Breaking TWIG

by Deborah Epperson

  Over the next few days, I felt like Sleeping Beauty waking up in the middle of a five-ring circus. The first ring concerned the businesses. Gordon and the employees wondered if I’d sell the stores. If I didn’t, who’d run them? Could the House of Pies still count on me for their cream pies?

  Attorneys from Atlanta called or came by almost every day with papers to sign, forms to fill out, and requests for copies of various legal documents dating back to when Grandpa Eli built the house and started his business. Judge Langford’s help proved invaluable.

  Atlantic Realty Investment, Inc. sent three men—a lawyer, architect, and banker—to try to convince me to sell them Starview Mountain. Momma let them in, served them ice tea and pecan pie, and begged me to listen to their proposal.

  I told them I wasn’t interested in selling the property to developers, but I don’t think they believed me. Probably because Momma kept asking how much they were willing to pay. When they offered the same $500,000 they’d offered Charlotte, Momma showed them the door. I asked them not to come back. Momma told them not to come back until they were ready to double their offer. She and I went more than a few rounds over the whole mess.

  In addition to her harping at me to sell Starview Mountain, Momma kept nagging me to commit to going to Palm Beach with her to help with the wedding arrangements. According to her plan, she would invite Henry to come for the Thanksgiving holiday. After a big traditional dinner—prepared by me—we’d go back to Palm Beach with him. Momma envisioned a Christmas wedding with her wearing a tea-length designer dress in whisper pink with matching mink accents around the cuffs, hem, and a neckline cut to show a hint of cleavage. She wanted me to be her bridesmaid. I suggested she ask her friend Eva.

  She liked the idea. "That way Eva has to come to the wedding. She can see firsthand how much bigger my mansion is than hers."

  I pointed out that Henry’s aunt was still very much alive.

  That didn’t worry Momma none. "She’s eighty-six, Becky. How much longer can she last?"

  Momma decided she and Henry would save a considerable amount of money if I’d do the cooking and flower arrangements for their wedding. I suggested she double up on her Valium and offered to buy her a first-class plane ticket to Palm Beach if she’d leave immediately. She pretended I was kidding.

  I’d told Johnny about my part in Donald’s death the night before I turned myself in. Upset because I hadn’t told him earlier, he accused me of not trusting him. It took a week for him to calm down enough to realize I’d been trying to shield him. If he’d known I’d killed Donald, he would’ve been forced to choose between his duty as a deputy sheriff and his desire to protect me. We didn’t make up until the day before the county attorney announced no charges would be filed against me.

  *****

  I stepped out onto the porch of Doctor Condray’s office, pulled the door closed behind me, and eased down onto the cast iron bench beside the entrance. The physician’s words churned in my mind, making me oblivious to all around me. A tapping on my shoulder brought my attention back to the present.

  "Becky, did you hear me?" Ruth Langford asked.

  "Hello, Mrs. Langford. I didn’t see you there."

  "You were in another world." She joined me on the bench. "Are you all right?"

  "I . . . I’m fine. How are you, ma’am?"

  "I’m okay. Just here to get my arthritis prescription renewed before Harland and I take off to Savannah. We’re visiting my sister for a few days. "

  "Savannah’s nice. Frank and I spent a week at the beach last May. He took me to Savannah to . . . to . . ."

  "It’s okay, Becky," she said. "I hope you don’t mind, but Harland told me about you and Frank. "

  I felt blood rush to my face. "I know people think it’s wrong, but we loved each other."

  "We don’t get to pick who we fall in love with, Becky. If we did, I certainly wouldn’t have chosen a judge."

  "I thought you and Judge Langford were happy."

  "We are." She leaned in close. "Sometimes Harland forgets that black robe of his doesn’t carry much weight around the house. I have to remind him."

  We laughed and she asked me about my trip to the beach.

  "It was the first time I’d ever seen the ocean. Frank always wanted me to see new places, to try different things, to learn more about the world. It was the best time of my life." I started to cry. "I’m sorry, Mrs. Langford. I’m not myself today."

  "With all the stress you’ve been under, it’s a wonder you’re not bald." She retrieved a monogrammed hankie from her purse and handed to me. "Harland told me you’d picked up some kind of virus. Are you still feeling poorly?"

  "The nausea is better, but I’m tired a lot. Doctor Condray said it wasn’t a virus."

  "What is it then?"

  I shrugged. "Nothing that won’t pass in time. The doctor recommended I get more rest, take some vitamins, and try not to worry so much."

  "Sounds like good advice."

  "I’ve got so many decisions to make. About the stores, the mountain property. Momma wants me to go to Palm Beach with her, and I’m not sure where Johnny and I are headed. We always figured we’d end up married. We’ve loved each other since we were kids, but . . ."

  "But what, Becky?"

  "My mind is filled with Frank. I miss him so much I ache for him. Is that crazy?"

  "Not at all. You haven’t had time to grieve for him, much less figure out the mess that’s been dropped into your lap." She gave me a hug. "I have an idea. You need some time to yourself and some time away from here. We own a cabin on Tybee Island. Do you know where that is?"

  "It’s near Savannah, isn’t it?"

  She nodded. "Why don’t you ride out to the coast with us? We can drop you off at our cabin and pick you up when we start home. The cabin is on the beach, not far from the Tybee Island Lighthouse."

  "I couldn’t impose on you and the judge."

  "We’d love for you to use it. The house is fully furnished and all the stores are within walking distance. If you want to rent a car or book a local tour, my niece, Robin, owns a travel agency and could arrange it."

  "I don’t drive, but I’d like to visit the lighthouse." I returned the handkerchief. "Has your niece ever been to France?"

  "She lived there for three years when she first got out college. She studied art restoration, traveled around Europe, and took cooking lessons at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. She goes back every year for a visit."

  "Does she go alone?" I asked.

  "Usually."

  "Isn’t she afraid?"

  "She was in the beginning, but not now."

  "I’ve always dreamed of visiting Europe, especially Paris, but the thought of traveling alone terrifies me. How did Robin get over her fear?"

  "She claims the hardest part is getting on the airplane. After that, everything falls into place." Mrs. Langford tucked her handkerchief into the side pocket of her purse. "Harland said Frank bought you a ticket to Paris. You are planning on using it, aren’t you?"

  "I don’t know. I’ve never been anywhere by myself."

  "Then Tybee Island is a good place to start. You’ll have time to sort out your thoughts and decide what you want to do." She stood. "I’ll introduce you to Robin. She can answer all your questions about Paris and traveling abroad."

  "I’d like to hear about Le Cordon Bleu." I smoothed out a wrinkle in my skirt. "Is there a rocking chair at the cabin?"

  "Several, and a hammock on the screened porch." She leaned down and gave me another hug. "It’s settled then. We’ll pick you up at 7 a.m. day-after-tomorrow. Don’t let anyone talk you out of going."

  "I won’t."

  After Mrs. Langford entered the doctor’s office, I lingered on the porch, contemplating the flutter in my stomach. Was it due to Ruth’s encouraging words? Or Doctor Condray’s news? Perhaps, it was a little of both.

  CHAPTER 37

  Henry placed the roaster pan on the top pantry shelf. "Is that the last one?" />
  I nodded. Henry had insisted on helping me clean up after our Thanksgiving dinner. A sudden headache struck Momma as soon as our feast was over. She had to lie down.

  "Thanks for your help, Henry."

  "Thank you for a fine meal. The chefs in Palm Beach could take lessons from you."

  "I enjoy cooking." I hung my apron on the hook behind the door. "I might like to open a restaurant one day."

  "Did you decide that while visiting Tybee Island last week?"

  "I thought about lots of things last week."

  Henry hung his apron next to mine. "Helen said you’d made some plans, but you’d refused to tell her what they were."

  "I needed to take care of some business first."

  "Patience has never been one of your mother’s virtues."

  "It must be one of yours if you’re willing to marry her."

  He laughed. "Helen’s a challenge for sure, but I always liked a good challenge. Besides, I’m crazy about her."

  There must be something good in Momma to make a fine man like Henry fall in love with her. Something down deep—real deep.

  "I hope she realizes how lucky she is to have you, Henry."

  He blushed.

  I opened the refrigerator. "How about some tea?"

  Henry got two glasses from the cupboard and sat down at the kitchen table.

  As I poured our tea, I recalled our earlier conversations about pursuing dreams and standing up for those dreams against family members like his father. My heart told me this man could be trusted. I took the seat across from him. "I got some news a couple of weeks ago."

  "Hope it was good news."

  "It came as a surprise, but it was definitely good news." I cleared my throat. "I haven’t told anyone yet, but I’d like to tell you, Henry."

  "Sure, Becky. You can tell me anything good or bad."

  I took a sip of tea and gathered my courage. "Before I do, you must promise not to tell anyone, especially Momma."

  Henry lowered his eyes. "Then you’d better not tell me."

  "Can’t you keep a secret from her?"

  "Yes, but I don’t want to." He squared his shoulders. "On the drive up here, I thought about how Helen’s and my courtship has been shrouded in secrets."

  "You didn’t have a choice. Neither did Frank and I considering the circumstances."

  "That’s what we told ourselves at the time. But Becky, we have more control over our circumstances than we think. It’s just easier to pretend we don’t. It’s less work, less responsibility." He took a sip of tea. "I don’t want there to be any secrets or lies between Helen and me. I’m determined to have an honest marriage, at least on my part."

  "I hope you’re not expecting that same honesty from Momma."

  Henry chuckled. "I expect Helen to be Helen. It wouldn’t be fair to tell her I love her and then insist she change who she is. What kind of love would that be?"

  I’d never envied my mother as much as I did at that moment. She had found the rarest gem—someone who loved her unconditionally. I prayed she’d be worthy of Henry’s love.

  "What about Johnny? Can’t you tell him your secret?"

  "I will eventually. But right now it would only complicate matters between us."

  "Are you two having problems?"

  "Not really. We had a long talk and got everything straightened out. Johnny had wanted to get married."

  Henry frowned. "From what Helen told me, I thought that’s what you’ve always wanted."

  "I thought so too, but the timing is all wrong. If we married now, it’d be more out of loneliness and heartache than out of love." I grabbed a couple of napkins, handed one to Henry, placed the other under my glass. "While at the beach, I realized Johnny needs more time to grieve for his son and his broken marriage. And I still miss Frank something fierce."

  "Frank adored you. It’s too bad he can’t be with you."

  I slipped my hand under the table and rested it on my stomach. "A part of Frank is with me wherever I go."

  "I’m sorry if I’ve disappointed you, Becky."

  "On the contrary, I think you’re an amazing human being."

  "Me?" He laughed. "I’ve been called a lot of things, but never amazing."

  "Trust me, you are. And don’t worry about me. My little secret will keep for now." I got out a tin of assorted holiday cookies and placed them on the table.

  Henry refilled our drinks. "So you’ve made some plans. Right?"

  "Right."

  "I wish to hell you’d tell us what they were." Momma stood in the doorway leading from the kitchen into the back hall.

  "How long have you been there, Momma?"

  "Just a minute. Why? You two telling secrets?"

  Henry grinned. "Come join us, Peaches."

  Momma got a glass, settled in the chair between Henry and me, and poured herself some tea. "Okay, Becky. What’s this big decision you keep hinting at?"

  "First off, I’m not selling Starview Mountain."

  Momma slapped the tabletop with her open hand. "They’ve upped their offer to $700,000. You’re a damn fool if you don’t accept."

  "Mr. Parr gave us the land because he wanted to keep it natural. Frank vowed to do so, and I’m honoring his wish."

  Her jaw tightened. "I’d think you’d be happy to get rid of it after what happened with Donald."

  "Are you selling the house or business?" Henry asked.

  "No. I’m not as courageous as you."

  "Holding on to the family home and business doesn’t mean you lack courage. It just means you haven’t found your dream yet." He reached for a cookie. "When you do, you might discover they’re part of it."

  "Are you going to run the stores?" Helen asked.

  "I’m going to use the ticket Frank bought me and go to France."

  She frowned. "I suppose Johnny’s going with you."

  "I’m going alone."

  "You can’t go alone," she said. "You don’t speak French."

  "I’m learning. Mrs. Langford’s niece, Robin, gave me a book. I can order from a menu and ask for directions to the bathroom."

  Henry laughed. "Sounds to me like you’ve got both ends covered."

  I laughed too, but Momma didn’t.

  "Who’s going to take care of the house and business while you’re gallivanting around Europe?" she asked.

  "Johnny’s going to live here. He’ll take care of the house and garden."

  "No," Momma said. "I won’t have him living here, rummaging through my things."

  I gripped my glass with both hands. "I need someone I can trust to take care of Papa’s house, and Johnny needs to save money for law school. He’s going to live here."

  "So Johnny’s going to study law," Henry said. "That’s nice."

  Helen stared at her fiancé. "You’re just happy for everybody, aren’t you?"

  Henry grinned and pushed the tin of sweets toward her. "Have a cookie, Sweetheart. You’ll feel better."

  "Before I leave for Palm Beach, I’m putting a padlock on my bedroom door. And what about the stores, Becky? I’d better get my monthly check."

  "You will. I’ve worked it all out. Neil Abbott will train Josh Zagat to be the store manager in Kirbyville. Sy Lambert will supervise the Sugardale store, and Gordon will be the general manager. He’ll have the same authority Frank did."

  Henry nodded. "That’s a good plan."

  "You were right about Judge Langford finding retirement boring. He’s decided to take on a few clients, including me. He’ll have my power of attorney. He and Gordon will send me reports every quarter."

  Momma frowned. "Every quarter? How long is this visit to France?"

  "I’m not visiting France, I’m moving there."

  She shot up out of her chair. "The hell you are!"

  "I’ll be gone at least a year, maybe more. I’m taking cooking lessons at Le Cordon Bleu. Robin has friends living in Paris. She’s arranged for them to meet my plane. They’ll help me find an apartment and show me around
town."

  "You’ve certainly done your homework," Henry said.

  "Don’t encourage her." Momma pushed her bangs off her forehead. "This is the most ridiculous idea I’ve ever heard. Moving to a foreign country when you’ve barely been out of the valley. Why don’t you move to Atlanta? Or Palm Beach? Somewhere that makes sense."

  "I’ve always wanted to go to France. That’s been the one constant in my life. Besides, I need to get far away from here."

  She shook her finger at me. "What you mean is that you need to get far away from me. Do you hate me so much you can’t stand being in the same country?"

  "This isn’t about you, Momma."

  "The hell it isn’t." She headed for the living room. "I need my cigarettes."

  I trailed after her. Henry followed and took a seat in the corner.

  "Frank once accused me of using him and my pledge to care for Papa’s house as excuses to hide from the world. He was right." I waited until she smoked half a Camel before continuing. "I’m going far away so if things get hard, I won’t be able to run back home. I need to learn to solve my own problems and to depend upon my own judgment. That’s what you did when you left West Virginia."

  "I didn’t have a family or a home to go to. But you do." She snuffed out the cigarette and reached for another. "Granted, it hasn’t been a picnic around here, but you’ve always had plenty to eat, a warm bed, and people who loved you. Your daddy, Frank, Eli. Even Anna and Johnny loved you."

  "Yes," I said. "Everyone except you."

  She whirled around to face me. "I never said I didn’t love you, Becky Leigh."

  "You never said you did."

  "I never said I didn’t."

  Henry stood. "Maybe I should go for a walk while you two talk."

  "Sit down and be quiet," Momma ordered.

  He did as he was told.

  I stepped closer to her. "The night I told you about Donald’s death, you asked me what my truth was. I didn’t know. Still don’t. But I’m going to find out."

  "You have to move to France to do that?"

  "I believe so."

  She sashayed over to the front windows. "You’re doing this so you won’t have to attend my wedding."