Lulu's Café

by T. I. Lowe

  “Boy, the South likes to show off its rebellion over the seasons, doesn’t it? Just yesterday Crowley was strutting around in shorts and flip-flops. Now we’re talking about an ice storm for tomorrow.” Leah shook her head.

  “I’ll be right back.” Crowley stood and gathered up the champagne flutes before jogging across the street to his town house.

  A few minutes later, he pulled out of his garage around back, driving a powder-blue late-model truck that was decked out in chrome. He parked in front of the café and rejoined the two ladies. He pulled his phone out and hit a button. “Hurry up.” He hung up without waiting for a reply.

  “Oh. Not that, Crowley.” Lulu flicked a wrist at the truck.

  Leah snickered. “Ana will be pissed if you make her go partying in a pickup truck.”

  “Leah, your language.” Lulu clucked her tongue.

  “What?” Leah raised an eyebrow. “Is p . . . is that considered a cussword?”

  “No, but it doesn’t sound very nice,” Lulu said. “Why not say ticked off instead?”

  Leah shrugged. “Sure. I guess.”

  Crowley laughed. “Lee, I’d love to sit you down sometime with one of those pills in you and let’s have ourselves a conversation. This is as loose as I’ve ever heard your tongue get.”

  “Lee?” both women commented simultaneously.

  “Yep. I think it’s gonna be her nickname,” Crowley said, seemingly proud of himself for ruffling her feathers.

  Leah shrugged again. “Okay, Crow. Two can play that game.”

  “Crow?” Crowley laughed. “I’ve never been called that. I like it, Lee.”

  “I like your truck, Crow,” Leah said as she checked out the fully restored truck.

  “Thanks. It’s an antique Ford F-100. My dad gave it to me on my sixteenth birthday. The model year is the same year I was born. He told me it was in honor of the best day of his life.”

  “Wow. Sounds like you are one blessed man. I’d like to meet him sometime,” Leah said and noticed Crowley and Lulu exchanging looks.

  Crowley redirected his attention to Lulu. “I really need to put some distance between Ana and me.”

  “Just take her out tonight. Then, yes, I think that would be wise of you.”

  As if on cue, Ana shimmied back up to them, wearing a cropped black leather jacket and carrying a matching leather clutch. She glanced around, her gaze stopping on the truck. “Nooo, Crowley. No.” She stomped her foot.

  “Yes, Ana. Yes.” Crowley stood and playfully stomped his foot back at her. “It’s either the truck or I stay home.”

  Defeated, Ana climbed into the truck with Crowley’s assistance. Before he climbed in the driver’s side, he turned and waved. “Happy New Year, ladies.”

  “Happy New Year to you too,” Lulu replied while Leah gave a small wave.

  Lulu finally talked Leah into going home with her. While Lulu closed all the windows, Leah went upstairs and dumped everything out of her duffel bag, then repacked it with a few days’ worth of outfits and toiletries. By the time the ladies made it to the river house, Leah was feeling pretty sick. It would end up being a very long night.

  The next day around noon, Crowley made his way through Lulu’s door to find her working on building a fire.

  “Here, let me do that,” he said as he took the kindling wood out of her hand. “Why isn’t Leah helping you with this?” He knelt before the fireplace hearth.

  “The weather wasn’t attacking her yesterday. It was the flu.”

  He grimaced. “That woman’s luck seems pretty crummy.”

  Lulu nodded. “By the time we got home last night, she was burning up with a fever. Dr. Lindy came by and diagnosed it as the flu. The poor girl was so beaten by the fever she just lay there staring at him. She even missed the fireworks.”

  “Sorry to hear that.” Crowley continued to build the fire but paused long enough to shuck off his coat and scarf. “You know it’s starting to sleet?”

  “Yes. You just getting out of bed?”

  “No, ma’am. I’ve been pretty productive. I rode out to check on Jessup. I delivered him a load of firewood and a box of canned goods to get him through for a few days. I also got you another load in the truck.” He added a few good-size logs to the fire and stood up, wiping his hands on his jeans and brushing off some wood chips from his dark-green thermal shirt.

  “How was Jessup?” Lulu asked.

  Crowley shook his head. “You don’t want to know.” Lulu stared at him, waiting for an answer. “I found him buck naked and passed out in a lawn chair.” He raised his eyebrows.

  “Good heavens. You’re absolutely right. I could have lived without knowing about that.” Lulu wrinkled her nose and shuddered.

  “Don’t worry. I pulled the lawn chair into his living room, and that sucker just kept snoring away. I called Preacher Davis, and he agreed to go check on Jessup later on.”

  “I hope you warned him.”

  “Nah. Now what would be the fun in that?” Crowley laughed.

  Lulu tried to be disapproving but gave up and laughed along with him. “How ’bout some lunch, funny guy?” Lulu smiled.

  “Sure. I’m gonna unload the truck first.” He bundled back up in his coat and scarf before heading out.

  Lulu reheated two plates of collards, black-eyed peas, grilled pork chops, and corn bread. She cracked the back door and turned the fans on so that the scent wouldn’t reach Leah upstairs. Leah had refused to eat. The doctor told Lulu to just worry about keeping fluids in her, so she had diligently encouraged the poor girl to drink water, hot tea, and juice. Thinking about that reminded her of a request, so she slipped her coat and shoes on to go find Crowley. He was stacking a large pile of wood onto her deck.

  She was surprised that a small layer of ice had already formed on the surface of the deck. The sleet, coming down in a steady stream, made a hushed pinging sound. “Wow. This is happening fast. I hate to ask you, but I have a favor.”

  Crowley looked up as he unloaded his arms. Without hesitation, he asked, “What’s that?”

  “Could you go get some of your bottles of Gatorade?” Lulu pulled her coat up over her head to shield from the sleet. “Leah kept saying she thought she could manage drinking some. Said I left her some in her fridge while she was healing from her accident. It wasn’t me, so my guess is it was you.”

  “Anything else? ’Cause this will probably be your last chance for the next day or two.”

  “That should do it. Just grab a bunch.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Crowley jumped down the steps.

  Lulu was glad to see he was wearing work boots. That boy despised all forms of footwear except for flip-flops, but he had good enough sense to wear appropriate attire when it was called for.

  She made her way inside to watch the weather updates while she waited for Crowley to return. The reports weren’t very favorable. Broadcasters warned that the inevitable power outages were already being reported. Lulu was glad she heated with gas and had a gas-powered water heater and stove. Ice storms weren’t as common as hurricanes in her neck of the woods, but she was glad to be prepared.

  Crowley returned within twenty minutes with a case of Gatorade and another box that he stashed in the hall closet for later. The two ate lunch, exchanging their happy New Year wishes, and then hunkered down for the storm.

  Lulu coerced Leah into swallowing some of the sports drink while Crowley made a large stack of wood by the fireplace to keep it dry. He then brought in his overnight bag and briefcase.

  Later in the evening, the power went out as expected. Lulu carried a battery-operated lantern as she went to Leah’s room upstairs, along with another Gatorade and a dose of NyQuil. As she reached the door, she heard muffled sobs. She quietly stepped into the room and saw Leah lying on her side, curled up in a ball.

  Lulu heard soft sniffling as she placed the lantern on the nightstand. “What’s the matter, sweetheart? Are you hurting?”

  “I just can’t win,”
Leah whispered as the tears spilled in a steady stream.

  Lulu helped her sit up before handing Leah the medicine. She uncapped the Gatorade and gave it to Leah after she had downed the medicine. As Leah lay back down, Lulu climbed onto the wooden four-poster bed and ran her hand over Leah’s back to offer the poor girl some comfort.

  “Just cry it on out. It’ll make you feel better,” Lulu encouraged.

  “No, it doesn’t. The more I cry, the more it hurts. I never get any relief.”

  “You know some seasons really stink,” Lulu stated.

  “The ice is getting worse?” Leah asked between sobs.

  “I mean the seasons of our life, dear,” Lulu said as she continued to rub Leah’s back. “You know our lives and the weather do have a lot in common. Change is constant. Just like spring, we are continuously renewed in some form or the other. Summer can be an exciting season, full of fun and adventure. Fall can be a slow time for us to just reflect and take life in. Winter sometimes can bring things into very crisp focus.” Neither spoke while Leah continued to sob.

  “Take this ice storm.” Lulu motioned to the window, where icicles were forming. “It’s not a welcomed event. Storms come in and make a mess, and when you are in the midst of one, you can see no end in sight.”

  They listened to the pelting of the sleet for a few moments before Lulu continued. “I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, but this season of your life, just as all other seasons, will pass in due time.”

  “It’s been twenty-nine years of a very long season,” Leah said, her tears finally slowing.

  “Here.” Lulu handed Leah the bottle of orange sports drink. “Sit up and drink some more of this before you go back to sleep and listen up for a few minutes.”

  Leah propped up her body and took small sips as Lulu continued.

  “We can look at the wrongs all day long, but we should be thanking God for all the rights—”

  “There are no rights in mine.” Leah’s words began to slur from the effects of the cold medicine.

  “That’s nonsense.” Lulu took the bottle out of a groggy Leah’s hand, worried it was going to be spilled. “Maybe not before I met you, but since you’ve been here, I’ve witnessed plenty of good happening in your life.” She patted Leah on her left arm. “I witnessed your broken body heal completely. I’ve seen many good people befriend you. And your greatest blessing, of course, is meeting me.” Lulu smiled, trying to lighten Leah’s mood. She could see she was failing.

  Leah scooted back down on the bed, resting on her side to face Lulu. Lulu tucked the quilt around her fevered body and brushed a few curls off Leah’s forehead.

  “You know I prayed for you before I knew you. I asked God to send you to me and he did. I know this was meant to be. Just look at how well Rivertown suits you.” Lulu smiled. “Will you do me a favor, Leah?”

  “I’ll try,” Leah said between sniffles.

  “I know the bad can’t be ignored. It’s everywhere, and I have no doubt that you have survived something horribly bad, but don’t overlook the good. Please remember good is like treasure. You have to seek it out. And remember how rewarding it is when you find it.”

  “Lulu, I love you.” Leah’s words were but a breath as she closed her eyes.

  “I love you too, dear,” Lulu said through a tightened throat full of emotion and made her way to the door. She spotted Crowley holding a blanket and pillow he had obviously swiped from the linen closet.

  “You’re my treasure,” Leah mumbled and then began snoring lightly.

  Lulu smiled at the eavesdropping man, who was shaking his head at her.

  “What?” she whispered as they went downstairs.

  “She’s here to stay, isn’t she?” Crowley asked.

  “Yes, and it’s time you accept this.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He offered her a small smile and began making his bed on the long couch. He’d bought Lulu the couch for Christmas several years back, declaring he was too tall for one of those small girlie couches. This one was sage-green, ultra-soft suede that he didn’t mind sleeping on. He had always preferred it instead of the guest room, saying that room felt like it belonged to someone else.

  Lulu now thought that person had finally made her way home.

  14

  LEAH WOKE UP, unsure of how long she’d been sleeping. She peeked out the window and saw that it was dark. Fighting grogginess, she mustered enough energy to take an overdue shower. As she finished her shower, a wave of dizziness struck her with such force that she sat on the tub’s edge. Taking several fortifying breaths, she looked down at her withered body and guessed she had lost around forty or fifty pounds in the past few months.

  After she gathered a little strength, Leah climbed from the tub and scrubbed her fuzzy teeth, twice. She wrapped a towel tightly around her body and crossed the hall to her room. Exhausted from the energy used for the shower, Leah sat on the bed, waiting for her strength to return.

  Leah woke up freezing. She had no idea how long she’d been napping—she’d only meant to rest for a few moments. She dragged her weary body back out of bed and dressed in a pair of jogging pants and a hoodie. She ran some curl serum through her still-damp hair and headed downstairs.

  Leah reached the bottom of the stairs and found Crowley sitting on the couch. His head was bent down as he studied a case folder. She turned around to head back upstairs.

  “Where you going?”

  Leah took two steps up. “Just going to go back to my room. I don’t want to disturb you.”

  “I could use some company. Lulu goes to bed way too early. You’ve got to be feeling claustrophobic in that room by now.” Crowley glanced away from the file and met her eyes. He held her gaze until she looked away.

  Leah wished Crowley wouldn’t look at her that way, like he was determined to discover her secrets. Secrets she had no desire to share. But some company did sound appealing, so she crossed over to the fireplace and stood with her back to it for a while to warm up. She watched as Crowley made some notations on a yellow legal pad. A few minutes passed in silence until her belly disrupted it by releasing a rude growl. She’d not eaten in three days but didn’t have the strength to make something.

  Crowley glanced up from his folder and gave her a thorough looking over, causing her to fidget. “You look a little puny, Lee,” he commented. “And you’re too pale.”

  “I feel a lot puny, Crow.” Leah walked over to the couch and sat at the opposite end from Crowley, where two bed pillows were piled. She rested her head on them, and Crowley went back to jotting notes for a while. “Working on anything interesting?” she eventually asked.

  “I’m working out negotiations for a high-profile divorce. They’re some bigwigs who own an island off the coast of South Carolina. The sad part is that they’ve been married thirty-eight years and are now divorcing after investing all that time.” Crowley shook his head.

  “That’s one heck of a way to start the New Year off.” Leah propped her feet on the couch and shifted around to face Crowley as he spoke.

  “Yeah. They didn’t want to ruin their family’s holidays, so I agreed to have the paperwork ready by the end of the month.” He grabbed hold of Leah’s bare feet, which were freezing. “Where’s your socks?” He shot her a disapproving look as he rubbed her feet.

  Leah didn’t pull away, finding the heat and contact of his hand comforting, which surprised her immensely. It took a moment to find her voice. “At the apartment. I forgot to pack some.”

  Crowley released her feet and sat up so that he could pull out the quilt he was resting on. He placed it over Leah and tucked it firmly around her feet. The quilt was warm from his body heat, and she gladly snuggled into it.

  “How do you feel?” He placed his hand on her forehead and looked at her with concern.

  “The fever is finally gone.” Leah was astounded by the comfort she took in his attention. “I’m just weak. I’m feeling pretty hungry, actually.”

  Crowley
removed his hand from her forehead. “What sounds appealing?”

  She gave a guilty smile. “Something chocolate, but I’m guessing I won’t find that in this house.”

  Crowley made a show of looking over his shoulder before fishing out a king-size Snickers bar from his briefcase. “I’ll share it with you, if you promise not to tell Lulu,” he whispered as he opened it and gave Leah half. His eyes held a hint of mischievousness.

  “Promise,” she whispered back as she took her first bite. “Hmm. It’s been too long. You wouldn’t happen to have a Diet Mountain Dew hiding in there too?” She pointed at his briefcase.

  “Nope, but I can get you a cup of hot coffee.” Crowley shoved the last of the candy bar in his mouth and headed into the kitchen. He returned a few minutes later, carrying two steaming cups and handed Leah one. “Instant will have to do until the electricity is restored.”

  “I don’t mind. I actually like the taste. It was all I could afford starting out.” Leah took a sip. “Even though I’ve drunk my share of gourmet coffee since then, I still enjoy a cup of instant every now and then.”

  “I like it pretty well myself.” Crowley sipped from his cup and gazed at the fire.

  “Hey. Thanks for sharing your chocolate with me.” Leah smiled.

  “I don’t take sharing my chocolate lightly either. Most people don’t know this, but I have an overgrown sweet tooth,” he said, causing Leah to snort in amusement.

  “You don’t have anyone fooled on that one, Crow. I heard all about your pie contest binge, and I’ve seen you in action, with my own two eyes, with all of those Christmas cookies.”

  As Crowley grinned at her, she took a good look at him and quietly giggled. His unruly hair was sticking up in every direction and his long-sleeved T-shirt and plaid night pants were pretty wrinkly.

  “Why are you camped out on Lulu’s sofa instead of your bed at home? You scared of a little storm?”