Bountiful Harvest

by Darlene Tallman

  “No, I think you’ve got it covered. We need one of you to do inventory of the supply room because we need to order supplies and color and what-not. If one of you want to start on that, that would be fantastic.”

  “Josie, why don’t you start on inventory and I’ll get the towels folded up and put away” Jessie said.

  “Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I’m way more organized than you anyhow!” Josie responded. “Okay girls, the clock ‘starts’ at nine and it goes until we’re done for the day. Lunch is on the shop, so don’t worry about that, but if there’s something you prefer to drink other than water, we have the fridge in back and you’re welcome to bring whatever you’d like.”

  “Sounds good to us both! I know I speak for Jessie when I say we are both excited about this opportunity. We’ve been thinking a lot about transferring colleges too, and plan to talk to dad about that once we see what’s around here that’s comparable,” Josie said.

  Hearing the door chime, Dorrie looked at the girls and said “Inventory and towel folding have to wait, shampoos to learn to do!” Turning to her introduced both girls, pointed out the tip jar, and then let the girls take them to the shampoo bowls while she and Renee pulled out the rollers and clips. Thankfully, they now had four dryers, so even though there was a bit of a wait, usually by the time the fifth and sixth women were ready to go under, the first two were dry. It had taken some trial and error, but they had figured out who to do first to minimize the women’s time so they could go to lunch, which was their weekly habit. Saying a silent prayer that the morning would fly by because, after all, she and the girls were shopping later, she smiled at her first customer and got busy rolling.

  you’ve got

  seniors, she Three and a half hours later, the seniors were done and they had even managed a few walk-in haircuts, thanks to the girls taking the rollers down so the comb outs didn’t take as long. Today was relatively profitable. She and Renee had figured they would each pay one of the girls for the week; what no one knew was that while she would own the building, they were partners in the actual business. Looking around the shop after the closed sign was turned, she was impressed that it was swept down, the dryers had been wiped down, the shampoo bowls looked spotless and there was a load waiting for a few more towels before the washer was ready to run. And, best of all, the shampoo bowl tip jar was full. That made her happy for the girls; she was sure the regulars would love helping them earn a little bit of spending money.

  “Girls, we’re done for the day, four hours in, how do you feel?” “Good. I enjoyed today a lot!” Josie said. It seemed she was the more outspoken of the two, but then again, they traded answering a lot, so she couldn’t really tell.

  “I did too. Josie, should we wait until the end of the week to split the tips or do you want to do it daily?”

  “Um, is there some place we can store it daily and then split it at the end of the week? We’ll feel like we have more then.” “Yeah, I like that idea. And if it doesn’t split evenly, we can salt the jar for the next week!” Grinning because the girls had figured it out on their own, she got a bank bag from under the desk in the “office” and handed it over. “I like your thinking. Renee and I do the same thing. We keep our tips separate and if folks pay by check, we swap our cash out accordingly, if that makes sense. Right now, with school looming, I have money tucked for the school supplies, and am working on Christmas.”

  Handing the girls a twenty-dollar bill, she then said “This is for lunch since it’s our short day. Renee, Nancy and I are headed out shopping so you girls go and have some fun and enjoy the rest of your day. Oh, and we are closed on Sundays and Mondays, although occasionally one of us has to do a house call. If I do it and you’re available, can one or both of you babysit the boys for me? Same hourly rate, of course.”

  “Absolutely! We can’t wait to meet them!” With that, they headed out of the salon after turning everything off and locking up and she headed toward the Market to see Frank before they went shopping. “Hey you, not too long now!” Renee called out.

  “Yeah, yeah, whatevs. I’ll be back in a few, promise. Did you text Nancy and let her know we’ll be there shortly?” “Yes, going to do that now while you’re busy with your man.”

  “Smartass. Always gotta be one in the crowd!” Dorrie responded. Walking into the Market, she spied Frank over by the produce and headed in his direction. Seeing her, he turned and said “Thought you were going shopping? I was looking forward to hearing about your purchases later tonight.”

  Blushing, she looked at him and said “Yeah, we’re leaving in a few minutes. Just wanted to tell you thank you for what you gave me earlier today.”

  “No thanks needed, sweetheart, but I’m glad you came over. Got a craving for some mint again.” “I don’t want to take what we have and are building for granted, Frank, so you’ll always hear me telling you thank you, even for things you don’t think warrant it.”

  Clasping her hand and pulling her close, he leaned down and kissed her. “Sweetheart, I don’t think you have an ungrateful bone in your body, but if you feel you have to do that, I won’t complain. I take thanks in hugs and kisses. For now. We’ll renegotiate at a later date.”

  Rolling her eyes at his comments, she simply said “Can’t wait to see how that works out for you.”

  “Ah, a sassy minx today eh? Well, my beautiful minx, I want to hear all about your ‘shopping’ expedition, yeah?” “If you must.”

  “Oh I must, sweetheart, I absolutely must.”

  Kissing her again, he walked out of the Market and saw Renee waiting in her vehicle. He made sure she got into the truck and gave her a quick kiss on her forehead before saying “You girls be careful, yeah?”

  “Aye aye captain!” Dorrie retorted. Grinning, he gave her a wink before shutting her door and heading back to the Market. He so wished he could be a fly on the wall, and he was pretty sure she had no clue that he had put a substantial bit of money in the account to get her started. He had noticed that while the boys always seemed to have what they needed, she pretty much wore the same thing. While he thought she was beautiful in anything she had on, he wanted her to be able to buy for herself without worrying.

  Two hours later, after a delicious lunch at their favorite Mexican restaurant that included a margarita or three, at least for her, they headed off to shop. She had almost died when she saw the checkbook balance, and then realized that this man was putting his words into action and taking care of her.

  “Alright girl, before we head off to Pure Pleasures, we’re getting you a new wardrobe. I have it on excellent authority that your man gave you your account today and we need to put a healthy dent into it, y’hear?” Renee said as they maneuvered out of the parking lot. “We both love you to pieces, but you need some clothes and likely, some new lingerie, and I know you need shoes!”

  Laughing, she asked them both “How did you know about the account?”

  “Every old man sets his old lady up with an account. And believe me, they add to it every month whether we use a little or not. I think Cory said they get an alert if it hits five hundred dollars, but I know mine never has and I don’t think Nancy’s has either, has it?”

  “Eh, I came close that one time when I was buying jewelry to go on that trip. That darn necklace and earring set pushed me down. Way down. But it was worth it to see the look on his face when he saw me all gussied up with new jewelry. A word of advice? Enjoy it. You deserve to be spoiled like this and we are going to make sure you enjoy it to the max, okay?”

  Realizing that she had obviously entered the twilight zone or an alternate universe, she leaned back and said “Let’s go spend some money!”

  Reaching the mall, they got out and in a matter of a few hours, put a sizable dent in her new account. New bras (in the right size even!), new panties, new nightgowns and lingerie, capris, shorts, jeans, tops, tanks, a few of the maxi dresses she loved, a new bathing suit (or was it three? the two of them were merciless), sandals,
boots, sneakers, make-up, a leather jacket and chaps for colder weather riding, and even some new earrings. She mentally balked at the fact that they had spent several thousands and she literally had a new wardrobe. But, he did say to spend it on stuff she wanted or needed, and God knew how long it had been since she had shopped for herself. She even found a few things for the boys, against the girls’ protests, to welcome them home. Now? Well, now it was time for Pure Pleasures.

  Walking into the sex shop, she was amazed at how nice it looked inside. Never having been inside a store like this, she had imagined it would be a seedy dump with skeevy men around every corner. Instead, an attractive woman was manning the counter and she smiled when they came in the door. “Looks like a newbie is walking in, eh?”

  “Hey Mo, yeah, our girl here needs a few toys to start her box with and we know you’ve got the best selection around.”

  Walking over to Dorrie, Mo looked her up and down and softly said “Honey, whatever was before is now gone. We’re gonna make sure you get what you want and what you need, okay?”

  Flustered because how on earth this woman saw what she thought was so carefully hidden, she merely said “Okay. I’m not really sure what to get or anything, but my girls here think I need to know what I like before my man and I actually connect physically.” Hmm, the alcohol must still be in her system, why on earth would she say that to a complete stranger otherwise?!?!

  Laughing, Mo directed her over to the vibrator section, and proceeded to give her a sex toy education. She finally decided on one that would give direct stimulation, along with something called a finger cuff for the shower, and then just browsed while her girls looked around. “Hey Dorrie, you should totally get some edible panties!” Renee called out from across the store.

  “Oh my God I am so going to kill them. Slowly. I’m a hairdresser, I’m sure I have something sharp in my purse somewhere” Dorrie grumbled to Mo, who was now laughing hysterically at the trio. “Oh honey, y’all are tame compared to some of the folks who walk through those doors! I could tell you stories that would make your hair curl without chemicals!”

  “Listen here, chica, no edible panties. At least, not yet. What if when that happens I don’t like it? Then they would be a waste of money!” Dorrie responded to her friends, who were now trying to find the right flavor.

  “Oh honey, as swollen as your lips were when you came back this morning, I believe that man knows exactly what to do with his mouth. And, that you’re going to enjoy the hell out of it when it happens.”

  “Wait, what swollen lips? You holding out on me?” Nancy demanded.

  “Um no, Frank took me across to the Market this morning, gave me a set of keys to the building next door. Oh! I forgot, the club voted and we can get a consignment store set up for the community!”

  “Uh, back to the topic at hand – swollen lips?!??!” Nancy all but shrieked. Realizing that once again, her friend had a “bone” and wasn’t going to let up, she looked her dead in the eyes and said “We necked, okay? Made out on the couch in the office like two teenagers, except he kept his hands up.”

  “Whoo hoo! Sounds like he’s stepping his game up. I foresee a wedding in the near future because he might be Mr. Control, but I think you’re gonna run him through his paces and that patience he is known for is going to crumble and fall.”

  “Once again, he has not asked me. He’s my old man and I’m his old lady. Period.” “Uh, just to say, darlin’, but generally, from what I know, when that happens, you may as well be married, at least in the eyes of the MC,” Mo added.

  “Wait, what?!??! Why didn’t you two tell me? Oh my God, what if he’s…I mean, I’m not...oh shit, I need another margarita or three,” Dorrie cried.

  Hearing something, she turned to see both of her alleged besties doubled over with laughter and Mo wasn’t much better. Here she was, about to have a panic attack, and they were losing their ever-loving minds! What in the hell was going on? With her hands on her hips, she gave them “the look” and said “Explain. Now. Immediately.”

  Still chuckling a little, Renee attempted to stand up and once she managed it, she looked at Dorrie and said “Honey, once they claim you, they generally get busy so to speak. The fact that you and Frank haven’t is a testament to his patience and how he’s following God’s lead in your relationship. What we’re trying to tell you is this – if you wait, you wait, if you don’t, you don’t. You do what’s right for the two of you, no one else. I think, and this is just me, if you told him even a smidgen of what you shared with us last night that you may do a lot of things, but until you both say ‘I do’ the final act will wait. But, that’s just what I’m thinking. You missed a lot of steps with that jerk and Frank is going to make sure you know those steps thoroughly so when it finally happens, you’re really ready.”

  Taking a deep breath, she blew it out and looked at the three of them and said “I think you’re right. I never knew what ‘bases’ were in high school because I was such a nerd. As um, hot and bothered as the necking got me, I’ll likely implode when we move further along.”

  “Eh, implode in a good way!” they chorused before losing it again. Yep, surrounded by chuckleheads. Every last one of them. Even Mo, who was not part of their group but had seemingly bonded with her two besties over the whole situation.

  “Did you two get what you were looking for? I need to get back to the house and take care of the puppies; I meant to ask Frank if he could stop by but totally forgot.”

  “Yep. I got what I wanted and I know Nancy did as well. You’re good now, too, right?” Renee answered, rather smartly, based on her tone.

  “Yes. Mo, can you please ring me up? And, thank you for your help,” said Dorrie. “Let’s get you ladies going, shall we? Oh, and because you’re a newbie to this whole thing, I’m tossing in some edible lotions. They can be rubbed anywhere, neck, shoulders, lower. Anywhere. And, I have it on excellent authority that they are divine.”

  Shaking her head, she allowed Mo to “gift” her with the edible lotions basket, along with a smaller basket of massage oils. If nothing else, she could massage her own feet, right?

  As they headed back toward home, they ran through the Chicfil-A drive-through and got some fries and drinks to snack on. Dorrie’s downfall was the frosted lemonade and she got two of them, even though she knew one would melt before she got the first one done.

  Back at the salon, they transferred Dorrie’s bags into her Jeep, said their good-byes and parted ways. As she drove home, she was still amazed at all she had bought that day. She had even gotten some of the bath salts she loved, as well as some candles. Sounded like a good bath was in her future, especially since she was “going out” with Frank the next night, even though they were staying in.

  After what felt like a thousand trips from the Jeep to the house, but was in all likelihood only three, she collapsed on her couch and finished off the last bit of her lemonade. Slightly revived, she realized she hadn’t taken her midday dose of meds, and set about doing that as she was feeling a bit peaked and knew she had to be careful to guard against a crisis. Crap, she hadn’t mentioned that to Frank, or where her emergency shots were kept “just in case”. She had only had two crises since being diagnosed, but both had landed her in the hospital. Getting her meds box in the kitchen, she quickly gulped down the pills with a bottle of water. Ugh, she hated it when one hit her tongue – they were bitter and the taste seemed to last forever.

  “Alright, c’mon babies, let’s go outside okay then momma will feed you!” she said to the puppies, with Maisie waiting so patiently. As the puppies and Maisie headed out the doggy door, she turned and saw another envelope with Frank’s handwriting propped against a bottle of wine. Snagging it, she went back and sat down on the couch. Putting the clothes away would just have to wait, right?

  “Hey sweetheart, I hope you enjoyed your day. I came by and fed the puppies and put them out for a while because I knew you wouldn’t be home until later. The boys are going to b
e surprised at how big they’ve grown in just two weeks! Put the bottle of wine in the fridge, I was thinking I would bring pasta over tomorrow night. And, I saw a few movies on ondemand that you probably haven’t seen yet, but we can talk about that later. I’m sure you’ve got stuff to put away, and you likely need to eat dinner, so I’ll wait awhile before I call. But understand, I will call so you can tell me what you found for yourself, yeah? Know that I love you more than words could ever express. I’ve been reading the Song of Solomon. He was a wise man and knew how to woo his woman. Something I wanted to talk about tonight was how you felt about us doing a couples bible study. I found one for committed couples and looking through it, I think it will help us work through anything that could possibly come up. You game? I’ll talk to you later, sweetheart. Love you. Frank”

  Dang, he was good. Very very good. As she got up and started emptying the bags, she got a load of the bras and panties and what-nots going, because she couldn’t see wearing anything like that without washing it first, then pulled out the sweater rack she had as the girl at the store said the bras needed to air dry to ensure they stayed good. She had also fussed at her a bit and told her she should buy new bras every six months or so to ensure the proper fit, blah blah blah. She hung up the shirts and pants and capris, folded the tanks and t-shirts, and went and rounded up more hangers for the maxi dresses she had found. Then she realized that her closet was past overflowing and started pulling out the clothes that no longer fit or had worn themselves out. Finishing that task, she hit the dresser and made room there as well. Looking at all the pretty things, she felt a twinge of excitement at the thought that Frank would see her in a new outfit tomorrow night!

  With the clothes all put away, and the bras now drying on the rack and the rest in the dryer, she brought the dogs back in and set about feeding them. While they were eating, she got out the meat she had been marinating and stuck it on the counter grill, then got a potato ready for the microwave. Grabbing the salad she had in the fridge, she added a few things and then, once the dogs were done and back outside for a while, she sat down and ate, reading her latest book. So many books, so little money…wait, she had her wishlist. Plus, she now had this awesome account. Getting back up and grabbing her laptop, she pulled up her Amazon account, changed the account information and proceeded to buy every book on her wish list. Many were now part of boxed sets, so she got bargains, but where there were complete series, she snagged those, then went ahead and pre-ordered several that she had written down. Hmmm, she might just have a book addiction. Maybe. Or not. She needed to ask Frank if he liked to read, that was something she did before she fell asleep every night. Crap. She hadn’t told him about the sleep apnea either. Jeez, this relationship thing was rough. Drew hadn’t slept in the room with her once she was diagnosed because “that noise kept him awake”. Whatevs, it was like white noise to her now. Guess that was something else she needed to add to the list of topics to discuss.