Broad Street Goddesses
Page 25
“He went to college the fall after he graduated. My heart just ached, I missed him so much. I couldn’t believe I had to wait another year before I could leave with him. He came home for the holidays and our romance felt stronger than ever or at least I thought it was. He came to our house on Christmas Eve.”
“I thought your mom would have hated him?” Tony’s smile was wide with anticipation and he ran his fingers down her arm urging her to continue.
Mim felt safe and warm in his company, but let her eyes focus on the fire before she continued… “and we snuggled by the Christmas tree and took a walk in the snow all bundled up. He sat me down on the bench down town, you know the one in the park. He got down on his knees in front of me and I just knew…” Mim closed her eyes and put her hand on her heart, “I knew he was going to ask me to marry him.”
She looked back into Tony’s eyes, “He said to me, ‘ Mim, if I was to ever marry a girl it would be you. But you need to know that I’ve been dating men.’ Well, I’ll tell you my tongue went numb! When he asked me to say something… anything, I just stared at him. When I finally found my voice I told him that nothing he could ever do would stop me from loving him. My heart fractured into little pieces that night. He kissed me sweetly and then he walked me home.” Mim looked to the ceiling to stop the tears that were forming, “And, by the time spring rolled around Gary had asked me to marry him. We waited until I’d graduated high school. He was my ticket out of here. Texas wasn’t Berkeley, but it wasn’t here.”
“So you left with Gary and …”
“He became well known at the college. While I was studying and being a wife the girls flocked to him. I was pregnant with William before I graduated college, illustrated some books… made some money of my own. Gary was enjoying the days of free love. I was furious at first. It was just my pride.” Mim shrugged her shoulders slowly, “I’m sure he felt tied down to a wife that never really loved him and a child that he hadn’t planned on. When I got the call about Henri and Bob, I packed up the wagon and left Texas. I never looked back.”
“Poor Gary,” Tony commented. “So, you lived with your parents?”
“Gary didn’t call my mother’s to talk me for a week or so. I think it took him that long to figure out I was gone. My parents had a guest house. They were thrilled to have William and me close by. They indulged all of my friends and their children over the years. This truly is the most amazing place to raise kids.”
“Jon is lucky.” Tony said caressing Mim’s hand, “Your stone cottage is your parent’s house?”
“Well, no. I bought it for us after Jake and Etta’s grandmother had a stroke.”
“It’s a beautiful home, a touchstone.”
There was a long silence between them. Mim felt vulnerable and a little silly for telling him about her secret love.
As if he could read her mind he smiled and leaned forward to touch her face, “You have a beautiful story, Mim.” He kissed her softly on the lips, “Thank you for sharing it.”
Mim felt safe and adored as the warmth of his hand grazed her neck, “You are a extraordinary woman.” His kiss lingered a little longer and Mim was swept up into something that swirled her out of her head leaving the sadness behind. The only thing she felt were lips on her neck. For the first time in her life she wasn’t overwhelmed with the desire to strip off all of her clothing and have her needs met immediately. The emotion was serene and grounded, moving rhythmically through her body. Oh, who was she kidding? It felt like the most erotic drug of her life. She couldn’t wait to get naked!
~
“Son of a bitch!” Will yelled in his mother’s kitchen, slamming down the papers he’d been handed at the door, “Where the hell is everyone?” Jon was safely outside swinging with the nanny.
Tony’s car pulled down the drive and Will narrowed his eyes to see who was in the passenger seat. Recognizing his mother, he whispered to himself, “Holy shit.”
He bolted out the door waving the papers in his hand, “Nice to see you…Tony.”
Mim slipped out of the car, her love hangover bursting the moment she looked at her son’s face. “What is it?” She herded everyone into the house.
“That white-trash fuck has filed another motion through his lawyer. They’ve offered to make a settlement uncontested in court.” Will threw the paper bundle toward Tony.
Tony picked up the legal documents and read them over. Raising one eyebrow he stated, “That’s bold, but not unexpected.”
He walked around the table and placed a hand on Will’s shoulder, “He’s aiming high. I know his lawyer, who’s actually a moron. This can be used in court to prove he’s just gold digging.”
Will folded into the kitchen chair. His head hit the slate top of the table, “I’m so damned tired of this. Let’s give him what he wants. It’s basically all I have left. I don’t want to fight anymore. I don’t think anyone realizes how exhausted I really am.”
Mim was behind her son, hands on his shoulders, “What is it he wants?”
“One Million five hundred thousand dollars, as part of a civil case in Darla’s unlawful death.” Tony said flatly. “It’s not necessary. Any judge will see that this man doesn’t care about Jon’s welfare. You have provided exemplary care of Jon. He’s safe and well adjusted.”
“Keep reading,” Will said from beneath his collapsed head.
“What is he talking about… an incident at the creek?” Tony said and fell into the chair across from Will.
“What?” Mim looked from one man to the other as Will told them the story of losing Jon at the creek.
Mim was emotional as Will ended his tale, “Well, my first question is how he would know where Jon sleeps at night and what happened at the creek? Have you noticed anyone lurking you don’t recognize? Do you think he’s got a private detective on your trail?” Mim was pacing the floor.
“It’s none of his business where Jon and I spend the night!” Will stated.
“His lawyer is trying to prove that Jon is in an unstable environment. Not that Miles would know the first thing about how to create a stable one… but that’s beside the point,” Tony said.
“Oh ,my God!” Mim flopped down next to the men, “What do we do, Tony? We’re not terrible people. We love that child. We’re where he needs to be. There are eyes on our every move?” She shot a look to Tony’s stern face, “What have we done?”
“First of all,” Tony said with his chest puffed out, “This is a thinly veiled attempt at blackmail. No family is above reproach in court. You can take the best parent in the world and put them under a magnifying glass and find flaws. That’s what his lawyer is trying to do. No one is perfect.”
Mim stared down to the floor. Will stood up and paced, “I’ll get the money.”
“That’s ridiculous! Even if we take this to court, I believe we can convince a judge that Miles is not only in this for the money, but he’s no more concerned with his grandson’s welfare than he was with his own daughter’s.”
“I’m not willing to take that chance.” Mim said boldly, “I’ve got money…”
“No way, Mom, this is my mess.” Will said and he stormed out of the house.
“I never spanked him…” Mim said as a matter of fact, “I believe I may have to start.”
~
“And he’s gone again?” Paige asked Etta.
“Yes, he was furious! Hardly said a word about what he’s doing. Same old situation, for me. But he and Tony took off this morning in a whirl of dust. Mim’s got to be heartbroken. Jon’s with her and the nanny. She’s had one over night date with Tony and now he’s gone. Boy, do I know that one. Will wants to write that son of a bitch a check for one point five million dollars to get him to go away. I don’t even know if that will work. It didn’t for Darla. She’d still be bleeding him dry if she hadn’t killed herself.” Etta looked off, remorseful. “That was an awful thing to say.”
“Sometimes the truth isn’t pretty,” Paige commented.
“You know exactly what to do, Etta,” Paige smiled brightly, “It’s time to gather the Goddesses.”
CHAPTER 31
The sky was dark and clear, winking with the magic of a million stars. The moon, a waxing crescent, appeared low on the horizon with Mars and Venus close by; the witch’s moon. Lit with only candles, Etta’s patio pulsed in a rhythmic dance of light. Crickets chirped, water tinkled in the fountain, and a breeze rustled the leaves overhead. One by one, clothed in colorful, ethereal dresses, they gathered. Instinctively knowing what to do; they shed their shoes, each setting their sacred offering onto the base of the fountain which looked like an altar.
A solemn Addy carried a mason jar filled with murky liquid. Della brought a small wooden box. Paige set a bowl filled with earth on the stone ledge. Mim walked silently to the altar and laid one fully blooming red rose onto the ledge. Patti, dressed in a grey kimono, brought a small piece of tattered lavender satin ribbon and laid it among the other offerings. Nothing was said as they waited in silence for the one.
Mim stood near the fountain, as the circle was formed. Looking to the side door she smiled at the site and rang a gong which resonated deeply into the night air.
Etta appeared in a simple white gauze dress, wearing a long pink scarf draped over one shoulder. Her hair swept away from her face. In her arms she held Jon wriggling in his favorite cookie monster t-shirt and a diaper. He smiled at the attention turned to him. Etta stepped into the circle and lifted Jon high into the air. He giggled wildly as the Goddesses began their gathering.
Etta spoke first, addressing only Jon, “My darling son, this is the night that we initiate you into our world. You were not born through us, but delivered to us. We honor your presence as a sacred vessel of love, hope and eternal joy. We draw to you; health, calm understanding and mending of your wounds, be they physical, spiritual now or in your past. We each bring to you a gift to protect you, surround you and to be with you always on your journey through life.” Jon was placed in front of the alter within the circle. Puzzled as to what to do, he smiled when Della joined him on the ground.
Della took her box from the altar and sat on the ground next to Jon, “This is the gift of music. Spirits in song, to soothe, uplift and celebrate.” She closed her eyes as she wound the bottom of the box and opened it. Twinkle, twinkle little star chimed out beautifully. She kissed Jon’s head and handed him the box. He looked back into her face and grinned, exposing three tiny white teeth.
Addy retrieved her mason jar and sat next to Della joining them in the circle. Twisting the lid off of the jar, she handed it to Jon and helped him to dump it into the fountain, “Water from the creek. This water will retain the memory that you rose above it. This memory will keep you safe and your life journeys buoyant.” She kissed Jon’s head softly and he smiled patting in the water.
Patti sat next to Jon and reached for the lavender ribbon, “I bring to you the gift of friendship and love. This ribbon is from your grandmother’s hair. I saved it and treasure it as a reminder of my love for her. The power of love surround you, Jon.” Patti held the ribbon to his own cheek and then placed it into the music box. Patti kissed his chubby hand, Jon giggled, no doubt tickled by the meticulously trimmed goatee.
Joining the group, Mim sat with Jon and handed him the rose. “You are the heart I feel beating outside of my own body. You are the joy I didn’t know existed in the world. I give you my love, protection and support, always. I bless you with a curious mind, that you will always find wonder in the world.” Jon stood up and threw his arms around Mim’s neck, puckering up for a kiss, “Muah”. A caterpillar crawled out of the rose and Jon’s eyes danced as he squealed into a full belly laugh. The magical events of the gathering surprised no one present, especially Jon.
Paige sat into the circle with her bowl of earth, “Jon.” He looked into her eyes and gave her his full attention, “I bless you with the gift of belonging, strength and support. You were not born of the red dirt, but you will thrive on it. It is truly the most wonderful gift I have been given.” Jon put his hand into the dirt and smiled at Paige. She kissed his head with her blessing.
Etta sat completing the circle and addressing Jon, by saying, “Jon, I bless you with the gift of mothering. It is the most sacred thing I have to give you.” Mim reached for her hand and they exchanged a look of deep understanding. Jon ran to her, “Ma!” His earth covered hands left red streaks down her face. How appropriate. Etta lifted Jon up and the group circled around them, “Holy Mother, bless this baby boy that he may grow into a wonderful man. May he know he is supported and loved by this red earth. Let him be soothed and cleansed by the waters. May he be surrounded with love. May he be lifted up by the music and may he always find peace here with us. Let the highest good be done in Jon’s behalf in San Francisco and let hearts and hands be guided by you, Mother… And so it is. Blessed Be!”
Jon ran between the women basking in the attention and adoration. When they returned to the patio table there was one more gift waiting for him. A beautiful peach pie cooled on the stone table of Etta’s back yard.
“GiGi,” Jon said quietly clapping his hands.
The party went on until the one was overcome by the bedtime blues. Jon was laid down surrounded by the Goddesses who had blessed him for his lifetime. As his tiny hand relaxed in sleep, out fell a hardened red ball of dirt, which was left nestled next to him.
Quietly the party wound down. Mim sat quietly in the charm of Etta’s back yard. Patti slipped silently next to her respecting the enchanted moment. More than forty years had passed since he’d broken her heart under the stars. Mim rested her head on his shoulder and sighed, “You know, the last time I missed a man this much… it was you.”
~
“Will!” Etta yelled excitedly into the phone, “It’s been days! How are things going?”
“It’s the damndest thing,” Will said his voice crackling with a bad connection, “We’re on our way home. Oh no, we’re going into a dead zone. I’ll see you around three… ”
Will’s phone cut out and she was left standing there with nothing but a dead connection in her hands. Numbly, she tuned in to Will. He felt excited and happy. An electric thrill of anticipation shot through her and she knew there was going to be a celebration. A few phone calls and the whole gang had gathered at Etta’s house, huddled on the patio, waiting for news.
Will and Tony pulled into the drive. Will, busting out of the car and sprinted toward Etta with the baby on her hip. Gathering them into his arms he said, “It’s all over, we won!” He was trembling as he kissed Etta and Jon repeatedly. When his tremble turned to an outright shaking fit, Etta sat him into a chair.
Tony spoke up, “We were in the court room, ready to fight to the end of this thing and Miles walked in looking like a million dollars with Linda on his arm looking, well, really pissed off. We thought we were in for a knock down drag out ugly battle. The judge read Mile’s complaint and I read our answer. Seems Miles didn’t have a private detective watching Jon. He was taking video the day Jon wandered. When the Judge realized that Linda and Miles had taken the video of Jon from the other side of the creek and never tried to save him, the judge granted our motion and everything is final. Jon is home to stay.”
The group broke out into wild cheers of joy. Will held Jon in one arm and Etta in the other, grinning like a hero.
CHAPTER 32
Etta looked at the curtains with barn yard animals on them and pulled up the blinds revealing the nursery she’d completed. “I can’t believe this furniture!” Etta reached for Will’s hand.
“Look how perfect it fits into this room!”
Jon had crawled into the toy box. The only visible part of him was his bottom, legs and tennis shoes as he dug in a discovery of new toys.
Paige stood staring at the snapshot picture she was taking in her mind, so different from the life she’d left behind in Oregon. Jake wiped the guard rail of the baby bed, fussing with a rag he had in his back pocket, “Paige stumbled onto it in the attic the day we found out about baby Jon. It was meant to be.”
~
“Two weddings in two months,” Mim called out from the back of her closet, “We should all have our heads examined.”
Tony looked perplexed into the chaotic jumble of colors and fabrics strewn inside the cramped cave of Mim’s closet, “What are you looking for, Love?”
“Oh I shoved it back here years ago…” Her voice was muffled, barely audible.
“So you want steak for dinner?” Tony, trying to be helpful called into the dark feminine abyss.
“Oh, oh, Ahhhh…. I think I have it!” Mim pushed her way back out into the light of her bedroom, hair frazzled and full of static, “YES! Yes, that’s it.” Admiring the swirls of colorful paint on the canvases Mim sat them on the floor against the bed. Two paintings, three feet tall and two feet wide hadn’t seen the light of day in almost twenty years. “I think I’ll just let them breathe.” Mim smoothed her hair down and looked at Tony, “Now, what were you saying?”
Tony couldn’t look away from the art. His eyes absorbed the details on the canvases. Tilting his head to one side his lips rose into a smirk of pride. He nodded to himself and then looked at Mim, “The nekkid years?”
She nodded.