by Lynn Emery
“Come on. Just a month ago you were crying about how your babies are going to be grown soon.” Neva waved a hand in the air. “So don’t give me that.”
“Yeah, well I do miss Moesha since she went off to college.” Lainie had a wistful look. “But dealing with two teenagers fighting all the time has cured me of dreading the empty nest.”
“Jeroyd and Shenetta? I can’t believe it.”
“Humph! You should be there when they’re trying to kill each other over the phone. Having a sixteen year old boy and thirteen year old girl under the same roof is murder I tell ya.”
“One day you’ll look back at these days and laugh.” Neva took arranged a row of fishing lures on the shelf.
“Sure I will. I’ll be in a mental hospital laughing about everything until they give me another pill!” Lainie quipped.
“You are too much.” Neva giggled as she scanned the store. “Thanks for helping me get this place together. Those snack foods are selling really well.”
“Yes, that new campground down from Thompson’s Creek is bringing in lots of customers.” Lainie grew serious. “I’m glad you stepped in and opened the place back up after Mama Jo got so sick. Desiree was drooling over the prospect of selling out to the Bellows.”
Neva sighed. “Yes, but the one thing I didn’t need was another fight with Desi.”
“Tough. She’ll just have to get over it,” Lainie said with characteristic bluntness.
“You’re always too hard on Desiree. She had it tough with kids making fun of her when she was little. Of course she’s blossomed like a butterfly coming out a cocoon.”
Neva thought of how Desiree suffered because she was chubby and had an overbite. But with braces and a change in eating habits, Desiree became a lithe beauty by the age of fifteen.
“More like a snake shedding its old skin I’d say,” Lainie said with a grunt of distaste. “And she’s gotten her revenge in the last ten years. You heard about her and Ivory?”
“Lainie, you’re going to gossip about your own cousin?” Neva tried to look stern.
“She’s was sneaking around with Ivory LaMotte for the last four years.” Lainie seemed not to notice Neva’s admonition. “Honey, his wife tried to knock her brains out with a can of green beans down at Boudreaux’s Food Mart last year and–”
“I can’t believe it.” Neva tried not to look interested. Proper Christiana Williams Tate getting violent? Now that was something she’d pay to see! “You know how things get exaggerated each time someone else tells the tale.”
“Miss Cora Lee saw it.” Lainie nodded when Neva looked at her with wide eyes. Miss Cora Lee Jones was a pillar of the small insular black community of Solitude. Everyone knew she did not lie.
“Oh goodness.” Neva shook her head and forgot to pretend she did not approve of gossip.
“In fact, folks say if she hadn’t stepped in, Desiree would be walking around with a permanent dent in her head.” Lainie gave a wicked cackle.
“So what happened? I mean, Chrissy must have left Ivory.” Neva was hooked. She had to know it all.
Lainie leaned against the counter with an eager expression. “Not at first. But they separated about three months later. Ivory has always had a thing for Desiree, almost an obsession. Anyway, you won’t believe the latest, child.
“What?”
“I heard Ivory been cutting up cause he suspects Desiree is cheating on him. Nobody knows who it is.” Lainie wore a look of pure satisfaction at the effect of her prize tidbit.
“That’s some trick. Around here, if you break a glass in the morning everybody knows by lunch time.” Neva wondered what hapless man was Desiree’s latest conquest. Then she felt a twinge of guilt. “Desiree isn’t so bad.”
“Stop making excuses for her.” Lainie threw up both hands in exasperation. “She stole the woman’s husband.”
“Oh like Ivory didn’t have a choice.” Neva shook her head.
“You know what they say, she put one a strong mojo on the man, just like....” Lainie’s voice trailed off.
“Say it, like Mama Jo and like me.” Neva gave a soft laugh. “Sounds like even you believe it.”
“Mama Jo was the seventh daughter of a seventh son. And she was born with a veil over her face.” Lainie shrugged. “She does seem to know stuff before it happens.”
“At least folks oughta get the superstition right. It’s the seventh son of a seventh son. And Mama Jo always said she was just reading people, not tea leaves or signs.” Neva put more change in the cash register. She glanced out to see a couple of customers, men dressed in hunting camouflage, striding across the gravel parking lot.
“I know it’s silly.” Lainie stopped when the bell over the door jingled as the burly men came in. “But you gotta admit, Mama Jo has a knack for knowing stuff before it happens,” she said in a whisper. “Can I help y’all?”
Neva smiled to herself as Lainie prepared to sell the men crickets before they headed off to fish. Mama was not psychic. She was just very perceptive.
“I’m telling you, Mama Jo is no ordinary woman,” Lainie continued once the men were out the door.
“That’s true. But don’t you start with the hoodoo talk, okay? Now come on and help me do inventory.” Neva wanted to change the subject.
“Okay. I’m sorry, Neva.” Lainie put an arm around Neva’s shoulder. “I’m so glad you came back home.”
“Me, too. I missed your mess, girl,” Neva said with a laugh. “Sure you don’t want to work part-time regularly? I need the help.”
“We-ll.... The kids are pretty grown now. And the extra money would help.” Lainie followed her into the office. “I mean money of my own.”
“Charles has always been generous.” Neva thought of the good-humored man who made a healthy salary as an engineer for the local utility company.
“Yeah, but I didn’t work even after Moesha was born. I’d still like to earn my own money.”
“Then join the exciting world of retail sales,” Neva exclaimed gesturing wildly like a used car salesman on a television commercial. “You’ll have flexible hours, a great boss and all the bait you want!”
“Ooo, unlimited bait? Who needs a pension plan!” Lainie wore a look of mock glee.
“I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist.” Neva grew solemn. “Really, Lainie, I prefer family. You most of all.”
“Been rough, eh?” Lainie perched on the edge of the desk.
“Desiree has been fighting me all the way. The guy she had managing the place was pilfering merchandise, I’m sure of it. It’s a mess.” Neva bit her bottom lip. “I need someone I can trust. Jeroyd would make a great stock clerk, too.”
“Hey, hey, you ain’t gotta beg.” Lainie gave her a hug. “It’s a deal, boss lady.”
“Thank you, Lord!” Neva gave a long sigh of relief. “Now that you’ve agreed, look at this.”
“What the–” Lainie examined the sloppy bookkeeping for several minutes. “It’s going to take us weeks to sort this out!”
“He was cooking the books. Just lucky my talented, brilliant Cousin Lainie was a top bookkeeper in another life.” Neva beamed at her then ducked a pencil Lainie threw at her head.
“You sneak!” Lainie gave a squeal of dismay.
“Remember Sister Sledge,” Neva called out as she dashed for the store room. She sang the seventies pop tune about family sticking together.
“Hey you!”
Neva stuck her head back in the door cautiously. “Yes?”
Lainie’s fierce expression softened. “Did I tell you how good it is to have you back?”
“At least once, but more won’t hurt.” Neva gave her an affectionate grin. “Or get you off the hook. You pro-mised, so get to work,” she wheedled shaking a finger at her before dodging a shower of paper clips.
They both laughed hard until tears flowed for the rest of the day. Still untangling the muddle made to cover poor management was a daunting task. It took them another four days of long h
ours just to sort it all out. Then they began setting up a new system of accounting, inventory and payroll on the small computer Neva bought. Between getting settled at the cottage and working at the store, Neva had little time for much else.
After two weeks, she was finally able to take a day for herself. The store was closed on Sundays and Mondays. She woke up on Monday to a beautiful cool day of sunshine. Neva chafed under the yoke of routine running the store imposed. She’d always been a free spirit, allowed to roam the woods and daydream. Feeling stifled from three weeks of living and breathing The Fish Shack, Neva set off along a footpath leading through the woods behind her home. She breathed in the scent of wood. Birds chattered away as though passing on forest gossip. Green still crowded all around her like a pretty cloak Mother Nature wore when visiting down south. Never had she felt this buoyancy even walking along St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. It was only a good twenty minute walk away from Thompson’s creek and another twenty minutes to the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi. Neva savored every blade of grass, every tree that greeted her. This had always been, would always be her favorite place.
“You waited for me!” Neva found the oak tree with her initials carved, faint after twenty-two years but still visible. At the base was the hollow where she and Lainie had hid their treasures while pretending to be pirates.
“But didn’t we have great adventures?” Neva said with a laugh.
A whisper of leaves stirred by a fall breeze was the old oak tree’s only reply. Then an unexpected stab of loneliness pierced her. This was a day to walk with someone special through such an enchanted kingdom. Neva had never found that someone. She’d settled once for a marriage that promised emotional security. Nathan had been a good man. He had deserved better. After his death, Neva had felt guilty. Nathan gave her everything she wanted. Moonlight and roses was another of her foolish, fairy tale dreams. Ah, but what lovely dreams. Neva reached the edge of the woods near the bluffs over the river. How she had imagined a prince riding through the forest frantically searching for his one true love, her. Her mind drifted as she gazed ahead into a land peopled with wizards and kings. She smiled when a fine horse emerged from the woods opposite her. There he is. What? Neva blinked but the horse and rider was still there. A tall, darkly handsome man guided the large chestnut animal along the bluffs away from Neva. Horse and man were powerfully built. Both seemed sure of themselves. The man wore a dark red shirt open at the neck, maybe flannel, and jeans with cowboy boots. With a kick, he urged the horse to a trot. Soon they were swallowed up in the woods almost a mile away.
“Ah come on, girl. That was probably old Mr. Sims and your imagination made him into a black prince from a story book,” Neva said aloud. “Maybe it’s time for eyeglasses.”
He had gone in the direction of the Sims family farm. Most certainly no man around Solitude looked like that. Neva laughed at herself and headed home. She would have to stick to her vow. It was time to grow up. Living the life of a dreamer had to end. Especially if she was going to start hallucinating!
***
“So you’re now Miss-In-Charge.” Desiree stood in the middle of the store. She turned around in a full circle. “All ready changed things around.”
Desiree, her black hair up in a swirl, wore a power suit of royal blue. The skirt was just about the knee. Her long shapely legs were wide apart as she swept a critical eye over the shelves. Neva looked at her attractive cousin. The last thing she wanted was another battle. At least Desiree had chosen to show up near closing time. Neva glanced at her watch. It was four fifteen.
“I won’t take up too much of your precious time,” Desiree said. “I just want to know.”
“Know what?”
Desiree walked up close to her until their faces were only inches apart. “I want to know exactly what lie you told Mama Jo about me.”
Neva took a step back from her. “I didn’t have to tell a lie. Mama Jo is able to make her own decisions.”
“With a little help from you.” Desiree jabbed a forefinger in the air between them. “Didn’t waste time gathering evidence against me.”
“And just why was there so much evidence, Desiree?” Neva’s voice rose despite her best efforts not to be baited.
“You manufactured it, that’s why. Sales were on the verge of taking a jump. My marketing strategies could have put this place on the map.” Desiree flung her arms out.
“We both want the same thing, to make all of the family businesses grow. Maybe we don’t always agree with Mama Jo’s decisions but—”
“Every decision she’s ever made was in your favor. Papa Dub and Mama Jo made it clear you were their favorite!” Desiree swallowed hard.
“Mama Jo wants the best for you, too.” Neva once again was able to forget the sting of Desiree’s anger. She could see the hurt little girl who needed desperately to be the center of attention.
“Sure she does,” Desiree said. She turned her back to Neva.
“Yes, she does.” Neva put a hand on her shoulder. “But Mama Jo is a practical woman when it comes to business. She knows you worked hard.”
“Yes, I did.” Desiree turned and shook off Neva’s hand. “So maybe I made a few mistakes. She didn’t ask Lainie to help me.” Her voice trembled a bit.
“Mama Jo tried to meet with you more than once and you didn’t show.” Neva remembered how Mama Jo recounted her frustration in dealing with her headstrong granddaughter. “She was too sick for a long time and then you—”
Desiree glared at her. “Fine. Who needs the aggravation!” She cut off any discussion of her behavior. “Take the damn store if you want it.”
“Desi, there’s really no reason for us to be on bad terms. We’re family.” Neva reached out to put a hand on her arm again.
Desiree pulled away with one sharp movement. “You just keep this in mind, I’m not going anywhere. So don’t think I’ll let you have it all.”
“Desi—”
“Don’t call me that! I’m not a kid you can push around anymore.” Desiree wore a bitter smile. “I’m not down and out by a long shot.” She stomped out of the store and let the door bang shut behind her.
Neva followed her out to porch but Desiree was in her car within seconds. She watched the black Honda Accord shoot out of the parking lot as though Desiree had no thought for on-coming traffic. Goodness! Since they were little girls they’d been at odds. Yet Neva could never understand why or change it. With a shake of her head, Neva went back inside. The good feelings of being home kept being assailed by all the bad things that had driven her to New Orleans. As she gazed around the store, she wondered if she was up to it.
***
“That child dropped right into a nest of vipers when she come back here.” Patsy peered at Mama Jo over her glasses.
“Ain’t that bad.” Mama Jo increased the pace of her oak rocker. She pursed her lips at her best friend. They sat in Mama Jo’s living room.
“I’m telling you what I know.” Patsy chewed a last bit of tea cake before going on. “Bessie and Lorita was messin’ with her in town the other day I heard.”
“Them two ain’t got a whole brain between ‘em.” Mama Jo gave a grunt.
“May be, but they gonna get folks stirred up an’ talkin’.” Patsy arranged her sweater around her shoulders. “You know how these folks love to gossip.”
“Sugar, don’t nobody half-way listen to Bessie.” Mama Jo squinted so she had the fierce look that froze grown men twice her size. “If they do, they know better than to let me find out about it.”
“True and true again.” Patsy chuckled. After a few moments, she grew serious again. “Still Desiree is something else entirely.”
Mama Jo stopped the motion of her chair. “Yep. But Neva ain’t no doormat. Lots of folks take her kindness for weakness. She got a tough streak.”
“I dunno, Jo.” Patsy looked skeptical.
“Desiree got mean ways, but I can keep her in line even if her daddy can’t.” Mama Jo st
arted the rocker again.
Patsy picked up another tea cake from the decorative tin canister on the table between them. “Humph, guess you oughta know.” She took a bite out of the cookie.
“Neva’s gonna be just fine. She’s got more of me in her than most folks think.” Mama Jo clasped her gnarled hands together tightly in her lap. “I did better by her than I did for her mama.”
“That ain’t true, Jo,” Patsy said in a quiet but firm voice. “I ain’t gonna let you talk that way. Sometimes you gotta accept that a child chooses bad even after you teach ‘em good.”
Mama Jo closed her eyes. “Maybe you’re right. Lord knows I’ve gone over it in my mind a thousand times seems like.”
“We both know Rose was grown enough to make her own life what she wanted it to be.” Patsy seemed to have lost her taste for the sweet treat. She put it down on her napkin. “Why you an’ Dub was raising Neva even before....” She let the rest remain unspoken.
“Yeah.” Mama Jo rocked slowly as though it helped her massage an ache. She was silent for several minutes. “Which is why I know that child’s got a lot of strength in her.”
“Enough to take all what comes with bein’ a Sterling?” Patsy gazed at her.
“More than enough,” Mama Jo answered without hesitation. “I thank the Lord for sparing this old woman a few more breaths.” She looked at Patsy with an expression of determination. “Neva is gonna make it. I’ll see to that.”
Chapter 2
“Sure, look around. We’ve got everything you need,” Lainie said. “For fishing or hunting, I mean,” she called out loudly.
“Keep it down out there,” Neva muttered. “Oh no! What happened to all the figures I just entered?” she groaned a question to the computer. The only answer was the superior hum and the error message on the screen.
Neva sat in the office trying not to be distracted by sounds from the store. While Lainie waited on customers, she struggled with the new small business financial software she’d purchased. After several days, they had begun to modernize the nuts and bolts of running the business. Now Neva was determined to master entering the daily debits and credits.