Keep Your Enemies Close

"You know Connie, I feel like killing that bastard."

"Rosie, it’s only five hundred dollars. You want to go to jail for a mere five hundred dollars? That’s ridiculous! Now come on and stop talking like that. It’s not like you don’t do it all the time. Sometimes our sins return to us. Just laugh it off and learn to keep your money in your pocket."

"I don’t know what came over me. I really thought this guy was special. He filled my head up with nothing but lies. I actually trusted him. He used the Love word."

"No he didn’t. He told you he loved you? And you believed him?" I don’t know why, but I let out a hardy laugh and before I knew it, I felt a sting on my cheek. "Why did you slap me?" I asked holding my hand to my cheek. I could feel the tingle beneath my fingers as I attempted to massage the insult away. My reflexes must be slow because she certainly deserved a return for that. When my eyes finally focused, I realized that people were whispering and staring at me.

"How could you make fun of me? I am Rosemarie Cruz and no one treats me like that.

Not anybody. He’ll pay for that."

"That still doesn’t explain why you slapped me." I mumbled still holding my cheek.

"I’m sorry, come on, let’s go into Nine West."

It was getting pretty late. Rosie and I had shopped like crazy. I found two outfits and finally found some slings to match my bronze and gold dress. Black just didn’t cut it. Rosie bought three pairs of shoes and some jeans that complimented her shape. My shape wasn’t bad. I mean I must admit, that I was really put together, but everything seemed to be made just for her. Anyway, it was six o’clock and we really needed to get back. Tony was quite punctual and I didn’t want to disappoint him.

I dropped Rosie off at her house on Lincoln Place and I lived a few blocks up on St. John’s Place.

"You gonna be all right?"

"I’m fine. Thanks for not kicking my ass. I’m sorry for tripping."

"Don’t sweat it. I understand. Now I’ve got to get home now, so don’t you go killing anybody okay? I don’t want to read about you in tomorrows paper."

"Go ahead, I’m fine now."

"What are you going to do for the rest of the night?"

She sighed. "Just watch television and throw a couple of hot dogs on the Forman."

"We’ll hang out tomorrow. I’ll tell Tony that tomorrow’s the girl’s night out."

We hugged and parted. When I arrived home, I hung up my outfits and put my shoes in the closet along with all the rest. I pulled a banana floral, spagetti-stapped nightgown from my closet and a pair of white Goose-feather pumps to wear around the house.

I prepared my bath and slid into the creamy bubble surface down into the warm welcoming water. I felt good, relaxed. Afterwards, I towel dried and oiled myself with Relaxing Moments body oil. Just as I slid my gown over my body, I heard the doorbell ring.

"Coming." I called out as I made my way to the door. I checked myself in the mirror before pulling the door open.

"Rosie?" I said disappointed. "Tomorrow is girl’s night out. Not tonight. You’re confused."

I said pushing the door closed without inviting her in.

"Stop it silly. He’s dead!" She said breaking into a sob.