Urban Renewal

“Diane? Hello! Diane? Are you in there?” Claire pounded on Diane’s door. Finally, she heard footsteps approaching the door, and a shadow crossed the peephole. The locks clicked and the door slid open.

“Hi, Claire. C’mon in,” Diane said, looking sleepy.

“Oh, Diane. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“No, it’s okay. Thanks for coming over,” Diane said, and gave Claire a hug.

“Diane,” Claire said, after they stopped hugging, “I need to get right to the point. Danny called me.”

Diane’s face fell, and she looked mortified. Claire continued, even though she knew Diane was uncomfortable.

“Danny said you got really close to having a glass of champagne on the sly last night.”

Diane exhaled. If Claire didn’t know better, she would have thought Diane looked relieved.

“Look, I am on my way to a meeting. After last night, I need some extra fortification. I thought you might like to come.”

Diane thought for a moment, and said, “Yes, I think I would. That sounds like a great idea.” Diane pulled on a simple blue sweater and changed into her Levi’s, pulled on her boots, grabbed her coat and purse, and ran out the door with Claire.

Claire had a very nice golden Explorer with leather interior. She kept it spotless. When she started the car, the CD started playing.

“Oh, I love Faith Hill,” Diane said, looking for the jewel case. Claire popped open the compartment under the elbow rest and handed it to her. “I love your car, too.”

“Thanks. And it’s not a car. It’s an SUV,” Claire made an admonishing face toward Diane.

“Whatever.”

“Diane, was that you listening out the door when I was dragging Harry out last night?”

“Yes, it was.”

“What Harry said at the end…”