“I don’t blame you for wanting to fire me, Payton. What I did was really rotten. I’ll get my things.”
I felt torn. Deep down she really was just a kid with the weight of the world on her shoulders.
“Natalie, wait.”
She turned around and barely whispered.
“Yes.”
“I want you to stay just as much as you want to be here. But, I need to know that I can count on you to be honest with me.”
“Oh, Payton, I promise you won’t have any more trouble out of me.”
“I know I won’t. I believe you’ve learned your lesson. Besides, I was already going to have security cameras installed for security reasons. If anything like this happens again, it’s on you!”
“Yes, ma’am. I promise.”
I passed her the tissue box.
“You’ve been talking about your mother being sick for a while now. If you don’t mind me asking, what’s wrong with her?”
“We don’t know. Neither one of us has health insurance. We paid out of pocket at the beginning of the year for a doctor’s visit but they wanted us to go have testing. We barely could afford that visit so testing was definitely out of the question.”
Again I sighed. I know I was supposed to maintain a fine line between professional and personal but it was hard not to be touched by their situation.
“Well, look, Natalie. I wish I had the answers to completely solve everything but, unfortunately, I don’t. The only thing I do have to offer, if you’re interested, is a full time job.”
“If I’m interested? Are you kidding?”
Natalie began to break down in tears again. Her eyes were puffy and her nose was red. If a customer walked in they would surely think that I did something to her.
“Don’t cry. I’m trying to help, not make it worse. Don’t get me wrong, we will both benefit from this. I wouldn’t be paying you full time to do nothing but…”
“You are helping me, Payton. Even when I don’t deserve it. I don’t even know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. With the wedding coming up, my honeymoon, and even after I return, I need extra help around here. It seems like not long after you helped me with building my online presence all of a sudden things really started picking up. That goes to show how much the business has changed over time.”
Natalie laughed.
“That’s how much our world has changed over time. Technology is everything.”
“I get it, but I’m old school, and having you here has taught me to get with the times. Funny thing is I always thought I was pretty hip as a woman approaching her mid forties. I guess I have some catching up to do.”
We exchanged a smile which helped Natalie to finally stop crying and relax.
“Natalie, this won’t last forever. You and your mother will get back on your feet again. And, the day will come where you will get back to finishing your degree and pursuing your dreams again.”
“I guess.”
“I know it doesn’t feel like it but you’ll be fine. Trouble doesn’t last forever. In the meantime, where’s that boyfriend of yours? Is he being supportive and understanding?”
“We broke up.”
“Aww, Natalie, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I had to focus my attention on mom. I guess it’s hard to keep a boyfriend if you can’t spend time with him.”
“If he’s going to take off and leave you when you’re down on your luck, you don’t need him anyway. You can do better. You’re beautiful, smart, and caring. If he couldn’t see that then let him be on his way.”
“Mom says it was his loss.”
“I like the way your mother thinks. Listen, why don’t you take a five minute break and clean up your face. With all that mascara running down your face the customers are going to think I abused you.”
“Okay.”
“When you get back we can talk about your new schedule.”
“Sounds good. Hey, Payton…”
“Yes?”
“Thank you… for everything.”
Natalie humbly lowered her head and walked to the back room. Going forward I’d keep an eye out to make sure she was keeping her word, but deep down inside I knew everything was going to be just fine.
Later that evening Emmie and I went to the diner for milkshakes.
“So, are you getting excited about being a bridesmaid?”
She nodded while slurping on her strawberry shake.
“Yep. I even cut down on my regular shakes so I could make sure my dress still fits.”
“Emmie, are you serious? You cut down on your shake intake for me?”
“Mm hmm.”
“Well, that’s sweet of you but you’re so tiny I doubt that an occasional shake will change that. Now, when you get to be my age, then we can talk.”
“You sound like grandma. She said the same thing.”
“It’s true!”
“Hey, Payton.”
“Yes?”
“Since it’s just the two of us here do you think we could have girl talk?”
“I was hoping we could. Do you have anything in particular on your mind?”
“Kinda. It’s something dad said we should talk about during our alone time.”
“You can tell me anything, Emmie. What’s up?”
“Now that you and dad are getting married, I was wondering what I should call you?”
“I see…well, this is a very important topic. I think you should start by listening to your heart.”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t answer this question out loud. Just think about it for a minute. What’s in your heart? What do you want to call me?”
“You mean you’re not going to tell me what I should call you?”
“No. I think this should be something that comes from your heart and something we can all agree on together.”
The biggest smile emerged from Emmie’s face.
“When I’m with my friends, they call their mothers mom all the time. I don’t know what that’s like. I can’t remember my mother. All I have are the stories that dad tells me and lots of pictures. If my real mom is watching us from heaven, I don’t think she would mind if I called you mom, too.”
I tried to keep my composure in front of Emmie but that was the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to me.
“Emmie, I’d be honored to have you call me mom. If that’s what would make you happy, then it makes me happy, too. I hope you know that I would never try and take the place of your real mom. Instead, I will love you and help you keep her memory alive.”
“Thanks.”
“Anything for you, Emms. Is there anything else on your mind?”
“Well, since you asked…” she said with a smirk on her face.
“Uh oh, I smell trouble.”
“Not really, I just need some advice.”
“Oh, okay. What’s up?”
“My friends have been talking to me about starting sixth grade in August and it’s making me a little nervous.”
“Already? It’s only June. What could you possibly be nervous about?”
“I heard from my friend Montana that in sixth grade the boys start to like you. She said they either like you or they tease you. All the boys around here are disgusting and I don’t want them to bother me.”
She flipped her hair to the side. I could tell she was passionate about it so I tried to recall what I would’ve done in middle school.
“How does Montana know so much about middle school if she was in fifth grade with you this year?”
“Her older sister tells her everything about middle school.”
“I see. Well, I would say be careful not to get yourself all worked up about something that hasn’t happened yet. Maybe Montana’s older sister had that experience and you won’t. Besides, all you have to focus on is surrounding yourself with a circle of sweet friends. That’s what I did in middle school and it worked out pretty well for me.”
“So, no one ever teased you?”
“They tried every now and again but my older sister and my friends wouldn’t stand for it.”
I leaned over to whisper some additional words of wisdom.
“Trust me. Start working on building your sweet team from the beginning. That way you can all look out for each other.”
“That’s a good idea. I’m sure I’ll meet somebody I can be friends with.”
“That’s the spirit. You’re going to do great in middle school. Oh, there’s one more thing that you have to do and it’s super important!”
“What’s that?”
“When you see someone who’s sitting all by themselves and it looks like they’re in need of a friend…”
“Wait, I already know what you’re going to say… invite them to join my sweet team, right?”
“You got it! See, you’re a natural, Emmie. I wouldn’t be too worried about middle school at all. As for the boys, they’re so worried about not looking dorky in front of their friends, you won’t have to worry about them.”
“Dorky?” Emmie looked confused.
“Yeah, you know, like a goofball. How do you and your friends say it?”
“We just say they look dumb.”
“Or that. Either way you get the idea. Now, what do you say we order a shake to go for your dad?”
“He’s going to love that. Give him a chocolate shake and he’ll be the happiest man on the whole planet.”
“One chocolate shake coming right up!”
Rebecca
“Alright everybody, this next game is sure to spice things up. If anyone mentions one of the following words, you get to take a clothes pin away from them. The one who ends up with the most pins in the end wins the game. Are you ready?”
About thirty women were standing around the room with clothes pins attached to their garments. We had all played different versions of the classic baby and bridal shower games. Each time we played we managed to rise to the occasion and make it fun all over again.
“Okay, here we go. The words are wedding, honeymoon, dress, bride, and shoes. Remember, if you say any of the words I just mentioned, you’ll have to give up a pin.”
“Five words? Since when did they change the rules to the game? I barely can keep up with one word and now you want me to keep from saying five? Good night of living! Who wants my pins? I’m out.” Daddy’s cousin Jolene drove in for the shower from Jacksonville. We didn’t see her very often but when she did come around we were sure to be entertained or embarrassed.
“Jolene, don’t be a party pooper. Come sit with me. I’ll show you how it’s done,” mom offered.
“Helen, I’ll watch you while I sip on something to help relax my nerves. The drive from Jacksonville nearly put me out of commission. I’m getting too old to be running up and down the road. Plus these shoes hurt so bad I…”
“Cousin Jolene, hand over your pin!” I said.
“What’s that now?”
“You have to hand over your pin. You said shoes.”
“That’s because these bunions are giving me a fit. Now go on and chase after somebody else. Shoo! And, don’t come back until you have that sweet baby boy of yours so I can meet him.”
Cousin Jolene was as sassy as they come and didn’t have a filter. At least if she had one she never used it.
“Rebecca and Abby, I can’t thank you enough for organizing my shower. Everything is perfect. The guests, the games, and the venue of all places! How in the world did you manage to pull off a shower at Marina Del Mar? This place was booked for the entire summer,” Payton said.
Abby leaned in. “Trust me, we had to pull a lot of major strings. Our back up location would’ve been mom and dad’s house if we couldn’t pull it off.”
“She’s not kidding. We literally have to get out of here on time so they can prepare for a reception right after,” I added.
“Wow, thank you for doing this. The shower couldn’t be more perfect.”
We were surrounded by a panoramic view of the ocean, which made for a beautiful backdrop as we mingled. Payton was beaming from ear to ear which made it all worthwhile.
Emmie ran over to Payton. You could tell she was excited about presenting something special in a large white box.
“I have a gift for you.” Emmie presented a box to Payton.
“It’s from grandma and me. She said I should put it on the table with the other gifts, but I really think you should open it now.”
“You know what, Emmie, that’s not a bad idea. Why don’t we bring Payton over to the bridal chair so she can open all of her gifts,” I offered.
I tapped a glass to get everyone’s attention.
“Ladies…”
“Oh, no. Not another game.” Cousin Jolene sat a few feet away but spoke loud enough to be heard across the room.
“Ladies, may I have your attention? I can see that many of you are doing well with collecting pins. At this time we’re going to gather by the bridal chair decorated by yours truly. Payton, if you will have a seat we can begin passing you the gifts.”
“Looks like Rebecca picked up a few pounds in the rear end after having the baby.”
I could hear Jolene in the background talking so loud one would’ve thought she was hard of hearing.
“Cousin Jolennnne…we cannn hearrrr youuuu!” I tried to be pleasant. I normally didn’t do polite but I was trying not to make a scene at Payton’s shower.
“Abby, why don’t you take over and help with the gifts. I need to go find a bottle of wine.”
“That’s the spirit. Bring me one, too!” Cousin Jolene chimed in.
I rolled my eyes but no one could really see me except Abby.
“Rebecca, it’s twelve o’clock in the afternoon. Nobody is having a bottle of anything. Now, stay here and help… and for goodness sake, smile!”
I whispered to Abby while I bent over to pick up the next gift.
“I was smiling until Cousin Jolene showed up. She told mom that I gained weight after having John William.”
“And? What’s the problem? You still look good, Rebecca. I don’t understand why you’re letting Jolene, of all people, get under your skin. You know the woman isn’t dealing with a full deck to begin with.”
Payton stood to give Emmie and Alice a hug for the dinnerware set and engraved glass pitcher.
“Thank you, Emmie… thanks, Alice. Your gift will definitely be put to good use.”
“There’s more where that came from. You’re going to need it. Cole has a bachelor’s kitchen that needs a woman’s touch,” Alice said.
Abby passed the next gift along to Payton while I wrote down who it was from. I was still irritated.
“Abby, I don’t agree with what you said one bit. I think she is dealing with a full deck. She’s just arrived at the age where she says whatever’s on her mind without a filter, that’s all.”
“Nope. I don’t believe it. She’s done way too many things over the years that justify being a little cray cray.”
I continued collecting wrapping paper in between recording gifts. Payton was giving us the side eye but Abby didn’t notice. She continued whispering as she passed along the next gift.
“Remember the summer we went to her house by the lake? I don’t think she let the sun rise good before she was out back targeting beer cans with her shot gun,” Abby said.
“Oh, yeah. I almost forgot about that. We nearly jumped right out of our skin. I bet nobody went back to sleep that morning.”
“You mean every morning the entire time we were out there. And, when we finally worked up the nerve to ask her about it she said it was her morning ritual before heading off to work. Imagine that!”
“I’m surprised the neighbors didn’t report her for breaking the local ordinance,” I said.
“I don’t think there is such a thing when you live out in the back woods.”
“Will you two hush!” Payton looked annoyed.
“Sorry,” I whispe
red.
Afterward, we ate cake and mingled for a while longer.
“What has gotten into you two?” mom asked.
“Don’t look at me. Rebecca is the one who’s annoyed at Cousin Jolene,” Abby said.
“Abby, you were talking about her just as much as I was.”
“What for?” Mom stood there looking as if she didn’t know how special Jolene was.
“We were just discussing how she’s… you know…outspoken… rude…”
“Crazy,” Abby added.
“I beg your pardon. Jolene has a unique way about her but she’s family.”
“She can still be family and be crazy,” Abby said.
Mom cut a look toward Abby.
“You two oughta be ashamed. I’m really surprised at you, Abby.”
“Abby? You’re surprised at Abby? In our defense, Jolene came in here smelling like she fell off the wagon, talking out loud about her bunions, and how I gained weight in my rear end, but you’re scolding us? I thought we were all classier than that.”
“Look, Jolene is a very well respected woman in her home town. She carried the title of nurse but performed her duties to the caliber of a doctor. She’s well known in her community and was held to the highest esteem. After her husband’s passing things changed tremendously for her. Times are a little bit harder for her now. But that shouldn’t matter. She’s still family. So try and be kind and cut her some slack.”
“I’ll behave for you, but I’m glad she’s heading back home after the shower,” I said.
Mom stood quietly for a moment. “About that. I was thinking it might be nice if Jolene came and stayed with us for a little while,” she said.
“Mom, have you lost your mind?”
“No! I’m being serious, Rebecca.”
“So am I!”
“Since things have been pretty tough on her lately, I was thinking it might be a win-win situation for both of us. She’s trying to get rid of her house to relieve her finances and we need a nurse for your father. She’s experienced and she’s a trusted member of the family.”
“Okay, I see where you’re trying to go with this but having Jolene come to a bridal shower, verses having Jolene come live with you is two different things,” Abby said.
A Pelican Beach Affair (Pelican Beach Book 3) Page 10
