Pay It Forward

Arlene talks about Reuben’s face and the fact that he is black with her blonde friend, Loretta, over coffee. Loretta asks Arlene if Reuben’s face bothers her up close, and Arlene confesses they haven’t kissed but says that it is due to Reuben holding out. Loretta asks about Ricky, and Arlene says,” ‘serves Ricky right if he comes back and I been with somebody else’” (96). Loretta finds this justification problematic, as it seems as though Arlene wants only to use Reuben for sex. Arlene looks up to find Trevor standing in the doorway. She scolds him for sneaking up on her and then fixes him breakfast. Loretta keeps talking. Trevor nosily tries to figure out who they are talking about. Arlene reprimands both of them. Loretta suggests that Arlene call Bonnie, which Arlene does.

Arlene visits Bonnie’s doublewide. The two talk about Arlene quitting her job at the Laser Lounge. Bonnie worries about what Arlene will do for income, and then reprimands Arlene for getting into a relationship during her first year of sobriety. Arlene complains about Reuben being a gentleman, which Bonnie scoffs at and tells Arlene to take the relationship slowly. Bonnie says that if the lack of physical contact really bothers Arlene, she should talk to Reuben about it and tell him that she is attracted to him.