Falling for Love

by Addison M. Conley

  She spent over an hour in the office beating herself up. It was now close to four o’clock. Soon the dinner crowd would be showing up. Thank God there was a sink in the office. She didn’t want anyone to see her like this, but she had to trust someone and called Jo in.

  “You look like shit. How can I help?”

  “I need you to run the restaurant tonight and play down my absence. Don’t mention the incident to anyone. I’m going to crash here and maybe come out later. You haven’t called Robby, have you?”

  “No, but this concerns me. Are we at risk?”

  Even though she trusted Jo, she had to defuse the situation. “Turns out the scrawny bully from high school has shown up all buff and full of bluster. I’m sure he’s only carrying to display his redneck manhood. You know, a progun zealot with an attitude.” She could tell Jo wasn’t buying the entire story, and so she lied. “He spouted off that it was his second-amendment rights. Then he tried to tell me folks like him protect businesses like mine from robbery.” She faked a laugh. “His last-ditch effort was an offer of a date at the shooting range. Anyway, no need to worry, Jo. The sheriff’s aware, and I’ll check in with him tomorrow.”

  Jo’s shoulders loosened, and Jordan was relieved. After shutting the door, she rummaged in her backpack and found a bottle of Ambien. She popped two, lay back down, and put the radio by her head. Exhaustion finally overtook her.

  ****

  Boom, boom, boom. “Jordan. Unlock the door.”

  The pills had knocked her out, and it was late in the evening. She sat up in a daze and shouted, “I’m coming.” After unlatching the door, Jo bounced in. Damn, she’s always full of energy. Where does it come from?

  “Sorry I pounded, but you weren’t responding. Quick, freshen up and take care of your bad hair. Emmy’s at the bar. You sure you’re okay?”

  “Yeah, just a little tired.” Jordan yawned. “Keep her occupied. I need a few minutes.”

  After cleaning up, she stared at her face in the mirror above the sink. Push Darrell out of your mind. Take care of it another day. Get through tonight.

  She sauntered toward Emmy who was playing with the olive of her martini. As Emmy slid the olive off the skewer into her mouth, Jordan wished she could scoop her up and kiss her right there.

  “Mind if I join you, Ms. Russo?”

  “Is something wrong? You’ve got an odd look in your eyes.”

  Jordan shrugged. “Rough day and my muscles ache. What’s up?”

  Emmy bit her lip. “One of my clients called. Calvin Thornton, my number one client. He wants me to drop everything and fly to Scotland. I’ve managed to put it off.” Emmy reached out and put her hand atop Jordan’s. “There’s no way I’m going to miss your birthday.”

  “Better not miss my birthday, or you’ll sorely regret it.”

  A devious grin replaced Emmy’s frown. She leaned over and whispered, “Sorely regret. How sorely?”

  Jorden whispered. “You always bait and hook me. I don’t know how I fall into your trap, but I adore your flirts. Now, tell me about this trip.”

  Emmy took over the conversation and launched into details about Calvin. Jordan was relieved for the diversion but was having trouble concentrating because the Ambien was still in her system. She fought off the drowsiness by nursing a Diet Coke. When Emmy suggested she fly to Europe, she popped to attention.

  “It’s only four days at the end of the month. Please come with me?”

  The plea was hard to resist, but Jordan had a real excuse. “I’d love to, but I’m afraid my passport expires around that time. I’ve been so busy that the time snuck up on me. I’ll miss you.” She didn’t know what else to say.

  Emmy looked heartbroken. She slid off the bar stool to leave. “It’s late, and I have to help Betty Jean early tomorrow.” As she fluffed her hair out from underneath the coat’s collar, she whispered, “I hope we can be more open after your birthday. This playing your best friend role is grinding on my nerves.”

  She turned and left without saying goodbye. And Jordan silently let her go. She felt like shit, yet she needed some time alone. Time to think. It was all moving too fast.

  ****

  It had been two days since Darrell had made himself known. She still hadn’t heard a word from him. After brushing her hair and smoothing her clothes, she stared in the mirror. The impeccable dress couldn’t hide the look of exhaustion on her face. Sleep had eluded her. Forget it. It was an accident. He’s scum anyway. She tiptoed out of the master bathroom, and Emmy rolled over with her eyes wide open.

  “God, it’s early. Where are you going?”

  “Thought I’d run into town and get us fresh pastries before I head out to work.”

  “Jordan, what’s wrong? We didn’t make love last night. We had sex. Have I upset you?”

  Jordan rushed to the bedside. “No, Em. I haven’t been sleeping well.”

  “I know you’ve got to be worried about coming out to your family tomorrow.” Emmy rubbed Jordan’s hand. “Don’t do it because I want you to. It was shitty of me to say I was tired of playing the role of best friend. I’d like nothing more than to shout to the world you’re my girlfriend. I simply want you to be ready.”

  “Em, a part of me may never be ready, but I’ll deal with it.”

  “You tossed and turned last night. Is everything okay at the restaurant? I heard the waitresses saying some guy was disruptive, and the sheriff kicked him out.”

  She didn’t want to worry Emmy. “He’s a loony guy from way back. There’s no need to worry.” She kissed Emmy. “The coffeehouse has the best pastries. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

  In the SUV, she squeezed her eyes tight. Calm down. Take care of family matters, then worry about Darrell.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Jordan sat quietly in the passenger seat. She should have warned her mother before but had been so nervous over the past couple of days. She grunted and whipped her head back on the headrest when she saw Gerry’s vehicle. He must have gone to the early Sunday service. Dammit.

  “I thought the party started at three.”

  “Yeah, so did I.”

  Emmy put her hand on Jordan’s shoulder. “Look at me.” Their eyes locked. “I understand if you want to wait. Either way, I’m there for you.”

  Jordan gave her a weak smile. “I’m scared, but I’m tired of being a chickenshit. We both know I have to do this.” Her smile widened and she leaned over and lightly kissed Emmy. Stopping momentarily with a mix of emotions, she joked, “Get ready for mayhem. I’ll quiz you on names later.”

  As they walked in, Jordan heard a familiar voice. “Ah, there’s the birthday girl. Still the prettiest girl in all of West Virginia.”

  “Sam?” Jordan couldn’t believe her eyes as he wrapped her in a huge bear hug and lifted her off the ground. Gwyneth’s youngest brother and his wife lived in Alaska, and he hadn’t been home for ages. Despite being a bit of a rough outdoorsman, Sam always seemed to be the most down-to-earth uncle.

  “So, you still working maintenance in the oil fields.”

  “Yep, and still hunt and fish in my spare time.” Turning to a petite woman with long salt-and-pepper hair, Sam glowed. “You remember my wife Gina.”

  “Of course I do.” The women hugged.

  Sam poked Jordan. “Who is your lovely guest?”

  “I’m sorry. Everyone, this is Betty Jean’s niece Emmy Russo.” Warm greetings were extended, and Jordan was relieved that Emmy fit right in. “Where’s Grammy and Poppa and Aunt Elizabeth?”

  “They’re running late.” Gwyneth whizzed up dropping a hot cider drink in their hands.

  “Joe and Vivian can’t make it. Several of your cousins are outside by the fire pit.”

  Mom’s brother Joe and his wife were conservative, not as bad as Gerry, but she wasn’t close to them or her cousins. Luckily her mom didn’t pick up on her feelings.

  Gwyneth turned to Emmy. “Where’s Betty Jean?”

  “Not feeling
well. She sends her love.”

  “Sounds like Elizabeth and I ought to deliver some chicken soup.”

  “I’m sure she’d be thrilled to see you.”

  Gwyneth kissed Emmy’s forehead before returning to the kitchen. She called over her shoulder, “Go introduce Emmy around. Have fun.”

  As they walked up to Carter, his son grabbed Jordan’s hand. “Auntie, come see the house we built out of this great new kit we got for Christmas. I used some lumber pieces to build a road around it, and I’ve got some new Hot Wheels. You gotta see it.”

  “Go on. Angie’s upstairs yakking about wedding plans.” Carter swung his arm around Emmy. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep her company with my dazzling charm.”

  “You wish,” Jordan said before being tugged to the basement of munchkin chaos. She trusted her little brother but shook her finger. “Behave.”

  ****

  Carter whispered into Emmy’s ear, “It’s good to see you. I’m happy for you both.”

  “Thank you. I feel like I’ve known you for ages.”

  In all the hubbub, Emmy had not yet taken a drink of the cider, which was now lukewarm. She took a big swig as the smell of apples, ginger, cinnamon, orange, and something spicy filled her nose. It burnt slightly going down. With bulging eyes, she held out the glass. “There’s alcohol in here.”

  Carter looked down at her with the same big puppy dog eyes and wicked grin as his sister.

  “A little spike in the adult container to get the juices flowing.”

  “Does your mum know it’s spiked?”

  “Of course, she gave you the drink.” His grin was now ear to ear.

  “What about Gerry?”

  “He doesn’t approve, but it’s not his house. You’ll notice he and Anne will only drink water. As you can tell, it’s got the right amount of rye whiskey to give it that nice spicy slow burn.”

  “Mine has extra.”

  He chuckled. “Well, sometimes we get a little carried away with the proportions. It’s Grammy and Poppa’s favorite. It keeps them young. Oh, Angie is the designated driver. So, feel free to drink up.”

  Emmy had a drink or two in early afternoons on special occasions but never would have suspected this in rural West Virginia, especially on a Sunday.

  “Come on, let’s mingle. I’ll introduce you to our cousins. If there is one thing, the Lange family is never in short supply of, it’s conversation and speaking their minds. Some spiked apple cider and you’ve got a good rolling party.”

  That’s what worried Emmy. No matter how the family reacted, she would support Jordan and hope for the best.

  It was a whirlwind at the fire pit with people coming and going but it seemed warmer when Jordan joined them.

  While Carter chatted with everyone, Jordan drew Emmy off to the side and away from the others. “You look dazed.”

  “You said there would be a lot of people. Goodness, you didn’t mention your family was half of the county population.”

  “Yeah, and only half are here. Still my girlfriend?”

  “Yep. By the way, your hand is still lingering on my shoulder and sending chills down my spine. You’re also grinning like a schoolgirl gazing into my eyes within kissing distance. If you don’t step back, I’m sure you won’t have to tell anyone. But I will expect a rain check later tonight.”

  As their conversation was finishing, Robby and Linda walked up. After several more minutes, they excused themselves and moved inside.

  ****

  Jordan wanted Emmy to meet Grammy and Poppa before things got crazy. Although the house was packed, they somehow found a few moments alone with them. Poppa quickly struck up an animated conversation with Emmy. Enthusiastically, he waved his hands telling her all about the apple orchard. Within no time, the two were laughing. Jordan sat next to Grammy and stole glances at Emmy. Seeing her and Poppa having a good time warmed her heart.

  She felt Grammy pat her knee. “You know my family’s been here since the mid-eighteen hundreds. But your Poppa’s family. Well, they never did like to talk about the war or the family being split. You know your great-uncle Hans didn’t come until the end of World War II.”

  Jordan half listened as she had heard the story before about Poppa’s only brother who died in the fifties. “Yep, 1948.”

  “No. That’s the year he became an American citizen. Not the real year he came over.”

  Jordan furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”

  “He wasn’t a farmer like the rest of ’em. He was a scientist. The American military grabbed him and others in mid-1945 and took them someplace in the southwest for a secret project.”

  Jordan’s mouth hung open. She had never heard this story before.

  “They were ten years apart, and of course the separation didn’t help. Still, your Poppa loved Hans.”

  “He must have been a good guy if the military brought him here for secret work.”

  “He was. Your Poppa loved him, but their arguments have bothered him to this day.”

  “No one has ever talked much about Poppa’s family. Why weren’t Hans and Poppa close? What were the arguments about?”

  “Oh, they were close. Just stuck on one matter that they both stubbornly never settled. Then Hans died, and your Poppa felt guilty.”

  Jordan saw sadness in Grammy’s eyes, but before she could ask another question, they were being called to dinner. When she glanced over, Emmy was helping Poppa out of the chair. Jordan helped Grammy. The mystery nagged at her. What was she trying to tell me?

  As they stood, Grammy clasped her hands around Jordan’s face. “He won’t make that same mistake with you. Just look at him glowing over Emmy. He likes her. I like her.” She grabbed her cane and joined Poppa, and they walked arm in arm slowly to the table.

  Did she just say what I thought she did?

  Dinner went by with little fanfare, and it was quiet until Angie brought out a huge black forest cake. Immediately, the kids came out of the woodwork and wound everyone up. After singing “Happy Birthday,” the kids grabbed their cake and headed to the basement, and the teens headed out to the fire pit. Only adults were around the table. Jordan grew more nervous as coffee cups were refilled. Now would be a good time but the words she had rehearsed escaped her.

  Unexpectedly, Sam stood. “Finally, it’s calm. I think we should stand and take a turn to talk about what we’re grateful for. I’ll start. I’m grateful for having a loving family that is caring and has damn good cooks. Happy birthday, Jordan. Here’s to you and the rest of you scraggly bunch!”

  Jordan could see Gerry cringe at the curse word. He seemed to be in a much darker mood if that was possible. A solemn, brooding mood, which scared Jordan even more.

  Each family member stood wishing Jordan a happy birthday and pronouncing what they were grateful for. It was close to Gerry’s turn when, unexpectedly, he excused himself to check on the kids. As the positive comments flowed, it was soon Jordan’s turn. She felt ready but paused and her brain spun again when Gerry arrived back at the table.

  “We missed you, nephew. How about you tell us what you’re grateful for.” Sam innocently piped up.

  All eyes were now on Gerry as he stood, staring down at the untouched piece of cake. When he raised his head, Jordan’s stomach did an immediate flop. Gerry’s demeanor and his lashing out at family members to tell them how to live their lives had become more and more frequent. Sam and other relatives who lived farther away had been fortunate enough not to see this side of him. Jordan could tell that was about to change.

  “We have a wonderful family, but I’ll tell you what I’m not grateful for. While we sit around and enjoy our meal and freedom, our values and religious liberties are threatened.”

  “Gerry now is not the time to discuss politics. Concentrating on what makes you sad instead of happy brings only pain. This is a celebration today. Please stop,” Gwyneth said across a hushed room.

  Gerry huffed, tightened his hands into fists, and leaned on the
table. “Now is precisely the time, Mother. We’ve been through so much as a country with the economy, nine eleven, and ISIS but the biggest threat is at home.”

  As Jordan’s eyes met Carter’s across the table, his face had that “Oh, shit, here we go again” look.

  “Gerry, please stop.” Gwyneth pleaded.

  “No, Mother. Evil will triumph when good men do nothing and do not stand up for the rights of their families. We are threatened by all the liberalism shoving this same-sex marriage down our throats. Homosexuals threaten the divine sanctity of marriage and what God plans for us as a family. We should all be thankful for the Alabama judge who is standing up for our rights and speaking out. I’m organizing a march in a couple of weeks to stand up for our religious freedom. Everyone at this table needs to join us.”

  Carter’s chair flew back and slammed into the wall as he jumped to his feet pointing his finger at his brother. “You, as always, are out of line! This is your sister’s birthday and should be a happy occasion, but you have turned this into a spectacle. And for the record, I’ll be at your march holding a big sign about what a bigoted, homophobic asshole you are. Gay people aren’t ruining this country, people like you are!”

  “Carter! Gerry! Sit down and be still!” Gwyneth gave them that mom look that silently signaled they had better respect her or else. “I will not tolerate outbursts in my house,” she said after staring them down. “People can calmly talk or not talk at all. And, there is no room in my house for bashing other people. Understood?”

  Carter shook his head and sat back down. Gerry crossed his arms and remained standing.

  “Gerry, please sit down.”

  He reluctantly did so. The room was quiet except for the forks clanking as everyone went back to eating cake. Jordan saw Grammy pat Poppa’s hand. He stood and walked away. Sam looked stunned. The outburst didn’t seem to bother her cousins. The room was silent only for a minute before a wife of one cousin spoke up.