* * * *
The following Saturday, a whirlwind of activity filled the old house. Cory and his two friends, David and Carl, helped tear up the old linoleum in the living area. Jacki and Elvira were still arguing over sanding the old wooden floors and refinishing them, or laying carpet. Madison and Roxy tore off old yellowed wallpaper from the bedroom walls. Sunday worked out in the yard, listening to her IPOD, singing along as she pulled weeds. Bud gathered dead limbs that had fallen from the trees on the lot, throwing what he could into the wheelbarrow, and dragging the larger ones to the growing pile. Around noon, pizza was delivered. Everyone was glad for the break. Beer and laughter made the rounds. Close to an hour later, people began to get up and return to their jobs. Roxy helped clean up after lunch and went looking for Bud. She found him working on the black berry bushes around the shed.
“Need some help?”
Bud wiped the back of his hand across his brow. “These vines are nasty.”
Roxy laughed. “They have no mercy on anyone.” She pulled gloves out of her back pocket and slipped them on. “Ya got another pair of clippers?”
He pointed to the ground by the shovel. Roxy picked them up and began clipping, pulling on the vines, careful placing them in the wheelbarrow, trying to keep from getting scratched by the sharp thorns.
“I’ve been thinking...” Bud started.
Roxy interjected, “About buying a house? A fixed-upper?”
Bud laughed and shook his head. “No, I’ve been thinking about your mother.”
Roxy frowned, clipping another large vine. “Why would you think about her?”
Bud fought with some large vines; thorns were stuck to his shirt. “I thought it would be nice to take her out for dinner once a month.”
Roxy stopped clipping and turned toward him. “I love my mom. Really. But she drives me crazy. She’s self centered, she constantly puts me down, without even knowing...or caring. She’s...she didn’t protect me when I was a child.” Roxy had previously explained to Bud about Uncle Ned.
Bud dropped his clippers on the ground and walked closer to Roxy. “I want to be a part of your life and I can’t do that without being a part of hers. Is it such a big deal? One night a month?”
He wrapped his arms around her. Roxy hugged him back. “I’m afraid she’ll...”
“What?”
“Drive you away! She can be so...heartless.”
Bud smiled and combed back a few wisps of her bangs. “I promise not to let her, or anyone else for that matter, interfere with our relationship.”
Roxy sighed. “I think you’re crazy for wanting to spend any time with my mother, but okay. Once a month.”
“Next Sunday evening?”
“So soon?”
* * * *
Bud stood beside Roxy on her mother’s porch. She hesitated for a moment before knocking. He wondered if she was thinking about changing her mind, when he saw her raise her fist, tapping her knuckles on the door. Madeline hollered, “Come in.” Roxy entered the house, followed by Bud and April. Madeline hurried out of her bedroom. “I’m ready.”
“Okay. I guess we can go,” Roxy announced.
Before Madeline shut the door, she called out, “’Bye, Ned.”
Roxy rolled her eyes. Bud took her hand and gave a slight squeeze.
“Who’s your momma talking to, Roxy?” April asked in her tiny voice.
Roxy bent down. “No one really. It’s just how she is.”
“Oh,” April replied and turned to stare at the older lady following behind.
Bud drove to a nearby family restaurant and within minutes they were all seated. Bud hoped this would be a relaxing dinner. His hope didn’t last very long. As soon as the waitress came to get their order for drinks, Roxy ordered a Coke. Before anyone one else could give their request, Madeline interrupted. “Roxy, you know that’s terrible for you! Why that stuff can make a penny disintegrate!”
Roxy tilted her head to Bud and gave him a knowing smile that relayed, “See what you asked for?”
Bud decided to just ignore her. “I’ll have coffee and April will have orange juice.”
“I’ll have water please, with a lemon slice,” Madeline stated, facing her daughter. “That’s what you should have: water. It’s much better for your skin too. Men appreciate nice skin, don’t they, Bud?”
Bud was speechless for a few seconds before his quick thinking came into play. “Yes, and Roxy must have inherited your lovely complexion.”
Madeline blushed. “You are so kind.” She turned to Roxy. “Ralph is taking me out for lunch, Wednesday afternoon.” Her face beamed with pride.
Roxy, dumfounded, replied, “The old guy at Aunt Beth Anne’s funeral? A neighbor or something? Sunday introduced us.”
“He’s not so old! He’s my age. Well, maybe a bit older. I think he’s always been attracted to me. He was married, though.”
“Oh.”
Madeline lowered her voice; however, it was still loud enough for everyone at the table to hear. “How are your finances these days, Roxy?” She looked at Bud. If he hadn’t known better, he would have thought her face reflected sympathy. “My little girl has to work two jobs. You know that already, don’t you?”
Bud had enough. “Actually, Roxy got a wonderful promotion.” His peripheral vision caught Roxy shaking her head “no” at him. He wasn’t going to let the old bat continue to put Roxy down. “She’s doing so well, she can quit her other job.” He smiled at Roxy. She rolled her eyes.
“Oh,” Madeline commented. “That’s very nice, Roxy. Will you be able to help me out more, now that you have a better income?”
Bud jumped when Roxy’s foot kicked him under the table.
“Ya, Mom. I said I would.”
April piped up. “I have to go potty.”
Roxy scooted her chair back. “Okay, Honey. I’ll take you.”
As soon as they were out of sight, Bud addressed Madeline.
“I think you have a fabulous daughter. I’m very fond of her and I’m hoping our relationship can...grow.”
Madeline’s eyes grew wide.
“Roxy has...issues, which you’re well aware of.” Sneaky ole’ bat. “I would like to have a family dinner, like this, once a month. However, I need your cooperation.”
Madeline placed her hand to her chest. “What can I do?”
Shut your fucking mouth. “Uhm. I need you to be as complimentary as you can be to Roxy. You see, April doesn’t have a mother and I need her to be able to see that you and Roxy have a positive relationship.”
Madeline, appearing shocked, blurted out, “Roxy and I have a good relationship.”
Bud reached over and patted Madeline’s arm and made direct eye contact. “When you criticize Roxy about what she’s going to drink...”
Madeline looked away and replied quietly, “I was only trying to give her some good advice.”
“Roxy is a grown woman now. Madeline, please try to be her friend.”
“Well, aren’t you two cozy,” Roxy snorted as she pulled up a chair for April.
Bud leaned back and sighed. He hoped the waitress would take their order soon.
The rest of the dinner went well and Madeline seemed to be nicer to Roxy.
* * * *
Pulling up in Madeline’s driveway, Roxy offered to walk with her mother. They were inside the house for a few minutes, before Roxy came outside and got into the car.
“What did you say to your mom?” Bud inquired.
“Just a bit of womanly advice. What did you say to her at dinner?”
Bud grinned. “Just a bit of manly advice.”
“She seemed nicer, anyway. For a while there, I wasn’t sure if I was going to stay for dinner.”
“Me neither,” Bud replied as he backed out of the driveway.
* * * *
Madeline had made her third trip to the bathroom, checking her hair and making sure her red lipstick wasn’t smudged. Most days she didn’t care, but Ralph was co
ming any minute. A feeling of excitement surprised her.
She returned to her dining table and sat down. She stared at the urn, thinking about what Roxy had said Sunday night after dinner.
“You know, Momma,” Roxy said. “Ralph might be a little uncomfortable, sitting at this table with Uncle Ned. I understand, of course, but you know how funny men can be sometimes.”
Madeline had responded with, “Don’t you be silly! If Ralph doesn’t like it, too bad. I need Ned to be here and he needs me. I know he hears me when I talk to him. If I have to make a choice...well...it will be Ned of course!”
“That’s fine, Momma. You make your stand. I just thought I’d mention it.”
Madeline heard a car drive up. She jumped up quickly and stared at the urn. Grabbing it up, she said, “Ned, I’m sorry, but you will be on the back porch for a while.” She quickly placed the urn on the bottom shelf of the back room. A knock sounded. Madeline turned and quickly opened up the door. “So nice to see you again, Ralph.”
Chapter 40
Jacki was putting her tools in the back of her truck when her cell phone rang.
Elvira’s voice caused her to smile. “Did you want to have a bite to eat before we go up to the house tonight?”
“I can stop by and get some take out. Sandwich or pizza?”
“Sandwich is fine, Ham with...”
Jacki didn’t let her finish. “Wheat bread, mustard, no mayo, lettuce, tomatoes. No onions.”
“Perfect.”
Jacki hopped in her truck and headed into town. She had surprised herself by actually enjoying working on the old house. She knew it would take a long time; maybe even a few years to get the house exactly the way they wanted it, and it was indeed, turning into a labor of love. Some nights after work, Jacki and Elvira would take a quick drive and work for a few hours. She was hoping they could move in the next weekend. Once they were both out of their houses, finances would be easier. The biggest expense now was the roof. Cory knew a few roofers and he had talked to them about doing the job in a couple of weekends. Sunday had been in contact with one of the roofing places and got a good deal on the asphalt shingles. Having a husband in the construction trade did have its perks.
Jacki had helped with roofing before and didn’t mind heights, but Elvira could only make it up the ladder about ten feet before she became jittery. They had a large tarp over the roof for now. Fall was a few weeks away. Jacki hoped there wasn’t any bad wind or rain storms until then.
She had been in contact with Sunday frequently since the funeral. She seemed quiet, distant. Jacki wondered what she had on her mind. She had thought the trip to Hawaii had brought Sunday and Duffy closer, but not from what she could tell watching them together. She worried about Sunday but also realized she couldn’t do much about it. She had given her plenty advice over the years. Sometimes she was angry at Sunday for going back to him after he abused her, yet she got over it. Everyone had to make choices and generally, people did what they thought was right for them in a particular moment in time. Sometimes there are other people to take into consideration.
Jacki pulled into the mini mall to get dinner. Thoughts of Sunday drifted away in her mind as dinner, Elvira, and the old house took over.
* * * *
Roxy and Bud cuddled together on the couch, watching a movie. April had gone to bed an hour earlier. Bud’s arm lay across Roxy’s shoulders and rubbed her arm affectionately. Roxy’s head lay against his chest. Her mind didn’t stay on the movie at hand. It filled with desire for Bud. She could feel the beating of his heart. It seemed so sensuous. The sexy aroma of his aftershave heightened her awareness of his maleness.
Bud’s lack of sexual advances bothered her a little at first. It caused to wonder if he found her sexually attractive. However, soon after, he had kissed her; a passionate kiss. She realized he wanted to take things slow. After all, he had a little girl to raise. Roxy enjoyed his company and his friendship so much, and knew she was falling in love with him. Hopefully, he felt the same way. She cuddled even closer to him. Bud’s lips lightly kissed her forehead, nose, eyes. Roxy lifted her arm and wrapped it round his neck. His lips whispered along her neck. A moan escaped her. Warm lips touched hers. His tongue teased. At the same time, a hand brushed against her breast. She stiffened, suddenly full of tension. She knew it was a reaction from years ago, but it was embedded in her psyche. Bud had stopped kissing her. He simply held her now.
Roxy whispered, “I’m not very good at this. Probably why I didn’t date much.”
Bud squeezed her tight against him. “There’s no rush with anything, Roxy.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to...”
“I know. It’s from your uncle...the abuse.”
“Bud? Will you kiss me some more?”
He was happy to oblige.
* * * *
Tuesday morning, six thousand miles away from the state of Washington, a cell phone rang. Justin put his hammer down and answered the phone.
A familiar voice greeted him.
“Hey, Michael! Hi.”
“You’re not working today, are you? Sounds like you’re next to a saw.”
Justin walked several feet away from the noise. “I’m working almost everyday.”
“You’re a hard man to track down. How long are you going to be in Hawaii?”
“I’ll be done here in a couple of weeks.”
“Damn.”
“Why?” His interest perked.
“I just had a foreman quit on me and I got a lot going on right now.”
“How come he left?”
“Crazy in love with some gal that was going home to Montana. I guess he didn’t want to get left behind.”
“Geeze, Michael. Did you call to offer me a foreman position?”
“It’s yours, but I can’t hold off too long. I got a contract in Eastern Washington. I need to leave in a week.”
“Where would I be working?”
“In Oak Harbor. It should last a few months. I don’t know about after that for right now, but I’ve been lucky with my bids for jobs.”
“Hey, tell you what. Let me talk to my boss here. We’re nearly done, and maybe he’ll let me leave a little early. We’ve been ahead of schedule anyway.”
“All right. You call me back tonight.”
* * * *
Later that night, Justin called Michael. “I can be home next weekend and start Monday morning. Will that work?”
“That would be fine, Justin.”
“Hey, Michael.”
“Ya?”
“Don’t say anything to anyone, okay? I don’t want my girlfriend to know I’m coming home early.”
“Is that the pretty gal in Clear Lake? The one I met at the barbeque?”
“That’s the one.”
Michael chuckled. “I won’t breathe a word.”
* * * *
Madison took her time, browsing at items at Macy’s. It had been one of those late summer days that should have been bright and sunny; however, it was Washington and the dark clouds had rolled in the night before. The summer storm consisted of lighting bolts and loud clapping thunder which sent Princess under the covers, trembling against her master. Madison didn’t much care for the storm herself and felt tension leave her body as the storm had moved on. The rain continued throughout the day. Madison felt the need to get out of the house. She had driven to the mall, and now, was drifting from one aisle to the next. Her thoughts were on Justin and what he was doing at the moment. They had recently talked about Madison flying there for a few days, yet the flight was expensive and Madison reminded him he’d be back soon.
Justin offered, “I’ll pay for the flight.”
“No. Really. You’ll be home in a few weeks. I’d rather go to Hawaii when we can both be together and enjoy it, not when you’ll be working six or seven days a week.”
He had argued a few minutes longer, then had given up. She smiled to herself. Usually, she did win disagreements between h
erself and Justin. Madison turned up another aisle and found herself in the middle of baby items. Cribs, bassinets, strollers, car seats, walkers, and even small potty chairs. Her steps slowed. She walked to one of the beautiful wooden cribs and ran her hand down the smoothness of the wood.
“Madison!”
Startled, Madison turned. She felt her face grow hot as if she’d been caught doing something she wasn’t supposed to be doing.
Roxy ran up. “Hi, what are you doing here?” Without waiting for an answer she continued, “I’m looking for a little dress for April. You know, Bud’s little girl. Help me look, will you?”
Madison, relived that Roxy didn’t notice her surprise, quickly smiled. “Sure.” They walked around the next corner where the little girl’s clothes were.
Roxy grabbed a dress off of the rack. “What do you think of this? They’re on sale, too.”
Madison looked at the frilly dress and nodded. “Very cute.”
Roxy grabbed a few more. “Which one? They’re all so adorable.”
Madison looked at each one and gave a comment. After a few minutes, Roxy decided on two dresses and they walked up to the counter. Roxy handed them to the clerk. She pulled out her wallet. As the clerk was ringing up her purchase, Roxy turned to Madison.
“How come you were looking at cribs?”
Madison hesitated. “Huh, I was just...browsing. Walking around the store.”
“That will be thirty-six fifty-two, Madam.”
Roxy stared at Madison, looking intently into her eyes. Madison looked away.
“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?” Roxy blurted out.
Madison shook her head and walked away. Roxy started after her.
“Madam? Your purchase came to thirty-six fifty–two.”
“Oh!” Roxy hurried back, paid the clerk and quickly grabbed her bag. “Wait up, Madison.”
Madison wondered if she should try to deny the pregnancy to Roxy. She gave up. Roxy knew her too well.
“Tell me!” Roxy grabbed her arm.
Madison turned to her best friend and spilled her guts, right in the middle of Macy’s on a Sunday afternoon.
* * * *
Sunday collected the money from the consignment shop. Her next stop was the mall where she could sell her gold jewelry immediately and be on her way. She hoped she did not see anyone who would recognize her and mention it to Duffy. Her plan was moving along. So far, so good. Friday would be her getaway. She had spoken to her attorney again this morning. She decided to wait until Thursday to buy her plane tickets. San Francisco first, then on to Mexico. Her attorney had been more than helpful. He had connections there, business acquaintances and friends. Although Sunday knew his helpfulness went beyond the client-attorney boundaries and maybe he was hoping to benefit in some fashion, she didn’t care. She needed to be far enough away from Duffy that he couldn’t find her. The thought had already occurred to her that she may never be able to return to Skagit Valley. She had no idea how long Duffy would hold the grudge against her. As much as she wished she could tell her friends, she fought against it. The only way she could protect them, was by not telling them anything. She had already mentioned it to Jacki, right after her mother’s death, but at that time her plans were not yet formulated. Besides, they may try to talk her out of it. She knew they wanted to protect her. She also knew what Duffy could be capable of. No. She wouldn’t risk it.
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