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The sound of an approaching motor interrupted the story.
“Well, land sakes, it’s about time!” Mrs. Sullivan struggled out of the rocker and walked to the kitchen door. The dogs raced out barking wildly at the newcomer.
Josh and Maggie followed them to the driveway.
“You the people with the car in the ditch?”
Barry was a big black man with a lopsided grin and salt and pepper hair and wearing a worn baseball cap. He extended his hand to greet the couple, then realized how greasy they were. “Sorry folks. It’s been one of those days.” He wiped his hands on his coveralls.
“I got your car on the flatbed back there. I know a garage on the Tamiami Trail just outside Bradenton that will hold it over the weekend. That'll give you time to contact the rental agency. Maybe you have someone you can phone to pick you up? It's getting late, but the guy lives next to his garage. That makes it handy in situations like this."
"My parents are waiting to hear from me. I didn't know what to tell them, you know, if the car was drivable or not."
"Maybe they might meet us at the garage?" He took off the cap and scrubbed his hair with his fingers. "I can wait there with you for a spell, but it's been a truly tiresome day."
"I understand and I'll call them right away. That’s terrific, thank you.”
Katy saw Maggie's expression change.
“What is it child?” the old woman asked gently.
“I'm just disappointed. I wanted to hear the rest of the story.”
“I tell you what, young lady,” Barry spoke up. “I haven’t had a bite since breakfast. If Miz Sullivan's got anything to eat, I'll be happy to wait and let you finish that story you’re so anxious to hear.”
Katy's eyes lit up.
“You know, Barry, I’ve got some ham and I'll make you a couple sandwiches. You sit right down. All of you, sit.
I’ve got potato salad, homemade pickles and my special honey tea. I think we still have some of Jesse's apple pie."
She rummaged through the refrigerator and pulled out a number of things. "That's just what we'll do. Would that do you for a spell Barry?”
“Oh yes, Miz Sullivan, you are a kind and generous woman, and I believe you’re the best cook in Desoto, Hardee and Manatee Counties,” he chuckled. “How could I possibly say no to an offer like that? Mind if I wash up first?"
“Sure thing, it’s in the same place it’s always been.”
Barry went to the half bath just off the kitchen as Mrs. Sullivan made his sandwiches.
“Can I help you?” Maggie asked.
“You can get down a plate and glass from over there, and pour him some tea.”
Barry came back and took a seat at the table.
"The front axle is broken on your car. I got it out of the ditch and up on the truck. It nearly tipped over on its side once."
Maggie handed Barry his tea.
"Thank you, mam." He nearly emptied the glass then gave a big sigh. "You have no idea how good that is to me."
"Can the car be fixed?" Josh asked.
"Oh, Mose can fix anything. Yes, sir. But no telling if he has the parts and such. But that will be up to the rental company to deal with."
"Okay," Josh got up. "I'll call Dad and have him meet us. Barry, would you mind coming with me? They are going to need directions."
The two men disappeared down the hall to make the call and returned just as Katy was putting the plate on the table.
"Here's what the doctor ordered." She grinned.
"Thank you, very much." He took one of the sandwiches in both hands took a quarter of it in a single bite.
"I'll just cut us all some of that apple pie I baked for Jesse this morning. It will surely be gone if he doesn't get home soon," she said with a chuckle.
Barry tilted his head and stopped chewing. He looked around at the group at the table.
“Miz Sullivan? You okay?” he asked.
“Right as rain, Barry, thanks for asking. Just telling these folks the story about how I came to be at Honey Tree Farm."
“Ma’am, has Travis been by lately to see you?” Barry asked. He put the sandwich down.
“Why, yes. He was here earlier. He said he'd take me shopping in the morning.” She made sure everyone had a glass and filled each one with ice and tea, then sat down in her rocker and closed her eyes for a moment.
