Tickled Pink

by Debby Mayne

  “I don’t know, Darryl. Piney Point is rather unique.”

  “Maybe not as much as you think. Don’t forget I grew up in a small town in Alabama. Based on what you’ve already told me, Piney Point sounds mighty similar to my hometown. Nothing will surprise me.”

  “Okay.” I study his profile as he drives and ponder his comments. Maybe he’s right.

  The drive from Atlanta to Piney Point is long, but we finally pull into town around midnight. I wish I’d taken the whole day off so we could’ve left earlier, but at least we made it safely. I direct him to the house I grew up in. He pulls into the driveway, and without wasting a second he gets out, grabs my bags, and carries them to the front porch.

  “I’ll put these inside.”

  “You don’t have to.” I don’t want to take a chance that Mama or Daddy will still be up.

  He gives me a look of understanding and nods. “Okay, if you’d rather I didn’t . . . ”

  The last thing I want to do is hurt his feelings, so I relent. “Well, maybe you can help me carry the bags to my room. We just need to be real quiet and not wake Mama or Daddy. They can be so grouchy when they don’t have enough sleep.”

  “I promise I’ll be quiet.”

  I slowly turn the key in the lock and open the door, cringing when it squeaks. Darryl follows behind me, carrying two of my bags. We’re almost to my room, when I hear footsteps coming up the hall.

  “I thought you’d be here earlier,” Mama says. “What took you so long?” Even in the dim light from the bathroom nightlight, she looks beautiful for a woman in her early sixties.

  “We couldn’t leave ’til I got off work.” I glance back at Darryl, who is standing there, still holding onto my bags. “Mama, this is Darryl, my . . . date for the reunion.”

  “Oh?” Mama turns to him. “And where are you from, Darryl?”

  I’ve already told Mama everything I thought she needed to know about Darryl, including the fact that he’s from an Alabama town similar to Piney Point. But this is her way of getting under my skin, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

  He smiles at Mama as she stands there interrogating him. I want to stop this craziness, but knowing Mama, anything I say will only make her that much more determined to torture me.

  “Why don’t I finish carrying all of Trudy’s bags inside so she can go to bed?” he finally says. “We can chat tomorrow after everyone is rested. Trudy’s had a long day.”

  Mama looks back and forth between Darryl and me then nods. “Fine. Trudy, turn the porch light off after he leaves.” She goes back to her room without another word.

  “Sorry about that,” I whisper.

  He cups my face in his hands and gives me a long, tender look. “There’s nothing to apologize for.”

  After he leaves, I get ready for bed. The room hasn’t changed since I left home to marry Michael. The pinks and purples and sparkly silver accent that I used to love now seem overdone. Maybe I’ll have a chat with Mama about redecorating my old room.

  I awaken to the sound of someone knocking on my bedroom door. Mama doesn’t wait more than a few seconds before opening the door and smiling at me. “Trudy, your guest is here. Why don’t you get dressed and come on into the kitchen?” Her demeanor is different and throws me off.

  “I have to take a shower.” I toss back the covers and sit up. “But it won’t take me long.”

  “Take your time. Darryl seems like a very sweet boy, and we’re enjoying each other’s company.” She winks at me. “He just might be the one.”

  As she closes the door, I sit in stunned silence. Surely I’m hearing things. I never expected Mama to appreciate Darryl—at least not right away.

  I don’t waste any time showering, dressing, and putting on my makeup. Whatever good thing is going on in the kitchen can’t last long.

  They’re laughing so hard when I join them they don’t even see me right away, so I clear my throat. “What’s so funny?”

  “Trudy, why didn’t you tell me Darryl was a Rhodes Scholar?”

  I cross the kitchen, pull a mug from the cabinet, and pour myself a cup of coffee before turning around to face them. “What’s a Rhodes Scholar?”

  Mama lifts a hand to her mouth, obviously trying to stifle laughter, but Darryl gives me a thoughtful look as he speaks. “It’s an academic scholarship.”

  “Come on, Darryl,” Mama says as she looks at him in awe. “It’s the most prestigious scholarship that’s ever been awarded.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.” Darryl looks embarrassed but pleased by the fact that Mama is so impressed.

  “Trudy, this young man is not only brilliant, he’s modest to a fault. He’s definitely a keeper.”

  Now I’m the one who’s embarrassed, so I change the subject. “Are you hungry, Darryl? I’m starving.”

  “Your mother made me some pancakes.” He turns to Mama. “And they were delicious.”

  “I’d like some pancakes too.” I glance back and see that all the dishes have been washed and put away. “I’ll make ’em.”

  “Trudy, honey, you’re putting on some extra pounds. I think you might want to pass on the pancakes.” She looks me up and down with obvious disapproval. “How about a poached egg and piece of dry toast?”

  Tears of embarrassment sting the back of my eyes. I can’t look at Darryl for the shame I feel.

  “I think Trudy is beautiful.” Darryl gets up from the table and walks straight over to me before turning around to face Mama. “And now I know where she gets her looks.”

  “Why, thank you, Darryl.” Mama is actually blushing. “It’s not easy maintaining a decent figure, though. I have to work at it.”

  “Trudy and I like to go for long walks every chance we get, so I don’t think an occasional pancake or two will hurt.”

  Mama ponders his comment and finally nods. “You’re probably right. Denying yourself of everything will only make you binge later. Isn’t that right, Trudy?” She laughs. “Did you tell Darryl about that time—?”

  I glare at her, stopping her midsentence. “Mama, stop it right now. I can’t continue living up to your expectations and worrying about my weight all the time.”

  A pained expression flickers across Mama’s face. “I’m just trying to help.”

  “But you’re not helping. I’m a professional woman with a good life, and the last thing I need to worry about is my . . . middle-age spread.”

  Mama holds my gaze for a few seconds before shrugging. “Then suit yourself. If you want pancakes, you know how to make ’em. I have to get going, or I’ll be late for my pedicure.”

  After she leaves, Darryl pulls me into his arms. “Want me to make you some pancakes?”

  I shake my head. “I don’t really want breakfast. I’ve lost my appetite.”

  “You need to eat something.” His voice is firm but loving. “Sit down, and I’ll fix whatever you want.”

  38

  Priscilla

  I’m impressed that Celeste has managed to maintain a beauty regimen as long as she has. “Your hair color is perfect,” I tell her.

  “It took me a while after we moved to the coast, but I finally found a hairdresser who knew what he was doing.”

  I lift a section of her highlighted hair. “What would you like me to do then?”

  She shrugs. “Just wash, trim, and blow dry.”

  That’s exactly what I would have advised. As I work on her hair, we chat about her life on the coast and how Jimmy’s managed to build a business with a small loan from her mother’s estate.

  “He’s all worried people will think he’s freeloading off my inheritance,” Celeste says.

  “Who cares what other people think? As long as you and Jimmy are happy, that’s all that really matters.”

  Celeste narrows her eyes as she looks at me in the mirror. “Do you think he’s a freeloader?” The challenge behind her question makes me nervous.

  “No, I don’t think that at all. In fact, I’m impress
ed by how the two of you have grown as a couple.”

  Her shoulders relax, and I let out a breath of relief. “Yes, we have grown . . . in a lot of ways. Jimmy has turned out to be a wonderful provider. He never had the chance to show his abilities as long as we were in Piney Point and he stayed at the resin plant. It took movin’ to the coast where nobody knew him to prove he’s smart.”

  “I’m glad y’all had that opportunity.”

  “Yeah, me too. By the way, that incident at the Mosses’ house was quite a spectacle, wasn’t it?”

  I was hoping to avoid that subject. “Um . . . yeah.”

  “Laura called me later and said after Renee watched how good Jimmy treated me she knew that Wilson boy was a scuzz-bucket. Can you believe he abandoned her when she found out she was pregnant and then came back after she lost the baby?” She rolls her eyes. “Jimmy says he wouldn’t let Wilson back in the house after that, but I know Laura and Pete were afraid of what she’d do if they banned him.”

  “I’m glad she came to her senses.” I don’t know what else to say, and I wish I didn’t have to say anything.

  “Yeah, Renee is a smart girl, but she let her hormones get the best of her. I promised Laura I’d have a talk with her after she calms down a bit.”

  “That’s probably a good idea.” I rack my brain for a new topic to discuss. “What are you wearing to the bonfire tonight?”

  “I’m gonna have to swing by Olson’s Department Store for some maternity jeans.”

  I glance down at her maternity top that clings to her still-slim waistline, but I don’t mention that she probably doesn’t need maternity jeans yet. “It’s been a while since I’ve been to Olson’s.”

  “Me too.”

  We’ve run out of things to talk about, so I work in silence, while she watches the progress in the mirror. When I’m finished, she stands, brushes herself off, and walks straight to the counter to pay.

  Tim drops in a couple times during the afternoon to let me know what’s going on. “We have the bonfire set up and ready to light.” His eyes flicker with a playful twinkle. “I just hope that’s the only thing that’s lit.”

  I chuckle. “Now that Pete’s sober, we might not have to worry about that.”

  “Laura wanted to have a dry party, but some of the fellas squawked and insisted on havin’ a keg. I’ll do what I can to keep Pete away from it, but he’s pretty wily.”

  “Some things are out of our control.” Did I just say that? Even I know I’m a control freak.

  Tim grins and nods. “You got that right.”

  “I’m glad to know I finally got something right. So what time do you need to be there?”

  “I promised Laura I’d be the first one there. If you can’t leave that early, I’m sure you can prob’ly hitch a ride with Celeste and Jimmy.”

  “I can drive.”

  “I know.” Tim shoves his hands in his pockets and gives me one of his charming smiles. “But I was hopin’ to take you home later, and if you drive . . . well, that might not work out.”

  “I’ll call Celeste.”

  His smile brightens as he backs toward the door. “I best be gettin’ on outta here. There’s a ton of work that still needs to be done, and I promised to pick up the meat for the barbecue.”

  “See you around seven?”

  “Yup. Call me if you’re runnin’ late or you can’t get hold of Celeste.”

  After Tim leaves, I turn around and see an audience. “How long have y’all been standing there?”

  Sheila smiles at Chester and Alicia before turning back to me. “Long enough to know that boy is amazin’. Isn’t that right, Chester?” Before he has a chance to respond, she adds, “Priscilla, when will you come to your senses and marry Tim?”

  I let out a laugh that’s a little too loud and way too high-pitched. “I don’t think marriage has ever come up between Tim and me.”

  “It’s not for his lack of tryin’.” Chester shakes his head and glances at the clock. “I have a facial in five minutes, so I better get the room ready.”

  Alicia silently walks away, leaving Sheila and me alone. “So are you ready to face another class reunion?”

  “I guess.”

  She laughs. “After the last two, I wasn’t sure you’d ever wanna come back. But I reckon curiosity is a mighty powerful force.”

  “You’re so right.”

  “Everyone in town is curious about you, now that you’re such a big star.”

  “It’s not just me.” At least I hope it’s not. “I think everyone is curious about anyone they haven’t seen in a while.”

  “Could be, but I know you’ve been a big draw for this year’s reunion. From what I hear, it has the highest expected attendance in the history of Piney Point High. Some folks from other graduating classes wanted to come just so they could rub elbows with the TV star, and Laura had to tell a bunch of ’em no.”

  “I don’t think—”

  Chester joins us. “I just happen to know Laura had Tim hire a couple off-duty cops to keep intruders away.”

  “I thought you had an appointment,” Sheila says.

  “She’s not here yet.”

  I lean toward Chester. “So what’s this about Tim hiring off-duty cops?”

  He slaps his forehead. “I reckon I shouldn’t have spilled the beans, but now that I have, I might as well tell you what I know.”

  “Yes.” I widen my eyes and fold my arms. “You better.”

  Sheila rolls her eyes. “Big mouth.”

  “So tell me.”

  Chester avoids looking at Sheila as he fills me in. “According to the scuttlebutt, the press has offered big bucks to some folks to get them into the reunion . . . or at least take pictures for them.”

  “Folks who went to school with me?”

  “It started with the paparazzi goin’ to people in your graduatin’ class, but they couldn’t get any takers. That’s why they turned to some of the younger, more entrepreneurial types.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  Sheila shakes her head. “I wish he was, but that’s the truth, Priscilla.”

  “Why didn’t y’all tell me before?”

  Chester places his hand on my shoulder. “Because, Priscilla, my dear woman, Sheila was afraid if we told you, you might decide not to grace us with your presence, and that would be just awful.”

  His sing-song tone makes me chuckle. “You were afraid the paparazzi would scare me away?”

  “That’s exactly what we thought.” Sheila nudges Chester away and puts her arm around my shoulders. “We were tryin’ to protect you.”

  “I appreciate that, but I’ll be fine.” My employees have obviously underestimated my ability to deal with my fame. “So, will the off-duty cops be at the bonfire and the party tomorrow?”

  “Yep.” Chester offers a clipped nod before he waves at someone behind me. “My appointment is here. Too-da-loo, ladies.”

  Once he’s gone, I turn to Sheila. “Who is paying for this?”

  Sheila shrugs. “I’m not a hundred percent sure, but I think that’s why Laura had to charge folks more this year.”

  “That’s not good. I mean, it’s not their fault the paparazzi are after me. I need to talk to Laura.”

  A panicked look crosses her face. “No, don’t. I mean, we weren’t supposed to discuss this with you.”

  “Oh.” That does pose a problem. “I have to do something to make it up to everyone.”

  “Trust me, if anyone didn’t wanna pay, they wouldn’t come.”

  “Still . . . ” My mind starts whirring with all sorts of ideas. “Maybe I can buy gift cards and hand them out.”

  Sheila makes a face and shakes her head. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. What will you tell them?”

  “It’s a party favor?”

  “Let me see if I can come up with a better idea.” Sheila nods toward the reception desk. “I think both of our appointments have arrived.”

  Trudy’s mother ma
kes her way to my chair, chattering nonstop about how happy she is her daughter finally met a decent man. “I think she’s met Mr. Right . . . finally. I mean, I thought Michael was perfect for her, but she wasn’t able to hold onto him because of some silly notion that she didn’t have to keep working at her appearance once she got married—”

  “Trudy has always looked beautiful.”

  “Thanks to me, she did for a while. Anyway, as I was sayin’, she met this man in Atlanta, and can you believe this, he’s a Rhodes Scholar. He’s such an intelligent man, which more than makes up for his . . . well, dowdy looks, and you and I both know that can be fixed if the right woman gets hold of him . . . ”

  She rambles on and on about such insignificant stuff I want to run from the salon screaming. But of course I don’t. I continue working on her hair until I have it just like she wants it.

  “How’s this?” I hand her a mirror and twirl her chair around.

  She inspects the back and gives me a smile of approval. “Perfect as usual. If you ever decide to come back to Piney Point for good, I want a weekly standin’ appointment with you.”

  “Sure.” No way will I return to Piney Point for good. If I ever go back to doing hair full-time, it’ll most likely be in the Jackson salon.

  “Make sure you get to know Trudy’s new guy.” She stands and twirls around to face me. “He’s a Rhodes Scholar, ya know.”

  “Yes, you’ve already mentioned that.”

  “It is quite impressive, isn’t it?”

  “I have another appointment now, so Alicia will take care of you.”

  She smiles without crinkling her eyes before turning to leave. She’s barely gone when Sheila walks up. “I never knew nobody so caught up with tryin’ to impress folks as that woman.”

  “Sh.” I glance over my shoulder to make sure no one else can hear. “At least this time it sounds like she has a reason to be impressed.”

  “Yeah, I heard. Rhodes Scholar, huh? Not bad for a ditz like Trudy.”

  “Sheila! Trudy is absolutely not a ditz. In fact, she’s quite smart.”

  “Yeah, I s’pose you’re right. I hear she’s doin’ quite well at her job. Accordin’ to what folks is sayin’, she’s movin’ on up the corporate ladder real quick.”