Lacy's Lane

by Patricia Strefling

  “You’re paying me remember?” Lacy gave him a look.

  Chapter 16

  Two days later, Thad took Lacy to dinner as promised at a local diner, both too tired to dress up and drive to Marsden. He could eat here without people wanting autographs, because the locals all remembered him as the smart-aleck kid from Connecticut who was always involved in some sort of shenanigan.

  “We made it. I think Gannon is happy now.” Thad winked at her across the table.

  “Well, I certainly hope so. I’ve got a barn full of antiques I have to sell and I don’t know a thing about loading photos on Craigslist, do you?”

  “Yeah, but I don’t have time to do it. I still have to get him moved in to his new place. And that’s going to take at least two weeks.”

  “When are you due back?”

  Not for four weeks. I got an extension, because some camera equipment they ordered from Italy didn’t come in. But I wanted to hang out with some friends from college and maybe check out some old girlfriends.”

  “Ohhh. I see. No wonder you want to get finished.”

  “I’m hiring a moving company in a few days, now that you’ve got your stuff out.”

  “It’s not my stuff. I’ll give you the money once I sell it.”

  “You do that and I’ll call the IRS and tell them you haven’t paid your taxes in two years.” He gave her a look.

  “What? That is lowdown dirty.” She waved her fork at him.

  “Well then stop being so stubborn and take something for all the work you’ve been doing around here.”

  She saluted but didn’t say anything more. He was looking pretty ragged after the last two days.

  “Eat up! I’m starved. I think we’re the last customers of the night, so maybe we can get seconds.” He dug in.

  The evening air had cooled by several degrees by the time Thad dropped her off at home. Tired, she watched him drive slowly down the lane and locked up, leaving the light on outdoors.

  Lacy dropped her purse and keys on a hook in the mudroom and started up the stairs hoping to get an hour in at the sewing machine.

  But she found herself too tired to focus and went straight to bed. She had muscle pains in places she didn’t know she had muscles. In a few days she’d be back at Gannon’s. He wanted her to set up his new space and had given her a fat roll of hundred dollar bills to make sure it looked really nice. Thad had taken her over mid-day to see the place, so she’d know what the space looked like. That meant she’d be spending tomorrow shopping. And she also knew that Mrs. Anderson was involved in Gannon’s decorating scheme on a level Lacy doubted even he realized. Lacy gave Gannon specific directions: find out what Mrs. Anderson’s favorite color was.

  Which also meant she might be able to get in a visit with Al. Tomorrow was Saturday. She’d call and see if her sister would like to help her pick out a few items for Gannon’s place.

  * * *

  “What? You’re going shopping!” Al shouted.

  “Yes, why is that such a big deal?” She held the phone away from her ear.

  “You never go shopping, Lace. I’d love to go. Things are slow at the office and I’m bored silly in my new place. Besides, I’ve got lots to tell you. We haven’t seen each other for a whole week!”

  “I’ll be around at 9 to pick you up. Got a feeling it’s going to be a long day.”

  “Oh it’ll be fun. You said you’ve got photos on your cell? We can work from those. Do you know his design style?”

  “What? Design style?” Lacy thought about that for a minute. “Yeah, antique.”

  “That’s not exactly a style. Does he like modern or mid-century, classic or perhaps country?”

  “How in the world would I know?” Lacy thought her sister might have forgotten she didn’t have time for things like that, so she changed the subject.

  “What’re you going to do with Redd? He’s missing you, Al.”

  “Oh gosh, I forgot to tell you. I sold Redd. A couple days ago. A young family just moving here from Ohio wants a horse for their daughter. Redd will be perfect.”

  “Oh, really?” Lacy felt a bit sad. “Will they take good care of him?”

  “Of course. The family comes recommended from a friend of one of the guys I work with.”

  “Okay. I know you’ll choose a good place for him. You going to church Sunday?”

  “Of course I will. We can have lunch over in Marston or at your place.”

  “We can talk more about Redd when I pick you up, Al.”

  Lacy lost track of time again while finishing a couple of seams on her latest project; a baby quilt for one of the lady’s granddaughters at the church and jumped up from her chair.

  * * *

  “Lace, come in I want to show you my new mirror.” Al pulled Lacy across the threshold. Lacy had arrived at 9 a.m. sharp.

  Lacy found herself oohing and aahing over each new little addition Allison had made to her place.

  “My style is classic, mid-century modern. Let me see your phone pics. Maybe we can make a list of things he’s going to need. Are you painting the walls?”

  “Oh, no. They’re very neutral, a soft shade of taupe.”

  “Thad told me he rented the penthouse with it’s own kitchen, formal dining space, two bedrooms and an office.” Allison thumbed through the photos on Lacy’s phone.

  “What? I thought you’d already seen it?”

  Lacy felt a rush of disappointment sweep through her. “We saw a little of it, but the cleaning lady was getting it ready I had no idea it had that many rooms. No wonder he gave me so much money.”

  “Well he will want for nothing, that’s for sure. Thad came and we talked until dawn the other day. They will cook, clean and help him whenever he needs it. Take care of his meds. He’ll be in good hands, Lacy.”

  “I’m glad. Gannon’s a good man. He’s always been so nice to me.”

  “Why wouldn’t he, Lace? You’ve been an angel, taking care of him like you have. Time for you to have your own life. About time you write another book.”

  Lacy interrupted. “Yeah, I heard Thad knows I’m the author.” She glared at her sister.

  “I didn’t tell him. I promise you. You know how he is. He questioned me about it and my face turned red and he knew! He knew, Lace. Honestly, I didn’t tell him.”

  “I believe you. He told me the same story. It’s just that everything is getting out of hand. First you leave, then Gannon, now Redd, and it’s only a matter of time until everyone in Marston knows I wrote that story.”

  “Well, you’d better get used to the idea. Because Hilda told me the other day that the book is being checked out from the library as soon as it comes back in. She has a waiting list.”

  “Well, what do you expect? You recommended it and everyone loves you.”

  “Everyone loves you too, Lacy. And you need to be honest and tell people you wrote it.”

  “Whoa…”

  “Yep. We’re talking truth here, so I say it’s about time you find your own gifts and use them. It’s not that hard. Just tell people you wrote it. Simple.”

  “Simple for you. You enjoy groups and social gatherings where everyone is talking at once and sucking the life out of you. I get wired if two people are trying to talk to me at once.”

  “Take it slow. Set some boundaries. Decide what you will and will not do. That’s what I do.”

  “I’m not you.”

  “No you’re not, which brings up a good question. Do you know who you are?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean do you know what you want in life. You, Lacy. Not everyone else. Don’t you ever want to get married, have kids?”

  “I suppose one of these days…”

  “Don’t wait for life, Sis. Go after it.”

  “I don’t think I’m going to have to do that. Change has come without my even asking for it.”

  “Maybe that’s the problem. You haven’t asked. You’ve just let life happen according to what
everyone else needed.”

  Lacy was ready for this conversation to take a new turn. “Come on, we’ve got to go shopping. I have a ton of money and if we don’t find something to make Gannon’s place look good, we’ll be in big trouble.”

  “Right,” Al sighed, aware of her sister’s diversionary tactics. What are his favorite colors?”

  “Brown and tan.”

  “Oh boy.” Allison laughed. “We’re going to have our work cut out for us. We can look for a color to add some pop. Maybe turquoise and orange.”

  The rest of the afternoon was spent going from shop to shop. Sold tickets were placed on items they would purchase today.

  Lacy did envy her sister’s social connections. She rather liked the quiet life of staying at home, sewing, and cooking, helping whenever anyone needed it. But Al’s life was not boring. She did something different every day didn’t she? Lacy shook the thoughts out of her head before envy took over completely. Dinnertime ended the shopping spree. It would take half a day to pick up all the items, not to mention a trailer to haul everything. But, of course, Allison knew everyone in town and would find a trailer.

  “Did we spend all the money?”

  “Most of it. I don’t think he needs one more chair or mirror in that place. He won’t have room to move around if we buy anything else. We’ve spent just over three-quarters.”

  “What? He gave you that much?”

  “Yep. I should open an account with his name on it and put the rest of the money in there and tell him later. He gave me a whole barn full of his oldest antiques and told me to sell them and take the money.”

  “That’s for all the years you took care of him and the farm. You’re thinking of selling the stuff and returning the money, aren’t you?”

  It never bode well when Allison’s hands were at her hips.

  “Come on, I’m starved.”

  “You know you can’t change the topic that easily every time it gets uncomfortable for you. The fact that you ignored my question, I know that’s what you were thinking.” Al gave her sister the look.

  Lacy laughed. “See? I can’t even try to fool anyone. I don’t have it in me.”

  “Come on Lace. We’re going to eat at that little country restaurant out by my place and you’re going to spend the night.”

  “I can’t. Church tomorrow. Maybe you could come home with me and spend the night.”

  “What and sleep on the floor in your new sewing room?”

  “Oh, I forgot. You could sleep in Mom and….”

  “No, thank you. That place hasn’t been touched since they died. Maybe we can clean it up after church, go through their things…you know. I’ll drive over in the morning.”

  “You’re right. It’s time.”

  “There sure is a lot of purging going on around here—houses, lives, even the barn after Redd leaves.”

  Chapter 17

  Sunday morning came and so did Allison. Lacy loved seeing her little red car come up the lane. They chatted all the way to church and found their seats.

  “Miss Allison, there you are. I want you to meet Mei Le.” Kippy introduced her new family member proudly.

  Allison saw Mei Le give Kippy a confused look before a very soft smile touched her lips, then disappeared instantly. But her dark eyes reflected sadness. Allison continued to study the young girl’s face.

  “So nice to meet you.” She offered her hand and Mei-Le took it without meeting her gaze. “You’ll love staying at Kippy’s place.”

  Mei Le looked at the floor and Lacy pulled Allison away to their seat. “She’s just come from China. Knows only broken English and doesn’t know a soul.”

  “You met her then?”

  “Yes, drove them back from the airport. We can talk later, music’s starting.”

  Lacy listened to the young pastor’s sermon. He was talking about loving God, loving others and then he turned an unexpected corner and talked about the importance of loving ourselves. Twice Allison’s elbow banged at her side.

  Glad for the last song, Lacy made her way toward the back. It was stifling inside, even with the old ceiling fans trying to fight the humid air. She fanned her face with a paper fan and ran straight into someone.

  “Thad. Sorry, I …” she felt her face warm. Again. Why did that always happen with Thad?

  Thad just smiled.

  Would you be interested in taking a long drive in the country with a tired old television star?”

  She laughed out loud and looked around. “I don’t see any star.” She teased.

  “Oh, that hurts.” His shoulder’s drooped as he bravely acted the part of broken warrior, hands over his heart.

  “Stop. People are going to think you have lost your mind. Then what would your Hollywood director do?”

  “Come on. Take a drive with me. I’m taking Gannon to his new place today. He and Mrs. Anderson are going to meet there in the social room. There’s a piano concert and he’s considering it their first date. They’re over there making plans right now.” He tipped his head.

  “You don’t say?” Lacy followed his gaze then stretched her neck to gander at the lovebirds-in-the-making.

  “I have to hang around for a few hours because I don’t want to drive back and forth. Besides, I’ve got some stuff I’d like to talk to you about.”

  “About a new girlfriend?”

  “Yes and no.”

  “Well that doesn’t tell me anything.”

  “Gotta come along to find out.” He winked, sending her a teasing side glance.

  “Okay. But we can also use the time to discuss how we’re going to get Gannon’s things we bought him delivered to his new place. Have they finished cleaning it yet?”

  “What stuff?”

  Lacy caught his eye to see if he was kidding around. “You really don’t know, do you?”

  “No.”

  “He gave me a roll of hundred dollar bills and told me to go get some nice things that would make a lady happy.”

  “Oh he did, did he? Didn’t bother to mention it to me.” The way Thad’s eyebrows raised made Lacy laugh.

  “You were probably running around,” she accused teasingly.

  “We’ll talk about that on the ride. I’ll be over to pick you up in about an hour.”

  Lacy stared after him as he and Gannon hopped in his vehicle and drove out. She shook her head, then caught up with Allison. Time to make some arrangements for the new furniture to be delivered.

  “Looks like we won’t be cleaning Mom and Dad’s bedroom today.” Lacy informed her sister on the ride home.

  “Fine with me. It’s too hot. Besides, I’ve been invited out to Bobby’s place later this afternoon. They’re roasting a pig. I have a feeling he’s going to announce his engagement.”

  “You think so?” Lacy’s eyes lit up.

  “Yep. Talk is in the air. Why don’t you come along?”

  “Ah can’t. Thad wants to take Gannon to meet up with Mrs. Anderson at the new condo today. It’s sort of like their first date. We’re going to take a ride. He wants to talk about a new girlfriend or something.”

  “I thought he just got out of a tight situation with a girl back in L.A.”

  “He did.” Lacy shrugged.

  “Better give him some good advice, Lace, or he’ll find himself married to the wrong woman. With his good looks and money, not to mention a house in Malibu, he better be sure he’s loved for himself and not all the aforementioned.”

  “You’re right. Guess I’m just glad he’s taking time to think before he makes another bad choice.” Lacy turned up the air conditioning.

  “Yep. You’re the right person for him, Lacy.”

  “What are you talking about?” Lacy’s heart thumped.

  “To advise him. What did you think I meant? Oh … To marry him?” Al’s face lit up as she realized how her sister interpreted her poorly phrased sentence.

  “Oh for heaven’s sake, I’m like a sister to him. Nothing more.” She fanned her f
ace, suddenly warmer despite the cold air shooting through the vent.

  The car barely stopped before Lacy opened the door and jumped out. “I’m changing into shorts and tank top, putting my hair up. It is too hot to do anything but sip lemonade in the shade.” Yet another subject diversion accomplished.

  “You got that right, Allison clipped her hair up. “Look I’m heading out to Bobby’s place. You two have a good time okay?”

  “Yep.” Lacy waved her sister off and dashed up the stairs to change. Not ten minutes later she heard knocking and Thad yelling through the screen door.

  So much for the lemonade.

  “You said an hour.” Lacy slipped on her shoes and called from the top of the stairs. “What’re you doing here so early?”

  “Gannon’s out in the car. Doesn’t want to be late. Hurry up, Lace. He’s burning up out here even with the A/C running.”

  “Okay. Coming.” She snatched a comb, pulled her hair up into a pony tail. It would have to do for now. It wasn’t like they’d be seeing anybody.

  “Hop in.” Thad was waiting for her and pulled the back door open.

  Half an hour later, they arrived at Gannon’s new place. Mrs. Anderson stood waiting near the front desk for them with a new, wispy hairstyle and a lavender floral blouse. Lacy noticed once Mrs. Anderson appeared Gannon had eyes only for her. He waved the younger couple off like they were yesterday’s news.

  Lacy exchanged glances with Thad and they smiled, walking back to the car.

  “He hardly knew we were there. I hope he heard me say we’d be back in a few hours,” Thad laughed.

  “Me, too. He was smitten for sure! I don’t think I’ve seen him that happy or that handsome for a long time,” Lacy mused, staring out the window.

  “Have you had lunch?”

  She turned her gaze to him. “When would I have had time for lunch? I barely had time to change.” She gave him the are you crazy? look.

  “Good. I’m heading in a new direction. Another out-of-the-way place. Nobody’ll pay us any mind. I think I’ve worked signing autographs and posing for photos more since I’ve been home than I have for years.”

  “You can say that again.” She laughed. “Looking pretty and kissing beautiful girls all day must be so hard on you.”