Late Bloomer

by Barbara Lohr

  They said good-bye. Carolyn made a cup of decaf and went outside. After setting her mug on the table, she stacked some wood in the fire pit. Thank goodness for the gas starter. Cuddling up with a blanket, she sipped her coffee and watched the logs catch fire one by one. The unmistakable scent of pinyon pine teased her senses.

  She had to make good use of this extra week in Santa Fe. Opportunity could disappear like a wisp of smoke.

  Chapter 14

  A quiet rustling at the front door made Carolyn turn in time to see her grandmother creeping in early the next morning. “Hi, Mama V.”

  “Good morning, dear!” her grandmother sang out, as if she’d just returned from the store. Her lilac tracksuit was the kind you’d wear to lounge around the house. Behind her, an overnight bag dropped to the floor.

  Setting her coffee down, Carolyn wished her mom could see the excited flush in Mama V’s cheeks. “Did you have fun?”

  Her grandmother’s eyes sparkled. “Why, yes. How about you?”

  “Great date. The museums, you know.” But she wasn’t about to to go into the personal revelations that had helped unlock the mysteries of Brody Wolf. “Think you can put up with me for another week? A pipe broke at the school.”

  “Are you kidding? How wonderful!” With a lunge of lilac velveteen, Mama V enveloped her in a scented hug, “I’d love it.”

  “Me too. I’m so excited.”

  Pushing away, Mama V studied her. “Am I being a totally inappropriate grandmother?”

  “That’s not for me to say. Want part of my English muffin?” When her grandmother nodded, Carolyn handed half over.

  Mama V slid onto the chair opposite but not without some effort. The more time Carolyn spent with her grandmother, the more she realized there were lingering issues that Mama V tried hard to conceal. “One more whole week,” she said between bites. “Now if you were your mother.” Here Mama V wagged a finger, as if she were Jacqueline Stanford Knight. “You’d ask me a million personal questions that were really none of your business.”

  Carolyn grinned. “Probably right. But I’m not my mother.”

  “Good, then I won’t pump you for details either.”

  “There aren’t any. At least, not yet.”

  “Ah, hah!” Her grandmother wiggled her eyebrows. “Hopefully there will be soon.”

  Okay, this felt weird. Girl talk with her grandmother. “Time will tell. What should we do today?”

  “The gallery’s always busy on Saturdays. Wendy called last night, and I could hardly hear her. She’s picked up some kind of bug and I sure don’t want her near the place.”

  When it came to Mama V and the gallery, Wendy could be very proprietary. Carolyn had always tiptoed around her, afraid she might mess things up. “I’d be glad to work at the gallery today.” She loved the long, cool white hallways, the smell of oil paint and watching shoppers study the work.

  After a quick shower, she sorted through her new wardrobe. How fun to have so many choices. The swirling skirt was perfect, as was the blousy peasant shirt. She wanted to look the role today. As a last touch, she piled on beaded necklaces, not caring if they matched. Of course, Brody’s earrings dangled to her shoulders. Catching the front of her hair up with a claw clip, she left the rest alone. No braid today. The look was very artsy fartsy, as Phoebe would say.

  When her grandmother was ready, they walked arm-in-arm to the shop. Entering the gallery was like entering another world. On her earlier trip, Carolyn spent most of her time at the hospital every day. Before she went home to Gull Harbor, she’d set up Uber to take her grandmother to therapy at a nearby rehab facility. There had been no time for anything else.

  Glancing at the walls today, Carolyn realized a lot had changed. Like most of the galleries on Canyon Road, the space had once been a home. One low-ceilinged room led to another, the work displayed on white-washed walls. What she saw here echoed the work in the casita.

  “Such beautiful pieces,” she said with awe as her grandmother snapped on the lights.

  “Isn’t it gorgeous? So many gifted artists.”

  “Are they all from Santa Fe?” She was stunned by a wide canvas with a grove of aspen trees turning gold, their slender trunks a white contrast.

  “Gracious no. I get work from all over the country. Artists send me shots of their portfolio. I like to help out the new ones, especially.”

  Since it was only ten and the gallery didn’t open until eleven, Carolyn had plenty of time to wander around. Starry nights, breathtaking vistas and mountain ranges of mauve and teal. The colorful abandon took her breath away.

  Santa Fe was like that. Although Carolyn loved her position in Gull Harbor, this trip made her feel as if she’d missed something. Had she kept herself safe but limited with a career in one town? Unlike other professions, teachers rarely moved around for advancement. They stayed in one school. Their reputation grew. She loved teaching the younger brother or sister of a former student. Her career had been so satisfying.

  At least, she used to feel that way.

  When they reached the back office, her grandmother turned. “What is it?” She never missed anything.

  “When did you change your style?” Carolyn swept a hand toward the riot of color on the walls.

  That mysterious glint lit her eyes again. “Call it a next step or stage. I had to do something while I was recovering. The darker paintings? They’re personal and stashed in the back. Didn’t you take another step when you graduated from college?”

  “That’s different. I had to. I couldn’t just go home and well, you know....”

  “Live with your parents?” Mama V suggested gently.

  “Right.” She had never even considered it. Lake Shore Drive never felt like a home. Her grandparents’ place in River Forest was home. Their cook Minnie always had banana bread baking or chicken and wild rice soup simmering on the burner.

  “Sure, Mom and Dad offered to set me up with interviews at private schools. They had tons of connections. I wanted something different.”

  “So did I, sweetheart. So did I.” Mama V took a seat at her messy desk. In contrast to Wendy’s neat reception area in the front room, here papers were heaped in slippery piles held steady by three coffee cups. Creative chaos. Must drive Wendy nuts. Carolyn smiled.

  “You’re fabulous.” She bent to kiss her grandmother’s cheek.

  “I’m no such thing.” Running one hand through her short wavy hair, she waved Carolyn away with the other. “Now walk around and see what we have so you can talk it up. Check out the back room. We’re starting to carry pottery. You might like it after visiting Museum Hill. I’ve got some paper work to do before we open.”

  “Terrific. I’ll just get caught up.” Her new boots sounded on the hardwood floors as Carolyn swirled through the rooms. Sure enough, a back room was filled with pottery in all sizes and shapes. Some designs were traditional, like the ones she’d seen in the museum. Others had a more contemporary approach. In particular, a black bowl embedded with turquoise caught her eye. Corner cases held jewelry. Again, she could tie in the designs with what she’d seen that day with Brody.

  This was the ancestry he treasured. The heritage that had caused him to walk away from Gull Harbor and everything familiar. How had he found the courage? Brody could have worked in the family vineyard with his brother. But he’d taken a different road. Her respect for him grew, along with her need to see him again.

  Tomorrow felt so far away.

  “Time to open the doors!” Her grandmother’s voice shook Carolyn from delicious daydreams. “You take the front while I put on fresh coffee. I want people to feel at home.”

  Then Mama V was gone, her uneven steps more noticeable in the hallway where the floors had settled on a slight angle.

  Carolyn was admiring the painting of the golden aspens when the bell behind her rang. Turning, she had to force a smile. “Hi, Alan.”

  “Morning. Hoped to find you here.” Freshly shaven with hair slicked bac
k, he looked so darned eager. Alan was such a nice guy. Polite and well-heeled. But not hot. Not a man who could stir a woman’s soul, at least her soul.

  He was no match for His Hotness.

  “Helping out this morning?”

  “Right. Wendy’s sick.” When she got up from the chair, Alan’s eyes took in her long skirt and boots. Carolyn almost laughed at his surprise, but she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. “You working in the shop today?”

  “Yes, although James works with me on weekends. Dad does too, when he’s not up here bothering your grandmother.”

  So that’s how it was. “I don’t think she minds.”

  “Guess not.” His gaze flitted around the room, avoiding eye contact. “Say, I wonder if you have plans for tonight?”

  “Oh, sorry, Alan. I do.” Part of that was true. She did hope to spend time with her grandmother. Especially since she’d be gone all day tomorrow.

  “When are you leaving?”

  “Um, not for a while.”

  Like his father, Alan thought on his feet. “Well, how about tomorrow then? Our shop’s closed. We could make a day of it.”

  How amazing the difference one week could make.

  Or one man.

  Knitting her hands together, she perched on the corner of the desk. “Alan?”

  His smile sagged. She felt terrible.

  “You’re such a great guy.”

  A frown drooped over that wilted smile. “But I just don’t think we have that much in common.”

  “Hmm.” While Alan’s eyes shifted to his polished tasseled loafers, her thoughts drifted to Brody’s work boots. “I see.”

  Carolyn felt like a teacher telling a student he’d flunked the course. Thank goodness her grandmother bustled into the room. “Oh hello, Alan.” Her eyes circled between the two of them and bless her heart, she caught the whole scene. Carolyn watched various emotions play over her face, ending with sympathy for Howard’s son.

  “I’m on my way up to the Burnished Cup for coffee,” Alan said, straightening. “Wanted to see if you ladies needed anything.”

  “Oh, aren’t you sweet?” Mama V gestured toward the back. The scent of coffee lingered in the air. “But I’ve put some on. You’re welcome to a cup.”

  “No thanks. Guess you’re covered.” The bright smile back in place, Alan edged toward the door. “Have a great day. Good seeing you both.”

  The blue door closed behind him, and Mama V turned to Carolyn. “He’s not your forever guy, is he?”

  “No, Mama V. He’s not. Sorry.”

  “That’s okay.” Her grandmother did her cute nose wrinkle. “Might have made things a little sticky down the road. You never know. If Howard and I ever break up, that could be awkward.”

  The words knocked the breath out of Carolyn. “You are a woman of many surprises.” But she felt relieved. “Can we have dinner tonight? You know, just the two of us?”

  “Absolutely.” Her grandmother squeezed her shoulders together. “Then you can tell me all about Brody.”

  Chapter 15

  “Mama V, have you seen my new boots?” Barefoot, Carolyn stumbled down the hall from her bedroom. Where had she left them? After dinner at La Fonda the night before, they’d watched The Notebook, munching on popcorn and swiping at tears.

  Her grandmother glanced up from the morning paper. “What suit are you talking about, dear?”

  Maybe it was time. “Boots, Mama V,” Carolyn said gently. “I’m looking for my new leather boots. Oh, there they are!” Stooping, she fished them out from under the sofa. Should she tackle the hearing issue now? It wouldn’t get any easier. There were times when she really wished her mother were here. She tugged on her right boot, and then eased on her left. That foot was still tender.

  Hands on her knees, she faced her grandmother. “Mama V, are you having trouble hearing things lately?”

  Her grandmother’s heart-shaped chin began to quiver. “Is it that obvious?”

  This was so hard, but Carolyn had to be honest. “Yes, it is. I’m sorry.”

  “Howard has never said anything about it.”

  “Maybe he doesn’t want to hurt your feelings?” Begrudgingly, Howard won another point.

  Her grandmother’s left hand crinkled the newspaper. When had she stopped wearing her wedding ring? “I don’t want him to know.”

  “But why? Doesn’t Howard wear a hearing aid?”

  “Oh, my goodness, no.” Mama V was practically whispering. “He’s quite a bit younger.”

  Well, hello. “Does that matter? Aren’t hearing aids really small now? Maybe he wouldn’t have to know.”

  “Oh, he’d notice. We’re, you know… He’d notice.” Ducking her head, she blinked furiously.

  Carolyn wished she’d never brought this up. “If he doesn’t have a hearing aid now, he will soon.”

  Mama V didn’t look convinced.

  “Will you consider seeing an audiologist?”

  With a defeated sigh, Mama V nodded.

  “Good. That’s great.” Jumping up, Carolyn circled the table and gave her grandmother a hug.

  “You’re such a sweetheart.” Her grandmother gently patted Carolyn’s hand. “Always worrying about me.”

  “I only want to see you happy.”

  “Oh, I am. I’m happy again.”

  Again. Meaning after Grandpa. Yep, maybe Howard wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

  Perched on the chair nearest the door, Carolyn waited for Brody. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. They’d left a lot unfinished. Practically put it on the shelf because she was leaving. Now she wasn’t. Anticipation coursed through her veins, hot and sweet. She took another peek out the front window.

  “Sweetheart, I think you might put a hole in my curtain if you pull it back one more time,” her grandmother commented, dropping her eyes to the expensive rips in Carolyn’s jeans. “I still cannot understand this fashion look. But, torn or not, you’d look fabulous in anything.”

  “That’s just because you’re my grandmother.” Peace filled her heart. “Are you seeing Howard today?”

  “Oh, maybe. Who knows?” Mama V was being evasive again. “Will you be home in time for dinner?”

  “Oh, maybe. Who knows?”

  Mama V broke into laughter. “Isn’t this just the craziest thing?” She’d asked some rather pointed questions the night before at La Fonda. But Carolyn didn’t have answers. Not yet. In the end, her grandmother simply said, “No use waiting, Carolyn. Whatever you decide, however you feel, don’t put it off. That’s my advice anyway.”

  Such simple words. But they felt complicated.

  The knock at the door came as a relief. Analyzing stuff took a lot out of her.

  She opened the door. Brody stood there, his brilliant blue eyes blazing against a dark tan. “No Stetson today?”

  When he stepped inside, he brushed her cheek with a kiss, as if he did this every day. “It’s in the car.” The need to have his arms around her felt so primal. The glint in his eye? Maybe he wanted that too. Maybe he wanted even more.

  Was she ready? Yes. She’d never felt more certain. And they were going to spend the day sightseeing?

  “Hello, Brody,” Mama V greeted him like an old friend. “So you’re off on an adventure to Taos?”

  “I guess.” His eyes sought hers. “As much adventure as Carolyn is up for.”

  “Isn’t that exciting?” Mama V clasped her hands together. “Don’t forget the Millicent Rogers Museum. Fabulous collection of turquoise. I would have loved that woman.”

  “It’s on my list. I think the two of you had a lot in common.”

  Carolyn had no idea what or who they were talking about. But Brody and her grandmother definitely hit it off. She grabbed her jacket from the back of the sofa.

  “You ready?” His hand fell to the small of her back. She felt every fingertip.

  “You bet. See you later?” She gave her grandmother a kiss.

  “Will you be getting back lat
e?”

  Throwing Mama V a stern look, Carolyn said, “My grandmother loves to tease.”

  Brody chuckled. “Does Carolyn have a curfew?”

  “For heaven’s sake, no.” Her grandmother brushed the question away. “Have fun.”

  Sure felt like Mama V had just given Brody free rein. As they left, Carolyn pulled the door shut. “The gallery’s closed today. She probably has plans with Howard.”

  His gravelly laugh just about undid her. “Your grandmother is a trip.”

  “Yes, and sometimes I think she knows me better than I know myself.”

  Putting her sunglasses in place, she walked to the SUV. Brody opened the door and she got in. Everything in here smelled yummy and masculine…like him. She inhaled. When he climbed in, Brody seemed to fill the small interior. He was a man who shrank things down to size. Claimed things for his own.

  But her mind was getting way ahead of herself. She snapped on her seat belt. “So we’re going north?”

  “We are. But we have some choices.”

  Hearing some hesitation in his voice, she turned to face him. “Like what?”

  “We can take Highway 66 to Taos. Fast and easy. Of course the road gradually rises but you’re not really aware of it.”

  “Yes.” So this was a height thing.

  “Or...” Here he paused. “We can take the High Road to Taos with spectacular views and little towns that aren’t touristy. Some shops off to the sides. Rugs and pottery, stuff like that. Up to you.”

  This felt like a challenge. Diana’s words came to mind. “Jump off that pier.” Did Carolyn want to be hobbled by this irrational fear all her life? Even stepping into an elevator sent her stomach tumbling. “I vote for the high road.”

  “You sure?”

  “Of course. I’m an adult.” This wasn’t the time to share how she’d gotten sick at the Omnimax during the Grand Canyon movie.

  “Okay. We’ll do it.” Brody stepped on the gas. “How’s the visit going with your grandmother?”

  “Wonderful. I worked in her gallery yesterday.”

  He grinned. “Sell any high ticket items?”