Home at Last

by Judith Keim

  “You’re cleaning the house today?”

  “Yes,” said Lulu. “If it gets overwhelming, I’ll do as you suggested and hire some of the inn staff to help, but I’m thinking of this process as a cleansing of sorts.”

  “I like that,” said Cami. “I have to admit, though, I’m going to miss you around here. Especially in the morning when we sit like this and talk.”

  “Yeah, I will too. But it’s only fair that you and Drew have the place to yourself.”

  They talked about the weather and the plans to do an inventory for The Barn.

  “I’m worried about Gwen,” Lulu said. “Last night she looked terrible.”

  “Yes, I’ve noticed,” said Cami. “I’m going to suggest she see a doctor. You might have to take over for her. You and one of the other women.”

  “Gwen and I have already processed orders for new items, so that’s been taken care of. I can help you decide about themes and changes in the layout of the store to enhance the new merchandise.”

  “That would be great.” Cami rose. “I’d better get ready for work. Good luck today.”

  Lulu fixed herself a cup of decaf coffee, mixed some raspberries and granola with yogurt, and sat at the breakfast table to plot out a plan. The house was mostly furnished, but Lulu wanted to add some new furniture pieces to the space. And she needed to buy sheets, towels, and other small things. Drew hadn’t fussed much with the house and had eaten out or at Cami’s most of the time he’d rented the house.

  After breakfast, Lulu put on jeans and a sweatshirt and tied her hair in a long ponytail. After checking Melba’s email for cleaning suggestions, her first stop would be one of the local stores for supplies. She’d pick up bottled water and a few light, healthy snacks.

  Later, as she pulled up to the house, Lulu turned off the ignition and studied the house that was to be her home for the next year.

  The tan-painted clapboards of the sprawling two-story house reminded Lulu of the color of her mother’s house in California. But all similarities ended there. Towering red alder and bigleaf maple trees, evergreen bushes, and flowering plants surrounded the house nestled between two rolling hills. The two tall, arched windows facing her resembled inquisitive eyes studying its new occupant. A wide front door whose red-wine hue was the perfect bright touch was welcoming. Though the design of the exterior was simple, Lulu knew from her previous visit how lovely it was inside. Sliding-glass doors led from the large living area to a patio over which a vine-covered pergola gave some protection from rain and sun. The view from inside looked out over a large yard that contained a vegetable and herb garden, perennial flowers, and an apple tree. Lisa, who loved gardening, had created something very special. Lulu couldn’t wait to see it abloom.

  As Lulu unloaded her bags of groceries and cleaning supplies in the kitchen, she admired what Abby had done with the interior decorating. Throughout the living area, walls painted a pale, pale gold served as a background for the few paintings Abby and Lisa had left behind.

  The large, river-rock fireplace had a wide hearth for sitting and was flanked by bookshelves that still displayed a number of books along with several metal and wood art pieces. Lulu supposed when it came time to rent or sell the house to someone outside of the Chandler Hill family, everything of Abby’s and Lisa’s would be removed. In the meantime, she was grateful for the few homey touches left behind.

  Lulu cheerfully started with the kitchen, excited about the prospect of having her own private space. Drew hadn’t cooked much, but he’d still left a mess behind.

  After she got the kitchen pretty much the way she wanted it, Lulu started another list, this time adding groceries and kitchen items. Following research online, she decided to skip cleaning the rest of the house and drive to Keiser where Bed Bath and Beyond and Target stores were located. Besides, after spending the morning cleaning the kitchen, she was ready for a break.

  ###

  Hours later, Lulu drove up the driveway to her house exhausted. One purchase had led to another. Her car was loaded with all kinds of things required for her new living arrangement. Thankfully, her savings account covered most of the cost. But she was glad for the job she had at Chandler Hill.

  As she headed to the front door, she noticed movement in the house and stopped. Not sure whether it was safe or not, she pulled out her phone in case she needed to call 911.

  The front door opened and her mother, Melba, and Cami emerged wearing wide smiles.

  “Surprise!” Cami cried.

  Lulu dropped the packages she’d been holding and ran toward them. “Mom! Melba! What are you doing here?” She exchanged hugs with them and turned to Cami. “Did you set this up? I see now that you pulled your car out back.”

  “No, Cami didn’t do this,” Melba said. “After your mother and I talked to you on the phone this morning, we both agreed you were holding something back. Rosalie and I decided to hop onto a plane and come see what is going on with you.”

  Her mother wrapped an arm around Lulu’s shoulder. “Are you all right?”

  Lulu nodded, but couldn’t stop the tears streaming from her eyes.

  Cami said quietly. “It’s all going to be all right, but I’m glad the two of you are here.”

  “Yes, oh yes,” said Lulu, sniffing and wiping her eyes.

  “I’ve already got them settled at my house,” Cami explained to her. “And tonight, you can either go to the inn or order dinner in.”

  “Cami, dear, that’s so nice of you,” Rosalie commented.

  “Yes, indeed,” said Melba, giving Cami a grateful smile.

  Melba was a striking woman. Mahogany skin, smooth as silk, covered a tall, trim body and fine facial features. Lulu knew from the past that Melba had been offered a role in a movie, which she didn’t hesitate to turn down. She was a woman who didn’t like subterfuge and yet had lived through it with her dearest friend. Lulu filled with a sense of gratitude and love for her.

  “What did Jerome say about your taking off like this, Melba?” Lulu asked her.

  Melba laughed. “I think he was as relieved as I to have some time apart. Since he retired a few months ago, we both want more space. Love that man, but 24/7 is a few hours too many.”

  Lulu chuckled. Their devotion to one another was well known.

  “Mom, while you’re here I’m hoping you’ll help me fix up the house.”

  Rosalie’s eyes shone and then became moist. “Oh, I’d love to do that. And I want Melba to meet Rafe. He was so helpful to me over Christmas. Such a dear friend.”

  Lulu and Melba exchanged glances. Her mother was continuing to make progress.

  “Okay, I’ve got to go back to the inn. I’ll see the three of you this evening.” Cami gave them a little wave and left.

  Melba took Lulu’s hand. “Let’s sit for a while and talk. Like I said, both your mother and I know something’s wrong. What is it?”

  The soft, reassuring tone of Melba’s voice undid Lulu. She began sobbing.

  Her mother guided her to the couch, and the three of them sat together, with Lulu in the middle. Her mother held one hand, Melba the other.

  Lulu inhaled several deep, shuddering breaths and then blurted out, “I’m pregnant!”

  “What? With Will?” said her mother.

  “Oh, honey. It’s not that bad. He’s a good man,” said Melba.

  Lulu sniffed, pulled out a tissue from her pocket and dabbed at her eyes. “It’s not Will.”

  “Then who is it?” asked her mother.

  “It doesn’t matter. I’m going to raise this baby alone,” said Lulu doing her best to hide her misery.

  “When is the baby due?” Melba’s dark eyes were full of concern.

  “August.”

  “Then it happened here,” said Melba.

  “Yes.” Lulu blinked rapidly. “It was just one night. The whole evening with him was special.”

  “Does the father know?” asked her mother, her brow creased with concern.

  “No
, he’s away in Chile.”

  Her mother’s eyes widened. “Oh, my! Are you talking about Rafe’s nephew, the one who owns the Lone Creek Winery with Drew? He was charming.”

  Surprise stopped Lulu from speaking. She’d forgotten her mother had met Miguel at Christmastime. “Yes. When he’s in a room, he commands attention. Women are drawn to him. Sort of like ...”

  “... your father,” her mother finished for her.

  “Oh, Mom, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean ...”

  “It’s all right, darling. We both know what it was like. Best that you not get involved with a man like that.”

  “No, he isn’t like Dad,” Lulu protested, rising to his defense. “Not really.” She remembered how Miguel had texted her, how he’d brought Belgian chocolates to Christmas dinner at Cami’s, how he’d waited for her call.

  “What is he like, Lulu?” asked Melba softly.

  Lulu sighed. “For one thing, he’s kind. At a restaurant, he protected me from a man angry about Dad, and even though one woman thinks he’s going to marry her, he’s tried to explain that’s never going to happen. He offered to take me home because I had a couple of beers and wasn’t as steady as usual. He works hard. Cami and Becca tease him about dating so many women, but like he said at Christmas, he hasn’t met the right one yet.” Lulu’s eyes welled with tears at the stab of pain she still experienced when she thought of it.

  Melba grasped her hand. “Oh, my! You care for him.”

  Lulu gasped and jumped to her feet. “Why would you say that?”

  Melba and her mother exchanged glances, and then her mother said, “Sweetie, you should see your face when you speak about him.”

  Lulu collapsed in a nearby chair. She hadn’t meant to be so obvious. She wanted everyone to think there was nothing between Miguel and her. She had to think and act that way if she was going to raise his child alone.

  “Even if he asks, I won’t marry him. I don’t want anyone marrying me out of any sense of obligation. Rafe said he’d do the right thing, but that’s not what I want.”

  “Rafe knows?” her mother asked.

  “Yes, he is the only other person who knows the father is Miguel. Cami, Becca and the others think it’s Will’s baby. That’s how I have to keep it until I have a chance to talk to Miguel. I promised Rafe I’d tell him, but the two of you can’t say a word about it to anyone else. Understand?”

  “Hmmm, Rosalie, no wonder you want me to meet Rafe,” said Melba. “He’s got to be something special if Lulu trusts him like this.”

  “He is,” said Rosalie. “Rafe reminds me so much of my own father. He’s a very good man who still mourns the death of his beloved Lettie—Cami’s grandmother and the woman behind the Chandler Hill Inn and Winery.”

  “That must be the reason Cami is the way she is—kind and hardworking.” Melba smiled at them both. “You have a lovely new family. What a nice departure from all the grief and disappointment of the past.”

  “Yes, I suppose that’s so.” Lulu’s mother glanced at Lulu. “Let’s go back to Cami’s house. Tomorrow, I intend to help you get settled here. You say the owners don’t want to sell even though they’re now living in Arizona?”

  “That’s what they said.”

  “Ready?” Her mother stood.

  Melba and Lulu exchanged surprised glances. Lulu’s mother was acting as if she were in charge. Maybe, thought Lulu, this is what her mother used to be like without being constantly embarrassed and hurt by both her husband and the media.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Lulu couldn’t hide a smile as she watched Melba teasing Rafe about something he said. As she’d suspected, the two of them liked one another from the beginning. Both were sensitive about including her mother in their light-hearted conversation about Rafe’s life at a vineyard.

  As her mother grew tired, she became quieter. Sensing that, Lulu rose from her seat in the living room and said, “I’m going to turn in for the night. How about you, Mom?”

  Her mother’s smile held relief. “That sounds good, if you don’t mind, Cami?”

  Cami got to her feet. “Actually, I’m going to call it a night too. It’s an early morning at the inn. A local group is holding a breakfast meeting.” She turned and held out a hand to Drew. “Coming?”

  “You bet!” Amid the gentle laughter that followed, he jumped to his feet.

  “I’m on my way,” Rafe said. “Good night to one and all.” Lulu stood with her mother and Melba as they made plans with Rafe for a walk among the vineyards and an early supper the following day.

  “I’m still a pretty good cook,” Rafe said.

  “Yes, you are,” Lulu’s mother said, bringing a smile to his face.

  After seeing him out of the house, Lulu walked her mother and Melba to their rooms. She gave each of the women a hug and a kiss. “Thanks for being here. I didn’t realize how much your support would mean to me.”

  “We women have to stick together,” said Melba, her expression soft with tenderness. “Hardly seems possible you’re going to have a baby. I was holding you in my arms not that long ago.”

  “What would we ever have done without you?” said Lulu’s mother to Melba. “Even now I count on you for support. It doesn’t seem fair.”

  “Life isn’t fair. If I hadn’t been given a very good job in your home, I might never have had the kind of life I have now. I was a mixed-up young kid when, over the objections of everyone else, you gave me a chance, Rosalie.”

  The two of them smiled sweetly at one another.

  Soul sisters. That’s what they were, Lulu thought.

  ###

  The next day, Lulu watched with amazement as her mother, dressed in jeans and a nice sweater, ran the vacuum over the rugs in the house. She’d never seen her mother work like this. Seeing Melba now, scrubbing out a tub, tears misted Lulu’s vision. Melba ran the house in California but didn’t do any deep cleaning. That was left up to a company that came in once a week.

  Standing on a ladder, dusting the light fixtures and the tops of cabinets in the kitchen, Lulu thought back to the night with Miguel. She hadn’t dared to admit to her mother and Melba how fuzzy parts of it seemed. And yet there was nothing sordid about it. Theirs had been a sweet lovemaking unlike anything she’d known. Miguel, she remembered very well, was a generous lover who’d made sure she was completely satisfied. At the memory, her cheeks felt fiery.

  Her mother walked into the kitchen and shot her a look of concern. “What are you doing up on a ladder? And look at your cheeks; they’re flushed.”

  Lulu gave a last swipe of her duster and climbed down. “Mom, I’m not suddenly made of glass. I’m just having a baby.”

  “Oh, yes. Right. Well, you have to be careful now.”

  Carrying a bucket filled with cleaning supplies, Melba joined them. “The bathrooms are beautiful, if I say so myself.”

  “The vacuuming is done. I’ve rearranged a few things, but I think you’ll like it,” said Lulu’s mother. She smiled brightly. “I’ve made a mental list of what I’d like to purchase for you for this house. Can we talk about it?”

  Lulu studied the excitement on her mother’s face and paused. She glanced at Melba.

  “Let’s take a break, Rosalie,” said Melba. “We’ve been working hard.”

  Rosalie groaned. “Okay. I know where this is going. How about a cup of hot tea and a cookie? That always makes me feel calm.”

  The three of them sat at the kitchen table chatting comfortably. After a while, Lulu brought out a pad of paper and a pen. “Okay, Mom. What are some of your ideas?”

  Rosalie eagerly told them about her suggestions.

  “Wow! You’re very good at this,” Lulu told her mother, realizing she had an uncanny ability to see what was missing in each room and how to make it better designed and coordinated.

  Rosalie laughed. “I’ve looked at each room in our house and wished I could change it many times.”

  Lulu choked on her tea. “What? I always th
ought the house was exactly the way you wanted it.”

  “No, it was exactly how your father insisted he wanted it. It was much too fussy for me, but a lot of those expensive pieces came from his family home, and he wanted to work everything around them.”

  Lulu shook her head in amazement. “I grew up with a stranger. I like the new you much better.”

  “It’s taken me a while to be comfortable with myself, after living with your father,” her mother said.

  “You never had the chance to be yourself,” Melba quickly corrected. “I tried to encourage you, but as long as Edward controlled things, I could only try to make it easier for you.”

  “My God! What a monster he turned out to be,” said Lulu with dismay.

  Her mother placed a hand on Lulu’s arm. “Don’t be too judgmental. I was to blame, too, soaking myself in drugs and depression, allowing him to take complete control over my life. I’m on the right road now. I may stumble and fall, but I have you, Melba, and my support groups to rely on. The new combination of medications is working well.”

  “Wow! You sound like superwoman!” said Lulu, genuinely impressed with all her mother was doing to change her life.

  Her mother’s response was a sad look. “We both know I’ll have my ‘down days’ too. But they’re farther and farther apart.”

  “Coming to Oregon has been good for you,” said Melba. “You should visit as often as possible.

  A smile crossed her mother’s face. “Good idea. And then I’ll be around to help with my grandchild.”

  They turned to Lulu with expectant expressions.

  Lulu hesitated. She was so accustomed to feeling responsible for her mother. Having her here wouldn’t change that, but it might make it easier for them both. “That might work very well.”

  “One step at a time,” her mother said. “I want to sell the house in California first. I’ve seen a condo I like.”

  “Sell the house?” It felt somehow like robbing Lulu of her childhood. Most of her early memories had happened there.

  “It’s time, Lulu. I don’t want to live there anymore. That home never felt like mine.” Her mother’s voice was gentle. “One of my friends suggested a condo in Hollywood, and I like it. That area is enjoying a revival, and I’m ready for a change.”