I have an interesting very special group of friends that I met about 10 years ago. For the most part we all live in separate states - even Canada. We all met and made a connection because of a particular entertainer. Who doesn't really matter - except to us.
Its been interesting to watch our relationships evolve over the years. I've always thought there could be a book written of our stories.
I thought I'd get out of my system not a particular story but an explanation of how manipulative women can be. Oooohhhh - that's right I'm going to bitch.
This particular story begins not at the beginning but a few years ago. I'm going to change the names to protect not the innocent but me. We'll refer to this entertainment legend as Sam. Sam scored a long term gig in Vegas, it allowed us to meet there a few times a year for shows and fun.
It just so happens that a couple of these gals (Kay and Sara) are connected to the theater community in their city. A friend of theirs happened to also be friends with our entertainer's new stage manager, Allie. I believe they'd met once or twice before Vegas but the mutual friend recommended that the three meet for lunch since Allie only new people connected with the show. And so it begins.
Its understandable that Allie would have been guarded and not interested in meeting 6-10 more Sam Fans and that Kay and Sara would be protective of Allie. Allie began to be more comfortable with the rest of us. She would meet us in the lounge after the shows. By no fault of hers, the dynamic of the group instantly changed when Allie would arrive. Before we would be giddy and high from the adrenaline of the show, discussing all of Sam's moves, looks, jokes and of course his singing. We'd also pour over photos taken during the show.
With the arrival of Allie, all conversation would stop and all attention would shift to her. We all would wait on her every word in case some tidbit of information of Sam would spill. Rarely, especially in the beginning, would that happen. Kay and Sue especially move in and act as though Allie was going to reveal the secrets of the universe. None of this was the fault of Allie - we all were enthralled that we were so close, yet so far, to Sam.
But Allie would talk of boyfriend issues, watching for hookers in the hotel for fun, roller derby and her life.
There were times when Kay and Sara would have breakfast or lunch with Allie. At first it was only slightly irritating but sort of understandable. Some of the other gals accepted this but thought it rude to a degree. As Allie got to know and trust the rest of us it was hurtful not to be included. Yet we had each other. I often would skip breakfast and even lunch because I enjoyed going to the pool. But sometimes the other gals didn't have anyone to eat with.
It got to the point that Kay and Sue would not make any plans or go anywhere during the day in case Allie might be available.
Allie became close with one of Sam's back-up singers who would on occasion join us after the show. When she showed, she was the show. Kay and Sara also decided that they were her guardians.
During one trip all the gals weren't able to be there and of those who were the sisters, Carol and Pam, (I know - need a program) had to leave a day early. Their plane left mid afternoon so they brought their luggage to my room. The five of us were hanging out when Sara got a couple of texts and then suddenly said they had to go. We knew why and where they were going but with the sisters leaving soon that left me alone. They definitely knew that the sisters were leaving and I would be alone. I'm very independent so really didn't think too much about it until after Kay and Sara left and the sisters voiced their offense on my behalf. By this point I'd gotten to know Allie pretty well. What is not clear is whether Allie knew that she was being "protected".
One of the Carol has a grandson who was born with a significant disability. For the first trip she was able to make following his birth, Sara had e-mailed her multiple times telling her how she looked forward to spending time with her especially. But that didn't happen. Sara spent more time in her hotel room waiting for that even important call from Allie. It was on this trip that I got to know this sister much better.
On another occasion I was rooming with our friend who is significantly disabled when one night after a show we'd made plans to meet for a late breakfast with Kay and Sara. The other gals had not made this trip. We hung around the room that morning and when we began to get hungry and antsy I finally called Kay and Sara. After a bit of conversation I eventually asked if we were or were not meeting for what would now be lunch. Oh they were waiting to hear from Allie and Karen (back-up singer). Denise and I went to lunch. Later that night we got a call from Kay and Sara - were we interested in doing and early dinner because they never heard from Allie or Karen and missed lunch. I can't tell you how satisfying that was.
Since that first time Kay and Sara rudely left to lunch without including me, the same scenario has played out a number of times even after specific plans have been made.
I confronted Sara via e-mail after one particularly frustrating experience. She apparently did not understand my perspective as she equated my going to the pool with their exclusive times with Allie.
Sam is no longer in Vegas. During the last year of shows Kay and Sue found themselves on the outside.
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