by Utt, Kelly
“I do,” Taye adds with a laugh. “I don’t think I did near as much swimming as you did, Ali. You know I’m not a big fan of the creepy crawlies that live in natural bodies of water.”
“You’ll love Tahoe then,” Liam says. “It’s crystal clear, and almost entirely devoid of creepy crawlies.”
“Sounds like my kind of lake,” Taye confirms. “I’ve never been there, but I hear it’s beautiful.”
I’m still working to digest the unexpected addition of a third business partner when Roddy finally joins the conversation.
“I want in,” he says matter-of-factly.
“In to what?” Ali asks in disbelief. “You’re already coming on the trip with us. Dad, are you talking about… the business?”
“Yes,” Roddy confirms. “The business. I want in.”
Liam, Taye, and I all look at each other. We don’t ask about Roddy’s qualifications. We don’t have to. Even though we don’t know specifics and maybe we never will, we know that he has tremendous tactical knowledge from somewhere. And I know how well he handled things the night of the break-in. I’m not sure what I would have done without him. If the man wants into the business, he’s in.
“Done, yes,” the three of us say, in complete agreement.
Roddy stands and shakes each of our hands. First mine, then Liam’s, then Taye’s. He looks serious. At the same time though, he has the ease and folly of a man who never gets too worked up about anything.
“Dad,” Ali inquires. “What about the musical theater place you and Mom are opening?”
“I can do both,” he says. “Not a problem.”
“Should you ask Mom what she thinks?” Ali asks.
“Already did,” Roddy says with a chuckle. “Why do you think she left the table so we could talk business? She has no interest in this type of venture for herself, but she supports me taking part. She understands the necessity. She’ll pull the weight on the musical theater place if need be. We’ll figure it out. We always do.”
“Well, then,” I say. “I had no idea Liam and I would be walking away from brunch with not just a third, but also a fourth business partner.”
“It’s awesome. Isn’t it, buddy?” Liam asks cheerfully. “Couldn’t have scripted it better if I’d tried.”
“I agree,” I say. “This thing just got real.”
“And you’re heading up this real thing,” Roddy says. “But I have a request.”
“Sure,” I say. “Anything.”
“I want Duke to join us,” Roddy says simply. Leave it to Roddy to have a firm vision and to ask for exactly what he wants. I appreciate his decisiveness. Believe me, I do.
“Hey, that’s not a bad idea,” Liam confirms. “He brings the law enforcement piece, which would be really useful.”
“I agree,” Taye says. “There’s some overlap between him and me, but no more than there is between the two of you. He seems like a go-getter. And smart. If he’s open to it, I think we should get him involved in the mix.”
“This is crazy,” I say. “I mean, yeah, Duke sounds like he’d be a fantastic addition. I’m just trying to wrap my head around going from me and Liam to a team of five in a span of twenty minutes.”
“Georgie, my love,” Ali says. “Life happens that way sometimes. Like when you and I met. Our entire lives changed that day in the food court. Or like when we found out we were pregnant with Ethan. All of a sudden, we were going to be parents.”
“I hear you,” I say.
“This,” she continues, placing both hands down firmly on the table in front of her for emphasis. “This feels right to me. If it does to you, too, then go for it and don’t look back.”
“Agreed,” Roddy says. “We’re all making big changes here, George. You’re not the only one with some adjusting to do.”
“Here, here,” Liam adds. “But I’m ready.”
“Yeah,” Taye begins. “I don’t know what changes I’ll need to make yet, but I know they’re coming. I’m jumping in on a whim here. But it feels right to me, too.” He looks over at Ali and winks. It’s a platonic wink.
“Okay,” I say. “Let’s get with Duke and invite him out to Tahoe for a few days. I realize he may not be able to be there since he’s taking care of Jen.”
“Oh,” Ali says. “I think Jenny will be fine alone. She’s sick, and morning sickness is definitely miserable. But she’s not crippled. She’ll be able to take care of herself just fine. See if Duke can get some time off.”
“I have to drop Lady off at their house tonight anyway, so I’ll talk to him about it then,” I say.
“Great,” Roddy says, standing up.
Funny how I’m supposed to be leading this group, but my father-in-law is more comfortable in that position. Maybe he can be a figurehead of sorts. Or at least a spokesperson when that’s needed. His career in theater has prepared him well for any spotlight he may encounter.
“So, we have a plan, right?” Liam asks.
“Sounds like we do,” Taye confirms. “Let’s shoot for Wednesday in Tahoe. I’ll try to get a flight out early that morning so we can eat lunch together and begin talking business that afternoon. I’ll stay through the weekend.”
“Perfect,” I say. “You’ll probably want to fly into Reno.”
“Don’t worry,” Ali says, leaning her head toward Taye and smiling. “I’ll get my friend all the travel info he needs.”
She’s the one who made our reservations, so that makes sense.
“Hey,” I say. “I don’t want this to seem condescending, but should we offer to cover the cost of Duke’s trip?”
“You mean because he’s the only one here who isn’t independently wealthy?” Liam asks, chuckling. “You can’t fault the guy for choosing public service. You know, George, you and I would be in a similar situation if it weren’t for our inheritance.”
“Well, our educated and successful wives would be carrying us,” I add.
Damn. It came out of my mouth before I thought about it. Liam doesn’t skip a beat, but I can tell it pains him to think of himself as part of a married couple now that he and Estella are separated. I’m not sure if Taye and Roddy know about the separation. I think they do, but it was presumptuous of me to say it like that.
“Liam,” I begin. “I’m sorry…”
“No need, George,” my uncle replies. “Moving on.”
He looks over at Roddy as if to ask that the meeting be adjourned.
Roddy takes the cue and walks around the table to shake hands once more. “I’m happy to cover Duke’s travel expenses,” he says. “Tell him I won’t take no for an answer.”
“Will do,” I confirm. “Thanks, Roddy.”
“This is really going to be something,” Taye says. “I’m pumped.”
We smile and pat each other on the backs heartily like the home team just won. Ali hugs each of us and peppers us with compliments. She seems proud of the men in her life. I hope we can live up to her expectations. Mostly, I hope I can live up to her expectations. I want to be every bit as wonderful as my wife thinks I am.
We spend the rest of the morning saying slow goodbyes as Taye and Nicky pack their families up and leave to head back East. The weekend has been a monumental success. I can’t wait to see what our big trip has in store.
Those of us venturing to Lake Tahoe together launch right into packing and preparation for travel. It takes a lot of equipment to keep a baby Will’s age comfortable, not to mention the needs of our older guys who are still very much at the stage where they need to be entertained. When Marjorie, Roddy, and Liam finish their own packing, they offer to help me and Ali get things together. We happily take them up on that offer.
By the time early evening rolls around, the house looks like a tornado has passed through it. But we’re ready. We’ll worry about cleaning up when we get home. We knew it would be this way when we planned a party the weekend before an early Monday morning flight out of town. It’s okay though. In the grand scheme of things, a
messy house isn’t a big deal.
When we’re all finished with necessary preparations, the adults reconvene in the living room to regroup. Ever the planner, Marjorie knows we’ll be getting hungry again soon.
“Do we want to go out for dinner this evening, or should Roddy and I make something?” she asks.
“We want to be in bed early so everyone is rested for our big trip tomorrow,” Ali says.
“Right,” Marjorie says. “What’s easiest?”
“Let’s go out,” I say. “There are plenty of good places to eat around here. And it will be less work that way.”
Sometimes it feels like our lives revolve around mealtimes. I suppose that’s true for any family with three young kids.
“Agreed,” Ali confirms. “How about Pepperoni Parlor? It’s become one of our favorites.”
“Yeah, the employees know us by name now,” I add with a laugh.
“Done,” Marjorie says. “I can’t imagine the kiddos objecting to that choice. Their food is amazing. They have burgers and such for those who might not want Italian, correct?”
“Yep,” I say.
Liam leans over to get my attention while the rest of the family continues chatting about the dinner menu. I know what he’s going to say.
“Hey, George,” Liam says. “We need to reach out to your mom.”
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about her,” I confirm. “Time is getting away from me, but I need to touch base.”
“Has she been in touch at all?” Ali asks.
“No,” I reply. “I haven’t heard a peep. No calls, texts, or emails. Not since you and Liam talked to her yesterday before the party.”
“Then, George, how about you and I drive separately so we can stop by her house on the way to dinner?” Liam asks.
“Good idea,” I say.
My wife shakes her head in agreement.
“Get going then,” Ali says. “It will take us a little while to round up the boys and get them ready. We’ll see you there.”
“You sure?” I ask. “I’m happy to stay and help pack the toy bags and such while you get little Will ready. I assume he’ll want to nurse again before we go.”
“We’ve got it, George,” Marjorie says. “That’s what we’re here for. Go check on your mom.”
“Okay, then,” I say, hugging my mother-in-law and leaning in tight on the top of her head. “You’re the best. I appreciate the way you and Roddy take care of my family.”
“Our family,” she corrects. “But I know what you mean.”
Even though it’s been six months since the break-in, I’m still hesitant to be away from Ali and our boys. I know it’s irrational and that I can’t stay glued to their sides forever. The boys have to grow up with some sense of normalcy. I just don’t think we’re safe yet. Not until we find the getaway driver. Roddy can tell what I’m thinking.
“George, we’ve got them,” he says.
I trust Roddy to protect them. I kiss my wife goodbye, slowly, on the lips. I try to keep the PDA to a minimum when the others are around, so I don’t linger. It’s difficult to break away. She tastes so very good.
Liam and I slip on our sandals and head out to his blue truck, which is still parked on the road in front of our house against the curb. The air is warm and moist. It feels thick like rain is coming in. Good thing the rain waited until after our party. As far as I’m concerned, it can come on in any time now. The local crops need it. And we’re about to catch a jet plane out of here. Bright and early tomorrow morning.
4
Plenty
The drive to Mom’s is quick. Down the hill that is Lakeshore Drive, around the old train station, and across Green Street to downtown. Her little stone cottage looks cheerful and well-kept when we arrive with its red door and potted plants lining the front porch. I haven’t been here in a while. I’m especially glad to see the potted plants. Since Mom didn’t sow a garden this year, they’re the next best thing. Their presence lets me know she hasn’t abandoned the things she loves. I want my mom to be happy. Her car is in the driveway, and the colored reflection of a TV playing in the living room dances on and off of the front window.
“She’s home,” I say to Liam as I raise my fist to knock on the front door. Knocking always feels more personal than the doorbell.
“Wait a minute, George,” my uncle says, raising his palm up between me and the wooden door before I can make contact.
“What is it?” I ask.
“Do you notice the old black truck parked out on the road?”
“I didn’t,” I say. “But now I see it. So what?”
“It’s a classic. A 1970s Chevy like my own Ruby,” he continues, talking in a hushed voice so as not to be heard from inside.
Liam has owned Ruby for years. She’s a red and white 1975 pickup. When he isn’t traveling, my uncle likes to spend weekends tinkering with her. He always keeps a brand new truck for serious driving, but he gets a kick out of tinkering with the old one. I expect he’ll be bringing Ruby up here to Ithaca with him when he moves. I can’t imagine him leaving her in D.C. She’s one of his most prized possessions.
“So,” he continues. “When I arrived in town yesterday afternoon, I drove in this way and right by Linette’s house.”
“And?” I ask, still not following.
“And the same old black Chevy was parked out front,” he says.
I don’t say anything as I work to process.
“And she mentioned bringing a guest to the party,” he continues.
“Oh,” I say abruptly. I’m not sure why I didn’t catch that right away. “You mean…”
“Maybe,” he says. “I wanted to mention it so you’d be prepared. Are you going to be okay if she has someone in there with her?”
“Like a… what?... a boyfriend?” I ask. “Would it even be called a boyfriend?”
“A significant other, maybe,” Liam says. “But that’s not the point. Are you okay with your mom dating?”
“Of course,” I say quickly. “She’s a grown woman in her sixties. Almost her seventies. She can do whatever she wants.”
“Right, George,” he replies. “But damn it if you didn’t sound surprised at the thought.”
“Did I?”
“Yeah, you sure did,” he confirms. “I know you’ve been through a lot lately. And you’ve never known your mom with anyone but your dad. It’s natural to have some feelings about it.”
“I’m okay,” I say, taking a deep breath. “It wasn’t long ago that I was knocking on this door to see John Wendell, knowing in the back of my mind that he wasn’t doing well and probably wouldn’t be with us much longer. If Mom has a significant other in there, then that will be a surprise. But a happy one.”
“Alright,” Liam says. “Knock away then.”
“You know,” I add. “I got the feeling Mom was hiding something that day. Even before John Wendell died, she was acting cagey. Why wouldn’t she want me to know she was dating someone? I’d rather she was hiding a man than suffering from depression.”
“She could be both hiding a man and suffering from depression for all we know,” Liam adds. “They’re not mutually exclusive. Knock on the door and we’ll see what we can find out.”
I do as he says. One long knock followed by three shorter ones. Then we wait and listen. I see the reflection on the window interrupted as a figure moves in front of the TV and heads down the hall towards the back rooms with deliberate, plodding steps. I can’t tell for sure, but it seems like someone who is taller than Mom. Heavier footsteps, too.
“You see that?” I ask Liam.
“Yep,” he confirms. “I hear it as well. Heavy footsteps. Like I said.”
“Wow,” I exclaim, smiling. “I’m getting kind of excited now. A man in Mom’s life might be good for everyone. I’m happy for her.”
Liam smiles as well, then motions back towards the wooden door as Mom unlocks and opens it to greet us. It’s the kind with three windows at the top. Liam must have
seen the top of her head appear in the windows before hearing the lock. The air conditioning from inside the house exits in a burst and feels refreshing compared to the warm, muggy outdoor air.
“George. Liam,” Mom says with a half smile as she greets us. “What are you boys doing here?”
Much like the day I showed up to see John Wendell last winter, she doesn’t invite us in.
“We came to check on you, Mom,” I say. “We thought you were coming to our party last night.”
“With a guest,” Liam adds, winking at Mom.
It strikes me that she might feel funny with Liam knowing about her man. She was married to his brother, after all.
“Oh,” she says, looking embarrassed. “About that…”
Mom blushes and smooths the front of her cotton shirt above her waistband nervously. Her shirt has small yellow flowers on it, and it’s wrinkled on the bottom as if it had been tucked in and recently pulled out of her pants.
“I’d love to meet him,” I say quietly.
“How do you know there’s a him?” Mom asks, lowering her head now like a shy child. “I never said…”
“Mom,” I interrupt. “It’s okay. You don’t need to be embarrassed.”
She steps out onto the porch and closes the door behind her. She takes a minute to collect herself, then stands on her toes to look back into the house through the windows at the top of the door before she continues.
“Look, boys,” she begins. “I was going to bring a guest to your party, like I told you yesterday on the phone, Liam. But the truth is, I chickened out.”
Liam chuckles. “No shame in that, Linette. It happens to all of us at one time or another.”
“I appreciate you saying so,” Mom says.
“You could have let us know,” I say. “I stood out in the road for a while thinking you would arrive any minute. I looked forward to seeing you and I wanted to greet your guest properly. I was disappointed when you didn’t show up.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, dear,” she says. “I didn’t mean to disappoint you.”
“I know,” I say after a moment.
“Look, we’re here now because we wanted to check on you,” Liam adds. “To make sure you’re okay. That’s all.”