California Singles: Finding a Singles Group

By Virginia Gayl Salazar

Shauna Winters left her teaching job in
New Mexico to go to California hoping
for a new life. She thought her lover
would follow her, but he didnt. She wants
a family and children. Can Shauna convince
Arnie to leave the priesthood to marry her?
What does she do now?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462053360

Virginia Gayl Salazar

Author: Virginia Gayl Salazar discovered single life again after 16 years of marriage. She joined Parents without Partners and became the discussion group leader for a few years. She met her second husband Joe R. Salazar at a house party and joined him in starting a tropical plant nursery. Currently she leads a writing critique group at Parnell Park Activity Center in Whittier, Ca and is editing her next novel Holy Terror about the aftermath of 9/11 and revenge.

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Contents

PARTICIPANTS IN THE NOVEL

SECTION I A

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SECTION II

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SECTION III

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DEDICATED TO:

My four great children—Matthew, Rachel, Eve, and Mark—who loved me anyway through stressful times

DEDICATED TO:

All the singles who search to better themselves

To Parents without Partners where I learned to be single

To the Parnell Park writing group

And praise to God who furnishes answers in His Word

PARTICIPANTS IN THE NOVEL

Shauna Winters: 35-year-old real estate agent who tires of the single life and joins a singles group to make women friends. She wants to gather strength to give up her longtime lover, a priest who won’t give up his vows to God to marry her.

Gail Nortine: Co-worker who gives Shauna Winters a phone number to the singles group. She wants Shauna to open the door to the singles world because of her own shyness.

Debb Harrison: Middle-aged divorcee who loves other people almost to death, talks too much, and uses her friends. Brags about how independent she is.

Tony Montelli: Discussion leader, an engineer temporarily out of work who is considering another life career.

Elisha Gallup: Volunteers her home for singles orientations and discussions. Lives mainly on child support and savings.

Bonnie Grey: New widow who is desperate without a man in her life.

Jack Warner: A real cad who lives off widows in different singles groups. His slick line reels in woman after woman, one at a time.

Barbara Ann Rand: Member of the singles group, looking for friends, and mother of three young children. Still grieving the husband who dumped her for a lesser woman. Works part time as a Registered Nurse.

Richard Grace: A charter member of the singles group. Is he content to make California Singles his whole life?

Paul Hansen: The devil’s advocate in the group—often insults new and old members when he finds a weakness in them. He hides a tragic secret.

Norma Zair: A gorgeous woman who has problems because her beauty intimidates the good men in California Singles.

Jerome: A former priest who counsels women inappropriately in love with priests.

SECTION I A

1.

Spring, 2003

Joining a singles group in the 21st century was the last thing she thought she would do. Shauna Winters sat staring through the window at the wintry world outdoors. She must do something, make new friends. She knew she must get her mind off of Arnie. He is of another time, another place. Each year Shauna would meet him a time or two at the Double Palm Hotel in Tucson, Arizona. She looked forward to those weeks each year—lived for the days.

On the table was the phone number her co worker Gail Nortine had given her the day before. Her friend, Gail, told her, Get out and meet people, make some new friends, especially women friends. At 35, you’re still a young woman, but you’re acting old.

I know Gail is right. I’m not happy. It’s not good for me to be alone 50 or so weeks a year.

* * *

Shauna walked around the block three times before she built up the courage to knock on the door of the yellow house with the aging swing on the long, narrow porch. What would she say to those inside? Would they care about her problems? Would they want her to return? In fact, would she want to return? She certainly didn’t plan to explain about Arnie and the reasons she could see him only twice a year.

Shauna stopped in front of the house and took a deep breath, walked up the three steps to the sidewalk that led to the two steps leading to the narrow porch. Someone liked roses she could see as she looked at the red roses planted on each side of the steps, but her mind floated on to the fear that possessed her every movement. Why am I so afraid?

She rang the doorbell with a trembling finger. An overweight matronly-looking woman about 50 answered the door. Come in. Are you Janet or are you Shauna?

I’m Shauna. Is that okay? She laughed trying to disguise her nervousness. She pushed her long luxurious, shiny brunette hair back from her eyes.

Of course, it’s okay. I am Debb. Elisha’s in the kitchen. She’s our hostess this evening and runs the new-member orientation every three or four months. Come on in. By the way make sure your cell phone is turned off. The hostess gets upset when it rings.

Thank you, it’s on vibrate. They will never know someone is contacting me.

Shauna followed Debb into the livingroom where she introduced her to Richard Grace, Tony Montelli, Barbara Ann Rand, and Bonnie Grey. Tony and Bonnie appeared to be as new to the group as Shauna. They were quiet, too. She looked at Richard Grace, an older man, who had that beautiful silver hair with no hair loss that other men envy. He reminded her of her father. She relaxed.

Elisha walked into the room bringing two carafes of hot coffee, one de-caf, and set them on the coffee table in the center of the room where blue and yellow-flowered napkins and styrofoam cups were waiting for the steaming hot mixture. A variety of donuts and cookies were on a large, pale blue platter.

Hi, said the cheerful woman who evidently owned the house and was the hostess. I’m Elisha. I heard Debb introduce you as Shauna Winters. Shauna guessed light-haired Elisha to be nearer her age, possibly older. Blondes often tend to show age sooner so she might be younger. Will I feel comfortable and accepted in this group? Will these people give me something to do on weekends to alleviate my loneliness for Arnie? I’ve always heard volunteerism can be a means to keep busy. Associating with others might be a way to have a better way of life. Everyone seems friendly—even these other people who are new like me.

Debb sat down by Shauna, I’m glad to have a younger person here tonight. I relate to young people. Where do you live?

I live on Maple and 6th, over on… Shauna didn’t get to finish her sentence.

I know exactly where that is. You don’t live too far from me. Perhaps we can ride together to the meetings sometimes. I live on 3rd and Bacon. Just moved in. You can come to see what I’ve done with the wallpaper in my place. You wouldn’t believe the color it was before. Yep! It was an ugly yellow in the kitchen, so I’m putting in a light, pale green wallpaper with colorful flowers along the edges for decorations. Shauna was curious to see a pale green in a kitchen. It didn’t sound that appealing but what do I know until I see it, she thought. She had never met a person like Debb who could go into such small detail without coming up for air.

Everyone get more coffee, announced Elisha. "It’s about time to start our meeting. For you who are new to California Singles and my home, the restroom is down the hall to your right, Elisha nodded her head to her left. And you’re welcome to get water or juice and ice in the kitchen. There is also hot water there, and tea bags for you who are tea drinkers. We try to be as informal as possible to make you feel at ease."

Debb smiled at Shauna. Her short gray-tipped, curly perm framed her face. She pulled on Shauna’s hand and said, I heard you say you like tea. Let’s get some in the kitchen. Shauna obligingly followed her wondering if she really had said she drank tea. She occasionally did but preferred fruit juices.

Following the brief meeting everyone chatted for a while. Blonde-haired Elisha joined Shauna on the couch about the time Debb left with Barbara Ann.

Elisha sat down by Shauna and said, Be sure to set boundaries of what you want to do with Debb. Learn to say, ‘No.’ She will let you use your car and your gas. She’ll eat up your time on the phone. Barbara Ann is a divorced mother with three children and needs those extra pennies to care for them. But Debb doesn’t seem to care or understand. It’s all about her.

I’m not sure I know what you mean. Debb seems nice enough, and I do need women friends. Besides she’s older and probably won’t enjoy the same things I do.

That won’t matter to her. If she decides you can be of help to her, you will belong to her for life. Or at least until she finds someone else who will help her more than you will. Unless you won’t help her at all, she’ll keep you close. She wears out her friends with her demands, warned Elisha. I noticed she spent a lot of time with you this evening. Barbara Ann is a lot more patient with her than most of the others, and she’s now telling her, ‘No,’ much of the time, so Debb will be needing a new friend. Look out!

Thanks for the warning. If it becomes a problem, I’ll remember what you told me, Shauna stood and walked to the door with her small handbag. She tucked the California Singles Newsletter into her purse with a corner sticking out, so she wouldn’t forget future programs and dances.

Be glad for the day, Shauna, Richard Grace said to her as they walked out to the sidewalk together. He took her hand to her surprise and said, Be sure to attend at least three discussions and a couple of dances before you make up your mind about us. No two meetings or discussions are alike. Just remember at the fourth meeting you must fill out the final papers and join our Club as you saw Debb do tonight. He dropped her hand, gave a short wave and walked on.

I’ll do that, she answered wondering if, indeed, she really would.

* * *

The house phone rang Thursday evening just after Shauna returned home from a long, hard week of busy days at the real estate office. It isn’t time for Arnie to call. If he calls. I wish he had the courage to use his cellphone. She thought she would take the evening to relax. Usually he can’t get away to call unless it is a Sunday evening. He calls about 9 p.m. but that is rare on a week night. She walked quickly to answer the house phone.

"This would be a good evening to get out among other people. I think you would enjoy the topic at Cal Singles discussion tonight."

Who’s this? asked Shauna not recognizing the strong, female voice on the phone.

"This is Debb. We drank tea together the other night at the orientation of California Singles. Remember, I had been going about a month and decided it was time I joined. Besides, I wanted to meet some of the new guys who are coming in. By the way the topic tonight is ‘Singleness—Its Joys and Conflicts.’"

Yes, Debb, I remember you. I do need to eat a bite. I took off early tonight. Thought I might drop my shoes, curl up and read a good book. I’ve been working late at the real estate office every evening. And… sometimes I have a special friend who calls me about 9 o’clock. If he calls, I want to be here. Why do I always feel like I’m interrupting her when we’re talking?

Oh, Shauna. I really do need you to go. My ride has let me down and can’t go. Will you please take me?

Shauna paused. Arnie probably won’t call, and I do need to start a different life. Sure, I’ll pick you up. How do I get to your place?

A half hour later after drinking a glass of milk, throwing a piece of leftover ham between two slices of bread and calling that dinner, Shauna knocked on Debb’s apartment door.

Oh, hi, Shauna, Debb opened the door saying, I’m happy to see you. Come on in. You can see what I’ve done with the wallpaper in my place. You wouldn’t believe the color it was before. Yep! It was an ugly yellow in the kitchen, so I put in a light, pale green with colorful flowers along the edges for decorations. Debb pulled her by the arm through her small livingroom to the kitchen.

It must have been ugly before with that yellow. Shauna tried to be discreet. The strange, pale green was not what she would have painted any room, much less the kitchen. I do like the colorful trim you added around the wallpaper. The flowers add something to the room.

Ooooh, I knew you would like it. I do such a good job at everything I do. Let me get my purse so we won’t be late. The discussion starts at 7:30, and I like to see if there are any cute dudes to pick from. Good men are so hard to find—especially at my age. Besides, I phoned we would be there, so they’re expecting us, Debb grabbed up her large shoulderbag and led Shauna out the door.

Just slam the door, Shauna. It’s already locked. Got my key.

They climbed into Shauna’s silver grey Saturn. Debb handed her the address and simple directions to get there. I had Barbara Ann give me directions on the phone to Richard Grace’s home, because she couldn’t attend tonight. Since you work in real estate, I’ll bet you’re good at finding addresses.

I’m not bad, especially with my trusty mapbook that almost never lets me down, Shauna responded, thinking, Am I getting pulled into a friendship I may regret?

2.

Shauna noticed Bonnie Grey, one of the two visitors she met orientation night, was quiet at each of the discussions at California Singles when Shauna attended. Shauna tried to talk to her, but Bonnie seemed to resist her friendship other than a brief, Hello. How are you?

Bonnie’s husband had been dead only a year leaving her with two young adult children who had finished college and were busy with their own lives and new jobs. Insurance at her husband’s death from a surprise heart attack paid off the balance on her home. Her late-model Toyota Camry was paid off the month before Clifford died, so her bills were small. However, the remaining insurance money was slowly disappearing in spite of her efforts to be frugal.

So, Bonnie found work six months ago at a local dress shop in the Whittwood Mall. The little extra helped to pay her bills. But she was still lonely. I’m going to the singles group looking for male friendship—not females who will take up my time.

Two weeks later, Shauna was there the evening that Jack Warner came to that evening’s discussion. Debb had called Shauna to pick her up on this Thursday evening to go to the discussion at Elisha’s on Giving and Taking in a Relationship—Where and When Do You Draw the Line?

Watch! Debb whispered. "Jack is going to zero in on one of the new widows. You should see him work the dance floor at the dance parties. We hear he has married and divorced at least two widows in other singles groups. No divorced women. He likes the widows. He marries them and breaks their hearts. He may even get some of their money for all we know.

Elisha and some of the board members are quite concerned and may have an investigation to protect the women in our group. Of course we don’t want to be sued. They have to be careful.

Shauna found Debb to be annoying in little gossipy ways, but she found she learned all the information about the group that led Shauna to make better decisions about whom and what she needed to know. She had met few people in her life who tapped into the heartbeat of a situation better than Debb.

Shauna felt Jack’s eyes on her and looked up; then she saw him look at Debb sitting next to her and saw him raise an eyebrow. He walked over to sit down by Bonnie who was alone. Bonnie was well-dressed and made a point of keeping her short, loosely curled, lovely auburn hair the focal point of her makeup. Shauna wished she could hear what he was saying. He appeared to be making a good impression from the satisfied look Bonnie had on her face.

Now Shauna understood why Gail, her shy friend at work, told her to make women friends before launching out to find a male friend. Other women often knew things about certain individuals so you would not waste your time on losers. Losers seemed to come in all shapes and sizes, all ages in the world of singles. It must take a lot of work to find a good man, a good match. She felt a bit sorry for the lonely in the group who were looking for a one-to-one.

Barbara Ann Rand was leading the discussion on Giving and Taking in a Relationship—Where and When Do You Draw the Line? Once, during the evening Shauna timidly asked the group looking at Barbara Ann, Where do you draw the line, if you want more from another person than he’s willing to give you?

Doesn’t that depend, inquired Barbara Ann, on whether you’re willing to settle for less than you want? Barbara Ann leaned forward presenting her excellent posture showing her C-sized breasts displaying them proudly. She always appeared taller than her 5’2". Tonight, she wore her long, honey-blonde hair in a French braid that made her, though attractive, appear even prettier and classier than she usually looked.

I think it’s a good idea to get a paper out, stated Jack Warner, and draw a line down the middle of the paper. On the left side write everything you don’t like about the situation, and on the right side write everything you do like about the situation. If one side is much longer than the other, then you know it’s a good idea to go with that list.

Shauna was surprised that Jack showed such a good understanding of people. Maybe that’s why he’s able to put things over on women. He sounds well read. I remember a nun telling me to do that same thing when I once was trying to make a decision. That is what made me decide to move to California, but it’s too easy to drive over to Arizona to meet Arnie. Because I love the man so much.

But what if you really love the guy? asked Debb crossing her chubby legs. She continued quickly, I know a person who has been going with a married man for 24 years. She’s happy much of the time except for holidays and birthdays for his kids and one grandkid. Then I notice he leaves her out. She’s on the phone crying to me about how she has wasted her life. Until she sees him. Then she’s all happy and cozying up to him.

What does she expect? interjected Paul Hansen. His first loyalty is to his wife and kids no matter how much fun he has with someone else in bed. Women don’t understand how easy it is for most men to separate sex from love.

I hope it’s not most men, Paul. Elisha shook her head. I hope there’re faithful husbands out there who love their wives and honor their vows of marriage. She paused and asked, Can a woman expect a man to be faithful in a relationship when they’re just dating?

That’s a way for a woman to see if she has an honorable man. Barbara Ann thought of her own marriage. If he can commit while they are dating, then she will know how he will act when they’re married, at least for a few years.

I’m not so sure, questioned Debb. "My friend, Teri, dated her second husband for six months and everything was beautiful, she thought. From the day they were married he had a roving eye. Even when they went to restaurants, he began looking, rather leering, at waitresses and other women. She dragged him to a psychologist who told them the guy was suffering from what psychologists call The Madonna-Prostitute Complex. She told me that meant a man looks at a woman as a whore, and a wife as a saint."

You’re almost right. Paul joked. What man wants to sleep with a saint unless he’s only sleeping!

Jack Warner spoke up, I like my woman to be a mixture of both. I want her to be a lady out of the bedroom and a devil in bed with me. He glanced sideways at Bonnie who saw his look and blushed.

After the meeting, Debb and Shauna watched Jack and Bonnie leave together without eating any of the delicious German chocolate cake the hostess had baked that day. I’ll bet he’s taking her for coffee. We may not see them again until they’re engaged… or at the wedding. That man believes in marriage.

Don’t you think someone should warn her? asked Shauna.

You kidding? Have you ever tried to tell one of your kids they shouldn’t have a friend?

Even though I don’t have kids, I guess you’re right, said Shauna.

* * *

Two months later, Bonnie called Shauna at her home, Hope you don’t mind my calling you, Shauna. I got your name from the new members list, and it says you sell real estate.

And I love selling real estate. Of course I don’t mind. I enjoy finding just the right house for people who need a special home.

Well, I heard Elisha say you sell real estate and are busy working on weekends. Can you help Jack and me look for that special home? We’re going to put our houses on the market and buy one together, said Bonnie.

Bonnie, of course I’ll help you. Buying a house together is a really big decision. Remember what they tell us at discussions: Date a man at least a year before making a serious decision. But… don’t you think you need to date him a while longer to be sure you know him better? Shauna tried to implant the question in her mind.

You’re right. But when my heart tells me this is it, I listen. And I don’t want to lose a good man like this one. I’ll be introducing him to my son and daughter soon, said Bonnie. She sounded so happy that Shauna didn’t know what else to say.

Can you come to my office on First Avenue on Saturday? Shauna then asked.

Yes, Jack and I’ll be there in the early afternoon. Do you have 1 p.m. open?

One o’clock will be just right.

We’ve only been to a couple of open houses and will need to look at some through your eyes. He has some pictures from the newspaper of a couple we want to look at. We looked a little on the Internet to see what is available. And… will you help us sell our houses with an option to buy when ours sell? I know I can trust you.

Yes, I’ll do what I can for you, Shauna had mixed feelings. I do feel ambivalent. Should I help her? If I don’t, I may not get a chance to help her when she needs help with this tricky man. And I can use the money, but I don’t want to start now making dirty money on someone else’s misfortune. She seems more concerned in finding the right house than making sure he is the right man.

On Saturday afternoon Jack and Bonnie showed up promptly at 1 p.m. Shauna knew they were serious about their prospective buy from past experience with others who did or did not show up on time. She noticed Bonnie was letting her lovely, auburn hair grow longer. Jack must be one of those men who like long hair, Shauna thought.

Hi guys, Shauna extended her hand which each took and shook smiling at her. Jack had his other arm around Bonnie. He appeared very protective of her—loving and caring. Any new widow would appreciate a thoughtful man like this one. If only the negative things I’ve heard about him are not true. Will he truly love and care for Bonnie the rest of their lives?

You told me on the phone, Bonnie, that you want a three bedroom so you can have a master bedroom, guest bedroom and an office. You asked for it in the city of Downey and the area of ten to fifteen miles around it. Look at this one. Shauna handed her a printout with the picture of an attractive home in the city of Downey whose price had just been lowered.

Oh, I love the description, Bonnie cooed, looking up at Jack. I want to see it and the neighborhood around it. We could make the formal dining room into an office if we want.

What about you Jack? What do you want? Shauna smiled at him.

Whatever makes Bonnie happy will make me happy, he smiled back, a twinkle in his sky-blue eyes.

Shauna held up two more printouts. One showed a huge 19,000 sq. ft. lot w/remodeled kitchen w/walk-in pantry, granite countertops, 3 BR, 2 BA and lots more. It was in the $550,000 price range in the East Whittier area.

The other showed a beautiful 3 BR, 2 BA home near Parnell Park in Whittier, features hardwood floor, formal dining area, fireplace, huge master bedroom, new carpet and paint, central air & heat, dishwasher & patio. $289,949.

They walked through the open house at each of the three homes. Bonnie really liked the second and third homes in east Whittier and in central Whittier. Shauna left them alone for a few minutes at each home to let them discuss their likes and dislikes. Walking into the room at the $300,000 home where the couple was talking she heard Bonnie say, You’re right. We should keep a little money out for cash. Will we have enough money from your house and my house to pay this one off?

Sure we will honey. Jack patted her gently. And maybe with some extra cash to take along on our cruise to make our honeymoon one to remember.

Oh, Jack, you’re so great, cooed Bonnie again like a teenager. Shauna looked away embarrassed.

Later, when they returned to Shauna’s office, they filled out some of the papers to get their own houses on the market. Shauna suggested to them, I think it would be good for both of you to take a little more time to think before you sign the final papers.

Ms. Winters, or Shauna I mean, Bonnie and I are in love. We don’t need to take time to think. We know exactly what we want.

Which of the three homes did you like best? Shauna asked trying not to show she was uncomfortable as she changed the subject.

I liked the third one best with the large walk-in closet, said Bonnie.

I preferred the second one with that big walk-in pantry. It may cost a little more, but it also has lots of closet room in the master bedroom to make you happy, Jack added.

Yes, I liked that one, too, Bonnie looked up at