Johnny promised to let her know his decision.
It was a no-brainer for Gramma.
Chapter 17
Santa Catalina Treasure
“I’m so glad we decided to take this boat ride to Catalina Island,” Gramma said. “It’s one of the prettiest places I know.”
“You should’ve let the Donald take us there in his helicopter like he wanted to do,” Lola said. “That would’ve been awesome.”
“Nah. While it was so kind of the Donald to offer, I love being on the water,” Gramma said. “Always have. It’s one of my regrets, you know. Never having learned how to operate anything bigger than a kayak or jon boat. I could still take lessons, though, couldn’t I? Yes. I could do that. Hmmm. Maybe when I return home, I’ll have someone teach me how to sail or handle a bigger boat. Andy, get on that after we get home. Find me someone who’ll give me some lessons.”
“Are you sure, Gramma? I mean, that might be something for someone, shall we say, uh, how to say this . . .” Andy was stumped. He looked up. He looked down. “What I mean is . . .”
Gramma gave him ‘The Look.’
“What’re you trying to say, Andy? Huh? Spit it out.”
“I meant, well, ummm, maybe you won’t have time to take lessons. Yeah, that’s it. You have such a busy schedule, you may not have time to learn how to sail or handle a big boat.” Andy smiled his best.
“Of course that’s what you meant. That’s what I thought you were trying to say. Yeah, I do have a rather full schedule. Let’s plan it for January of next year. Okay? You set me up with lessons then. By the way, a lesser gramma may have believed you thought I was too old for lessons, but not me. Nope. I never entertained that thought.”
Andy looked relieved.
“Good save,” Lola said under her breath to her brother. She looked at him like he’d lost his mind.
“I have to make a quick phone call,” Gramma said, dialing numbers on her cell.
“Ginnie. Glad you’re home. I have something to tell you about the ‘Gates of Heaven Sketch.”
“Already?” Ginnie answered. “That was quick.”
“Are you sitting down?”
Ginnie assured Gramma she was seated.
“Ginnie, there’s no other way to tell you but to come right out and say it. You’re a grandmother, honey. Years ago, your daughter Tammy gave birth to a baby boy who’s grown into a fine, talented young man.”
Silence on the other end.
“Ginnie. Did you hear me? Are you okay? I said you’re a grandmother of a fine, intelligent young man. Very talented, too. Like his mother.”
“Are you sure, Gramma? Are you sure? Oh, my goodness. I’m a grandmother. My Tammy had a son, and I’m a grandmother. Oh, Gramma, this is wonderful. What should I do? I want to meet him.”
“I was sure you would,” Gramma said. “Having grandchildren is a real treasure, Ginnie. I’ll set up a meeting with you and Johnny. That’s his name. Johnny Gazzoor.”
“That’s the name of the man they said bought the ‘Gates of Heaven Sketch,’ ” Ginnie said. Tears rolled down her cheeks. “That explains why he got that. Tammy must’ve given all those missing items to him. It all makes sense now. Gramma, did they name him Johnny after my husband's middle name?”
Gramma said yes, he was named for his natural grandfather. She informed Ginnie all about her grandson, including his birth and adoption, and gave her an inventory of the items Tammy had given to him before she died.
Ginnie asked questions, and Gramma answered what she knew. “You can ask Johnny the rest when you see him in person,” she said.
Next, she phoned Johnny and told him the good news about his grandmother wanting to meet him. She gave him the details of when and where they’d get together.
On the other end, Gramma could hear Johnny sniffling.
When Johnny Gazzoor calmed down, he thanked Gramma for her part in bringing him and his birth mother together and planning the meeting with his natural grandmother.
Gramma ended the call and turned her attention to her own grandchildren.
She was thankful for all the time she had with them.
“Was there anything else, you wish you’d have done, Gramma, other than learn to sail?” Lola asked. “You’ve done so many things in your life. Can you think of anything else you wish you’d have done or learned? Or maybe someplace you wish you’d have visited?”
“You’re gonna laugh at this, but I wish I’d have learned to pilot a plane. My father was an excellent amateur pilot, and I could’ve had lessons then, but I chose to do other things. I regret that now.”
“I’d have never guessed that,” Lola said. “I remember Grampa had his own puddle-jumper, but I didn’t realize you wanted to learn to fly.”
“I could still do it. I think I will. Yep. I’m gonna take lessons. Thanks for asking.”
“Catalina. Straight ahead,” the boat captain said. “We should be landing in twenty minutes or less.” He informed his passengers about Santa Catalina Island history and Catalina Harbor.
“Here’s where Natalie Wood drowned in 1981,” Gramma said. “That was so sad. She was a beautiful woman. And really sweet. I liked her a lot.”
“You knew Natalie Wood. The Natalie Wood,” Andy said. “She was so beautiful and an amazing actress. Wow. You knew Natalie Wood.”
Before Gramma had a chance to tell her grandchildren about meeting Natalie at Van Nuys High School, the captain announced for all passengers to be prepared because they’d soon be landing.
Touring Catalina
The bus driver took his passengers on a tour of the island. Up and down hills, past golf courses, they went. All the while he was pointing out local sights and announcing the upcoming jazz festival and a film festival planned for later in the year.
The song “26 Miles” played over the intercom during the times when the tour leader was silent.
Gramma sang along.
Some of the other tourists stared at her.
“The Four Preps. Big hit in 1958. That was a good year,” Gramma said.
The younger tourists stared as if they had no clue. And they didn’t.
“We should’ve stayed here on the island for a few days,” Gramma said to her grandchildren. “We had offers from some of my friends to stay at their homes.”
“Hey, is that Bill Murray?” Lola asked, as the tour bus passed a golf course.
“I don’t know. It could be. He didn’t tell me he was coming here this week,” Gramma said. She strained to get a better look. “I think I’ll text him.”
Gramma sent the message.
The guy on the golf course looked at his phone and smiled. He turned toward the moving bus and waved.
“Guess it’s him,” Gramma said.
“Gramma. Stay very still and don’t look away from me. I could be wrong, but I think someone’s been photographing you since we got off the tour boat,” Andy said.
“Snap. You mean the husband and wife team that was on our boat ride over and now is on this tour, too? He’s short and chubby, and she’s tall and chubby?”
“You knew they were taking your picture?” Andy asked.
“I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck,” Gramma said.
“What does that mean?” Lola asked.
“It means I wasn’t born yesterday,” Gramma said.
“What does that even mean?” Lola asked.
“It means they shouldn’t have put their camera down for a second when they were on the boat. Very careless of them,” Gramma said. “It means someone switched out their film, and they’re gonna be thrilled with the Ma and Pa Kettle pictures when they get home. Now, let’s enjoy the sights before we go kayaking.”
Kayaking, snorkeling and using the boogie board
“I really enjoyed the kayaking, Gramma. And the snorkeling, too,” Lola said. “That was awesome. I hope when we go to the Keys, we can snorkel there, too.”
“Of course we will,” Gramma said. “That’s one of
the most fun things to do there. Along with shopping the five dollar stores and enjoying the restaurants. Now, let’s try out these boogie boards.” She grabbed her purple board, leashed it to her upper arm and headed to the shore. Gramma sat and adjusted her fin socks before getting into the water. She tethered them to her ankles.
“You’re nothin’ but a %$#@*+ sponger,” someone called from the beach. “Using a boogie board instead of a *&%!*$# surfboard.”
Gramma gasped. “You talkin’ that kind of filthy language to me?” Gramma shot back. “You talkin’ to me?”
The harasser looked at his target in disbelief. The old lady was sassing him back. How can that be?
Gramma took a step his way.
The harasser took steps back.
“If he doesn’t mosey on down the beach, this is not gonna end well for him,” Andy said.
Lola wanted to bet Andy ten dollars the harasser would be gone in one minute.
Andy wouldn’t take the bet.
Lola timed the event.
The harasser took another look at his intended victim.
Gramma turned to the side in a karate pose, fist up and ready.
The harasser decided to wander down the beach away from a possible fray with the sassy senior and pick on someone he was sure wouldn’t fight back. He was highly annoyed his bullying was ineffective with the senior.
“Lucky for him, he left,” Andy said to Lola.
“For sure,” Lola replied. “Less than one minute. I’d have won.”
Gramma watched the troublemaker leave.
He didn’t look back.
She got serious about her water sport and paddled out to some waves, duck diving under the first one with her board. She caught a wave approaching, turned to the beach and rode it in. She adjusted her swimming cap when she got to where she could stand.
Back at the hotel
Gramma read the text while she made notes about their day’s activities.
‘Thank you for getting my grandmother in touch with me. We’re going to meet tonight. She sounds like a nice lady.’
Gramma texted back. ‘She is. I’m so glad. Keep me posted.’
“Johnny Gazzoor,” Gramma said to the grandchildren’s questioning faces.
Lola sighed dreamily. “Maybe we could go back and see him again sometime. Huh? Couldn’t we? Maybe tomorrow. Or the next day. He’s not married, you know.”
Gramma pretended not to hear.
“I need to get my hair done. Now that’s something of real importance. Let’s focus on that,” Gramma said. She made an appointment.
Chapter 18
Time at Home and Magic In The Keys
At Gramma’s House
Sweetums danced around Gramma, begging for a snack.
“Oh, look at this beautiful doggie. You’re the prettiest doggie ever. Yes, you are.”
Gramma rewarded Sweetums for her dance with one of her treats.
Sweetums did another jig, whirling and twirling to gain the expected morsel.
Gramma obliged. “My yittle girl could be a professional dancer. Yes, you could.”
Seeing the questioning look on Andy’s face, she said, “Well, she earned it, right? She did a trick. It was choreographed beautifully. Such lovely footwork. She deserved a reward. Right? Positive reinforcement is so important in behavior modification.”
Andy had nothing to say.
Sweetums rushed through the doggie door into the backyard to chase a squirrel that had the nerve to enter her domain.
“I’m all packed for the Keys,” Andy said. “Lola is, too. She had to run an errand, but she’ll be back soon.”
“While she’s gone, I have to ask. Did you tell Lola about the first time you met Johnny Gazzoor?”
“I didn’t say anything, because I thought maybe she’d be upset she couldn’t go with us to Ireland that time. Maybe she’ll want to work with us once she’s got her law degree.”
“I’d like her to join us once she gets the same training you’ve had. Martial arts. Self defense. Weaponry. Basic First Aid, and some of the other courses you’ve taken. They all served you well in our assignments. You’ve been great to work with. I think Lola would be a fine addition to our team.”
“All kidding aside, I do, too,” Andy said.
“By the way, I made these just for you two.” She placed a tray of homemade chocolate chip cookies on the table.
“These are yummy,” Andy said. “What’s your secret?”
“Real butter and love.”
Traveling to the Florida Keys
“Thanks for letting me drive, Gramma. I still enjoy being behind the wheel of your Mini Bus. It’s cool,” Andy said.
“You bet it’s cool,” Gramma answered. “The best. What’s not to love about a 1965, Volkswagen Minibus? All genuine. It’s a real beauty. I should give it a name, shouldn’t I? I’ll have to think about that.”
“Yeah. Name it after someone you love. Like, maybe name it ‘Andy’ or ‘Grandson’ or something like that,” Andy said.
“Or maybe ‘Van Lola,’ ” Lola said. “Now that’s a cool name. Unbiased. No favoritism.”
“I’ll give it some thought,” Gramma answered. This is gonna be tricky, pulling this off. I'm sure Steven will have his own suggestion.
“Isn’t this awesome?” Lola said, looking from side to side of the road. “There’s water on both sides of the highway. I love it.”
“I don’t think there’s a more beautiful drive anywhere,” Gramma said.
There was scant traffic either way on US-1 South on the Overseas Highway. The Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico hugged the 42 bridges and 113 miles of roadway from Miami to the southernmost point in Key West.
Topping the Florida scenery display, the sun was beginning to set in a blaze of glory for all to admire.
Gramma, Andy and Lola were transfixed, enjoying the gorgeous Florida Keys sunset.
Gramma was dreaming of a Key West lunch at one of the outdoor restaurants.
Andy was dreaming about snorkeling Key West’s living reef.
Lola was furiously texting back and forth with someone.
“You’re texting while this beautiful show of nature is going on?” Gramma asked. “What are you thinking?”
“It’s nothing. Just a friend,” Lola answered.
“Busted,” Andy said. “Why is your face red? Hey, you’re not texting that guy who’s taking the same graduate courses as you, are you? What’s his name . . . Buddy, Fuddy or Duddy?”
“Buddy. It’s Buddy.” Her texting fingers were still. “Hey, and what about you? Still interested in Jamie. Huh? Are you?”
“That’s different,” Andy said.
Gramma remained silent. When I finally write my memoirs, should I include the back-and-forth between these two or not? Would any reader really care?
At the cottage on Little Torch Key
“I love this,” Lola said. “It’s got everything. Fully furnished. Awesome. And look at the water. Can we go swimming now?”
“Sure. While you’re swimming, I think I’m gonna take one of these kayaks out.” She pulled a fiberglass kayak out of the garage.
Andy helped her carry it to the dock. He placed it in the water near the ladder while holding onto the rope connecting the kayak, so it wouldn’t float away.
Gramma donned a life jacket and climbed down the ladder into the boat. She paddled about the water near the dock before heading out deeper. A light breeze blew across the bow and trailed along the crystal inlet. When she was out far enough, Gramma pulled her phone from her life jacket and made a call.
“Good to hear from you. Where are you?” the voice said. “Is that paddling I hear? Are you out on the water, Gramma?”
“Yep. I sure am. It’s heavenly. I may never go back in.”
“Talk about heavenly. We got a big crowd coming in for the show tonight. One of the biggest yet. You’ll be there, right?”
“Sure will. Andy and Lola, too,” Gramma said.
“Make it a good one. We’ll have a blast.”
“I will. Before I hang up, the twins said to tell you hello. See you tonight.” He hung up.
Gramma paddled around before heading toward the dock area of their rental house. She pulled alongside the ladder, threw Andy the rope to the kayak and scrambled up the steps.
“Did I see you on the phone when you were out there?” Andy asked.
“Did you?”
“I did. Didn’t I?”
“Did you?” Gramma repeated. She laughed and went into the house to change her clothes for their trip to The Southernmost Point in the Continental USA.
At the Southernmost Marker
“Wow. I didn’t know there’d be such a long line to get our picture taken here,” Lola said. “This is a big draw.”
The trio waited patiently behind tourists and gawkers, all hoping to have their faces in a photo at the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA. The red buoy-shaped marker pronounced Cuba to be a short 90 miles across the water.
Everyone was impressed.
At the top of the buoy, the blue and yellow logo of The Conch Republic declared Key West’s 1982 secession from the United States of America. All in good fun, of course, protest and all.
Gramma, Andy and Lola thanked the kind couple who took their picture at the marker. They extended the same courtesy by taking a photo of the couple with their camera.
Lunch and shopping at the $5 stores and other fun, touristy places culminated in an enjoyable walk around Mallory Square.
Seabirds followed them about, pecking at breadcrumbs Gramma was tossing from her purse.
The Amazing Adventures of Gramma Page 14
