these words – stand aside for Faulkner?’
‘No! Of course not!’ Rona raised her hands, palms up. ‘I’m just saying that Forkie and Tiffany have not resolved everything between them yet, and it would be good if they did. If it really is over between them, then Otis and Tiffany can date all they want.’ She beamed. ‘It would be just a brief delay, to make sure it’s the right decision.’
Mary wasn’t sure she was understanding correctly. If she was, then this conversation was over, but it was such an extraordinary request, she needed to be clear.
‘Could I ask a few questions?’
Rona nodded.
‘Were Faulkner and Tiffany dating for long?’
‘Only a few weeks. But they’ve been close friends for much longer.’
‘And who broke it up?’
‘I think it was mutual.’
‘Really? In my experience it’s normally more one person than another.’
She let the implication hang in the air. Rona took another sip before replying.
‘It was probably more coming from Tiffany.’
That was no surprise. ‘And how did Faulkner take it? Was he upset?’
‘He was. Which is why I want to give them a chance to sort things out.’
‘They have that chance. They have phones. They can talk.’
‘I know. But now, if Otis and Tiffany are together, Forkie can’t really do anything. Otis is his friend!’
