Ella felt a chill and adjusted the thermostat as she headed for her room. She sat on the side of her bed as she tossed her heels off laughing as she looked down at her feet. The toes of her nylons were letting her big toe escape on both feel.
“So much for the expensive nylons.” Ella said aloud as she laughed.
She unlatched the black shiny necklace and ran the strand of beads through her fingers. It’s only costume jewelry but it’s very nice. She thought as the string broke with shiny black beads dancing all over the room.
“Oh well, so much for nice beads. She said trying to catch of few of the escapees.
Ella managed to find most of the beads and put them in a dish on the dresser. As she walked to the bathroom she stepped on an escapees and fell flat on her butt. Sheesh, she thought I’ve been doing that a lot lately. She remembering back to the drop-house incident.
Ella ran a bubble bath and soaked for a while. The Grand Opening was perfect. She couldn’t have asked for a better turnout. There was a lot to do to get ready for the holidays soon approaching. Next week was Thanksgiving and surely someone would need centerpieces for their holiday tables. Although, the community has been ordering from Margo’s shop for years. Ella wondered if the Coopersville residence would make the switch? Red and Green, Christmas trees and holly was also on her mind.
“I need to turn my mind off and get ready for the day.” She said as she stepped out of the bear claw tub.
Ella, again put on her jeans this time with a rust colored slip over top with a tied sash at the side hanging almost to her knees. She sat in her big chair pulling on a pair of brown boots over her brown socks. Ella always looked fashionable. Something she learned form her mother. She made her way back to the big mirror in the bathroom. She pulled the front part of her hair back to the crown and secured it with a barrette.
Ella was glad to hear Maria in the kitchen. She was most certainly hungry this morning.
“Good morning Ms. Ella.” Maria said with a smile in her voice. “If you don’t need Juan today we thought we would go on a drive. We haven’t seen the countryside.” Maria said.
“Sure Maria, Juan has been working hard for weeks. He needs to spend time with his family.” Ella said as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
“Thank you, Ms. Ella.” Maria said as she bent over and gave Ella a hug. Ella smiled. It felt good to have someone hug her.
Shortly Juan came downstairs carrying Jose face out. Jose was drooling all over Juan’s hand and arm.
“Is Jose cutting another tooth?” Ella asked.
“We think so, this will his fourth tooth. You can feel them under his gums.” Juan said as he rubbed Jose gums.
“He likes that, it makes his gums feel good.” Ella told them.
“So, where are you three going?” Ella asked.
“Maria told you we would like to take a drive?” Juan asked with a question hoping it was alright with Ella.
“Yes, but I think it’s best when we go somewhere we should leave a note about where we are going. You know in case you don’t make it back. I could send the Calvary looking for you.” Ella said with a big laugh.
Juan knew exactly why and didn’t ask questions.
“We’ll leave a note when we leave.” He said.
After breakfast Ella headed out to the shop. There’s not much traffic on the road this morning. I guess on Saturday’s people don’t get out so early, she thought.
Alicia was standing at the shop door when Ella drove up.
“I’m going to need to give you a key in case I’m late you could go ahead and open up.” Ella told Alicia while she unlocked the door.
“That’s a good idea. I’ve been thinking until we get busy Susan, Ron and I could pretty much keep this place going.” Alicia told her.
Ron and Susan drove up both with smiles toting a box of donuts.
“We thought everyone might be hungry for a sweet roll. Ron’s going to make us some coffee.” Susan said as she skipped into the shop.
“Good morning you two. Are you rested from the festivities last night?” Ella asked.
“We are rested and ready for work.” Susan said as she made her way to the back room to fill the watering can.
“These plant look a little thirsty.” Susan said as she twisted the faucet handle to off.
I’m going to take the morning off. I think you three can handle everything.” Ella said with a giggle.
There was water on the street from the dew causing the fallen leaves of gold brown and rust to glisten in the sunlight. It was Saturday and the kids were playing football on Ninth Street Ella slowly drove past them. Giving her a chance to look at the drop-house. She couldn’t believe her eyes the green van was parked in the drive. This meant the FBI had not raided the house. The men are still in there probably being beaten and maybe dead. Ella didn’t understand why it was taking the FBI so long to do their job.
Ella made her way back to the shop. To her amazement the shop was swarming with customers. They were ordering fall arrangements. Thanksgiving was just a few days away and they needed centerpieces for their holiday dinner. Ella greeted customers as she made her way to the work area. Susan was in total control of the front counter.
“You best get yourself back here and get yourself to work lady. Alicia ordered.
“Susan has written up a ton of orders.” Alicia said as she put a gift card on an arrangement she finished wrapping with cellophane.
“Where’s Ron?” Ella asked
“He’s out on deliveries. That new van is getting broke in today.” Alicia said with a grin.
“Lady we’ve been swamped since you left.” Alicia told her.
Ella knew what swamped meant and swamped they were.
“You’re gonna need to make an order for Monday’s flower delivery and get it called in before noon or we are going to be in hot water come Monday.” Alicia told her pointing to a stack of orders.
“I don’t know what the orders are. I don’t know what to order.” Ella said looking at the blank ordered sheet.
“Here, let me do that I know what to order.” Alicia said as she took the pen from Ella’s hand.
Within a few moments Alicia had a list of flowers needed and handed it to Ella.
“Here you go honey, order this an we will be fine.” Alicia said as Ella took the order sheet from her hand and began to dial the phone.
Thank goodness they are still taking orders. It was 11:55 and the cutoff was at noon. Ella read off the order to an answering machine. When she finished she gave a sigh of relief as she put the phone in the cradle.
“Alicia, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have you. This is all new to me. I love to design but I’ve never worked at a flower shop.” She confided in Alicia.
“It shows but I can show you the ropes. I’ve been around flower shops since I was a kid. I always dreamed of having my own shop but dreams don’t always come true.” Alicia confided in Ella with a look of failure on her round face.
“I have a degree in business but…” Ella’s voice trailed off.
“We’ll do fine. You just follow my lead.” Alicia said with her husky voice and a I’m on your side wink.
Ron came in the back door to pick up more deliveries.
Some of the deliveries are out of town. I’m going to need some money for gas.” Ron told Ella.
“Why of course.” Ella dug through her purse for her wallet. She pulled out a gasoline credit card and handed it to Ron.
“Keep this card with you and never let the tank go below half full. She told him.
“That’s where we are different Ella.” Alicia said. “I never let mine get above half empty.” Alicia’s laugh was contagious. She seemed to know when to crack a joke to relieve the tension.
It was five o’clock and everyone was getting ready to leave for home.
“Hold on there everyone. First thing about a shop. You never leave the workroom dirty.” Alicia as she picked up the broom and started sweeping
up the flower clippings she had dropped on the floor as she was working.
Everyone scurried around and before long the shop was cleaned.
Ella announced she had an errand to run Monday morning and would not be there to open up.
“Alicia, here’s an extra key. I will plan on you opening the shop every morning. This way I won’t worry if I’m late.” Ella told Alicia and everyone else heard.
Alicia proudly took the key and dropped it in her brassiere. Ella blushed and giggled to herself.
Everyone headed home. Alicia in her sedan, Ron and Susan in the shop van and Ella in her station wagon. Sunday was a day of rest and they could all use some.
TWENTY
Ella woke to a loud noise coming from the front yard.
“What could that be.” She murmured to herself. It sounds like a freight train making tracks across my front yard.
She grabbed her robe and tied it at the waist as she slid her feet into her size ten slippers. She ran to the window almost falling as she stepped on a run away bead. She pulled the drape back and saw Juan pushing a lawnmower across the yard.
Ella managed to raise the window and yell. “Juan, what are you doing? You and the family are suppose to be on your Sunday drive to the country.”
“I know Ms. Ella but the lawn needs to be mowed an Maria said we could go this afternoon.” He answered wiping his brow on his sleeve.
“Do you plan on mowing this acre with that mower?” She questioned him shaking her head.
“Yes, Ms. Ella “ Juan told her as he made another sweep.
“Shut the mower Juan, shut the mower off.” Ella tried to yell over the noise.
Juan shut the motor off and asked, “Ms. Ella why can’t I mow the lawn?”
“First of all it’s too noisy and second you will never get the lawn mowed using that piece of junk. Where for Christ sake did you get that excuse for a lawnmower?”
“It was in the shed out back.” He said apologetically.
“Come in the house and let’s talk about this.”
Juan put the mower in the shed and made his way back in the house with his head down like a little boy that had been caught looking at his big brother’s Playboy magazine.
“I’m sorry Ms. Ella. Juan said as he looked up from under his brow.
“You don’t have to apologize. I should apologize for being so abrupt.” Ella said holding her hand out in a gesture of apology, “friends.” She said smiling.
Juan laughed and grabbed her hand. “Friends.”
I know you and the family were planning a drive in the country but how about we load up the old lawn mower and take it down to Baker and buy a riding mower?” Ella suggested.
“We will have a nice dinner while we are there.” She added. “This will give Maria a much needed night away from the kitchen.”
Jose’s out growing his clothes and needs some warm winter clothes. He also needs a new coat.
Maria was in the kitchen fixing a nice Sunday morning breakfast. The aroma from the kitchen smell of ham and eggs and freshly brewed coffee.
Ella poured herself a cup of coffee. As she walked to the table she smell the coffee and tried to take a sip. She poured milk in it and stirred it in a figure eight motion.
“Maria, I know you have family plans to take a drive in the country but Juan needs a riding lawn mower, Jose, Juan and you need winter coats. And Jose is growing out of his clothes. I thought all of us could do some shopping and have dinner in town at a nice restaurant. What do you think?” Ella asked Maria.
Maria looked at Ella and said. “You want to take us to Baker to shop and have dinner?”
“Yes.” Ella said wondering what was on Ella’s mind.
“I’ve been wanting to go shopping. Juan’s birthday is coming up and I want to get him a gift. When you gave him the money he gave me half. So I have money to get him a watch. Could you help me pick out a nice one?”
“Great, Ella said, “let’s get breakfast over with and get ready for a day of shopping. I miss the days of shopping with my mom.”
Maria told Juan the plans of the day were changed. Of course, he was pleased. He was getting a new riding lawnmower.
Breakfast was soon over and everyone headed to their rooms to get ready for a day in Baker. Juan walked downstairs looking handsome and made his way out back to load the old mower while the ladies finished getting ready.
Out the door came, Maria, Jose and Ella. “We’re ready.” They yelled in unison.
They belted up and were off to Baker for an afternoon of shopping. Jose slept all the way down the canyon road. The hillside marked the landscape with hues of gold, red, orange and purple leaves. The trees were shedding their foliage in preparation of winter. The hills and the valley floor was turning green.
“Ms. Ella, this was a good idea, we get to see the changing of the colors in the hills and in the valley.” Maria said. “It’s so beautiful.
“What store do you want to go to first, Ms. Ella?” Juan asked.
“First we should go to Sears and purchase the riding mower. They will have time to get it ready and loaded while we shop in the mall.
Juan parked the truck at Sears service area and they entered the store. He set on a few mowers and looked at the blades.
“Juan, which one do you like?” Ella asked
“They are all good machines Ms. Ella but I like this one best. I guess because it’s red.” Juan said as he ran his hand down the red pin striping on the mower.
The salesman made his way over. Ella asked him to show Juan the mowers and to show them the best they had. Ella wanted to know about the warranty and if they would take her old mower in trade.
“Yes, we can take your old mower as a trade in.” The salesman told Ella.
“There’s a two year warranty on parts and labor.
The red mower was the most efficient riding mower. Ms. Ella purchased the mower and asked if they could have it ready for them and load it in the truck while they shopped. The salesman agreed to have it ready by six.
Ella and Maria took Jose and headed for the baby department in Macy’s while Juan made his way to the men’s department to pick out a winter coat.
Maria choose a nice blue hooded jacket for Jose. While Ella picked out a few winter outfits and winter pajamas for Jose.
“He’s growing so fast I don’t want to buy anything he will grow out of in a month.” Maria told Ella.
“That’s good thinking Maria. It won’t hurt if they are a little loose on him. Ella agreed with Maria as she put down the small size and got one size larger.
Ella took care of the purchase and they headed for the jewelry department.
“Let’s look at the watches before Juan finds us.” Maria told Ella.
“Ella showed Maria some of the better brands and Maria decided on a Bulova watch. One can wear to work and for dress.
Maria counted out the money while the sales clerk wrapped it in a nice box.
“I’m so happy to be able to buy Juan a gift. This is the first gift I’ve given him since we got married five years ago.” Marie told Ella as she put the package deep in her purse, one of Ella’s designer hand bags she had given Maria.
Next they were off to the ladies department. Maria found a nice coat for winter. A camel color double breasted coat belted at the waist. Maria tried it on as she looked at her image in a three way mirror. She turned looking over her back. “Ms. Ella this is beautiful. The most beautiful coat I’ve ever seen.” She told her.
They ran into Juan as they were making their way to the men’s department.
“I found a jacket I like.” Juan said.
“Let’s see it.” Maria said as they walked toward the coat department.
Juan held up a dark blue parka.
“Ms. Ella the lining comes out for days that aren’t so cold. See here you can zip out the lining. Juan said as he zipped and unzipped the lining.
Ella handed the credit card to the sales clerk and took care of the purchas
e.
“Ms. Ella, I think I have enough money to pay for the coat. You don’t have to buy the jacket for me.”
“Juan I don’t do things for people because I have to. I do things for people because I want to.” Ella told Juan as she signed the sales slip.
All the time they were shopping Jose was gooing and enjoying being carried around.
“There’s a nice steak house on Broadway. I saw it when I bought the van. Does that sound good for dinner?” Ella asked.
“That would be nice it’s your choice, Ms Ella.” Juan said as he took the bags from the ladies hands.
They stopped back by Sears as the mower was being loaded on Juan’s truck.
“I tied it down good. You shouldn’t have any problems getting it home.” The salesman said as he stood there with hands on hips.
Ella wrote the check and they were on their way to dinner. Juan kept looking back at the mower making sure it was riding solid. Just like a kid with a new toy.
Dinner was delicious. They ordered steak and lobster as Ella suggested.
“Ms. Ella, we’ve never had lobster. I hope we like it.” Juan told Ella.
“Believe me, you’ll like it.” Ella showed the two how to eat the lobster and they had fun trying to crack it.
Jose slept through dinner. Maria asked the waiter to warm his bottle so it would be ready for the drive home.
Their tummy’s were full and it was time to get home. Tomorrow was another work day. Ella thought to herself. This is like having a family. I’m glad they came my way.
They arrived home without any problems. Juan carried Jose in and Maria took him up to bed. Maria changed her baby putting pajamas on him. She sat in the big rocker singing Jose a lullaby. Jose soon fell asleep. Maria slowly walked him to his crib and gently laid him down. Maria laid her hand on Jose’s chest feeling the beating of his tiny heart. She quietly tip toed to the door looking back smiling at her son as she opened the door and slowly closed it.
“Ms. Ella do you have any two by sixes I can use for a ramp to take the mower off the truck?” Juan called from the breeze way.
THE BLUE STALKER Page 16