“Well, you have better believe it ’cause he’s right,” Katie told him.
“You’re kidding, but how?” he asked.
“Well, she brought the idea to my attention, and I took the idea to the town council, and like I told the girls, the rest is history,” the mayor told him.
“Boy, do I feel like a horse’s ass right about now!” he told them.
“That’s all right, dear, as long as you don’t act like one on Saturday,” Katie told him with a grin on her face.
“Yeah, I agree. And according to the mayor, there’s still more surprises coming on Saturday. But he won’t tell us what they are,” Melissa told him.
“More surprises? What else could they possibly do to add to all of this?” Rick asked.
“Well, I guess you’ll all have to wait until Saturday ’cause I’m not going to tell ya. And besides, I need to be going. I do have a city to run. So if you’ll all excuse me, I’ll be leaving,” the mayor told them as he started walking toward his car.
“Before you go, I’d like to say thank you again. I mean, if you hadn’t taken Susie’s idea to the town council, then none of this would have happened,” Katie told him.
“Ms. Windslow, had I not taken this idea before the town council, I would most likely be looking for a new job right about now. But seriously, it’s an honor to be the mayor of such a town as this one. The people here are the most giving, lovable people on the planet. And of course, after you all moved in, things have just exploded almost overnight. And I do mean that in a good way too. I mean look at us now—Matterson House is going to be a national historical site and a national park and the treasure that you’ve all found here. Oh, yes, Mattersonville will be visited by hundreds of Americans that are eager to explore the past. And you all started it. So what else can I tell you? Except thank you. All of you. This isn’t about the doings of just one single person. No, it’s about all of you and everything that you’ve given us,” the mayor told all them as he stood before them.
“Well, if I might interject here? We really didn’t do all that much I reckon. After all, we just found what someone else hid, is all,” Grady told the mayor.
“That’s true enough. But take those so-called gopher holes for an example. For years, most of us stayed away from there just because of those so-called gopher holes. Had even one of us ever decided to check it out or try to chase away the gophers, then the story would be a lot different than it is now. But nobody ever did. That was until you all came along and discovered that there wasn’t any gophers at all,” the mayor explained.
“Well, I’ll agree with you on just a part of that. There are a lot of times when people will see things that they may not understand or something that just looks out of place. But they decide that it isn’t their problem, or for what reason, they choose to walk away. But then someone will take the time to check it out after no one else would, and they make the discovery of a lifetime. Just like the gopher holes,” Katie explained.
“Yeah, but it’s those people that didn’t take the time to take a better look that are the first to complain the minute a discovery is made,” Melissa added.
“That’s exactly my point. You all are the ones that took the time to check out everything. And mind you, you did have access to all of those documents that pointed you in the right direction more or less. But you still took the time and exerted the effort to not only finding the missing pieces of the puzzle. You solved the puzzle as well. And like I said before, this was all done for the enrichment of others, and not yourselves. Now, I’m not sure how every other American feels, but for me, that makes you all heroes in my book,” the mayor told them.
“Heroes? Don’t know about that really. For me, when I got brought into all of this, I was looking forward more to the thrill of the hunt than anything else,” Mike added.
“Even so, but you still took the time and kept pushing to find the answers that solved the puzzle. I can only imagine what you all were thinking and feeling when all of this all started to fall together. But you all deserved it. Just because you took the time to do whatever was required of you to get it done. And if I remember right, wasn’t it something like ninety years that this secret had remained hidden? That’s a very long time, but it might have been another hundred years if you all hadn’t come along,” the mayor told them.
“Yeah, but looking back, it was a combination of a lot of little things that all added up together to give us the answers that we were looking for. It was both exciting and nerve-racking at the same time,” Grady added.
“I’m sure that it was all that and more. But you all stayed on course, and well, that’s why they call it history I guess. Look, I can stand here all day and talk about how exciting it all must have been, but I really do need to be going. We’ll have time to talk more later,” the mayor replied.
“Yes, we do understand that you really need to leave, but let me say this first. When I first choose American history as my major, a lot of people asked me why. They even joked about the fact that history has no future in it. Well, I can now tell all of them that they were wrong. History in fact is the key to our future. If we don’t remember history and remember what happened back then and why, then it’s possible that we could go on reliving it time and time again. We learn from our past so we can make our futures better,” Melissa told him.
“Melissa dear, you’re a very bright woman. And that is so true. History, the key to our future. Now that’s something that I might quote you on, if I may?” he asked her.
“You certainly may indeed,” she told him as they all watched him getting into his car.
“Well, good day to all of you. I’ll be seeing you all on Saturday. It’s going to be one hell of a party, that’s for sure,” he said as he put his car into gear and slowly started to drive away.
They all watched as he drove away.
“So what do we do now?” Katie asked as she looked at the giant structure before them.
“Don’t know about the rest of you, but I need a drink,” Grady told them.
“Ya know what? That sounds very tempting. Care if I join you?” Michael asked. Everyone turned to look at him.
“What?” he asked them. “It’s just a drink.” Nobody said a word.
“Paul, Mary, would you care to join Michael and I for a drink?” Grady asked.
“I’d love to,” Paul answered.
“None for me. You drink and I’ll drive,” Mary responded.
“That’s my sister for ya. Always looking out for me,” Paul responded.
“Well someone has to,” she said with a slight giggle to her voice.
Melissa looked down the driveway just in time to see Elizabeth and Katie coming through the gate.
“Well, look who finally made it home?” she said as everyone turned to see who it was.
Grady and Paul both looked at Elizabeth. They could tell that she wasn’t doing too well. They ran over to her.
“Elizabeth, are you okay?” Grady asked her.
“Oh, a little tired perhaps, but I think I’ll survive. Boy, have you all been busy or what?” she said as she looked over at the large wooden creation before them.
“Well, come on inside. I’ve got one hell of a story to tell you,” Grady told her as him, and Paul helped her into the house.
Little Katie ran up to her bigger cousin. “Katie, Mom and me, we went to the movie house and the ice cream parlor and the park,” she told her with so much excitement in her voice.
“You did? Did you have fun?” Katie asked her little cousin.
“Oh, yeah, but Mom started getting tired at the park. So we had to come on home. But it was the very bestest day of my life,” she told her cousin.
“Well, I’m happy for the both of you,” Katie answered.
Little Katie just stared at the wood structure that stood before her. “Wow, that’s beautiful! Did your daddy build that for your wedding?” she asked her bigger cousin.
“No, my daddy didn’t, but our
friends did,” Katie told her.
“Wow, you must have some nice friends,” she told her.
“You have no idea,” Katie told her.
Whiskey Shots
The two Katies followed the rest of the people into the house. Little Katie took off toward her bedroom. And Katie joined the other adults at the dining room table. Grady brought out a bottle of Ole Kentucky Whiskey and six glasses. The glasses clinked together as he sat them down.
“Why six glasses, Daddy?” Katie asked.
“Just in case, dear, just in case,” he told her.
“Just in case of what?” she asked
“Just in case you and Melissa decided to join in the festivities,” he told her as he sat down at the table across from her.
“I wouldn’t count on it, Daddy dear,” she replied
“Hey, you never know. You might,” Grady replied.
“Oh, come on, Katie, if you try it, so will I,” Melissa told her.
“Melissa, are you in cahoots with my daddy here to get me drunk?” she asked.
“Not at all. But why should the guys have all of the fun. You really need to loosen up a bit,” Melissa fired back.
“Me? If I remember right. You’ve never had alcohol before either,” Katie responded.
“That’s exactly my point. We should at least try it before we pass judgment,” she replied.
“Well, maybe just one, but that’s it. Just one,” Katie told them.
“That’s my girl. Grady, two for the ladies if you would please,” Melissa asked him.
Grady just looked at the two girls. “Are you sure you really want to do this?” he asked.
“Well, you can’t get drunk off of one drink, can you?” Katie asked.
“Well, you might, I reckon, but I’ll give you a small one first,” he told her.
“What do you mean by first? I’m only having the one remember?” she asked him.
“Yeah right. I hope you’ll remember that in the morning,” he told his daughter.
“And what is that supposed to mean?” she asked.
“Nothing, just making a statement. That’s all,” he told her as he poured the two ladies their first drink. He filled the two glasses only half full. He watched as the two ladies took the glasses and stared at them.
“So are you going to drink them, or just have a staring contest with them?” Michael asked them.
Melissa looked at Katie.
“Well on the count of three, okay?” she asked.
“Fine, whatever. You do the counting, Michael,” she told him.
“Okay, ladies. One . . . two . . . three!” he told them as both of the ladies raised the glasses to their lips, tilted their heads back, and downed the entire drink in one gulp.
Katie and Melissa both thought that their throats and their stomachs were on fire as the whiskey ran down their throats. Their eyes got the size of silver dollars, and their mouths opened up like a Louisiana big mouth bass.
“Oh . . . God . . . that was terrible!” Katie said as she fought back the tears from her eyes that were starting to form. Melissa didn’t say a word. But she too had the same thoughts.
“Well, you weren’t supposed to down it, silly. That’s sipping whiskey,” Grady told them.
“Oh . . . great . . . now you tell me. Wow! I think my stomach is on fire,” Katie told him.
“Here, try another one. It will make the effects of that first one a lot better. But remember, just sip this one,” he told the two girls as he refilled their glasses. Again, they were only half full.
Katie knew what to expect. Or so she thought. She took a small sip of the whiskey. It was strong all right, but not nearly as strong as the last one. But still, there was this disgusting taste in her mouth. So she took a long deep look at the glass in her hand and downed it again.
“Katie, you’re supposed to be sipping it. Not downing it,” Grady told her.
She slapped her hand down on the table. “Damn, that’s terrible stuff. But you’re right, the second was better than the first one,” she proudly proclaimed.
“You didn’t hear me, did ya? You’re supposed to be sipping it. Are you trying to get yourself drunk or just sick?” Grady asked her.
“Well, it goes down better if you don’t let it touch your tongue. Pour me another. I think I’m past the worse part,” she told her dad.
“Katie, are you sure that you want another?” Michael asked her.
“Quite sure, and by the way, you haven’t even touched yours yet,” she replied.
“Well, I’ve been busy watching you,” he told her.
“Well, drink up or shut up. How about another refill if you please, Daddy,” she told him.
Grady poured her another. Again only halfway full.
“Fill it up please,” she asked.
Grady did as she requested. “Honey, I really think that you might want to consider slowing it down a bit.”
“I’m getting married, Daddy. I’m a big girl now,” she said as she downed her third drink. Melissa was going to keep up with her but just not as quick as she was doing it.
“Oh, lordie, that’s strong stuff. But it does taste better as you go on,” she said as she slammed the glass down on the table.
“Katie, I think you’ve had enough now. Just sit there a while and let it sink in. Okay?”
“What? I feel perfectly fine. You guys are lightweights,” she told them.
“Yeah, I bet you do, or will,” Michael told her.
“I really don’t see what all of the hype is all about. Three drinks and I’m perfectly fine. Really!” she proudly proclaimed.
Everyone except for Katie and Melissa knew that it was only a matter of time before it really hit her. Katie sat there absorbing the pleasures of her labor.
“You guys are weaklings. I’m going to go get me some ice tea,” she told them.
Grady was just about to tell her not to stand up, but he wasn’t fast enough. As soon as she stood up, the room started spinning, and she felt really light-headed. She stumbled a little bit, but she somehow managed to steady herself at the table. Her next step would prove to be her downfall. As her foot went up, everything else started a downward descent.
She landed on the floor, flat on her ass.
Everyone ran over to her to see if she was hurt or not. But she was fine. In fact she was laughing her ass off.
“Who moved my chair?” she asked in between her laughing.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Michael asked her.
“Oh, I’m fine. I just lost my footing, is all. Help me up, dear,” she told him.
Mike and Grady helped Katie back into her chair. Katie was drunk. After just three drinks, she was toasted on both sides.
“Wow, that’s some wicked stuff. Pour me another one,” she told her father.
“No, dear. I’m quite sure that you’ve had plenty already,” he told her.
“Hey, you guys started this. I told you that I only wanted the one drink. Did you listen to me? Nope, you just kept them coming. Well, now I want another, and you have the nerve to tell me that I can’t have anymore. That’s not fair. I’m telling you that I’m fine, really,” she said as she laid her arms out across the table. Her head soon found its way across her arms.
Her head was still spinning even though she was still sitting down.
“Grady, could I have another one? But only half full please?” Melissa asked.
“Sure, dear,” he answered as he refilled her glass along with Paul’s, Mike’s, and Rick’s.
“Oh, that isn’t fair. How come she gets another one, and I don’t?” Katie asked.
“All right, Katie, if you really want to get rip-roaring drunk and sick, then you can pour your own poison. But hear this, you can’t say that I didn’t warn you,” he told her.
“Grady, don’t let her do it. You know what’s going to happen to her,” Mary told him.
“Yes, I do. She’ll learn the same lesson as everyone else has. She will more than likely g
et sick and throw up all over the place. And in the morning, her head is going to feel like it’s about to explode. But she’ll have no one to blame but herself,” Grady told her.
“Why don’t you all . . . reax . . . I mean relax. I’m fin . . . fine,” she told them as she poured herself another full glass and downed it just like she had the others.
Nobody kept count just how much those two ladies had to drink between the two of them, but before their journey was over, the entire fifth of whiskey was gone plus a half of another one.
The next morning, Mary walked into Katie’s bedroom. Oh, this should be interesting if nothing else, she quietly thought to herself as she walked up to Katie’s bed. Katie was half dressed, half covered up with a blanket, and just about ready to fall out of the bed. Mary didn’t want that to happen, not that Katie might hurt herself even though that was a concern of hers. No, she knew from experiences of her own what Katie’s head was going to feel like. And falling to the floor surely wouldn’t help. Not at all. So Mary positioned herself right next to her so she couldn’t fall from the bed.
Mary pulled on the blanket.
“Good morning, sunshine! Time to get up,” Mary told her.
Katie just rolled the opposite direction as she tried to reclaim her blanket.
“Come on, you have your rehearsal today. Come on, get up,” she told her as she pulled the remaining blanket from Katie’s grip.
“Go away, it’s too damn early,” Katie mumbled.
“Nope, I ain’t leaving until you’re up and walking around, so let’s go,” Mary answered.
“Go away before I have to hurt you,” Katie replied.
“So how’s your head feel this morning?” Mary asked.
“My head is just fine, but it’s that damn banging in between my ears that’s killing me,” Katie answered.
“So did you learn your lesson last night?” Mary asked as she pulled the pillow out from under Katie’s head.
“Oh yeah, whiskey is not my friend,” she answered.
“Well, just wait ’cause now the worse part comes. And if I might add a few suggestions for your next drinking binge?” she asked.
“The worse part? I thought I did that last night in the toilet,” Katie replied.
Hearts of Grey Page 46
