Chapter Thirty-Two

Mae owned three suitcases, all constructed prior to 1970. The smallest resembled a floral school bus.

“Mom,” Libby looked over the luggage eating up every inch of square space in her front hall. “Uncle Will has a washer and dryer. Do you really need all this stuff?”

“Elizabeth, I don’t criticize those garbage bag-sized purses you carry, do not judge my packing abilities.” Mae took her coat off and hung it in the closet. “Now, since Sean was kind enough to bring me over tonight, and Bob is taking me to the airport bright and early, why don’t I say thank you by making dinner?” Rooting through the kitchen, she dug out frozen chicken and set it in the microwave to defrost. “Where are the kids?”

Libby grabbed the potatoes from the veggie bin and started to peel. “Shannon should be home any minute and Charlie is out in the cottage helping Sean. I’m beginning to hope this will be an ongoing education. My poor son can’t learn tool-handling from his father, and Sean loves his new apprentice.”

Mae smiled. “He’s in his glory showing Charlie how to build. Daddy used to do the same thing with him. Sean loved going on job sites and hammering his little heart out. Maybe Charlie’s the future of Mae Day.”

“Maybe, or maybe he’s destined for law like his father; he certainly knows how to negotiate.”

“Tell me about it, the little bugger does have a gift. I still have at least seven boxes of popcorn from last year’s scout fundraiser, and I can’t even eat popcorn with my dentures.”

Mother and daughter continued to build the simple dinner, side-by-side. Chicken baking, they took a seat on the couch in front of a crackling fire. The glowing orange and gold flames cast a soothing tone over the room. The warm hearth and smell of burning oak somehow made everything less stressful.

The kitchen door opened, and Bob entered with a covered dish. “Hello ladies. Anyone interested in some Tiramisu?”

“Let me guess,” Libby said. “Tony’s son-in-law committed yet another random act of stupidity?”

“Yep,” Bob grinned. “Not so bad this time. Had a few too many down at the Italian-American Club and tried to walk home. Little mishap with his neighbor. Apparently all condos look alike when you’re in the bag, and Mrs. Ramos was none too pleased to find him asleep on her living room couch this morning.”

“Why didn’t the silly woman lock her front door?” Mae asked.

“Her husband works third shift, and he forgot to lock up on the way out. Thus the uninvited guest.” Bob put the dish into the fridge and went to hang up his coat. “Dinner smells good. What are we having?”

“Rosemary chicken and scalloped potatoes,” Libby answered. “And before you ask, Mom cooked. I was relegated to peel-and-chop duty.”

He leaned down and kissed his wife before taking his seat in Old Stink. “Nothing is sexier than a woman who can chop.”

Mae took in the pair. Her daughter had found a rare gem in Bob. “Do you two realize how truly lucky you are?”

“Because my cooking hasn’t killed anyone yet, or because Bob brings home edible legal bribes?” Libby asked.

“No,” Mae smiled. “I mean to have each other, to have these simple times to laugh about. The big stuff is important, too, but it’s the day-to-day with Daddy I miss most. We used to take a few minutes before bed every night and talk about the funny things that happened. During the tough times, it was hard to come up with even one, but somehow, Daddy always found a way to make me smile.”

“Bernie was one of the great ones,” Bob said. “He always made the biggest problem seem like a drop in the bucket.”

“He did indeed.”

Sean and Charlie stormed into the house from the yard, chatting like old drinking buddies. “Can I use the nail gun tomorrow?” Charlie pleaded. “Please?”

“Sorry pal.” Sean grinned as he answered his eager-to-learn nephew. “The nail gun has an age requirement, and you have about ten more years to go. Tell you what, I’ll let you use the insulation machine and shoot some foam into the walls when we’re ready. How does that sound?”

Bob overheard the conversation. “Hey, I wanted to use the insulation machine!” He argued, “You said I wasn’t allowed.”

“That’s right,” Sean answered. “You are not allowed. Charlie, however, can tell me the difference between a hammer and wrench. When you can do that, we’ll revisit the subject.”

“No fair,” Bob pouted.

Charlie patted his father’s shoulder in a loving, yet placating way. “It’s okay Dad, I’ll teach you.”

“Thanks pal. I can always count on you.”

Sean jiggled his keys as he looked down at his watch. “I have to run, but I’ll be back Sunday to do the last of the framing. Irene will be out tomorrow afternoon with the electrician so we can rough in a few new outlets. She’s got the key, Lib—you don’t need to stay around to let her in.”

“That’s fine.”

Libby took note of Sean’s hurried mannerisms. Earlier in the day, she’d spoken with Caroline and knew Sean was coming to her house for dinner. Libby felt the urgent need to tease. “Do you want to stay for dinner? We’re having rosemary chicken, and Bob brought home Tiramisu. After all, it’s Mom’s last night home, and I’m sure you want to spend time with her, right?”

“Sounds good,” he tried to look sincere, all the while checking his watch. “Mom, you know I would stay if I didn’t already have plans tonight. But I can’t cancel at the last minute.” He saw Libby turn giddy and knew the jig was up. “Okay, knock it off Lib. It’s obvious you know I’m going over to Car’s tonight. Stop grinning like an idiot. It’s just dinner.”

“But it’s so much fun to make you blush. Can’t I just mock you a little?”

“Libby,” Mae interjected. “Stop teasing your brother.” She stood and walked Sean to the front door. “Come on dear, I’ll walk you out.”

Mae zipped into her coat and followed Sean to his truck. As he opened the driver’s-side door, she noticed a bouquet of daisies on the passenger seat and remembered the pink carnations Bernie brought her each payday when they were first dating.

“It’s nice to see my son still knows how to court a lady,” Mae said.

Sean blushed. “Let’s not make a big deal out of this, Mom. Caroline and I are taking this slow. Give us some time to figure out what comes next, okay?”

“Do you love her?”

“Mom,” Sean shook his head. “That’s not a ‘take it slow’ kind of question.”

“Do you?”

“What do you want me to say here, Mom?”

“To me, don’t say a word, but to Caroline, say what’s in your heart...and at every opportunity. She needs to hear it, even if you think she knows. The words are important, Sean. The flowers are lovely, but never forget the words. Nothing is more powerful than telling someone how much you love them. Promise me you’ll remember that.”

He kissed his mother’s soft cheek. “I promise.”

“Good. Now hop in and get a move on. You should never keep a lady waiting.”

He obeyed and jumped into the cab of the truck and started up. Door closed, he rolled down the window. “Have a safe trip. By the time you get back we should be ready for the final inspections. When I spoke with Uncle Will last week, he said he’s got lots of plans to help you pick out paint and new furniture.”

“God help me.” Mae shook her head. “That man believes shopping is an Olympic event. I’m going to need to take extra vitamins and double up on my yoga just to keep up with him.”

“You can’t fool me, Mom. I know you love it.”

“I love my brother, that’s all that matters. Spending time with him will be a treat.”

“Good. Now I’ve got to go, but call me tomorrow night when you get in.”

Mae put her hand on Sean’s cheek, her eyes misty. “Thank you Sean, for all you are doing for me. No mother could be more blessed.”

“Mom, you know we love you. Don’t go getting all mushy on me.”

She shook her head. “I’m allowed to be mushy, I’m your mother, and it’s my right.” She backed away from the truck. “Now get going. Have a lovely dinner, and give Caroline my love.”

“Will do.” He started to back out.

“Wait, Sean,” Mae said.

He stopped and looked at her expectantly.

“One more thing. If that young lady does not have my mother’s ring on her hand by the time I get back from Florida I am going to be extremely disappointed in you. And in this one case, and only this case, I will not frown on a grandchild conceived outside of wedlock.” With that, she pivoted and returned to the house.

Sean sat in his truck. Motor running. Speechless.

****

After dinner, Libby and Bob took Stump for his nighttime walk as Mae settled in front of the fire with Shannon and Charlie.

“Gram,” Charlie asked, “when you live in the cottage can I come over for sleepovers?”

“Of course Charlie,” Mae answered.

“Can Sam come sometimes?”

“We’ll have to wait and see on that.” The thought of Sam gave her palpitations. “I think it may be nice if it’s just the two of us, don’t you? We could have a little fire and roast marshmallows; like a campout in the living room. Would you like that?”

“That would be so cool.”

Mae knew the days her grandson would think she was cool were numbered, so she relished each minute. “Very cool. Now off to bed with you. Give me a big smooch, I won’t see you in the morning before Daddy takes me to the airport. We’ll be up with the chickens.”

“What chickens?” Expressions were lost on Charlie.

“Never mind dear, just give me kiss goodnight and run up to bed.”

Charlie went up to bed, leaving Shannon on the couch with Mae.

“Can I ask you a question, Gram?” Shannon stifled a yawn.

“You can ask me anything, dear,” Mae continued. “Better make it quick, though, you look sleepier than your brother.”

“Do you think thirteen is too young to have a boyfriend?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Yes, at thirteen girls are remarkably mature and use their heads. Boys still like to spit and pass gas.”

Shannon laughed as her grandmother continued. “That never completely goes away. Grandpa Bernie used to giggle like a little girl every time he broke wind. It was awful.”

“Gross.”

“Yes, Grandpa could be disgusting at times, but I loved him with all my heart.” Mae gathered Shannon around the shoulder, and whispered, “I’ll tell you a secret. If you wait another couple of years, the boys will stop most of the gross stuff and a few—not all—will develop manners. If you’re smart, you’ll wait for the manners to kick in before dating. The boys will treat you much nicer and they will be far less stinky.”

Shannon giggled and hugged Mae. “Goodnight, Gram. Have a nice time with Uncle Will. He’s the best!”

“Yes, he is, and I’ll tell him you think so, too. Goodnight princess, sweet dreams.” As Mae watched Shannon climb the stairs, she savored the moment. Her first grandchild was growing up.

In from the cold, Libby and Bob joined Mae by the fire. Stump stretched belly up in front of the flames and groaned in sheer delight.

“Isn’t he going to burn his under parts?” Mae asked.

“He seems to enjoy having them lightly toasted.” Bob leaned down to rub the dog’s pink stomach. “We’ll let him live dangerously.”

“Did the kids go to bed?” Libby sat down next to Mae.

“Yes,” Mae answered. “And without complaint. I think they were pooped.”

“Me too, long day at the office.” Bob rose and stretched his hands overhead. “But hey, we got a terrific dessert out of it. I’m going up. Are you ladies coming?”

“I’ll be up in a minute,” Libby said. “I have a couple things to do first.”

Bob gave her a quick peck on the cheek and looked at Mae. “What time can you be ready to leave tomorrow for the airport? If we hit the road by five-thirty we should be all set. Will that give you enough beauty sleep?”

Mae grinned. “Why, yes, my dashing chauffer. I believe that will be just fine.”

“Very well, madam.” He executed a royal bow. “I’ll have the pumpkin coach loaded and awaiting your arrival.” He waved goodnight and went upstairs.

“You got one of the good ones, Lib.” Mae patted her daughter’s hand. “He’s a keeper.”

A loud thud came from the top of the stairs, followed by a few choice expletives.

“He’s a keeper all right,” Libby said, “and a klutz.”

“True.” Mae smiled. “But a loveable klutz.”

Libby bent down to rub Stump. “Are you all packed? Any last minute things you want to borrow? Book for the plane, neck pillow, bikini?”

“Never in my life have I worn a bikini, Elizabeth.” Mae’s cheeks pinked. “And I can assure you, now is not the time to start. I’d look like rice pudding wrapped in a rubber band.”

“Another snack I can no longer enjoy, thanks to your vivid imagery.” Libby stood and headed to the kitchen. “I need to turn on the dishwasher. Do you want anything before I turn the lights out?”

“No dear.” Mae got to her feet. “I’m going to turn in, I have a busy day tomorrow, and Will has some big welcome dinner planned with his friends for me. I do hope there is none of that dreadful karaoke this time. There are only so many show tunes I can sit through.”

“Mom, be nice.”

“I am being nice. It was all-musicals, all-the-time. I didn’t create the stereotype Lib, but your uncle continues to reinforce it with each new chorus.”

“I’ll get up in the morning and say goodbye before you leave.”

“No, no dear, you sleep in. I’ll call you when I get there. I know your early morning personality. If I wanted someone grunting and snarling at me I’d go to the zoo.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll give you a big hug now and save you from my morning snarls.”

The pair shared a long embrace. Mae pulled away first and placed a hand on Libby’s cheek. “Thank you, sweetheart, for everything. I know you’ve been juggling many things lately, and I want you to know I appreciate all you have done for me.”

Her eyes glistened. “You’ve made a very frightening time in my life less isolating, and I don’t know what I would do without you and your brothers.”

“Oh, no you don’t. No crying allowed. Do you hear me?” Libby tried not to well up, but failed. “There will be no tears. We have lots of good things happening right now. No sad stuff. Got it?”

“Got it.” Taking a deep breath, Mae brushed tears aside and continued. “I’m going up to bed and count my blessings, and you will be at the top of the list. I love you, Libby.”

“I love you, too, Mom.”

With one last hug, Mae started up the stairs. At the top, the last picture on the left drew her gaze.

Libby watched her mother, illuminated only by the dim hallway light, caress the worn black and white photo, a gentle smile on her face.

“Goodnight sweetheart,” Mae whispered to Bernie. “It’s going to be all right now, I’m home. Rest easy my darling.”

****

A healthy cry later, Libby climbed into bed next to Bob.

“All locked up?” he asked.

“Yep, and the fire was just about out. As long as Stump contains the flatulence the house won’t go up in flames.”

“Pretty big risk. Does our insurance cover fire by dog ass?”

“I took out a rider.”

“Smart woman.”

Snuggled into her husband’s waiting embrace, Libby felt her train wreck life jump back on track. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

Bob remained quiet.

Libby asked again, “Bob, did you hear me?”

“You can tell me you love me anytime, I’ll never get tired of hearing it.” He dropped his voice to his best sexy baritone. “But you know what would really make me believe you?”

Libby chuckled. “I’m going to go out on a limb...does it involve getting naked?”

“Naked is a plus,” Bob growled. “But if it’s a deal breaker, I’ll settle for partially-clothed, marginally-enthusiastic.”

“I think I can work with that. But keep the screams of ecstasy to a minimum. Mom’s asleep down the hall.”

Bob tore his T-shirt over his head. “I know, I know—the house guest rule—quick and quiet.”

“Tonight, big boy,”—Libby kissed him—“just quiet.”

“Hot damn!”