Read Leftovers: A Novel for Free Online

Wedgewood.
    •  •  •
     
    Across town, Stew Parker was waiting in his squad car for Babs. A bit nerdy and out of shape, he was the complete antithesis of the stereotypical policeman. A year and a half older than his sister, most mistook Stew for being Babs’ little brother. Not so much because he looked younger, it was more about the dynamics of their relationship. She was mothering, demonstrative and constantly giving Stew advice. He was always second-guessing himself, and in truth, felt overshadowed by her self-confidence and more often than not, acquiesced to her many whims. He followed her around like a tickbird to a rhino. And like the bird and mammal’s symbiotic relationship, Babs may have been the fearless and larger than life character, but Stew was the alarm system, ready to sound off noisily when danger approached. It was a good match.
    Wearing black horn-rimmed glasses with lenses that needed to be strengthened, Stew brought his wristwatch up to his face to read the time. Wondering what was taking Babs so long, he impatiently followed the windshield wipers back and forth as they laboriously worked to slosh away the rain.
    Babs ran out of her house with a Tupperware bowl over her head and opened the passenger’s door.
    “Hope this storm doesn’t put a damper on the party turnout,” she shouted as she climbed into the squad car and threw the bowl into the backseat.
    Stew rolled down his window so he could actually see if any other cars were coming, then he pulled out into the street. “I’m late for my shift.”
    “Sorry for holding you up. Having trouble reaching Viv.”
    A serious look came over his face.
    Babs continued. “If I didn’t have these two parties back-to-back I would have swung by her place.”
    “Anything wrong?”
    Babs shook her head now regretting that she had brought it up. She never could keep a secret and cursed herself as she nonchalantly looked out of the fogged up window.
    There was a long pause and then he hit his fist on the steering wheel. “Not again.”
    Stew was an emotional man who tended to wield his hands wildly when excited, in an expressive way, but not threatening.
    “Listen, don’t get in the middle . . . ”
    “Who is it this time?”
    Stew knew exactly what was going on. In fact, everyone at the precinct knew of Paul’s philandering ways. Some of the guys on the force found it amusing, even impressive. But Stew had morals and principles and would have found his behavior disgusting no matter whom Paul was married to. But because it was Vivian, it pushed every reaction button Stew had in his body.
    Babs debated whether or not to tell him, then blurted it out. “Eleanor Gates.”
    Stew slammed on the brakes bringing the cruiser to a screeching halt causing Babs and the entire backseat full of Tupperware to lurch forward. A plastic tub came flying forward into the front seat as a car passed by them blaring their horn.
    Babs touched his hand gently. “Stew, please don’t . . . ”
    He was seething. “I’m finally going to confront the heel.”
    “But don’t do anything crazy.” Babs picked up the container and threw it into the backseat as Stew just sat there fuming. She glanced at her watch and gently reminded him of the time. “Um, we’re both really late.”
    Stew turned on the car’s siren and tore off down the road blinded by his anger and the rain, with his hands flying.
    “Oh geez,” Babs cried as she and the Tupperware felt the force of his car press against them.
    •  •  •
     
    After consuming copious amounts of water to counter the effect of the mystery Moody pill, followed by several cups of black coffee, Vivian managed to set the dining room table. Because she and Paul eloped, she had no bridal shower, therefore received no gifts. Not even from her mother. But there was someone who knew of her secret wedding and once she had settled into her house, sent over a brown paper wrapped boxed with a note attached that