Running Out of Rain

by Lori Leger

  “But you have a granddaughter. You never know.” She lifted the gown, fingered the delicately beaded bodice with its sweetheart neckline. “Do you happen to know if someone handmade this for her?”

  He shook his head. “I have no idea.”

  She lifted the gown out of the box, checked it for stains or discolorations. “Other than a slight yellowing, it seems fine. You’d be surprised what the cleaners can do now.” She reached into the box, lifted a piece of paper. “Oh, look! It says who made it for her and what they paid and everything. You see? Beth knew details like this are important in family heirlooms. You have to keep this, or give it to Zachary and Cat for their daughter.”

  “You’re right. Put it in the Zach pile and I’ll get it to him tomorrow with the rest of the stuff.”

  “I think you should bring it straight to a reliable dry cleaner. Maybe have it sealed up again. Cat won’t have time to deal with this right now with the babies.”

  He agreed and stood. “I’m thirsty. Want something to drink?”

  “I’ll take a tea if you have any left.” Her phone trilled its distinctive ring tone. “Can you grab that for me?”

  He brought it to her, his mouth tight. “It’s Trini, hon. Do you want some privacy?”

  She grimaced at the name flashing. “No, as a matter of fact I’m going to put her on speaker. She’s always telling me I’m picking fights with her. You can be my judge, or jury, whatever the case calls for.” She pushed the talk button, then the speaker button. “Hey, Trin. What’s up, sweetie?” She placed the phone carefully on the nightstand.

  “I’m positive Mick is sleeping around on me.”

  “Well, hello to you, too.”

  “This is serious, Mother!”

  “I didn’t say it wasn’t, Trin.” The sound of her daughter’s acidic voice filled the air space.

  “I called you because I thought you, of all people, might understand what I’m going through.”

  “I’m here, Trini. What’s going on?”

  “Mick is spending more and more time away from the house. I’m sure he’s having an affair.”

  “Well, have you spoken to him about it? Maybe there’s some other explanation.”

  “Oh God. I knew you’d take his side.”

  “Honey, I’m not taking his side. I’m-I’m just…” She looked at John Michael and spread her hands in question. He shook his head. “So, tell me everything.”

  “I. Already. Did.”

  John Michael’s eyes widened perceptibly.

  “Honey, there must be something else. Does he say he’s going to a bar after work, or that he’s working out with some of his friends?”

  “How would I know?”

  “Have you asked him why he’s spending so much time away from home? Have you asked him where he’s going?”

  “Of course not! I’m not going to accuse him without proof.”

  “Well, how do you expect to get proof?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well, honey. I still think the first step is to confront him. If he’s spending too much time away from home, ask him where he’s been.”

  “Oh, my God. You don’t believe me, do you?”

  Cynthia grabbed two handfuls of her own hair. “Trini, do you really want to know what I think?”

  “I called you, didn’t I?”

  Cynthia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Okay, now bear in mind this is only my opinion. I’m not there, so I have no idea what’s really going on—”

  “Other than taking your own daughter’s word, which is what any other loving mother would do.”

  John Michael lifted one hand and turned away, as though he’d heard enough. “Oh Trini, I do love you.” Or I would have given you away by the age of thirteen.

  “So you say.”

  “Honey, don’t let your father’s actions poison your relationship with Mick. You have a child together. Your marriage is worth saving.”

  “Would you have given Daddy another chance?”

  “Moot point, Dear. I didn’t have the opportunity to give him another chance. Now, what I’m hearing from you is not definitive proof, as you said. Your choices are to speak to him about your suspicions or realize you could be a little paranoid because of what happened with your father.” Trini’s burst of hysterical laughter told her not to expect any kind of reasonable comeback.

  “Oh my God. I should have known you’d do this. You’re turning everything around so the focus is on you rather than your own daughter. Haven’t you ridden your pity train long enough, Mother?”

  John Michael reappeared in the doorway, his expression incredulous as he mouthed the words, “Is she kidding?”

  “Are you serious, Trini?”

  “About what? The way you neglected your husband for years until he finally turned to another woman?”

  John Michael’s jaw clamped down tightly as he shook his head.

  “Do you even realize what you’re saying, Trin?”

  “I believe I do.”

  “Really? So, if Mick would be sleeping with another woman, it’s only because you’re not giving him what he needs at home, right?”

  A moment of silence preluded Trini’s muttered “What a bitc—” before the line went dead.

  Cynthia placed both hands on her forehead. “Wow! I’m … wow.” She looked up at John Michael. “Is it me?”

  He reached for her hand, helped her up from where she sat cross-legged on the floor. “It’s definitely not you, Cyn. Nothing you said called for her to speak that way to you. I’m grasping at straws here but has she, by any chance, had some kind of head injury recently?”

  She released a burst of nervous laughter. “If only it could be explained that easily. I’m afraid my daughter is simply a self-centered brat. I’ve already told you how her father spoiled her. She talked him out of every punishment I ever gave her for talking back and sassing. She was the perfect child at school and for everyone else. But at home she was, well, you heard it. I’m telling you, if I’d had my way, my daughter would have stayed grounded, with no privileges for at least eight years of her life.”

  She grabbed onto John’s biceps, stared into eyes filled with sympathy. “She hates me. You heard her. My daughter hates me. And I honestly don’t know what to do to fix things between us.”

  He pulled her close for a hug and she relaxed in his arms. The man always seemed to know what she needed before she even needed it.

  “Maybe you should call your boys. They may have some insight as to what’s going on.”

  “They may, but she doesn’t have a great relationship with them, either. There was always lots of tension between them. Especially when their punishments held and hers didn’t. I could never make Gene understand how his favoritism put a strain on the family.”

  John grunted. “I never had a daughter, so I can’t see it from his point of view. But, if anything, my parents were a little more protective of Jenna. Even though she was two years older, she had a few more restrictions because she was a girl. I remember thinking how it sucked for her, but she didn’t complain about it too much, though. And after she died, I wasn’t in any frame of mind to party and put my parents through another kind of hell. We’d all been through too much. I didn’t want them worrying needlessly.”

  “Of course you didn’t. You were a good kid, even back then, and you grew into a phenomenal man, much to your parents’ credit.” She picked up her phone and shook her head. “I love my daughter but I hate her shrewish behavior. We didn’t do her any favors. Or Mick either, for that matter; good lord, nobody deserves the brow beating she gives her poor husband.” She reached up to give him a quick kiss then retreated onto one end of his comfy couch with her phone.

  She’d spent the last five evenings here and had grown quite comfortable at John Michael’s place. He walked by with an armload of “closet” stuff to be delivered to one of a few places tomorrow, pausing long enough to give her a wink. She smiled as she dialed her oldest s
on, Jeremy. Within seconds she was speaking to his girlfriend.

  “Hi Lena, this is Cynthia, Jeremy’s mom. Is he around by any chance?”

  “Hey, Ms. Cynthia! I’m sorry, but he’s working out right now. How are you? Is everything okay over there in Louisiana?”

  “Oh yes, sweetie. Everything’s fine. I received a disturbing call from Trini, though. Have either you or Jeremy spoken to her lately?”

  “I haven’t, and if Jeremy has he hasn’t mentioned it. To tell you the truth, it would be highly unlikely. They don’t exactly see eye to eye.”

  “Doesn’t surprise me, hon. I’m not sure if Trin sees eye to eye with anyone.”

  “Well, it’s not for me to say …”

  Cynthia chuckled, reading between the lines. “It’s all right Lena. I don’t want to put you on the spot with your boyfriend’s mom or sister.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Cynthia. I’m glad you called though. It saved me from sneaking your number from Jeremy’s phone. I’m giving him a surprise party for his birthday, and he’d be so excited if you could make it.”

  “Fabulous! I know his birthday is the 29th and falls on a Tuesday this year, so when are you having the party?”

  “The next Friday evening, so that would be August 1st. I was thinking around 7:30 to give everyone time to get off of work and it would give you all day to make the six hour drive to Little Rock, unless you’d want to fly in. If so, let me know what time to pick you up from the airport.”

  “I don’t mind the drive, but I’ll let you know for sure nearer to the party. I—I may be bringing a plus one if that’s okay.”

  “Sure.” After a brief pause, Lena added to her comment. “So, is there anything you want to tell us, Ms. Cynthia?”

  Cynthia walked to the window, her gaze glued to John Michael arranging boxes in the bed of his truck. “No. Not yet. Like I said, I’ll let you know if I’m going alone or with someone, but I’ll be there for sure.”

  “Awesome! Tyler’s driving in from Memphis, too, with his girl of the month. We haven’t met her, so don’t ask. This party will be epic.”

  “Have you spoken to Trini about the party yet?”

  “I’ve been dreading calling her, but I can’t put it off any longer. She’s always a little …”

  “Rude?” Lena’s sigh told her she’d guessed correctly.

  “I was going to say brief to be nice, but rude is probably a better fit.”

  “Welcome to the club, Lena. She just hung up on me.” She decided not to mention the rest of it. “Well, okay. Have Jeremy call me when he gets a chance please, and I won’t breathe a word about the party.”

  “Great talking to you, Ms. Cynthia.”

  “You too, sweetie. I can’t wait to see everyone.”

  She ended one call and made another to her youngest son.

  “Hey Mom. How’s it going over there?”

  “Hey Ty. Everything’s fine. How about you? Is Memphis treating you well?”

  “It’s great. I love my job and I’ve even got a new girlfriend. I can’t wait for you to meet her.”

  “Really.” This was new. “Are you bringing her to Jeremy’s party?”

  “Yep. Jessie’s a great girl, Mom. She reminds me a lot of you. Strong, independent, and she’s got something none of the others had.”

  She tapped her nail on one tooth. “Like what?” Please don’t let the name of some awful STD fly from his lips.

  “Morals.” He laughed. “Had you worried for a second there, didn’t I?”

  “Nope.”

  “Admit it, Mom. You thought I was going to say big hooters or something equally as distasteful.”

  “No, I can remember several of your girlfriends with those.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. But honestly, you’re going to love her, Mom.”

  He sounded genuinely satisfied, something she’d never heard from him before. She suddenly couldn’t wait for this party. “I’m sure I will.”

  “Is Grammy Bess all right?”

  “She’s wonderful. I’m wondering if you’ve heard from your sister recently. I got a disturbing call from her.” His groan said he’d been informed of the subject matter already.

  “Not Trin, thank God. But Mick called me all kinds of upset. He says she’s losing her freaking mind, Mom. She’s totally paranoid. He’s been working late to earn extra cash for their anniversary cruise in September. She’s been accusing him of having an affair. Honestly, I think she needs therapy.”

  “I was thinking the same thing, Son. The thing with your dad threw her for a loop.”

  “Well, yeah. It did all of us, but no one more than you, Mom.”

  “When I mentioned it could be why she’s so suspicious all of a sudden she accused me of trying to make it about me and not her.”

  He answered with a burst of laughter. “Of course she did. She’s the only drama queen in our family. No one’s allowed to be more miserable than Trini. Period. Honestly, if Mick is cheating on her, I wouldn’t blame him one b—”

  “Tyler! There’s no good excuse for infidelity.”

  His end of the line went suspiciously silent for several seconds before he picked up the conversation. “I’m sorry Mom. I’m just realizing what a dick-uh-crappy thing that was to say to you. Totally insensitive. I wasn’t saying you deserved what Dad did. You didn’t. He was so wrong. The old man had it too damn good with you, and Trini knows it, but as Dad’s pet, she’s having a difficult time facing facts.”

  Cynthia kept quiet, trying to decide which direction to take this conversation. She couldn’t bear to have either of her sons know what their sister had said to her. It was bad enough John Michael knew.

  Tyler released a long sigh. “I’ll shut up now.”

  Nervous laughter bubbled up from her until he joined in. “I miss you so much, Ty. I cannot wait to see you and your brother. As for Trini, well I love her to death, but she surely does try my patience.”

  “I suppose we’ll have to put up with her like we always have,” Tyler added. “Poor Trin. She lost her cheering section when Dad died. It’s kind of sad when you think about it.”

  Cynthia stared at her phone, shocked momentarily by her son’s out of character insightfulness.

  “Mom, are you still there?”

  “Y-yes. I guess you’re right, Son. It is sad. But I found myself thinking I can’t wait to meet Jessie.”

  John looked up when Cyn sauntered out the back door and stood on the porch, stretching her back. The hem of her white shorts landed a few inches above her knees, and a figure hugging yellow T-shirt accentuated her shapely little body. She wore some thick soled, bling-ed up flip flops she claimed were the most comfortable shoes ever invented. If he didn’t know her, he’d have sworn she was early forties, at the most. She looked that damn good.

  She saw him at the grill and smiled as she slipped her phone into her back pocket. She must have had a good conversation with at least one of her boys.

  “You look happier,” he said.

  “I spoke to Tyler. He’s met a girl who seems to be a darn good influence on him. And …” She held up her two forefingers for emphasis. “He can’t wait for me to meet her.”

  He wiped off the grates of his gas grill. “I’m assuming this behavior lands in the extraordinary range for him?”

  “Extremely. His previous girls have always been … well, for the sake of decency, they’ve been for decorative purposes only. This gives me hope.”

  “Yep. That’s how I felt about Zachary’s previous flings. Thank God Cat had the good sense to come home and grab him up.”

  “No telling what kind of daughter-in-law you’d have ended up with, huh?”

  John shook his head. “I have a feeling he’d have been a die-hard bachelor, and I would never have had the chance to be Paw Paw Johnny.” He finished the cleaning process of the grates and sprayed them with a coating of non-stick vegetable oil. “I think Zachary’s always known Cat was the only one for him. They’d been friends
forever.” He grinned at a particular memory. “They had this ridiculous ‘friendship pact’ during school. She seemed to think it was important, so he went along with it.”

  Cynthia bubbled with laughter. “The ‘We can’t date because you’re too important to lose as a friend’ pact?”

  “Sounds about right, but hell, we all knew he was crazy about her. Thank God for Cathryn after Beth died. Many nights she brought my son home safe and sound after he’d pulled a good drunk.” He suppressed a shudder. “Late in their senior year, something happened to draw Zach’s interest to Cat’s well-being instead of his own.”

  She approached and slipped her arm around his waist. “Really?”

  “Yep, and it snapped my son out of his pity-fest real quick. I didn’t know anything about it at the time, but it all came out last year.”

  Lines of concern appeared on her brow. “It sounds ominous.”

  He took a deep breath. “Still turns my stomach to think about it, Cyn. Cathryn pulled a typical senior stunt. She snuck off to a college football game with some friends. It was the Tiger Bowl, Auburn at LSU. Her and her girlfriends ended up at a bar around the campus after the game. Cat was drugged and …” He let the rest go unspoken. “She didn’t know who it was and didn’t want to know.”

  “So there was no police report or visit to the ER?”

  He shook his head. “She only told Zachary then begged him not to tell a soul. She knew he was the one person who’d never break a promise to her.”

  Cynthia groaned. “That happens more than you know. Poor Cat. I can’t imagine what kind of hell she went through. But, you said it all came out last year.” Her eyes widened suddenly. “Oh wait, wasn’t that the owner of the home and business security company? The one vandalizing businesses so he could sell them systems?”

  “Jack Stanley.”

  “I remember Mom telling me about the stink, and how he was linked to several rapes.” Her hand flew to her mouth as sudden realization dawned.

  John Michael nodded. “They got him for several counts of arson, attempted arson, and once the smoke cleared, several counts of rape and attempted rape.”

  “I remember he was caught red handed for arson. Did he confess to everything else?”