by Diana Tobin
“I love it. You look wonderful.”
“Gusta’s hair was about like that when she first came to town. Different reasons, though,” Nettie put in.
“In a way. It was a choice for me, just as I’m sure Lynn’s new look was a choice for her. Anyway, my news; Joann is coming for a visit.” Gusta practically danced in place after her announcement.
Lynn glanced at Nettie and Dani to see the same polite smile she felt certain she wore. “That’s nice, Gusta.”
Gusta deflated some at their blank looks, then realized the problem. “Joann is my dear friend from Oregon. She and her husband, Bill, are coming for a visit. They’ve always wanted to visit Maine and this is a perfect time. Plus, she’s my Close to My Heart consultant.” Seeing her friends still didn’t share her excitement, Gusta continued. “Scrapbooking. Card making. I told you about Joann when we made the toppers for the cookies. Remember?”
The other three gave a collective, “Ohh.”
“Make sure you bring her in so we can meet her,” suggested Nettie.
“You’re still not getting it,” Gusta said in frustration. “No, I’m not explaining it. We’re going to have a craft day while she’s here. Bill loves to hunt and fish, so Web is going to work on a day for them. Maybe they can go out on a lobster boat or something. While they’re doing that, Joann will do a party, or class, for us. Some scrapbook pages, a few cards. Maybe I could hire Charley to keep an eye on the kids for me. What do you think?”
Now that Lynn understood, she was excited. “I think it sounds great. We just have to figure out work schedules.”
“Mary Lou and I will run the shop. That way you and Grammie can spend the day crafting,” offered Dani.
“I thought you enjoyed it when we made the toppers,” protested Lynn.
“I did, but you can learn and show me later.” Dani turned to Gusta. “Be sure to bring your friend in for a coffee so I can meet her, too.”
“JoJo doesn’t drink coffee, but I want her to meet all of you.”
“Then I’ll make her one of my fabulous new green tea smoothies,” declared Dani.
Nettie placed an arm around Dani’s shoulders. “That’s my girl, always thinking of new things.”
“I was thinking we’d get some extra things at the craft store,” Gusta said. “Joann can’t bring much on the plane and I have a few things, but we’ll need more. Scissors, adhesive, pens, and whatever we can’t live without.” She grinned. “Jo will bring catalogs, a few stamps, and ink pads.”
“Are you coming with us, Mom?”
Nettie went to the cash register and pulled out some bills. “No, you girls go. Take some money with you, Lynn.” Seeing her daughter was about to protest, she added, “We’ll work it out later. I want you to get enough so we’ll have what we need. It won’t go to waste. We all enjoyed what we made for the wedding and I think it’s something we girls can do from time to time.”
Lynn took the money from her mother with a thank you. “You ready, Gusta? Hey, how did you leave home without either of the kids?”
“A miracle. Both were down for a nap when you called. I told Web he was in charge and left before he could argue,” she said on a laugh. “I love my children, dearly, but it’s nice to be an adult and think about what I want to do for five minutes.”
“Amen,” Nettie chimed in. Dani gave a hmmph and Lynn frowned. “Have fun, girls,” Nettie said with a shooing motion.
Waving a hand over her shoulder as she ushered Gusta out the door, Lynn said, “We will.”
○◊○
Gusta Webster’s friends arrived in time for the Fourth of July weekend. Web immediately liked the other couple and was pleased for Gusta to have time with good friends from “before.” Before, when Gusta lived in Oregon. Before, when she was married to her first husband. Before, when Hope, her daughter from that marriage, had been alive. Before he and Gusta had met.
Web would never let his wife know he’d been nervous about the coming visit. Although he had trouble imagining it, what if Joann and Bill had been friends with Gusta’s ex rather than her? That worry was put aside the moment he saw Joann’s open, happy face. While Joann hugged the breath out of his wife, Bill continually commented on how well Gusta looked.
There was a mutual admiration between the Webster children and Bill and Joann. After the first fifteen minutes of shyness, Noah attached himself to Unca Bill like a new appendage. Except when he was flirting with Auntie Jo and trying to convince her he always had cookies before supper.
That first night, once everyone was tucked into bed, Gusta wrapped her arms around Web and thanked him. “What are you thanking me for? Not that I mind how you go about it,” he said with a grin.
Gusta sniffled. “For welcoming my friends. For letting them stay with us. I didn’t get to see Joann once I—we—moved to Portland, but we stayed in touch when possible. I emailed her after you and I got married. We’ve phoned a few times. I just never thought I’d see her again, and I’m realizing how much I’ve missed her. I’m so glad she and Bill are here and you’ve all gotten to meet.”
Web pressed a kiss to her lips. “I haven’t had to remind you of this for a long time, so I won’t make a big deal out of it, but I’m not your asshole ex. I would never keep you from your friends. It’s a bonus that I like them, too.” He began stripping her clothes off. “That said, I’m happy to let you show me your appreciation.”
Popping the button and lowering the zipper, she slid her hands inside his jeans to caress the taut muscles. She pushed the jeans down his huge thighs. “Thank you for my beautiful life, Web. I love you.”
“You are my life, baby. Let me show you how much I love you.”
○◊○
Overhead, the sky was a clear blue bowl with puffy white clouds drifting about in the slight breeze. Sun rays glinted off the lake’s surface, and the air was fresh with a hint of pine. With such a perfect day Gusta and Joann set up tables on the Webster’s porch for their craft day.
Micki closed The Hair Mousse for the day and convinced Rose to attend with her. They were able to re-schedule their few appointments, and rarely did summer tourists stop in for a haircut or manicure. This was pointed out to Rose to help appease her guilt at not working.
Lynn opened the coffee shop, as usual, then left it in the capable hands of her niece and their summer hire, Mary Lou. Lynn had brought a plate of cookies even though the women had agreed to order pizza for lunch so no one had to cook.
For the recent July Fourth holiday, the Websters had hosted a cookout with others bringing side dishes. The Reigh family had attended along with the newlyweds, Nettie and Wil, plus Lynn and a few others in town. Lynn had let Joann monopolize baby Emma, knowing her time with the Websters was limited, and was pleased when Noah related all he and Unca Bill had done. Everyone had enjoyed the day and the fireworks set off over the lake after dark.
Joann had a catalog for each of them placed at each seat. She and Gusta had made little thank you gifts for everyone, and Joann had a gift for each attendee; a stamp, some sort of “bling”, or a tool that could be used in crafting. She didn’t just tell them how to do something, she showed by example, doing each project with them and lending a hand where needed.
Charley played with Noah in the huge backyard, even though he was a bit put out he didn’t get to go fishing with the men. Baby Emma slept peacefully in a portable crib near the porch swing.
Lynn enjoyed every minute, was amazed at all she saw in the catalog, and peppered Joann with questions. “You should consider becoming a consultant,” Joann suggested.
“Oh, I don’t know. I kind of have my hands full right now and I’d want to get better at it before I tried to teach others.”
“I can find you a local consultant if you want to know more. Or, you can email me with questions.” Joann gave her one of her business cards.
“If I decided I wanted to be a consultant I’d want you to sign me up,” Lynn stated.
“I can do that,” Joa
nn happily agreed. “Enjoy the creating for a bit first.”
By the time the men returned, sunburned and full of tales, the women were relaxing with drinks and placing orders with Joann. Ethan and Wil had joined Web and Bill and they’d brought live lobsters back with them.
“Everyone stay for dinner,” stated Gusta. Assigning chores, they soon had the craft supplies put away and the meal under way.
Lynn and Micki shared a look knowing there had never been a day, or evening, like this when they were growing up; conversation and laughter with good friends.
Lynn was the first to leave, pleading an early morning. She hugged Joann and thanked her for the lessons, the gifts, and the ideas. “I’ve really enjoyed today. I’ll keep in touch, if you don’t mind.”
“I’d like that. Any time you want to see Oregon, you give us a call.”
“You and Bill need to come to the coffee shop. My niece, Dani, wants to see you again and make something special for you. Gusta said you don’t drink coffee, but we have other beverages.”
“We’ll be sure to,” Joann promised.
Once Lynn left, the others drifted off, too. Web offered to put Noah to bed since he’d been gone most of the day, and Bill had already made his way to bed. Joann sat on the swing, Emma cradled in her arms, slowly rocking her to sleep. Gusta sat next to them.
“I’m so glad you and Bill came for a visit.”
“I’m happy we did, too. But, I’m even happier to see you doing so well.” She smiled at Gusta. “It’s easy to see Web thinks the sun rises and sets on your head. You have a beautiful family, great friends, and this is a wonderful place to live. I wish we weren’t clear across the country from you.” She placed a hand over Gusta’s and squeezed. “I’ve never seen you look so happy or so in love. It’s a good look for you. I miss you, but this was a good move for you.”
Gusta flipped her hand over to grasp her friend’s. “Coming here was the best thing for me. Web has helped me heal and grow in ways I didn’t think possible. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to take you to the family cemetery tomorrow. I want to share with you some of the things I’ve learned.”
Joann’s smile gleamed in the dark. “Okie dokie!”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Since she was closest to the door Lynn answered the knock at her sister’s house. The hair on the back of her neck rippled and her eyes became slits. “What are you doing here?”
Donald Chyster stood on the doorstep. “Hey, baby. You look great.” He reached out for her and Lynn took a step back. “You cut your hair. Why’d you do that?”
“Don’t touch me!” She grabbed one of the hockey sticks by the door, holding it across her body, causing him to raise his hands in a sign of peace.
“Who is it, Sis?” Micki came up behind Lynn, easily looking over her shoulder.
“No one. Just trash.”
He ignored Lynn’s insult making eye contact with Micki. “Oh, hi. You must be Lyn-Lyn’s sister. I’m Donny. Good to meet you.” He moved forward, hand out-stretched, only to have the end of the hockey stick shoved into his belly.
“Lyn-Lyn? You’ve got to be kidding,” snorted Micki.
“You need help, Sis?” Ethan joined them at the front door.
“Just removing vermin from your front steps.”
“Now, wait a minute,” Donny protested.
“I’ll handle it,” Ethan offered. “That’s what big bros are for.”
“Thanks, Ethan, but this one is so small, I can handle it.” Lynn kept brandishing the stick at Donny, backing him down the stairs.
“I thought your brother’s name was Matt.” Donny backed up another step.
“The only thing worse than your thinking, Donald, are the lies that come out of your mouth.” He hated being called Donald. Lynn jabbed at him again. “How did you find me?”
“Will you stop that?” He tried to ward off the end of the stick. “You said your mother had a coffee stand, but the only place I could find was some moose shop. A girl named Dottie, said she was your cousin or something, told me you’d be here. Will you stop poking at me with that!” He cleared the annoyance from his face and gave her what he thought was a charming smile. “I made a little mistake, baby.”
“You consider sleeping with my best friend a little mistake?”
“I don’t know how it happened. She drugged me, or something.”
Lynn shook her head in disgust. “Still blaming others for your screw ups.”
“I’ve missed you, Lyn-Lyn.” Donny held a hand out to her. “Life is no good without you.”
“In other words, Becky threw you out. Made sure you took off with the car this time.” She looked over his shoulder at the shiny black Porsche. “Is it even in your name?”
Donny smiled. “What a kidder you are, Lyn-Lyn.”
“Don’t call me that,” she said between gritted teeth.
“Sure. Okay. You should know there’s nothing between Becky and me. We shouldn’t let one little lapse come between us. You can’t forget how much we shared. You’re the one I need.”
“By sharing, you mean I did it all and you took the credit. I don’t need you!”
“I love you, Lynn. We need to talk.”
“Okay.”
Donny breathed a sigh of relief only to have Lynn wrap her hands around the end of the hockey stick and whack him in the knee like it was a puck. “Ow! Damnit! What the hell is wrong with you?”
Thwack!
He tried to dodge her next swing only to get smacked on the ass.
Thwack!
This one caught his shoulder.
“Get your crooked, lying, cheating ass off my family’s property.”
Thwack!
She was swinging the stick around wildly and caught him right between the legs. He dropped to the ground.
Lynn realized the end of the stick had snapped off. “Humph! Ethan, I think I broke your stick on his tiny dick.”
In reflex, Ethan cupped himself. “I don’t want to know how you know that.” He grabbed his wife’s hand with his free one and gave her a pleading look. “Please, don’t ever let me make your sister mad.”
Lynn turned around to give her brother-in-law a sweet smile. “You can tell by his stubby little thumbs.”
He couldn’t help it. Ethan held out his own hands, studying his thumbs.
Michaela laughed. “I’ll explain it to you later, but trust me, you have nothing to worry about.”
A tractor came up the driveway, and Lynn realized she’d been hearing engine noise for some time. Her face heated even as she kept hold of the mangled stick in case Donny needed another reminder of being unwanted.
JC sat for a moment taking in the scene before he climbed down from the high seat. “Need some help?”
“I…uh—”
“Call 911,” Donny pleaded. “She attacked me for no reason. The bitch is fucking crazy.” The insult would’ve sounded harsher if spoken above a whisper.
JC took a couple steps forward, tripped, and landed a heavy boot on the man’s ankle. Donny’s shriek pierced the air. “Oops.” JC moved closer to Lynn. “You okay, sweetpea?”
Her lips trembled as she tried not to laugh. She’d just beaten a man and JC’s concern was all for her. “He might have a broken knee. I don’t know if he can drive.”
JC brushed her hair behind her ear. “I need to know you’re all right.”
“Yeah, until I go to jail.”
“You can get arrested for taking up hockey now?” JC slowly shook his head from side to side. “Man, that’s gonna make it tough for the Wolves.” He gave her a brilliant smile. “That is what you were doing out here, wasn’t it? Practicing your hockey moves.”
“Actually,” her heart beat fast and hard. Was JC letting her know he wasn’t going to have her arrested? “There was a rat on the door step.”
“From the looks of it, a rather big one.”
“Not so big,” she said. “It has a tiny brain.”
“A tiny dick, too,�
� put in Ethan coming down the steps. “It’s probably even smaller after getting…uh, in the way of a hockey stick.”
JC couldn’t stop his own flinch even as he turned a big grin on Lynn. “You do whatever you need to get rid of those rats. Is that his car?” He nodded toward the gleaming black Porsche.
“Yes,” she glared at the vehicle. “Wonder who bought that for him.”
JC slid his calloused hand along her jaw, tenderly cupping her face. “Sweetpea, some men are damn fools.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Open the door for me. Let’s get the trash and vermin out of here.”
“How’s he going to drive?” she asked even as she did his bidding.
Donny lay on the gravel whimpering, curling into a ball as they talked.
“I’ll help him out.” JC bent down and grabbed the back of Donny’s belt, pulling his pants tight against his bruised balls. Ignoring Donny’s groan of pain JC grabbed the back of his shirt, dragged him to the car, and shoved him inside. He pinched Donny’s face with his large hand forcing him to meet JC’s gaze. “Pay attention,” he ordered.
Donny’s eyes focused, then widened in terror.
“Don’t ever call her a filthy name! You ever think about coming near her again,” JC spoke softly, making his threat more deadly, “I’ll do worse than bruise your balls. I’ll make you wish you’d never been born, never met Miss Baxter, and feed you to the pigs. They’ll eat anything, even nasty little rats like you.”
Donny began blubbering before the door closed with threats of police, prison, and law suits. JC just slammed the door shut and smacked his palm on the roof of the car.
“What did you say to him?” Michaela and Ethan stood behind Lynn.
“Told him he should watch out for moose around here.” He smiled at the three. “That’s how I happened to be driving by. A milk tanker hit a moose and it got wedged underneath. They called me to help, but the poor bastard died before we could get him out.” He held out his hand to Lynn. “Wanna ride with me?”
She didn’t hesitate to put her hand in his. “Where are we going?”
“Figured I’d get the trash out of the Reigh’s yard. You can help me drive.” Taking her with him he climbed up to the seat of his tractor, then lifted her into his lap. “I’ll try not to get your dress dirty.”