The Last Day

FORTY-FIVE

According to the news reports, the virus was still creating havoc around the world, but other stories had started receiving more and more play so the virus in turn received less.

At a little past one, Ward walked past the kitchen where Natasha and Leslie Wilde were sitting across from each other at the counter, talking and laughing like schoolgirls.

Leslie had come to the McCartys’ house to drop off the bags of groceries she'd purchased from the list Natasha had given her earlier that morning. She sat on a stool at the counter while Natasha put them away. She had also brought them a laptop computer from the office, in case they wanted to check e-mails. The last thing Natasha wanted to do was open a computer and look at e-mails.

“God, I'll be so glad when this is all over. How's that for stating the obvious?” Natasha said. “I believe it's aged me ten years.”

“This will all be over soon,” Leslie told Natasha. “And you look marvelous. It will all work out, you'll see.”

“I hope so.” Natasha lowered her voice. “So, Todd Hartman is quite a guy.”

“And attractive, smart, and handsome,” Leslie said, smiling.

“And a professional,” Natasha said. “That's important.”

“Yes, he's employed,” Leslie said. “And did I mention handsome?”

“I think you might have.”

Natasha's dealings with Leslie had always been pleasant, though superficial. She had spoken to her on the phone untold times, but until this mess started she had never spent more than a few minutes talking to her face- to- face. They had never been socially connected, and Natasha intended to change that. Of all of their so- called friends, none had sent messages of support. Of course, due to a lack of computers to retrieve e-mails, the fact that the phones were off, and the guards at the driveway, there wasn't an easy way for their friends to get in touch.

Leslie said, “Ward seems much more relaxed today.”

Natasha looked at Leslie. “Ward is finally putting things into perspective. He's decided that life has to go on. I think if there's one good thing that has come from this virus mess it's that this helped us both see that we still have each other.”

“I should go back to the office. If you need anything, call me.”

“I will, and thank you, Leslie.”

Natasha walked her out to her car, and waved until she was out of sight.