by Molly Cannon
Another thing he discovered about Lily Porter was that she loved her Siamese cat Mitzi. He’d never been around cats much, but Mitzi took to him right away. Wandering in and out of his feet, rubbing her fur against the legs of his blue jeans. And when Mrs. Porter had offered him a seat, Mitzi had jumped into his lap and curled herself into a ball, purring louder than his airplane engine on idle.
“I’m mighty impressed, Theo. Mitzi has given you her stamp of approval, and I can tell you she doesn’t give it lightly. She’s likely to hide under the bed most times when anyone visits.”
He scratched the cat between her ears. “She seems like a sweetheart.”
Lily Porter seemed charmed, and as she talked Theo could see that she was lonely. So he didn’t hurry with his coffee.
“Can I offer you a muffin? They’re banana nut. That was my husband’s favorite, rest his soul. Can’t have coffee without a muffin.”
“That would be great.” He didn’t say no to the stale muffin. And he didn’t say a thing about needing to get to work before the day got any hotter.
When she dragged out a second picture album, Theo told her he hated to end their visit, but he needed to start painting if he wanted to finish in one day.
“I have a porch rail on the back porch that needs some repair work done, too. I was going to mention it to Jake, but what with the wedding and all, I never got around to it.”
“I can come back later this week and take care of that for you. I’ll look at it before I leave. How would that be?”
“Gracious, Theo. That would be fine. You’re an answer to an old lady’s prayers.”
So now he had another job to add to the list, but the porch rail would be an easy fix. He made a note to come back with fresh muffins.
He turned from his perch on the ladder as a silver minivan pulled into the driveway. He was happy to see that Lily was having visitors. Irene and Charlie climbed out of the van. Charlie opened the back door and pulled out some cardboard containers.
Theo climbed down the ladder, set his paintbrush on the tray, and wiped his forehead on the sleeve of his shirt. Irene still hadn’t noticed him. She was busy talking to Charlie, herding him toward the front door.
Charlie looked up and saw him. He stopped walking, and then Irene noticed him, too.
“Hey, Irene.” He smiled at her and gave Charlie a hard look just in case he decided to cause any trouble.
Irene smiled as soon as she noticed him, too. “Theo. I didn’t realize you’d be here.”
He wiped his forehead on his sleeve. “Painting Miz Lily’s garage was one of the jobs Jake asked me to take care of while he was gone.”
“That’s very kind of him. I mean of you. And it looks great.”
She looked wonderful, dressed in a short black skirt with a crisp white blouse. Just seeing her made the whole day better. “Well, I guess I’d better get back to work.”
“Of course. We won’t keep you, then. But actually, wait a second. I need to talk to you about the float.”
“Sure. What about it?”
“I spoke to Donny Joe, and he said there’s plenty of room by them in the hangar.”
“You’re kidding. So Nell just lied to us?”
“Seems so. I’d like to be with all the other participants. I think that’s half the fun, so I’m going to ask Oliver to drive it down for me this morning and get set up in a spot. I’ll call you later with details.”
Theo couldn’t believe the nerve of that woman. “Okay. Just let me know.”
She smiled. “I will. Come on, Charlie. Let’s go.”
Charlie nodded in his direction, but all the smart-assed attitude he’d presented the day before seemed to have disappeared. Theo still planned to keep his eye on the guy. They walked to the front door, and he heard Mrs. Porter greet them warmly. He heard a yowl. “Oh, that Mitzi. There she goes off to hide under the bed. Don’t mind her. Oh my, what did you bring me today?”
Then the door shut, and he didn’t hear anything else. He continued to work, trying to ignore the fact that Ree was inside the house. His body reacted just because she was near. About fifteen minutes later, Irene and Charlie emerged from the house and Theo could hear them saying good-bye. Mrs. Porter followed them out onto the front walkway.
“Thank you, Irene. I don’t know what I’d do without you. And it was nice to meet you, Charlie. I hope you come again.”
They waved good-bye and got in the van and drove off. Theo came down the ladder.
“I tell you, that Irene is an angel here on earth.”
Theo watched the van disappear down the street. “You don’t say.”
“I do say. I wouldn’t have anything to eat some days if she didn’t bring me my meals.”
“Your meals? She does that all the time?”
“I don’t drive anymore and getting to the store is difficult. The meals program is a lifesaver.”
“So, she’s a volunteer driver?” Theo had never taken the time to learn what she did when she wasn’t planning weddings.
Lily nodded. “Why, yes, but there’s more to it than that.”
“What do you mean?”
“She set up the whole program and made sure the elderly and shut-in folks of Everson got signed up and taken care of.”
Theo was impressed. “Her husband didn’t set it up?”
“Don’t get me wrong. Sven Cornwell did a lot of good for this town, but I always got the feeling it was so he could slap his name on buildings and parks. Irene worries about ways to help people that need it. She’s a treasure, that’s for sure.”
“She’s full of surprises. I’ll give you that.” Theo started gathering his painting equipment and moved it out of the way. “So what do you think of your garage?”
Lily turned to survey her freshly painted garage door. It had started the day as a peeling, ugly eyesore. But now the old, dull brown paint had been scraped and covered with a nice shade of sage green. “Oh my, it looks wonderful, Theo. It makes me want to have company over now so I can show off my house. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, and I’ll be back on Thursday to fix your porch rail. Is that okay?”
“Of course. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
“And I’ll bring the muffins, too.” He loaded his equipment into his pickup. “See you then.”
After he left Lily’s house, he drove back to the house on Overbrook and took a shower. Then he loaded Sadie into the truck and headed to the airfield. He wanted to put out some feelers with Bart about selling his airplane. Sadie was happy to be out of the house, and she panted happily on the seat beside him. He couldn’t stop thinking about Lily Porter. He wondered how many older folks could use some help around their houses. And Irene delivering food. It cast her in an additional light. According to Lily Porter, she was Everson’s own saint living up in that big house on the hill above town. He’d never doubted her generosity, but it seemed she was personally involved in the program.
He pulled into the parking lot and parked in a spot close to the main hangar. As he was putting Sadie on her leash, he noticed a few people milling around outside the hangar designated for the floats and decided to have a peek inside.
He walked inside the hangar with Sadie trotting at his side. He spotted Donny Joe working on a float for his pool store in the far corner. Irene’s bare-boned trailer was on the other side. “Hey, Donny Joe. Nice palm trees.”
Donny Joe jumped down as he approached. “Thanks. It looks like we’ll be neighbors.”
“It looks that way. I’m glad to see Oliver already moved the float down from the hill.”
“Yeah, I heard Nell sold you a bill of goods about that. Irene stopped by the Inn and mentioned it last night.”
He knew Donny Joe had a real loyalty to Irene, so he decided to ask his opinion. “Did you know Charlie Cornwell is in town, and he’s staying with Irene?”
Donny Joe put his hands on his hips now. “Yeah, she told me. She said he showed up out of the blue
wanting a job.”
Theo rubbed a hand across his face. “Do you trust him?”
Donny Joe narrowed his eyes. “I’ve met the man one time about five years ago. Do you know of a reason I shouldn’t?”
“I have no idea. He just gives me a bad feeling. And you seem to be full of protective instincts where she is concerned. I thought you might have some insight.”
Irene’s voice cut through the cavernous hangar. “Hey, guys. What’s going on?”
Theo turned as she walked toward them, her long legs eating up the floor, her dark hair streaming out behind her. His main thought was that she looked magnificent.
“Oliver moved the float,” he said. “I was checking out our new work space.”
Sadie recognized Irene as her walking companion and yipped with excitement as she approached.
Irene stopped and knelt down, petting Sadie on the head. “Hey, girl. How’s the good girl?” After a few more good rubs, she stood up and faced Theo.
“Charlie and I were making the rounds, and I thought I’d stop by and see if there was any problem moving the float.”
Chapter Sixteen
Did I hear my name?” Charlie came strolling up with Nell by his side. “Nell was being nice and showing me around.”
Irene watched with interest as Theo turned to confront Nell. “Hello, Nell. Look what we managed to squeeze inside this old hangar.”
Nell looked flustered. “What are you talking about?”
“Irene’s float. Inside the hangar you said was all out of rental space.”
Nell turned to look at the float. Donny Joe and Theo both stood in front of it with their arms folded over their chests.
“I’m sure that’s what Bart said.” Nell smiled a sickly sweet smile.
Charlie clapped his hands together. “Well, no harm done, is there? The problem is solved now.”
Theo fumed. “For someone who is so sure about winning that dumb trophy, you sure seemed to be worried about the competition.”
Nell looked at everyone standing around. “You mean her? Irene?”
“Hey, I’m standing right here.”
“She is no competition.” Nell seemed obnoxiously sure of herself.
Charlie put his hand on Irene’s arm, and in a tone that implied they were all being childish, he asked, “Are you all really fighting about a parade float?”
She shook his hand off her arm. “It’s not just a float. It’s for the Penelope Bottoms trophy.”
“Oh, well, in that case.” He smirked and shook his head.
“Your father loved the trophy and the parade. Are you going to be in town for the Fourth?” Nell asked.
Charlie winked at her. “If Irene decides to keep me on full-time.”
“She’s going to hire you? But it’s your father’s money.”
“Nell, there you go sticking your nose into things that don’t concern you.” Irene was trying not to let the woman bother her, but every time she opened her mouth, it got more difficult.
Theo touched Irene on the shoulder. “Irene, could I have a word with you?”
She wrenched her attention away from Nell and said, “Sure. What is it, Theo?”
“Can you tell me anything about Lily Porter?” he asked. “You delivered food to her today.”
“Yes, she’s one of our meal recipients. Why?”
“No reason really. She just came up with another job for me to do, and I got the impression it was for the company as much as anything. She seems lonely.”
“That’s a real problem for the older folks in town that live alone. We try to visit a bit when we drop off the food, but we have other meals to deliver so we can never stay as long as we’d like.”
“That’s what I figured. Thanks.”
They walked back to the group. Nell was complimenting Donny Joe on his palm trees. “I plan to install a hot tub on this baby, too. It’s going to blow the other floats out of the water.”
“Don’t bet on it, hotshot,” Nell said. “The palm trees are a nice touch, but the Rise-N-Shine will be four-peating this year.”
Charlie shook his head. “So, you’ve won before, I suppose.”
“Yes, indeed.” Nell was happy to brag.
“What about Irene?” Charlie asked. “Has she won before?”
“Oh, heavens no. This is her first time to enter the parade,” Nell announced.
Irene answered, too. “Only because this is the first time I’ve had a business.”
Charlie nodded. “Oh, I forgot. Your wedding planning business.”
Nell snickered, and Irene pinned her with a withering glare. “Exactly. So Charlie, if you’re ready, we have another stop to make before we go home.” Irene headed out of the hangar without waiting to see if he was coming along.
Charlie stuck his hands in his pockets and with a grin said, “I’m right behind you, boss.”
“Bye, Charlie,” Nell said. “Come by the diner sometime, and the pie and coffee will be on the house.”
Irene turned impatiently while Charlie finished with the social niceties. “Thanks, Nell, it was nice to meet you.” Nodding toward Theo and Donny Joe, he added, “Gentlemen. I’m sure we’ll meet again.”
“I’d bet on it,” Theo promised loudly. Irene didn’t think he sounded too happy about it.
Charlie was showing a real interest in all the foundation’s projects. Irene admitted she was surprised by his intense examination of every detail. When she’d taken him to the back room of I Do, I Do and showed him the prom dresses she’d collected so far, she expected him to finally bolt. But he didn’t.
He sorted through the array of dresses hanging on a metal rod, making clucking noises and grimacing when he pulled out a purple puffy number. It was donated by a bridesmaid who cursed the bride who made her wear it. Irene hoped her aunt might refashion it into something more acceptable.
Charlie finished his inspection and asked, “Are you going to run it out of this building?”
“No, I want to keep it separate for tax reasons, but this makes a good collection center for now. There’s a small storefront across the square that I can rent.”
“I’m not sure my father would have approved.”
She bristled at his remark. That had been her lawyer’s opinion as well. “Why do you say that?”
“Because he always seemed to promote projects that exalted his good name.”
“And providing prom dresses for girls that can’t afford them doesn’t qualify?”
“Oh, I think it exalts his name in exactly the right way. Helping people who really need it. It just doesn’t have the panache of donating land for a park, does it?”
“Parks are wonderful additions to any town, and everyone in Everson benefits, but that can’t be the only reason to consider the worthiness of a project.”
He stopped and gave her a hard look. “Is this personal for you?”
“Do you mean, was I too poor to afford a dress for my senior prom? As a matter of fact I was, but I didn’t have a date anyway, so it didn’t matter.”
“A beautiful girl like you didn’t have a date? All the boys must have been panting after you.”
“I had to work that night, but I don’t want another girl to take an extra shift at her crummy after-school job if a dress is the only thing keeping her from going.”
He gave her a thoughtful look. “I think I’m starting to see what my father saw in you.”
“Your father took pity on a lonely girl who was struggling to get by. I miss him every day.”
He looked uncomfortable. “That’s really none of my business.”
Irene had never figured out what Charlie expected from her. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Are you ready to go home?”
“Lead the way. Oh, and I’ll cook dinner tonight.”
“Are you a good cook?” Irene didn’t cook much for herself these days, but she enjoyed it.
“I am. Let’s stop at the grocery store on the way home.”
Charlie had struc
k her as spoiled and entitled in their few encounters. Maybe she’d been wrong about him, too.
The finishing touches were going on all of the parade floats. Everything was taking shape. There had been some small but irritating vandalism problems—supplies and tools being mysteriously moved around—but for the most part Theo was impressed at the cooperative spirit that seemed alive and well among the participants. For supposedly being such a cutthroat, competitive sport, almost everyone but Nell seemed to be willing to lend a hand or give a suggestion without batting an eye. Nell was the only one who shrouded her float in tarps, trying to keep her masterpiece out of sight. He was almost tempted to sneak a peek. He couldn’t imagine what could be so amazing that she had to keep it hidden from view. Ree’s float was coming right along. It boasted a giant four-layer wedding cake with wooden slots on one end and a vine-covered arch on the other where a bride and groom could stand and wave to the crowd. He hadn’t asked for any details about who would be doing the waving.
Jake and Marla Jean were due back in town in a few days, and he wanted to finish up and spend a few quiet days with them before he took off. Irene had been a real sport while they worked together. He had to hand it to her. She’d done everything to make him feel comfortable. The lack of drama between them had been refreshing.
“Theo, I need a hand with these flowers,” she called from somewhere out of sight.
Theo was in the middle of securing the poles people would hold onto while they rode along the route. “Hold on, I’ll be right there. I just need to finish securing these handholds.”
She walked around the corner carrying an overflowing armful of white paper flowers. She looked like a bride-to-be, and his heart jumped to his throat. She smiled and said, “Okay, I’ll wait. I don’t want my bride and groom falling off during a sudden turn.”
“Safety first. Why don’t we tape their hands to the handle just in case?”
“Don’t be silly. They have to wave at the people on the sidewalk and throw candy.”
“Candy? Is that to help win votes for best float?”
“Of course. That and the real wedding cake we’ll be serving at each stop.”