Greener Grasses

by Julie B. Cosgrove

  Ellen blinked away the tears and sashayed through the revolving doors into the world of fashion and perfumes, gifts, and home decor, her prepaid $500 card in hand. She meant to spend every penny of it and half of his as well. In fact, he’d be lucky to come out with a packet of socks and underwear at this point.

  *

  Erin stopped in the middle of the aisle. Her eyes welled. John nudged her.

  “There isn’t much time, hon.”

  “I’ve never shopped this quality of store before.” She edged up to a rank of women’s blouses. “Check out the prices.”

  John shoved his hands deep into his pant pockets. “Yeah, I know. Unlike Robert, I barely make enough for you to afford Wal-Mart. I get it.” He shuffled off with his head down.

  Erin rolled her eyes. What would Jesus think of that? She straightened her backbone. Her downer-Danny hubby was not going to spoil her time to splurge. This gift from her mom meant a great deal. She’d find classic outfits to last her a while, as long as she didn’t gain weight, and perhaps some jewelry as well. And shoes. Then she’d hit the bargain racks for everyday clothes to wear for sorting through her parent’s possessions. The ideas of tackling that attic made her shiver. Even worse? Spending two weeks within shouting distance of Ellen. The idea churned her stomach like a cement truck.

  She whispered a prayer as she thumbed through to find her size. Lord, I know I don’t believe in you like John, but I know you are God. And I am going to need every ounce of strength and patience you can dole out to get through this. Please help me.” She picked up a ruby colored, scoop-necked blouse with a ruffled quarter-length sleeve. So cute. And $49.99? Oh well. She slung it over her arm. Oh, yeah, God. Sorry. Amen.

  An hour later she and John waited at the checkout counter with their purchases. Erin noticed Ellen and Robert at the next one over. She craned to see her sister’s purchases. Oh my gosh! She’d bought the red blouse as well. Erin grabbed it from the clerk. “I’ve decided I don’t want that one.”

  John scrunched his eyebrow together. “But you really liked it. Your eyes twinkled when you showed it to me.”

  Erin cocked her nose in the air. “Woman’s prerogative to change her mind.” She sniffed when John glanced at the clerk folding a red blouse into Ellen’s shopping bag.

  “Ah, now I see.” He grabbed their items and headed for the door, shaking his head.

  Erin shuffled after him, chewing on the inside of her cheek.

  *

  “You don’t expect us to eat with you two, do you?” Ellen brushed an invisible piece of lint from her skirt after they handed their shopping bags to the chauffer and entered the limo.

  Erin crossed her legs. “Why would we? There will be plenty of togetherness over the next two weeks. I, for one, will relish a date with my hubby.” She hooked her arm through John’s.

  Ellen’s cheeks reddened.

  Robert continued to stare out the window, but his jaw muscle twitched.

  John sat forward, his hands in front of his knees. “Look, ladies. We all have to survive this. You two are grown women. Can’t you put your differences behind you for fourteen days so we can get this done and go home?”

  Erin laced her arms over her chest.

  Ellen clicked open her compact and began to apply a fresh coat of lip gloss.

  Robert spoke for the first time. “Forget it, man. You and I are about to enter the Twilight Zone.” He chugged back the last of his latte and crunched the cup. Then he turned to his wife. “I’m eating in the room. You do what you want.”

  She swiveled to him and batted her eyelashes. In a sugar-dripped tone she replied to him as she rubbed his forearm. “Of course that’s what I want, honey. An evening alone with you. I bought a black negligee you’re going to love getting me out of.”

  Erin thought she saw Robert’s golf-tanned face pale. Hmm, could it be they weren’t the perfect couple, after all? Robert displayed a small paunch under his designer trousers. She imagined he sat at a desk all day and often gorged on power lunches. Not enough time for the gym, perhaps?

  She gazed a moment at her own husband as he peered out the window on their side. For middle-aged, he still had quite a bit of arm muscle and trim waist thanks to his construction job. Broad chest and shoulders, too. Hmm, when had she stop noticing that?

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The next day, the stretch limousine pulled in front of the hotel at 8:30 a.m. on the dot. A shuffle of corked-soled sandals accompanied by short huffs told Erin her sister had arrived with her multiple suitcases in tow. Robert followed, wheeling a large black bag. John, at least, displayed some chivalry. He had carried down their luggage, leaving her to manage only her quilted carry-on and purse.

  Ellen shot them both a quick, thin-lipped grin. “Morning.”

  Erin nodded in reply.

  John held up his hands as Robert inched closer. “Look, if we are all going to survive fourteen days together, let’s try to get along, okay?”

  Robert chimed in. “It will make it go smoother and quicker. First thing is to see if your mom had WiFi. I can’t just drop my life, you know.”

  Ellen crossed her arms. “Like I can? I’m in the middle of organizing four luncheons and a charity auction. And I am sure John’s boss isn’t too happy about this, either.” She scanned him with an upturned lip and an emphasis on the word boss.

  Erin curled her fingers into a fist. “Actually, he was very understanding. John has comp time and personal leave time accumulated so—”

  “That’s not staring off right, ladies.” John arched an eyebrow, his neck reddening.

  “All I’m saying is you have a great boss, and, oh never mind.” Erin looped her bag over her shoulder, grabbed the carry satchel, and headed for the limo. Ellen followed on her heels. The husbands heaved a sigh in unison and proceeded out the hotel as well.

  Fifteen minutes later they pulled into 942 Elm Street where Ellen and Erin’s parents had lived since 1984. Ellen gave a small sigh. “Still seems the same. I almost expect Dad to be sitting on the porch with his iced tea…”

  Erin finished the thought. “…and Mom barreling down the steps with her arms opened wide.”

  The twins turned to each other. Ellen removed her Coach sunglasses to reveal damp eyes. “Exactly. Are they really both gone, sis?”

  Erin swallowed. She choked out the words, barely above a whisper. “Yeah. It’s just us now.”

  A moment of awkward silence filled the limo.

  John eased out at the sound of the chauffer opening the trunk to retrieve their luggage. “Let’s do this.”

  “Right.” Erin nodded her head rapidly several times to shake the emotions away and scooted across the seat. Ellen followed, and Robert brought up the rear. John already busied himself by helping their driver set the cases on the sidewalk. The three men carried the luggage into the house. Erin walked behind, lost in her memories.

  The hired driver turned to them and handed everyone a card. “This is the dispatch’s number. Whenever you need transportation, call. No need for a cab. In fact, I think that would be frowned upon.”

  Ellen heaved her chest. “So we’ve been told.” She bent to gather her belongings. “We’ll take the room upstairs on the left, if that’s okay. It’s where we always stay.”

  The chauffeur backed toward the front door. “Good luck, Mrs. Duncan and Mrs. Longstrum.” He tipped his cap. “Gentlemen.” With a wink, he closed the screen, leaving the morning breeze to air out the foyer.

  John tapped his knuckles on the banister. “Let’s all meet back in the parlor in fifteen minutes.”

  Robert stepped into his face. “Look, man. Nobody assigned you boss, okay? I have two secretaries and eight tellers under me as well as two financial advisors, so if anyone should be deemed…”

  Erin’s voice pierced the hallway and bounced up the stairs. “Enough.”

  All eyes turned to her.

  Her blushed cheeks began to pale back to her natural color. “People, please. Democracy.
It’s the only way. We all agree or it doesn’t happen.”

  The other three nodded.

  John bobbed his head. “Duly noted. Is it okay with you all if we meet in the parlor in fifteen minutes?”

  Erin took two steps forward. “Can we make it a half hour, dear? I’d like to unpack and see if there are sheets on the beds and fresh towels in the baths.”

  Again, the others silently gave their approval and made their way to their designated rooms.

  Upon opening the doors, which stood across the hallway from each other, Erin and Ellen squealed at the same time. They stared at the one another, and then craned to see if the identical thing lay on the other’s bed. Each one had a bouquet of pink roses and a note. Slowly the twins walked to their flower bundle and read the letter, scrawled in their mother’s handwriting.

  My darling girls. Here is a rose for every day you are to stay here. May they remind you

  of my love, and your father’s as well. Perhaps that will help you rediscover your affection

  for each other.

  All my love for eternity, where I now am.

  Mom

  Erin held her note and waved it at Ellen, who clenched hers in her hands. The men stood in the hall, lips taut.

  Ellen cleared her throat as she strolled to her doorway. “Half an hour.”

  “Okay.” Erin motioned John inside with their things.

  Before she closed her bedroom door she heard Robert’s comment as he shuffled after his wife. “Well, that’s the first time you two agreed on anything in decades. Must be some note.”

  She swiveled to gaze at her own husband, who shrugged. “He’s right, you know.”

  Erin handed him the letter and slammed the bathroom door. She ran the faucet full blast as she sat fully clothed on the commode and cried. Some innate twin vibe told her Ellen might very well be doing the same thing. Perhaps they weren’t so very different after all.

  Chapter Six

  Ellen bounded down the stairs in designer jeans and a red and white patterned t-shirt. She halted mid-step to see her twin perched on the couch wearing an identical outfit. She pulled hers away from her waist. “Really?”

  Erin cocked her head. “Uh-huh.” She leaned forward, her hands between her knees. “Remember when Mom dressed us alike?”

  “Yes, and we hated it. Want me to go back up and change?”

  Erin scrunched her mouth to one side. “Nah. The guys will get a kick out of it.”

  Just then Robert came into the room as John entered with a pot of coffee and four mugs. All four sputtered a laugh.

  John poured Robert a cupful as he cocked a brow. “You two plan this?”

  Ellen smoothed her blouse. “No, I decided I better dress down and didn’t know what in the world to pick. But I’m sure Erin…” She stopped when Robert’s eyes narrowed.

  Erin’s face crimsoned. She jumped to her feet. “What? Couldn’t afford this on her own with her husband’s pitiful salary?”

  John slammed the pot onto the coffee table. “Gee, thanks, hon.”

  Erin dashed out of the room.

  John swiped his hand through his hair.

  Robert glared at her. “Super. Just super.”

  Ellen felt contrite, but pretzeled her arms. “I wasn’t going to say that.”

  John filled a cup with java and headed for the front porch.

  “I get so sick and tired of my mother’s and your snobbery.” Robert stomped out to join his brother-in-law.

  She watched him leave then poured some for herself and leaned back into the cushions.

  I need to guard my tongue. I know they are uncouth and normally I’d never associate with their kind… She raised her hand to her mouth. In a hushed tone she chided herself. “On my gosh. Will you listen to yourself, Ellen Barringer Longstrum?”

  Fighting new tears, she glanced outside the window. Her husband’s form, straddle-legged on the porch, flickered in the sunlight through the lace curtains. Was he right? Had she become a class-minded snob? She spent so much time elevating him and their status. It became her entire focus. Their lifestyle depended upon it. But at what cost?

  Had she forgotten that other things were important as well? Such as love, family, even God? The concept made her head hurt. Ellen wiggled her foot and thought about what to do to smooth over the situation. Perhaps doing nothing would be best, at least until the ruffled feathers settled. Conflict resolution never had been her forte. Usually she claimed the right to storm out first.

  *

  John heard Robert’s footsteps. He sipped his coffee to calm his nerves as he stared across the street. A mockingbird pecked a cat as it tried to traverse the lawn. The bird dove and screeched, repeatedly pounding the feline with its beak, wings flared. He knew how the cat felt.

  “Sorry for my wife, man.”

  John shrugged. “And I apologize for mine. She’s always envied your wealth, you know. She keeps pushing me to work harder, climb the ladder, make more…”

  Robert straddled the planks on the porch. “That’s not your thing?”

  John turned to eye his brother-in-law. The man might be wearing a Rolex but his demeanor hardly shouted rich, snobby guy. In truth, he seemed fairly down-to-earth. Just another over-worked stiff constantly pestered by his wife. “No. I love the outdoors. Always have. I’d go bonkers behind a desk all day.”

  Robert snickered. “Fact. That’s why I play golf. Well, and of course to make contacts.”

  John leaned against the railing. “The men respect me. I treat them the way I want to be treated, the way Jesus taught us in the Golden Rule, you know? They rely on my expertise and I acknowledge their efforts so they’ll stick around and do a good job. My team always comes in ahead of deadlines.”

  “Bet your boss appreciates that.”

  John took another gulp. “Yeah, he does. My name appears on the Employee of the Month plaque more than anyone else’s. It makes my staff proud.” He breathed a long sigh and kicked a dead leaf off the porch. “Erin says that won’t pay for the boy’s schooling, though.”

  Robert walked to the edge and slapped John’s shoulder. “Sounds like my wife. They’re a matched set, huh?”

  John chuckled. “Guess it would do no good to swap, then?”

  The men clinked their cups together in a silent toast.

  *

  Erin paced the floor upstairs like a caged tiger. Hot tears cascaded down her face as her fists pounded her thighs. She plopped onto the canopied queen-sized bed and stared at the gathered ruffles.

  Why couldn’t John muster more ambition? He had the skills to be in management. A few hundred more a month would make the world of difference. Soon their twins would be facing college tuitions. Between band, baseball, and braces, they had only a smidgen left in savings. Her mother’s inheritance would really help.

  She jammed her hand against her forehead. I must put up with her for fourteen days. Toughen my skin and bite my tongue. I can do this. I have to do this. I can’t rely on John anymore.

  Erin wiped her face and drew in a deep breath. Slowly she opened the door and plodded down the stairs, her stomach in and head high.

  Chapter Seven

  Ellen jolted to her feet and met her twin halfway. “Erin, that’s not what I meant…”

  “Forget it.” Erin gazed beyond her sister and asked. “Where are the guys?”

  “Bonding on the porch.”

  Erin wrinkled her forehead. “For real?”

  “Blue collar and white collar, who knew?” A pink hue zipped up Ellen’s neck into her cheeks. “Oh Erin, I…”

  Erin waved it away. “I thought the same thing. John usually hates white collars.”

  The two sat on the couch, their knees almost touching as they twisted to face each other. “How did we get to be so different?”

  Erin raised a shoulder. “Think we always were. Mom tried to make us identical.”

  Ellen leaned back. “Yeah, I guess. We didn’t always fight though, right?”

&nb
sp; Erin mimicked her sister’s gesture. “Didn’t we?”

  John and Robert wandered back into the parlor. “Claws back in?”

  Erin crossed her arms and legs. “John, please. Shut it, okay?”

  He shoved his fists into his jean pockets. “Fair enough. If you quit hounding me about my income. That’s not the grateful attitude our Lord wants us to exhibit.”

  Robert held up his hands, fingers spread. “Let’s all stop jabbing one another.”

  Ellen saluted. “Sure thing, boss.”

  The men perched on the edge of the chairs flanking the couch. Erin looked at each before responding. “Are we going to argue all day or get this done?”

  “Right.” John glanced at his watch. “It’s ten o’clock. Where should we begin?”

  Erin volunteered. “Why don’t you two tackle the garage and the tool shed. Ellen, we may as well start at the top and work our way down. Attic?”

  Ellen groaned. “That will take days. Mom was a pack rat.” Then she offered a suggestion. “Okay. But first let’s each grab a tablet and pen so we can write down what we think needs to be tossed, sold, and what should be kept. There are probably some in Dad’s desk in the study. Then, tonight over dinner we can compare notes.”

  She left and returned in a few minutes with the office supplies. Erin, in the meantime, had confiscated rags and two face masks. “You know it’s going to be dusty as heck up there.”

  John eyed Robert. “Well, off to man-land, my friend.”

  Robert scoffed. “As if I know pliers from screwdrivers.”

  “Follow the master and learn.” John winked. “When it comes to poring over their bills and finances, I will yield to you.”

  Erin and Ellen shot each other a grin.

  The four high-fived and headed in the directions assigned.

  *

  Erin stared at the rectangular opening in the ceiling, a wooden staircase cascading from it. Several cobwebs fluttered around the perimeter of the dark hole when an early spring breeze filtered through the second floor open windows.

  “You first. You’re the oldest.”

  Ellen huffed. “You’ve got the flashlight, right?”