Just as she loaded everything in the car’s trunk her cell rang. She grabbed it and answered without checking the caller ID. “Hello.”
“Hey, finally. We’ve been playing phone tag for so long I figured you didn’t want to talk to me.”
“My cell’s been crazy. I think I need a new battery.”
“So, how’s it going?” Malcolm asked.
“Great, how’s it going with you?” Laura answered.
“Good. We basically work real late and then I grab something to eat, then pass out. I forgot how crazy this place is.”
“Crazy, huh?” she said, sitting behind the wheel and looking around her.
“Too crazy.”
“So what time is it there?”
“Um, I don’t really know. My watch is still set on Boston time. I guess I’d better change that, huh?”
“Yeah, I guess you better.”
“So how’s it going there?” he asked.
“Slowly,” she said. “I’m out getting boxes today.”
He replied but she barely heard every other word. “Malcolm, the phone’s crazy again. Let me call you back.”
“Okay, call me later. I love you,” he said.
“Bye.” Laura closed the cell. She wasn’t sure why she didn’t return his endearment; she just didn’t.
Sitting in a bright red convertible car with her wide-brim straw hat and dark shades on, she looked like the only Hollywood star. Residents passed by and stared, not recognizing her and not sure if they should recognize her, so they just stared slyly or boldly gawked. Then a big old truck swung a U-turn and pulled up beside her. Laura glanced over and up at the driver.
“Hey, lady of leisure, how’s it going?”
Laura smiled. Hearing her friend’s voice was exactly what she needed. “Let’s see. I’ve been unemployed for six months having worked at the same advertising agency since my junior year in college. My husband is in Japan with a woman he had an affair with and my daughter’s nuts.”
“Oh, good. Nothing’s changed since last night. Sounds like you need a drink.”
“A bit early for that, isn’t it?” Laura asked.
“Not at all. I need some serious caffeine. Follow me.”
Laura smiled, nodded and started the engine. She followed the big old truck as it bumped and jarred down the uneven street, then stopped in front of a coffeehouse and bakery. This used to be their favorite hangout. While the cool kids hung at the movies in Elwood, Grace and Laura and their friends hung here at Mrs. Oliver’s Bakery.
“Perfect place. I can’t believe it’s still around.”
“Oh, it’s still here. Changed hands about a dozen times but it’s still here. Never the same, funny that.”
“I don’t care. It’s just nice to see the old sign still hanging up there.”
“Girl, this thing is too hot.”
“It’s a rental, you know.”
“Get out, where’s your car?”
“Know what? Somehow I just didn’t feel like driving a mommy minivan over a thousand miles.”
“I don’t blame you, honey, this thing says something. Come on, if I don’t get some caffeine in me I’m gonna pass out. I swear I don’t know what I was thinking hanging out with you like I’m nineteen again.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. If I remember correctly, nineteen wasn’t bad at all and neither was last night.”
They laughed, enjoying the moment. At nineteen, both had come back from their first year at college and nearly torn the small town of Fraser apart. “Think they’re ready for us again?” Laura asked.
“Hell no. They still trying to clean up from behind us last time.”
They laughed again, loud and hard. Laura shook her head, enjoying the freedom of just hanging out with her friend.
“Man, those were the days,” Grace said, still chuckling. “But listen, what are you doing for the Fourth?”
“Nothing, why?”
“I’m having a little July Fourth backyard cookout. Nothing major, just a little something something to pass the time. Why don’t you and Tamika stop by? Judith and Francine are coming and I invited some of our old friends. I know they’d love to see you. It’s my birthday celebration too and I’m bringing it in style.”
“Wait, your birthday’s on the Fourth?” Laura asked, slightly embarrassed that she didn’t remember. “No, wait a minute. I know my memory can’t be that bad. If I’m not mistaken your birthday is a month after mine, which makes it four months ago.”
“Girl, every day is my birthday now. It’s a short life, so celebrate as often and as much as you can. That’s what I say.”
Laura chuckled. “Okay, can’t argue with that. Sounds good to me. The old gang, huh? So you still see everybody?”
“Not everybody, but some,” Grace said.
“But you know, on second thought, I’ve got a ton of things to do. It’s been two weeks and I haven’t even started going through the house yet,” Laura said, ready to make her apologies, and then it occurred to her that this was exactly what she needed. “No, you know what? Yes, I’ll be there. What time?”
“Party starts any time after one. Food goes down at twelve-thirty so act accordingly. You know ain’t nobody shy around here when it comes to grubbing on some grilled food.”
“What should I bring?” Laura asked.
“Just bring yourself and Tamika, that’s all.”
“What about food, snacks, soda?”
“If you want something special, fine, bring it along. We’ll already have the usual staples there—hot dogs, chicken, hamburgers, ribs, all kinds of salads and stuff.”
Just then a dark car drove by slowly. The windows were open and the driver turned to them and nodded as he passed. By the time the car drove farther down the block, Laura’s mouth was wide open.
“Was that…?”
“Uh-huh.”
“And did he just…?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Keith Tyler,” Laura just about whispered as she remembered her dream from a week earlier. “I didn’t know he was still around town.”
“Oh yeah, he’s a major player around here now. He was in Dallas for a while. Then when his dad died and left him the business he came back. I think he travels between here and Texas a couple times a month. Apparently he has a business in both places.”
“Really?” Laura said.
“Uh-huh. Brother used to have deep pockets. I don’t know about now. I hear he’s struggling for every penny big-time. Too many investments, forgetting to pay Uncle Sam, you know the deal. Now he’s just trying to hold on to anything, at least that’s what they say.”
“Really?” Laura repeated.
“Hell, I’m surprised he hasn’t stopped by to see you.”
“For what? It’s not like the man even spoke to me back in the day except for when I tutored him.”
“Real estate, girl. You’re selling that big old house so you know he’s gonna want a piece of that, plus all the history stored up in there.”
“What?”
“Oh yeah, he’s big-time in real estate, investments, equity and foreclosure recovery business. Though I heard that you gotta keep an eye on him, ’cause the man is too slick with his contract mumbo jumbo. He even had the feds on his case a while back, but they couldn’t prove anything. It was in the paper for weeks. Apparently he was accused of defrauding a few women and taking their money. Their houses foreclosed and the equity disappeared into thin air. So don’t be surprised if he steps your way.”
“The man doesn’t even know I exist.”
“Times change,” Grace said as she noticed Laura still looking down the street. “You know he’s still single. And if I remember correctly you had a serious crush on him. Maybe you should get a little something something for good ol’ times while you’re here. If I remember correctly the man still owes you. I still can’t believe you tutored him all of tenth grade for free when his dad was loaded.”
“Don’t think so. An
d as you said, times change.” She shrugged. “I have a husband at home in Boston, or rather in Tokyo.”
“What did you tell me he was doing there again?”
“He’s an engineer and a construction manager. His company is doing a trade job over there.”
“Cool,” Grace said.
“Not really,” Laura said, changing her demeanor.
“Now, that definitely sounds like drama, girl.”
“You know how it is—married for umpteen years, bored for umpteen-plus.”
“Sounds like my ex. He bored himself into three affairs that I knew about.”
Laura just shook her head. “Heard that.”
“The only good thing about my marriage was my two sons.”
“You’re divorced now, right?”
“Lordy, yes. The man was driving me crazy with his stupid shit. I had to let his ass go,” she said as they laughed. “I’m single and going wild. After I hit forty I decided that it was all about me. I was tired of my kids giving me drama. All I’m about now is having fun, ginger ale and having more fun.”
Laura smiled wishfully. She knew that Grace had started having children early, so her kids were basically already grown. She could afford to have fun and chill. “Sounds like heaven.”
“You know I do my thing,” Grace said, popping her shoulders and dancing in her seat.
“I was just telling Tamika about us dancing onstage.”
“Oh Lordy, I forgot all about that time. Now, that was a night, wasn’t it?”
“It sure was. I swear it was that T-shirt I bought that got me up there,” Laura said.
“Whatever it was, you were too much. I never saw you so free and having so much fun.”
Laura nodded as Grace continued talking about that night and others. But all Laura could think about was wearing that T-shirt and being free.
“Lordy, girl, I can’t be sitting here talking to you all day. I’ve got work to do and a party to finish putting together.”
“Yeah, me too. I have a house to empty out and a trunkful of boxes and bubble wrap.”
“Okay, now don’t forget, one o’clock,” Grace said as she stood and started to head back to her truck.
“I won’t. See you later,” Laura said, deciding to stick around awhile longer and check out the town before going back to the house and whatever new drama was probably waiting for her there.
She sipped her coffee and just sat chilling out.
“Laura, is that you? I heard you were back in town.”
She turned around and shaded her eyes as the sun blinded her momentarily. She could have sworn she saw who she knew she couldn’t have.
“Okay, you gonna act like you don’t remember me, right? You got me through tenth grade history class, right?”
“Keith? Keith Tyler?”
He nodded. “Have I changed that much?” he asked.
Damn, he looked just as good as he did over twenty years ago—big, strong and handsome. Mocha brown with bedroom eyes that promised the world, he looked every bit of what she had expected. He’d shaved his head and it looked damn good on him.
“No, really, I’m just surprised that you…” she said, then paused. “Never mind. Hi, how are you?” She held her hand out to shake, but instead he pulled her up out of her seat and enveloped her in an all-too-friendly embrace. “Hi,” she said breathlessly when he finally chose to release her.
“Look at you. You are…” he said, then paused and let his eyes roam the contours of her body. “Looking fine sitting here all Hollywood.” She blushed and looked away. “Seriously, you look incredible.” He licked his lips slowly as his eyes continued to roam over every inch of her body.
“It’s good to see you too, Keith. How’ve you been?”
“You know, I’m just handling my business. May I join you?” he asked of the empty seat beside her.
She nodded. “Sure, um, I thought I heard that you were in Texas,” she said as he moved the chair to sit closer to her.
“Yeah, I was, but then I decided to come back here. My dad passed and I took over his business.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I remember him. He was a nice man.”
Keith nodded. “So, what are you doing now?”
“Just chillin’,” she said as hip as she could.
His cell rang. He grabbed it and looked at the number.
“So, what are you doing in town?” he probed more.
“I have to take care of some business.”
“Oh,” he said, smiling, nodding and licking his full lips lazily in the way that he always did that turned her sixteen-year-old stomach to mush. “Nothing too distracting, I hope.”
“No, just family business.”
He nodded. “How long?”
“I don’t know yet, it depends. Why?”
“Well, I’d like to see you, maybe catch up. So if you don’t have any other plans this evening, how about dinner tonight?”
“Sorry, I do have plans this evening.”
“Change them,” he nearly ordered in all seriousness as his cell phone rang again and he checked the number.
“No, I can’t. Sorry.”
“Tomorrow, then,” he suggested.
“It’s a holiday and I already have plans.”
He shook his head slowly and licked his lips again. Laura’s heart thundered in her chest. This man, Keith Tyler, was the catchall through high school. Of course he barely even spoke to her. She wasn’t in his circle. He was a football player and hung with the cool kids. She was just a regular student, easily ignored and easily discarded. Funny how things changed.
“Come on, one dinner.”
“Sorry, anyway…” she said, then smiled, unbelieving.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing, forget it.”
“No, what? Tell me.”
“I was just going to say that I’m just surprised that you even remembered my name.”
“Why would you say that?” he asked, seemingly affronted by her remark.
“Because in high school you barely even spoke to me. We didn’t exactly hang out in the same crowd.”
“No,” he denied with shock, “that can’t be right. Are you sure about that?”
“Oh yes,” she affirmed.
“No, really?”
She nodded. He smiled the classic smile that always made her body tingle. “My bad. I guess I missed out on something really special.” His eyes deepened their effect on her. “Well, I guess I’ll have to make up for lost time.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“So, family business, huh?”
“Yes, I’m clearing out my parents’ home.”
He smiled, cracking a serious dimple in his cheek. “Oh yeah, I remember that house. Diamond Point Road. Huge, right?”
She nodded.
“Man, I always wanted to see the inside of that place.”
“Really?” she asked, wondering if he was sincere.
“Oh yeah, it was the cornerstone of the neighborhood—of the town really.”
“All that, huh?”
“Oh yeah, all that.”
This time Laura’s cell rang and she answered. It was her aunt Sylvia talking a mile a minute. “Aunt Syl, wait. Hold on a minute,” she said, then mouthed to Keith, “I gotta take this.” He nodded. “Okay, okay, yeah, okay,” she said, then repeated but wasn’t paying any attention. She was too busy watching Keith.
“Aunt Syl, let me call you right back, okay?” She looked up in time to see Keith glance back at her, smiling as she closed her cell. “I gotta go.”
He nodded wordlessly.
She grabbed her purse and sunglasses from the tabletop. “See you later maybe,” she said.
He nodded again. “Most definitely.” His brow arched as he wet his lips.
Laura stood, replaced her dark sunglasses, then walked over to the bright red convertible car. For the first time in a long while she was too proud of herself. She got in and drove away with a quick
wave, seeing him standing watching her from the rearview mirror. The exit would have totally missed had she gotten into her usual soccer-mom minivan.
Chapter 13
Tamika
After breakfast with her mother, Tamika staggered back to her bedroom window and watched her mother drive off down the street. The top was down and she could tell that it was already hot outside. She stood at the screened window hoping for a breeze. None came so she went back over and plopped back down on the bed. The ceiling fan spun around but only blew warm air around the room. She grabbed a pillow and held it over her face, then fell back and screamed. There was no way she was going to survive here for much longer.
Later, as per the conversation with her aunt and then with her mother, Tamika decided to go up to the attic and get started going through some of the boxes. It was dusty and old and smelly, but it was also kind of cool up there, though she’d never openly admit it.
She spent the morning and afternoon in the attic. Digging through decades-and sometimes centuries-old memories was more exciting than she had thought.
She sat at an old rolltop desk and started going through the drawers. She found a pair of wire-rimmed eyeglasses and put them on. She could barely see. “Dang, they must have been half-blind,” she said, then took them off and continued rummaging through the drawers. In the next drawer she found some old stamps and a few coins dating back to the twenties and thirties. She found letters wrapped with a white ribbon and two fountain pens. The next few drawers were filled with lots of books with copyrights from the last two centuries. She also found more letters, a few journals and some old leather-bound ledgers that dated back over one hundred and fifty years ago or more.
Opening and flipping through the pages and reading the written notations, she was amazed by the historical references. Within the ledger were more letters. She read them, then held them aside.
Selecting some of the more interesting letters and ledgers, she decided that she’d talk to her mother about taking them to be appraised. She set them aside to take pictures of everything just in case.
Continuing, she found a crystal and pewter inkwell and silver makeup and cigarette case with an engraving dating back to the twenties. She also found a couple of small beaded purses and some hair combs and a jewelry box containing dozens of colorful trinkets that looked like new.
She Said, She Said Page 11
