Last Flight to L.A.

chapter eleven: stinky fish

"Only a true friend would be that truly honest."

~Shrek

~~~~~~~

Kelsey sat at the kitchen counter, skimming through the daily news on her phone. The sun was just beginning to fill the house with a bluish glow that lit up the two large windows in the living room.

Kelsey put down her phone and stood near the curtains, watching as the neighbor's water sprinklers turned on.

"Morning!" Sandy sang, her voice making Kelsey jump.

She turned halfway around and saw Sandy in a flowing light blue bathrobe, her hair perfectly curled and her face a perfect mask of makeup.

Kelsey tried desperately to stifle the resentment that flared up inside. She was drunk that night. Everyone said things they'd regret. But Kelsey wondered if Sandy regretted anything.

"I can't believe I didn't get to see you yesterday," Sandy said, pouring herself a large cup of coffee in a turquoise mug that had "I woke up like this" printed in swirling script across it. Kelsey couldn't help but notice the irony.

"Uh, yeah, I was pretty busy," Kelsey said quietly.

"Soooo," she said, scooting closer to Kelsey, "tell me more about Ethan Glenn. I can't believe my friend was on a date with a movie star! Was the paparazzi everywhere? Did he pick you up in a limo? Did you get to meet anyone else famous?"

Kelsey took in a breath. It was too early for this conversation. But she smiled anyway...this was the Sandy she knew. "First of all, it wasn't a date. We're just friends."

"Then make it not friends!" Sandy cried. "You have the opportunity to date a movie star! If I were you, I'd snap him up while you've got the chance."

Kelsey shook her head and laughed. "I'm not for all the cameras and lights."

"Come on."

"It's bad for my complexion," Kelsey wagered.

Sandy giggled before settling into silence as they both watched the bright orange sun peak over the roof across the street. "Ah, you've never been one for the spotlight, anyway," she shrugged, taking a sip from her mug. "I wish I could be more like you—content."

"A quiet life," Kelsey said, repeating Sandy's words from the other night.

"Yeah!" Sandy agreed. "A nice, happy little life. Me? I'm too restless. I need adventure."

Kelsey offered a smile. Did she even recall their conversation at all?

She had to get rid of these negative thoughts somehow.

She had a lot to do to get ready for the catering job, but she figured that making her and Sandy's relationship smoother was more important.

Kelsey took Sandy's hand and said, "Why don't you and I have a girl's day? I'm off work, if you want to."

Sandy bit her lip, thinking for a moment. "Well, I have to be back here by three to film a tutorial video—how to DIY a vintage coaster—so how about lunch?"

Kelsey nodded. "Sounds good."

~~~~~

It was easy to feel useless around Sandy's insane busyness. She was here, there, and everywhere in about five seconds.