On the Corner of Hope and Main

by Beverly Jenkins

  “Mal has nothing to do with me leaving.”

  “Whatever you say, but I’m eating first. Walk or stay.”

  Diane picked up her handbag and scooted to the end of the bench. “You can be such a bitch.”

  “Bye, Diane.”

  She left the booth and moved swiftly to the exit.

  Bernadine sighed and gazed out of the window to wait for her tea.

  Mal returned carrying a tray holding a teapot, a cup, and her sister’s glass of water. “Where’s Diane?”

  “Gone. She suddenly remembered an appointment back in Topeka.”

  He set the teapot and cup within reach. “Didn’t like me calling her out?”

  “No.”

  “She hurt your feelings before she left though, didn’t she?”

  “How’d you guess?”

  “It’s in your eyes, and seeing how I’m the one who hurt you the most recently, I should know what it looks like, don’t you think?”

  She was so moved by his admission she didn’t know what to say.

  He took the decision out of her hands by asking gently, “Ready to order?”

  Still stunned, she was.

  After taking down her request, he turned to go.

  “Mal.”

  He stopped and looked back.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Bernadine was partway through her turkey burger and sweet potato fries when Riley entered the dining room, accompanied by Chauncey aka Chaunce Mayo, and a slick-haired, highly tanned, middle-aged man in a black pinstriped suit. She assumed the George Hamilton look-alike was the boss he’d told her about, or some other studio high muckety-muck. After the conversation with Mayo in her office, she couldn’t believe he’d returned, but waited to see what this was about. Riley buttonholed Mal. They spoke and Riley gestured to the men as if making introductions. Mal nodded politely in response, but gave Riley a skeptical side-eye before walking over to the sound system. He cut the music, which of course got everyone’s attention. He picked up the mic. “Can I have your attention for a minute? Riley has an announcement.”

  Bing shouted, “We’re not voting for you!”

  Laughter followed. Riley’s jaw tightened. His accomplices looked caught off guard and warily scanned the faces of the small sea of people turned their way.

  “This isn’t about the election.”

  “Good! Because we’re not voting for you!”

  He waited for the second round of laughter to subside. “These men are from Hollywood.”

  Silence.

  Riley cleared his throat. “As I said, they’re from Hollywood, and they want to put Henry Adams on the map by throwing a parade down our Main Street for Cletus to celebrate his Oscar nomination!”

  Bernadine was outdone by them thinking they could use this method to circumvent her nixing the parade. She didn’t have to worry, however. The boos and catcalls were instantaneous.

  Genevieve called out, “Is that killer hog going to be on a spit?”

  The Hollywood duo now appeared shocked. Riley tried to soldier on, explaining how much fun the parade would be, but by then, the pushback was so loud, Bernadine couldn’t hear a word he was saying. I tried to warn them.

  A red-faced Mayo tugged Riley’s sleeve and said something. Riley handed Mal the mic, and he and his crew quickstepped it to the exit to the cheers and thunderous applause of the diners.

  Bernadine returned to her lunch. Lesson learned.

  AT THE TOWN meeting that evening, the department heads gave their reports, a sheet was passed around to get the names of seniors needing absentee ballots for the election, and after, Trent asked Sheila to come up to the podium. Her first words were “This has nothing to do with the election.”

  The responding cheers brought out her smile. “I’m here in my capacity as the VP of social affairs to talk about Halloween.”

  More cheers.

  “Halloween is this Saturday and we’ll be having our first Henry Adams costume party night and a pumpkin-carving contest. Tamar came up with the theme, which is superheroes and kids’ movies. Those who have not made prior arrangements for your costumes with our Mistress of Needles, Gemma Dahl, too late. She’s not taking any more orders.”

  “No, I’m not,” she called out. “Done. Finished. Tired.”

  “For the pumpkin-carving contest, there will be one prize for those over eighteen and one for under. Grand prize for both will be a fifty-dollar gift card courtesy of Clark’s Grocery.” Murmurs of approval moved through the room.

  She added, “That gift card might be a great down payment on your Thanksgiving dinner so be sure you enter. Thanks, Gary.”

  “You’re welcome,” he called out from his seat.

  “After you get your pumpkin carved, if you aren’t going to use the guts, please put them in a Ziploc bag and bring them here. Rocky and her staff are going to roast the seeds for snacks that will be available for free while supplies last, and the rest will be pureed and put into soups, muffins, donuts, and other tasty things that will be put on the menu. As most of you know, the pumpkins are on the grounds behind the rec. You can pick up yours anytime if you’re entering the contest, but it needs to be back to rec by noon if you’re entering the judging. Any questions?”

  There weren’t any, so she returned to her seat.

  Trent thanked her and asked, “Any other new business or concerns before I end the meeting?”

  No one spoke up, so he brought down the gavel.

  As Sheila walked with her men to Barrett’s truck, she asked, “Have either of you ever carved a pumpkin?”

  Barrett cracked, “That’s not a skill called for by the Marine Corps.”

  Preston grinned. “Not many carved in the inner city of Milwaukee, either.”

  “Then we should enter. Barrett, please stop by the rec on the way home and we’ll get one apiece.”

  Preston looked pleased.

  Barrett didn’t.

  “It’ll be fun,” she promised.

  He looked doubtful and asked, “Have you ever carved one?”

  “No, but I’m not deterred by that. I still think it’ll be fun.”

  “Okay, Ms. Soon-to-Be Mayor.”

  The Payne family joined the rest of the town’s citizens in the field behind the rec to pick out a pumpkin. They were of varying sizes and spread out on the ground as if still waiting to be harvested. As the Paynes came alongside Gemma and her kids, Sheila asked Jasmine if she’d ever carved before. “Yes, ma’am. Lucas and I got pumpkins every year.”

  Barrett asked, “Any advice?”

  Lucas said, “Find one that’s sort of firm on the outside, so the carving goes easier and lasts longer. And the bigger they are, the more guts they have.”

  Preston tossed back, “Pumpkin carving, time shares in Maui and Disneyworld. Is there anything you two kazillionaires haven’t done?”

  Lucas laughed. “Quit hating.” Lucas and his sister, Jasmine, were very wealthy as a result of their late parents’ estate.

  Jaz added, “Yeah. You just work on figuring out a way for us to time travel, Mr. Wizard.”

  The Paynes laughed and continued their search. They finally found what they hoped were three good candidates. After helping themselves to the carving tools and design printouts offered, they drove home.

  While Sheila went upstairs to prepare for another day on the campaign trail tomorrow, and Preston went to FaceTime his friends, Barrett poured himself a small shot of bourbon, took a seat on the living room sofa, and reflected on his day. He’d had his second session with Paula earlier. With her gentle guidance he’d unpacked some of the baggage he’d been carrying around since his teen years. Most of it had to do with his father’s abuse of his mother and himself. Talking about it had been painful but also cathartic as Paula helped him unravel the knots tied around his emotions. With her he was able to see that following his father and grandfather into the service and becoming a warrior made him believe his hurt and pai
n could be ignored because acknowledging such things were for the soft, not the strong. He hadn’t allowed himself to grieve when his mother died or feel anything after his father’s fading health forced him into an assisted-living facility, a facility Barrett wasn’t allowed to visit because his father refused to see him. Paula pointed out the likelihood of that stemming from his father being ashamed and embarrassed by his decline and inability to take care of himself. Being infirm was for the weak, not the strong. And for Barrett it all made sense. Finally. The entire time growing up, he’d been at the mercy of a man who used the power of his fists to prove his manhood and superiority. After a catastrophic stroke, his father needed help with everything from using the toilet to eating. There was no superiority in that. He’d lived for three years after the stroke but they never once spoke, visited, or shared a smile. Barrett wondered if his father really wanted to die estranged and alone. There was no way of knowing but Barrett was certain it was not something he wished for himself. He thought about Preston. His son had made him not only a good father but also a better person. Might he have been able to do the same for his own father, given the opportunity? He’d like to think the answer would’ve been yes, but unfortunately, he’d never know that either and that was painful, as well.

  Barrett realized he hadn’t touched the drink, but that didn’t matter. He got up and went upstairs. He knocked on Preston’s open door.

  Preston was at his desk. He glanced away from his laptop. “Hey, Pops.”

  “Hey, son. Can I bother you for a minute?”

  “Sure. What’s up?”

  “Just came up to say thanks for making me a good dad and a better person.”

  Preston scanned his face. “Are you okay? You’re not getting ready to die on me and Mom, are you?”

  He smiled. “No, son. Just have had a couple of talks with Paula.”

  “Helped you figure out some stuff?”

  “Yes. Most of it dealing with my father, so I wanted to let you know what a great son I think you are.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate that. And thanks for adopting me. No telling where I’d be if Ms. Bernadine hadn’t brought me here. Dead maybe.”

  Barrett had never met a more honestly frank young man. “It would’ve been my loss, so I’m glad you’re here, too. I’ll let you get back to what you were doing.”

  “Okay. And Pops, thanks for letting me know how you feel. That means a lot.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Barrett entered his bedroom to find Sheila on the love seat, surrounded by papers and wearing her reading glasses. He smiled at that. His lovely wife was a bit vain and rarely wore them outside the house. She was so focused on the laptop beside her, a few seconds passed before she noticed his presence. She finally glanced up. “Hey.”

  “Hey. What are you doing?”

  “Pulling together the information on the state’s wind energy initiative. I’m meeting with some farmers tomorrow who’re interested in signing up.”

  “That’s such a great idea.”

  “I agree. What’re you up to?”

  “Just left Preston. Wanted to thank him for making me a better dad and a better person.”

  She eyed him speculatively for a moment before asking, “Did you have another session with Paula?”

  “I did and she’s helping me be a better dad, husband, person—all of that.”

  “I’m glad it’s working out.”

  “So am I. I want to apologize again for all the years I made you feel small and unseen. You deserved so much more.”

  “We’re moving forward and that’s what counts. No more apologies needed. Okay?”

  “Okay.” He’d told Paula about his affair and the depth of his remorse. Sheila’s willingness to forgive was the most cherished gift he’d ever received. “You go back to what you were doing. Let me know when you’re done.”

  “Will do.”

  He left her alone and went downstairs. Being able to move forward was a gift as well.

  Chapter

  15

  Friday morning, Bernadine was already at her desk with her coffee and laptop when Lily arrived for work. “Morning, Lil.”

  “Hey, Bernadine. How are you?”

  “Okay. Just got the report back on the contract Leo had Big Al sign.”

  Lily walked fully into the office. “Is it legit?”

  “If you call cheating him via convoluted legalese legit.”

  Lily sighed. “Al’s going to Hulk smash him.”

  “I know. I sent Al a text a little while ago. He’ll be by later this morning.” Bernadine remembered something she’d been meaning to ask Lily. “What happened with your secret spy friend? Have you heard anything more from her?”

  “No. She quit a few days ago. Leo tried to hit on her.”

  “Good lord.”

  “I know. He asked her if she wanted a raise, and told her what she had to do to get it. She quit on the spot.”

  “Leo is such a dog.”

  “Yes, he is. She said when she told her husband about the come-on, she had to keep him from riding down on Leo and kicking his behind.”

  “Well, I believe he’s digging his own grave with this seed business, so we don’t really need any further inside information at this point.” Putting her ex out of her mind, Bernadine shifted gears. “Are you ready for the Halloween party?”

  “I am. My costume is ready to go.”

  “So is mine.” The costumes were supposed to be secret, so she and everyone else in town were anxiously awaiting the big reveals.

  “And you and Mal?” Lily asked. “What’s up with that?”

  Bernadine paused, thinking over her reply. “Let’s just say we’re trying to figure things out.”

  “I have a thousand questions, but I’ll keep them to myself.”

  Bernadine’s smile curved her lips. “Thanks, Lily.”

  “You’re welcome. Okay, I’m off to turn my parts of the world. See you later.”

  After Lily departed, Bernadine admittedly had a thousand questions of her own about the road she and Mal were on. That they were no longer on one headed for hell was a good thing. She was still moved by his words at the Dog about being able to see the hurt in her eyes, and she wasn’t sure why. Maybe because his insight had been so unexpected or because his words finally convinced her that he did understand how damaging his betrayal had been. Whatever the reason, another one of the barriers she’d erected between them fell at that moment, joining a few others that silently crumbled the day they flew the kites.

  Her reverie was interrupted by a knock. It was Marie Jefferson. “Morning, Marie.”

  “Hey. Do you have a few minutes?”

  “Sure, come on in. Sit. Can I get you some coffee?”

  “No thanks.”

  “What can I do for you?”

  “I’ve decided to go ahead and have the gas extracted next spring, but I need a lawyer or two, or three. Can you help me with that?”

  “I can. Having good legal advice is always the way to go. Do you want me to see if I can find you an industry expert you can hire as an adviser who can answer your questions about the process or the science or anything else you may have concerns about? The person can also be your advocate if anything sticky comes up.”

  “Hadn’t thought about having an advocate. That’s a great idea. May need a financial adviser, too.”

  “I’ll see about hooking you up with both.”

  “Thanks.”

  “What do you want to do about the land transfer? The taxes are paid. I’m assuming you no longer want to sell.”

  “No, I don’t. At least not right now, but I would like it put into some kind of trust after I die.”

  “We’ll get the lawyers to look into that, too.”

  She nodded thanks and added softly, “Last month I was looking the poorhouse in the face. Now?”

  “As Reverend Paula would say: God always shows up on time.”

  “Amen,” Marie replied. “Thanks for ever
ything.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Marie stood. “Let me get over to the rec before Tamar sends the bloodhounds after me. I volunteered to help her and her crew with the decorations for the Halloween party.”

  “Okay. I’ll let you know when I get your team hooked up.”

  “Great. See you later.”

  “Bye, Marie.”

  Bernadine was pleased that everything had worked out for Marie. Over the years, they’d had a few differences, but she was a vital member of the community and Henry Adams needed what she brought to the table, educationally and historically.

  In anticipation of Al Stillwell’s arrival, Bernadine printed out the contract and the notes her legal people had attached. She was certain Stillwell wouldn’t be pleased by what the note contained. That he’d be needing a top-notch lawyer to get him out of the already signed contract was a given. She hoped he had sense enough to direct his anger at Leo and not her way.

  Big Al showed up a bit before lunchtime. She’d heard he was living in Oklahoma and working for one of the oil companies there, which may or may not account for the stained and dirty clothing he always wore.

  “So, what did your people say?” he asked.

  She handed him the document and the notes. “That the contract entitles you to lease ten acres.”

  “What!” he shouted. “He was supposed to lease me the entire two hundred.”

  “You signed for ten. You’ll be needing a good lawyer to challenge it, though. According to the notes they sent along, there’s a clause buried in the wording that says any challenge you bring will forfeit the agreement in its entirety.”

  “That bastard!”

  Bernadine agreed.

  “This can’t be legal.”

  “My people didn’t speak to that. But you need to obtain representation as quickly as possible.”

  “I can’t afford a fancy lawyer.”

  Bernadine remained silent. She’d had the contract evaluated and wouldn’t be offering further assistance. The last thing she needed was drama tied to Leo Brown leaking into her life. Stillwell was on his own.

  He stood. The tense set of his jaw and the fire in his eyes spoke to his mood. “I have to work tonight so I need to get back.” He turned and left.