Tantrum

Ch. 19 Here We Are

*** Gwen's POV ***

It's been two months since Spencer's birthday and I haven't dropped the whole issue of meeting Mandy. I hate to say it but I've become a bit obsessive about it. I may have even tried to scope out her social media presence but the one account I could find is set to private. I also Googled her.

She's gorgeous, of course. And very well regarded at the hospital where she works. So many glowing patient reviews. I asked Spencer what she does since I thought they both had the same degree. Her job sounds so rewarding and not nearly as trauma-filled as Spencer's. Maybe he would be better off in that sort of environment.

Spencer finally couldn't avoid making arrangements for us to meet up. Between me pestering him and a chance meet up with her when he was taking a client to the hospital for an appointment, he caved. And I'm now grateful that he suggested inviting Heath to join us too.

"So even if she's nice, we are hating her, okay?" Heath is trying to give me a pep talk as we are walking into the restaurant where we agreed to meet. Spencer is meeting us here because as usual he had to work late.

Of course, she's there in the lobby. I immediately recognize her polished hair and impeccable style. She doesn't know us though. I elbow Heath so he knows to keep his mouth shut and proceed to the host stand. "Hi, we have a reservation under Spencer Phillips."

"Oh, hi. I'm Mandy." She politely interjects with a little wave.

I pretend to be surprised. "Mandy. Hello! Good to meet you. I'm Gwen and this is my friend, Heath."

She drops her gaze for a moment but instantly tries to cover it up with a wide smile and an extended hand. I accept it and allow myself to relax a little. She seems nervous about this meeting too. She moves to shake Heath's hand and he feels the need to clarify. "I'm her best friend."

"Obviously." She chuckles. The hostess gestures for us to follow. I let Mandy go first.

Heath is in my ear instantly. "Okay, maybe we don't have to hate hate her."

I roll my eyes. I take the seat across from her. Heath sits next to her, intentionally leaving the seat next to me open for Spencer. I explain. "Spencer is..."

"...running late, right?" Mandy fills in. My face must show my dismay at her response because she quickly adds. "It's common working for social service agencies. There are never enough hours in the day."

"You're here. Early even. How is your job different?" Heath interjects.

Mandy gushes about her job as a child life specialist. "It's all the perks of social work with little to none of the drama."

"Spencer said you offered to get him an interview." I say.

"Yeah but you know Spencer, always loyal to his charity cases. That came out wrong. We all go into this work because we want to help others. Spencer just always gets way too attached." Mandy shares.

I feel myself bristling at her words. A waiter comes by to distract us, pouring water into our glasses and listing off the specials. Mandy is attentive and gives the waiter affirming noises to show her interest. He is basically talking directly to her by the end of his spiel.

"We are waiting on one more." I say, gesturing to Spencer's empty seat.

"Well how about some cocktails or a glass of wine while you wait?" The waiter offers.

"Let me buy us a round." Mandy speaks up. "I'll have a glass of the pinot."

I look at Heath in panic mode. He gives me a look, knowing that I am asking him to stand in solidarity with me. He huffs a little and closes the drink menu that he was perusing with a snap. "Any chance you have mocktails?"