“Well, I sure as hell can’t tell her this if that’s what you mean.”
“No, I don’t guess you can,” George concurred with a sigh of his own. “How are you going to handle it with her if it comes up?”
“She hasn’t mentioned it again since that night we had dinner so I’ll just let it go and hope that it dies quietly. If it ever does come up, I’ll just have to figure out a good excuse for why we can’t find him… or something. I don’t really know what else I can do at this point.”
There was silence between them for a moment as they both considered the information that had been learned and the repercussions of it. Suddenly, Henry broke from his trance and remembered that he needed to get on the move.
“Oh hey, George, I’ve gotta run. I’ve got a couple of errands in town and need to get out of here so I better let you go. Thanks again for tracking down Carl for me and handling all of this; it was a real favor.”
“No problem, buddy. Give me a call this weekend if you get bored.”
“Will do, take care now.” With that, Henry hung up the phone and looked at his watch.
“Ugh,” he grumbled. He was irritated that he was falling behind his predetermined schedule for the day. In truth, his agitation was far more about the bad news he had just gotten than it was about a few minutes lost to a phone call. There was ample time to run to town and make a few stops. If anything, it was still too early to arrive at most places. A much greater issue was how to put this tragic turn of events out of his mind. He was not typically one for dishonesty and the thought that he knew horrible and tragic information about Millie’s son that, as of yet, she did not, felt deceitful to him. Furthermore, he knew that he might someday be faced with either concealing this information from her or revealing it and hurting her deeply, and this troubled him. For now, he consoled himself with the fact that she had not made any mention of his offer to look for her son. Therefore, it could be reasonably assumed that she had dismissed the matter. In any event, it was time now to turn his attention to the immediate future and his desire to make their first date as memorable as possible.
After placing his cup in the sink, Henry wrote a brief note to Millie and placed it next to the coffee pot. He then bid Joe farewell, grabbed his car keys, and headed out the side door. He was off to Lewis to procure the necessary components of a fantastic picnic complete with the finest cold root beer that money could buy.
*
Millie stepped into the kitchen just after 9:00 a.m. She was in a jubilant mood and excited about the day ahead.
“Hey Henry, it’s just me,” she called out as she strolled past the island toward the front door to put down her purse.
Upon hearing no reply she called out a second time, but it was again to no avail. She noted that Joe hadn’t greeted her either and walked over to the box in the corner to investigate.
“There you are, Momma,” she cooed to the sleepy little cat. Joe could barely open her eyes to see Millie standing above her, but she acknowledged her pets with immediate and affectionate purring.
“Well, this explains where you are. Now, where is your daddy?” she asked. The smell of the coffee pot beckoned her, and she broke off from her affection toward Joe to fetch a cup for herself. Stepping to the counter, she immediately saw the note that Henry had left, and a smile spread across her face.
“Millie, I ran into town for a few things but will be back to pick you up at 10:30. See you then, Henry.”
He’s going to pick me up! Just those words alone were cause for exhilaration. She could not recall the last time a man had “picked her up.” The mere thought of it made her giggle. Certainly there had been suitors over the years seeking her affection, but she had never accepted their advances or been moved to action. Each time that someone had approached her on a social level, she had found cause to resist the overture.
Perhaps this preference for solitude was because of her past and the guilt she carried with her. She had never forgiven herself for putting her son up for adoption or for the behavior that led to the pregnancy in the first place. Possibly her lack of interest in romance had been due to the responsibility she had accepted in caring for her ill aunt and the time constraints and demands of that care. These were both valid reasons that each had merit and could partly explain why she had never dated or married after her arrival in Lewis.
Primarily though, her lack of a love-life could be attributed to a deep connection she felt with Henry and the world that she had created around him. His care and well-being had been her main focus for more than two decades, and she found self-worth and security for herself there. Romance had never been part of the bargain between them. Until now, it had been enough for her to be what he needed her to be. She had shared in the parts of his life that he was willing or able to allow her to, and she had been satisfied. It was safe and comfortable, and an alteration of any kind in the balance of things posed too great a risk.
However, the new world that was now emerging brought excitement and possibility with it. There was now a dream of something more. After Joe’s arrival at Oak Forest, the chemistry of things began to change. Henry had softened and was evolving into something very different and attractive to her. He was warmer and more forthcoming now. His shift in demeanor had sparked a change in her as well. The result was that they were growing closer and becoming more playful. They were seeing one another in a different light and discovering feelings that, though they seemed new to the two of them, really had been developing beneath the surface all along.
The clock seemed to be standing still as Millie checked it with great frequency. She noticed a light tingling behind her knees and an odd emptiness in her stomach. She wondered if perhaps she might be coming down with something but after noting that her palms were moist too, realized that she was just excited. Millie was reminded of being a little girl and how nervous and anxious she had been the first time she had ridden a Ferris wheel. Her father and mother had taken her to Atlanta to attend a large fair, and it was the first time she had ever seen such a colossus in person. It was scary and thrilling and a day she would never forget. Now, a lifetime later, she could feel the same sensations in her body. To calm herself, she attended to small chores to help pass the time but it felt as though 10:30 a.m. would never arrive.
The Lewis Gazette that Henry had left behind that morning was lying on the island, and she passed by it several times before finally deciding that some reading might be just what the doctor ordered to soothe her nerves. Millie settled into a seat at the island and began to scan the articles for something of interest to occupy her mind. Her thoughts drifted, and she wondered if perhaps it would be prudent to make a couple of sandwiches or a snack to take along with them. However, she quickly squashed that idea when she remembered that Henry had been adamant when he had said, “I’ve got everything covered. You just show up in some comfortable clothes and leave the rest to me.” Looking down at her jeans and favorite sneakers, she was satisfied that she had followed his instructions and was ready to go.
Soon, Millie was deeply engrossed in an article about a dispute relating to a proposed new cell phone tower. The structure was to be erected in the heart of Lewis near its most famous landmark, The Eager Beaver Diner. The mayor was touting it as a major step forward that offered modernization and mobile phone service to the residents. He proclaimed it to be just the type of progress that would bring growth and prosperity to the town. A local man named John Everett was the key driving force behind the project and owned the land where the tower was to be constructed. In spite of this, many of the locals were predictably vociferous in their opposition. The old guard didn’t see the need for cell phones and claimed that it would be an eyesore that would damage the small town charm that residents and visitors held so dear. Millie noted the name of John Everett and knew that Henry despised him, though she had no idea why.
“Are you ready?” came a voice as a hand touched her right shoulder.
“Oh, my dear Lord!” Mille
shouted as she threw the newspaper up into the air and whirled around in the chair to find Henry standing behind her. She looked as if she had just seen a ghost and her reaction ignited a series of belly laughs from him that brought tears to his eyes.
“What on earth?” Millie exclaimed as she put her hands over her face and tried to restart her heart.
“I’m sorry, Millie, I thought you heard me come in,” Henry apologized as he moved toward the kitchen sink to wash his hands.
Millie took a small series of breaths and looked at the clock. It was 10:35 a.m. She realized that she had become so lost in the article that she hadn’t heard Henry come inside the house.
“You like to kill me. A body can’t take that kinda shock you know. I’m no little girl. One of these days you’re going to knock the life right outta me!” she gasped as he chuckled.
“What were you reading that had you so caught up in it?” he asked.
Millie collected the sheets of the newspaper which were now strewn across the island and also onto the floor next to her.
“I was reading about that new phone tower that the mayor wants to build,” she explained.
“Oh yeah? I didn’t read that yet. Well, it’s about time Lewis got cell phones I guess. Lots of other places have them. What’s the big deal?” he asked while drying his hands with a yellow and white checkerboard towel left next to the sink for just such a purpose.
“Well, that man John Everett that you don’t like has a piece of land off behind The Beaver and wants to build it there, and people are mighty angry.”
“Next to The Eager Beaver? You’ve got to be kidding? And Everett is in on this? Well, we’ll just see about that,” Henry snarled as he walked over to the phone on the counter and lifted the handset. “If that jerk is for it, it’s good for him and not so much for Lewis. You can bet your life on that,” he scowled as he dialed the number of the mayor’s office while Millie looked on. She had seen Henry angry on many occasions and knew that he meant business. Instantly, his countenance softened, and his voice became bright and friendly.
“Good morning Shirley! This is Henry Engel. How are you today?” His voice was kind and pleasant as he greeted the mayor’s secretary. “Great! Glad to hear it. Say, is Dick around? I’d like to have a quick word with him if he is in.”
There was a brief pause, and Henry took the opportunity to look at Millie, who was standing beside the refrigerator watching him. He gave her a wink and a nod to indicate that this would be only a minor delay before they would be heading out. She understood his meaning and stepped into the bathroom to make final preparations before their adventure.
“Henry?” greeted Richard Ross from the other end.
“Hi Dick, how are you?”
“I’m terrific, thanks,” he replied. “How are you this morning?”
“I’m excellent, just getting ready to head out for a picnic as a matter of fact.”
“No kidding? Well, good for you, Henry! It’s sure a fine day for a picnic. So, what’s on your mind?” he asked, knowing that Lewis’ most influential resident did not normally waste phone calls to check on the well-being of the town’s leadership.
“I was just running through the Gazette and noticed a story on that cell phone tower.”
“Oh yeah? How about that? Could really be big for us, I think. Sure has some folks worked up, though. I’m guessing if you’re calling then you’re in opposition to it too?” the mayor asked while bracing himself for Henry’s barrage.
“Nope, I think it’s a good idea. Cell phones are the wave of the future. It’s only going to get bigger from here, so we better get in on it. I agree that it’s time Lewis moved forward,” Henry asserted, much to the mayor’s relief. “I do have a couple of concerns about the details though and would like to talk to you about them before this thing moves any further. Would you have time for lunch tomorrow to discuss it?”
“Of course, Henry. You know me, I always welcome your input. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. If you’ve got a better idea, I want to know about it.” Richard Ross was not just grandstanding. He was well aware that Henry had been a staunch backer of his and had always come through when the town was in need. The most recent example of this had been the previous summer when Henry had footed the bill for a new roof for the town’s community center. It was a large expense, and Henry had stepped up to assume all of it.
“Ok, terrific. How about we meet over at The Beaver at 11:30?”
“Works just fine for me, Henry; I’ll be there. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Great! I’ll see you then, Dick. Goodbye now,” he said as he hung up the phone. Henry was quite satisfied with the conversation. He liked Richard and believed that he was a good mayor who put the town’s best interests first when making decisions. He had always treated Henry with the utmost respect and been an honest, straight shooter. All of these were key qualities that Henry held dear and, in turn, they earned Richard Ross his unwavering support. With that matter now handled for the moment, Henry’s attention returned to the immediate future. It was the dawn of a new day at Oak Forest, and he was eager to explore it.
Chapter 12
A Beautiful Spring Day
“Aren’t you ready yet?” Henry called to Millie through the closed bathroom door.
“Oh, stop all your fussing, I’m almost done. Don’t want me looking like an old washwoman, do you?” she fired back.
“Can’t imagine what you’re doing,” Henry muttered quietly to himself as he paced around the kitchen slowly while looking out the window at the bright sunshine on the other side.
“Already nagging at me like a husband and we haven’t even gone out yet,” Millie teased as the bathroom door opened. Henry stopped on the far side of the kitchen table. He smiled at the humor and watched as she stepped into the room to see how her final preparations had turned out. Millie entered with a slight grin as she too was relishing the joke just made and the connotations of it.
“Wow, you look just beautiful!” he declared with true sincerity. Millie’s face glowed. These were words that Henry had never said to her before, and they felt wonderful to hear.
“Aww thank you, Henry! You’re too sweet,” she responded as she passed by him on the way to collect her purse. Henry watched as she walked to the door and returned, enjoying the complete view of her.
“No, I really do mean it, Millie. I sure like that color on you,” he proclaimed referring to the light orange knit top she was wearing.
“I’m sure glad you do,” she said as she paused at the corner of the island by the refrigerator and looked back at him.
“Here I am. You ready to go?”
Henry had been mesmerized momentarily but her question snapped him out of it.
“Hold on, stay right there,” he instructed as he stepped past her and out the side door. In an instant, Millie could hear the door opening announcing his return.
“Close your eyes,” he called out from the laundry room.
“All right, they’re closed,” Millie smiled and shut her eyes as he had asked.
Henry stepped through the doorway and placed something on the island in front of Millie. The minute he entered the room she could immediately smell the object of the secrecy. The smile on her face broadened.
“Ok, you can open them up now,” Henry told her.
When Millie opened her eyes, the largest and most beautiful bouquet of yellow daisies she had ever seen was in front of her.
“Oh my, Henry! They’re so lovely!” she exclaimed.
“Well, last time we were a little short on yellow as I recall.” Henry was referring to the day he had brought home flowers for Millie after his visit with Mary.
Millie bent forward putting her face just above the bouquet and deeply inhaled the rich fragrance. Her eyes closed as she enjoyed the delightful smell. After a brief spell, she stood up and turned to Henry, who was standing next to her. She placed her hands in his, and her touch made his fingers tingle slightly.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to do things like this.”
“Well we’re here now, ain’t we?” Millie asked with a squeeze of his hands. Before releasing them, she added, “And that’s enough for me.”
Henry smiled and nodded. He understood her point perfectly and was in complete agreement. There was no gain to be had by looking backward. It was time to enjoy the present and look to the future.
“I’m going to leave these right over here,” she said as she moved the vase onto the kitchen table. Before moving away from them, she leaned in their direction and took another sample of their glorious scent. After that, she walked over and gave Joe a few small strokes as she slept in her box. “We’ll be back, sweetie,” Millie whispered to her.
“Well ma’am, are you ready to go?” Henry asked as she moved back across the room toward him.
“Yes, sir!” she answered as she picked up her purse and stepped past.
As Millie opened the side door, she was shocked to see Henry’s 1930 Ford Model A pickup truck sitting just outside waiting for them.
“Holy cow! Your Uncle Ed’s truck?!” she exclaimed as she darted over to it.
“I thought maybe the old girl might like to join us,” he declared proudly as he followed Millie outside. The late morning sunshine reflected brightly off of the truck’s glossy black paint as Millie ran her hand across the smooth front fender.
“She’s so beautiful!”
“Yeah, I polished her up yesterday back in the garage,” he explained.
“So that’s what you were doing all afternoon back there? I was wondering what you were up to.”
Celebrations With Jake and Joe Page 12