Aging with Gracie

by Heather Hunt

  Grace laughed as she moved on into the room. She greeted a group of women sitting around a low coffee table. A newspaper, more than likely open to the obituaries, balanced precariously on the edge of the table, and a Royal Doulton tea service Grace had found boxed up in a storage closet sat in the center of the group.

  “Good morning, ladies.”

  “Good morning, dear,” Marianne, one of Grace’s favorite residents, responded.

  When Grace had first learned some of the names of the residents at Mansfield Park, she had felt as if the ghost of Jane Austen had come back to haunt her...another fact for which she had blamed her mother and her insane interest in the author. Emma, Elinor, Marianne. The list of names had gone on and on. Surprisingly, though, Grace had come to know and love the people behind the names as much as her mother loved the books and their characters.

  “Having your morning tea?” Grace nodded toward the set.

  “Green for us both,” Elinor told her. “Would you like a cup?” Elinor turned to Emma and asked. Emma appeared unaffected by the question and rocked back and forth, wringing her hands nervously.

  “Have you seen Molly?” she finally asked. “Have you seen my baby?”

  “She’s in her cradle, dear,” Marianne smiled and pointed to a cradle nestled in a quiet corner of the room.

  “Oh, there she is.” Emma headed over to the cradle and picked up a doll.

  It was one of several placed throughout the building. A group of children from a local church had wanted to use Mansfield Park for a mission project, so Grace had explained several of the center’s needs to the teacher. A few days later, the teacher and several of her preschool students had arrived with the dolls and passed them out to some of the residents. Grace had been skeptical about how the residents would take to the dolls, but her Activities Director had explained that dolls were used for therapy with many Alzheimer’s patients. Now, seeing Emma so taken with one of the “babies”, she was grateful that the children had been given a heart to help.

  “And where is your handsome husband?” Grace turned back to Marianne. “I’m still bound and determined to steal him away from you.”

  Marianne laughed at Grace’s teasing tone.

  “Theodore is resting this morning. He had a restless night,” she explained, and for the first time since Grace had met the woman, she noticed dark circles under her eyes.

  “Marianne, are you feeling okay?”

  “Oh, yes, dear,” she nodded her head and took a sip of tea. “I’m quite used to his wanderings by now.”

  “If only the rest of us were,” her sister grumbled. “He walked into my room while I was getting dressed the other day.”

  “We’re in the process of putting locks on some of the rooms,” Grace assured her. “Jack’s crew has been a little busy, though, finishing up some of the other projects.”

  “Projects…that reminds me,” the other sister began rummaging through a bag at her feet. She pulled out a Post-it pad, scribbled a note down with a black marker, then stood and ceremoniously pinned the note to Grace’s blouse with a clothespin. “Mari and I have been discussing a few things we need in this place.”

  “Elinor,” Grace unpinned the note from her blouse. “We still have the suggestion box in the foyer. But also, you know that you can stick one of these notes to my door anytime, right? They have adhesive on the back. You don’t have to pin them on me.”

  The woman had been doing that exact thing since a few weeks after Grace’s arrival. Each day, Grace would find a note pinned somewhere she happened to be…although, more often than not, Elinor would simply pin a note to her clothing. Marianne had confided that their mother had done the same thing with scrap paper to remind them of things when they were girls.

  “Just making sure that I catch your notice,” Elinor sighed and fluttered her hand in the air. “You young girls are so scattered these days, you know.”

  “Grace dear, you just keep up the good work. Whenever that handsome Jack Ellis gets to our room will be perfectly fine, dear.” Marianne patted her sister’s hand and smiled. “We’ll just keep a closer eye on my Theodore until then. “Ellie, you know that Theodore can’t help some of the things he does. He’s a good man, and he’s been good to me over the years. Good to you, too. You just remember that, Sister.” Marianne gave her sibling a pointed look.

  “I know,” Elinor sighed. “It’s just so hard to see him like this. He’s always been the strong one.”

  “We’re all strong, Ellie. We’re just having to realize it sooner than we expected.” She stood up. “Now, let’s head over to the gym and get rid of these mullygrubs. Would you like to join us, Grace?”

  The question took Grace by surprise. The gym? She wondered what she would have in common with them. She had no idea what old people did in the gym. She had seen the women in kickboxing class, but working out was another story. What types of exercise would they do? Bench presses? Squats? She knew that some of the residents had undergone knee and hip replacements, so lunges would probably be out of the question.

  Hmm, she thought. How hard could it be?

  “Uh, what are you planning to do?” she asked before she made a final decision. She wasn’t much of a fitness fanatic, but she might actually be able to keep up with a couple of septuagenarians.

  “You know, a few sets on the weights. A couple of miles on the treadmill.” Marianne shrugged. “We’ll probably have a light workout today.”

  “I’m not sure that my arm and ankle are up to it,” Grace wavered. Although her joints felt fine today, there was no way she was going to show up a couple of old ladies in the gym. The sisters were already down in the dumps. She didn’t want to completely ruin their day.

  “Oh, yes. That’s right,” Marianne smiled. “You’re still recovering from that fall you took.”

  “Maybe another day?” Grace offered.

  “As soon as you’re up to it,” she agreed. Then, with a friendly wave, she headed off down the hall after her sister.

  Seeing that her “shadow” was otherwise occupied with the doll, Grace headed out of the room and made her way toward the kitchen. Earlier, she had been completely serious when she’d mentioned reviewing the menu to Emma. When she’d arrived, the food in the place had been barely fit for consumption, and Grace had worked diligently with a nutritionist to get a series of menus in order. Her residents deserved far better than what they had been served under Mr. Watson, especially for the rates they were paying, and she was determined to set things right. Spicing up the cuisine was just part of the process.

  Chapter Eight

  Mr. Clifford’s Memo

  Grace walked into the kitchen to find half of Jack’s body lost underneath the huge industrial sink. At least she hoped it was Jack’s body. Her senses couldn’t take someone else as manly and scrumptious as Jack Ellis. They were already on overload.

  “Ouch!” Jack’s deep voice echoed as something metal dropped to the floor.

  “Jack?”

  “At your service, Princess.”

  Grace sighed with reassurance as Jack’s voice floated into the room.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the kitchen assistant hovering at the edge of the room, a soggy mop in her hand.

  Grace finally took in the entire scene before her. She’d been so preoccupied with the sight of Jack that she hadn’t noticed the inch of water pooled in a huge area between the sink and the refrigerator. She looked at the assistant who began to shuffle from foot to foot.

  “What happened, Trish?” Although the sight of the mess was a cause of anxiety, Grace’s voice was calm. The woman already had enough on her hands. She didn’t need any more stress.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Grace,” Trish began. “I should have told you, but I thought I could get it cleaned up.”

  Jack had pulled himself from underneath the sink upon hearing Grace’s voice. He stood up and grimaced at the water staining his previously clean jeans. He’d have to make a run home if he was goi
ng to get any work done today. He certainly wasn’t immune to a little dirt, but working in a pair of soggy jeans was the limit.

  “But what happened?” Grace asked again.

  “I’m not certain.” To the relief of the kitchen assistant, Jack took the reins of the conversation. “But it looks as if someone sabotaged your kitchen last night.”

  “Sabotaged?”

  “Yeah,” he nodded. “Loosened the water pipe underneath the sink and left both of those industrial refrigerator doors open. I’ve taken care of the water pipe, but you’re left with a mess as far as the perishables are concerned. Trish here has been working like a trouper, but there’s still a lot to do...and a lot of food to replace.”

  “But who would do something like this?” Grace wondered aloud. The thought of someone deliberately damaging Mansfield Park had her seething.

  “Don’t know, but I’ll get right on the security angle.”

  “Thanks, Jack,” Grace smiled. “I’m sure everything will be in order.”

  “I’ll handle the security end of things, but I’m not sure about the rest.” He shook his head. “I got a tip a few minutes ago that the County Health Inspector has received a complaint that you’re having trouble in the kitchen. My source said someone called and said you are using unsafe ingredients. That your food is spoiled.”

  “That’s a lie!” Grace fumed.

  “Not really,” Jack shrugged. “Take a whiff of that milk,” he motioned toward a counter covered with numerous food containers. “Looks like someone wanted to do more than ruin your day, Grace. I’d say they wanted to get your license revoked.”

  “How dare someone do that!” Grace found the only available counter space and put down her stack of folders. “Did your source indicate when the inspector might show up?”

  “She said it wasn’t on the schedule, but that the man never missed his lunch at Big Jerry’s.” Jack grinned. “I’ll give Max a call and see if he can stall him.”

  “Oh, Jack,” Grace smiled, “Would you?”

  “Of course,” he nodded. “While I’ve got him on the phone, I’ll see if he can rustle up something for the residents’ lunch. I’ll send one of the guys over to pick it up a little before noon.”

  Grace teared up at his generosity. Never in her life had she met a man who could take things in hand as Jack Ellis could. Not even her father! If not for Trish, Grace would have jumped across the puddle and straight into his arms. He was truly amazing!

  “I can’t thank you enough, Jack,” Grace began as she wiped a stray tear from her cheek.

  “Don’t, Gracie,” Jack cut her off with an upraised hand. “It’s just what friends do for one another.”

  “Well, I am certainly fortunate to have you for a friend, Jack Ellis,” Grace grabbed a large garbage bag and headed into the fray. “Everyone seems to be better for having you here.”

  “It’s not just me, Gracie.” He picked up his tool belt from a dry spot on the floor. “Many people have had a part in making this place special.”

  He gave the women a final nod and headed out the door.

  “Oh, Grace, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” Trish continued to apologize. “We were able to handle things at breakfast with oatmeal, fresh fruit, coffee and juice, but with the mess and all of the major things ruined, I knew we wouldn’t be able to make lunch. Mr. Jack came in first thing to work on the water, and I thought we could get things back in order before you came by. Alva’s in her office trying to get an order shipped from that restaurant service company in Gainesville, but it’ll be late this afternoon before we can restock the fridge.”

  The woman’s explanation had Grace’s head spinning. She’d wondered where her chef had gone. It was reassuring to know that she was busy overseeing things from the supply angle. That would free her up to focus on the rest of the issues.

  As Jack had mentioned on a previous occasion, sometimes a leader just had to get in and get her hands dirty. Her manicure would pay the price, though! It didn’t matter much to Grace, but Abby would be furious at the sight of her cuticles. They’d traded manicures two days ago in celebration of the salon’s opening, and Grace had been working hard to maintain it.

  Oh, well. This would just give her another excuse to pamper herself...as if that would happen anytime soon. If today was any indication, it appeared that she was facing a whole lot of work and very little personal reward.

  “Listen, Trish,” Grace said as she began to toss the spoiled food into the garbage bag. She tried not to take a deep breath as she worked and wished for one of Elinor’s clothespins...or better yet, a gas mask. The stench from the refrigerator was becoming worse with every passing minute!

  “You had no control over what happened in here. It was the work of a mean, vindictive person. I only wish you’d told me sooner. I would have been in here giving you a hand.”

  “I’ll know next time, Grace,” the woman told her with a nod. “I was just so worried about my job.”

  “Girl, you don’t have to worry about that! You do a great job, Trish,” Grace assured her. “Now, let’s get this mess cleaned up. We’ve got on inspection in...” Grace checked her watch. “Right about three hours, and I want things to be perfect.”

  •∞•∞•

  “As you know, Miss Woodhouse,” the tall, lanky employee from the county health department explained as he leaned against the doorjamb of her office and looked through a folder of papers. “We are required by law to investigate any complaints of unsanitary or unhealthy conditions in places such as yours.”

  “Of course, Mr. Clifford,” she told him. “And may I ask just what those complaints were and who made them?” She tried for a smile, but the man was not distracted from the task at hand.

  “That is entirely confidential,” he told her.

  “I understand.” Grace walked around her desk. “Would you like to begin?”

  “Certainly,” he agreed.

  For the next hour, the man was ruthless, peeking into cupboards that even Grace hadn’t known existed. He even had a set of tiny thermometers that he used to test not only the temperatures of the appliances, but of several of the items within them. He itemized the contents of the freezers and even checked the location of meats related to other stored items.

  Finally, it appeared that his reign of emotional terror in the kitchen was complete. He checked off a row of boxes on one of numerous forms and moved toward the doorway.

  He stopped suddenly, and Grace felt her heart fall to her knees as he peered into the garbage container.

  “And what’s this?” He eyed the leftovers of a carton of barbeque Trish had just deposited into the garbage.

  “Why, it’s Big Jerry’s finest,” Grace managed to tell him over the lump in her throat. “Every once in a while, we treat the residents to some of Max’s ribs. Most of them come from around here, so they really appreciate it. There’s nothing like Big Jerry’s, you know.”

  “I have to agree with you there, Miss Woodhouse,” he nodded his balding head. “Why I just had myself a fine lunch there not thirty minutes ago.”

  “You don’t mean it,” Grace feigned a look of awe. “Why if I’d known you were so fond of barbeque, then I would have invited you over here for lunch. As a matter of fact, we’ll have to give you a rain check.”

  “Well, that’s not necessary,” he wavered. “But, if I happen to be in this part of town, I’d certainly not refuse.”

  “Of course not, sir.” Grace grinned and said a silent “thank you” to both God and Jack Ellis for coming through for them today.

  “Well, ma’am,” he mumbled as he made a few notations in his folder before closing it with a snap. “I have to tell you that I couldn’t find one thing wrong with the way you’re running this place. The kitchen is spotless, and everything is in fine order. You’re a little short of food items in the refrigerator, but your chef assures me ya’ll have a shipment coming in later today. It also looks like you’ve got a great crew in there. Everyone seems
to know what they’re doing.”

  “I couldn’t agree with you more, Mr. Clifford,” Grace smiled, this time with sincerity.

  “I’ll send you an official report, but from all appearances, someone just had a little score to settle with you or someone else here.”

  “We assumed as much,” Grace agreed. “We’re trying very hard to make sure everything is in tip-top shape for the residents here.”

  “Well, the call was an anonymous one, but from now on, I will insist on getting some additional information before I make such a quick judgment.”

  “We appreciate it,” Grace said as she walked him to the door. “And don’t hesitate to come back for lunch. You’re always welcome.”

  “Thank you. I’ll remember that,” he answered, and with a wave, headed out the door.

  Grace brought her hands together and said a silent prayer of thanks that God had watched over them today. Things could have been disastrous, but with His help, they had overcome.

  Grace returned to the dining room to find half the staff standing there. Jack was there, too. As she walked into the room, she looked at each face with tears in her eyes.

  “I can never thank you for what you did here today,” she began. “We would have been closed down for certain if the inspector had come in the midst of the crisis we had in the kitchen this morning.”

  “It’s just part of working here,” Trish began.

  “No, it’s part of belonging here,” Grace told her.

  She gave each of them a hug before they returned to their duties, telling them, one by one, how much she appreciated them.

  Finally, only Jack was left.

  “Do I get a hug, too?” He held out his arms.