by Lynn Emery
You don’t think James slipped an’ said something?” Patsy glanced at her.
“Oh no. He might let her run over him, but I don’t think he’d be that weak.”
Patsy twisted her hands then forced her hands still when she realized it. “If Shirley is up to something....”
“I won’t let her push me around.” Mama Jo stuck out her chin in a show of defiance.
“Yeah,” Patsy said with a grin. “She don’t want you on her tail. Not with that temper you got.” She seemed to be reassured.
“Just cause there’s snow on the roof, don’t mean I can’t light a fire under her fat rump.” Mama Jo gave a sharp jerk of her head like a drill sergeant.
“Heh, heh. I heard that.” Patsy stood up, her joints cracking. “Lord, let me get on back cross the road. My grandbaby gonna be home from school soon.
“Okay, child.” Mama Jo rose with care. “I’ll see you later.”
Patsy waved to her. “Bye you old fire cracker,” she said with a chuckle.
“Bye now.” Mama Jo laughed with her as they walked to the front door.
Patsy started off down the road with her favorite walking stick, an old broom handle, for support. Even at her age, she enjoyed walking. The distance between their homes was short, though it seemed longer at their age. Mama Jo watched her friend go. As the distance between them grew, the look of courage on Mama Jo’s face faded. In her hand she still clutched the picture of Rose. Deep lines etched her cocoa brown face.
“Miss Jo, that old movie is coming on now.” Stacy came out of the living room. She smiled. “The one with Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster.”
“I don’t feel like no movie right now. I’ll be in my room.” She went back to her bedroom to lie down.
“If you’re feeling sick maybe I better call the doctor.” Stacy followed her.
“I’m tired is all.” Mama Jo stopped at her bedroom door and blocked Stacy from entering. “Go on now.”
“I’ll check on you a little later.” Stacy made it clear she would not be swayed from her duty.
Mama Jo managed to rally one last time with a show of bravado. “If you wanna watch me sleep, fine. I got sense enough to tell somebody if I’m sick.”
“Sassy thing.” Stacy shook her head as she left. Mama Jo closed the door. She sank down onto the blue chenille bedspread. “Lord, you know I’m so tired,” she said in a shaky voice.
***
Neva and Lainie sat at the counter in the store. In between waiting on customers and answering the phone, it had taken several hours for Neva to recount small portions of the surreal events of the previous two days. It was late in the afternoon. Most people were intent on preparations for Thanksgiving the next day. Women and men came in to buy a line of spices Neva now carried that were made by a local woman. They did a brisk business in last minute cooking items that people forgot to get from the supermarket. Finally the steady stream of customers slowed to a trickle.
“Then what did you do?” Lainie sat on the edge of her seat, hanging on every word.
“What could I do but slap a stupid smile on my face and suck it up,” Neva got up and paced.
“That must have been some ride back to town.” Lainie let out a low whistle.
“Alise rented a car since she’s going to New Orleans Thanksgiving Day.” Neva could not keep her hands still. She began to aggressively attack dust on the shelves with a feather duster.
“Well, that’s something at least.” Lainie tried to point out some bright spot in the situation.
“And Chandler didn’t help.” Neva pitched her voice low in imitation of him. “‘I’ll get that Alise’ and ‘So you’re gonna see the sights while you’re here, Alise?’ I could have tossed my dinner.” She swiped a row of jars causing them to tinkle.
“Give me that.” Lainie took the duster from her and continued the clean up. “Chandler didn’t have much choice. He must have been in shock.”
Neva plopped down on the stool wearing a sulky frown. “Yeah, I guess,” she said, though in a grudging tone.
“Humph, that sister has got nerve and a half.” Lainie shot her a sideways glance. “She’s good-looking, huh?”
“Yes,” Neva said through clenched teeth.
“In other words, gorgeous,” Lainie muttered low. She took a deep breath. “Uh, Neva, I hope you’re not going to take this out on Chandler.”
“I can’t get angry at anyone, that’s what drives me nuts. Causing a scene will make things worse. And you’re right, it isn’t Chandler’s fault.” Neva sat with her shoulders slumped, a look of defeat stamped on her face.
“I say make the best of it.”
Neva looked up sharply. “You can’t be serious. There is no way to make the best of having her around.”
“Play it cool. Hold his hand, stand close to him and keep smiling.” Lainie walked back over to the counter.
“I don’t know if my facial muscles can stand the tension,” Neva said.
“She wants to drive a wedge between you two. Don’t do it for her. And let Chandler know just how you feel.” Lainie leaned against the counter. “He’s got a jones for you, honey. He’ll understand.”
“You think?” Neva brightened for the first time in two days.
“I know.”
Neva nodded. “Yes, get it out in the open. Deal with it as a couple. That’ll show her.”
Lainie gave her an impish wink. “It’ll drive the witch crazy trying to figure out why you’re not irritated.”
“Lainie, you’re a brilliant. I’m going to talk to Chandler this evening.” Neva’s frown came back. “He’s taking them out to dinner. I told him it was fine.”
“Good move. Men hate emotional scenes. He’s probably more annoyed with her that he’s letting on.”
“He did snap at her a couple of times. That woman dropped a few hints about Chandler going to New Orleans to see her parents, something about how fond they were of him.” Neva gave a snort.
“But he didn’t fall for it. See what I’m saying?” Lainie lifted both shoulders. “Besides, you and Chandler seem to be getting way past just dating.”
“I’ve never felt this way about a man before.” Neva propped both elbows on the counter.
“Then you’re going to have to learn to deal with Alise. They do have a son together.”
Neva groaned. “And that’s a powerful connection. It’s like they’ll never really be divorced.”
Her moment of light went out. How could she compete with Alise? Tariq meant the world to him. Maybe his son was the most important thing in his life.
“Talk to him like I suggested.” Lainie shook Neva’s arm. “I’m telling you, it’s the best way.”
“I know, I know.” Neva propped her face in both hands. “Love bites big time.”
“What a lovely sentiment,” Lainie quips. “This from ‘Miss Romantic’.”
“Sure romance is fun. I’ve done a lot of soul searching in the last few years. Romance is the superficial part. Love, making a relationship deep and lasting, is work.” Neva looked thoughtful. “Maybe that’s why I kept men at arm’s length.”
“I tell you what, the day to day reality of being with someone else can’t compete with the fantasy. All those fairy tales and movies have caused a lot of trouble.”
“I don’t know if I handle it. Tariq looks at me like I’m a used car salesman. Alise seems to have a bottomless bag of tricks designed to get Chandler back.” Neva shook her head. “I’m in over my head.”
“For the first time in your life, you glowed. I’ve seen a joy in your face that was never there before. And I’m not going to let you run from it.”
“But Lainie...”
How could she explain? She was not sure what they had could withstand Tariq’s disapproval or Alise’s subtle schemes. Had she used her fanciful view of life as a protective shield all these years?
“You said yourself that it was time to grow up.” Lainie broke into her thoughts with a stern voice. “Don�
��t you think that applies here?”
“See? Even you think I’m an air-head.” Neva heaved a sigh.
“Don’t put words in my mouth,” Lainie said. “Brains and sensitivity are not mutually exclusive. Like a lot of artistic people, you were into your creative side.”
“You mean I’m self-centered.”
“No, because it isn’t true,” Lainie replied with force. “What I mean is face this head-on now. Don’t wait until Alise sets the tone for your holiday.”
“You’re right again.” Neva stared out the window. “I can’t let her come between us.”
“Of course. I’m older and wiser.” Lainie assumed a self-righteous pose, her nose tilted in the air.
Neva squinted at her. “Oh pu-leeze. Six years!”
“Still qualifies me as older.”
“What about wiser? You want me to bring up Kip Marchand?” Neva had a teasing glint in her eyes.
“No fair! That happened eons ago!” Lainie wore a look of horror.
“Did you or did you not dump chocolate pudding over his head because you saw him talking to Georgina Castleberry?” Neva pointed a finger at her with glee.
“I refuse to answer on the grounds it might incriminate me,” Lainie yelled and darted into the office to escape.
For the rest of the day, they interspersed teasing each other about past romantic bloopers with work. Neva tried to keep her mood upbeat. She was grateful that Lainie was so level-headed in her approach to life as well as numbers. Chandler did seem to recognize Alise’s game. Neva called home to make sure Tranice would be with Mama Jo until at least eight o’clock. After closing up the store, she headed to Chandler’s townhouse in St. Francisville. They sat in the living room drinking café au lait.
“What a day. I got off early and took Tariq to the Port Hudson Park.” Chandler chuckled. “I was surprised at how interested he was in my family research.”
“That’s wonderful,” Neva answered in a bright tone. Don’t ask him if Alise went. You’ll sound like a jealous harpy. She clamped her lips together for fear the question would escape against her will.
“Yeah. We even got on the Web to look up sites on blacks in the Civil War.” Chandler put an arm around her shoulder.
“Really? That’s great.”
“Amazing how much information is at your fingertips with a computer. Tariq knows how to use those search engines better than I do.” Chandler spoke with great pride.
“He’s very smart and articulate for his age.” Neva kept any sarcasm out of her remark. He didn’t have any trouble voicing his opinion on how great it was seeing you and Alise together.
“Top scores on standardized tests.” Chandler took a sip from his cup.
“Great. Just... great.” Neva tried to think of some other word to say for a while. She sounded like a parrot.
“Listen to me rambling on. I haven’t asked how your day went.” Chandler pulled her closer. “Store still buzzing with activity?”
“Sold a ton of Cajun Craze Turkey Spice in the last twenty-four hours. And am I glad we ordered in extra dinner rolls. I remembered how my aunts would always underestimate the number we would wolf down.” Neva forced a laugh.
“You know, the same thing used to happen to us. Never enough hot bread. Must be one of those universal holiday mini-disasters.” Chandler grinned back at her.
“Anything that can go wrong,” Neva said.
“Will go wrong,” Chandler finished. His smile faltered just a little as he gazed at her. He cleared his throat loudly and looked away.
Several minutes of uneasy silence stretched between them. Blues from a local FM station played on his radio. Still the jaunty tune did nothing to lift the mood.
“The only thing left is the weather.” Neva put a hand on his knee. “Or we could talk about Alise.”
“It’s suppose to rain and turn colder,” Chandler put in quickly. He wore an skittish look, like a kid trying to avoid taking his medicine.
“Judging by the way she looks at you, your ex-wife could use a cold shower,” Neva said in a dry voice.
“Ah, come on. She’s not...” Chandler ran a hand over his face. “I didn’t know she was going to pull this stunt. I swear.”
“You don’t have to keep saying that, Chandler. I believe you.”
“At least she’s going to leave tomorrow. I just hope we can avoid a scene.” Chandler glanced at her.
“Don’t look at me. I plan to be the poster girl for southern hospitality.” Neva wore a tight smile.
“Honey, I’m really sorry. The best thing I can do is be polite but let her know we’re a couple.” Chandler let out a long breath.
“I’m sorry for you.” Neva wanted to smooth away the deep furrows in his handsome brow. “You tried to hide it, but you were anxious about Tariq meeting me. And with this, well you’re walking a tight rope.”
“Yeah. I don’t want Tariq to pick up on any hostility.”
“He’s bound to have noticed the tension. The air around us was thick with it.” Neva gazed into the fire without seeing it. “But Alise wants to push me into exploding. She knows how you’d react to that.” Which is why I have no intention of letting her play me, no matter what she does.
“Now that’s a stretch. Alise may be a bit irritated to see me with another woman, but she’ll get over it.” Chandler sounded confident in his assessment.
“I don’t think so,” Neva said with as much confidence.
“Alise wanted the divorce as much as I did, if not more. She might enjoy dropping a few veiled put-downs, but no more.”
“Oh Chandler, you can’t be serious.” Neva gazed at him. “Tariq must have mentioned something about me and she came to size up the situation.”
“I didn’t tell him anything except he’d get to meet a new friend.” Chandler cleared his throat when her eyes narrowed. “I didn’t want to throw too much on him at once.”
“Okay.”
“Honey, relax. You’ll see I’m right about Alise. I was married to her for fifteen years so I know how she thinks.” Chandler patted Neva’s hand. He tried to sound reassuring.
“Yes, you have history.” Neva moved away from away from him. “You have a son and shared a lot together.”
Neva thought of them sharing a bed then slammed the door shut on images that might form. She was shocked at the intensity of her reaction.
“I didn’t mean it that way,” Chandler said. He cupped her face with one large hand. “Our divorce is more than just a legal thing. Emotionally, my marriage to Alise is over. Period. Can I make it any clearer?” Sincerity and desire mixed together in his expression. Neva could feel her whole being responding, reaching out to him. “No, I’ve got it,” she murmured.
“You most certainly have, baby.” Chandler covered her mouth with his lips. His hands moved over her body.
The world receded when his lips traced a hot path down her neck. Opening the top three buttons of her sweater, he ran the tip of his tongue across the swell of her breasts. The sensation of his hands caressing her nipples through the lacy fabric of her bra made her moan softly. Neva fought her way out of the fog of lust in her brain.
“It’s almost time for you to leave.” Neva did nothing to push him away despite her words.
Chandler paused only a second to look at his wrist watch before planting another kiss on her neck. “Almost two hours. Let’s stop wasting time.” He pulled her by the hand to the bedroom.
They undressed, grabbing and clawing impatiently at buttons. Neva thrilled at this frenzied passion. They were like two starving people who’d happened on a feast. Clothes were tossed away without a second thought, landing everywhere. They both plunged into lovemaking so wild they were almost too breathless to cry out. Their rhythm was like the pounding beat of hard rock music, fast and intense. With one hoarse shout, Chandler came. Neva followed within a split second. She screamed once then matched his frantic thrusting with her own. They clung together for what seemed like forever until only
small shudders went through them. Neva wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I love you,” she gasped.
“I love you, too.” Chandler buried his face in her hair.
Later after both had showered and dressed, Neva stood at the door. Chandler held her coat while she slipped it on then hugged her close.
“Call me when you get back tonight. I sleep better when I hear your voice saying goodnight.” Neva inhaled the wonderful scent of his skin.
“All right. Feel better about this dinner thing?” Chandler raised her face to gaze into her eyes.
Neva grazed her lips across his. “Have a good time.”
“That’s my baby. You’ll see, we’re going to have a good thanksgiving after all.”
Chandler stood outside while she got in her car. Neva waved at him once before driving away.
“Take that Miss Alise.” Neva giggled. “Girl, what has gotten into you? Grow up!” Still, she exulted in a feeling of having snatched a prize from a challenger. She turned up the radio and sang loudly all the way home.
***
Alise gazed at Chandler over the top of her wine glass. Chandler looked back with a sinking feeling. She’d been throwing those suggestive looks at him throughout dinner. This was not a good sign.
They sat in a popular seafood restaurant in St. Francisville. The owner was an avid sportsman. There was a combination gift shop and small museum attached to it. Tariq enjoyed looking at the stuffed fish and wild game mounted on the walls. He craned his neck around periodically in delight at discovering something he had not noticed before.
“Wow, I can’t wait to see a live alligator in the swamp.” Tariq stuff another large shrimp in his mouth.
“Goodness, slow down. Just because we’re in the woods doesn’t mean we act like country folks.” Alise delivered the scolding in her smooth way.
Chandler was annoyed at the comment, but decided to let it pass. “Tariq, we’re going to fish in a lake. If we’re lucky, we won’t see anything more dangerous than a raccoon.”
“I should hope not,” Alise said.
Tariq’s mouth turned down in disappointment. “Aw, man.”