Don't Let Go

by Sheryl Wright

  “Those contracts…written in stone! He would…sales of old tech, control of. A risk, but, no blaming me…mistakes, losses.”

  “And you want Marnie to wear the big hat?”

  Again she nodded. “Earned it. Good at it…and something else. I want…my division out…to move to the boatyard. Commercial real estate,” she said, and pointed up to indicate the increased demand in the market. “Will make Lou happy…Bonus!”

  “You’re certainly right about the real estate market. Even my parents have had offers for their commercial lot.”

  Georgie smiled her reply as the waitress reappeared, carefully stepping over the sleeping dog’s legs. “What can I get you ladies today?”

  Georgie tapped her index finger, much as she had when her menu was open, and recited the entrée exactly as written.

  “Medium, right?” At her confirmation she asked, “To drink, will that be hot or iced?”

  “Hot tea…please.”

  “Perfect, I’ll have the chef cut up some lemon for you. And for you?” she asked Tyler.

  Tyler gave her order but when the server asked if she wanted coffee, she immediately said no.

  “Okay here,” Georgie explained. “Big room…lots of smells.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked, not wanting to push her luck.

  “I will never…say yes…when I mean no.”

  Tyler ordered coffee and handed the menus back to the departing waitress. “You know, I really have to see this boatyard someday. Especially if you’re thinking of moving the division out there.”

  “Just south of…old Ford plant. Marina…dry-dock, finishing shed. Room to build.”

  “A new building? No wonder you want to divide up the company. There isn’t a hope in hell Lou Phipps would allow you money for that!” It was out before she even realized what she was saying.

  Georgie never took her eyes off the lake, but she did smile. “Dr Marsh, how warm…your boots?” At Tyler’s wide-eyed expression she asked, “Warm enough for…boatyard?”

  “Yes!” Tyler answered with enthusiasm. She had been looking forward to the outing since hearing stories from Zoe about the boat building line and the wild aunt who ran things.

  “Good,” Georgie offered with a smile. “Good to go!”

  * * *

  As they made their way down Route Five, Georgie read her cheat notes on the boatyard personnel to Tyler. “Okay, I knew Susan’s husband worked out here but I had no idea he was one of the carpenters Lou laid off.” Georgie, her head down, concentrated on her cell phone and the file she had opened. Tyler had watched her do it a million times but now understood it was her way of maintaining focus. Signaling her exit, Tyler reached over, touching Georgie’s shoulder. “We’re slowing…”

  Forced to raise her head, Georgie stuck her cell phone back in her pocket as she watched the traffic. Clear of the highway, she thanked Tyler before continuing with her story. “I didn’t know. When I found out…Lou had sold…millwork, I flipped. Could not…undo. Too late. I bought…surplus stock. Put boys to work. Gave Marnie time…some early retirement? Then Lori convince them…hire back two, for custom installations. That’s how Anthony…got back.”

  One of the disgruntled comments she had heard while getting to know her co-workers was a warning that those not in the family circle were mere fodder for the DiNamico/Phipps war of the cousins. It had troubled her deeply and not just the implications. How could this caring woman be so misrepresented? She was sure Georgie only ever acted in the best interests of everyone concerned but it never hurt to keep tabs. “How did you decide who would be hired back and who lost their jobs permanently?”

  “Lori’s…her bailiwick. She let them…carpenters decide.”

  Not sure what to say, she filed that fact away and changing the subject, asked, “So this is Derby, New York?” She said it with a near perfect English accent.

  Georgie, eyes still on the road, followed her lead with a smile. “Welcome to Derbyshire.”

  “Derbyshire?”

  “Technically…Irving, New York. Named for…illustrious family but none…here.”

  “I bet they still own the land.”

  Georgie practically snorted at that comment. “Nuh-huh!” she added before ordering Tyler to stop the car. “I own all north and…this side.” she indicated the street they were stopped on, Allegheny Road.

  “Wait, what?” Tyler took a moment to look up and down the two streets. Both were dotted with modest homes on well cared for lots. Turning right, she cruised down Exchange Street, “Who owns the homes?”

  “I do. Most are rented…long lease. Tenants…company, retired.”

  The street ended at the Cattaraugus Creek. She pulled into the marina lot to turn the Land Rover around. Zoe had been all wrong about the SUV, except for one point: it had the turning radius of a semi-truck. The two-story marina building in its vibrant blue looked almost new. “How do you manage all of this?” she asked. Having read what she believed was Georgie’s entire portfolio, she was sure she would have remembered any rental income or the mention of a marina.

  “Elaine, Henry’s sister. She runs…the marina, tack shop. Stella manages properties…rental properties…for me, Lori too.”

  “Lori owns something out here?”

  Georgie pointed back the way they had come. “Other half. Across Allegheny. Stella warned…how we learned Lou…trying to sell property.”

  Tyler stopped the Land Rover facing the river. “If it’s your property, why would Lou try to sell it?”

  “Did not…does not know. I lease boatyard to DME…one dollar a year. In exchange…DME must…maintain public access…environmental stewardship.”

  Tyler was battling with a thousand questions but lost all train of thought as Georgie placed her hand over hers.

  “Want to see…place, new house?”

  Still teetering over the fact that Georgie owned half the Cattaraugus peninsula and that Lou Phipps had no idea she did, she simply accepted her boss’s hand direction. Back on Erie, she followed the skinny road back to Allegheny and up to the boatyard.

  Like the marina, the boatyard buildings were the same vibrant blue with low pitched white roofs. A small building looking very much like a cottage stood proudly in front of the compound. There were no fences and no gate, but a young man in a security uniform trotted out, welcoming them, walking directly to the passenger side of the vehicle. Tyler was sure he recognized Georgie’s truck. Sure enough, the minute Georgie lowered the window his face broke into a huge grin.

  “Hey Georgie! Welcome back to the action.”

  “Hey Ethan! Marine?”

  Tyler watched the lanky young man as he draped himself on the window ledge. “Not yet—not yet!”

  “So?”

  His smile lit up his face. “It’s official—I report to Quantico the eighth of January. I’ve got OCC then the Basic School.”

  “Basic flight?” Georgie asked cryptically.

  “Pensacola. I’m hoping to make the fall course.”

  “Florida in winter…no better! So happy…Ethan. You will be exceptional, marine aviator!”

  Tyler watched the young man’s reaction. Even with his dark complexion, it was obvious he was embarrassed and proud. Proud to make Georgie proud!

  “Dr Tyler Marsh…my favorite nephew…Ethan Henry Phipps, graduate of U Buf…soon United States Marine Corps aviator!”

  Tyler reached across the console and offered her hand to Ethan. He wasn’t the first cousin once removed she had met, nor the first Georgie had referred to as her favorite. “It’s nice to meet you, Ethan. Will I see you at the New Year’s Eve party?”

  The young man flushed with the attention. “Yes ma’am! I look forward to learning your opinion on the current administration’s military policies!”

  “Okay…Well, I’ll look forward to that too,” she offered, not exactly knowing what to say or expect.

  “Lori?” Georgie asked, pointing to the small cottage.

  “Na
h, sorry. No ma’am!” he corrected, “She’s over in the paint shed supervising the twins.” At Georgie’s raised eyebrow he added, “I don’t know what they did but they’re suspended from school until the New Year and Aunt Marnie dragged them out here and told Lori to put them to work.”

  “Prepping the mold?”

  He smiled a most playful smile before stepping back from the truck, snapping to attention and delivering a parade perfect salute. “Welcome to DynaCraft, Major DiNamico, Dr Marsh. Ms. Phipps can be found in the paint shed,” he said, directing them to their destination with arm signals that looked to be styled for waving in aircraft, not directing traffic.

  Tyler pulled ahead following the driveway around the two large production buildings. Separate from the long blue building were two older looking units. While both looked very much like average New England-style barns, one featured new blue siding that matched all the others. One was slightly larger and had what appeared to be a new roof but the siding was a mix of heavily rusted corrugated metal and old sun bleached barn boards. Following the gravel drive, Tyler continued to the blue barn. She was sure it was the place they were aiming for when she pulled up in front and read the sign outside: Paint Shed Access: Open. “What does that mean?” Tyler asked, shutting off the ignition.

  “Important…keep clean. When a mold is prepped…especially when painting, it is important…no contaminants inside. Oh…health and welfare too.”

  “Can we still go in?”

  “Now yes. Assembly plant next time.” Georgie stepped out of the SUV, moving to the rear door to stop Tyler from opening it. “She stays. Dog hair,” she said as explanation.

  “Okay that makes sense.”

  Following Georgie into the blue barn, she had to admit it was not what she had imagined. Sunshine poured in from huge skylights. Overhead was a massive gantry crane, at that moment suspended over the third and largest of four bays. In the first two, what looked like large inside-out boat hulls lay unattended. The third bay was brightly lit with a combination of natural light and huge work lamps. As they moved closer, Tyler realized the mold they were working on was like the first two, but split apart along the keel line and lay like an open book. Several people were standing around while two teens worked on their hands and knees on the mold surface. “That has to hurt. Working on your knees, all bent over like that?”

  Georgie agreed, “Worst job…ever!”

  “Are those Marnie’s boys? The twins?”

  Stepping up to join the others watching the boys suffer through their punishment, Tyler whispered to Georgie, “I think Marnie called them Satan’s spawn the other day!”

  Georgie looked at her, laughing openly. “Two weeks…worked for me!”

  “You? Oh my God, you spent time on the punishment line? Were you as young as these guys?”

  Georgie nodded. “Younger, but these two…more experience needed. I learn fast!” she said with pride and the silly grin.

  Giggling, Tyler agreed. “I remember when we were fourteen, my father made my sister clean out all the grease traps, right after she told them she was far too pretty to be working part-time in an auto body!”

  Before Tyler could inquire into her boss’s adolescent misdeeds, a tall statuesque woman of color strode with purpose toward them. Even in heavy work clothes, the woman was clearly the handsome butch Zoe had described. Stepping up to Tyler first, she removed her hard hat, offering her hand in a gallant show of chivalry.

  “You must be the lovely and talented woman I’ve heard so much about. Allow me to introduce you to everyone.” Holding Tyler’s hand captive, she tipped her head toward the twins. “Those two miscreants are our nephews and are currently learning the art of don’t piss off Marnie! The rest of these lazy buggers are my guys. Say hi guys!”

  “Hi guys!” they returned with laughter.

  “Ignore them, pretty lady, for it is I whom you seek.” Finally relinquishing her hand, she placed her own over her heart. “Lori Phipps, delighted to make your acquaintance, Doctor.”

  “The Phipps family does have its fair share of charming women.” Lori’s bomber jacket was unzipped, hinting at a tight T-shirt stretched across high firm breasts and taut abs. Her hair was long, held back in a loose braid, and showed the consequences of hours under a hard hat.

  “Please call me Tyler,” she said, then waved her arm to include Georgie in the conversation. “We thought we’d stop in for a tour.”

  Lori stepped back, giving Tyler an appreciative once-over, offering a grin that could only be described as rakish. “Sorry little lady but not in those boots! Let me treat you to a coffee, while old Bender here works her way up to telling me what she’s really here for.”

  “Bender?”

  Lori howled with laughter, taking Tyler by the arm and leading her from the paint shed back into the crisp winter afternoon. Strolling casually to Georgie’s Land Rover, Lori hauled the back gate open, letting Maggie out. She closed the gate and leaned against the rear ladder, lighting a cigarette. Without a breath of preamble she launched into her story. “You see, me and Georgie Porgie here were out partying with some of the guys in her advance flight class. We were all talking about how the female pilots always got nailed with these secretly sexist call signs, like ‘guns.’” To demonstrate the actual meaning, Lori cupped her own breasts and gave them a squeeze, then took another long drag on her smoke. “So the guys tell us they think old Georgie here’s going to get nailed with Breaker.” At Tyler’s blank look she explained, “That one secretly means ‘Break-her’ as in break her in. I know, I know,” she said, holding up her hand. “So I hear them tell her this and I’m half in the bag…”

  “Half?” Georgie questioned, just now catching up.

  “Okay, a little more than half. Anyway, I say to old Georgie here, ‘I never pegged you for the kind of girl who’d want to Break-Her!’ and Georgie, who by the way was a little more than intoxicated too says, ‘Breaker? Why would I break her, when I can bend her all she likes!’” Well the guys laughed their asses off and the next day Georgie graduated and learned her call sign was Bender. Those stupid asses were so drunk, when they retold the story they fucked it all up and thought she was talking about a character from some sci-fi cartoon!”

  Tyler chuckled with some effort, only then realizing Maggie was pressed against her leg. “What is it, girl?”

  “I think you’re on the verge of losing your charge.”

  “What?” Tyler asked in confusion, looking around she caught on to the fact that Georgie was nowhere to be seen. “Shit…”

  “Don’t sweat it. If I know Georgie, she’s gone to look at her house.”

  “She has a house out here?”

  Tyler and Maggie fell in step with Lori. Lori’s strides were long and powerful, forcing Tyler to keep up. That was unusual. She was always conscious of her height and often, even without thinking, would shorten her stride or even stand slightly stooped. With the Phipps family she had discovered a band of Amazon women. Tall, fit and proud. And evidently all lesbian!

  “So Doc, how are things going? You handling things with Georgie?”

  “Things are going fine, and Georgie’s great.”

  “No problems with our short-ass ‘Head-smashed-in-Buffalo’ gal?”

  “Short-ass?” That caught Tyler by surprise. She had never stopped to consider Georgie’s height. Even with the deficits the woman seemed a giant in person. “Georgie’s not short.”

  Lori laughed. “That’s good to hear! ’Cause I can see why she hired you. Our Georgie loves her a tall girl!” At Tyler’s distressed look, she added, “Oh now Doc, you’re not gonna let this old dyke upset you when I have so much to share?” When Tyler didn’t reply, she took that as permission to continue. “Why, back in the day, Georgie would have climbed up one side of you and right back down the other.” Lori stopped in her tracks, grabbing Tyler by the elbow. “I’m sorry I’m being such an ass. Please forgive me. When it comes to Georgie I get all messed up. I miss the old Bender
so much. I guess when I saw you were with Zoe and how much it upset her, well…I would just hate to see her hurt again.”

  “Okay, first of all, Ms. Phipps, you are not the first woman to speak to me in such a direct manner. I’m a big girl and I’ll tell you when it’s time to fuck off! Next, I am not dating Zoe. I don’t know where anyone got…”

  “We were at the club Friday night.” It wasn’t a fact, it was a challenge. “We got quite a show with you two on the dance floor.” All Lori’s bravado and warmth were gone. “I’m going to share three facts with you, Dr Marsh. One, if our Georgie hand-selected you for this job, it’s because you’re the very best and she believes in you. Two, you’re just her type, tall, slender and smart. And three, I will not let another tall, smart, doctor of something or other come in here and take advantage of her. Is that understood?”

  Tyler stood frozen. No one, not even her parents or an angry ex had ever come at her like this. “Look, not that it’s any of your business, but yes I did go out with Zoe a few times. That’s it. End of story. As for Georgie, I have no intention of getting involved much less hurting her. And as far as being her type, Georgie has zero interest in me. Understood?”

  “Zero interest? Really! Tell me Dr Marsh, how would you tell if she was interested?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous!” Tyler hurled at the infuriating woman. Spinning around, she spotted the dog, then Georgie out by the breakwater.

  “Excuse me,” she tossed over her shoulder, quick-marching her way to Georgie’s side. She had to force herself to calm down. Whatever was going on had nothing to do with Georgie. Maggie immediately picked up on her mood and bared her teeth. “What the…”

  “What happened?” Georgie asked earnestly, using hand signals to bring her in closer. The wind off the lake had picked up and while the afternoon was clearing nicely the improved conditions came with a much colder air mass.

  Shivering, Tyler wrapped her arms around herself. She looked first to the dog who seemed to now understand her tension and had pressed herself against her thigh, then Georgie herself. The woman remained open, but didn’t approach her. Tyler imagined how she must look in Georgie’s eyes. She was like a wounded bird, cornered and afraid, and it helped her see Georgie in a different light. She was unafraid, not vacuous by any means, just fearless. She was concerned and clearly cared but she was treading lightly, perhaps not wanting to invade Tyler’s private space. Not sure what to say, Tyler obfuscated by simply switching the subject. “So, where is this house of yours?”