"Nice place you've got here, Mother Immaculata. Love the antique feel of the furniture, and that prie-dieu is exquisite."
"Now Ben, when we're behind closed doors call me by my given name. How long have we known each other? Since before we gave up our jobs and accepted the 'Sign Your Life Away' program. You have the same burden of leadership as I do, Reverend Abbot, so we can let our hair down with each other when we're alone."
"I'm not saying how long we've known each other or how well we know each other, Holly. All right, even though I'm losing mine, we can let our hair down in your private quarters and mine."
"Martini?"
"Do you have to ask?"
Holly's suite in the convent was larger than the rest: the Mother Superior's quarters is always the biggest in any convent. She had a sitting room with a fine collection of old furniture and a large screen TV, with a doorway leading to her sleeping quarters and bath. Ben's rooms in his monastery were similar, and held a few mementos of past abbot's travels. He sat on a plush sofa as she went to a sideboard that acted as her bar, and with a practiced hand produced a pitcher of martinis. Pouring two, she extended her friend a drink, sitting down on the couch next to him.
Ben took it with a broad smile. "Thanks, Holly. How's life over here?"
"You know the drill, Ben," she said, settling on the couch beside him. "Refereeing personality conflicts, reviewing the investment portfolio by tracking the markets, paperwork..."
"Yes, that's the life. Plus all the damn meetings: community meetings, appointments with bishops, chapters, national associations of superiors, Rome from time to time; my frequent flier miles are building up."
Holly smiled. "That'll come in handy for your next vacation." She sunk back on the couch, smoothed out her habit, and sighed. "Why do they always elect one of the youngest members to lead?"
"Clarity of vision, vibrancy of Faith. Strength of youth, as well as feeling you won't say 'no'. Who would have thunk when I had a career before I went to religious life, I'd have such a mess to clear up when I took over?"
"Hell, yes, same here. Glad you can always spare a Saturday evening to hear confessions for us. The sisters say you have a compassionate touch. Wish the girls would realize jealousy and petty bickering were sins."
"We have to work on that gradually, like everything else. My group is just like it. Frustrating for certain." He took a long gulp from his drink and almost sputtered. "Thanks, I needed that. Please ma'am, may I have another?"
She chuckled as she refilled his glass before her own. Growing pensive, she asked: "There is something you can help me with, Father. Something that's bothered me a long time."
"Uh oh, this must be big. You don't call me 'Father' very often."
Holly gave Ben a wan smile. "This may freak you out, but here goes. I've been practicing mortification."
Ben sat forward and looked her deep in the eyes. "Really? Always knew you were a little kinky."
"Now shut up, it's legit, has a long history in the Church. I only do it once a week, and started after I took over. The pressures of this job are so great, and I have to make so many ugly decisions, break a heart now and then, it's the only thing that brings me peace with myself. It's not like I'm a masochist."
Ben leaned back and though. "No, I know you're not that. I've had to make those same decisions, and it's not easy to carry the load of that shit. I usually save the dark energy for my weekly round of golf; seeing that dumbass Bishop's face in that little ball is good for my driving. If it's raining, I go to the driving range and hit a bucket. So how can I help you?"
"I'm not happy with the angles I'm getting, and I think it would be more cathartic if someone I trusted did it. Sometimes I go a little too far because I lose count, get carried away."
"Oh, I don't know. How often would you want me to do this?"