Falafel Jones - The Kewpie Killer by Falafel Jones

other holder.”
    “What’s the difference?”
    “This one could spill on my dress.”
    “It’s got a lid.”
    “Dear, this is cashmere.”
    Later that day, Mom gave me a ride home from work. When she pulled into her garage, I noticed an empty spot formerly occupied by my dad’s old MGB. The tarp that used to cover it laid folded on a shelf next to maps Dad and I marked for the road trip we never got to take.
    “Mom. Where’s Dad’s car?”
    “What? Oh… I… needed the space.”
    “For what? You’ve got a four car garage and one car.”
    “C’mon, let’s go in the house. What would you like for dinner?”
    “What did you do with his car?”
    “C’mon. Let’s eat.”
    I didn’t know why, but I felt bad she got rid of it without telling me, especially since I had no wheels after returning the Kara-mobile. I wished I could talk to Eddie about it. He would have understood. At this point, I realized a week passed since he last called. Apparently, so did Mom.
    We sat in the dining room, eating dinner, when she said, “I’m so glad you’re home again. By myself, I’d often end up eating while standing over the sink. It’s nice to have a civilized meal together.” She reached across the table and patted my hand.
    “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
    “I like cooking for you.”
    “Mom, microwaving two Lean Cuisines and dumping the food on plates isn’t cooking.”
    “What’s wrong, Doll? Are you upset because your boyfriend stopped calling?”
    “Mom. I’m not sixteen and I’d appreciate some privacy.”
    We ate in silence for a bit and then I asked, “How long do you think it would take to get used to a landfill smell?”
    “What’s that, Darling? Landfill smell?”
    “Nothing, Mom. Enjoy your cooking.”
    After more time went by without hearing from him, I tried to put Eddie out of my mind. I liked him and thought we connected, but there was too much in my life for me to dwell on him.
    One night, I helped Kara plan her wedding menu. Her caterer invited her and Tommy to taste various food options. Tommy begged off claiming he had to work late so Kara invited her bridesmaids to help.
    Oddly enough, none of the other girls were free any night that week except for me. I suspected gown shopping had taken its toll on the group but Kara, bless her, probably thought they were all just very busy.
    I borrowed Mom’s Mercedes and met Kara at the River Lodge where she and Tommy rented the ballroom for their reception. Andre, the Banquet Manager, greeted Kara warmly, inquired after Tommy and graciously accepted me as his surrogate. Absent grooms-to-be didn’t seem to be anything new to him.
    Kara and I sat while Andre summoned waiters to bring us samples and she asked me, “You have a date for the wedding yet?”
    “I’m not bringing one.”
    “Really?”
    “Yeah, when you invite someone to a wedding, you’re kind of making a statement about your relationship… and I’m not at that point with anyone.”
    “You sure? It’s just a party.”
    “Positive.”
    “Well, you change your mind last minute, we’ll fit him in.”
    “Thanks.”
    Kara said, “I’ve got a question for you.” Then she sat without saying anything.
    “Uh huh?”
    “Crystal wanted me to ask you. She’s too shy…”
    When Kara’s question trailed off and she avoided eye contact, I knew she expected I might not like the question.
    “Go ahead, Kara…ask me what?”
    “Well, Crystal’s always had a thing for Robby Carlyle and she hears you’ve been seeing someone else. She was wondering if it’d be OK with you if she asked Robby to the wedding.”
    “Crystal doesn’t have to ask my permission. I’ve got nothing going on with Robby. We’re just friends.”
    Kara took a deep breath and then let it out loudly. “I’m so glad. We, I mean, she was concerned because all of you bridesmaids’ll be at the same table. She didn’t want it to be awkward.”
    When a waiter brought out various appetizers, the tray