Biloxi Brides (Sugar and Grits)

by Martha Rogers

  “What for? I’m really busy.”

  “I don’t know, but she said it’s important.”

  “Okay. Tell her I’ll just be a minute.” Sassy quickly finished up the apples and sold one to Gus before taking off. “I’ve got leave, Sue Ellen,” she said. “But I’ll be right back.” She made her way through the maze of kids to the kissing booth where Tilly and Dottie Jean’s daughter, Jenny, worked. “What’s wrong, Honey?”

  “Oh, Mom. I’m glad you’re here. The teens are out of coffee, and I’ve got to go across the street to the shop to get some. I need someone to stay here with Jenny for a few minutes till I get back, okay?

  “What?”

  “She needs someone to help with the money. See how long the line is?”

  “But…”

  “Please, Mom.” Tilly sprinted off toward the parking lot. Sassy looked on, feeling helpless.

  Gus walked up, nibbling on his nutty caramel apple. “So, are you here for real?”

  “Course not. I’m just…”

  Wendell approached with a silly grin on his face.

  Oh, dear Lord, no. Please don’t let him think…

  “Sassy…

  “Yes?” Her heart began to race as he laid a dollar on the counter, and then looked teasingly into her eyes.

  ***

  I’m going to do this. I’m going to kiss Sassy Hatchett. I’m going to let the whole world know how I feel about her – right here, right now.

  Wendell pressed his lips together in preparation.

  “What are you doing? Are you crazy?” Sassy looked stunned.

  He closed his eyes and leaned in for the long-awaited moment. His lips very nearly brushed hers when Gus suddenly began to choke.

  Wendell pulled away and stared as his friend turned several shades of red. Gus’s choking spell dissolving into shallow gasps for breath. With wide eyes he pointed to his chest. “Gus?”

  Sassy’s eyes widened. “The Heimlich! Does anyone know how to do it?”

  Wendell’s hands began to shake. “I don’t have a clue. Never learned. Any of you?”

  “I don’t rightly know what I’m doing, but I’ve seen it on television.” Sassy raced around the booth and wrapped her arms tightly around Gus’s chest. She pressed her hands in a repetitive motion, but nothing happened. “He’s too big. My arms won’t reach all the way around.”

  Bud raced over just at that moment. “Here Sassy. Let me take over.” Wendell breathed a huge sigh of relief as the deputy sheriff gave a few sharp thrusts, and a large pecan shot out of Gus’s mouth.

  Gus doubled over, gasping for breath. “I… I…”

  “Gus are you okay?” Wendell spoke around the jittery nerves.

  “I am now.” He looked up, his face pale.

  Pastor Jordan arrived, wet and breathless. “Everything okay here?”

  “Yes, Pastor,” Sue Ellen said. “Bud just saved grandpa’s life.”

  No one spoke for a moment as Gus regained his composure. “Someone had to do it,” he said, finally. “Sassy Hatchett tried to kill me.”

  Chapter Nine

  Sassy took a sip from the fish mug, finding it difficult to swallow. This stuff is terrible. “What do you call this one, again?”

  Tilly grinned from across the counter. “Swiss Chocolate Surprise.”

  “It’s a surprise, all right. Does it come with yodeling instructions?

  “Mom.”

  “If you don’t mind, could I have a real cup of coffee?” She pushed the mug across the counter.

  Tilly’s broad smile shifted to a frown. “Sure. Whatever you say.” She filled a new cup with coffee and handed it to her. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have other customers to wait on.”

  I know I must sound agitated, but I just can’t seem to help myself today.

  Sassy looked around at the room full of teens. Their heads were buried in books. Once in awhile one would lift a head to make a comment to someone, then dive right back into the book. “What are they doing?”

  “Homework.”

  “At a coffee shop?”

  “Sure,” Tilly mumbled as she picked up a rag. “It’s like this every afternoon. If you came in more often, you’d see for yourself.”

  “What’s Ginny Peterson doing over there?” She pointed to a girl in the corner who seemed to be directing a group activity.

  “She leads a Bible study in here every week.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “No I’m not. I’d never kid about anything like that. She’s even been working on me.”

  “Meaning?”

  Meaning I’ve been giving some thought to what I’ve read. If this whole God-thing wasn’t so confining, I might consider it. But there are too many hypocrites in this town for that. That’s why I hang out with the kids. What you see is what you get with them.”

  “I suppose.” Sassy looked them over a little more carefully.

  “They’re good kids, Mom.”

  You’re a good kid, Tilly.

  Sassy watched out of the corner of her eye as her daughter made the rounds, laughing and talking with each customer. She’s really great at this, isn’t she Lord? I should say something nice to her, something encouraging.

  But she couldn’t. Not today. In fact, Sassy hadn’t been able to say much of anything nice in the three weeks since the festival. She had avoided nearly everyone in town, nodding silently at them in church and avoiding the express lane at Fanny’s like the plague.

  “I guess you saw they’ve shut down the Rhonda-Vous for a few weeks,” Tilly said, approaching the counter once again. “I hear Sue Ellen’s got some great plans for renovating the shop.”

  “Makes no difference to me,” Sassy said with a smirk. “I never get my hair done anyhow.”

  “It wouldn’t hurt, Mom.” The bell on the door rang out as more teens entered. Tilly smiled in their direction, waving.

  “What’s the update on all the wedding plans? Wasn’t there some sort of conflict or something?”

  “Well, from what I hear Dottie Jean and Fletcher have settled on a morning service and Leota and Beauregard Van What’s His Name are taking the evening. Pastor Jordan’s going to have his hands full that day. I’m so stinkin’ tired of hearing about weddings. Leota’s having a big fancy affair. I swear, since she met that fella with all them names, she’s so stuck up she'd drown in a rainstorm.”

  “Mother.”

  “I’m not kidding. And I’ve really gotta wonder about marrying someone you hardly know. I mean, he’s got the money, but they’ve hardly had a decent courting time. And you know what I always say. Marriage is no way to get acquainted.”

  “That’s none of our business.”

  “They’re making it my business. Every time I turn around someone wants me to go shopping with them. Or worse! Can you believe Dottie Jean actually asked me to be her matron of honor… at my age.”

  “Are you going to do it?”

  “I’d feel like a blithering idiot standing up there in a pink satin dress with a handful of wilted roses in my hand. Wouldn’t I look a sight? Besides, I’ve already given everyone enough to talk about. I’d like some privacy, if no one minds.”

  “You’ve certainly had little of that since the festival,” Tilly said with a sigh. “Seems everywhere I go in town, someone’s talking about you. Especially Gus. Every time he tells his story, it grows a little.”

  “That man,” Sassy said, feeling her anger mount. “He’s a legend in his own mirror. Someone needs to put him in his place.”

  Tilly shrugged, then reached to refill Sassy’s cup. “I suppose we should show him a little grace. After all, the man faced death just last week.”

  “I saw him over at Fanny’s just this morning looking as fit as a fiddle,” Sassy argued. “There’s nothing wrong with him that a few swift kicks wouldn’t cure.”

  “Mom, you’ve been in a really bad mood lately. Are you okay?”

  “Of course.”

  I’m not okay, to be p
erfectly honest. I miss Wendell. That’s what’s wrong with me, if you’d really like to know.

  Sassy’s heart twisted inside her, just thinking about him. Every night as she rested her head on the pillow, his words were the last thing to go through her mind. Sassy, I love you. He had really said it, and from everything she could tell, he meant it. She had twisted the sheets into knots night after night fighting the notion that she might feel the same.

  But she could fight it no longer.

  I love him, Lord. But I’m no good for him. I’m no good for anyone. That’s why I’ve avoided him. That’s why I can’t return his calls.

  “Are you just upset about what happened at the festival, or is there more going on I should know about?”

  Sassy shrugged. Her daughter sat down next to her, reaching her hand out and placing it on her shoulder. “We haven’t been close, I know, but…”

  Sassy immediately felt tears well up in her eyes. She dabbed at them with a napkin already stained with coffee, causing them to sting even more. “I’m okay.”

  “You’re not. And I wish you’d talk to me.”

  A lump rose in Sassy’s throat, one far to large to speak over. She just shook her head back and forth until it finally began to dissolve.

  “Well, could we at least talk about Thanksgiving?” Tilly asked, standing. “I need to decide what to bring this year…and who to bring.”

  Sassy looked up at her curiously. “Are you dating someone?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Someone in town?” Sassy racked her brain, trying to imagine who he might be.

  “No, he’s a vendor from Biloxi. Came out to the shop with coffee samples awhile back. We’re not really dating. We’re just…”

  “Interested in each other?”

  “I guess you could put it that way. I was wondering if I could bring him to Thanksgiving at your place.”

  “Sure. Of course.”

  “I figured Wendell would be there.”

  “Hadn’t really thought about it,” Sassy responded with a shrug.

  Tilly’s brow wrinkled and for a moment she didn’t say anything. Her words finally came, albeit hesitantly. “Well. . .that’s exactly what I’ve been wanting to talk to you about.”

  “Wendell?”

  “Yes.”

  “What about him?” Sassy’s temper began to rise in anticipation.

  “I, uh…”

  “Go on.”

  “I just wanted to say how sorry I am that I’ve given you such a hard time about him, Mom. He’s a great man, and I can see how happy you are when you’re with him.” Tilly’s gaze shifted to the ground, her cheeks flushing pink. “I know I’ve been a real pain the neck.”

  “Yep.”

  “But you haven’t exactly been a piece of cake, either,” Tilly interjected, looking back up.

  Sassy shrugged. “Nope.”

  “Can we just call a truce and try to get along during the holidays? I’d really like to bring Fred.”

  “Fred? His name is Fred?”

  “Yes, Mother. But no wise-cracks, okay?”

  Sassy shrugged again. “Bring him. I’ll be an angel. And who knows… maybe I’ll even break down and invite Gus Caldwell to Thanksgiving dinner. Wouldn’t that be a hoot?”

  A hoot…indeed!

  Chapter Ten

  Sassy pulled the turkey from the oven and shook her head in disbelief. “Not a very pretty one, are you?” she mumbled as she looked it over. “And not very big, either.” Might be an issue, considering the guest list.

  For the past week she had stewed over her situation, finally spending a chilly November afternoon at the pier, setting things right with the Lord. Her anger had dissipated, once she had placed her issues into the Lord’s hands.

  But how to make peace with Gus – now that was another question. She had finally settled on doing so in her own way—with good, homemade food. Gus would be her guest of honor today. She glanced at the table, covered in a new tablecloth and spread with her best dishes.

  “You’ve done a nice job, Mom,” Tilly said, filling glasses with ice. “When do you think everyone will be here?”

  Sassy glanced at the clock. “Oh, ten or fifteen minutes.”

  “Who all did you end up inviting? Looks like quite a spread.”

  “Well, since Tucker couldn’t come, I decided to ask a couple of extra people. Dottie Jean and Fletcher already had plans, but said they’d stop by for dessert. Leota and Beauregard might come by a little later, too. But Gus was free.”

  “You actually invited him? I’m so proud of you, Mom.”

  “Yep. I invited Sue Ellen, too. He is her grandfather, after all.”

  “Who else?” Tilly smiled at her as she placed glasses on the table.

  “Bud Caldwell. If anyone could use a good meal, that man could.”

  Tilly began to fold napkins as she spoke. “Anyone else?”

  “Well, yes,” Sassy said with a smile. “I invited Fanny.”

  “Fanny? Are you kidding?”

  “Nope. I felt a little sorry for her. Now that her parents have passed away, she’s got no place to go on the holidays. No one needs to spend the holidays alone. But that reminds me, we’ll have to bring in the piano bench to put at the end of the table. Oh, and I’ve set a place for Fred. He’s still coming, right?”

  Tilly nodded and smiled. “Yep. But you haven’t mentioned Wendell. Will he be here?” She spoke with a hint of a sparkle in her eye.

  “Wendell.” Sassy’s lips turned up as she spoke his name. “He’s coming.” His voice on the phone had reflected his joy at the invitation. She had looked forward to his visit just as much. Today, somehow, some way she would let him know, either in word or deed. I love you too, Wendell. She had rehearsed the words for days, ever since her encounter on the pier. No more debating whether or not he deserved better. He loved her. She loved him. Nothing else mattered.

  “That’s great, Mom.” Her daughter returned to readying the table.

  Sassy busied herself with the side dishes, leaving the turkey till last. She would ask Wendell to carve it. That would make him feel good.

  Minutes later, her kitchen filled with guests, Sassy called everyone to the table. “Before we start, I’d like to go around the table and have everyone tell what they’re thankful for this year,” she said. “If you don’t mind, let’s start with you, Sue Ellen.”

  Sue Ellen nodded. “That’s fine. I’m just so happy to be back, and thankful the renovations are going well at the shop. I never dreamed I’d own my own place, but God has brought it to pass. He’s been so good to me.”

  “Gus, your turn.” Sassy looked nervously at him, fearing the worst. Instead of his usual sarcasm, Gus spoke politely. “I’m thankful for good friends, and good food.” He patted his extended belly and grinned like a school kid.

  “Bud. You go next.”

  He looked nervously around the table. “Well, I’m happy to be in Calista, at least for now. And I’m thankful for good friends to share this special day with.” Sassy couldn’t help but notice his gaze turn towards Sue Ellen, who pretended not to notice.

  “Fanny, your turn.”

  Everyone looked at the woman, quietly seated at the end of the table. She opened her mouth to speak, but tears tumbled down her cheeks instead.

  “Are you okay, honey?” Sassy stood and moved toward her.

  “I’m… I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure?” Tilly didn’t look convinced.

  “I’m just so blessed to be here,” Fanny whispered. “Thank you all so much for inviting me.”

  The lump in Sassy’s throat grew as she reached out to squeeze Fanny’s large hand. “You’re welcome anytime.” She sat back down and smiled at Tilly. “Now, what about you, honey? Anything special you’re thankful for today?”

  “As a matter of fact…” Tilly’s eyes misted over. “I do have something. In fact, I have a bit of an announcement to make.”

  Sassy looked nervously between Tilly an
d Fred, who sat at her daughter’s side. Not yet, Lord! It’s too soon for this.

  “Fred has been a wonderful addition to my life,” Tilly began, “and I’ve learned so much from him. But he’s given me one thing that’s extra-special.” A lone tear trickled down her cheek. She reached to brush it away. “He’s tells me that he loves me…”

  Sassy’s heart began to twist inside her. They hardly know each other, Lord.

  “…but has convinced me that God loves me even more.” Tilly finished.

  “What?” Sassy’s heart leapt into her throat. “Are you telling me…?”

  “I’ve given my heart to the Lord, Mom,” Tilly whispered. “Just last night, in fact. And I have more to be thankful for this Thanksgiving than any other.”

  Sassy emotions suddenly took over. She began to weep uncontrollably, leaning her face down into open palms.

  Tilly stood, rushing to her side. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “I… I’m not upset.” She squeezed her daughter’s hand. “I’m just so happy, I don’t know what to do.”

  “Me too. Oh, and I’ve decided something else, too,” Tilly said with a sheepish grin.

  Sassy shook her head. “I don’t know if my heart can take anymore.”

  “I think you’ll like this. I’ve decided to close the shop on Sundays. It’s time the kids and I came back to church.”

  Sassy threw her arms around Tilly’s neck and held her until she heard Wendell clear his throat.

  “My turn,” he said with a sly smile. All eyes turned to meet him.

  ***

  Wendell sat at the head of the table, surveying the group. He looked across at all of the smiling faces, his gaze finally resting on Sassy.

  This feels so good, Lord. So right. I belong here…with her. With them.

  “I have a lot to be thankful for this year,” he said quietly. “But one thing above all.”

  He looked Sassy in the eye, feeling Gus’s eyes on him, but not caring. The opinions of others didn’t matter anymore. Only one thing mattered. “I’ve come to know myself a lot better this year,” he said. “I know what I’ve been missing in my life. I believe I’ve found it. In fact, I’m sure I’ve found it.”