Bountiful Harvest

by Darlene Tallman

  With her dinner done and all her books purchased, she closed the laptop then got the kitchen cleaned up. Since it was still light out, she took the ball outside to play with the puppies. Maisie would give chase, but it wasn’t her “thing” so she didn’t do it for long, but the puppies were full of boundless energy. She knew she had to figure out a better schedule so they got plenty of “out” time, it wasn’t fair that they had spent a lot of time in their crates since the boys had left. All that would change this weekend once they were home. The shop hours were extended, but the locals knew, after years, that they fluctuated depending on whether the kids were home or not. She felt very blessed that despite that fact, they were usually pretty busy and soon, they would have the backto-school special that they always ran so that the kids could look their best when they returned to school. Thinking a bit more, she wondered if Frank’s daughters would help the older girls with make-up techniques. She could provide the make-up and even bless each of the young women with their own bag! Frank’s generosity towards her was going to let her do that this year. Grabbing her phone, she shot off a quick text to Renee to get her thoughts.

  Dorrie: Hey girl, hope I’m not interrupting anything. I had an idea to run by you.

  Renee: Nope. Just got done with the dinner dishes and sitting out here watching the kids in the pool. What’s up? Dorrie: Well, I was thinking about the pending back-toschool special we would be running, and wondered what you would think if we asked the girls if they would host a make-up technique class or classes for the older girls? We could then bless them with a bag of the make-up that works for them. What do you think? I’ve got money in my pocket to burn still!

  Renee: Laughing out loud. Um, you know, that’s a great idea! What make-up line do you want to look at? And, they need to know about proper skincare as well. Yes, let’s do this! Want me to make up flyers so the girls can “register”? And maybe we can have them fill out a brief questionnaire about their current routines? You and I can do the skincare part the first time, then let the girls do it after that? Maybe three sessions?

  Dorrie: Let’s look tomorrow at who we usually do, and maybe reach out to their moms. Some of the moms might benefit as well, but this will be for their girls and I want them to be a part of it all. Yeah?

  Renee: Oh my God, you’re starting to sound like him with your “yeah”… lolol. Dorrie: Whatevs. Okay, well, that’s a plan then and we’ll run it by the girls tomorrow too. Gonna get the dogs in and take my shower before Frank calls.

  Renee: Night girl. Had fun today.

  Dorrie: Love you! I did too.

  Renee: Love you girlie.

  With the dogs now in and their nighttime bones given out, the puppies headed into their crates and settled pretty quickly. Checking the doors and setting the alarm, she turned out the lights after she took her night meds, then headed into her room to grab a shower. Seeing the Pure Pleasures bag on her bed, she pulled out the finger thingy and took it in with her to see what the fuss was about. Thirty minutes later, flushed once again after rocking her own world so to speak, she finished up her nighttime routine then climbed into bed and opened her Kindle to where she left off.

  Thirty minutes later, her phone rang and glancing at the display and seeing it was Frank, she put the Kindle aside and answered with a smile on her face.

  “Hey you, perfect timing!”

  “What are you doing, beautiful? Wanted to give you enough time to get your gazillion bags into the house and unloaded.” “Oh, he’s got jokes tonight I see. Well, I was reading, but I was at a good stopping point. Yes, I’m game to try that bible study. I had a blast shopping today, even though I was embarrassed to pieces by not only Nancy and Renee, but also Mo the shopkeeper! Not to mention the fact that when I got home tonight, some sweet man I know had come by and taken the puppies out after feeding them and got me a bottle of wine and wrote me a sweet note.”

  “Sweetheart, I’m glad you had fun. Can’t wait to see what you bought.”

  “Um, well, some things you won’t be seeing just yet!” Laughing, he responded “I know, but I have a vivid imagination where you are concerned, sweetheart, and I am definitely imagining things about what you bought. So, tell me, what did you get at Pure Pleasures?”

  Knowing he couldn’t see her helped the blush. Maybe. Or, maybe not, but who was going to tell him. The cats? “Well, I got this thing that is supposed to provide, um, direct stimulation, and then I got this other thing that fits on my index finger, and then Mo tossed in some edible lotion and massage oils.”

  Hearing her say that almost without pausing for a breath, he had to think about what she said for a minute. Realizing she likely meant a rabbit and that it would show her exactly what she liked, at least until he could, and definitely curious about the edible lotion, he finally said “Edible lotion? Flavors? Kind of hoping my favorite will be in that bunch. As for massage oils, whenever you need one, sweetheart, I’m your man.”

  Face now totally flaming, she said “Um, peppermint, cherry, black cherry, and one that smells like sugar cookies.” “All favorites of mine. Now about those massage oils, I think tomorrow you’ll be getting a foot massage. You’re on your feet all the time.”

  Never having had a foot massage, all she could manage to say was “I’m kind of ticklish.” “Not with the pressure I’ll use. Be ready, sweetheart, okay?” “Okay. Um, I had something else I wanted to tell you.”

  “Shoot. You know already, no topic is off limits between us, okay?” “Well, I have to sleep with a bipap machine and oxygen concentrator at night. Um, Drew wouldn’t sleep in the same room as me once I got diagnosed with complex sleep apnea, said it kept him awake. You’ll probably feel the same way?” she squeaked out.

  “Darlin’, let me tell you something, once you are mine and we’re together, there’s nothing that will keep me from being curled around you every night. Do you get me?”

  “Yes, I think so. It might annoy you at first, though. Just saying.”

  “Dorrie-girl, I believe we’ll be so tired from our extracurricular activities that it will be like white noise. Stop worrying about stuff, okay? If this is something you need to stay healthy and whole, I don’t care about the noise, y’hear?”

  Huffing out a breath she didn’t even know she was holding, she grinned with relief and then said “I hear you. Thank you. Um, I had an idea that I hope the girls will be on board to help us with. We do a back-to-school special every year and I was thinking that we could hold a skincare/make-up technique class or classes and let the girls do the demonstrating. Renee and I will then provide each of the girls attending with their own make-up bag with supplies. What do you think? Would they do it?”

  “What a wonderful idea! Wait, how are you two getting the make-up?”

  “Can I say professional secret and you believe me?” “Ah, now look who has her own jokes! No. If you girls pay for it, you let me know the total and the MC will reimburse you both.”

  “Frank, if you do that, we can’t be a blessing to those girls and it’s something we have wanted to do for a long time. What if we told you the amount and maybe got the school supply lists for all the kids we do? I know for a fact that their supplies will be a drop in the bucket and then, you can donate general supplies to the elementary school?”

  “Brilliant and beautiful. Okay, we’ll play it that way. I understand wanting to bless others. But you have to know that you are already a blessing to others in so many ways. The stuff you make for the Market. The way you treat everyone who comes into the salon. How you are with others, even strangers, even when you’re uncomfortable.”

  “Jokes, compliments and a bit of flirting. Yeah, you’re a triple threat tonight, Frank!”

  “Ah there’s my sassy minx. I’m going to let you go sweetheart. I know you have a somewhat busy day based on what the girls told me tonight over dinner before they bailed to hang with the older MC kids, who are really young adults but still kids in my eyes. Glad they are making friends. They mentioned s
omething about changing colleges tonight too and possibly changing majors. But I’ll come by and take care of the puppies midday if you want and of course, I’ll be there with dinner around six if that works. Just call or text me if the time doesn’t work, y’hear?”

  “Yes, thank you for taking care of the puppies. My schedule when the boys are gone is always wonky, and of course, now with puppies who are eating three times a day, my guilt meter is raised. I think six will work, but I’ll let you know in the afternoon if that’s okay?”

  “Absolutely. Good night sweetheart. I love you and will see you in the morning.”

  “Good night Frank. Sleep well.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Thursday The morning had flown by, and the girls had run out to grab their lunches while there was a bit of a lull. Dorrie looked over the book for the afternoon and, seeing that her last appointment was around two, casually asked “Mind if I take off after Mrs. Jones? I kind of want to get ready for my ‘in’ date with Frank and that includes a soak and maybe a pedicure, since he mentioned giving me a foot massage tonight.”

  “So that’s what they are calling it these days, huh? Just kidding. Yes, in fact, since I’ve done her before, if you want, take off after lunch and go get your toes done professionally so they’re pretty.”

  “You sure? We’ve both been going ninety to nothing today and I know you’re wiped too.” “Yes, positive. How many days have you covered the afternoons when the kids had something going on that I had to be there for?”

  “Fine. I’ll do it. While we’re eating, let’s talk to the girls about our plans.”

  “Works for me. They’re doing great so far, don’t you think?” “Yes. I can see they got a strong work ethic from their dad, that’s for sure.” Hearing the door chime and seeing the girls coming through with bags and drinks, she said “Go ahead and flip the sign to the ‘lunch’ one and lock the door; we have a few things we want to run by you two while we eat, okay?”

  “Sure, I’ve got it, Josie you go ahead and go in back and get the food out for all of us,” Jessie bossed. “Yes ma’am, right on top of that,” Josie replied.

  Once they were settled in the break room and eating, Dorrie looked at Renee and then said to the two girls “Hey, we had an idea we wanted your input on. We do a back-to-school special every year for the kids to get them spruced up for school. We were thinking that maybe this year, we could incorporate a skincare and make-up class for the older girls, say maybe eighth graders and up. Because you both have flawless skin and do a beautiful job with your own make-up, we wanted you to head it up. What do you think?”

  Josie looked at Jessie and then back at Renee and Dorrie. “Really? We would love to help do that!” “Great, then it’s settled. We’re also going to give each of the girls who attend their own make-up bags filled with the stuff they need to do their own routine and apply their own makeup. While I haven’t run this by Renee yet, since so many of the young ladies here in town have families whose incomes are very limited still, I’m thinking that if they bring their empty product bottles back, we will supply them with new bottles so they can keep it up.”

  Renee broke in and said “So, can one or both of you create some flyers and also maybe a basic questionnaire for the girls attending so we can make sure they have the right products for their skin types? We’re also going to need price comparisons on cute make-up bags for them; we want this to be fun. Also, we are going to open it up to the moms as well, because we want everyone to feel and look their best, and we are going to need to check into the costs for what they may want or need. Free shipping is key, but if they don’t have it, let us know because we both have Prime accounts and can likely get it through Amazon quicker and cheaper than anywhere else. There are several skincare lines that are reasonably priced and I’ll get you those names in a bit, but we want the one that will encompass all skin types, from normal to dry to oily to even acne prone, okay?”

  By now, both girls were almost giddy with excitement and Josie piped up and said “We went to a class once and they recommended the mineral make-up as one of the best ones for all skin types. If I remember, it didn’t cost much either and I’m sure as much as you’ll order, you’ll get a discount too!”

  “Okay, well, I have a laptop here that we use when we place shop orders so you’re welcome to use that for researching, and if you create the flyer and questionnaire, we can pop that on a flashdrive and get it printed uptown.”

  With lunch over, they cleaned up and the girls went to take care of the towels and get the shop ready for the afternoon customers. Renee and Dorrie took a few minutes and in the silence, Dorrie felt led to pray “God, thank You for the willingness of these two young women to help others feel good about themselves. Thank You for the friendship and partnership that we have with one another. And, thank You for the blessing of Frank. Amen.”

  As the customers began coming in, they got back to work and when it was two o’clock, Renee shooed her out of the salon with a wink and a smile. “Go. Have fun tonight. Do whatever feels right, okay?”

  Laughing, Dorrie looked at her bestie and said “Within reason, I will. Maybe. Possibly. We’ll see.” Jumping in her Jeep, Dorrie sent Frank a quick text letting him know she was off early but running some errands, and that six should work for dinner still. Before she put the car in drive, she got a response back “Okay beautiful, have fun and I’ll see you later. Puppies were good today. Love you.”

  As she headed uptown to the nail salon, she thought about how much her life had changed in a few short months. Going from being a single mom to a relationship with a man who literally ticked all her boxes was nothing short of miraculous as far as she was concerned. Always a bit of a nerd in school, she dated but it was more like two friends going out. Never any real spark or flash. In fact, looking objectively at her marriage with her ex, she realized that she really hadn’t had that with him either. No real spark. Some attraction that never really panned out. Certainly nothing like what she had with Frank.

  Arriving home a few hours later, she realized she had more than enough time to take a relaxing bath before he arrived with their dinner. This was the first time they would really be “alone” in a sense, even though they had spent so much time with each other. Putting the dogs out and refreshing the community water bowl, she decided that she had time to put together a quick dessert, so set about doing that before she indulged in the tub.

  Thirty minutes later, with the cheesecake chilling in the fridge, she made her way into her room and pulled out what she wanted to wear to chill out at home. A tank top and yoga capris seemed the way to go, it was hot outside and since they would be home, she didn’t feel the need to dress up. Glancing at her toes and seeing the pretty coral pink, she realized that her top and pants were going to match her toes almost perfectly. With the tub filling, she prepared to relax and set her phone’s music up, as well as an alarm so she didn’t lose track of time. An hour later and after dressing, she made her way back into the kitchen to get the dogs fed. While they were eating, she took care of the cats, who were letting her know, rather loudly, that they “needed” wet food. Hearing the doorbell, she headed in that direction and opened the door to see Frank with bags in his hands, along with more flowers.

  “Hey! Just in time, the zoo crew are all fed and should leave us alone while we eat. Maybe. That’s my hope, anyhow!” “Hey beautiful. They had baked ravioli and I thought that sounded pretty good, how about you? And I grabbed some salads too. Hopefully you have some extra stuff to add to them if they’re too plain.”

  “I do! Renee brought in some stuff from her garden so let me see what they’re lacking and spruce them up some. Sound good?”

  “Sounds good to me. Now, c’mere you.”

  With everything now in the kitchen, she turned to find him right behind her. Putting her arms around his neck, she looked up as he leaned in and kissed her. Short, sweet, but with so much promise, he broke it off and kissed her forehead and then said “Let m
e get the plates set up while you get the salads fixed. I’m so glad we are doing this tonight. Been looking forward to it all day. By the way, you look gorgeous.”

  “Ah, thank you. One of the finds from yesterday and I didn’t even realize it, but my toes match perfectly. Go figure.” Looking down and then back up at what she was wearing, he chuckled and said “Yes, yes they do.” Working in companionable silence, Dorrie added more cucumbers and tomatoes and chopped up some boiled eggs she had and sprinkled them across the top. Pulling out the salad dressings she had, she brought it all to the table. “Frank, did you know what you wanted to drink? Got soda, water, beer. Your choice.”

  “Water is fine, let me grab it, you go ahead and sit down, okay?” After praying over the meal, they both dug in, while chatting about their days. Dinner done, they got the kitchen cleaned up and then he looked at her and said “Go and get those oils sweetheart, we’ll get set up and I’ll give you that foot massage I promised.”