The Screen Door

Photo: Shutterstock.

Shia spoke into the stillness and music obediently rushed out of the speakers. He picked up the wedding invitation and gave a quick glance before throwing it back over the dashboard. Fraidy unwrapped a mint from her evening bag and sat back letting the tension of the evening dissipate. Traffic was smooth and 20 minutes later they pulled up next to the hall.

They made their way through the lobby spotting a circle of familiar faces next to the elevators: the Walners the Kurtzes the Bernsteins — dear members of the “country crowd.” The bond formed over countless summers of shared space and sunshine was strong enough to bring everyone together in mid-February. Memories of summer washed over Fraidy: Miriam Walner in her terry turban and white Reeboks Judy Kurtz playing tennis every morning. She was back in the country! A warm ripple spread through her.

Miriam Walner caught her eye and headed toward her. There was something about the plastered smile and affected gait that made Fraidy brace herself; it was almost as if petite 60-year-old Mrs. Walner were intimidated in some way by 32-year-old Fraidy.

“Mazel tov Fraidy” she sang. “You’re looking beautiful — so fancy shmancy like a real madame.”