by Judith Keim
Sukie was too stunned to form words. If not Ted, then who else could hate her enough to leave a note like that?
“Goodnight,” she managed to say and hung up.
Thinking of Lynn, she quickly phoned her. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah, what’s happening? Did you see someone lurking around, someone suspicious?”
“No, nothing like that, just an ugly note in my mailbox. I thought it was Ted, but he said it wasn’t.”
“Do you think you should call the sheriff?”
“No, it’s probably the kids in the neighborhood. They’ve been acting up lately. Glad you’re fine. Talk to you tomorrow.”
Still upset, Sukie checked the lock on all the doors and sank onto a kitchen chair, racking her brain for clues as to who might have left the note for her. Cam wasn’t that kind of person. Certainly Edythe Aynsley wouldn’t do anything so common. But someone had. Who?
Sukie left a kitchen light on and made her way upstairs, trying to convince herself that it was nothing more than a prank. A nasty one at that.
###
Julie greeted Sukie with a smile when she arrived at the library. “Some of the books you ordered arrived early this morning.”
“Great.” In addition to some of the old classics, she’d ordered some popular contemporary picture books. She sat at her desk and pulled out the preliminary report she’d written on Friday to present to the Board of Directors today.
The phone rang as Sukie finished editing the report. “Sukie? It’s Tiffany. I have to talk to you. I got into a big fight with my mother-in-law last night and I’m scared.”
“Scared? Why? Did she threaten you?”
“Not exactly. I told her to stop trying to control me. I said I was going to work as long as I could and I was going to continue to see my friends. She doesn’t like you, Sukie, or any of my friends. She said the Fat Fridays group was full of misfits. And, Sukie, she had all of you investigated by someone on Regard’s staff.”
“Wha-a-a-t? What right does she have to do that?” Sukie could well imagine the dirty kind of details any investigation like that could dig up. And would it jeopardize Lynn?
“I’m sorry.” Tiffany’s voice ended in a sob. “They’re hateful people. I won’t drag you into my life any longer. I’ll resign from Fat Fridays.”
“Resign? No. You. Won’t.” No one, not even Muffy Wright was going to destroy the group Sukie had come to love. “You’ve got to make a stand, Tiffany. We’ll all help in any way we can.”
Tiffany sniffled. “Thanks. I was hoping you’d say that. Uh, oh! My boss just walked in the door. Gotta go.”
Sukie sat at her desk, outraged.
Julie dropped off a load of the new books on Sukie’s desk. “Anything wrong?”
Sukie shook her head. She needed time to digest what Tiffany had told her. She had nothing to hide, but the others might not feel so comfortable. Especially Lynn. And Betsy hadn’t come out to the community yet.
Still stewing about the situation, Sukie gathered her papers and headed into the conference room for the board meeting. If good fortune were with her, Edythe Aynsley wouldn’t be there. No such luck. Edythe’s strident voice could be heard all the way down the hallway.
Sukie took a seat at the conference table next to Julie, acknowledging smiles from everyone but Edythe, who managed to avoid meeting Sukie’s eye. At the proper time, Sukie gave the board members a brief summary of the activities she’d overseen in the last month, along with a financial summary of the money spent on new books. “Any questions?”
Edythe waved her fingers annoyingly. “As you are someone just temporarily filling in and without a degree in library science, I would certainly hope Julie oversaw the purchase of the books, and that you didn’t encourage her to buy any books about burping dogs and the like.”
Sukie’s temper reared its ugly head. “I believe you mean the book about farting dogs.”
Edythe’s bright red cheeks brought Sukie some satisfaction.
“As a matter of fact,” Sukie continued, amidst chuckling from others in the room, “that was one of the books we considered purchasing. Although it has been requested many times, Julie and I decided to postpone buying it because so many other books are also in demand. Any more questions?”
Edythe’s eyes bored into her the entire time Sukie responded to questions from members of the board. Sukie tried her best to ignore Edythe’s glares but antagonism rose from her like a poisonous green mist.
After the meeting ended, and Sukie and Julie were alone in the conference room, Julie spoke quietly to her. “You’ve made a real enemy of Edythe. Be careful, Sukie. She wields a lot of influence in different circles.”
“Edythe’s never given me a chance to prove myself,” Sukie said, frustrated. “After seeing me with Cam, she made up her mind to get rid of me.”
“You may be right, but you need the job and I need you.”
Sukie realized she’d been foolish to let her temper loose, but she’d felt so bombarded by so many people’s expectations lately that she’d been unable to hold back.
“Speaking of Cam,” Julie said, “he’s offering to give money back to the people who took his computer class and lost out on the last two classes. He says he taught everyone the basics but he’d wanted to do more. It seems he’s been very busy, working weekends and traveling a lot.”
Sukie wondered who was taking care of Chloe but said nothing. Chloe was no longer her concern. Come this Saturday’s Nighty-Night gathering, it would be a relief to know Chloe would, most likely, be absent and Sukie wouldn’t have to face Cam. Still, Sukie would miss her. And though she didn’t want to admit it, even to herself, Sukie would miss seeing Cam stride into the room, holding Chloe’s hand.
She finished picking up discarded meeting agendas from the conference table and went to her desk, vowing to do better with Edythe. She had to keep the job. Her computer skills were shaky and she had no other training. If Ted and she were forced to go back to court, Sukie wanted to be able to prove to the judge she’d done more than sit around, doing nothing.
When she got home from work Sukie called Ted, determined to resolve the issue of housing. Ted gave her a churlish hello.
Sukie ignored his tone. “Ted, we need to talk about this house. You’ve been telling the kids that I’m going to have to sell it. I’m well aware of the fact you’re looking into building a lake house. Judge Wright told me you talked to him about buying his boat. I don’t think any judge is going to look kindly upon those facts. So, back off.”
“What’s happened to you, Sukie?” Ted snarled. “I didn’t write that note you called me about, but I’m not surprised you got it. I have a new family to think about. Don’t you get that?”
Sukie steeled herself. “What I get is that you’re trying to bully me into something I don’t want at this stage, all because of...” She stopped. This conversation was going nowhere. “I meant what I said, Ted. Any more threats of taking this house away from me and we’ll go see the judge.”
“You are a bitch!” He slammed down the phone before she could say anything else.
Sukie’s body thrummed with unspoken, angry responses. Stay strong, she reminded herself. Stay strong.
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
SUKIE
The days and weeks flew by in a blur of projects. Now that people knew there was a children’s librarian, Sukie was called upon to give talks to community groups, hold story hours for two different age groups and perform research to broaden the inventory. Of all her duties, the Nighty-Night program was her favorite. The response to the series had been outstanding and the board was eager to keep its success going.
Sukie drove into the parking lot of Bea’s Kitchen, eager to see everyone in the Fat Friday’s group and receive her weekly serving of acceptance.
Betsy was already seated at a table when Sukie walked in.
Concern filled Sukie as she noted the dark circles under Betsy’s eyes, the downward turn of her mouth
. “How are you?”
“Richie and Sarah are back together.” Betsy’s lips quivered. “She made him promise not to see me until I regain common decency, as she put it. She said I’m an embarrassment to her. She’s telling everyone else I’ve had a nervous breakdown. Richie called to say he’ll pick up the last of his things from the house on Saturday while Sarah’s on a shopping trip to Atlanta.”
Sukie reached over and clasped Betsy’s hand. “I’m sorry. That hurts.”
Betsy’s eyes filled. “I was afraid this might happen. I’m not saying much to anyone else, but I’m heartbroken.”
Carol Ann and Lynn arrived, followed by Tiffany. They all exchanged quick embraces and settled at the table in front of their menus.
“Think I’ll have the pork chop today.” Lynn slapped her menu down on the tabletop with an air of finality.
Studying Tiffany surreptitiously, Sukie selected the baked chicken and waited for the other women to place their orders. Tiffany looked healthier than Sukie had ever seen her. Perhaps it was the glow of pregnancy that some women seemed to wear like a crown.
Tiffany glanced over at Sukie and smiled.
“Did anyone else get strange phone calls this week?” asked Lynn. “I got one, asking if I’d been working at MacTel for long and if I’d be interested in purchasing life insurance. I hung up right away, but something about it has been bothering me ever since. I don’t think it has anything to do with Buck, but it didn’t sound right.”
“Oh, no!” Tiffany clapped her cheeks with her hands.
They all turned to her.
Tiffany looked as if she was about to cry. “I bet it’s this whole thing with my mother-in-law.” She proceeded to tell them about the investigations her mother-in-law had ordered. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea she’d gone ahead and done this.”
Carol Ann looked annoyed, and Betsy, angry. Lynn wore a frightened expression that made Sukie’s stomach clench.
Tiffany’s eyes filled. “I told Sukie I’d be glad to leave the group, if that’s what y’all want.”
“No,” Lynn said, commanding attention. “You mustn’t let them control you like that.”
Betsy took hold of Tiffany’s hand. “Sweetie, you’re part of us.”
“It wouldn’t be the same without you,” added Carol Ann. “You gotta stay.”
Tiffany gave them a tremulous smile. “Thank you. It means so much to me.”
“I told Tiffany we’d all help her in any way we can,” Sukie said, and the others nodded their agreement.
Their meals were placed before them, and the table grew quiet as they dug into the southern home-cooked food.
“I’ve got a bit of good news.” Happiness brightened Carol Ann’s features. “John has agreed to let me have an open house at the condo on Saturday. You’re all invited to come. He wants to thank everyone in the group for convincing me to try on-line dating.”
Carol Ann gave the details of the party. “All y’all will come, won’t you?”
Sukie glanced at the other women. They all nodded.
“We’re agreed then?” said Betsy. “We’ll meet at the condo at eight, and if any of you want to join Karen and me for dinner ahead of time, just give me a call.”
“I might just do that. I like these Saturday night get-togethers,” said Lynn with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.
As people were rising to leave, Tiffany pulled Sukie aside. “I found out why Muffy doesn’t like you. The ladies at the country club told her about your date with Regard.”
Annoyed, Sukie burst out, “It wasn’t a date!”
“I know, but Muffy thinks it was. I’m sorry if I’ve made it uncomfortable for you.”
Sukie sighed. “Don’t worry about it. We all need to stick together.”
As Sukie left the restaurant, she wondered how her life had become so complicated. The thing with Muffy Wright was silly. She had no interest in breaking up Muffy’s marriage or anyone else’s.
At the library, Sukie glanced through the new books she’d ordered, and selected four for the upcoming Nighty-Night program. The stories had to be fast-moving and allow plenty of acting out or else she couldn’t hold the attention of restless toddlers. It was a challenge, but she loved drawing the little ones into the stories, sharing the action and pictures with them.
“Hello, Sukie.”
Sukie looked up from her desk to see Mary Anderson approaching. “Hello, Mary! What are you doing here?”
Mary smiled. “You told me you were the children’s librarian. Bob is back in town helping Cam, so I thought I’d drop by to see you. Have a minute?”
“Sure.” Sukie was happy to see her. She’d been so welcoming when they’d first met.
Mary pulled up a chair. “Bob told me not to interfere but, Sukie, I feel I have to say something. Cam needs your help.”
Sukie felt the blood leave her face. “What’s wrong? Omigod! Is something wrong with Chloe?”
Mary shook her head and stared at Sukie in silence.
Suspicion grew. An entirely different thought entered her mind. “I suppose he needs me to babysit, right? The same old babysitter with privileges routine?” The look of satisfaction on Mary’s face made Sukie stop.
She clasped Sukie’s hand. “Good. You still care.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Cam has been miserable these past weeks and I think I know why. He won’t come out and tell me everything, but I know enough to realize it’s because of you. He’s a stubborn man, and I doubt he’ll come to talk to you on his own, but you’ve hurt him. For what it’s worth, he told me you didn’t want to see him anymore. He said you just didn’t get it.”
“Get it?” Sukie’s nostrils flared. “A babysitter with privileges? Certainly not.”
Mary had the audacity to laugh at her. “He told me that part, too. Sukie, have you no idea how difficult a time this man has had? He’d never do that to you.”
“I’m too old to do this...this privileges thing. What I felt for him was so real, so deep.” Tears came to Sukie’s eyes, but she quickly brushed them away.
“He cares about you, too. That’s why I’m here, though both Cam and Bob would be furious if they ever found out. Do you have it in you to call him, Sukie?”
Sukie shook her head. “It’s become so much more than that. My job is in jeopardy. I can’t lose it. And my children and others weren’t happy about my seeing Cam. He’s just starting a family and I’m about to become a grandmother. In so many respects, we’re worlds apart.”
Mary sat silently, continuing to study her. “I thought I knew you better than that, Sukie. I never should have come here. Enjoy that grandchild of yours. I must go.”
Mary left, and Sukie put her head down on her desk, trying to hold in her tears. No matter how much she might wish things were different, they never would be.
###
Time alternately dragged and flew by as Sukie awaited the children’s arrival for Saturday night’s story time. Their excitement when they saw her dressed in a granny night gown over her clothes was contagious. Gathering the children around her, getting them settled on comfy pillows, Sukie relaxed. She was well into a story about a pet pig saving a tightrope walker at a circus when she heard someone call her name.
“Miss Sukie!” Chloe ran toward Sukie, her arms held out. Just before Chloe reached her, she tripped on her blue nightgown and fell into Sukie’s arms.
Sukie glanced up to find Cam staring at her. Without saying a word, he turned and walked away. Watching him leave, Sukie’s heart pounded with dismay. Cam hadn’t even cracked a smile at her or waved goodbye to Chloe.
Chloe climbed up on Sukie’s lap. The other children moved restlessly, waiting for Sukie to continue. She picked up where she’d left off, trying to concentrate on the words and pictures in front of her.
As Sukie read one book, then another, she couldn’t stop thinking of Cam’s stern expression. Even if she might have wanted to talk to him, Sukie knew “keep away” sig
ns when she saw them.
Every time an adult appeared to pick up a child, Sukie tensed. When only Chloe remained, she began to wonder if Cam had planned it that way. Thinking of being alone with him, her body grew cold then hot.
“Where’s Daddy?” Chloe’s little voice echoed in the empty room.
“Here,” came a deep voice.
Cam walked toward them, his expression grim. Without looking at Sukie, he took Chloe by the hand. “Say thank you to Miss Sukie.”
Chloe stamped her foot. “I want to stay with her!”
His face darkened. “Come on, Chloe. It’s time to go.”
“No! Sally wants to live with Sukie. Me, too!” Chloe let out a woeful wail that made Sukie want to gather her in her arms.
Sukie knelt beside her. “We’ll always be special friends, Chloe. Remember that. I’ve got to go, too. I’ll be late for my party.”
“Will you come visit me?” Chloe wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her nightgown.
Sukie rose and gave Cam a helpless look.
“Maybe, someday, I can drop you off at Miss Sukie’s house for a visit.” Reluctance slowed his every word.
Chloe’s lips curved. “Promise?”
His jaw working, Cam looked away. After a few awkward seconds, he nodded.
Chloe danced out of the room, circled back and left again, playing in the hallway.
Moving restlessly from one foot to the other, Cam stared at Sukie.
She started to say something then stopped, unable to trust her voice.
“I’m sorry,” Cam said, and turned away.
“Cam?”
He faced Sukie and waited for her to continue.
“I...I wish things could have been different between us. I really do.” She fought tears.
“Me, too.” He walked away.
Sukie wanted to run after him, beg his forgiveness, tell him what a fool she’d been. But she stayed resolutely in place, knowing it was not what he wanted. The memory of their lovemaking, their laughter, their ease with one another was like a sharp-edged knife ripping at her. Grateful no one else was there to witness her misery, Sukie took out a tissue, wiped her eyes and blew her nose. She told herself it was for the best. Her family and co-workers would be happy it had ended. Talk about her in this small town would finally die down.