Nelson folded his hands under his chin when his elbows met the desk. "I'll give you one chance. That's it. You got it?"
Harvey did. He'd already been given the second chance the moment he checked himself into the rehab center. He was lucky he even had that one. He couldn't blow it.
The dishes clanked in the sink as Beth's mom washed off the leftover scraps before placing them in the soapy water. "I really wish we had a dishwasher," she admitted. "Of everything we've upgraded in this house, we should have gotten one." Her mom wiped her hand across her forehead and let her eyelids fall.
"Another migraine?"
"No. I'm fine." She opened her eyes and kept cleaning the dishes.
Beth squeezed in next to her. "Let me finish this. Get some rest." Beth wondered when she would finally give in and go to a doctor about the headaches. Her mind wandered to a mountain of possibilities: a stroke, a tumor, or something else in her body affecting her brain. Gosh, she was still a teenager; she needed her mom.
"Thanks, dear." She flung the towel off her shoulder and onto the counter. She walked over to the table and sat down.
"Mom, why don't you go lay down in your bedroom?" Beth suggested as she rearranged the dishes in the sink. She liked the plates on the bottom, bowls stacked on top, cup placed in a circle around them, and the silverware inside those. She couldn't wash them any other way.
She waved her hand up, but not quite in surrender. "I will in a minute. I have to talk to you about something."
Her mom didn't often sit her down for a serious discussion. Her parents never felt the need to have a lot of "talks" with her. Maybe she finally went to a doctor. Oh, God, could it be cancer? Or something worse? She turned the faucet on and ran her hands under until the water heated up. "About?"
Her mom clicked her tongue, a noise she always made when trying to formulate the best opening line. Today Beth didn't care how much the sound annoyed her. If her mom was going to dump the news on her she had cancer, she could make all the noises she wanted. "Your father and I talked for awhile before he went to work. We think you need to get a job."
The soap squirted past the dish and onto the stainless steel. She used the sponge to wipe it up, squeezing under the water to form a lather. A job? Talk about being out of left field. "I'm going to school in less than two months. Why get a job now? I figured I'd find something part-time on campus once I'm in school." Beth thought for a moment. "This is dad's idea, isn't it? Why didn't he stay down here to talk to me?"
"I thought I should. Dad tends to get a little anxious about these things."
"These things?" His life revolved around telling people how to make and use money. She doubted he was nervous.
"Boys."
The dish slipped out of Beth's hand, but she managed to catch it. "What are you talking about?" Apparently the conversation they had earlier in the day wasn't good enough.
Her mom pinched the bridge of her nose. "You seem to be spending a lot of time with this Harvey fellow. A job will keep you busy."
"Mom, you're assuming all I do is think about this guy twenty-four hours a day and pine over him. I'm not like that. That's not what's happening." Sort of. She'd be lying if she said she never thought of his incredible body and tasty lips.
"We know, honey. We want to make sure it doesn't get too serious too fast. You're so young, Beth."
She set a dish on the drying rack. Her parents were acting like she were tying the knot tomorrow. "You and dad were young."
"You're right, but times were different then." She rubbed her hands on her cheeks. "I just think you need to slow things down."
Slow things down. They hadn't a clue the speed of anything. They did marry in a different time, when getting married young and starting a family was something everyone did. Were they even aware of how many girls in her school had sex? They'd be in for quite an eye opener if they listened in on some of the conversations the girls at school had. "You think, or Dad thinks?"
Her mom let out a sigh. "We both think this, Beth."
She picked up another dish, scrubbing the soap harder than necessary. "I can't figure out what any of this has to do with Harvey. I'll get a job when I start school. It's not fair to wherever I work if I leave two months after I start." Or Harvey, who she wanted to spend as much time with as possible. Or Lucy, who she had to hang out with a little more before she left for school. Or herself, who just wanted to enjoy her last summer before officially becoming an adult.
"I talked to Aunt Sue. She said she could use some help with her cleaning business."
It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the need to work, even as a teenager, but they agreed two years ago when she got her license school was enough responsibility. Education topped the priority list and a job may be too distracting. Getting a job with the intention to leave in two months was irresponsible. Her parents insisted on this for all the wrong reasons. They hadn't even met Harvey and already were trying to keep them apart. "So what, I'm supposed to clean all summer?"
Giving into her headache and imminent migraine, her mom excused herself from the table. "You'll be fine, Beth. Make a little extra money - she's going to pay you with cash - and you'll stay busy, rather than be holed up in the house the next few months."
"Or with Harvey."
"Or with Harvey. You can see him, honey, but don't spend every minute he's free with him."
She started scrubbing another dish, the soap covering her hands. "Harvey has a job. I don't spend every free minute with him." The calm, rational Beth disappeared, giving way to agitated, speed talking Beth. "And if I wanted to spend all my time with him, what's the big deal anyway? I'm going to be meeting all kinds of people in school. Are you going to stop me from seeing them, too?" The dish almost broke when she slammed it onto the drying rack. She ran her hands under the water to clean the excessive soap off. "I've always been responsible. Why don't you and Dad trust me all of a sudden? He didn't freak out I was dating Ryan."
"We do trust you, Beth. We don't necessarily trust this Harvey guy."
"You don't even know him." Beth's voice deepened, slowing as she said the words.
She took a few steps forward and leaned against the counter, placing her hands on her hips. "People talk. We've heard a few things."
Beth picked up a towel and wiped the tops of the cups so the water wouldn't pool. "Like what?"
She rubbed the side of her neck. "His dad has a, um, well, a drinking problem."
She'd had it. She tossed the towel on top of the drying dishes. "That's a rumor, Mom, and even if it were true, does that mean Harvey has one too? I hope you have more confidence in me than to date someone like that. It's not fair to Harvey, or me, to judge him before you know him. What kind of a person does that make you?" She pointed her finger at her mom, quickly putting it back down. Holy shit. Beth's heart raced as she stared back at her, tapping her foot rapidly on the floor. She put her hand on the counter for support while she waited for a response. Her mom started laughing. What the hell? "What's so funny?"
She traded the laugh for a silent smile. "Beth, you are growing into quite the young woman. You're right. I shouldn't judge Harvey, but that doesn't mean your father and I can't look out for you." She pushed herself off the counter. "Harvey or not, please call Aunt Sue. A job isn't a bad thing. I know you know that. A smart girl like you realizes it isn't too early to start saving up some cash." Her mom approached her now, and put her hands on Beth's shoulders. "Fine. I'll give Harvey a chance." She paused. "If you get a job."
Sigh. A job would cut into her time with Harvey, but working for her aunt would give her more freedom than any other job. School was eight weeks away, and then she'd be off on her own, making her own decisions. Her mom wanted to lie down, and she wanted to be done with the conversation. "Okay." She was defeated.
Chapter Twelve
Beth wasn't uncomfortable going to her aunt's house alone; she preferred Harvey accompany her. Her mom probably filled Aunt Sue in on her relationship with Harvey,
setting Beth up for an evening of interrogation. At least with Harvey along, he could save her from some of the questioning.
Approaching her mom and dad about Harvey coming with her weighed on her the whole night. Her aunt already agreed to it, but she still had to tell her parents. She either had to inform them, or let them find out from Sue, so she bit the bullet and decided on initiating the conversation.
"Hey, Dad," she said as he rushed in the door after work. He tossed his briefcase on the table. Beth sat at the counter, having pretzels for a snack. She flipped a pretzel into her mouth. "Mom! Can you come in here?" Her mom was in the living room preparing for her book club which met that evening.
Her dad took off his suit jacket and rested it on a chair. "Do you need me?" He asked as he opened the refrigerator door. "I got an urgent phone call on my way home and must get upstairs and deal with it." He bobbed his head up and down, searching the contents on the shelves. "Isn't there left over pizza or something?"
Beth pushed her bowl of pretzels aside. "Not sure, but yeah, I need to talk to you, too."
"Is it important?" He shut the door and turned around.
"Yeah, kind of," she answered as her mom came strolling in. "You can either sit or stand. Up to you."
"Which would be better?" He asked as he straightened his stance.
Better? Better would be not having the conversation at all. "It doesn't matter. I'll just talk."
"Good idea," her mom agreed.
She cleared her throat. "Anyway, I'm going to Aunt Sue's tonight to discuss the job like you suggested." Both nodded, their curiosity filling their faces. "Harvey is picking me up."
"Absolutely not," her dad cut in. "Didn't your mom discuss this with you earlier?" He accused her mom with his eyes.
"Yeah," Beth answered, "and she agreed as long as I got a job, I could see Harvey."
"Michael, I filled you in last night. Don't you remember?" Her mom left her post at the entryway to the kitchen and sat down next to Beth at the counter. "Why would you bring him with to something like this?"
Because I want to kiss him some more. I want to lose myself in his beautiful face. Those reasons wouldn't work on her parents. Good thing she prepared points in anticipation of their reaction. "Mom, even though it's only Aunt Sue, I don't want to go alone."
"So bring Lucy." Her dad logically concluded.
"Lucy made plans with Jackson." Ha! Counterpoint! "Besides, Mom, you're itching for more information about Harvey. Think of Aunt Sue as your personal spy. I'm certain the second Harvey and I leave, she'll be on the phone with you."
She tapped the counter top. "This is true. She's quite the gossip."
Like she wasn't. "And Dad, you worry about me driving at night, for whatever reason. Harvey can drive." He squinted his eyes, the wrinkles multiplying on his forehead. "He's a good driver, Dad. Trust me." Trust. She started the last point within the previous one. Perfect. He had confidence in her to go to college and live off campus with a friend. How was this any different? She wasn't going on a cross-country vacation with Harvey.
He took his phone out of his pocket. "I have to get upstairs and take care of this." He pressed the button to lock the screen again. "You've only known this guy a few weeks, Beth."
"Isn't everyone a stranger first? I was a stranger when you first met me." Okay, a stretch, but whatever she needed to say to get this done.
Beth's parents exchanged glances, and her Dad peeked at his phone again, agitated. "This can't wait anymore." He turned to Beth's mom. "You and Beth seem to have talked for awhile last night about Harvey. I'd rather know where she is than her sneak out with this guy. I think you agree."
Either the pretzels made her thirsty, or the nerves were making her mouth dry. Two for two. Damn, she should have taken debate class.
Her mom stood. "I've got to finish this book for tonight, and I don't want another migraine. I trust Beth. She's only going to Sue's house." Tapping her paperback on the counter, she added, "Tell your aunt I want a full report."
Horace was a quaint little town only twenty minutes west. Beth's Aunt Sue and Uncle Ralph lived in a tri-level house tucked away on a quiet street outlined by Lake Horace. The steep driveway led to a three car garage, connected to the small home. The two bedroom and one and a half bath house laid out more like a condo. However, Sue, quite the creative decorator, managed to give each room an elegant, spacious appearance.
When they got out of the car, Beth started to walk up the stairway. "Wait a sec!" Harvey called as he grabbed an item from the trunk. He caught up with her. "I picked up some sparkling grape juice," he showed her.
"I'm sure she'll like you brought something, but sparkling grape juice?" Her aunt would've let her drink one glass of wine. Since she turned sixteen, her parents allowed one small alcoholic beverage under supervision at certain functions.
"You're not old enough to drink, and I can't. So this was the next choice."
They started up the long walkway leading to the front door. "What do you mean you can't drink? Aren't you twenty-two?"
"Yeah, but I can't have any wine."
"Are you allergic or something?" Beth laughed as they reached the door.
"Something like that." He scratched the side of his nose. "Now Sue is your dad's sister?"
"No, Uncle Ralph is my dad's brother," she clarified, making a mental note to Google a prospective alcohol allergy. Someone not being able to drink alcohol. Weird. Here goes nothing, she thought and rang the doorbell.
Ralph opened the door, "Hi sweetie! I'm so glad you're here! Come on in. Aunt Sue is finishing up dinner." A smaller version of her dad stood in front of her. They had similar features, from the shorter, stylish hair, to the slight curve in the nose. Ralph, however, only stood five foot seven against her dad's even six, often claiming he was robbed in the height department. Freckles also covered his face, which her dad thanked God he didn't have, but Beth found them sweet.
"Dinner smells delicious," Beth said as she walked in to a permeation of buttered rolls and roast beef. Her nose flashed her back to the many home cooked meals she'd had at her aunt's house, usually followed by a fun board game.
Clicking heels echoed down the hall and Aunt Sue galloped into the room, her energy bursting out of her. Deep set eyes accentuated by a tad too much eyeshadow jumped out against her blond bob. For a woman of her age, she was very pretty. Kindness in her features and her spunky personality certainly added in her attractiveness. Confidence radiated from her glowing smile.
"I'm Sue," she extended her hand to Harvey, a grin spread across her face.
"Harvey?" Beth tapped on his shoulder. "Earth to Harvey? You okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine." He shuddered himself out of a trance. "Nice to meet you, Sue." He shook her hand, for what seemed to be a little too long in Beth's eyes.
"Beth's mom told me so much about you on the phone. It's hard to believe you just met!" She turned to her husband. "Well come on, let's eat now." Beth hadn't volunteered a lot of information to her mom, so it confused her what she told her.
"I brought some sparkling grape juice," Harvey handed her the juice.
"Oh," she took the bottle from him and pressed it against her chest. "Such a sweetheart! Thank you! I'm not sure if I've ever had this." She touched Beth's arm and chuckled. "I'm more of a wine drinker, right dear?"
She hoped her aunt wasn't making Harvey feel uncomfortable, especially since they only arrived minutes ago. "First time for everything, Aunt Sue." Harvey put his hand against Beth's back as Sue led them into the dining area, just through the small galley kitchen. The soft hold he had on her told Beth he thanked her for moving the conversation forward.
The long table was placed in the middle of the room, set nicely, with red placements at each setting. Sturdy wood chairs surrounded the table. "I put you two over here, and Ralph and I sitting here." She pointed to their seats.
Though a small house, this room always impressed Beth. The table definitely defined the space as the centerpiece, b
ut the entire east wall was ceiling to floor windows overlooking a backyard of greenery. With a lake on one side of the house and practically a forest on the other, living there must've been peaceful.
"It smells incredible," Harvey complimented as they gathered around the table.
"Thanks. I enjoy cooking. Baking not so much. I don't know why. I've never been successful at it." Sue sprinted into the kitchen and came back with a flowing bowl of salad. "Everyone dig in!"
Beth filled her plate with the leafy greens and vegetables before filling the rest with roast beef and potatoes. She wouldn't go overboard, but couldn't resist her aunt's cooking. "God, Aunt Sue, even your salad looks incredible."
She lifted her shoulders in joy. "Thanks, sweetie!" She slid lettuce off her fork. "Anyway, your mom said you need to make some extra cash this summer and wanted to pick up a few cleaning jobs."
Her mom sure knew how to embellish. Wanted was a pretty bold word. "Yeah. She thinks it's a good idea." She picked at the salad, moving grape tomatoes from side to side and stabbed a cucumber. "I guess a job isn't a bad suggestion."
"You'll earn some cash to spend when you get on campus," Ralph pointed out.
"What's the name of your cleaning business?" Harvey jumped in.
Thank you, Harvey. She didn't want to go into all of her mom's reasons, especially with Harvey sitting right next to her. "Sue's Squeaky Clean Cleaning Services!" Sue exclaimed, beaming with pride. "I started up about two years ago as a side business, really. For a day job I process loan applications at Horace Community Bank. Cleaning got me off my feet and kept me moving." She squinted her nose and pushed up the tiny black framed glasses outlining her face.
"This roast beef is excellent, don't you think, Harvey?" Beth kicked Harvey's foot as he stared at Sue, unresponsive.
"Is everything okay, Harvey?" Sue asked.
"Yeah." He put his fork down and rubbed his thighs. "I'm sorry, it's just ... you just look so familiar to me."
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