by Lydia Rose
“Thank you and you girls enjoy your day too.”
Jane and Alice went into the house in search of Millie.
Karen watched them walk away and had no doubt that Doctor Jane Richards was a lesbian. Now she just had to figure out how to get her daughter and the doctor together.
****
While the music played, Nicole watched as another familiar face walked toward them.
“I seem to be running into you wherever I go. Are you following me?” Kay asked with a big grin.
“Yes, Kay. You caught me. Kay, this my friend Linda.”
Kay bowed and took Linda’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet a friend of Nicole’s,” she said with a wink.
Nicole rolled her eyes. “Careful with this one,” she said to Linda. “She’s the resident Casanova.”
Kay grabbed her heart. “Oh, you sure know how to hurt a girl.”
Linda smiled up at Kay and Nicole could tell Linda was already smitten.
“Are you here with friends?” Nicole asked looking at Kay.
“Yeah. They’re around here somewhere, but when I saw you,” Kay touched her heart again, “I had to come over and say hello. I’m glad you took my advice about taking some time for yourself.”
“Yes,” Nicole laughed. “It’s all because of you.”
“Would you ladies like to join me for something to drink?” Kay asked slightly bowing.
Linda immediately stood up. “Sure.”
Nicole followed and Linda gravitated to Kay’s side. Kay looked over Linda’s head at Nicole. As the three women sat having a beer, Nicole stood up. “Excuse me,” she said walking away. She walked up to a woman and tapped her on the shoulder.
“Nicole,” the woman said hugging Nicole closely.
“Hi Sam. How are you?”
“I’m good. I haven’t seen you in a while. Have you been to the bar recently?” Sam asked holding Nicole’s hand.
“I was there last Saturday night, but I didn’t stay too long.”
“That’s why I didn’t see you. I came later with some friends.” Sam turned and waved at Linda. “Is Linda dating Kay?”
Nicole chuckled. “No, but I bet she’d love to.”
“Yeah, I’m sure. Although, I doubt that woman will ever settle down.”
“So I’ve been told,” Nicole said.
“How do you know her?”
“My parents sold my grandparents’ house and she’s part of the crew remodeling the house.”
“Wow, someone actually bought that house?”
“Yeah. A dentist who obviously has a lot of money to put into the place. Do you want to come over and say hi to Linda?”
“Sure,” Sam said as they walked toward the two women. “Hi Linda,” she said with a hug. “It’s good to see you.”
“You too, Sam.” Linda turned to Kay. “Sam, this is Kay.”
“We’ve met,” Sam said nodding, but she remained cool when it came to Kay. “Nicole, I’m with some friends over there,” Sam pointed. “Why don’t you and Linda join us?”
Kay stood up. “Go ahead. I’ll catch up with my friends. I’ll see you next week Nicole.”
The three women watched Kay walk away. “She’s such a pig,” Sam said with a scowl.
Linda’s mouth dropped open. “I thought she was sweet.”
“Sweet, sexy and she’ll sleep with you and then she’s off to someone else,” Sam said.
“Do you speak from experience?” Linda asked.
“Yes, unfortunately. I didn’t hear about her reputation until after we slept together. She was a big mistake.” Sam turned to Nicole. “Did you see her at the bar last Saturday?”
Nicole nodded. “I danced with her a couple of times.”
“Did you leave with her?” Linda asked.
“Nope,” Nicole said.
“Did she ask you?” Sam asked.
“Yeah.”
“You said no?” Sam asked surprised.
“Yes. I could tell she was a player and with her working next door to my farm stand, I didn’t want it to be awkward.”
“You’re a better woman than I,” Linda chimed in. “I wouldn’t have turned down that hunk even if it was only for one night.”
Nicole and Sam laughed. The three women spent the rest of the day together with friends and they never caught sight of Kay again.
Nicole dropped Linda off at eight o’clock that night. She walked into the house and found her parents had gone out. Peter sat watching television in the living room. Nicole took a seat. “So how’s it going Peter?”
“Good. Learning in school is nothing compared to being in the field. Your dad is teaching me a lot.”
“I understand you’re teaching him too.” Nicole smiled.
“Your mom was telling me about the venture you two have started. Sounds like you have a nice side job there,” Peter said stretching his long legs out.
“Yeah. She’s having a lot of fun with it. Now she’s talking about converting the farm stand into a take-out place.”
“I know,” Peter said with a laugh, “she told me. And she wants to add picnic tables so people could eat there if they want.”
“What did my dad think of her scheme?” Nicole asked laughing.
“He thinks she’s nuts. Hank said she had enough to do around the house and garden that she didn’t need to look for extra work.” Peter lowered his voice. “Your mom looked very disappointed.”
Nicole looked at Peter and wondered if she was wrong taking her father’s attitude toward her mother’s dream. She stood up. “Have a good evening, Peter.”
“You too, Nicole.”
Nicole went up to her room and began to search for what was needed from the township to open this restaurant.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Nicole stopped at the township Monday after work and spoke with someone about the idea of changing the stand into a restaurant and what they would require them to do. The man behind the counter was very helpful and he gave Nicole a booklet with the requirements needed.
As the crew came in at lunchtime to grab snacks, Nicole asked Millie, “Millie, when you get a moment,” Nicole swallowed, “can I have a word with you?”
“Sure, Nicole. After I get this crew back to work after lunch,” Millie said with a wave.
Kay was her usual friendly self. “Is there something I could help you with, Nicole?”
“Thanks, Kay, but I’ll wait to speak with Millie.”
Kay did a mock salute and walked away.
When Millie returned, Nicole explained her mother’s dream. “The township gave me these guidelines. Are we talking a lot of money to convert this place?”
Millie looked around. The structure looked solid and was closed in from the weather with a double wide garage door to close off the structure. “A rough estimate would be fifteen to twenty thousand dollars.”
“Wow, that much?” Nicole asked surprised.
“You might save some money hiring my crew to do the work on the weekends. Some of the guys do side jobs. If you want, I can talk to them,” Millie offered.
“Thanks, Millie. Let me speak with my mother first.” Millie turned to leave. “One more thing. How long would a job like this take?”
“If it’s a weekend crew, probably four or five weeks. Then you would have to apply for a license. You could be out of commission for months.”
“Thanks again, Millie. I appreciate the help.”
Nicole was trying to figure out how she could still have her farm stand while the building was being converted. As she sat back in her chair thinking, Karen drove up.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hey. You look deep in thought.”
“I am. Come on in and sit down and I’ll tell you what I’ve found out about converting this place.” Nicole watched her mother’s face grow wide with a smile.
“The money isn’t a problem because I can borrow that from your dad. I just don’t want you to lose your business here while the work is going on.”
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“I know. That’s what I was trying to figure out. If I move the tables outside in the heat and sun, the produce will go bad quickly.” Nicole shook her head.
“Maybe we should wait until the fall? By then you’ll be selling hardier fruits and vegetables that won’t spoil.” The smile returned to Karen’s face.
“Mom, do you think we’ll have enough business in the winter to support the venture?” Nicole asked trying to be the sensible one.
“There’s only one way to find out, Nicole. You have to take a chance in life and I think this is our time to do that,” Karen explained.
“Mom, is everything okay at home? I mean between you and dad.”
“Yes, dear. Your father and I are fine. It’s just he was raised to be the bread winner and control the money. I’m tired of asking for money for something for myself. I want to be independent.”
“I understand Mom. That’s why I wanted my own job,” Nicole said taking her mother’s hand.
“I guess we’re old enough to be independent. Aren’t we?” Karen asked with a chuckle.
“You are so right, Mom.” Nicole joined her in a laugh.
****
The next day, Millie came over to see Nicole before the crew took their lunch break. “Hi Nicole.”
“Hi Millie.”
“Did you speak with your mom?” Millie asked.
“Yes. We decided to wait until the fall to put the plan into action.”
“That’s a good idea. This way you can still have your farm stand until the work begins. If you want, I can draw up a plan and some numbers for you?”
“Thanks, Millie. Remember, it’s going to be take-out only.” Then Nicole laughed. “Except in the summer, my mom wants to add picnic tables.”
“I know exactly what you want.” Millie turned. “See you at lunch.”
“Thanks again, Millie.”
****
Jane didn’t show up on Friday for the special turkey sandwich lunch day. The rest of the crew loved the sandwiches and her mother insisted that their new venture would be a success.
Saturday afternoon, Jane walked into the stand. Nicole never heard her until she was standing right in front of her. “Hi Jane. What can I do for you?”
“Can we talk?” Jane asked with a serious look on her face.
Nicole pointed to a seat near her. “Am I in trouble?” Nicole asked trying to lighten the obvious serious mood.
“I wanted to talk to you about this restaurant you and your mother are talking about building.”
“Okay,” Nicole said softly.
“I thought I was buying a house in a farm community with fruit stands in the area. I didn’t know I would be living directly next door to a fast food place.”
“I understand your concerns, but it’s only going to be a small place,” Nicole explained.
“Can’t you move the place further down the road? This way a field will be the buffer between my house and your business.”
“We had hoped to use this structure to save money. I’m not sure moving the structure is an option for us.”
“All I ask is that you speak with Millie about my concerns. She’s very good in solving problems.”
“I will Jane. I’ll speak with her on Monday.”
Jane stood up and stuck out her hand. “Thank you.”
Nicole shook her hand and then their eyes met. It was if an electric shock passed through her body. If Jane felt anything, her facial expression never changed. “You’re welcome. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.” Nicole watched as Jane walked away.
CHAPTER NINE
Millie walked over to the farm stand as soon as Nicole opened up. Turning toward her, she said, “I see Jane spoke with you too. Was she afraid I wouldn’t speak with you?”
Millie smiled. “I understand Jane’s concerns and I thought about it all weekend. Is that property still part of your farm?” Millie asked pointing her finger.
“Yes.”
“It really won’t cost much to take the structure apart and reassemble it down the road,” Millie said with a sigh. “I understand both of your points, but keep in mind that she can take you to court and fight this thing. The cost of hiring a lawyer will be a lot more money than moving the structure.”
“Is she threatening me?” Nicole asked.
“Of course not. She never brought up going to court.” Millie’s sigh was loud. “I’m in the construction business. I’ve seen it all, Nicole. I’m trying to keep everyone happy.”
“Okay, if we go ahead with this harebrained scheme,” Nicole said as she shook her head, “I’ll let you know.”
Millie held up her hands in defeat. “See you later.”
Nicole didn’t respond.
****
Nicole didn’t tell her mother of the problems that her dream was starting to create. She decided to let her mother have a dream for a while longer before she had to break the news to her.
Wednesday the crew started their daily trek over to the farm stand. As they chose their snacks, Nicole noticed someone new with the crew. The woman was about her height and the light brown hair was short. The cut looked carefree and windblown. What Nicole noticed first was the light green eyes and the freckles that ran across her nose and cheeks. As she moved closer in the line to the cash register, Nicole’s heart began to pound against her chest. The woman put her things on the counter and smiled at Nicole.
“Jessica, this is Nicole. The owner of this fine establishment,” Millie said standing behind Jessica. “She just joined the team.”
“Hi Jessica. It’s nice to meet you.” Nicole felt awkward as she began to ring up her things.
“You too.” Jessica took her change and walked away.
Nicole’s eyes followed Jessica out of the stand.
Millie waved her hand in front of Nicole and laughed. “She’s cute.”
Nicole looked at Millie embarrassed. “Yeah, she is,” she mumbled.
“And single,” Millie added.
“Didn’t seem interested,” Nicole said putting Millie’s snacks into a bag.
“Very shy.”
Nicole looked up and smiled. “Thanks.”
“Have you decided what you’re going to do about this place?” Millie asked as she stepped to the side so the next person in line could pay.
“No, and I haven’t told my mom about the new problems. I thought I would let her have her dream for a little while longer before I burst her bubble.”
“Then you’ve decided to do nothing?” Millie asked.
“For now, yes,” Nicole answered.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I thought it was a good idea. Don’t give up so easily. Talk to your mother,” Millie said before walking away.
****
Thursday at noon, Jessica walked into the stand before the rest of the crew. “Hi Jessica. Where’s the rest of your crew?”
“They’ll be along shortly,” Jessica said as she went over to the refrigerator.
“How do you like working with them?” Nicole asked trying to keep Jessica talking.
“They’re all very nice.”
Nicole was about to say something else when Kay walked toward her.
“Hey, Kay,” Nicole called out.
“Nicole, my girl. How are you today?”
“Fine thanks,” Nicole answered.
Kay noticed Jessica and said, “Our new worker is cute, isn’t she?” Kay asked loud enough for Jessica to hear.
The poor girl turned bright red. “She is,” Nicole said quietly.
“I’ve been told by my boss to leave her alone,” Kay said with a laugh.
Jessica and Nicole exchanged a glance. “I think that’s a good idea since you work together,” Nicole added.
Kay grabbed her things and left the stand with a laugh.
Jessica walked over to the counter. “She’s very intimidating.”
“She does like the ladies,” Nicole said with a chuckle. “Did the crew tell you that tomorrow we’ll be serving l
unch?”
“No,” Jessica answered.
“On Friday’s we usually have a specialty sandwich. Tomorrow is brisket. My mom’s a wonderful cook.”
“Thanks for telling me. I won’t bring lunch. Have a good day, Nicole.”
“You too, Jessica.” Again Nicole’s eyes followed her out of the stand.
A few minutes later, the rest of the crew started lining up for snacks.
Friday at ten thirty Karen walked into the stand ready to set up for the lunch rush.
“Mom, can you sit a minute?” Nicole asked after her mother was ready for their customers.
“Sure.” Karen took her seat and looked at her daughter. “What’s wrong, Nicole?”
“Well, we have a problem. Jane doesn’t want a restaurant so close to her house. Yes, we can fight her, but she’s in a better positon then we are to fight this situation.”
Karen’s face showed her disappointment. “Isn’t there a solution?”
“Yes. If money was no object, we could move the stand toward the main road.”
Karen sat there a moment thinking. “What if money wasn’t a problem?”
“Mom, Dad is never going to give you the money to do this,” Nicole insisted.
“I know, honey. I’m going to tell you something. My mother’s side of the family has had this tradition for generations. When my mother died, she left me twenty-five thousand dollars. Her mother left her money and her mother did the same. This money was supposed to give each generation of women their own money.” Karen smiled. “Your dad doesn’t know about this.” Karen took Nicole’s hand. “I would rather use this money to give you a start in a career. When I die, you will inherit the entire business. Hopefully, it will be worth more than the twenty-five thousand.”
“Mom, what are we going to tell dad about how we got the money?” Nicole asked quietly.
Karen sat there thinking. “You are going to say you won money on a lottery ticket.”
“You want me to lie?” Nicole asked shocked.
“It’s only a white lie and I can’t betray my family’s secret.” Karen touched her hand again. “Do you think that will be enough money?”
“I don’t know. I’ll have to speak with Millie,” Nicole answered.
“You know, this could work out to our benefit. We’ll be closer to the main road.” Karen was getting excited. “What about if we built a new place for the cooking and moved the farm stand next door to that? We could hire a high school kid to be at the stand while you and I are working on the meats.”
