When It Happens to You: A Novel in Stories
Molly Ringwald
Language: English
Pages: 272
ISBN: 0061809470
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Tales of love, loss, and betrayal are at the heart of When It Happens to You, the debut story collection from actress and author Molly Ringwald.
A Hollywood icon, Ringwald defined the teenage experience in the eighties in such classic films as Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles. Now the star of ABC Family’s hit series, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and author of the bestselling memoir Getting the Pretty Back, Ringwald brings that same compelling candor she displayed in her film roles to the unforgettable characters she has created in this series of linked stories about the particular challenges, joys, and disappointments of adult relationships.
Here are stories that grapple with infertility and infidelity, fame and familial discord, in a magnificent collection that will resonate broadly with readers—from fans of Melissa Banks to Meg Wolitzer to Lorrie Moore.
They walked on, retracing their steps through the mist. “I just don’t want you and Dad to be disappointed,” Greta said. “You raised your kids—you ought to be enjoying life now.” “You never stop raising your kids, Greta. And your kids’ kids. Maybe some people can go on and wash their hands, but I can’t.” “Mama, he stole from you. He took money from you and Dad and went out and bought drugs with it. You are inviting danger into your home.” “And what about second chances, Greta?” Second
was again. Lindsay smiled, graciously accepting bouquets of flowers and bottles of wine from her guests. She passed the wine on to Didier, who had been born to the parents of a fading haute bourgeois, a generation that while squandering the money of its forebears was nevertheless schooled in the best of everything no longer affordable. He took the wine and set about uncorking each bottle with an almost religious reverence. Peter watched as he opened, sniffed, and then displayed the bottles with
face. Then, abruptly, he grinned and stood up. “Uncle Phillip,” he said, shaking his hand with a surprisingly strong grip. “Look at you!” Phillip pulled him into an embrace and then let go as he felt the muscles in his nephew contract. Phillip remembered how awkward he felt at Anthony’s age, being hugged by relatives. “You look good, Anthony. What are you, seventeen now?” “Sixteen. Seventeen in July.” “Right, the fifth? Same as your grandma’s, isn’t it?” Anthony nodded, smiling. He went to
everything okay?” Greta glanced over at a burly muscled man carrying what looked like a headboard. “Is your mother moving? It’s your mother who lives here, isn’t it?” Greta stopped as she searched for her name. “I’ve never really spoken to her, though my daughter has been over quite a bit.” “My mother died. A week ago.” Amanda turned and yelled over to a pregnant woman who had just emerged from the house. “Don’t let them move the piano till I’m in there!” “Oh God,” Greta said. “I’m so sorry.”
and opened the refrigerator. She bent down on her knees and moved jars and old take-out boxes around. “I don’t have a lot in here.” She took out an egg carton and opened it up, counting the eggs. “I could make omelets. I think I have some onions and hang on—” She opened up the vegetable drawer and located one red pepper, which she held up triumphantly. “Ta-da!” Phillip refilled their wineglasses and put the cork back in the bottle. “It sounds perfect,” he said. “If it isn’t too much trouble.”