by Julie Allan
As she brushed the sand off her feet and got into the car, she turned her thoughts to a vision of what her future, at least her future work life, would look like. It built from the spark of an idea she had contemplated in the sand. She became anxious to share her idea with Aunt Dorothy. As the early evening sunshine cast a saturated glow over the marshes she crossed the bridge over the Inter-Coastal Waterway and headed back to the house.
Aunt Dorothy was lounging on the hanging bed swing on the back porch looking over some brochures and travel magazines.
“Going somewhere?” queried Lizzie as she handed Aunt Dorothy a fresh glass of iced tea.
“Thinking about it,” Aunt Dorothy answered, not volunteering any details.
Lizzie decided to leave the topic alone for now. She had her own conversation she needed to have, but how to start?
“Did you have a productive walk on the beach?”
That gave Lizzie an opening and she shared with Dorothy her encounter with Bennett, minus the judgment, and shared with her the idea of how to re-launch her life.
Aunt Dorothy listened attentively and when Lizzie finished she said. ”Now child, that sounds like the real Lizzie Long. I can’t see how it can be anything but successful. If you are sure this is what you want to do, I know Tommy can help. Let’s get Tommy over here so we can get you started.”
“I am so glad that you like the idea!” Lizzie said and she felt her spirits rising.
“Bennett would be glad to help too,” added Aunt Dorothy.
Lizzie rolled her eyes. “Nice try, but I can’t imagine how Bennett could help; besides I need to prove I can stand on my own two feet with this.” Lizzie sassed.
“Oh, I think you might be surprised.” Aunt Dorothy responded, a knowing smile across her face. She wisely dropped the subject, knowing Lizzie would just dig her stubborn heels in deeper. Besides she had a feeling Lizzie would discover soon enough how helpful Bennett might be.
After supper Aunt Dorothy gave Mr. Lee a call asking him to come to church with them on Sunday followed by Sunday dinner at their home. Mr. Lee quickly agreed—he had never turned a meal down at the Long house. Aunt Dorothy was well known by many in the community to set a gracious table that left all who partook more than satisfied.
Lizzie spent a long time on the porch contemplating her future. On the beach she had focused too much on the past and her despair over the woulda, shoulda, coulda’s. After talking about her ideas to move forward with Aunt Dorothy she felt a shift in her thinking and in her outlook. It was scary to think about starting over, but at the same time it was exhilarating and she felt her energy level returning. The pity party had come to a close.
That night Lizzie slept peaceful and deep. Her dreams were a whirl of sticking it to Mark, looking at large bank balances and basking in the glow of being near Bennett. She woke as the sun was peeking over the horizon. She stretched and smiled widely, for the first time in weeks she had a sense of direction. She jumped out of bed with so much energy the dogs leapt to get out of the way. Bennett danced across her mind and she did not feel the need to push the thought aside. She wanted to prove to him she had changed. When she did look into Bennett’s eyes again she wanted to be sure she would not see any pity there.
Chapter Five
Lizzie watched as Bennett, his parents and his sister Amy with her husband and kids settled into the pew across the main aisle and two rows up from where Aunt Dorothy and Lizzie sat. One of Amy’s kids, her youngest and only girl, climbed into Bennett’s lap and snuggled into the crook of his arm. She was wearing a smocked seersucker pink and white sundress with ribbons tied at the shoulders. Bennett bent his head down and was saying something to her and although Lizzie could not hear what it was, she could tell by the smile on the little girl’s face it was a tender moment between the uncle and his niece. Lizzie felt a tug at her heart. Bennett had always been so good with kids, it reminded her of Uncle George. She reached out and patted Aunt Dorothy’s hand at the thought. Aunt Dorothy must miss Uncle George so much.
Mr. Lee joined them in the pew just as the organ and choir launched into the opening hymn. Lizzie dutifully followed the service, reciting the congregation’s lines from the prayer book, singing the hymns and bowing her head for prayers. But, she found herself sneaking peeks at Bennett throughout and often observed him keeping a nephew on task or soothing his niece who had remained perched in his lap.
Amy had four children—three boys and one girl— and apparently did not utilize the church nursery. But—to her credit and that of the extended family, the children were not disruptive. No doubt Mrs. McGantry would have given them a scowl of disapproval if they had been. She had already turned around from her front row seat to scowl at Lizzie and Aunt Dorothy when she saw that Mr. Lee was sitting next to Aunt Dorothy in the pew. Not that it was unusual; Mr. Lee was actually a member of the Baptist church a few blocks away, but over the years he had joined Dorothy and George on occasion for church, particularly if they had plans together for Sunday brunch.
Mr. Lee was a confirmed bachelor and often spent time with the Longs. During the sermon Lizzie felt her cheeks burning. It seemed the theme of the week for Lizzie was now the theme for the congregation. Reverend Truett was preaching on the human failing of shallowly judging thy neighbor on outward appearances, not the content of their soul and who were they to judge that which was only for God to deem worthy or unworthy. Lizzie felt herself shrinking down into the pew, feeling like a spotlight was shining down from heaven on her head. In her line of sight she saw Mrs. McGantry straighten her shoulders, oblivious of the fact she was just as guilty as her fellow parishioners. Evidently she saw her judgments as divinely issued.
After the service they moved to the parish hall for coffee and greetings. Reverend Truett gave Dorothy a warm hug and heartily shook Mr. Lee’s hand commenting, “We will convert you to Episcopalian yet, Tommy!”
Mr. Lee chuckled and replied, “Not until my mama won’t roll over in her grave, but excellent sermon as always.”
Once in the hall Mr. Lee went to fetch coffee for himself and the ladies and Lizzie scanned the room. The black and white tile floor and the warm wood wainscot-paneled room never seemed to change. Of course every Sunday it was the meet and greet space, but she had years of memories, vacation bible school, youth group dances, parish pancake suppers , so many events in her life. Aunt Dorothy excused herself to visit with the organist.
Mrs. Wilson, Bennett’s mother, approached and embraced Lizzie. “I am so glad you are sticking around. Your Aunt Dorothy will be mighty glad for the company,” she said. Lizzie smiled at her and replied. “I think I am back permanently. I can’t believe how much I have missed by being away. I am amazed by Amy’s family.”
“Me too, sugar, I’m amazed to be a memaw four times over! It has been a joy in my life.”
The two women looked over at the two youngest of Amy’s brood who were giving Mrs. McGantry their rapt attention as she was telling them some kind of story. Their eyes were as big as saucers. Mrs. McGantry had a soft grandmotherly look about her as she interacted with the youngsters.
“Bless her heart,” Mrs. Wilson sighed. “Marie would have been a wonderful grandmother. How sad that she didn’t get the chance.”
Lizzie witnessed a side to Mrs. McGantry she had never seen before.
“I’m sure your Aunt Dorothy will make a wonderful grandmother to your children too, Lizzie,” Mrs. Wilson said. “Dorothy told me about your split from your husband. I am truly sorry, but don’t give up on love. You would make a fine wife and mother with the right person,” she added.
“Thank you. You have always been so kind to me, even when I was not so kind to Bennett,” Lizzie replied.
“Oh, I was disappointed when you and Bennett broke up. I had gotten used to the idea you would be my daughter-in-law, but I also understood y’all were so young. Each of you needed to
get out in the world and learn a bit more about yourselves. Now that you both have done that, I have to admit I’m rooting for a reunion between you two.”
Lizzie blushed and stammered. “I ... I ... would be blessed to have a mother-in-law like you. I just don’t think I can even consider romance, at least not until my divorce is final.”
“Well, I better see how many cookies Mr. Wilson has snuck off the children’s table. Lizzie, my door is always open to you if you want to talk or just come and visit,” Mrs. Wilson said as she hugged Lizzie once more.
Lizzie hugged her back. “I would love to spend some time with you and tell you about my new project. I will come by soon,” Lizzie said.
As Mrs. Wilson moved away, Lizzie looked around the hall. Her eyes landed on Bennett and she felt her face getting hot as she realized he was looking at her. Did he know she had been watching him in the church? Bennett smiled at her and she found herself smiling back despite the fact her brain was screaming, “Don’t encourage him!”
Bennett turned away as two of his nephews went tearing by and almost knocked their grandmother off her feet. Lizzie looked down as she felt an unexpected breeze ruffle the bottom of her skirt and found herself looking into the blue-green eyes of a small boy with wavy black hair. He was looking up at her grinning, wait not at her face, but up her skirt!
Like his brothers, he was decked out in seersucker shorts, a white polo shirt and Dockers.
“Jeremy!” His mother scolded and quickly stood him up on his feet. “Apologize to Miss Long!”
“Sorry” Jeremy said with a wicked grin on his face that really said he was not.
“Sorry what?” his mom prompted.
“Sorry, ma’am,” he obediently replied and quickly scampered away to join his siblings at the cookie table.
“I am so sorry,” Amy said, looking embarrassed. “Don’t be silly, it’s a case of nephew like uncle the way I see it,” Lizzie replied. In her mind’s eye she was remembering a young boy of eight doing that same body slide on this floor to her eight year old self.
“He does look an awful lot like my brother and acts like him too,” Amy said with a mock look of dismay but her smiling eyes said she was really pleased her son was like her brother. They were very close.
Lizzie could not disagree; she thought of an imaginary child with Mark’s character and again felt relief she had not had a child with that man.
“Listen Amy, sorry I haven’t contacted you since I have been back. The last five weeks have been a whirlwind.”
“I totally get it, but I would love to have you over to the house and catch up.”
“I would love that!” Lizzie exclaimed. She and Amy had managed to keep a friendship despite her split with Bennett a decade ago. They were not the kind of friends who shared all their secrets, but having known each other all their lives and at one time believing they would be sisters’ in-law, they had never been able to sever ties.
“Hey, babe, we need to get lunch into the munchkins or we are going to have a cookie mutiny on our hands,” Amy’s husband Scott said, as he leaned in and gave Lizzie a peck on the cheek. “Nice to have you back around Lizzie, we’ll have to get you over and we’ll fire up the grill,” he said. “I was just saying we needed to get her over to the house,” Amy chimed in. “How about next Friday, around six?”
“Sounds good, what can I bring?” Lizzie asked. “Your pimento cheese spread,” they said in unison and without skipping a beat.
“Well then, pimento cheese spread it is,” and Lizzie smiled with self-satisfaction. It was gratifying how quickly they had answered. They obviously remembered her cooking fondly. She may have her first two customers, after Aunt Dorothy and Mr. Lee of course. If things went well with Mr. Lee over lunch, she could share her business idea with Amy and Scott on Friday.
“See you then,” they chorused to each other and Lizzie watched the Wilson and Hutchins’ clan exit out into the late June haze. What a great family, Lizzie thought wistfully.
She turned to see Aunt Dorothy and Mr. Lee engaged in conversation with Mrs. McGantry. Watching the expressions on their faces, she could tell Mrs. McGantry was expressing disapproval over something. Then she was startled to see Mrs. McGantry blush and giggle like a teenager in response to something Mr. Lee said to her. She had always thought of Mrs. McGantry as a stuffy, judgmental busybody, but maybe like so many others she had misjudged her.
Reverend Truett’s sermon reverberated as she chided herself for judging others and vowed to improve. She walked over to collect Aunt Dorothy and Mr. Lee. It was time to get them back to the house and reveal the plans she had shared with Aunt Dorothy to Mr. Lee. She would need his help to get things started.
“Mrs. McGantry, that shade of pink looks lovely on you,” she said as she approached the threesome.
“Why, how kind of you to say,” Mrs. McGantry twittered back, a look of pleasure at the compliment lighting up her face. “Well, I must get home, glad to see you are going to be sticking around Lizzie. This is truly where you belong,” Mrs. McGantry commented as she turned to exit as many of the parishioners had begun to thin out.
“Well, ladies, I am looking forward to hearing what Lizzie has planned, but truth be told I am practically salivating at the thought of Sunday lunch in your gracious home,” Mr. Lee declared. Lizzie, with a flourish of her hand, led the way and they headed back to the house.
At the house Mr. Lee plopped his linen napkin down on the shiny surface of the dining room table. Aunt Dorothy’s formal dining room was traditional with dark woods and silver julep cups sparkling on the sideboard. Many of the furnishings had been in the Long family for generations. The silver had a warm patina and was engraved with an S. It had belonged to Aunt Dorothy’s mother, Lizzie’s grandmother, and they used it lovingly. The S stood for Sawyer, which would have been Lizzie’s maiden name had she not been formally adopted by Aunt Dorothy and Uncle George, a decision she had never regretted. The room was also warm and inviting with well-cushioned seats, deep blue walls and a plush oriental rug underfoot. Some of the paintings that hung in ornate frames had been painted by Lizzie’s mother, who had been a budding professional artist at the time of her death. It was easy to linger over a meal in this room.
“That was one of the best tomato pies you have ever made, Dorothy,” Mr. Lee commented as Lizzie whisked away his plate and headed to the kitchen to serve up the blackberry cobbler and whipped cream sitting in wait.
Dorothy smiled, “Well, Tommy, I can’t take credit for anything sat before you today, as Lizzie was in charge of the kitchen.”
“Really, very impressive Lizzie,” he called out, “and a credit to your teaching skills, Dorothy,” he added.
“Why thank you, Mr. Lee,” Lizzie replied as she sat before him the delectable dish of cobbler and cream.
“There is a reason for this feast and not just our genuine affection for you,” Aunt Dorothy said as she watched Tommy take his first bite and involuntarily sigh with pleasure as the tart berries, sugary crust and cooling cream danced across his tongue. “We, I mean Lizzie, needs your help,” Dorothy continued.
“Well, all you have to do is ask,” he said. “Plying me with food is not necessary, but greatly appreciated,” he replied, winking at Lizzie.
“Well, food is kind of the point,” Lizzie said. “I want to use some of my windfall to start a business. A shop/tea room type of place, I want to serve breakfast/ brunch/lunch type food, coffee, tea ... and also sell food products, take-out tomato pies and other things ... what do you think?” she timidly asked.
“I think you have a daily lunch customer sitting right here,” he smiled. “We need to make sure you are in walking distance from my office,” he laughed.
“That’s what we need you for,” Dorothy chimed in. “We need to get her a place, a business plan, permits etc.”
“I would be glad to help. One of my partne
rs, Mr. Smith, is an expert in the permit process, so between the two of us we can definitely get you on your feet. Come by my office tomorrow around noon. On my lunch break I want to take you to see what I think might be a perfect location. I happen to work often with the owner and I think he will offer you a fair deal. You are also fortunate to be able to fund this venture without the need for a loan, which will also make this process easier.”
Lizzie flung her arms around Mr. Lee. “Thank you so much!”
“Lizzie, I’m not doing this because I love you like family. You are seriously a talented cook and I know you have some background knowledge in business from your past work experience. I really believe you can make a success from this venture,” Mr. Lee exhorted.
Lizzie, humbled by the vote of confidence, blushed and in a low voice replied, “That means more to me than you can possibly know.”
Lizzie spent the afternoon, writing out her ideas in a notebook. What do I want my business to look like? How will my customers experience my food? She did not want to be strictly a restaurant, she also wanted to provide gift baskets and prepared casseroles for folks to take home and feed their families with the love that can only come from homemade. With so many households these days having both parents working, it would be a nice alternative to frozen entrees or fast food take-out. She wanted to reflect the bounty of the sea and the local farms. She wanted her customers to feel like they were visiting a friend, but what to call it?
She definitely had some business skills; she understood marketing and could read contracts and ledgers with confidence. What she didn’t know was sources for all the things she would need. She wasn’t even sure what she needed. This time as her mind began to whirl with questions she didn’t feel despair, instead she felt energized. Her confidence felt a boost.