Old Mature Girlies -

Today was different. The silver tray held the usual lemon squares, but the atmosphere was brittle.

A retired judge who still looked at you like you were in contempt of court if you used a salad fork for dessert. old mature girlies

Margaret stepped forward, the sunlight catching the sharp edge of her glasses. "We spent decades wondering what we’d say to you if you ever crawled back. We imagined grand speeches and dramatic exits." Today was different

When he looked up and saw the four of them standing there—Margaret at the helm, arms crossed—he didn't smile. He looked terrified. "Margaret? Dot? Bea? Helen?" his voice cracked. Margaret stepped forward, the sunlight catching the sharp

"He’s back," Dot said, dropping a sugar cube into her cup with a splash that Margaret definitely noticed.

As they walked out, leaving Julian alone with his gold walker and his murky aura, Dot leaned in. "Do you think we were too mean?"

"But the truth is," Margaret continued, "we’ve realized you’re just a footnote in a very long, very excellent book. We’re going to the bistro for martinis now. You aren't invited." The Aftermath