Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

by Roseanne Dowell

  “That’s too bad, but I really do have to go.” The tone in Mavis’s voice indicated she’d rather be anyplace but here.

  Beatrice Lulu ignored Mavis’s discomfort. “Yes, the older boy thought they’d be better off if they left. What exactly he hoped to prove is beyond me, but that’s neither here nor there.” She waved her hand as if to dismiss it. “Thing is they ended up hiding in our shed and taking food from our house.”

  “They stole food from you.” Horror filled Mavis’s voice.

  “They were hungry. What were they supposed to do? They didn’t have any money.”

  “Why would you take them in?”

  Beatrice Lulu related the whole story to Mavis. By time she was done, even Mrs. Fat wiped a tear. “It was an easy decision. All you had to do was talk to them for a few minutes and you knew they weren’t troublemakers. They’ve been a delight to have around. Both Ed and I enjoy them.”

  “Well good for you, but I really do have to go now.”

  “Now if everyone would squelch the rumors, life can get back to normal and the boys would feel welcome in school, as well as home.”

  “Goodbye.” Mavis started to walk away.

  “Oh, and don’t forget that invitation to share pizza still stands. I’m sure the boys would enjoy meeting you, too.”

  “I don’t think so. I’ve lost my appetite.” Mavis hurried away.

  Beatrice Lulu looked at her watch. Good thing she’d decided on pizza for dinner. There wouldn’t be time to make anything else. Hopefully, the Fats heard enough to talk to their boys. And she’d never used any names. No one knew who she was talking about. Unless Roger or Richard told their parents what they did, they probably didn’t know either. It was doubtful either of the boys said anything. She’d see if that put an end to any more rumors from anyone.

  Mavis didn’t show much concern when she told her the story. Funny, she’d talked to the woman three times now, and still didn’t know much about her. Not that it was Mavis’s fault, especially this time. She’d monopolized the conversation. Only way she knew to set the record straight and take advantage of the Fats standing nearby. She’d make a point of visiting Mavis and listening instead of doing all the talking. She hurried from the store, neglecting to buy her hairspray. The main thing she’d gone in there for. Too late to turn back now, she needed to get home.

  Chapter 13

  Ed sat at the table, making a list when she came in. After turning on the oven, Bea sat down next to him.

  “So, what have you come up with?

  “Right now, just the materials we’ll need. Two by fours, dry wall, screws, that sort of thing. It’s going to take us a while.”

  “Don’t forget the stuff for the bathroom.”

  Ed pointed to the list. “First things on the list.”

  “Great, when can we start?”

  “I would’ve started this weekend, but your family’s coming for dinner.”

  “Can’t we start Saturday? The family isn’t coming until Sunday.”

  Ed nodded. “We can do that. First things first, a trip to the store early Saturday morning. Are we going to tell the boys?”

  “Let’s surprise them. We won’t say anything until it’s time to paint and decorate the rooms. We’ll let them pick out the colors and accessories. I think a sports theme for Stanley and music for Mark, what do you think?”

  “Sounds good if they like the idea. Stanley will be going off to college soon, he might want something more grown up.”

  Bea couldn’t wait to get started. She’d always wanted to do a nursery, but this was going to be even more fun. “We’ll work with the boys, get their input. I wouldn’t dream of doing something they didn’t like. I will offer suggestions, though. I have a feeling they’re still too shy and leery of us to say what they really want.”

  “True, Mark couldn’t believe we’d buy him a trumpet. You should have seen him, Bea. He was like a kid in a candy shop.”

  “It’ll be fun convincing them they can pick out paint, beds, dressers, curtains, and bed coverings. I can’t wait to shop with them.”

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. That’s the last thing we’ll be doing. This room’s not coming together overnight.”

  “Oh, I forgot to tell you I ran into Mavis at the store today. I invited her to join us for pizza.” Bea put the pizza in the oven and set the timer.

  “Who?”

  “Mavis, the new neighbor. Mavis Davis. You remember I told you about her.”

  “Isn’t she a vegetarian?”

  “Yeah, well, I get the feeling it’s only because of her husband. I don’t think Mavis is happy. Anyone who caters to her husband that way can’t possibly be happy. Good-looking or not, the man is a control freak. There’s a word for that kind of man. Narcissist!”

  “Now, Bea, you don’t want to get involved in something that’s none of your business. What the Davises do in their own house is their business. If Mavis wants to cater to her husband that’s her choice. It’s not up to you to make her happy.”

  "Don't give me that look, Edgar Leroy Eberhardt. Harrumph. The very idea I'd interfere in someone's marriage. What do you think I am, anyway?" As if she'd meddle. What did he think she was? Poor Mavis just needed a little counseling. “Anyway, she might not even come.” Bea headed to the kitchen.

  Ed shook his head. Why did he even waste his breath? She’d do what she wanted anyway. The woman would never change. He stared at his list. Seemed like he forgot something, but what? His stomach growled. He sure was getting hungry, hopefully the pizza would be done soon.

  Someone rang the doorbell. Ed stood and pushed back his chair.

  “I’ll get it,” Bea yelled from the kitchen. “Ethel, what are you doing here?” Bea moved aside and motioned toward the living room. “We’re just about to sit down to dinner.”

  “I can’t stay, I just dropped in for a minute.”

  “You may as well join us, you’re here now.”

  “No, really. I’ve got to go to Susan’s. Since I was so close, I thought I’d stop in and meet your boys.”

  “At least have one slice of pizza before you leave. I’m just about to take it out of the oven.”

  “It does smell good. No telling what Susan will have.”

  Beatrice Lulu led Ethel into the dining room. “Mark, Stanley, time to set the table.”

  The boys ran into the dining room, Mark slid across the hardwood floor and almost bumped into Ethel. “Oh…um… excuse me. I’m sorry.” He looked at Beatrice Lulu. “I’m sorry…I…” He turned and fled into the kitchen.

  “You’ll have to excuse Mark, sometimes he’s a bit too energetic.”

  “My goodness, I guess so.”

  Bea laughed and set the pizzas on the table. “Mark, get back in here! Boys, I’d like you to meet my sister, Ethel. Ethel, meet Mark and Stanley.” She pointed to each boy.

  “Nice to meet you.” Mark extended his hand. “May I call you Aunt Ethel?”

  “Oh…um…well, I…” Ethel bit her lip.

  Beatrice Lulu laughed. Never seen Ethel at a loss for words before. “Of course, they can. What else would they call you?”

  Ethel looked at her watch. “I’d better pass on the pizza. Susan will have a fit if I’m late. I’ll see you Sunday.”

  “It was nice meeting you,” Stanley and Mark said in unison.

  “You too. Bye.”

  “Come on boys, let’s eat before the pizzas get cold.” She should have known Ethel couldn’t stay away. Too curious for her own good.

  Bea took Bixby for a walk after dinner. Mavis was coming out of her house. She walked up the drive. “Hello.”

  “Oh, hello.” Mavis hit the remote to unlock her car.

  “Sorry you didn’t come over for pizza.”

  “Yes, well I told you I wouldn’t.”

  “Right. You said Harry wouldn’t like it.”

  “Yes, that’s what I said.”

  “Why wouldn’t Harry like it if you came over? I do
n’t understand.”

  “Harry doesn’t like me to go places without him, other than shopping that is. He says we should stick to our own kind.”

  “What do you mean your own kind?”

  “Look, I really have to go.” Mavis got in her car and drove away.

  Bea stood there stunned. That was rude.

  Saturday morning, Bea woke earlier than usual. Not that it surprised her, it amazed her she slept at all. She could hardly contain her excitement. A quick breakfast of cereal and they’d be off to Home Depot. She wrote a quick list of chores for the boys and taped it to the refrigerator. More than likely, they’d be back before Mark and Stanley even woke up.

  Mark couldn’t believe she let them sleep in on Saturday mornings. Only day they were allowed and both boys took full advantage, sometimes not waking before noon. Ed thought they should be up before then, but as usual gave in to Bea.

  Bea poured two cups of coffee and set one on the island for Ed, brought out two bowls and two different cereals. Ed liked the flaky type and she liked the sugar coated. Today, she almost felt too excited to even eat. Besides buying everything for the room conversion, she had to pick up the salad fixings for tomorrow’s dinner. Ethel said she’d bring a veggie casserole instead of cauliflower, Lottie and Mama promised a dessert, and Lillian was bringing her famous cheesy potatoes in place of mashed. Of course, Bea told Callie not to bring anything. She was surprised the girl was even coming.

  “What difference does it make if I sit with my feet up at your house or at home?” Callie said. “At least at your house I won’t be bored.”

  She had a point, but Bea still worried about her.

  Bea grabbed the paper and pencil and made a rough sketch of the upstairs. Already in her mind, she pictured the two rooms and bathroom and couldn’t wait to pick out furniture for them. She only hoped the boys liked the idea of themes she’d chosen. What boy wouldn’t want a room filled with sports memorabilia or music? Originally, she’d planned on sports quilts with matching curtains, but decided that was too juvenile for Stanley. Instead she decided royal blue walls with a bright yellow comforter and curtains.

  Mark’s room would be emerald green with an orange comforter and curtains. Oh yes, she could see it in her mind plain as day. Big bold colors. Of course, that was later, one of the last things they’d do. She couldn’t wait until they told the boys what they were doing. They’d find out when she and Ed came home from the store. They couldn’t really hide it once they brought all the materials in. Although they might be able to keep them in the dark for a while and let them think the room was for her and Ed. Nah, she couldn’t hold off hardly another minute.

  “Morning sunshine.” Ed grabbed her from behind, hugged her, and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Whatcha got there?”

  “Plans for the room upstairs.”

  Ed looked at it. Not bad, but do you really think we need two doors for the bathroom? That takes up a lot of space. I was thinking more like one door here.” Ed pointed to the sketch. “Assessable to the small hall between both rooms. Besides what if one of the boys is in there and the other walks in on him?”

  “I guess you’re right. Your idea offers much more privacy. I guess I’ll leave that part of the planning to you and concentrate on the interior design.”

  “Don’t forget the boys pick out colors and accessories.”

  “I know. I know. But I can make suggestions and guide them. Eat up, we have to go.”

  Ed laughed. “We have all day.”

  “No, we don’t. We have to stop at the market for the salad fixings, and I have a million things to do today.”

  “Would you rather stay home?”

  Bea stared at him. “Edgar Leroy Eberhardt, are you out of your mind? Do you honestly think I’d stay home and let you pick out the bathroom fixtures? You’ve gone completely insane.”

  “Okay, okay. It was just a suggestion.” Ed finished his cereal. “Come on, I can take the coffee with me. Where’s my travel mug?”

  “In the cupboard to the left, where it always is.”

  Ed put his dish in the dishwasher, poured his coffee, and looked at Bea. “Are you ready?”

  One thing that drove Bea crazy about Ed was his slowness. No matter where they went, he walked like a snail. It was the biggest reason she hated to shop with him. Not only did he walk slow, he had to look at everything he passed, whether he needed it or not. Not that she wanted him to run, but couldn’t he at least speed up a little? Giving up, she finally went ahead of him. He’d catch up eventually.

  They needed bathroom fixtures, why was he looking at washers and dryers? Bea stopped in front of the vanities. One thing for sure, they were getting a double bowl. Sure was a big price range. Not that she wanted the cheapest, but they couldn’t afford the most expensive either. Dark wood or light? Definitely not white. She hated white cabinets. She’d much rather have color, but that wasn’t an option unless she wanted gray and that was too close to white. Best to stick with a light wood. The bathroom wouldn’t be that big and dark wood might make it look too small. She found one she liked, white marble top with under-mount sink, easy to clean. Two doors with shelves and two drawers. Each boy could store their own toiletries and unlike so many of the others, it came with the faucet. Antique brass, giving it a vintage touch.

  Ed finally wandered toward her. “Find what you want?”

  “Yes, this one. Only thing I’m not sure about is the marble top. Don’t you have to treat them with something periodically?”

  “We can change that. I think quartz might be a better choice.”

  After they picked out the toilet and decided on a shower instead of a tub, Ed headed to the lumber department, while Bea looked for tile for the floor. They wouldn’t get that today, since Ed didn’t have the exact measurements until the room was closed in and the shower installed. Didn’t stop Bea from looking. She found several she liked. It was going to be a tough decision. She turned around and almost bumped into Mavis and Harry Davis.

  Harry spotted her and turned away, pulling Mavis along with him. “Hello.” Bea hurried toward them, determined not to be ignored. What was with that man that he couldn’t even stop and say hello.

  “Oh, hello.” Mavis stopped and caused Harry to trip.

  He fell forward and caught himself just before he crashed into a display of glass tile.

  “What brings you here today?” Bea cringed at the look Harry threw Mavis.

  “We’re remodeling our bathroom.”

  Harry looked at his watch and tugged on Mavis’s arm. “I have an appointment. You’ll have to excuse us.”

  Before Bea could reply, they hurried away. Bea shook her head. Something strange going on there. That woman needed help. Shrugging, she hurried off to find Ed.

  ***

  “Boys, come out and help Uncle Ed.” Bea ran into the house when they got home. Ed couldn’t carry all those two by fours upstairs himself, let alone the drywall and bathroom fixtures.

  “What’s going on?” Stanley hurried into the kitchen, followed by Mark. “Where is he?”

  Bea put Champ and Bixby on a leash so they wouldn’t run off while the door was open. “In the drive. He needs help unloading the truck.” She latched the door so it stayed open and took the dogs for a walk. No need for them to be underfoot.

  “What’s all this stuff?” Mark grabbed a handful of two by fours from Ed.

  “We’re redoing the upstairs into two bedrooms for you boys.” Bea looked from one boy to the other for reaction.

  “For us? Really?” Mark grinned.

  “We’re going to have our own rooms?” Stanley grabbed a sheet of drywall.

  “Yep, and your own bathroom.” Ed jumped down from the truck and grabbed the other end of the drywall. “Let me help you with that. It’ll be a while before the rooms are done.”

  “Can we help?” Mark stood holding the two by fours. “Where should I take these?”

  “Of course, you can help. Take them upstairs and set
them on the floor to the left.”

  Bea caught sight of Harry’s car, pulling in next door. “I’ll be right back.”

  She scurried across the yard, waving. “Mavis, Mavis.”

  “What does that woman want now?” Harry said loud enough for Bea to hear.

  The nerve of that man. What was his problem?

  “Go on in. I’ll only be a minute.” Mavis turned toward Beatrice Lulu.

  “Make it quick, I’m hungry.” Harry took a can of paint out of the car.

  Didn’t look like he was doing much remodeling. “I’m glad I caught you. I wanted to invite you to the lodge next Friday. We’re hosting the Ladies Club, and I thought you might want to join us. Everyone who’s anyone will be there, which means everyone who lives here. We don’t turn anyone away.” Beatrice Lulu laughed.

  “Thank you. Uh…. what time?”

  “Seven. I hope you can join us. We’ll have dinner, a couple of presentations, Lavinia Gardner will update us on the Holiday Dance. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”

  “I…I’ll try.” Mavis turned toward the house. “I have to go.”

  Quicker than Beatrice Lulu could say goodbye, Mavis disappeared into the house. Bea returned home just as Ed pushed up the tailgate.

  “Where’d you run off to?”

  “Oh, next door. I wanted to invite Mavis to the Ladies Club next week. Are the boys excited?”

  “Yeah, they’re inside making all kinds of plans. Come on, let’s hear what they have to say.”

  Stanley met Bea and Ed at the door and took the box of nails and screws from him. “Sorry, I was just coming out to get them.”

  “No problem.” Ed handed them over and helped Bea off with her jacket.

  “Can we really pick out everything for our own rooms?” Mark jumped up from the couch.

  “Yes, you can. Do you have any ideas?” Bea hoped he’d pick bright, bold colors.