Pride and Groom

by Gibson, Tannya

  Lexi smiled before taking a drink. "I heard some rumors. It seems that Brenda kept secrets from everyone. I think we're the only ones who know that she ran off to meet her Internet lover. Apparently people have been wondering if I have her buried in the back yard."

  Jay grinned wickedly. "As your lawyer I'm bound by attorney/client privilege. You can tell me the truth."

  "What about Freddie?" Lexi laughed.

  "Spousal privilege."

  "What would I do without you guys?"

  Jay reached out and ruffled her hair before getting up to see if the grill was ready for cooking. "You said rumors, as in plural. What else did you hear?"

  "That I'm hard to get to know. Do you think that's true? Am I stuffy?"

  "No!" Both men echoed each other. Freddie reached over and took her hand. "It only takes one person to start a rumor. Obviously this is a person not worthy of your notice and anything that she says should be treated as drivel. Just ignore it."

  "I have to agree," Jay said. "Certainly I think you are choosy about who you allow to be friends with you, but that's simply good common sense. After all, you chose us and that shows remarkable good taste."

  "Oh!" Freddie said suddenly. "Speaking of good taste, Lexi got to see Robert's group at Janet's birthday party."

  Jay looked over his shoulder with a frown. "I thought Robert was in Florida."

  "He is," Freddie giggled. "Eric put a woman in his dress. What was her name, Lexi?"

  "Zoe Hansen."

  Jay's face registered surprise, then his lawyer mask slipped into place. Lexi sat up to see him better.

  "Do you know her?"

  "I've met her, yes." Jay's tone was careful.

  "I know that look," Freddie said. "I'll bet she is, or was, a client."

  Lexi sat back and tried to look blasé. "She seems nice. Last Wensday night I was at the store and my car wouldn't start. I gave her a call and she came right out and helped me get it going again. Then she came to my house on Thursday during her lunch and replaced the solenoid without asking for anything."

  "Why would she do that?" Freddie looked confused.

  "She works at Edgewater Auto. Remember I took my car there for a check up not long ago? She's the one who worked on it. I guess she felt like she missed something and she was making up for it. She called it a professional courtesy." Lexi kept Jay in the corner of her eye. She knew he would never betray a confidence and she hoped to catch a clue to Zoe's character from his expression. "She actually did a very good job taking Robert's place. I never would have pictured her doing something like that."

  Jay tried to hide a smile but his eyes were sparkling with mirth. "Is she going to perform with them at the benefit next month?"

  "I don't think so. I only spoke with her briefly, but I got the strong impression it was a one time thing." Jay and Freddie both stared at her with measuring looks. "What?"

  "Just thinking," Jay said as he turned to the grill and began laying out the ribs.

  Lexi looked over at Freddie who was very carefully picking imaginary lint from his shorts. "What? Have I got something on my teeth?"

  "On your sleeve, Pelirroja," Freddie said cryptically.

  It took her a moment to understand that they were assuming that she had an interest in Zoe. She opened her mouth to object and couldn't. She wasn't sure just yet exactly what her interest in Zoe might be, but if she was honest with herself she knew that there was something going on. Covering her embarrassment for a moment she finished her drink. "Maybe," she finally admitted. "I need to find out more about her before I decide. It would help if you would give me your opinion, Jay."

  "I don't know her on a personal basis," he hedged.

  "Then what's your professional opinion of her character?"

  Jay stared at her for a second and Lexi could see that he was thinking it over. "I respect her. I think she is probably a fine person."

  "High praise," Freddie nodded. "What does she look like?"

  "Butch," Lexi confessed.

  "Butcher than me?" Freddie asked.

  "Than I," Jay corrected patiently.

  Freddie gasped. "She's butcher than Jay?"

  "By an order of magnitude," Lexi giggled at the dismay on his face.

  Freddie drew back thoughtfully. "Oh my," he said slowly, "I'll bet she looked good in Robert's dress."

  Their laughter set Cricket to barking.

  ~***~

  Lexi set the brake on her grandmother's wheelchair in the shade some distance from the park pavilion so the sound system wouldn't be so overwhelming. The Friday night Concerts in the Park were one of their favorite summer activities and tonight had a Caribbean Folk music group. The music wasn't set to begin for another 20 minutes, but Nana enjoyed seeing people even more than she looked forward to the music.

  "Is this okay?"

  "Perfect, dear. My, what a beautiful day this has turned out to be."

  "Do you want me to take Cricket?" Lexi had other things to get from the car and sometimes her grandmother was too weary to handle the little dog.

  "No, he's a little gentleman today. We'll be here when you get back."

  Lexi patted her shoulder and went back to the car. It would be cooler later and while she would find it enjoyable, Nana would be chilled. Filling her arms with blankets and bottles of water she made her way back through the gathering crowd and spread a blanket on the grass beside the wheelchair. It only took a moment to arrange everything and Lexi lay back using another blanket as a pillow. Cricket licked her face and Lexi rough housed with him for a spell.

  "Lexi, dear," Nana said. "What was the name of that girl you're seeing?"

  "Miriam, but I don't think things are going to work out between us."

  "That's too bad. She sounded so nice."

  "She is nice, but I just don't feel anything but friendly with her. I'll have to keep on looking."

  "I'm sorry to hear that." Nana was quiet for a time. "Have you heard anything about Brenda?"

  Lexi sat up and leaned back against the wheelchair so they could talk more quietly. "Nothing. As far as I know she hasn't contacted anyone. I am still shocked at how quickly that happened. Everything was just fine the evening before. I go over and over it in my mind and I still can't see any warning signs." Nana's hand brushed through her hair and Lexi closed her eyes.

  "Is her leaving like that stopping you from having feelings for Miriam?"

  "I don't think so."

  "Well, don't stop looking, dear. There's someone special for you out there and I can't wait for you to meet her."

  "I love you, too, Nana."

  The microphone on the pavilion squealed and then the emcee was thanking everyone for coming out and mentioning the local businesses that were sponsoring the summer concert series. The band was introduced and soon the park was filled with the stylized sounds of the islands. Right away people got up to dance in front of the pavilion and Lexi watched them happily. Cricket was at the end of his leash begging to be let loose so he could play with the toddler on the next blanket and Lexi could feel the vibration of her grandmother's hand on the wheelchair arm keeping time with the music. Except for the fact that she didn't have a lover nearby she was perfectly happy.

  Every once in a while someone she knew would happen by and she would wave if they didn't stop or visit with them briefly before they went on their way. At the intermission she got up and wrapped Nana in blankets. She was just settling one around Nana's shoulders when she heard a familiar voice.

  "Mrs. Archer?"

  Lexi looked up in surprise to find Zoe's attention fixed on her grandmother. She looked at Nana to see her reaction and found her squinting in Zoe's direction.

  "Do I know you, dear?"

  Zoe went to one knee and placed her hand on the arm of the wheelchair. "You used to, but it's been nearly 20 years. I look a lot different now, I'm sure."

  Nana adjusted her glasses and peered closely at Zoe. "I'm sorry, but you don't look familiar. Tell me your name and maybe t
hat will jog my memory."

  "It's Zoe Hansen, Mrs. Archer."

  "Oh, my!" Nana lifted a fragile hand to her mouth and then reached out to rub Zoe's short blond hair. "What have you done to your hair?"

  Zoe reached up and brushed Nana's silver hair back over her ear with a grin. "What have you done with yours?"

  Lexi couldn't help but smile at the cackle her grandmother let out, but she felt very confused. "You two know each other?"

  "Hello, Lexi." Cricket yipped at Zoe's knee and she picked him up to let him kiss her. "Mrs. Archer and I used to have long talks."

  "You remember, Lexi. I used to watch you practice tennis everyday and Zoe here kept me company."

  Lexi searched through her memory. She seemed to remember Nana always sitting with someone in the bleachers, but she just couldn't put a face to her.

  "What happened to you, Zoe? What have you been doing? How's your family?"

  Zoe sat down on the grass with crossed legs and deposited Cricket in her lap. "Well, I survived high school, just like you said I would, and then I was in the Army for 4 years."

  "The Army?" Nana's hands tightened in her lap.

  "Dad said it was either college or the military. I don't think he thought any of us girls would actually choose the military over college, but I always was contrary. You know that."

  Nana cackled again and Lexi dropped to her knees where she could see Zoe clearly. She could not have been more dumbfounded.

  "They taught me to shoot a gun, make a bed and do what I was told," Zoe continued, "and then they put me in the motor pool and I learned about engines. Mostly cars and trucks. I didn't get to work on the fun stuff like tanks and personnel carriers. When I got out I stayed down in New Mexico for a while, but then I got to missing home, so I came back here about 7 years ago and I've been working down at Edgewater Auto since then. What have you been doing?"

  "Getting' old, honey! Getting' old." Nana's laughter was contagious. "What ever happened to your sister, the older one that was dating that football player? I used to worry about her something terrible."

  "Sophia went off to college and discovered an accountant. She's a teacher up in Idaho now and they have 3 kids almost grown. She's very happy."

  Lexi leaned back on her hands and watched Zoe with her grandmother and her dog. The music started again and the two of them continued to talk about Zoe's family and her experiences in the military. Cricket lay sprawled belly up in her lap, sound asleep, and Zoe scratched him gently without pause as she talked. The longer she listened and watched Zoe's face the more Lexi felt drawn to her. She was wearing stone washed denim jeans, high top athletic shoes and a green T-shirt printed with the words 'Nice Rack' over a picture of pool balls ready for break. Lexi couldn't help but notice that Zoe did, indeed, appear to have a 'nice rack'. She also had flawless skin and a beautiful mouth. Why didn't I notice that before?

  "What about you?" Nana asked finally. "Have you started a family?"

  "My interests lie in another direction," Zoe said carefully.

  Nana only hesitated a moment. "Do you have a sweetheart then?"

  "No, ma'am." Zoe smiled. "Not currently."

  "Well, then," Nana said brightly. "Have you met my granddaughter?"

  Lexi was horrified that her grandmother was trying to set her up. "Nana!"

  "Yes, ma'am, I have."

  Zoe's quiet sincerity caught her attention and Lexi gaped at her stupidly.

  "She's available you know," Nana said with satisfaction.

  "Grandma! You're embarrassing me!" Lexi wanted to disappear.

  "My mother does this to me, too," Zoe chuckled. "How often do they let you out of your cage, Mrs. Archer?"

  Nana thought this was too funny.

  "We try to do something at least once a week," Lexi put in. She didn't want Zoe to think she wasn't taking care of her grandmother properly.

  Zoe looked over her shoulder. "It looks like the concert is over. I hope I didn't ruin it for you with all my jabber." She lifted Cricket and hugged him briefly under her chin before setting him on the ground. "Can I help you get your things back to your car?"

  Lexi started to object, but her grandmother latched onto Zoe like a lifeline, directing her in the gathering and folding of blankets. What took Lexi both arms to carry, Zoe tucked up under one and held Cricket's leash as well. Feeling awkward she released the brake on Nana's chair and led the way back to her car.

  "If you aren't busy on Wednesday night," Zoe offered with her head down, "I'm playing pool out at Sam's Hide Out on Mesquite Drive. I made the semifinals in the annual women's tourney and I'd like it if you could come and watch. Not that you have to or anything," she added quickly. "But if you get bored and don't have other plans it would be nice to see you there."

  "I'll think about it," Lexi said. "What time?"

  "The first match starts at 7:30. I didn't think I'd make it this far in the tournament so it's pretty exciting for me."

  Lexi could tell that her grandmother was hanging on every word and that she would get no peace unless she agreed to go. "I'll try to be there."

  "You're welcome to come, too, Mrs. Archer."

  "No, dear," Nana said. "That's past my bedtime. You girls will do fine without me."

  Lexi opened the trunk of the car and Zoe placed the blankets inside. "Does she need help to get in the car?" Zoe whispered.

  "No," Lexi said. "But thanks for carrying everything. You saved me a trip."

  Zoe said her good-byes and sauntered away. Lexi watched her easy stride and the way her body centered itself over her slim hips, finding it surprisingly erotic. Nana cleared her throat and Lexi guiltily jumped to open the passenger door and hold her chair in place.

  "That was a nice surprise," Nana said as she carefully levered herself to her feet. "She was such a nice girl."

  Lexi always held her breath in fear when her grandmother was on her feet. Age, arthritis and a lifetime of waitressing had left her racked with pain and a fall at this stage in her life could be life threatening. How she withstood the constant agony with such a cheerful demeanor was a mystery to Lexi, but she hoped that if she ever found herself in a similar physical state she would be able to maintain her own sense of humor and dignity.

  "I'm surprised that you knew Zoe," she admitted as she drove.

  "Why?"

  "Well, I don't remember her. I remember now that one year you always seemed to be sitting with someone, but I never actually met her."

  Nana looked thoughtful. "Come to think of it, I'm not sure that she ever stayed long enough to meet you. She came every day though. One day we just struck up a conversation and became friends. She was such a sweet child. Did I tell you that she used to bring me flowers?"

  Lexi shook her head. "What did you two talk about?"

  "I can't remember that far back," Nana snorted.

  Lexi kept Zoe in the back of her mind as she took her grandmother back to her home and got her settled for the night. When she arrived home sometime later and played her messages there was one from Miriam and Lexi knew from the flutter of nerves she felt that it was time to end it.

  She called Miriam immediately and made arrangements for lunch the next day then went in search of her high school yearbooks.

  ~***~

  Lexi's father was an infrequent visitor in her childhood and stopped coming around entirely when she was nine. She never knew if he had died, been incarcerated or had found a better supplier. Her mother was the black market pharmacist in the low-income apartment complex they lived in. On paper they lived on Welfare, but the fact was that her mother did a thriving business selling drugs. Lexi was rarely the recipient of any of those funds, but at least her mother always kept food in the house. Many of Lexi's neighbors didn't have even that.

  She spent much of her childhood in her bedroom dreaming of a better life and staying out of her mother's way. Aside from getting whacked in the back of the head every time her mother noticed her, Lexi didn't feel as though she were abused. Tru
e, she was ignored and pushed aside, but over time she came to prefer it. She knew early on that as much as she might love her mother, she didn't like her at all. But she absolutely loathed the people who came to buy drugs. They frightened her. If they weren't desperate they were pretending to be friendly: sometimes too friendly. More than once Lexi had found herself backed into a corner by a customer eager to sample her. To her mother's credit, they were promptly thrown out and told to never return. Lexi was always punished for costing her mother a good client, but the few times this happened, all she could feel was loved. Her mother had saved her and she would never forget it.

  Halfway through her freshman year, her mother was arrested in a raid. Unsure what was going to happen to her, Lexi requested a lawyer. Having been raised in an anti-law household, Lexi saw the police as the enemy and refused to speak. They insinuated that she could be placed in a juvenile detention facility until her 18th birthday as an accessory to her mother's crime, but Lexi experienced a moment of uncommon assertiveness and called them Nazi's. Her lawyer stepped in and put an end to the interrogation.

  Under the suspicious eye of a police officer, Lexi was allowed to go home and pack her belongings. Not having suitcases she made do with a cardboard box and two plastic garbage bags. Carrying her things in this fashion with her neighbors watching was a humiliating experience and she swore that when she was allowed to control her own life, nothing like it would ever be necessary again.

  After spending the night in a temporary foster home, Lexi called her lawyer and requested the chance to see her mother one more time. It was a wrenching encounter. As soon as she picked up the heavy black phone her mother began grilling her through the thick glass about what she had told the police. Lexi protested her innocence, reassuring her mother that she had kept quiet. When she had calmed somewhat, Lexi asked, "What's going to happen to me?"

  "I've got more important things to worry about," her mother said. "I expect they'll put you in foster care."

  To hear her life discounted by the one person who was supposed to care the most was devastating. "I don't want to be in foster care."

  "And I don't want to be in jail," her mother spat angrily. "You can't always have what you want."