The Essence of Shade

by Deborah Jean Miller

  Shade settled on a blanket, pulling out her reading material. She glanced over to the parking lot. Victoria was sprinting her way while Cody ran out to Brent and Tyler.

  “Hey, Shade. Fancy meeting you here. I heard Brent was offering Sunday baseball practice and thought Cody might like to join. Hope you don’t mind if we crash your party.”

  “Not at all,” Shade lied, irritated by the disruption—and by Victoria’s outfit. She had poured herself into a pair of miniature shorts and a halter-top, insufficient to cover her abundant breasts.

  “Hi, Brent,” said Victoria, waving. “Cody was pumped about practice today.”

  Brent waved back, disappointed by the added responsibility. He looked forward to spending time alone with Tyler and Shade, but Cody was a good kid, and he felt sorry for him. He would make the best of it.

  “What are you reading?” Victoria asked, plopping down next to Shade.

  “Material for the prison ministry. A group of us meet there every two weeks.”

  “So, my job is to get them off the streets, and your job is to rehabilitate them. Right?”

  “We try to help them, so I guess you could say that.”

  Victoria and Shade continued to exchange small talk.

  “Well, I’m gonna do a little workout,” said Victoria. She removed her flip-flops and put on a pair of running shoes before trotting over to the field, her breasts leaping skyward with each stride.

  Shade couldn’t concentrate on her reading. Her eyes tracked Victoria. While Brent instructed the boys, Victoria stood in his direct line of sight, bending and stretching like an Olympic gymnast warming up for a floor routine.

  And then things took a turn. Victoria ran in place, her feet pounding the ground like a frenetic warlord, until she worked up enough momentum to thrust her body forward into a frenzied dash across the park. Nearing a large maple tree, she hurled her body into a front aerial flip, snagging her halter-top on a jutting tree limb. She landed. Two-footed. Topless. Without a pause, she retrieved her top from the limb and re-clothed herself. Brent feigned ignorance, and the boys appeared too consumed with practice to observe the astonishing calisthenics.

  Victoria sprinted over to Shade, planting her butt on the blanket. “Whoa. Did you see that? Talk about being embarrassed. I hope Brent didn’t see me.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he did. Did they teach you that in police academy?”

  Victoria howled with laughter. “The flip or the strip?”

  “I think we’re done for the day,” said Brent, returning with the boys. “Good practice today,” he said, glancing over at Shade, grinning.

  Victoria shot up from the blanket and stood near Brent, rubbing his arm. “Thank you so much for working with Cody. I’ll see you next Sunday.”

  “Looking forward to it.” He spoke to Victoria, but his eyes hung on Shade.

  She wondered how Victoria knew about Sunday practice. Had he invited her? And her behavior. Tactless. She couldn’t wait to see what she had planned for next week. Maybe an equestrian event. Lady Godiva style.

  “Hey, Grandma, did you see me pitch today? Brent said I did good. He said I’m ready for the big leagues.”

  “I did see you pitch. You looked like a professional. Do you still want to be a pitcher?” Shade asked, while preparing dinner.

  “Yeah, and Cody wants to be a catcher. Grandma, do you like Victoria?”

  “Yes,” said Shade, stretching the truth. “Don’t you?”

  “I don’t know. She acts weird. I saw her boobies today.”

  Her eyebrows puckered. “Well, that was an accident. You shouldn’t have seen that.”

  “Why not? I hope Leah doesn’t get boobies that big when she gets older. I might not wanna marry her.”

  “Come on, buddy. Let’s eat dinner and stop talking about Victoria.”

  After putting Tyler to bed, she sat on the back porch, enjoying the sound of the waves rolling into shore. She thought about Blanche and Mary. She hadn’t spent much time with them and decided to invite them over for a picnic.

  Brent. Victoria. She didn’t like this feeling, wondering what he thought of her. But she couldn’t suppress her emotions. It’s not about me, she told herself. It’s about Tyler. Focus on Tyler. His future. Let it go.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

  Psalm 121:7-8

  Summer was drifting away. The demands of the bakery caused Shade to miss several baseball games, however, she made it a point to show up every Sunday for practice, along with Victoria and Cody. She didn’t know if Brent had feelings for Victoria, but she willed herself to stop thinking about it. It was none of her concern.

  Potato salad. Check. Beverages on ice. Check. Pork tenderloins marinating. Check. She wiped down the kitchen and went to her room to change.

  “Tyler, did you clean your bedroom? Company will be here soon.”

  “I’m finishing now,” he said, throwing himself on the floor and using his arm as a broom to sweep everything under the bed. Scone joined in, his nose maneuvering a rolling baseball bat into the closet.

  Blanche arrived at the cottage. “Oh, honey,” she said, adorned in rhinestone studded sunglasses, an oversized straw hat garnished with yellow daisies and a red ribbon trailing down the back of her sleeveless, floral print smock. “It’s been too long and don’t you look like a bronzed beauty.”

  “It’s good to see you,” said Shade, hugging Blanche. “Mary and Leah are on the beach. What can I get you? White wine, lemonade or soda?”

  “I’ll have lemonade,” said Blanche, letting herself out back and strolling over to join the others. Tyler and Leah were busy building a sand castle, while Mary watched from her lawn chair, inhaling the scenery.

  “Oh, this is heaven,” said Mary. “Leah couldn’t wait to spend the day with Tyler, and I couldn’t wait to spend the day with my two beautiful friends.”

  “And you, too,” Blanche responded. “My, how Leah and Tyler have grown. It looks like they’re still the best of buddies. How old are they now?”

  “Tyler will be seven in September,” Shade replied. “And Leah will be seven in December. They’re inseparable.”

  “Honey, so tell me what’s going on in your life, besides Tyler and the bakery,” said Blanche. “Are you dating anyone?”

  “No. A man would complicate my life, and I don’t need that. Besides, I’m fixated on our upcoming trip to Hawaii. We leave in a month.”

  “I’m jealous,” Mary sighed. “I’ve never been to Hawaii.”

  “Don’t you ever think about having a man in your life?” Blanche asked. “You’re still young.”

  Mary interjected. “Someone like Tyler’s coach, Brent. Too bad he’s married, or at least we think he’s married. He’s so good with the boys. Maybe he has a single brother.”

  “Okay, ladies,” said Shade. “I’m happy the way things are. Who’s hungry?”

  After devouring grilled honey-ginger pork tenderloins, corn on the cob, potato salad, and fresh tomatoes with basil, they went for a walk on the beach. Shade put on a turquoise, sheer lace tunic over her bathing suit.

  Leah and Tyler ran ahead with Willow and Scone, the ladies lagging behind. She could see Tyler talking to someone with a dog. Brent. She waved, as he came toward them.

  “Hello ladies,” said Brent, his eyes hanging on Shade. “Beautiful day, isn’t it? Thought I’d take Coach for a walk.”

  “Good to see you, Brent,” said Shade. “You know Mary and Leah, but this is my friend, Blanche. Blanche, this is Brent, Tyler’s baseball coach.”

  “So, you’re Brent,” said Blanche. “I’ve heard about you. And it’s all good.”

  “Hey, Brent,” Tyler interrupted. “Want some dessert? We’re walking now so we can eat more food when we get back. Grandma made peach pie and homemade ice cream.”

  “Thank you, but I don’t want to intrude,
” said Brent, clearly amused at Tyler’s unfettered invitation.

  “It’s no problem,” Blanche piped in. “You’d be doing me a favor. It would be less for me to stuff into my big mouth.”

  Brent looked at Shade, raising his eyebrows.

  “Please, join us. If you’re not busy.”

  “Well, I guess I could stop over. Do you mind if I bring Coach?”

  “What’s one more dog?” asked Shade, laughing.

  Shade gave Brent a tour of the cottage while the others retreated to the back porch. She felt exposed standing near him in her beach outfit. She sensed his eyes. Not lingering. Just a slight caress here and there.

  “You have a beautiful home,” said Brent.

  “Thank you. We love it here,” she said, walking into the kitchen. “How long have you lived in your home?”

  “About six years. It’s a great area.”

  “And what about family?”

  “Most of my family lives out of state, except my nephew. Hey, can I help with anything?” he said, shifting the subject.

  “Would you mind taking this tray out to the porch?”

  “Sure,” said Brent. “It would make me feel useful after crashing your party.”

  “You’re always welcome,” said Shade.

  Blanche plopped her floral print rear-end in a chair. “Brent,” she said, patting the seat next to her. “Come sit and tell me about yourself.”

  Brent smiled and sat down. “Well, I’m the Athletic Director for Edelweiss Schools. I live a few miles down the beach, close to where we met today. I’ve lived there about six years.”

  Tyler and Leah ran over, pulling Brent’s hand.

  “Brent, can you play Frisbee with me and Leah? Please, Brent?”

  “Well, looks like I’m being called away,” said Brent, rising from his chair and joining them on the beach.

  Blanche looked at Mary and Shade, grinning. “Darn. I was hoping to get the scoop on that handsome fellow. Honey, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find out if he’s married. And if not, you must do everything in your power to lasso that chap.”

  Mary and Shade laughed at Blanche’s candor. “I’m thinking he’s single,” said Shade. “He told me he has family out of state, so I assume he lives alone.”

  The ladies chatted while Brent entertained Leah and Tyler on the beach. Shade studied Brent. He seemed genuinely content playing with the kids. And Tyler clearly enjoyed having him around.

  After about thirty minutes, Brent climbed the steps from the beach. “Well, I better head back. It’s past Coach’s bedtime. Thanks for inviting me, and nice meeting you Blanche.”

  After everyone left, Shade sat alone in the living room, thinking. It was odd how Brent changed the subject when she asked about family. Maybe he was divorced and didn’t want to talk about it. But what did it matter? Enough of these endless mind games.

  A month had passed, and the trip to Hawaii was fast approaching. Arriving at the bakery, she found Sally and Liz deep in conversation.

  “Good morning, ladies,” said Shade. “I see you two are using Sally’s last day wisely. Do you think you’ll be comfortable, Liz, while we’re away?”

  “I’ll be fine. And I know I can call either one of you if something urgent comes up.”

  “Yes, but call me first,” said Shade. “Sally will be preoccupied. Sally, I can’t believe this is it. When you get back, you’ll be a married woman. How many people are coming to the wedding?”

  “It looks like forty-five. Everyone is staying at the resort. Don’t forget your bathing suits.”

  “We won’t. Tyler and I are thrilled, although, I think he’s more excited about the plane ride.”

  “I’m so envious,” said Liz. “Have a wonderful time, and don’t worry about the bakery.”

  “Tyler, can you come in here?” asked Shade from her bedroom as she packed for the trip. “I want you to look through your suitcase and see if there’s anything else you want to bring. Remember, only clothes. No toys.”

  He pulled out his Detroit Tigers baseball cap and his baseball glove. “How about these?”

  “You can take your cap but not your glove.”

  “But, you said I could bring clothes. A glove is clothes. I wear it on my hand.”

  “You won’t have a ball, honey, so you don’t need a glove.”

  Tyler walked over to her suitcase, inspecting its contents. “What’s this?”

  “It’s my curling iron. For my hair.”

  “Do you wear it in your hair?”

  “Okay, you can bring your glove,” Shade recanted. “But that’s it. Hey, did you remind Brent we wouldn’t be at the park this Sunday for practice? I told him a while ago, but I hope he didn’t forget.”

  “I told him we were going on a plane. He said he’s going away, too, and he would see us when we got back.”

  “Okay, good. Let’s not forget to pack your homework.”

  “When is Mary coming to pick up Scone?”

  “When she picks us up to take us to the airport."

  “Grandma, we’re going on the plane!” said Tyler, as their section was called. “Why is your face white?”

  “I’m a little nervous, that’s all. I’ve never been on a plane. Just like you.”

  “Don’t worry, Grandma. Remember? We prayed with Mary for a safe trip.”

  “That’s right,” said Shade, grateful for the reminder. “God will watch over us.”

  Squeezing their way down the narrow aisle, they located their seats. A drowning helplessness washed over her. In contrast, Tyler’s eyes grew large, fascinated by the experience.

  “Flight attendants, please prepare for takeoff.”

  The enormous plane roared down the runway. She sat rigid, biting her lip. Eyes pinched tight. Fingernails digging into Tyler’s arm.

  “Faster, faster,” screamed Tyler. “Oh, wow. Look Grandma, the clouds are below us.”

  Shade released her eyelids and glanced out the window, awestruck by the blanket of fluffy white clouds shrouding the huge metal tube. Terror gave way to tranquility.

  “See, Grandma,” said Tyler, patting her hand. “Everything will be okay. I’ll take care of you.”

  “I love you, Tyler.” She leaned over and kissed the top of his head. “Thanks for taking care of me.”

  The chauffeur waited in baggage claim, holding a sign, Shade & Tyler Lane. When they approached, he placed a flower lei around each of their necks. “Aloha. Welcome to Hawaii. I’ll have you at the resort in Wailea in twenty minutes.”

  “I don’t wear necklaces, sir,” said Tyler, removing the lei from his neck and handing it back.

  “Tyler, he’s welcoming us to his state,” said Shade.

  “In Hawaii, that’s how we greet people arriving on our island. Both men and women,” said the chauffeur, smiling. “You’ll hurt my feelings if you don’t wear it.”

  She retrieved the lei and placed it around Tyler’s neck.

  “Thank you, sir,” said Tyler. “It’s real pretty.”

  “Oh, Tyler,” Shade sighed, gazing out the open car window a couple of minutes later. “Isn’t everything beautiful? Can you smell the flowers and the salt in the air from the ocean?”

  “Wow, Grandma. The ocean looks like Lake Michigan.”

  When Shade opened the door to their room, the incandescent expanse of the Pacific greeted them. Majestic mountains surrounded the resort. Palm trees rose like tropical goddesses, their wispy fronds fanning the sky. She had never seen such lush greenery, colorful flowers spilling out from everywhere.

  “Tyler, look. We have a private balcony.”

  “Can we go swimming now?”

  “Sure,” she said. “Oh, look. Sally and Chad gave us a gift basket and an itinerary. Let’s see, there’s a barbecue by the pool tonight. Beachwear recommended. Okay, buddy, let’s put our swimsuits on and go down to the beach before the barbecue.”

  Shade dressed in one of the new swimsuits she had purchased. She chose
the blush pink, two-piece suit with matching cover-up and pinned her hair back into a chignon. After getting Tyler dressed in his baseball-themed swim trunks and baseball cap, they headed to the beach.

  “Shade,” said Sally, waving. She and Chad headed toward them, arms open wide. “When did you get in?”

  “About an hour ago. I can’t believe how beautiful it is.”

  “Isn’t it gorgeous? Hey, Tyler, are you ready to be in our wedding? You’ll have to go to rehearsal tomorrow.”

  “Grandma says I carry the ring on a pillow. It seems kinda strange.”

  “Yeah, I agree,” said Chad, laughing. “But it’ll be over before you know it.”

  “Have all the guests arrived?” asked Shade.

  “Pretty much,” Sally responded. “I’m expecting the rest to show up for the barbecue tonight, so you’ll be able to meet everyone. We have the whole pool area reserved.”

  “Hi, Mom,” said Chad to the woman approaching them. “This is my mom, Mindy. Mom, this is Shade and her grandson, Tyler. Sally works for Shade at the bakery.”

  “Nice to meet you Shade and Tyler,” said Mindy, extending her hand. “Sally speaks highly of you. We’re so glad you could make it.”

  “Nice to meet you, too. Do you live in Michigan?” asked Shade.

  “No. Chad’s father, Kevin, and I live in Wisconsin. Most of our family lives there except for my brother and Chad, who live in Michigan. How long are you staying?”

  “We’ll be here for a week. We thought we’d hit the beach before the barbecue tonight. Tyler has been dying to swim in the ocean.”

  “I don’t blame him. Well, it was nice meeting you. See you at the barbecue.”

  Sally and Chad left to get things settled. Shade and Tyler spent the next hour frolicking in the ocean, struggling to stand erect against the crashing waves of the Pacific. After wearing themselves out, she toweled herself off and retreated to one of the hotel cabanas while Tyler played nearby in the sand.