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Two weeks have passed, and the day of Cindy and Sue Ann's double date with the boys has finally arrived. It was supposed to have happened last week, but it was delayed until now. Greg told me the postponement was because Scott had to help with his father's campaign in Boston. Scott's father, a Congressman, is running for his third term. I know, I know, too much information. What can I say? I love politics!
The girls pretended to be looking forward to the date…well, it seemed like Sue Ann was, anyway. She spoke excitedly about it, but her body language emitted lukewarm messages as though she was going to work instead of on a date…in other words, it wasn't showing much reaction at all. Cindy, on the other hand, was smiling and had a bounce in her step, but not for the reason Natalie or Tootie might think. As for Sue Ann, she'll soon find out the real reason for Cindy's excitement…for better or worse.
Cindy was getting ready for the date, which wasn't too complicated since she only had one dress - the same one she wore to the Harvest Fair. Tootie and I were helping her with her makeup since she really doesn't know too much about applying it. I don't know really know cosmetics either, but I sure know more than she does. Besides, I have Miss Future Beautician at my side as my assistant.
"I'm glad you're helping me with this, even though it's not your thing," Cindy said to my reflection in the mirror as I gently applied her eye shadow.
"It's not my thing because I don't believe we should have to put on makeup, do our hair, or any of that other nonsense to please a man," I rebuked.
"Well, you sure won't please any man if you're as plain as a sheet of paper," Tootie joked.
"Maybe so, but a woman's true beauty comes from the inside, not the outside. If a man isn't willing to see the inner beauty of someone, then he's not worth being with," I huffed.
"Yeah, tell that to Ralph," Cindy rebutted.
"Ralph is not like that. He likes me for who I am," I stated proudly.
"Yeah, but if you were ugly I know he wouldn't have approached you in the first place. And at that dance, would you have said 'yes' to him if he was ugly?" Tootie asked, giving me her 'woman, please' look. I thought about her question for a second. He's not really handsome like my friend Greg, but he's not ugly either. I could sort of see what Tootie was getting at.
"There's nothing totally wrong with it, it's just human nature," Cindy said and shrugged. "Eventually the outer beauty fades and then all that's left is the inner beauty anyway. You need to have more faith in humans, Molly, we're not all hopeless!" she joked.
Tootie laughed, but I didn't think it funny at first. After a moment of soul-searching I saw her point though. I do make a big deal out of some trivial things. I started to laugh with my self-revelation.
"You're right. After all the crap we humans do to each other, we are still around. So I will support you here just like when I supported you for Harvest Queen, "I smiled at Cindy.
"Thanks. I was surprised you did, since you once said you don't want to be judged by your cleavage," Cindy teased.
"Yep, and I still believe that, but as your friend I wanted to support you one hundred percent…plus I wanted you to beat Blair!"
The girls…ahem…I mean women, chuckled. Cindy then asked a question I wished she hadn't, as it started a thoroughly uncomfortable conversation.
"Why hasn't Sue Ann come out of her room yet?"
"I don't know. Maybe she's nervous about the whole thing," I offered.
"Probably, but she was part of the plan," Cindy stated.
"I don't see anything wrong with the plan. I would LOVE to go out with either Scott or Greg, they're both hunks!" Tootie sighed. "Aren't you thrilled about going out with one of the hottest guys in Peekskill?"
I watched Cindy become instantly uncomfortable with Tootie's question. She looked down as if the answer was written on the carpet.
"Well… it's just that I'm nervous about this. I've never been on a date before," Cindy hedged. I rolled my eyes at her half-truth.
"But you didn't want to go out with him at first? Why? Are you hiding something? Do you like another guy? I heard you don't like guys," Tootie rapid-fired her questions at Cindy.
I don't know if Tootie it is aware of it or not, but she sure knows how to drop a bomb. I felt bad for Cindy, who was starting to sweat and had begun to fidget nervously. I knew I had to step in and stop Tootie from going any further.
"Who told you that? Blair?" I asked sternly. I knew she heard it from someone, since they do not call her 'The Rona Barrett of Eastland' for nothing.
"No, Becky told me. She got it from Tammy, who got it from Rosemary, who overheard it when Margo was talking to Cynthia."
Oh no, not Margo - Blair's archenemy and equal elitist. They're such a unique species that I think scientists have a name for them: 'Snobius Prepius.' Margo's malicious enough to say something vile about Cindy. Blair and I don't have a lot of things in common, but we both hate Margo's guts. I began hating Margo when I was trying to hold a 'No More Junk in Our Food' demonstration last year to protest junk food on our lunch menus. She and her 'gang' retaliated by throwing cakes and pies at us. Her family runs FoodCon, makers of Dinkies sponge cakes, TC Cola, and Parker's Potato and Tortilla chips.
"Margo? Don't trust anything from that girl's mouth," I growled.
"I know, but…," Tootie started to defend her 'source,' but Cindy cut her off.
"Listen to Molly! Don't trust anything coming from Margo. She's very manipulative!"
Cindy scrunched her face, posing a potential challenge for the one applying her foundation. I smiled as I watched Tootie easily work around it and realized she didn't need my help, she was doing fine without me. I'm sure she'll make a great beautician, contrary to what her father thinks. He dropped by the school the other day and tried to pull Tootie out because of her aspiration to become a beautician. Luckily, Mrs. Garrett worked some of her magic powers of persuasion on him, and Tootie remains enrolled. Since Tootie has everything in order here I think I'll head to Sue Ann's room.
"You two don't need me here, so I'll go check on Sue Ann."
I walked to her room and knocked.
"Yes?" Sue Ann responded from behind the door.
"Sue Ann, are you ready?" I asked through the closed door.
"I am."
"Can I come in then?"
"Um…I'm busy doing my homework right now. I'll come out when the guys arrive."
I could tell it was a lie. I know her well enough to know she wouldn't still be doing her homework. She's the anti-procrastinator, which is the exact opposite of Cindy. Then I heard Natalie's voice.
"Come on, Sue Ann."
I figured it would be futile to force her out, so I shouted, "Don't worry, I'll get you when the guys arrive," through the door.
I made myself comfortable in the living room and started to read an article in the New York Times. It was discussing how Senator Ted Kennedy, in Iowa, vowed to press the issue of Women's Rights if he is elected President next year. I chuckled at his blatant lie. It seems the only things he's really good at are drinking and lying. The only right he will give women is the right to pull down his pants. He is just like his brothers…womanizing jerks!
Almost a half-hour later, the doorbell rang. I opened the door and saw Greg with Scott. Greg had a rose for Cindy, which I think is sweet even though I know she's not into flowers. Scott brought a book for Sue Ann, which I think is quite practical, and not romantic at all.
"Hi, Greg. Hi, Scott."
"Hey there, Molly," Greg said and gave me a friendly hug.
"Hi 'Miss Man-Hating Feminist,'" Scott said caustically. I don't know him all that well, but I already hate him.
"Scott!" Greg exclaimed in surprise.
"No, Greg, I got this one," I smiled at Greg and motioned both of them inside. Once I had shut the door I got up in Scott's face and told him, "Well, hello there, 'Mr. Womanizer.' After all, that is what you Kennedy men do best. Your family must have descended from farmers, since the men spend most of their time sowing their wild oats. "
I could see that my words had their intended effect. He was really angry and practically growled, "We Kennedy men don't cheat on our women. We've championed equal rights for minorities and women, especially my late uncle Jack."
"Oh, your late uncle Jack doesn't get credit for that … that goes to LBJ, since he signed most of the Civil Rights laws. Of your entire family, it was your late uncle Robert who did something for Civil Rights. As it happens, your late uncle Jack didn't do much at all for the most part …not counting Marilyn Monroe, of course. In fact, the Democrats only chose to run him in the 1960 election because he was a conservative Democrat, and they had just suffered two consecutive losses with Adlai Stevenson, a REAL liberal, As for being a champion of women's rights, your uncle just recently began his support, which, by my calculations, is about twenty years too late. Was he too busy covering up Chappaquiddick? You should be very careful when insulting me because I'm a future Democratic voter, but I guess that doesn't matter to a Republican in disguise. I already know you're planning to support that Reagan schmuck!"
He looked at me with fury in his eyes before turning to Greg. "You told her, didn't you?"
Greg was about to answer, but I interrupted him, "He didn't have to. I saw you coming out of the Reagan campaign headquarters down on Monroe Avenue the other day." I had been outside with a small group protesting Reagan's policies when I saw Scott exit. He had been wearing a 'Reagan in '80' button. Luckily, he hadn't seen me.
Judging by the sheepish look on his face, he wanted to swallow the big lump forming in his throat and hide under a rock. Greg laughed at him, "I told you not to get into a debate with her."
He quickly changed the subject because I had called him on the coward he really was. "Okay, so where's Sue Ann?"
I decided to let him off the hook…this time. "She's in her room doing homework. I'll get her. "
"Yeah, we made reservations, so we don't want to be late," Scott said, as he sat down next to Greg on the couch.
"Then you shouldn't have wasted all that time discussing politics with me," I smiled smugly. He sneered at me as I turned and headed triumphantly up the stairs.
I ran into Mrs. Garrett on the staircase.
"Are the girls' dates here?" she asked.
"Yep."
"Good. Go on and get them. I'll go keep the fellows company."
"I was just on my way to do exactly that."
When I entered my room I saw that Tootie was gone and Cindy was busy reading over her poem. Boy, she doesn't seem to realize how much trouble one little poem could really cause her and a certain blonde friend.
"Cindy, Greg and Scott are here," I announced.
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah, so get your butt up and let's get Sue Ann."
We went to Sue Ann's room and she knocked, "Sue Ann, our dates are here."
"Are they?" She asked through the door.
"Yeah, they are."
"Okay. Hold up for a bit."
She finally opened the door a few seconds later,. She looked quite stunning in a long beige dress that went down to her ankles. If I had to guess I'd say that it was designed by Yves St. Laurentor Gloria Vanderbilt, but I'm not totally sure since I'm not really into that type of stuff.
Cindy stared helplessly at her. The look on her face embarrassed me so I glanced away and began to examine the hallway carpet. Sue Ann looked nervous and I'm sure that Cindy's staring didn't make her feel any better.
"Wow, Sue Ann, you look great!" Cindy gushed.
"Uh…thanks," she answered uneasily.
"Let's get down there. Greg and Scott are waiting impatiently since they made reservations," I informed them.
When we finally got downstairs we saw the two men chatting with Mrs. Garrett and Mr. Bradley. I was not surprised to see Mr. Bradley since he seems to drop by our dorm quite often. I have no idea why.
"Now, I want you boys to bring the girls back before 9 PM. It is a school night," Mr. Bradley said in his 'head master' voice.
"Yes Mr. Bradley, we'll have them back before curfew," Greg reassured.
When he saw Cindy his face lit up. "Hey there, Cindy."
"Hi there," she answered shyly.
"Hi, Sue Ann," Scott smiled at her.
I was surprised to see a smile reminiscent of Blair's 'fake' smile and wondered why.
"Hey there, Scott, how are you doing?" Sue Ann replied stiffly.
"Great!"
Mr. Bradley butted in to compliment the women, "Well, you two look lovely tonight."
"Why, thank you, Mr. Bradley," they both replied.
Blair came down the stairs and saw the two guys. She gave Greg a dirty look and Greg returned it. Scott also looked at her in disgust.
"So, where are you taking them?" Blair asked Greg rather sharply.
"La Maison. We have reservations for four," He replied coarsely.
"Of course, that doesn't surprise me one bit. After all, 'bad taste' is your middle name," Blair stated flippantly.
"Would you like me to share yours?" Greg sneered.
Mrs. Garrett quickly intervened before the back and forth could escalate.
"Blair, please come with me to the kitchen."
Blair said nothing further, but nodded and followed Mrs. Garrett.
After they left Sue Ann spoke up. "Wow, I've heard about that place," she said in awe. "Is it really as classy as they say?"
"Oh yeah! They won't even allow men to wear leisure suits," Greg responded.
"Thank goodness! Leisure suits are tacky!" I said.
"They sure are. They also don't allow overalls, so I'm glad that Sue Ann is wearing a dress." 'He confirms money and name don't automatically guarantee class,' I thought and shook my head.
Everyone in the room laughed at Scott's crass comment except Sue Ann. Her body language screamed anger to me, especially her briefly clenched fist, but everyone else saw her frown and nothing else.
Scott reached for the gift he had brought her when he noticed Sue Ann's scowl. "Hey, Sue Ann, I got something for you."
"Really? What is it?" she asked, swallowing her anger.
He pulled a book out from a small bag next to him. When she saw the cover her eyes widened and she instantly forgot she was angry. "Oh my goodness! It's Jackie O's book!"
Scott smiled as he handed it to Sue Ann, while Cindy steamed. I hoped she wouldn't do anything stupid.
"Thank you very much!" Sue Ann gave him a friendly hug and immediately opened the cover. "It-It-It's autographed! Jacqueline Onassis actually signed this!" I thought Sue Ann was going to faint and I moved to catch her, but Scott was closer and clutched his arm around his date. I immediately looked at Cindy. She was clenching her teeth and jealousy flared in her eyes. For a moment I thought she was going to punch Scott, but Greg interrupted the moment.
"You got the legendary Jackie O to sign the book?" he asked with genuine surprise.
Scott gently helped Sue Ann onto the couch and turned to Greg. He rolled his eyes and said with disdain, "Yes I did. I am related to her."
Greg shrugged off Scott's attitude and said cheerfully, "Let's get going. I don't want to be late, it was a hassle getting the reservation."
"Okay, but remember, nine o'clock on the dot. Not a minute later," Mr. Bradley warned them sternly as though he was Cindy and Sue Ann's father.
Greg chuckled good-naturedly, "Don't worry Mr. Bradley, they'll be here before nine."
As the door closed behind them I wondered how things would turn out. I had a feeling they wouldn't be the same after this date. As I sat contemplating all this Tootie approached me and whispered, "Let's go to La Maison to watch them."
"What? You want us to snoop on them?"
"What's wrong with that?"
I stared at her, thinking she was crazy. "Don't you know that's an invasion of their privacy?"
"Are you kidding? What privacy? It's a public place, Molly. Besides, aren't you interested in whether they'll kiss?" I had to admit, for some strange reason, that it peaked my interest. "Think of all the juicy gossip we can get if we follow them," Tootie added, raising the bar.
"Maybe, but think of how much trouble we can get in if we do this."
"Relax, I've done this kind of thing many times with Natalie…and even a few times with Blair. We won't get caught as long as you follow my lead. So, what do you say?"
"No way I'm going to join you on this! There's just no possible way!" I protested.
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On our way to the restaurant I thought about how I couldn't believe that Tootie had managed to talk me into it. Somehow I had ended up on a bus with her heading towards La Maison. We were dressed up in our best clothes and disguises. I had on a long blond wig, and Tootie wore a long dark brown wig; she looked like a young Diana Ross, and I looked like a young Dolly Parton…minus the big chest.
"I don't know how you talked me into this," I complained out loud.
"Molly, don't worry about it. We won't get caught. I've done this a million times," Tootie boasted in an effort to reassure me.
"Sure…"
"It's true. I've spied on plenty of Blair's dates, even the ones with Sarah and Stephanie. I also caught Roger and Nancy! They were kissing and rubbing each other!"
"You caught Nancy and Roger making out?" I asked in an effort to quickly play off the shocking news about Blair's female dates.
"Is that what you call it?"
I forgot that her experience with boys was based on what she overheard from the older girls. "That's what you call it," I confirmed.
She smiled and nodded her head. By now I was in complete shock. I really underestimated her snooping abilities. I wanted to ask her about Blair's dates with the two women she had mentioned, but I knew it would garner more questions than answers, so I dropped it.
A little while later, something occurred to me. "Don't we need to make reservations?" I asked.
"Don't worry about it, leave that to me." Even with Tootie's reassurance I still didn't have a good feeling about all of this.
When we finally arrived in front of the restaurant I spotted Greg's car, which confirmed that they were here.
Once we stepped inside the posh and expensive restaurant I found myself inadvertently impressed with the surroundings, although I still managed to hold on to the thought that it was a bit too much. It was obvious that only those with considerable disposable income dined here. The maitre d' acknowledged us, and greeted us in a very snooty sort of way.
"Welcome to La Maison," he offered while appraising our appearance, "Do you…ladies…have a reservation?" I found his fake French accent very amusing.
"Yes, of course we do," Tootie answered confidently.
The maitre d' snorted at us just like one of Blair's snobby friends. It reeked of condescension.
"I highly doubt you…ladies…have a reservation, and you need one to be seated."
Tootie gave the guy a fake smile, and in her best uppity voice, one that rivaled Blair's, she asked calmly, "You obviously don't know who I am, do you?"
"Well, you're sure not Donna Summers," the maitre d' said, dropping his fake French accent.
Tootie scowled and retorted, "Very funny, Mister. I happen to be Dorothy Ramsey, daughter of "Rifle" Ramsey, All-American quarterback at Syracuse."
"Nope, the name doesn't ring any bells. He must be one of those old-timer football players."
"Well then, does advisor to the President ring any bells? Or perhaps my mother, Justice Ramsey, Supreme Court justice, rings louder bells? I think they would be very interested in how this establishment treated their beloved daughter," Tootie stared the guy right in the eye.
I saw beads of sweat gather on the guy's forehead, and he blurted out, "Okay! Okay! I'll seat you two!" His body language spoke of fear. I briefly wondered why, and then remembered reading about Justice Ramsey's recent court victory. It was plastered all over the news. Wow, I didn't know whether to be impressed or furious at Tootie for pulling a 'Blair' in order to get her way. The maître d' motioned for one of the tuxedoed men to come seat us.
While we followed him to our table I whispered to Tootie, "Where did you learn to do that?"
"Oh, daddy taught me a few things," she said and beamed with pride.
I dared not ask any more questions.
When we arrived at our table Tootie motioned for me to remain standing. The tuxedoed man pulled out Tootie's chair for her then pulled out mine. After we were seated he placed our cloth napkins in our laps and handed us our menus, which were thick and ornate.
"My name is Jacques. I will be serving you lovely ladies this evening. Would you like to start with a drink?"
I opened the menu and almost choked at the prices! I looked up at Tootie, who didn't seem to be sharing my concerns.
"Thank you, Jacques. I think I'll have a glass of water," I smiled.
"No, no, we'll have a bottle of Lorina Limonade," Tootie smiled.
I scanned the menu for the price and kicked Tootie under the table when I found it. She just smiled and waved Jacques away.
"Are you nuts? Did you see how much that stuff costs?" I growled through clenched teeth in order to keep from yelling.
"Don't worry about it," Tootie smiled. She pulled a credit card from her purse, "I'm treating."
I grabbed it and read the name embossed on it. My eyes widened in shock.
"What are you doing with Blair's credit card? She'll kill us."
"No, she won't," Tootie reassured me.
"And why not?" I asked, taking a sip of my water to calm down.
"Because she gave it to me to use," Tootie smiled smugly. I choked on my water and almost blew our cover.
"WHAT?" I yelled softly.
"She asked me to spy on Greg."
Before I could ask any more questions our waiter returned with our VERY expensive bottle of sparkling fruit juice. He poured each of us a glass and waited for our order.
"I'm sorry, Jacques, I haven't had a chance to look at the menu. Would you give us a few more minutes?" I asked.
A few minutes later Jacques returned and I ordered the least expensive dish I could find, whereas Tootie ordered one of the most expensive. I pictured Blair strangling her while yelling in French.
After Jacques left I looked around the dining room. It was even more posh than the reception area. I was impressed, but angry at the same time. It made me sad to see how the rich can eat in places like this while the poor barely have enough food to eat.
I noticed the place wasn't completely full, which explained why they didn't have a problem seating us without a reservation. Somehow we were seated adjacent to our targets, but not close enough to get busted. Surprisingly, the restaurant was not noisy and the music playing was barely audible. Everything seemed to fall conveniently into place - I wondered if we were in a TV show! Cindy and Greg were seated facing our table, so we could easily see their interaction. It was a bit harder to see Sue Ann's and Scott's expressions since their backs were facing us, but our prime position allowed us to eavesdrop on their conversation without them seeing us.
"Wow, this is better than the Cracker Barrel restaurant back home!" Sue Ann exclaimed as she looked over her menu.
The two guys laughed, especially Greg.
"Cracker Barrel?" Scott asked, making a noise that sounded like a banjo.
I knew Sue Ann was humiliated based on the fierce look on Cindy's face. Cindy's expression told me she didn't find the joke funny. I wondered if Cindy would punch a guy in public. The boys immediately stopped laughing when they noticed the look on her face.
"Umm, I'm sorry," Scott apologized.
I noticed Cindy move her chair away from Greg and closer towards Sue Ann. I couldn't see Sue Ann's face but her tense shoulders told me how uncomfortable she was with Cindy's move. Her shoulders were practically up to her ears. I shook my head and wondered why Cindy had chosen this moment to start her nonsense.
"So, have you guys been here often?" Sue Ann asked.
"Several times with my family and the Kennedy clan," Scott boasted.
"I've been here once before, with a previous date…not Blair. She thinks the escargot is terrible," Greg joked. Scott laughed, but Sue Ann and Cindy did not.
"What's escargot? Is it some sort of fancy carrot? It says it's sautéed in butter and garlic. That sounds really good," Sue Ann inquired naively. The men tried their hardest not to break out into yet another gale of laughter, while Cindy just frowned.
"Escargot are edible snails," Greg answered, trying to maintain a straight face. And, I might add, doing an awful job of it.
"YUCK! Gross! Who would eat something that slimy?" Sue Ann asked.
"The French," Scott stated simply.
"Oh, speaking of the French, I heard Jackie O. is very fluent in Francais," Sue Ann commented.
I saw Scott sit up a bit straighter in his chair and knew he was going to say something…something I knew would probably be pompous. "She is. I don't understand why she loves the language and country so much. The French don't like Americans, and they're buddies with those Commies, the Russians."
Just as I figured…pompous AND Republican! I groaned and thought, 'Oh no, please not the 'Commie scare tactic.'' The same one Reagan keeps harping on in his campaign. I wonder why every Republican candidate uses fear to drum up votes?
"Please, no politics during dinner, Scott," Greg pleaded. "I know how much you disagree with your family's party, and how much you support Reagan, but now is not the time."
I knew it! I knew he was a Reagan supporter! I sat back in my chair with a smug look on my face and Tootie looked at me strangely.
"You're right," Scott conceded, "Let's change the subject. So, Sue Ann, what is Kansas like?"
"Well, it's very large and has a lot of farms. It's nothing like New York. The pace is slow and everything is rather quaint. I lived on a farm with six brothers and sisters, a dog named Tiger, and I have a horse. Her name is Stormy. I really love her. The local church puts on the annual carnival, complete with rides! On Saturdays, they have Game Night. It's a whole lot of fun. We play Monopoly, Parcheesi, Backgammon, and a bunch of other parlor games…"
She kept droning on about her life in Kansas, boring the two men…and us. At one point it looked like Greg was about to fall asleep. I watched Scott's shoulders slowly droop and knew that he would soon be joining Greg.
"Doesn't she know she's blowing it?" Tootie asked incredulously.
"I don't think so," I replied. I was busy watching Sue Ann's arms. She was very animated about what she was prattling on about and oblivious to everyone else's boredom. She may be a very smart person, but she's not very observant.
We continued to listen in on what was beginning to sound like her ad for Kansas living. "…and sometimes we have hog races. They're so much fun!"
"She's blowing it," Tootie huffed.
"Hush, Tootie!"
To my surprise, Cindy found it interesting. I don't know why, but somehow she did. Her face showed no signs of boredom and her eyes stayed focused on Sue Ann the entire time.
"Oh…that was interesting," Greg said with a yawn when Sue Ann finally finished. "What did you think, Scott?"
"Well, that was… fascinating." I could tell Scott was lying by the fact that his voice was tense.
"Really? Great!" Sue Ann responded enthusiastically. She was blatantly completely unaware of how bored the guys were listening to her. She picked up her menu and started to flip through its pages.
"What is foyis grass?" She asked, pronouncing it like an American.
"Foyis grass? What are you talking about?" Scott asked and leaned over to look at the menu in her hand. I quickly glanced over at Cindy to gauge her reaction, but she was too busy reading her own menu to notice.
"This," Sue Ann said, pointing to it on the menu. She was startled to find Scott so close to her, and let out a soft gasp, which caught Cindy's attention.
The look on Cindy's face worried me. In fact, it gave me chills.
Scott tried his best to hold in his laughter but he didn't succeed. Fortunately, his laughter seemed to calm Cindy down. "It's FWAH GRAH. It's duck liver," he chuckled.
"Duck liver? Yuck! Who could eat such a thing?" Sue Ann said disgustedly.
"I agree with you, Sue Ann," Cindy interjected.
"Again, the French," Greg added.
"Boy, those French people eat weird food," Sue Ann stated.
"Actually, the French make some of the best food in the world. French cuisine is loved across the globe. Those two dishes are just extreme examples. There are others that are not so strange, like Chicken Friand, Quiche Lorraine, and various crepes and croissants," Scott stated with authority.
'Pompous jerk,' I thought. "Really? Those sound wonderful," Sue Ann sounded genuinely surprised. "The only French foods I know are French Fries and French Toast."
Greg placed his hand over his mouth to stifle his laughter. Scott's shoulders were shaking as well, but he wasn't laughing audibly. "Well, now you know there's more to French food than French Fries. In fact, they actually originated in Belgium," Greg said to Sue Ann in a polite voice.
Cindy looked at Greg in amazement, "Wow, I didn't know that!"
"Well…now you know," Greg said playfully, leaning closer to Cindy and giving her a flirtatious wink. Cindy smiled and looked down at her menu. Sue Ann's shoulders shot up to her ears again, so I knew she was irritated by Greg's manoeuver.
"I think I'll have 'Filet de Boeuf,'" Scott said.
"What is that? It sounds good," Sue Ann asked.
"Americans call it 'Filet Mignon.' Do you know what it is?'" Scott asked.
"Yes. It's the most tender cut of beef on a cow. It is also the most expensive. Back home we supply beef to various grocery stores and butcher shops. See, I'm not such a hick after all," She grinned. The guys laughed.
"Well, I never said you were. Have you ever tried it?" Scott asked.
"Actually, I have. We have it on special occasions."
"Okay then, since this is a special occasion how about we both have it?" Scott asked smoothly. I saw him place his hand over Sue Ann's before turning towards Cindy, "So, what are you going to have, Cindy?"
Cindy stared openly at Scott's hand. "I think I'll have the 'Salmon Crepes,'" she practically growled.
"Fish?" Sue Ann asked.
"Yep, I like fish," She replied with a sly smile, hinting at a double entendre. I groaned softly and hoped no one else got it.
"Fish is not really my thing. I'm having the 'Steak Tartare,'" Greg responded.
"Excellent choice, Man," Scott agreed.
"So, tell me, I know you two are friends, but do you ever get into any fights? Sometimes Scott and I argue."
"That's because you're wrong most of the time!" Scott piped in.
"No, I'm not!"
"Yes, you are!"
"No, I'm not!"
"Yes, you are!"
The girls giggled and Cindy responded to the question, which ended the guys' childish quarrel. "Sometimes, but it's usually over silly stuff and we get over it very quickly. Most of the time we get along great! Right, Sue Ann?" Cindy asked, giving Sue Ann's arm a slight squeeze. I could tell by Sue Ann's red ear that she was blushing at the question.
"I think part of it is because we are not roommates. If we were, we'd probably fight like cats and dogs since we're a bit different," Sue Ann offered.
"Perhaps, but I think we would get along anyway, like a couple does," Cindy joked playfully as she wrapped one arm around Sue Ann's shoulders and gave the woman a squeeze. After Cindy released her I saw Sue Ann's shoulders shoot right up to her ears and knew that she was really bothered by the stunt. I knew by the look in Cindy's eyes this was intentional! Cindy was flirting with her! I looked over at Tootie and noticed she was sensing the growing tension as well.
Sue Ann excused herself from the table and practically ran towards the restrooms. Tootie and I quickly hid behind our menus as she darted by our table.
"Umm… why is Sue Ann so red? She looks like she came out of a desert!"
"I don't know Tootie. Maybe she's just nervous about the date. You know, being around Scott," I offered.
"I can see that. I guess I would feel nervous too if I was with either Scott or Greg."
I just smiled and thought, 'I know how I would feel. Greg is just a friend, and I can't stand Scott, so basically I would feel nothing.'
Tootie and I resumed our eavesdropping.
"Shouldn't you go check on Sue Ann?" Greg asked Cindy.
"Yeah, she didn't look too good," Scott added with a touch of concern.
"No, she'll be fine," Cindy tried to reassure the guys.
I knew by her weak response that she wasn't all that sure Sue Ann was okay, but that it was also her fault that Sue Ann had run off. An uncomfortable silence fell on the table.
"I sure hope Sue Ann is okay," Tootie said.
"Me too," I said as I shook my head in sadness.
"Maybe we should check on her?"
"WHAT? Are you nuts? We're here undercover, remember?"
"Oh, yeah," Tootie sighed.
Several long minutes later I heard footsteps and immediately hid behind my menu. I kicked Tootie under the table and she quickly hid behind hers.
"Did the waiter come take our order yet?" Sue Ann asked as she sat down.
"He did. I ordered you the 'Filet de Boeuf,'" Scott answered and placed his hand over hers again. "Are you feeling better now?"
"Yes, thank you for asking," Sue Ann smiled and leaned into Scott.
I groaned and knew that nothing good was going to come of this. I saw Cindy's eyes flare with jealousy and worried that she would punch Scott, but instead she did something completely unexpected: she moved away from Sue Ann and closer to Greg. In fact, she was really close to Greg now. Greg saw his opportunity and draped his arm around the back of Cindy's chair. Scott followed suit and enveloped Sue Ann's shoulders with his arm. I grabbed my glass of expensive French juice and swallowed over half of it in one gulp.
The men gave each other the cool "Fonzie" 'thumbs up' from behind their dates' backs, as if they just won a million dollars. Men...
The two 'couples' were still seated like that when their food arrived.
"Here you go, monsieur - your 'Steak Tartare'," the waiter said as he placed the plate in front of Greg.
"Thank you," Greg responded as he removed his arm from around the back of Cindy's chair.
"And for you, monsieur, and mademoiselle, 'Filet de Boeuf.'"
"Thank you, " Scott and Sue Ann replied in unison.
"Finally, for you mademoiselle, your 'Salmon Crepe.'"
"Thanks. It looks delicious!" Cindy smiled at the waiter.
"Trust me, mademoiselle, it is."
While they ate, Cindy kept glancing at Sue Ann. I wondered if her looks were being returned. My question was answered when I saw Cindy eating in a slow and seductive matter. No one pulls their fork out of their mouth that slowly. I hoped Tootie wouldn't notice.
"Why is Cindy eating like that?" Tootie asked, confirming my fears.
"I guess she really likes her food," I offered.
Cindy turned to Greg right in the middle of another provocative bite. I wondered why and quickly glanced around the table to see if I could figure it out. I knew why when I saw Greg's hand on Cindy's leg. Greg stared into Cindy's face and started blushing. He honestly thought the seductive look was for him! I rolled my eyes.
"Wow, Cindy really likes her food now," Tootie said in awe as she watched the interaction between Cindy and Greg.
"Tootie, that look isn't for the food," I said in exasperation as I pointed to Greg's hand on Cindy's leg under the table.
Tootie's eyes grew as big as saucers. "Oh, I see."
I wondered what Cindy would do with Greg's exploratory palm, and fleeting images of him nursing a broken hand ran through my head. Just when I thought Cindy would remove his paw, I noticed that Sue Ann leaned into Scott.
"This is wonderful," she said, a bit too breathlessly, in my opinion.
Scott nearly choked on his mouthful of food, "I…I…I'm glad you like it."
I couldn't believe my eyes and ears! I grabbed my glass and quickly downed the rest of the juice in it.
"It's good, huh?" Tootie asked.
"W…w…what?" I stammered.
"The French juice."
"Y…y…yeah, it's really good," I sighed.
I watched Tootie refill my glass because I needed a break from the 'mating dance' we were watching. After we returned our attention to the other party my eyes were met with yet another shocking sight. Cindy now had her hand on Greg's leg! I looked over at Tootie, and once again, her eyes were as big as saucers.
I wondered where such a 'tomboy' had learned how to flirt so girlishly - or, for that matter, where she might have picked up techniques on how to seduce someone. She's a kid! She's not supposed to know this stuff! Someone must have taught her. My money was on Natalie and her lurid romance novels since she's not above giving ill-advised and usually inaccurate romantic advice.
My interest turned from Greg and Cindy to Sue Ann and Scott. It was hard to see from my angle, but I noticed that Sue Ann moved closer to Scott. I wondered what type of game my two friends were playing.
"Excuse me, I have to use the restroom," Sue Ann said and stood up. "Cindy, why don't you come with me?"
"Okay," Cindy replied eagerly. She was grinning from ear-to-ear as she got up to follow her companion.
Tootie and I quickly bent down and pretended to be searching for something on the floor as they passed us. I wished the waiter hadn't taken the menus away.
Scott groaned, "Why do women always to go to the restroom together?"
"Probably to talk about us," Greg replied.
"Well, turnabout is fair play," Scott laughed.
"So, man, do you think Cindy really digs me?" Greg asked, trying to sound cool.
"Totally! She's really got the hots for you. Equally, 'Miss Country Bumpkin' wants me … can't say I blame her."
"Yeah, which sure is a total surprise given how conservative she can be," Greg replied.
"That's because she had to deal with those sheep bangers back in Kansas. She's finally met a real man," Scott boasted. This guy is such a pompous jerk!
"A real man?" Greg snickered.
"Yeah, man! Look at what she grew up with. Have you ever seen the movie "Deliverance?""
"Yeah, I watched it with Molly on TV last summer back in Rochester. She told me it totally gave her nightmares," Scott laughed. 'Greg, I am going to KILL you for sharing that with that pompous jerk!' Tootie also laughed, until I gave her a cold stare.
"That's too funny," Scott laughed, "Anyway, do you remember those rednecks the guys ran into in the film?"
"Yeah, what about them?"
"Well, I bet those are the type of guys Sue Ann grew up with - inbred, uneducated, toothless, smelly, and uncivilized. She's never met real men until now…especially me," Scott bragged.
"What a jerk!" I mumbled softly. I am sure Sue Ann did not grow up with men like that. Not only is Scott pompous, but he is also ignorant. Those men in the movie were isolated hillbillies from the South, and Sue Ann is a Midwesterner - they are not even from the same state.
"You know I've got what it takes to get the ladies," Scott grinned smugly.
"I don't doubt that for a second, but I'd prefer you use those 'skills' to win a debate match for Bates," Greg chuckled heartily.
"Oh, shut up! I'd like to see you debate with future Ivy League students…you wouldn't last a minute."
I wanted to hear more of what the guys were going to say, but I also wanted to know what Sue Ann and Cindy were going to talk about.
"Tootie, you stay here and listen in on the guys and I'll go listen in on Sue Ann and Cindy."
"Okay."
I waited until the girls were almost to the restrooms before following them. By the time I reached them, they were well into a yelling match.
"ME? YOU'RE THE ONE WITH YOUR HAND ON HIS LEG!"
"YEAH? AT LEAST I'M NOT THROWING MYSELF AT HIM!"
I leaned against the wall and listened to them argue about who was being the bigger slut, and I couldn't help but wonder why it even mattered. Everyone knew Sue Ann planned to wait until her wedding night to lose her virginity, and Cindy isn't even interested in doing that with guys. As far as I knew, she only wanted to do that with Sue Ann. I began contemplating the logistics of it all and got so lost that I almost got busted when they barreled out of the restroom and stormed back to their table. I quickly turned my back and hoped they didn't notice Tootie.
I watched as Sue Ann stormed past Tootie in a huff and sat down. I held my breath as Cindy passed our table and stopped in mid-stride. I quickly headed towards them, but as I got closer, I knew we were busted.
"Tootie?" Cindy asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Having dinner?" Tootie joked weakly.
Cindy glared at her, "If you're going to spy on me, at least use a different wig than the one you had on when we spied on Blair."
Tootie laughed uncomfortably.
"Is Natalie here too?"
"No, I am," I responded to the question from behind Cindy.
She spun around and stared at me. "Wow, this is unexpected."
Unfortunately, by now the guys and Sue Ann heard the commotion and spotted us. All three of them came over to our table.
"Uh… Hi," I waved nervously.
"What are you doing here?" Scott asked.
"Yeah, why are you spying on us?" Sue Ann demanded, her hands on her hips.
"We weren't spying on you guys. We were enjoying our dinner," Tootie answered with a hint of bravado in her voice.
"Sure you were! What's with the wigs?" Greg asked as he snatched my wig off my head and scoffed at its tackiness. "Dolly Parton doesn't have freckles!"
"Well, well, if it isn't your little buddy Molly, and her little black friend," Scott derided. I could tell Tootie didn't like the 'black friend' statement one bit, and I didn't blame her.
"Excuse me? I'm not just Molly's 'black friend' - I'm Tootie Ramsey."
"Oh, it's the Gossip Queen of Eastland! Tumpy told me all about you," Scott announced.
"You're actually stupid enough to believe anything that druggie has to say? You're dumber than I thought," I laughed. Scott glared at me with pure contempt.
"Molly, was that really necessary? Please, just tell us why you two are here," Greg asked, trying to calm things down.
I knew I was in a bad situation and had to think fast.
"Tootie and I were just having dinner," I answered.
"In disguises?" Sue Ann asked in an accusatory voice.
"We needed to look older in order to be taken seriously," I answered.
"Well, that makes sense," Cindy said.
"Why tonight?" Sue Ann asked.
"Why not?" I smiled smugly.
"Okay. The food is getting cold, so let's go back and eat," Scott suggested. He headed back towards their table.
"You two can ride back with us if you want, so finish your dinner," Greg looked down at our empty plates and shook his head.
After they left, we sat stunned in silence for a bit and drank our expensive French fruit juice.
Tootie spoke first, "Oooh, I have a feeling we are in trouuubbbllle!"
"No kidding, Sherlock." I affirmed.
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The terrifying ride back was silent for us in the furthest back seat of Greg's station wagon. We used the time between the restaurant and home to contemplate our fates and wonder what Mrs. Garrett would do to us. I knew she wouldn't go lightly on us for this.
We were all seated in the living room when Mrs. Garrett entered. "You're back. How was dinner?" Tootie and I were squished between the two larger guys on the couch so that we wouldn't try to make a run for it.
"It was fine. We brought you something from the dinner," Scott said and leaned back, exposing Tootie and me. The guys had made us wear our wigs for the moment. "Do these two look familiar?"
"Well, besides the fact they look like pint-sized versions of Dolly Parton and Diana Ross, they sure do." You couldn't tell how angry she really was except for the redness in her face. She tightened her lip and gave us an icy glare, "Well, girls, did you two have fun tonight?"
"Y-y-yes, Mrs. Garrett," I stuttered. I knew we were in deep waters. She turned her attention back to the boys.
"Scott and Greg, thank you for bringing all my girls safely home," she said graciously, looking pointedly at Tootie and myself, "and well before curfew."
"No problem, Mrs. Garrett. We should get going now, though. We have our own curfew to meet," Greg smiled.
"I understand. The last thing I want is your headmaster on my doorstep!" Our housemother joked. Although in reality it was no joke - their headmaster is a retired 3-star Army general.
"Yeah, and the last thing we want is for him to make us do drills 'til it's 1982!" Scott groaned.
Mrs. Garrett chuckled, "I wouldn't want that to happen to you fine gentlemen either. Well, I hope to see you again. Have a good night."
"You too, Mrs. Garrett. Good night," Scott said as he closed the door behind him.
As soon as they were gone Mrs. Garrett turned to Cindy and Sue Ann and asked, "Besides being spied upon by Molly and Tootie, how was the date?"
Sue Ann spoke first. "It was great. I was a bit nervous at first, but everything turned out fine."
"It sure did," Cindy added with a big grin on her face. She winked at Sue Ann. Sue Ann's eyes widened and her face started to turn red in response. I could see she was panicking again. I knew Mrs. Garrett had to have noticed, both because it was obvious and she's quick at picking these things up, but she also has a great poker face. I shook my head slightly in disapproval and Cindy caught it. She gave me a mischievous smile.
"Are there any plans for another date?" our matron inquired.
"Yes, but it won't be a double date. Scott and I are going out again when he's not busy."
"Greg and I are going out again as well," Cindy said with a small smile. It was so half-hearted that I suspected Mrs. Garrett noticed it, but if she did she didn't show any sign of it. She just smiled like everything was fine.
"That's great news. Well, you go on upstairs. I'll deal with these two."
Sue Ann and Cindy disappeared quickly. I swallowed hard, knowing it was now time for Tootie and me to face the wrath.
"What in the world were you two thinking?" She asked irately.
"Well, we…," Tootie began.
"Don't even bother, Tootie. This is far from your first offense. How would you like it if someone spied on your date? And, Molly, I expected better from you," she added, continuing her tirade.
I looked down at the floor. "I'm really sorry."
Mrs. Garrett looked at both of us, "You're going to be even sorrier when you are doing their chores for them…for an entire month."
I expected her to go hard on us, but not this hard!
"But, Mrs. Garrett…," Tootie started.
"No buts. Also, you're both going to apologize to your friends. Right this minute…go!" she ordered - and when Mrs. Garrett tells you to do something, you'd better do it.
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We found Cindy in Sue Ann's room with Natalie, talking about the date.
"Well, look who it is! Kelly and Scotty from 'I Spy!' So, which one of you was the tennis player again?" Natalie snickered.
"Ha ha, very funny, Natalie. We came to apologize to Sue Ann and Cindy for what we did." I took a deep breath and continued, "We know what we did was wrong and we want to make it up to you."
"I thought you two said you were just having dinner?" Cindy teased. I glared at her.
"It's okay. I guess it wasn't that big of a deal anyway," Sue Ann shrugged.
"Yeah, but next time use a better disguise," Cindy laughed as she snatched the wig from my hand and examined it with a smirk on her face.
There really wasn't much else to say so Tootie and I went to our room in silence. I was upset - we have a month's worth of extra chores thanks to our crazy idea!