SWITCH BACK: TEN

  

Zibby and I spent the rest of the afternoon splitting our time between the Light of the Rock Revival and the Broken Spoke Casino Rally. They both turned out to be quite entertaining, considering the morning’s events. Bobby stayed by Kathy Lee’s side all day, helping her cope, and host, and I think she may have even smiled again.

Jolene practically glowed as she and A.J. worshipped and welcomed new flock into their fold. And Miss Bea’s cheeks finally got their color back, in direct proportion with getting her family, and her town, back.

Gilda took over the Little Oak Inn temporarily while the law handled Rita Whitaker. Rita made a formal confession to the sheriff on the ride down to Dallas. Told him the entire tragedy and then never stopped talking. I guess once she got on her self-righteous soapbox, sharing her outrage at her situation and limited choices, she never stepped down.

It didn’t take too much persuading to convince Mr. Ballantyne to return Little Oak to the Carter family. Especially since it was Zibby’s idea. Probably take another year to make it through the legal system, but he gave his word to Miss Bea and it was settled.

With four hours to go before my return flight to Sea Pine Island, I took my final shower in the tiny bathroom with an invigorating mix of alternating hot and cold water and dressed in my wine-stained tee and paisley skirt. I’d laundered the entire outfit plus the I Heart Texas shirt in the sink the night before. I am nothing if not clean.

I placed the Texas tee on the bed next to the items from Jaya the Explorer’s belongings. I carefully re-folded every item, neatly placing outfits in short stacks. Or at least how I’d coordinate them. Then using a box of Ziplocs I’d borrowed from Gilda, I packaged up all of her wet goods, then re-packed the entire suitcase, including the beautiful bottle of Kentucky whiskey. I must admit I was quite proud of myself for not breaking into the bottle over the last two days. Lastly, I stuck the I Heart Texas tee on top along with a quickly penned letter.

With two snaps to the suitcase latches, I left the Little Oak Inn and met Zibby on the sidewalk out front. I took a last look around town. It was quite a whirlwind weekend and I’d never eaten so much meat in all my life. I remembered the delightful barbeque sauce and thought I might just have to come back here and do it again someday.

 

Dear Jaya,

 

It seems the airline switched our suitcases and I must apologize for rifling through your belongings. Though I was tempted to adorn myself with your adventurer’s garb, I refrained. Mostly because I couldn’t possibly squeeze myself into your tiny wardrobe or your enviable miniature shoes. I did, though, indulge in your shower products, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and my suitcase-switched twin, I found myself with barely a thin bar of soap in a dusty wrapper, and a girl can only handle so much. Please accept this fashionable Texas tee as thank you for your unwitting hospitality. I hope you’re off at a photo shoot in Zanzibar or on safari in Tanzania, while I’m headed to my quiet island home. Maybe our paths will cross one day.

 

Yours sincerely,

Elliott Lisbon