Second Chances

by Bria Marche

  “Damn it, no money.”

  The three exhaled the breaths they were holding with loud sighs. Abby pulled the boots out of the box to have a closer look.

  “I see what you mean. These are hideous. What the…?”

  “What?”

  An enormous grin brightened Abby’s face. “Check it out!” She turned the boots upside down and hit the soles with her open hand. Stacks of money fell out of the shaft of each boot.

  “Oh, heaven’s to…”

  “Betsy?” Abby chuckled.

  “Yes, that’s what I meant. I’ve never seen that much money in my entire life. Should I go downstairs and lock the doors?” Betsy asked.

  Abby agreed and laughed with relief. “Sure, go ahead. We’ll wait for you and drink our tea. We’re counting this money together.”

  Chapter Six

  By eleven o’clock, all of the cash was counted and rubber banded. The ladies lay back on Charlotte’s king-sized bed, relaxed and happy. In all, they counted seventeen thousand sixty-eight dollars.

  “This will hold us over until after my mom’s will is read and the estate is settled. Thank you, Mom, for setting this cash aside, even though I’m positive it wasn’t meant for me. I appreciate it anyway. Tomorrow, I’m going to call Mr. LaRue and have him set the time for the service. I think I’ll have a luncheon served, too. Betsy, we need to go through Mom’s phone again and figure out which people on her contact list we need to notify, and tomorrow, your bedroom is getting an overhaul. Mel, pick out a room. I’m exhausted, so I’m going to bed. Good night.”

  Abby lay in bed with the pillows plumped behind her shoulders. Darkness filled the room, and the night was quiet. She could finally unwind and hopefully sleep. The low whirring sound of the ceiling fan brought back memories of St. Thomas and Remy. Would he have consoled Abby about her mother’s tragedy if he were still in her life? Today had been a blur, too unbelievable, too busy, and too heart wrenching. She focused on the spinning blades. The only light came from the inch of space beneath the door. On the other side was the long hallway, the hallway Charlotte Melrose used to walk with her high-heeled shoes, always going somewhere special. For the first time that day, Abby felt absolutely, completely alone. Silent tears streamed down her face, pooling in her ears until they slid farther to hit the pillow bunched up underneath her head. In the short span of a month, Remy had gone, and now her mother was gone, too. As much as Abby wanted to hate Remy, she found it difficult. It wasn’t in her to hate anyone. She thought about his golden skin and stunning green eyes. Those dreadlocks and his sleek, muscular body—along with his charismatic personality—were enough to have every tourist and island girl panting after him.

  Why didn’t I see the signs? He was bad news from the start. I felt it in my gut. I alienated Mom because of him, and now she’s dead. I can’t ever apologize to her. It’s too late for us to be a family. I wasted two years of my life throwing myself and my money at this man who told me how much he loved me when I could have been spending that time with Mom. Maybe I do hate you after all, Remy… maybe I do.

  After counting each rotating fan blade for an hour, Abby finally drifted off to sleep.

  ***

  Saturday arrived with dark, threatening skies and thunderstorms. Lightning strikes sounded in the distance but were closing in on Charleston. Every rumble made the windows shake and the women jump. They sat at the kitchen table together, each holding a mug of coffee and going over the finalized eulogy for Charlotte Melrose, Charleston socialite and philanthropist. The newspaper release and obituary went out two days ago, and the calls were pouring in. Betsy was in charge of handling telephone condolences and letting people know when to arrive at Magnolia Cemetery for the service and the luncheon being held afterward in the dining room next to the chapel. Abby had already contacted any relative that might care enough to attend. Most of Charlotte’s family was envious of the good fortune bestowed on her over the past twenty years. Abby didn’t care if they showed up or not since she hadn’t seen any of them for years. She assumed most of the people that would attend the service were true friends of Charlotte’s and likely members of the organizations she was involved in.

  The doorbell rang, and Betsy ran to answer it. Even the rain couldn’t ruin her excitement. The new furniture for her room had arrived. She instructed the delivery driver to back up under the driveway portico so nothing would get wet. They could unload the furniture there and bring it up to her new bedroom. Yesterday, Abby had instructed Betsy to take the last unused room on the third floor as her own. The worn-out furniture Betsy had lived with for the last fifteen years was given to a women’s shelter, and the furniture in Betsy’s new room was moved to the second floor, into her old room. Abby hoped that having a large bedroom with a private bath in her new accommodations would make Betsy feel like one of the family. Abby gave Melanie her old room, and she took over Charlotte’s master suite.

  The three women stood in the doorway and admired Betsy’s new bedroom set after the delivery men left.

  “Here’s what I think,” Abby said. “I think this room looks beautiful, fit for a beautiful woman such as yourself, Betsy. I also think it was way overdue, and I apologize for the condition your old room was in. Going forward, we’re making a new family in this house. It’s going to be a family created not by blood but by love… so here’s to us.” Abby lifted her cup of coffee and clinked it against Betsy’s and Melanie’s cups. “This beautiful mansion on South Battery is going to spring to life, a rebirth if you will, starting with us, her new residents. As long as there’s nothing we can do outside today, let’s box up everything in your apartment, Mel, and start bringing your things here. You have a new zip code, girl.”

  ***

  “Abby, there’s a phone call for you from Attorney Lewis. He says it’s urgent.”

  “Oh, for Pete’s sake… Fine, I guess I’ll take it. Hello, Mr. Lewis. What can I help you with on this rainy Saturday?” Abby paced back and forth in the library as she listened to the pushy attorney, aggravated that he called on a weekend.

  “Yes, Miss Melrose, it’s Attorney Lewis calling. I’m wondering if your mother’s car insurance company has contacted you yet.”

  “Nobody has contacted me other than you, Mr. Lewis.” Abby enjoyed irritating him since something about his demeanor annoyed her. “I don’t even know what car insurance company she used.”

  “That’s my point. I think you should come in on Monday morning so we can have a sit-down. I have copies of your mother’s important documents, and I’m sure you’ll need them to wrap up legal matters for her estate. I’m quite certain there’s a lawsuit to be filed against the garbage company. Of course, it is unfortunate Mr. Hanson passed away in the accident as well, but I believe I can get you a very sizable settlement from City Waste and Recycling. We can discuss those details and everything else on Monday morning, let’s say nine a.m.?”

  “I guess I can do that. Do you need a copy of my mother’s death certificate? Have you set up a date to read her will?”

  “No, I haven’t yet. I’ll arrange that after her funeral, as per your request. And yes, I should have a copy of her death certificate. It appears as though there are four other people I’ll have to contact for the reading of the will.”

  “Four others? Who on earth can they be?”

  “I’m sorry, Miss Melrose. I can’t discuss the will until all parties are present for the reading. I can arrange it for the week after next if you like.”

  “Okay then. I’ll see you Monday morning.” Abby hung up, more confused than ever. What Mr. Lewis had said about the will was beginning to make her nervous. “So are you two ready to go? We’ll pack up your stuff for a few hours, Mel, and then go out to lunch. Betsy, you aren’t going to wear your house dress, are you?”

  Betsy hung her head. “Abby, I have blue house dresses for daytime and black, nicer ones for whenever your mom entertained. I don’t own much else.”

  Abby shook her head in disbelief. “
This is the twenty-first century, isn’t it? I’m just shocked, Betsy. It isn’t your fault. What size do you wear?”

  “Size eight, I think.”

  “Good. Go in my closet and pick out something casual to wear, something like we have on. We’re going shopping on King Street after lunch. Hopefully, this weather will break.”

  ***

  By twelve thirty, every square inch of Melanie’s Toyota was packed full, and there wasn’t room left for a single knickknack. The unanimous choice for lunch was Southwest Grill, then they were off to Nina’s on King Street. Abby would do everything in her power to help Betsy feel like one of the girls. After all, the housekeeper was only thirty-five years old. Because she’d been a maid for the Melrose family since she was twenty, Betsy seemed much older.

  “Abby, I want you to know how grateful I am for the outfits and the furniture. You’re truly a wonderful person,” Betsy said as she helped carry boxes upstairs to Melanie’s third-floor bedroom.

  They were exhausted by the time they sat down for a break at four o’clock.

  “I just want to let you both know I have an appointment with Attorney Lewis on Monday morning. He thinks I have a good chance of suing the garbage truck company for Mom’s death. The idea of it makes me feel kind of creepy.”

  “Isn’t that bad karma? This is the South, Abby. Voodoo, spirit stuff, bad juju. Call it what you like, but anything can happen if you sue someone due to accidental deaths,” Betsy said.

  “Do you know that for a fact?” Abby poured three glasses of wine and handed them out.

  “No, not really,” Betsy said. “Just spooky stories our great-grandpappy used to tell us of bad luck folks had. His stories went back generations to the slave days. It was all that dark spiritual stuff like poking dolls with needles and such. He used to scare us to death.”

  “Luckily, we live in more modern times, and I don’t believe in that hocus-pocus stuff,” Abby said. “Anyway, I’d still be interested to hear what Attorney Know-It-All has to say. If there’s a chance for a settlement of some kind, not laying blame on anyone, it would definitely help with expenses around here until I finish school and open my own practice.”

  Mel asked, “Are you still planning to be a relationship counselor? I mean, why bother? You’ll likely get millions from your mom’s estate. You won’t have to work a day in your life if you invest right and avoid people like Remy. Sorry, girl. I couldn’t help myself, I just had to say that.”

  “Gee, thanks, Mel. Anyway, I’ll think over all my options after the will is read. Apparently, there are four other people involved.”

  “Huh? Like who?” Mel asked.

  “I have absolutely no idea, but I’ll find out when I see who shows up for the reading. Attorney Lewis is setting it up for the week after Mom’s funeral.”

  “Speaking of the funeral, I appreciate the nice dress you bought for me to wear to her services. She’d be appalled if I wore anything inappropriate,” Betsy said.

  Abby patted Betsy’s hand. “You’re more than welcome. Maybe now would be a good time to finish the eulogy so I can give it to Mr. LaRue. I told him to go ahead and hire a non-denominational minister and a speaker.”

  Chapter Seven

  The gloom lingering in the air wasn’t from the weather. As a matter of fact, the skies were the bluest blue Abby had ever seen beyond the Caribbean. The Friday of the funeral had arrived, and the mood in the house was dreary. Abby hadn’t seen her mother since those few seconds at the morgue. Several days ago, she had met with Mr. LaRue to give him the eulogy she and Betsy had written, along with what Betsy said was one of her mother’s favorite dresses. The dress was a simple sheath in a colorful floral pattern, something Charlotte would have picked out herself.

  Abby checked the time on the antique mantel clock in the library. Only a minute or two alone was all she needed before they left for the cemetery. Abby prayed for guidance and composure to last her through the day. She had to remain calm and be pleasant and thankful to anyone that showed up, whether friend or foe, relative or stranger. She heard footsteps descending the staircase and looked at the clock again. It was time to go. Mel and Betsy entered the library, dressed impeccably, just as expected. Abby felt blessed to have the two women in her life. They were like sisters and her dearest friends.

  When they arrived for the service, Mr. LaRue and his assistant greeted the women at the front door of the chapel. “Miss Melrose, please let me show you around. We would like your approval before the guests begin to arrive. If something doesn’t suit your liking, there’s still time to change things.” The assistant, Miss Grimes, walked the visitation areas and the dining room with Abby, Mel, and Betsy. She showed them the floral arrangements and the guest book, then described the meal to be served and the refreshments. In the foyer was a memory board of Charlotte’s life, and a large photograph of her was in front of the casket. For the moment, the closed casket was behind a curtain.

  “Miss Melrose, would you like to see your mother before the guests arrive? That’s the normal protocol, just to be sure she looks exactly how you want her to. Viewing her in advance will take away some of the initial shock you might have if you wait until later. It will also let you decide if you want an open or closed casket. I apologize for being so direct, ma’am. I know this is a difficult time for you.”

  “Thank you, but I’ll wait for a few minutes. I need a little more courage first, then I’d like to see her alone, if that’s okay.”

  “Whenever you’re ready. We have a small family area with coffee if you ladies want to sit in there for a bit.”

  “That sounds like a good idea. Let’s go take some deep breaths,” Melanie said. She gave Betsy a look of concern because the tears welling up in Abby’s eyes indicated she was on the verge of a breakdown. “Come on, honey, let’s sit.”

  Chimes rang out on the quarter hour. It was ten fifteen, and the guests would arrive soon.

  “I guess I better do this before people arrive. Betsy, will you go find Miss Grimes, please?”

  “Of course, I’ll be right back.”

  Miss Grimes returned with Betsy, offering her arm for Abby to hold on to. “Are you ready, Miss Melrose?”

  “Yes, I’m ready.” Abby smoothed her dress as she stood, brushed away the tears rolling down her cheeks, and walked toward the front of the chapel with her arm linked in Miss Grimes’s.

  Melanie and Betsy stood and watched Abby go beyond the curtain with tears of their own.

  “I’ll leave you alone with her, Miss Melrose. Take your time.”

  Abby stood at the foot of the casket, staring at the floor, afraid to look at her mother. Guilt tore at her heart for the years lost, the rift between them that she didn’t have time to repair.

  “Mom, I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I’ll never forgive myself for what I put you through. You were only looking out for my best interest, especially since Dad was gone. I wish I could rewind the last two weeks. I love you, Mom.” Abby finally looked up and approached the head of the casket. She stared at Charlotte, lying there as if she were sleeping. “You look beautiful, and I know you wouldn’t want anyone to see you if you didn’t look perfect.” She carefully touched Charlotte’s cheek. She slipped a family photo from years gone by under her mother’s hand, and alone, behind the velvet curtain, she wept. The chimes rang out again at ten thirty. Abby kissed her mother’s forehead then left for the ladies room to regain her composure.

  The chapel was standing room only. Every seat was taken by Charlotte’s acquaintances from the many clubs and committees she belonged to. Fewer than ten chairs held family and lifelong friends. Abby didn’t remember ever meeting the four people claiming to be family, but Charlotte’s cousin, a second cousin, a great uncle, and her mother’s sister-in-law were in attendance, sitting in the family chairs. They were strangers accepting condolences, relatives Abby had never met, who just happened to appear for Charlotte’s funeral. Forcing a smile, Abby asked each one when they last saw Charlotte. N
ot one had visited Charlotte in the eighteen years she had lived on South Battery. “Too little, too late,” Abby whispered under her breath.

  The eulogist and minister did a fine job talking about the generous person Charlotte was to all her friends and family. She was a loving wife and a wonderful mother, too. Abby glanced in Betsy’s direction and raised her perfectly shaped eyebrows, knowing the eulogy was a little inflated, but she smiled anyway.

  During the luncheon, Abby mingled with all the people in the dining hall. She learned of the many boards Charlotte was on and the charitable contributions she’d made. Her mother truly was a philanthropist. Abby felt better by the end of the day. At two thirty, the crowd dispersed, and Abby, Mel, and Betsy sat down on the chairs nearest the casket.

  “She did look beautiful, Abby. I’m sure that was a relief for you. Would it be okay if I slip something in the casket?” Betsy asked.

  “Of course, but what is it? I’m curious now.”

  “I want to return the first dollar Miss Charlotte ever gave me as her employee. I saved it all these years. I didn’t have a lot of my own these past fifteen years, Abby, but I did have a beautiful home to live in. And even though your mom was strict, she still treated me fairly. I appreciate the years I lived on South Battery.”

  “That’s really a nice gesture. Thank you. If you need some privacy, Mel and I can go in the other room. When we’re done in here, the three of us—and those mysterious family members—are going to escort Mom to the gravesite. There will be a small prayer service, and we’ll lay roses on her casket. After that, we’ll each drop a shovelful of dirt on the casket as they’re lowering it. Are you guys okay with doing that?”

  The ladies agreed and had a moment to share a group hug. Betsy spent five minutes alone with Charlotte, then they followed the hearse down the gravel road to the gravesite.