Honey Tree Farm

by Brenda Spalding

  "It looks costly," said Malinda, as she pulled Katy through the door. They stood for a minute and looked around studying the layout. They went through the dozens of dresses hanging in alcoves on both sides of the store. A platform in the center of the store displayed two mannequins standing back to back, and the whole thing revolved slowly. One section held fur coats and capes. Another section held formalwear, and various lighted cabinets displayed jewelry and handbags.

  A blond salesclerk approached. "May I help you, Madam?" she asked.

  Katy thought she must have a cold or a stuffy nose from the tone of her voice.

  "We're looking for a wedding dress," Katy replied with a smile.

  The woman's neck must have hurt too, for she didn't move her head but simply looked down her nose at the Crackers from Myakka.

  Malinda was short and curvy, and the things in the shop seemed more for tall and willowy women.

  Finding nothing appropriate, they left. Once out on the street, Malinda said, “I guess we two poor county mice will just have to take our business elsewhere.”

  That struck Katy funny, and both women laughed heartily.

  They walked to the next stop just a block or so away. It too had items displayed in their showroom windows. They entered and were greeted by a pleasant saleslady. She asked their names and introduced herself as Mrs. Waverly. She asked questions about the wedding and made suggestions about styles and possible colors.

  “What about ivory or pastel, Malinda? I have a lovely ivory ballet length dress. Let me pull it out for you.”

  “What’s ballet length?” Katy whispered.

  “I don’t know, but we’re about to find out.”

  Mrs. Waverly came back and showed Malinda into a dressing room. “You really have to try it on to appreciate the styling. It is taffeta with a full skirt and a cute bolero jacket." As she talked she hung several items on the hook in the room. "The detailing around the jacket is repeated on the front of the dress; very elegant and not overstated.” The saleslady proceeded to help Malinda into the dress.

  Mrs. Waverly zipped the dress up and turned Malinda to face the full-length mirror.

  “Oh my, this is perfect, but how much?” Malinda asked, twisting to get a better view of all sides.

  “This was made for another customer, but she didn't come back for it, and we can’t reach her. Since she already paid a deposit, you can have it for the balance."

  "It fits you perfectly," Katy said.

  "Even the length falls right where it should. It’s like the dress was intended for you all along."

  "Oh my. This dress just what you need!" Katy was overjoyed.

  "I have a hat with a small veil that will go perfectly with the dress, and we can dye shoes to match. Your daughter is right. It's perfect for you.”

  Malinda liked the sound of that. She would soon have a daughter!

  While Malinda changed out of the clothes, Katy scanned other racks. She was checking sizes and prices. What a huge selection of colors. How could anybody choose just one? “Dad’s going to love it,” Katy said as she joined the women at the cash register.

  “That’s settled then, I’ll take it and the hat. How soon will the shoes be ready?”

  They finished the purchase. Malinda swallowed hard when she read the total and reached in her purse to pay. Still, considering it is the perfect dress and accessories, she decided she had done very well.

  They left the store feeling jubilant.

  "That was exciting," said Katy. "Maybe we can do it again when I go to the prom."

  "That is a good idea. We'll do that." Malinda took a deep breath. "Let's get some lunch and relax before we head back? I saw a little café with outdoor seating in the next block."

  Malinda opened the trunk and put her purchases inside. They got in the car, pulled away from the curb and headed along Manatee Avenue."

  The cafe was shaded by several Pin Oak trees that lined the block. Tables were set for lunch, and the two women sat down and placed their orders.

  "I'd like some iced tea and a hamburger sandwich, please." Katy took off her gloves and spread her napkin in her lap.

  "I think I'll have a chicken salad sandwich and a glass of lemonade," Malinda added. They had just finished their lunch, and the waiter brought back the change from the bill when Malinda saw Katy grow pale and stared at a car pulling in.

  A cream color 1947 Ford coupe convertible pulled up to the curb.

  “Katy, are you all right? What’s wrong?” She gripped the girl’s hand.

  “I know that car. That’s Brice. He was with Janice when we went to the movie.”

  Katy was shaking, but the driver of the car just sat there, watching.

  “Come on, let’s go.”

  Malinda was gathering her gloves and purse to leave when Brice opened the car door and got out. He slammed the door so hard; several people looked his way. He hopped a low decorative fence around the tables and was at Katy’s side in an instant.

  “Well, well, if it isn’t Miss Goody Two Shoes,” Brice snarled.

  “What do you want, Brice?” asked Katy quietly, pulling on her gloves and picking up her purse.

  “I want you and that boyfriend of yours to keep out of my business. I know you’ve been asking around about me. What I do is none of your business. That Janice bitch had it coming to her.” Brice’s voice was carrying, and others turned to listen.

  “No one deserved to be beaten and raped!” Katy was angry and shouted.

  “You keep your mouth shut," he said in a lower voice. "You and your friends better watch it! And you, you’ll get what all bitches get.”

  Suddenly a pitcher of ice water was dumped over Brice's head. The ice ran down his face, soaking his shirt and leaving him sputtering.

  Katy grabbed the pitcher from Malinda and put it on the table. Then they jumped in the car and started the engine.

  “I’ll get you, you bitch, and Jesse too. You’ll pay!” Brice was screaming, but his voice faded as they sped away. Katy turned to see him kick the little fence around the tables. The waiter came out and began yelling at Brice.

  Katy was shaking from the adrenalin rush, but she burst out laughing. Malinda looked at her in surprise.

  “Katy, he’s dangerous. I think we should call the police,” said Malinda, her own hands shaking on the wheel.

  “No, please, that will only make things worse,” Katy was still shaking. "Oh, my gosh, that scared me to death." Another burst of laughter. “I'm sorry, Malinda, but you should have seen the look on his face when you hit him with that ice water!”

  “I can’t believe I did that," she chuckled, "but he made me so mad.”

  “Jesse had better behave himself with you around,” Malinda quipped. They both laughed harder, and the tension began to ease.

  Malinda took a long way home, avoiding the main roads. “Ok, can you tell me what that was all about?” Malinda asked, but watching the rearview mirror just in case.

  “Brice was Janice’s date when we went to the movie that time, remember?”

  “I remember. So why is he so mad at you and Jesse, and what’s this about someone getting raped?”

  “Something happened that night,” Katy said. She took a deep breath and proceeded to tell Malinda how Brice had made fun of her all evening. She told her what he had said about her and Jesse.

  “I swear we’ve never done anything like that. We kissed a couple time, nothing more.” Katy confessed.

  “Jesse got so mad he hit Brice and knocked him down. Brice was furious. On their way home Brice went off on Janice. Jesse told me she wouldn’t go to school after that. She had a split lip, a black eye and she admitted Brice had raped her. She wouldn't go to the police. Brice really hurt her."

  "My goodness, honey, how could you keep all this inside?"

  “Cora has been asking the girls at school about Brice. She’s trying to find out if he’s done this before. If other girls stand up, the police will have to do something about him. He thin
ks because his father owns Bachlund Motors that he is a big deal around here and nobody will touch him.”

  “We have to tell your dad about this, and Jesse’s parents too,” Malinda counseled.

  “I was afraid to,” Katy said. “I thought Dad might not let me see Jesse again.”

  “Katy, this is not Jesse’s fault or yours.

  "Malinda, we just can't tell dad. He will get mad and aggravate the situation. Jesse and Hank want to get more information, so when we can go to the police, they will have to listen. Please, promise me you won't say anything."

  "Katy, how can I begin a marriage with a secret? He might never forgive me."

  "Please, once we have what we need we'll tell him. Dad is big on promises. If you promise me, he will not fault for keeping it."

  "I hope this can be resolved soon."

  The rest of the ride home was quiet, each lost in her own thoughts.

  The next day Jim took Malinda to meet the Sullivans. Ted and Doris were so pleased to finally get to meet her.

  "I brought you this. It's the first invitation to the wedding. Katy has a list of things we must do beforehand, and invitations are high on the list." She handed the small envelope to Doris.

  "It's beautiful. Did you draw this?"

  "I dabble in art. My shop is full of cards and small landscapes that I've painted, and I carry some art supplies. We're only inviting about 20 people; family and friends. We wanted you to be the first."

  Doris smiled and patted her hand.

  "Your family has been so kind to Jim and Katy."

  “Over the years we've become good friends. We are looking forward to the wedding. If there’s anything you need, just ask,”

  "Well... Jim and I were wondering if the two of you would stand up with us."

  Doris' eyes light up, and she looked over at Tom. "I would love to!" Doris replied. “It is so sweet of you to ask. Ted, what do you say?"

  "We'd be happy to," he said matter of factly.

  "Would that include helping with the arrangements?" Doris asked, turning her full attention to Malinda.

  "Oh, yes. I figure you, Katy and I can share ideas will make the planning all the more fun."

  "I want to hear all about your dress.”

  “Jim, I believe that’s our signal to get out of here and let the ladies talk. Let me show you the hives. I've been doing some work with them, and I'd appreciate your advice." Ted held the door, and Jim went down the steps.

  Well, you have to make sure they stay healthy. Did you check for mites? Those pesky critters can cause havoc in a hive.” The men walked toward the orange grove.

  Katy and Jesse talked as they approached the pasture where the calves were cavorting in the field. Leaning on the fence, they watched Roy and Dale, now almost as big as the other cows.

  They stood quiet a moment then Katy spoke. "Running into Brice at the café was awful. You wouldn't believe how he talked, and in front of Malinda too. But she's no fraidy-cat. She dumped that pitcher of water right on his head.

  Jesse put his arm around her shoulders. "I'm sure it was very embarrassing.

  “I was having such a good day with Malinda, and he ruined it,” Katy put her head on Jesse’s shoulder. “I’m afraid he’s going to do something terrible. Jesse, I don’t understand why he’s like that.”

  “Brice is a bully,” said Jesse. “When I stood up to him and wouldn’t let him get away with the way he was talking about you, he couldn’t deal with it. He has to prove he’s the big man. He gets away with everything. His mother left them when he was a kid, and I think that hurt him more than he’ll admit. His dad’s busy making money and has no time for him. He gives him new cars anytime he wants. I think his dad hands him money to keep him out of his hair.”

  “I feel sorry for him. My mom died when I was little, but my dad took me everywhere. He home-schooled me and taught me everything I know. He shows me how much he loves me every day.”

  “Brice wasn’t so lucky, and I think he’s jealous of you.”

  Katy stepped away and looked at Jesse. “Jealous of me? How can he be jealous of me? I’m just a bee keeper’s daughter. He’s the son of one of the richest men in the county.”

  Taking her shoulders, he said, “He is jealous because you’re sweet and kind and most of all loved.” Jesse stepped closer and kissed her lips. “Mm, that’s why he’s mad; I found you first. We’d better go back.” Jesse took her hand.

  “I talked to Cora after I talked to you and told her about Brice. She said almost the same thing." Katy stopped suddenly, "Hey, I almost forgot. The prom. Do you still want me to go?"

  "Yeah." He stopped dead in his tracks.

  "Good. Can we go with Cora and Hank?

  "Yeah."

  "Can you say anything besides yeah?"

  "Well, yeah!" They both laughed. It will be held in the school gym, and kids will decorate it. This year the theme is Venice, Italy. It’s May 28th, just before graduation. There will be a band and refreshments."

  "Oh, Jesse. It sounds like such fun. I'm so glad you asked me."

  "Yeah?"

  "Yeah. And don't start that again." They both laugh. Jesse leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  "I really enjoyed shopping with Malinda for her wedding dress. That was so much fun until..." she shook her head. "I don't want to talk about him anymore. I won't rent space in my head for him!" She closed her eyes and took a breath. "Malinda said we would go sometime to look for a prom dress. I'm really looking forward to that.” She took his hand, and they walked back to the house.

  Malinda and Doris were in the kitchen discussing what food would be nice for the wedding reception. "I am so happy you agreed to be my matron of honor. The three of us will make a good team."

  "You mean you, Jim and me?"

  "No, you, me and Katy. Jim wouldn't be much help, he just agrees to everything."

  "You picked the date, I see."

  "I called the church, and the priest was most helpful. May 8, is open and that will give us time to do everything. We can have the reception in the church basement."

  "Malinda, is that what you want?"

  "Actually, Jim and I would both prefer to have it at home. It would be more comfortable than in some big open room."

  "Your house or his?"

  "I think mine. But we will live in his." Jesse and Katy were sitting on the steps, playing with the dogs when the men returned.

  “I'm so happy we finally met. I'll pull out some of my favorite recipes for you to look over," Doris said and gave her a hug.

  "Ted, that'll work. You'll see."

  "I would never have thought that powdered sugar would do the trick. Thanks, Jim."

  Malinda opened the screen door and stepped between Jesse and Katy on the steps.

  “Come on, Katy. Time to go,” said Jim.

  “Good-bye, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan,” Katy said, standing up. Jesse walked her to Malinda's car. He opened the passenger door for Malinda, who got in first, and Katy sat in the back. Before he closed the door, he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. They all waved until the car turned toward Myakka.

  “Should I be asking what your intentions are toward Katy, Jess?” Ted asked his son.

  “Dad, I’m not sure, but I’m going to figure it out.”

  “I think you already have and don’t know it yet,” Ted laughed, putting his arm around Jesse as they walked back to the house.

  Chapter 17

  “Biscuits, oh my, that does sound good,” said Mrs. Sullivan." She was looking at something off in the distance. “I think I’ll whip up a batch tomorrow for Jessie. I'll bake a nice chicken and hot biscuits would be perfect.”

  Josh and Maggie looked at each other wondering what had made the woman think of biscuits in the middle of her story.

  Just then the Bella began barking. She jumped from Katy's lap and ran to the door. Outside the other two were frantic and barking. It was apparent someone was approaching.

  A handsome young man knocked loudl
y and walked into the kitchen, the dogs followed yelping and jumping. The stranger was tall and dark, and wrinkles were just beginning to form at the corners of his eyes. He wore a weathered cowboy hat that sat at a jaunty angle.

  “Hi, Gram. I was driving past and saw the lights on. I see you have company.”

  Josh stood up and shook his hand. “I’m Josh Beaumont, and this is my fiancée Maggie. A cow forced us off the road and into a ditch. We ended up here waiting for a tow truck. Mrs. Sullivan has been entertaining us while we wait."

  “It's good to meet you. I’m Travis,” he said. "That friendly lady there is my grandmother. She’s into rescuing everyone and everything. Gram loves company. It’s probably more like she’s keeping you captive.”

  “She’s been telling us about growing up here on Honey Tree Farm. It’s fascinating,” said Maggie. “We hope we're not imposing. She’s waiting for your grandfather, and we’re waiting for Barry to pull our car out.”

  “Gram, you called Barry?” asked Travis. “He’s about the slowest and most incompetent tow truck driver around. No wonder these poor folks are still waiting.”

  “We are enjoying her. Mrs. Sullivan has been telling us all about you and how you help take care of the bees.”

  “Gram, you’re waiting for Grandpa?” said Travis. He took off his hat and walked over to her rocking chair. He put his hands on the arms of her rocker and looked her in the eyes. “You know we talked about this before.”

  “Travis, you go on home now. He’ll be here soon. He's just out on a special errand.”

  “Have it your way, Gram,” He shoved the cowboy hat back on his head. It was nice meeting you folks. Sure hope you brought a toothbrush. If you're waiting for Barry, you might be here all night.”

  Maggie laughed. “Could be. But Barry called a while ago to say it wouldn't belong."

  "One time a cow made him put his truck in a ditch, and he had to wait on someone to pull him out.” Katy giggled at this.

  “Figures,” said Travis. Maggie took Josh’s arm and tried to stop her own giggling.

  “Folks, have a safe trip home, and if you need me for anything, my number is in the little book by the phone.”