Em knows to be ready before nine so that Daisy doesn’t head into Atlantic City without her. She is showered, dressed, and packed, waiting outside beforehand. She hugs Hanna and Gabriel on their way out with Ruby to deliver Hanna to pre-school.
Em’s heart doubles in size, watching her sister interact with her children, moving them to the van. All three of them are sporting grins on their faces. While it is a joy that her sister is up and about, there’s a part of her that is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Will there be a reminder or action in their everyday lives that will drop Ruby back to her bout of depression? She blows out some air while she waves goodbye to the van heading out of the driveway.
The crunch of tires on loose stones on the driveway has her turning to look to the left, and she sees Daisy’s car heading her way. Her smile widens seeing her best friend.
Daisy hops out of the car, her eyes as bright as her smile. “Good morning Em. You look great and I feel underdressed.”
Laughing, Em hugs her friend. “You’re funny. We both look good.”
“You look better, but I’m not meeting anyone when we get there,” Daisy says, nudging Em with her elbow.
“Ha ha,” Em says. “So I took a little more time and care for our first day. Is that so unusual?”
Daisy’s head moves up and down vigorously. “Yes. Yes, it is. Normally we’re both in comfortable clothes since we’re looking at a two to three-hour drive. Skinny jeans and a cute blouse aren’t what I call comfortable.”
Em chuckles. “Okay. You’re right. Ruby and I figured out my clothing for the entire weekend just because I’ll see Noah. It’s been awhile since I’ve dated and I want to look my best. You know how superficial much of this world is that we live in.”
“You’re right but honestly, you always look nice and if men can’t see beyond our outer shell, they aren’t worth our time.”
Em hoists her bag into the back of Daisy’s black, sporty two-door couple. “I hear you, and so do a lot of other woman. It’s just not how this world is comprised. I agree it’s wrong and we should always look at the inside of a person instead of what they look like. When the men hear that comment, they shrug and say that it’s the big woman who says such things.”
“But you are gorgeous,” Daisy says, climbing back in the car.
Em pulls her seatbelt out and clicks it .”I know I’m not ugly, but I’m also not a size four or six. I’m a double digit type woman. I’m curvy.”
“Aren’t we all?”
“You know what I’m trying to say.”
“Yeah, I do. I just don’t bother looking. It’s such a disappointment and I do believe that if it’s going to happen, it will be when I’m not looking.”
“That’s what my mom used to say to me and Ruby.”
“Speaking of your mom, how’s that going?”
“She’s been pretty good lately. No escapes and she’s been present more days than not. Of course that makes my dad happy.”
“I bet. I’m glad that improved. I saw Ruby’s van was gone when I got there.”
“Yeah, she took Hanna to pre-school and was going to take Gabriel to get groceries. She’s seems better. Although, there is a part of me that is afraid she’ll fall back into her depression.”
“Cancel. Cancel. Let’s remain positive. She could truly be healing.”
“You’re right. Can we stop for coffee? I had nothing to eat this morning. I wanted to be dressed and ready so I didn’t miss my ride,” Em says, giggling.
“Like I’d leave you…”
“Yeah, you would. If I wasn’t ready, you wouldn’t wait. You’ve threatened that many times.”
Daisy swings the car into a fast food drive-in. “I threaten to be sure you’re ready, but I wouldn’t leave without you. We have too much fun together. What do you want?”
“I’ll take a number two with a large coffee, three creams,” Em says, digging out a twenty from her wallet to give Daisy.
Daisy reaches the spot for ordering. “I’ll take two number two’s with large coffees. We need five creams.” After confirming the order, she continues through and uses the twenty Em hands her to pay.
Back on the road, they dig into their breakfast sandwiches and discuss the changes at work along with the projects they have. The miles and the time move quickly. It isn’t long before Daisy is swinging her car into the valet lane at the casino.