Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
Gail Baines attends her daughter’s wedding with her ex-husband, an old boyfriend, memories of the affair that led to her divorce, and the groom’s hyper-organized mother. The day before, Gail was dismissed from her job. A novella of many emotions.
Gail’s ex-husband, Max, shows up unexpectedly. “He came to the house. I just happened to be home because…and he showed up with his cat, wanting to stay in my guest room.” Said Gail. “Great! Because no way can he stay with me. Kenneth’s allergic to cats.” Said Debbie. “But I don’t want him!” “It’ll only be for one night. Or two at the most, depending on how late things run tomorrow.” “Two! He was planning to stay at your place on your actual wedding night?” “It won’t be so bad.” “But you know how he always takes a place over. Little messes everywhere he goes.”
When the Headmistress at Gail’s school, Marilee Burton, announces her retirement, Gail expected to be promoted from Assistant Headmistress. Instead, Marilee is going to hire from outside, and the new headmistress is bringing her own assistant. No promotion. No job. The reason given is that Gail doesn’t have people skills.
Gail’s anxieties include wedding etiquette questions. Reverend Gregory asks, “Who is it who blesses this couple’s choice?” Gail and Max reply, “We do.” Gail worries that people will think that they are married. She worries about what to wear and makes Max buy a suit. She goes to a hair salon. “It had been years since I’d been to a beauty parlor.” After getting her hair done, she wants it to revert to her old style. She’s worried that Debbie will join the groom’s family, and she won’t see her again. “Kenneth was going to expect Debbie to spend the holidays with his family.”
Aside from Gail’s insecurities, we learn that others see her as competent. A while back, when the nurse at my school was going through a divorce, she told me, “What I’m aiming for is that Steve and I should have a civilized friendship with each other, the way you and your ex do.” “We do?”
In three days, Gail survives the wedding weekend and learns much about herself.
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