Hildreth 2-in-1

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Hildreth 2-in-1 Page 42

by Denise Hildreth Jones


  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Elderly tourists are easy to spot. They have a walk.

  A slow, stop-and-look-at-things-that-don’t-even-matter walk. The elderly tourists that had been at Paige’s yesterday were coming down the street away from the square I had yet to vacate. No sign of their son, Prince Charming. Paige hadn’t mentioned him at church earlier today, though she did enter smiling and depart quickly. Nor did she answer her cell phone when I called to invite her over for my “picnic on the stoop.”Who knew? But this twosome could be perfectly captured in a comic strip with their attire teetering on ghastly and plunging over the wall of tacky.

  Then I watched as he patted her tushie. It was a soft pat, a love pat. A pat that happens between two people who have loved each other way past the point of teenage desire. Or at least one should hope. But it was the familiarity that caught me. She slapped him teasingly, and by the up-and-down movement of her shoulders it was evident she still got a kick out of him.

  He wrapped his arm around her and tugged her toward him. It wasn’t a smooth movement, the way Dad took Vicky in his arms the other night. No, this was an eighty-year-old’s tug. A shaky tug, because of the old-people tremors. A cushioned tug, padded by years of good eating. But it was real. It was engaging. It was as it should be.

  An ache formed in my gut . The ache of longing for that kind of familiarity. For someone who knows how you like your steak cooked and what makes you scared. For someone who knows even the things about you that you are too proud to admit.

  It was a Grant ache. I flipped open my cell phone and speed-dialed Paige.

  “Where have you been?”

  “At the mall.”

  “I’ve tried you for two days.”

  Paige sounded perturbed.“My phone hasn’t worked.”

  “Why?”

  “Why? Well, that would be because I flushed it down the toilet.”

  “Ooh, nice.”

  “Yep, real nice. Happened on my date.”

  “Ooh, tell me all about it.”

  “He went to one bathroom. I went to another. Leaned over to flush with my bag strapped over my arm, and out went the phone.

  It’s somewhere in the Atlantic now, or lower Savannah. Who can be certain?”

  I was laughing hysterically.“Why didn’t you reach in and get it?”

  “So funny, aren’t we? All I could do was let out a scream. My date was waiting at the door with a rather perplexed look on his face.”

  “He heard you, huh?”

  “The whole thing, I’m certain. Got home from Tybee Island quicker than if I’d have driven myself.”

  “Scared him, huh?”

  “I think it was when I yelled, ‘Don’t make me come in there after you!’”

  “Well, no need in both of us losing our men . We’ve got to develop a plan.”

  “Hello to you too.”

  “I can’t just let him get away, walk into the arms of a stranger without a fight. What am I thinking, sitting around here like a doormat? I’m smart and talented and sometimes funny. Don’t you think?”

  “I think you are all of those things, dear one, but don’t leave out ‘borderline insane.’ He is only weeks away from getting married.”

  “So? I know people who stole fiancés only a week before the wedding. Even left notes on church doors saying,‘Due to circumstances beyond our control there will be no wedding here tonight,’ when they couldn’t contact all the guests . Why should this be any different?”

  “That’s a good point.”

  “I thought so too. I mean, he is my soul mate . We have loved each other our entire pubescent lives and then some. So, what’s your idea?”

  “What’s my idea?”

  “Yes. What. Is . Your. Idea?You always have great ideas . You know men . You love men. Not so good with phones, but I don’t need an idea for a phone. I need an idea for a man. I’ve got to win back his heart and get rid of that redheaded annoyance.”

  “Ooh, catty. I like it. Okay, let me think. I’ll get back to you.”

  “Don’t take long . Time’s a-wastin’.”

  “Time’s a-wastin’?”

  “Just get to work or I’m liable to have to go home and clean something. By the way, have any suggestions on a cleaning lady who cooks and isn’t named Mrs. Gonzalez?”

  “You sure are needy today.”

  “Not as needy as you’ll be if that pastel-plaid-arrayed duo become your in-laws.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that. I wasn’t crazy about him anyway. Poor fella was cute, but still lived at home with Mommy and Daddy. At thirty-five-years old—”

  “Thirty-five?! My word, that man is old.”

  “Ancient, I know. But anyway, forget about me and let’s stay focused . We’ve got to get your man back. Stay close to your phone and I’m going to the drawing board.”

  “You’re going to go paint?”

  “I always think better when I paint.”

  “Well, whatever works. Call me soon.”

  “Bye.” And she hung up to rescue me one more time.

  Needing a bite of something sweet, I walked down York Street to get a key lime square from Wright Square Café. Opening the door, I was shocked to see Ms. Austin standing at the counter. She turned around holding a key lime square and bottled water.

  She looked at me and smiled a beautiful smile. Her lips were covered in a rich red that accentuated her perfect smile and rich complexion.“Savannah, right?” Her soft Southern accent kept the words lingering for a moment.

  “Yes, Savannah,” I said, pointing to myself as if discovering who I was for the first time.“And you’re Ms. Austin.”

  “Oh, please call me Faith.”

  “Okay. Well, I see you’ve found one of the best things in town.” I winked at Eric, the college student who worked here during the summer. He stood behind the counter, unable to take his eyes off of our new guest.

  “What is that?”

  “That square of sheer delight you hold in your hands.”

  She studied the key lime square between her fingers.“Oh, is it good?”

  “It’s beyond good; it’s divine. I came in for one myself.” I thought that might be Eric’s cue to get me one too, but I had to actually ask before he turned his attention back to me.

  “I’m sorry about my mother,” I said, paying for my dessert.

  “I deal with people that fana—that dedicated all the time.” She took a seat by the window.“Would you like to sit down?”

  “Sure. So, how long have you been a crusader?”

  She laughed and opened her bottled water with her perfectly manicured left hand.“Well, I’ve never thought of it that way.” Faith twirled her single strand of pearls as she looked out of the large, paned window.“A crusader, huh? Well, ever since I graduated college almost, oh Lord, well, almost ten years ago now.”

  “You’ve been out of school for ten years? You look great.”

  She raised both eyebrows.“Well, I’m not that old.”

  I felt my face flush.“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.”

  “It’s okay . Thirty-two sounded ancient to me when I was your age. How old are you? About twenty-two?”

  “Twenty-four actually.”

  I watched her take a bite of her square. “Oh my goodness. This thing is delicious.” Eric leaned over the counter as if he would have wiped her mouth himself. I squelched my intense desire to roll my eyes.

  “So, will you be here long?” I asked.

  “Until this is over. Probably only about a week. I figure the courts will remove the monument soon and life will be back to normal.”

  “Normal. Now, that’s a concept.”

  “You have a rather adventurous mother, I take it.”

  “Oh, let’s just say she is involved.”

  “Well, it seems like you have a great head on your shoulders.” She finished up her square and wiped her mouth.“You were right, Miss Savannah . That was one of the best key lime s
quares I’ve ever eaten. I think I’m going to take another for the road.”

  “You’re going to eat two?” I asked, amazed that she could maintain such a figure while eating sugar slathered across some graham cracker crumbs. Might as well just slather it on my thighs.

  “I do most anything I want, Savannah.” She gave Eric a wink as he failed miserably in catching his drool. “I have to get back to work now. I hope I’ll see you soon.” I scratched my left hand.“You okay?” she asked.

  “Yeah. My hand’s just itching. But it’s a good thing. It means you’re going to get some money.”

  “Ooh, well, call me when you do.” She eyed me suspiciously.

  “Yeah, I’ll do that.” I laughed a dorky laugh. Fortunately she was already answering her ringing cell phone and was oblivious to my world of dork.

  “Take care.”

  She offered me a wink and a mouthed,“You too.”

  I walked back to the cooler, debating another Coke. I consumed excessive portions of the sugar-laden caffeine drink each day. Here at the café, it looked beautiful sitting in that cooler all chilled and inviting. I had never debated such a concept before.

  And Ms. Austin had just given me permission. So, I didn’t tarry long. As I handed it to Eric, he looked rather perturbed.

  Once he slammed the cash register shut, he and three vibrant young men came running out from the back and watched Ms.

  Austin all the way up the street. I looked at them with nausea, threw my napkin away, and had to part them to make my way to the door.

  “You do that every time I leave too, don’t you?” I quipped. They never responded. The dark-headed siren, sauntering up the street, rendered them deaf. And the tired, old, worn-out-looking twenty-four-year-old slipped out utterly undetected.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  The familiar face came around the corner with a smile. He nodded at Ms. Austin as he passed her while he headed in my direction. I gave Gregory a hug. “Okay. Now tell me what happened in that meeting and how quick this is going to be over.”

  He turned around to walk with me up the street.“I’m not supposed to talk about what goes on inside a meeting like that.”

  “Why? We’re friends.”

  That caused Gregory to chuckle.“We’re friends? Wouldn’t that be a good ploy to suck information from lawyers.‘Oh, but sir’”— he made a pathetic attempt to mimic my voice—“‘we’re friends.’”

  “Okay, smart aleck. I don’t want to know anyway.”

  “Well, just be careful.”

  “Be careful with what.”

  “That woman there.” He pointed to Ms. Austin’s disappearing back.“She’s got no shortage of venom underneath that sweetness.”

  “Oh please. She’s obviously very talented. She wouldn’t be here representing an entire organization and body of people without being good at what she does.”

  “She’s good all right . Which is why I’m just warning you.”

  “Whatever. How long are you here?”

  “We’re heading back now.”

  “Now? I thought we could grab dinner and talk.”

  “Sorry, no time . The judge needs to make it back for a Sunday-afternoon nap.”

  “You won’t get back before evening.”

  “So he’ll have to forgo the nap and just go to bed early. I’ll talk to you this week.”

  “Okay. But if I need you, I’m going to be calling you.”

  “I don’t doubt it.” He started to walk off and I grabbed his arm.

  “Ooh, don’t turn around. I don’t want him to see us.”

  He turned around of course.“You don’t want who to see us?”

  I jerked him back.“That curly-headed guy, Joshua.”

  He turned around again.

  I slapped him.“Would you stop that?”

  “The guy with the golden retriever?”

  “Yes,” I said, pulling him back up the street toward where we had just been.“He works with me, and he is rude and annoying.”

  “Oh, he is?”

  “Yes. He’s condescending and has a dog who can do tricks.”

  “Oh my word,” he said, stopping dead in his tracks.“Savannah Phillips . You’re crazy about him.”

  I stared at him in wide-eyed wonder.“I’m what?!”

  His white smile beneath his chocolate skin was just too pleased, as if his ridiculous revelation was some kind of epiphany for the world.“You’re crazy about him.”

  “I am in love”—I straightened my chest—“with a man I have loved since I was a child. And I will get him back. Don’t you have to leave?”

  He laughed a caustic laugh.“Yeah, I’ve got to go. And you,my friend, need to come to grips with reality. Fantasy only exists in beauty pageants.” He winked and sauntered away. “Just remember to send me an invitation.”

  “I’ll send you an invitation all right, mister!” I yelled at the back of his head.“An invitation to . . . to a therapist who helps the delusional!!”

  He raised his hand but never turned around.

  I gave him a good hand raise myself.

  As I sat in the house alone, again, going another night without food, again, I knew I had to move. I mean, it was coming eventually, so why not this week? I had to take charge of my world. Construct my chaos . Tailor my tune. Okay, that was stretching it, but one would rather starve and be alone in her own place than die a slow, drawn-out death in a home where a family should be. And because I had a pretty good week in which Victoria would be preoccupied with other matters, it might be wise to make the most of it. I was fortunate enough that my soon-to-be-home was already vacated and waiting. And my anonymous landlord had made it so affordable that as few as three paychecks would at least get me moved in.

  One week. One good week to move out while my mother was, shall we say, tied up and unlikely to come up with any campaigns to keep me at her home.

  Only one problem: I had only one paycheck. So two more long pay periods stood between me and my first month of freedom. But I knew someone who had money. And she must have known I was thinking about her. Because after waiting on her all day, she finally called.

  “Okay, I’ve got it. It’s perfect.” Paige’s excited voice came on the other end.

  “Tell me; I need to know.”

  “I can’t. I’m still working out details. I’ll tell you at lunch tomorrow.”

  Monday was our standing lunch-date day. “Oh, my Lord! Tomorrow is Monday!”

  “Yes, Savannah. It’s Sunday . . . then Monday . . . then Tuesday.”

  “Paige, please. I have a story due by Tuesday and I don’t have a clue what I’m going to say.”

  “Nothing odd about that. But I would think you’ll be writing on what is happening down there at the square. My word, you can’t get any more human interest than that.”

  “Well, yes, but I haven’t even formulated my thoughts, interviewed anyone . Well, basically I haven’t done a thing.”

  “Just voice both opinions. Make clear the controversy. Let the people decide. Just make the humans interested, and the rest will take care of itself.”

  “Hmm .. . I’ll think on that. Anyway, are you crazy? I can’t wait until tomorrow.”

  “Well, you’ll have to. Just trust me, it will be perfect .Now sleep tight, precious.”

  “I’ll have to take something.”

  “No, you just rest knowing that your man’s coming home to mama.”

  “You think?”

  “I know. Now, good night.”

  “Good night. Oh, wait, one more thing. How is your bank account looking these days?”

  “Why, Savannah? Has my mother been asking you questions?”

  “No, I just want to try to get out of here before Mother gets unshackled. It will make for a much more peaceful transition.

  Except I don’t have a pot to pee in.”

  “Ooh, I don’t need to be informed of all your issues. Plus, I hear you could borrow your mother’s.”

  “Nor d
o I need to be informed of all her issues.”

  “How much?”

  “A month’s rent and enough to turn on my utilities and the chance to pay you back in installments, no interest. About twelve hundred dollars.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “You’ll do it?”

  “Of course. I’ll even help you move.”

  “I love you.”

  “I know.”

  “I owe you.”

  “That you do . Tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow.”

  As soon as I hung up, the phone rang again. Thank the Lord for caller ID. Mother obviously needed to say good night before she spent another evening under Moon River. Her message thanked me for coming by yesterday and delivering such wonderful news. She added how she loved her picture in the paper, except for her eye makeup. She left me suggestions on my article for Wednesday’s edition and offered to do an exclusive interview with me if necessary. After all, she had just spent another evening with Rita Cosby and was all warmed up. She felt most people would be interested in her as a human, and as I was a human-interest writer, well, it might look good on my résumé.

  I deleted her ideas from my voice mail and ordered my dreams to be sweet. They were. Grant was in them, walking with me through Forsythe Park. Then we were holding hands and kissing on a bench. It was like old times. Except that when he left, he rode his bicycle home.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  You need to go to the dentist,” I informed the stank-breath mutt who was perched atop my bed, staring at me. “I hate Mondays.” He sat up, making it clear he agreed. He hobbled off the bed.

  “Moving a little slow, are we?”

  He cocked his head . The poor soul looked weary. He was used to sleeping on a down pillow in the air-conditioning . The concrete didn’t agree with him. Okay, I wouldn’t make him learn a new trick today . The poor soul just looked too beat-up.

  Making my way to the bottom of the stairs to head out for some tilling time, I picked his leash up off the Asian altar table that takes up a large portion of the main foyer wall. Duke sat at the top of the stairs, simply staring at me.

  “Don’t you want to go walk?”

 

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