Shilpa's Blue Crayon

Chapter 4 Shilpa’s Best Friends: Winnie and Chaz Shilpa settled in her chair to look at the menu when both Chas and Winnie came through the door together. They moved quickly to where she was sitting, with big giant grins on their faces, and arms stretched wide to embrace Shilpa with celebratory hugs. Winne said, “I’m so proud of you Shil,” as tears welled in her eyes. She gave Shilpa a tight hug, then quickly sat down. Winnie was always bouncy and bubbly, and sometimes extremely emotional; it was part of her personality and wonderful charm. Chaz followed up with, “you looked goooorgeous last night Shil,” in Chaz’ animated and over the top dramatic manner for which both Winnie and Shilpa were familiar. They both loved Chaz very much for who he was. Then Chaz continued, “you finally showed off that rocking body of yours and that faaaabuuulous ass, girl please!” Chaz went on “you have no idea how stunning you are my dear friend; that form-fitting, royal blue, sequin dress, just above the knee – you know it could have been a little shorter to show off those amazing legs. And those 5-inch silver, open-toe heels; you even had your toes done in red. You go girl! Shilpa smiled as Chaz continued to speak a mile a minute, “and that red lipstick made those beautiful big blue eyes of yours just pop! You should show off that figure of yours more often. And Shil, you should accent those blue eyes more often too.” Chaz sighed as he threw his hands in the air around his head and continued, “you even swept your hair up off your neck and allowed those natural ringlets to cascade along your ears and down that long, fabulous neck. I have got to buy a wig like that. I don’t plan to wear it of course, I’m not that kind of gay.” He laughed. “But I would give anything to have that face girl.” Shilpa blushed, “leave it to you Chaz to notice everything that I had on last night Winnie.” Chaz responded, “well you know I was recently promoted to store manager for Nordstrom; and I notice everything. What do you expect? You’re beautiful Shil, how could you not know that?” Shilpa sat back and shrugged in her chair, but smiled at Chaz compliments all the same. “He’s right,” Winnie pushed her way into the conversation because Chaz was a talker. “Shil you are a rare beauty, smart, and ooooh so talented, and you don’t even know it. Have you even noticed how people look at you? If I looked like that, I’d have men falling all over me.” Chaz quickly chimed in, “and so would I girl! But my new boyfriend might have something to say about that. Did I tell you about my new boyfriend? He is sooooooo fine!” “YES!” Both Shilpa and Winnie yelled at the same time. They all laughed and ordered their food, and by this time, a second round of mimosas. Shilpa had the first round waiting for them. She reflected as she looked back and forth at Chaz and Winnie as they were bickering about something or another, “I have such wonderful friends, they are always trying to lift my spirits and to make me feel better about myself. I love them so, even if what they are saying is not totally true, at least I don’t think it’s all true?” Winnie turned her attention to Shilpa as if to know to break her train of thought. “Shilpa, I’m nosy, how many pieces did you sell last night? And I promise not to ask how much money you made. Your agent was truly handling the business.” Shilpa responded, “I sold 12 pieces last night, and I had 20 on display. And my agent tells me there are pending sales on five others. Pretty good don’t you think?” “That’s wonderful,” Winnie said excitedly. “I’m so proud of you Shil,” said Chaz as he fanned his face to keep from crying. “By the way, are you paying for brunch?” Winnie looked at Chaz cross-eyed. “She’s not paying, we are, you crazy man. We invited her to this celebration.” “I know, I know.” Chaz responded with a tease as he watched Winnie roll her eyes at him and he continued to fan his face – now with both hands. The friends continued their celebration with fun loving conversation, laughter, and enjoyment of just being with each other. Then Shilpa asked Winnie about the new love in her life. Winnie was two years younger than Shilpa and was looking for a husband full-time, giving it everything she got. She tried on-line dating; meeting guys in bars, churches, grocery stores, restaurants; and blind dates set up by friends, family, and even her parents tried to set her up on several occasions, but nothing worked out until now it seemed. Chaz jumped in, “what’s his name? Why haven’t you given us his name yet?” Winnie responded, “well he wanted to keep the relationship a secret for a while. He’s finalizing his divorce.” Winnie lowered her head for a moment and continued sadly, “at least this is what he he’s telling me.” Chaz started to say something else, but Shilpa kicked his leg under the table. Winnie continued somewhat more happily, “but it is getting serious, I think. I think he might ask me if he can move into my place soon.” Chaz couldn’t hold his tongue anymore, “that is serious Winnie. You should take your time before making that decision.” Shilpa looked crossly at Chaz and said, “whatever you decide to do Winnie you have our support, right Chaz?” “Right!” Chaz agreed reluctantly. Shilpa immediately changed the subject. She got the feeling Winnie didn’t want to talk about this new boyfriend any longer at that moment. She’s usually excited about having a boyfriend. Something wasn’t quite right, Shilpa thought. She would talk to Winnie about it later. So, Shilpa asked, “Winnie! What’s happening on the job these days? I know you love your job.” Winnie was the administrative assistant for the Mayor of their Little Village, and she adored that job. “I’m so glad you asked,” Winnie responded with excitement, “the mayor gave me tickets for you guys to come with me to the upcoming play at the theatre – some acting students are doing the “Color Purple.” I’ve seen the rehearsals – they were great. But I want us all to see it together in two weeks on opening night. These students did a wonderful job. You in?” Both Shilpa and Chaz nodded and smiled, and at the same time said, “count me in.” Shilpa remembered, the current mayor was always supporting local talent out of his own pocket by buying tickets, renting venues, donating to non-profits who support the arts, and doing whatever he could do to help the community outside of his being the mayor. Winnie had worked for at least two other mayors and quietly said this was the best mayor she had ever had the pleasure to help serve the community. He was not only a philanthropist, but he was also really a kind person who put the needs of others first. When brunch was over, Shilpa tried to pay the restaurant bill. But Winnie and Chaz refused her offer. They divvied up the bill, then they all walked out together to say their goodbyes in front of the restaurant. Chaz embraced them both and hurried off to meet his boyfriend. Then Winnie hugged Shilpa tight and whispered, “my dear friend, you’ve always had such a sadness about you – and I worry about you all the time. I hope the success of your show brings you happiness, you deserve it.” She then leaned back to look at Shilpa face to face. “Please try to be happy Shil. Like I said, you’re beautiful, smart, and the most talented person I know. Do you even know the meaning of the name Shilpa?” “Not really,” Shilpa replied with a puzzling look.