An Allegheny Homecoming

by T. R. McClure

  “I’m sorry.” Josh stood and put a hand on his father’s shoulder. “I’m worried about her.” His father turned, and Josh caught the dejected look in his father’s eye. “About both of you.”

  “Have a seat. I’ll try to tell you.” Rummaging in a cupboard, his father brought a box of cookies to the table. “Help yourself.”

  Josh glanced at his father, expecting an explanation, but none came. “You’re eating store-bought cookies?”

  Brad grimaced. “Your mother won’t be baking for me anymore, son.”

  Josh’s stomach churning had nothing to do with the two hamburgers and can of soda he had consumed. “What’s going on, Dad?”

  CHAPTER SIX

  HER CAR WAS delivered quicker than she expected. Apparently she was the only person in town to have ended up in a ditch thanks to the blizzard because the two tow truck drivers were thrilled with the job and her generous tip.

  Having changed into jeans and a sweater, she had been reading the paper in front of the fire when the black dog wandered into the den. He seemed perfectly at home. She scratched behind his ear. “I’ve got my car back, and I have the weekend off. Now what do we do about you?” Except for the brown nose and brown toes, the dog could pass for a brother of her childhood pet. So she knew he was at least part Lab.

  With a low moan, the dog rested his chin on her knee and stared up at her.

  Wendy tossed the paper on the couch. “If I leave you in the house while I drive to town to find your owner, will you be okay?”

  In response, the Lab stretched out at her feet, legs splayed in opposite directions, and rested his muzzle between his paws.

  Wendy laughed. “Somebody spoils you.” He was a handsome dog, his hair shiny black. As much as she would’ve liked having a dog around the house, she knew it was only a matter of time before she left the area, and she wouldn’t have time for a pet. Just like Katherine King told her. It didn’t seem fair. And leaving a second dog with her parents was out of the question. “I know. The Wildflower. That place is like Grand Central Station on Saturday mornings. Someone there will know about a missing dog.”

  After walking the dog around the yard so he could do his business, Wendy left the animal stretched out in the den and drove into town. The Wildflower was busy when she got there, as if the brief snowstorm had made people stir crazy. Everyone wanted to get out of their houses. The Wildflower, with its delicious scent of fresh-roasted coffee beans and just-baked cookies, was the perfect destination. Louise Williams’s curly blond locks appeared just over the top of the cash register. “I heard Holly went into labor last night. Did she have the baby?”

  Louise’s red lips parted in a wide smile. “A boy. I’m so happy. Now her little boy and mine will be best friends, just like Holly and I have been since kindergarten.”

  “Skinny vanilla latte, Wendy?” Carolyn, wife of Holly’s oldest brother, Sonny, stood at the espresso machine, her rich auburn hair pulled back with a huge clip.

  “Please. And a cranberry scone, heated.” She swiped her debit card. “I’m surprised to see you, Louise. Your baby isn’t very old.”

  “His two-month birthday was yesterday. Bob and R.J. are getting in some father-son time.” Her blue eyes twinkled.

  Wendy couldn’t help remembering Louise as a young widow just three years earlier. While Louise worked in the emergency room late one night, her husband had been brought in after an accident on the interstate. After a period of self-imposed isolation, she had agreed to help Holly when she opened the coffee shop. When she met Bob “Moose” Williams, despite him being younger in age, she found love a second time and became her old self. “I thought you were starting back at the hospital.”

  “Not until spring.” She looked over Wendy’s shoulder. “Hi, Deb. Soy latte?”

  Wendy moved to the end of the counter as the mayor and former real estate agent placed her order. The Wildflower was certainly buzzing. Waiting for Carolyn to finish preparing her drink, she looked around the room, wondering if any of the Bear Meadows residents had the story that might propel her to television news stardom.

  Bill, the town’s mailman, waited patiently in one of the four cushioned chairs. He and Deb must still be an item. Hardly news. Next to him Mrs. Hershberger relaxed, a magazine on her lap.

  “Here you go, Wendy.” Carolyn gave her a quick smile. “Hey, nice interview, by the way.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Your interview with Riley was on the eleven o’clock news last night. Adorable.” Carolyn’s eyes widened in alarm as she looked over Wendy’s shoulder. “Freddy, be careful. Rosalyn, don’t let your brother climb the bookshelves.” She rounded the counter and made a beeline for the alcove.

  Still in a state of shock at the news Walt had run the interview, Wendy picked up her latte and scone and searched for a seat.

  The couch was occupied by customers, including Carolyn’s younger brother Chris. Wendy thought Chris was the best looking of the three brothers, but then, she had always been attracted to the neat, trendy style of the young pilot. The rocking chair and beanbag in the magazine corner were taken over by Sonny’s twin daughters and son, and Chris’s toddler. His wife dressed Harley in the latest fashion so that the little girl always looked like a model, just like her mother, only in the baby category. It was too cute. “Hi, Chris. Home for a visit, I see. Where’s Valerie?”

  The only empty seat in the room was the one near the retired teacher, the mailman and the mayor. Wendy carried the plate and cup over to the table. If anyone knew what was going on in this town, these three would.

  “Oh, hey, Wendy. She’s getting a massage. Mom hired a masseuse on weekends.” He crossed his legs and ran a hand down the crease in his dark jeans. His tasseled loafers were spotless, as usual.

  “The Flowers’ B&B is really coming up in the world.” She took off her coat and threw it over the back of her chair.

  “Give us a plug on your next weather forecast.”

  Wendy laughed and sat, anxious now to dig into the warm scone.

  “Bill and I are getting a couple’s massage later.” Deb Gold elbowed the postal worker.

  Bill blushed. “She talked me into it.”

  Suddenly Wendy remembered the reason she had driven into town. “I had a black dog show up at our house this morning. Is anyone missing a dog? He looks at least part Lab.”

  The couple shook their heads. Mrs. Hershberger paused while sipping a latte. “Fran Collier has a black Lab. Daisy. Do you think it’s her?”

  Wendy pictured her new boarder lifting his leg against the maple tree. “I don’t think so.” She forked off another bite of scone.

  Deb leaned over the arm of her chair to address the Hoffman brothers. “By the way, boys, I thought you might want to know I’ve decided to sell my father’s classic car.”

  Sonny quit topping up his brother’s coffee mug as his brow shot up. “Dr. Reed’s pride and joy? After all these years?”

  “It’s a gas hog, for one thing. And for another, it should be appreciated by someone who likes old cars. It hasn’t been driven since my father passed away, and even then, he and the caretaker were the only ones who drove it.”

  “I’ll take—”

  “Don’t even think about it, Sonny!” Carolyn called out to her husband from her spot behind the espresso machine.

  Sonny spread his arms wide in mock confusion. “Who? Me? What would I want with a classic car in mint condition?” He threw a grin at his brother. “No, although moneybags here might be interested.”

  “The thought is tempting, but we’re just too busy right now, Deb.”

  “Thanks anyway, fellas.” Deb stood. “Ready, Bill?”

  “What about the mansion?” Chris asked.

  Deb shot the airline pilot an appraising look. “Do you and Valerie want to turn it
into a B&B? We could use another one in town.”

  Chris laughed and shook his head. “My wife would kill me. Your father’s house is so beautiful, it’s a shame to let it sit empty.”

  A mixture of regret and sadness crossed the former real estate agent’s face for just a moment before she brightened. “You have a point, but I’m not quite sure about what to do with it yet. See you later, folks.”

  “Have fun.” Wendy watched the couple leave. Through the window she saw Bill reach for Deb’s hand as they crossed the street. “I guess you’re never too old to fall in love.”

  Mrs. Hershberger nodded. “That’s true. I’m happy for them.” But her voice was weak.

  “Are you okay, Mrs. Hershberger? Can I get you anything? This scone is delicious. Would you like one?” This was the first time she had encountered the older woman seeming depressed. She was always the first to put a positive spin on any situation.

  “No, thanks, dear. I’m a little blue today. My husband’s in the hospital. The house is so quiet without him I came here for some company.” She glanced at the children giggling in the alcove. “And some noise.”

  “I didn’t realize. I’m sorry to hear that about your husband. I don’t believe I’ve ever met him.” Wendy followed the teacher’s gaze to the children. Sonny’s twins must be in fifth or sixth grade. One of the girls was reading to her little cousin. However did they tell them apart? “Do you have children?”

  “Hank and I were never blessed that way. I guess my students have been my children.” She nodded toward the young Hoffmans.

  “I’ve been told you were a great teacher,” Wendy said.

  “She got an award when she retired last year. And the senior classes were always naming her as favorite teacher.” Louise chimed in from her vantage point at the cash register.

  The single diamond in her wedding band glinted in the light as the teacher waved her hand in the air emphatically. “They were good kids. Every one of them.”

  “And she went to Antarctica last year. I’ll bet you have some good stories about your trip.” Carolyn retrieved dirty cups from their table and headed toward the kitchen.

  Wendy chewed thoughtfully, wondering what Walt would think about an interview with the teacher. Probably only if Wendy could tie it to the weather. She studied the teacher, who had returned to her magazine, and wondered what her own sister would think of interviewing a retiree who everybody in town thought was the best teacher ever. Katie Valentine probably wouldn’t waste her breath. She would be out there looking for someone with a real story to tell. A big story.

  Wendy finished the scone and picked up her cup. Time to go home and take care of the dog. The weekend stretched ahead of her. Then she realized she hadn’t returned Walt’s call.

  * * *

  “WHY DIDN’T YOU tell me?” Josh ran his palm over the smooth white surface of the old Formica table. Specks of gold were scattered across the surface. He sat in the kitchen of his mother’s bakery while she washed dishes. Dinner rolls baking in the oven filled the room with a delicious smell. Five dozen would soon be on their way to the nursing home for the Sunday evening meal.

  “And exactly when should I have mentioned your father initiated divorce proceedings so he could go to Colorado with his new girlfriend? During one of your many phone calls?” His mother lifted a hand dripping with soap suds in the air. “Oh, wait. You don’t call. That’s right.” She rinsed the large mixing bowl and set it to dry in the dish rack. “Or maybe on one of your many visits home? Oh, that’s right—”

  “The girlfriend is out of the picture now. Things have changed. You’ve changed, too, Mom.”

  She turned, reaching for a dish towel to wipe her dripping hands. “I’ve changed? So it’s okay for your father to have an affair, but it’s somehow not okay for me to start my own business?” She turned back to the sink.

  But not before Josh saw the tears in her eyes. “No, of course not.” He dropped his head in his hands and thought of Wendy complaining about her parents’ behavior. Which was worse? Being ignored by your parents or being pulled apart between them? After leaving his father the day before, he had returned to the cabin, intending to read a few college admission books he had collected over the summer. But his attention kept returning to Wendy, he wondered if she was as lonely as he. He needed to shut down those thoughts, which was why he was visiting his mother on a busy Sunday morning.

  His mom set two mugs of coffee on the Formica table with a plate of chocolate chip cookies before sitting across from him. “Are these still your favorite?” The tears had already dried, and her voice was normal.

  Josh stuck a whole cookie in his mouth. “You bet.” His words came out jumbled, but his heart lightened when he saw his mother’s smile. Sure, his mother knew about the girlfriend, but she didn’t know his dad’s girlfriend had sold his mom’s furniture to her sister, bought new and then taken it all with her when she left. One thing at a time.

  “I’m going upstairs to change. I won’t be long.” She twirled her cup on the table. “Will you be here when I get back?”

  “Sure, Mom, I’m not going anywhere.” He reached for another cookie. His heart broke at his mother’s disconsolate look. He wasn’t going anywhere right this minute, but he wasn’t staying in Bear Meadows any longer than he had to.

  “Take the rolls out if the timer goes off before I come down, okay?” Taking her coffee with her, his mom went up the back stairs.

  Listening to her moving around up there, Josh refilled his cup, emptying the pot. He wondered if his mother had drunk most of the pot herself. That could explain part of her jitteriness and even some of her weight loss. She was living on caffeine.

  He stood in the doorway of the kitchen and looked into the shop. The space wasn’t very big, which probably accounted for the fact she had no seating. He wondered if people would stick around if they had a place to sit, and then realized his mother didn’t want people to stick around. His father’s affair must have been mortifying for her. The timer dinged. Josh moved just as his mom entered the room. “Wow.” His jaw dropped.

  His mother wore a sleeveless black dress with a silver buckle at the waist. She had brushed her almost white hair neatly back from her face, which made her light blue eyes all the more noticeable. “Can you get the rolls?”

  Josh didn’t move from the doorway. “Are you wearing lipstick?”

  “For goodness’ sake.” His mom rushed across the room, grabbed an oven mitt and removed the tray of rolls from the oven. She placed the tray on a rack to cool and turned off the oven. Finally, she faced him.

  “How much weight have you lost, Mom?”

  She hung the towel on the rack. “How would I know? I don’t have a scale.” She propped her hands on her hips.

  Josh took a breath. He would rather negotiate with a pair of mountain lions than with his parents, and would probably have more luck. He sat down. “I don’t want to argue, Mom. I’m worried about you.” He patted the chair next to him. “Please. Sit.”

  Instead, she carried her cup to the coffeepot. “You finished it?”

  “I only had one cup. You had the rest.”

  Sue set her cup in the sink and then sat next to Josh. She pinched his cheek. “Is this beard a permanent thing? I can’t see your handsome face.” She smiled.

  “Maybe.” Josh held her hand between both of his. “Have you been to the doctor lately?”

  Sue’s brow wrinkled. “Yes, I suppose. For the usual stuff.”

  “I mean...” Josh took a breath. This was harder than he thought. “I mean, have you been checked out? Weight loss isn’t normal, and you seem to be overheated a lot.”

  Sue chuckled.

  “This isn’t funny, Mom. Are you having night sweats?”

  She nodded. “As a matter of fact I am.”

  Josh’s heart l
urched. He was onto something. He just prayed the illness wasn’t cancer. “Mom, you’ve got to go to a doctor. As soon as possible.”

  “I wish you had become a physical therapist like we planned, Josh. Or even a doctor. You always had such an interest in medicine. Dr. Reed had high hopes for you.”

  “Let’s not go there, Mom. That’s water under the bridge.”

  “If your father hadn’t been so insistent on you helping him with the landscaping business, you would have been able to concentrate on your studies. You wouldn’t have been so distraught. But no, he made college into a debate like he does everything. It’s his fault you flunked out your first semester. He ruined everything.”

  Josh doubted his mother would be open to a reconciliation once she knew the truth. But his parents’ marriage was nothing compared to her health. “You should see a doctor, Mom.”

  “I did, son.”

  “And what did the doctor say?” His heart thumped in his ears. First his father admits to cheating, then the talk of divorce and now cancer. His past mistakes had brought bad karma down on his family. It just wasn’t fair. He tightened his grip on her small hand. “What did he say, Mom?”

  “She said—” his mother smiled “—I’m going through early menopause.” She squeezed his hands before pulling away. “I guess you haven’t encountered that diagnosis with your soldiers, hmm?” She jumped up. “I’d love to chat about my personal medical history, Josh, but I’ve got to go.”

  Josh leaned back in his chair. His mother was right. He had never given menopause a thought. “Well, uh, that’s great, I guess.”

  “Yes, I’m getting old. Yippee.” His mother grabbed a purse, her heels echoing through the shop. “Come on, son. You’re such a slowpoke.”

  Grabbing his coat, Josh followed his mother out the door. “What about the rolls?”

  “They have to cool.” Winding her way around the piles of snow left from clearing the sidewalks, his mother marched across the street straight toward Tea for You.