Devonne Brown

Janet stood in front of the mirror and admired herself. The twenty-pound weight loss looked good in the deep red velvet dress she wore. It hugged her waist, plunged at the neck, and flounced from a complete circle to the floor. It was the dress of her dreams, and she was stunning. She twirled in front of the mirror to watch the dress rise above her knees and saw her shoes, deep red with jewel encrusted toes and low heels sparkle in the dim light. Her ears and neck twinkled with diamonds and glistened with gold; she laughed. She felt like the dowager duchess. 

Janet’s sister, Suzanne, was busy with the orchestra, but nodded her approval when she walked into the Country Club bar for the Christmas party. For once, she thought, I might be dressed appropriately for this crowd. She’d never been comfortable around Suzanne’s friends in Atlanta. She didn’t play bridge, she wasn’t married, and she had a job. She’d raised her children on her own. The women were all exquisite, and understated. Janet felt overdone, but better looking than all of them, even her sister, though she’d never admit it. 

The Country Club was deep south mahogany, leather, and linen. Blue spruce trees with white lights lit up the corners of the room. A fireplace burned politely on either end. The gas fires were carefully set to stay low enough to gather round and keep the ambience close and comfortable, just as Christmas should be, rather than catty and shallow, which was the reality. 

Beth and Biz, two of Suzanne’s closest friends approached Janet with wine in hand. Each dressed in their own style of sequins and satin, dripping with diamonds and old money. Beth had taught private school until her children grew old enough to go to boarding schools, then retired. She liked to show she had a special bond with Janet. Biz was Suzanne’s sister-in-law, she was just nosy. “Janet, I’m so glad you could make it tonight. Suzanne said you published a new book. Is that right? I loved your first one, it was so cute.” Beth gave Janet an obligatory southern hug, so did Biz. 

“If you’ve been a good girl, you might get one for Christmas,” said Janet. She was blushing. “I hope you think this one’s cute too.” Janet didn’t like the way she sounded. She despised the word “cute” to describe her book, but at least it had been acknowledged.

“Let’s get you some wine, you must be parched. Have you talked to Suzanne yet?” said Biz. 

“I love the way you’ve let your hair go grey. If I thought mine would look like that, I would too. It’s such a good look for you. You look stunning tonight, we might have to find you a man.” Beth was the queen of the backhanded snarky compliments.

“Thank you for that, Beth. Just keep doing what you’re doing” Janet knew how to work a Southern belle. 

“Frances, Molly, y’all remember Janet, Suzanne’s sister?” They looked her up and down. Biz handed Janet a large glass of Merlot. Beth continued, “Did y’all know she just published another book?” Janet scanned the room for Suzanne, and caught her eye near the fireplace talking to her son. 

“Excuse me, ladies, I need to talk to Suzanne, it was good to see all of you. We’ll catch up again in a minute,” said Janet. 

She had not taken three steps toward Suzanne when she heard Beth’s voice, “Do you believe that dress she had on? She got it off of Amazon. My niece has the blue one she wore to a frat party. Could she be any tackier? Every time I see her she looks worse.”

Beth’s words cut through her. A stain appeared above her heart, a wet red stain on the breast of her velvet gown. Most wear their feelings on their sleeves. 

Janet left.