Cafenova

by S. Jane Scheyder

  They ate lunch at Theo’s, and contemplated unloading their purchases so they’d have an empty truck for the next stop. Their successes thus far had fed their shopping fervor, and they were ready to keep going.

  “We should probably head out if we’re going to get to that estate sale before it closes.” Linda got up from the table and picked up her tray.

  Maddy followed her. “I hate to take up your whole day. Are you sure you’re up for more?”

  Linda smiled. “You couldn’t stop me if you tried. The only other thing I have going today is Frank’s game.” She paused. “Did you know Frank and John play on a softball team together?”

  “He didn’t say anything about it.”

  “The season’s almost over,” Linda replied. “The competition gets pretty intense around here, and the games are fun to watch. Maybe we’ll finish in time to catch some of the action.”

  

  The estate sale was as productive as they hoped. Maddy found a suite worthy of the bed in the master bedroom, and the headboard that came with it would fit nicely in the hole-room. Another significant purchase was a comfortable couch for the fireplace room.

  Linda had a great time spending her new friend’s money. She picked up an armload of games and puzzles and picked through a box of books, pulling out some of the more popular authors for Maddy’s bookshelves. Maddy enjoyed spending the afternoon with someone who embraced the challenge she faced, and clearly enjoyed shopping with her. Tired, but happy, the girls pulled into Clairmont late in the afternoon.

  “They’re probably about half-way through,” Linda guessed, looking at her watch. “If we drive straight there, we could catch some of the game. What do you think?”

  “That sounds fun,” Maddy answered carefully.

  “Okay,” Linda said with a grin. “Then you’re going to take a left up here.”

  Maddy followed her directions through town, ending up in a parking lot next to a ballfield complex.

  “So, I guess our stuff will be safe here?” she asked, getting out of the truck and eyeing their load of furniture.

  “If I see anyone walking around with a headboard, I’ll chase them down,” Linda promised.

  Maddy laughed as they walked toward one of the diamonds. She scanned the players in the field. There was no mistaking the first baseman; he was tall and broad-shouldered.

  “John plays first,” Linda pointed out unnecessarily. “Frank’s over at shortstop.”

  They walked over to the bleachers, where they found Kelsey, Blake and Parker in the stands with Karen and Annie. They said their hellos, and Maddy’s attention was drawn back to the field. The ball was in play, and John made the out at first.

  The inning ended and the men ran off the field. John had a short trip to the dugout, and he didn’t look into the stands as he jogged in. Maddy wondered when he would be up to bat. What kind of hitter was he? He looked like an athlete, and he was good at badminton, but that was about as much as she knew.

  Linda started cheering and offering advice to the batters, and Parker decided to explain to the crowd where Maddy had been the night before.

  “We had fun at my Aunt Karen’s while you went on a date with my dad!”

  A few heads turned, as did the color in Maddy’s cheeks.

  “I’m glad you had fun, Parker,” she answered quietly.

  “Did you have fun with Dad?” he asked. Blake tuned in, no doubt taking advantage of his brother’s curiosity.

  “Yes, I did,” Maddy answered, trying to keep her voice low.

  “We got to sleep over at Aunt Karen’s since you were gone so long.”

  Karen and Linda both laughed, and Maddy’s color took on a deeper hue. Linda made an effort to rescue her new friend. “They went to a restaurant that was far away, Parker, and it took a long time to get there.”

  “One time we went to a restaurant with Miss Maddy and we had pizza. Miss Maddy likes mushrooms,” Parker further explained, certain that his listeners would be scandalized. Maddy smiled and poked him in the ribs.

  Parker giggled and yelled, “Hey Dad! Look! Miss Maddy and Aunt Linda are here!”

  John stepped out of the dugout, sporting a helmet and holding his bat. He turned at Parker’s call and searched the crowd. A slow smile spread over his game face when he saw Maddy.

  “No pressure, John!” Linda called out. “Give it a ride!”

  The batter hit a line drive single to right field, and John stepped up to the plate, swinging his bat. He let the first pitch pass, and fouled the next two pitches just over the left field line. The next pitch spun unpredictably and John swung hard but missed. Shaking his head, he walked back to the dugout, looking up into the crowd as he passed.

  “You made me nervous,” he called out to Maddy.

  She shrugged apologetically, and Linda elbowed her. “I’ve never seen him smile at anyone like he smiles at you.”

  The next two innings passed quickly. John redeemed himself with an impressive double, and soon after, the game was over. The crowd slowly dispersed as families and girlfriends collected their players and began to leave.

  Linda went over to talk to some friends, and Maddy stood near the fence, watching Blake and Parker. They were now free to run under and over the bleachers, and did so while their Aunt Karen talked with another player’s family.

  Maddy jumped when she felt someone touch her shoulder, and turned to see John looking down at her through the wire fence.

  “Oh, hi!” she said. “Nice hat.” She liked the way his hair curled around the edges.

  “Thanks,” John said, holding onto the fence. “I’m glad you came.”

  “So am I. We just got here a little while ago, but it was fun to catch the end of the game. You’re good,” she added with a smile.

  He grinned. “Sometimes.”

  Maddy wanted to put her hands on top of his fingers where they stuck through the fence; wanted to make contact of some kind. John was about ready to scale the fence to be closer to her.

  “I need to get my gear,” he said. “I’ll meet you around?”

  “Sure,” Maddy agreed, and walked over to wait with Karen.

  John came out of the dugout, grabbing Parker as he ran up for a hug. Blake fell in with them, and the three joined the women, John’s cleats noisy on the pavement.

  “Thanks for watching the boys,” John said to his sister. “Do you and Annie want to come over for supper?”

  “Thanks, no,” Karen answered. “We’ve got some errands to run.” She turned to Maddy. “It was nice to see you again, Maddy.”

  “You, too. Take care.”

  John put his glove on Parker’s head, and grabbed his hand and Blake’s as they began to walk. “So what did you two buy today?”

  “Check it out,” Maddy said, nodding toward the parking lot and Otis’ loaded truck.

  John followed her gaze and whistled. “You were busy.”

  Linda, Frank and Kelsey joined them from behind. “Looks like Linda spent all of your money,” Frank observed.

  “We were a good team,” Maddy replied.

  “We already dropped off the first load at Maddy’s house,” Lin-da offered proudly.

  “I guess you’re looking for manual labor, now that we’ve worn ourselves out playing ball?” Frank complained good-naturedly.

  “Oh, no,” Maddy assured him. “You can’t work on another Saturday.”

  “Sure they can,” answered Linda. “It’ll be fun.”

  

  The group reconvened at Maddy’s house, and they made quick business of unloading everything into the shed, where Maddy was keeping the furniture she’d purchased. There were generally favorable remarks until it came time to move the couch.

  Frank made a pained face as they shifted this last piece off the truck. “How were you planning to move this without us?”

  “We weren’t,” Linda readily admitted. “Thank you for being so big and strong and brave,” she cooed.

  Maddy had pic
ked up sandwiches at Theo’s, and encouraged everyone to stay for dinner. It was a simple, but satisfying affair, and they enjoyed the evening breeze as it began to blow in. Maddy and Linda reviewed the days’ shopping with the men, who listened politely, while the kids wandered down to the beach to build a sand castle.

  “Don’t get too involved, Kelsey,” her mother called out. “We need to get going soon.”

  “So, I hate to bring up work,” Frank began, “but have you thought about what you want us to do while you’re in New Hampshire?”

  Maddy looked up, surprised. She’d forgotten about John’s upcoming vacation with his boys.

  “Well,” John replied, “hopefully the floors will be done and dry upstairs, and ready to have the furniture moved in. Then you can start the lower level. Maddy has the paint picked out, I think, for every room but the kitchen.” Maddy nodded. “I’ll be happy if you get the carpet out and the molding done. I’ll be thrilled if you get the walls started.”

  “Are you going to replace Tom?”

  “I have someone stopping by on Wednesday afternoon,” John answered. “He has some experience in laying tile, which will come in handy. He’s a teacher, so he’s just looking for summer work.”

  “Sounds good,” Frank said.

  “We should get going,” Linda reminded her husband. “Especially if we have another stop to make on the way.”

  “Oh, yeah,” Frank replied. “We were wondering if your boys might want to go out for ice cream with us.”

  “I’m sure they’d love it,” John answered. “Should I call them in?”

  “Let me do it.” Frank was determined to make a display of the matter. “Hey, Kelsey, Blake and Parker,” he yelled out. “Let’s go out and get some ice cream!”

  The kids’ heads turned immediately and they all came running back to the house, cheering.

  “Miss Maddy doesn’t have any ice cream, can you believe it? We’ll have to go down to Checker’s, and see if they have any left.”

  “They have lots of ice cream, Uncle Frank,” Blake assured him.

  “They have huge buckets!” Parker added, jumping into his dad’s lap to hug him.

  “You guys be good for Uncle Frank and Aunt Linda, okay?” John reminded them.

  “Yes, Dad,” they said in unison.

  “We’ll take them over to our house afterward,” Linda said. “You can pick them up any time.”

  “Yeah, but don’t rush us,” Frank warned. “We like to take our time with our ice cream.”

  “We’ll do our best to give you the time you need,” John assured his friend.

  

  Burt tugged on the leash as John and Maddy attempted a leisurely stroll down the beach.

  “Good thing you’re holding him,” Maddy said, content to hold John’s other hand.

  “I can’t believe I’m doing this. A month ago, I was pretty sure I didn’t want to get to know your dog any better.”

  Maddy laughed. “You’ve been very brave.”

  “Yes, I have.”

  “So, when do you guys leave for New Hampshire?”

  “Next Saturday. We have a cabin over in Conway.” John let Burt’s leash out a bit. “Bad timing, huh?” He squeezed her hand.

  “I’m sure you’ll have a great time,” she answered, trying to sound cheerful. “When will you get back?”

  “The following Saturday, probably late. We’ll be in church on Sunday.”

  “My mom is coming that following Monday,” Maddy said.

  “That’ll be nice,” John answered, mentally reviewing the upcoming week’s obligations. How much time could they reasonably spend together?

  “She’ll be a big help with decorating. I’m looking forward to her input.”

  “Well, since you don’t want mine.”

  Maddy laughed. They had walked south toward the public beach, and the early evening sun was still bright on the water. Coming to a particularly rocky area, they waited as Burt stopped to investigate something in the sand. There were surprisingly few boats out.

  “Do you ever go out on the ocean?” Maddy asked.

  “I go fishing when I can,” John answered. “I love the water.”

  “I think I’d enjoy sailing,” Maddy mused, “but I’m actually kind of afraid of being out in a boat.”

  “Really? You bought a house on the ocean, and you’re afraid of it?”

  “Yeah, I definitely prefer the water from this angle.”

  “We’ll have to get you out there sometime, and see if we can change your mind,” John said, slipping his arm around her as they continued to take in the view.

  “Good luck with that,” Maddy answered, leaning into his side.

  Burt picked that moment to take off after some little creature, and John laughed as he was suddenly yanked away from Maddy. He called to Burt and reined him in. When the “boys” turned back, the look on John’s face changed dramatically.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Maddy slowly turned to look behind her, even as John grabbed her hand and took off running up the beach.

  

  She could barely keep up with him, but concentrating on running was better than focusing on the line of black clouds that had rolled in from the northwest. The storm front was terrifyingly vivid, and they ran straight toward it, hoping to make it back before the heavens opened. The lightning flashed in the clouds, and Burt, fully aware of the coming storm, strained to get home. John did his best to grip the leash and keep hold of Maddy’s hand. Although she was quick, she couldn’t match his stride.

  A rush of howling wind broke the stillness, and stinging drops of rain became a downpour, which seemed to blow horizontally against them.

  “Let him go!” Maddy yelled. “He’ll find his way!”

  John dropped Burt’s leash and turned back toward Maddy. His cellphone rang, and he grabbed it off his belt and shoved it deep into his pocket.

  Maddy had never seen anything like the frightening sky above her head. She refused to look up as she stumbled forward, trying to breathe through the cramp in her side. The sand was slippery and her legs grew sluggish; she seemed to find every rock with her bare feet.

  John tightened his grip on her hand, and they ran the last twenty yards up to the porch. He left her there while he went back out to collect the table and umbrella. The chairs had already blown down the beach.

  Maddy sat on the steps, trying to catch her breath. Burt stood over her, occasionally licking her cheek, until she eventually pulled herself up and let him into the house. She began moving the porch furniture together, taking care to avoid the heavy swing that was blowing maniacally in the wind. She carried what she could into the kitchen as John pushed the grill into the fenced shower area where he’d put the other items he’d retrieved. Maddy limped back out to the porch, calling out to him as he disappeared around the side of the house.

  She moved back toward the door and braced herself there. Looking out over the water, she was astonished at the transformation from the serene beach they had been enjoying only moments before. The storm front seemed to swallow up the remainder of the bright summer sky as it thundered down the coast. The black waves crashed wildly on the surf; they were higher by far than any she’d yet seen. The wind howled and the lightning flashed and the thunder seemed to shake the house to its foundation. She looked toward the side of the house and watched anxiously for John to return.

  She felt a tug on her arm, and her heart gave another terrified leap before she realized that John had come through the house and was pulling her inside. Maddy tumbled into the kitchen as John went back out to take the swing down. A few minutes later, he came inside, shutting and locking the door behind him. He took Maddy’s hand and pulled her toward the fireplace and away from the windows. They fell exhausted onto the hearth, and Burt plopped his heavy, sodden body right next to them.

  When Maddy regained her breath, she looked up at John with wide eyes. “The boys?”

  He already had his cell
phone out, but it was wet and had powered off. “I’ll need yours,” he said, pushing to his feet.

  Maddy jumped up to search her purse, and John followed her into the kitchen. He lifted the receiver from the unit on the wall. It was dead, as he expected.

  “Got it.” Pulling her phone out, Maddy hit the power button. She watched John’s apprehensive face as he waited and prayed for Frank to pick up. Miraculously, there was a connection.

  “Frank?” John yelled hopefully.

  Maddy waited for a sign of good news. John finally exhaled and smiled. She felt a rush of relief.

  “Thanks, Frank, I’ll…” He stopped and waited, then hung up and handed the phone back to her. The thunder shook the walls and the lightning flashed incessantly, but it didn’t seem to matter. John was smiling; his boys were safe.

  “We were cut off, but everyone’s fine,” he assured Maddy, still trying to catch his breath. “They saw the clouds on their way into town, and drove straight to Frank’s house. He said they were making an adventure of it, and not to worry.” John ran his hand through his wet hair. “As if that’s possible.”

  “I’m so glad they’re okay.”

  “We had a tornado go through about six years ago. It just missed town, but tore up the woods north of here. It almost never happens, but when it does…”

  Maddy shuddered and went to the closet in her laundry room to get blankets. She handed one to John, and then grabbed a couple of candles from the counter and matches from the drawer. “Here’s a flashlight,” she said. “We’ll probably need that soon.”

  It was already fairly dark when they returned to the relative safety of the fireplace area. Maddy lit the candles and set them in the hearth, then sat down next to John, pulling the blanket around her shoulders. Soaked through and exhausted, they huddled on the floor, John pulling Maddy under his own blanket. She snuggled in, grateful for a place to rest her head. John’s shirt was wet, but it didn’t matter. She listened to his heart beating, and willed her own to slow down. She still wasn’t sure whether the house was going to blow over, but for the moment she felt safe.