Jo sat back in her seat and stared out the window, watching the scenery pass by. Soon, her memories brought her back to the days in 'Nam, when Alex toiled by her side, day and night, working as hard as she did to crack the secret Viet Cong code. Never once did she complain through all their years together literally sifting through the dirt and mud, trying to unearth the secrets of history. Alex had been a trooper.
Jo had to admit that the first time she laid eyes on Alex, she was tempted to put her on a plane and send her back to South Carolina. A war zone was no place for a delicate southern belle; however, the sheer beauty of the woman took her breath away. So instead of sending her back to her southern roots, she kept finding things for her to do, and reasons for her to stay. Soon, it became obvious to her that she couldn't live without this stunning beauty, not only because she had become an integral part of her success, but because she had fallen in love.
Looking back over their fifty-year relationship, Jo acknowledged that she hadn't treated Alex in the manner she was used to. The Spirakis household was one of opulent wealth, one in which Alex was used to being waited on hand and foot. It was expected that she would marry a wealthy man, settle into plantation life, and raise a brood of children with the help of several nursemaids and servants. Instead, Alexandra Spirakis took a stand and insisted on obtaining an education, and when her father died, she set off to make her mark on the world. She got more than she bargained for...she got Josephine Wycliffe.
Five years after they cracked the Viet Cong code, Jo and Alex reunited and began their lives together…constantly on the go, moving from one country to another, often spending months camped out at historical sites supervising archeologists as they unearthed historical treasures while living in tents or low-class hotels. Somehow, through all the dirt and dust, Alex always managed to look fresh. And she never complained, even when they were eating out of tin cans and sleeping on cots. Most of all, she was always there for Josephine, assisting her with historical translations, using her wealth to convince authorities to issue dig permits, and even seeing that Jo got home safely after drinking too much in the local pub.
Life with Josephine Wycliffe was a far cry from the comfortable southern plantation of her childhood, yet Alex never complained. As Jo reminisced, she once more wondered why Alex had stayed with her all these years.
"Grandma Jo?"
Snapping out of her reverie, Jo shook her head and came back to reality. "What? I'm sorry, Cat. What was it you said?" she asked.
"I said we're here," Cat replied, turning around in her seat to look at her. "Are you okay?" she added, seeing the blank look on her grandmother's face.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about life, and wonderin' why the hell Alex has stayed with me all these years. It might come as a surprise, but I haven't been the easiest person to live with you know," she explained.
At this, Billie turned around in her seat. "You? Hard to live with? No way," she said jokingly, causing all four women to chuckle.
"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm in the mood to shop," Jen inserted, climbing out of the car.
"Me, too," Cat replied as she flung open her door.
Billie exchanged grimaces with Jo as they begrudgingly joined Jen and Cat for the short trek from the parking garage to the mall entrance.
***
"How's this?" Cat asked, holding a formal skirt and jacket set up to Jo's short frame.
Jo tried hard not to laugh in Cat's face. There was no way in hell she was putting that monkey suit on. "Ah...ah...I was kind of thinking of something a little less formal," Jo said haltingly.
"Don't you mean a little less feminine?" Billie piped in, grinning ear to ear.
"Yeah, that's it. Cat, dear, I'm not exactly a delicate flower. I need something sturdier," Jo explained.
"How about this one?" Jen said from across the room, holding up a dark blue business-type suit with a pinstriped jacket, skirt and slacks.
Josephine frowned. Still too feminine.
Billie draped her arm around Josephine's shoulder and started leading her away from Jen and Cat. "Why don't Grandma Jo and I go shopping by ourselves. I have an idea what she's looking for. You and Jen can go check out that new boutique I know you're dying to see," Billie suggested to Cat.
"You mean the one with the new body lotions and perfumes?" Cat asked, her interest piqued.
"Yeah, the one with the foo-foo smelly stuff. You go on and have a good time with Jen. We'll meet you at the food court in about an hour. How's that sound?" Billie asked.
Cat grinned. "Sounds great to me. How about you Jen?"
"I'm in," she said, hanging the pinstriped suit back onto the rack. "Let's go."
Moments later, Billie and Jo were heading in a direction opposite that of Cat and Jen. "I think I know what you're looking for. Come with me," Billie said, taking Jo by the hand and leading her through the mall.
***
"Billie-Girl, you are a genius," Jo exclaimed as she looked at herself in the tri-fold mirrors. "This is perfect. Are you sure you're Alex's granddaughter and not mine?" she asked joking.
"You look great," Billie replied, chuckling at Jo's reference to her genealogy. "Grams will certainly be impressed. You're going to steal the show," Billie added.
"I don't want to steal the show. I just want to steal her heart," Jo said, turning around to look at herself at all angles.
Coming up behind Josephine, Billie wrapped her arms around her and hugged her tight. Looking at Jo's reflection in the mirror, she said, "Well, I definitely think this outfit will do the trick—not that you'll have to work hard at it. I think you already own her heart. I think you always will."
Jo grinned. "I sure hope so, Billie. This is perfect. I'll take it."
Moments later, Billie and Jo joined Jen and Cat at the food court. Billie was sporting a garment bag. Jo was sporting a big smile.
"Well, apparently you found what you were looking for," Cat said as they approached, noting the garment bag.
"I never thought shopping could be so much fun," Jo replied, hands in her pockets, rocking back and forth on her heels, very proud of her accomplishment.
"Can I see?" Cat asked.
"I'll model it for all three of you when we get home, just as long as Alex doesn't see it. I want to surprise her on the day of the wedding," Jo answered.
"Hey, I'm starved. Are we gonna eat here or go somewhere else?" Jen interrupted.
"There's a really good Chinese place across the highway. Any takers?" Cat replied.
With three nods of approval, the women were on their way.
CHAPTER 24
After an early dinner, the Charland family retired to the living room where the kids immediately positioned themselves in various places in front of the television. Billie and Cat snuggled closely on the couch, while Jo paced the floor back and forth in front of the fireplace.
"You know, it's a beautiful day outside. The sun is shining, and it's still pretty early. You three should be outdoors taking advantage of the good weather," Billie observed as she looked at the three bodies sprawled on the floor in front of her.
"It's boring out there," Seth threw over his shoulder without looking at his mother.
"Yeah, there's nothing to do," added Tara.
"Why not hang out with Stevie and Karissa?" Cat suggested.
"They're gone out to dinner with their parents," Seth replied. "I think they're going to the movies or something after that."
"Where the hell are they?" Jo suddenly asked as she looked at her watch for the tenth time that minute. "They should have been back hours ago!" she exclaimed, drawing the attention of her two granddaughters.
"I'm sure they've just lost track of the time," Cat said in a futile attempt to pacify her grandmother. If truth be known, she too was becoming a little concerned as she noted the late hour. Jo was right…Alex and Chet should have been back hours ago.
"Humph," Jo exclaimed. "Well, I'm not waiting another minute." She walked over to Seth and prod
ded him lightly in the ribs with the toe of her combat boot. "Hey scout, how about you and me grab a couple of fishing poles and get outta this joint?" she suggested.
Seth looked over his shoulder at his great-grandmother. "For real?" he asked, a sparkle of interest in his eyes.
"You bet. How 'bout it?" Jo asked again.
"Sure," Seth said, jumping to his feet.
"Can I go too?" Tara asked.
"Why not?" Jo replied. "How about you, little one? Do you want to join us too?" she asked Skylar.
"Ewwwww! Fish are smelly," Skylar replied. "I wanna stay here with Mom and Mama. Maybe we can play paper dolls together?" she added hopefully.
Billie and Cat looked at each other and grimaced.
"Okay then. Where do you keep the poles?" Jo asked Billie.
"I'll get them," Seth said as she headed toward the back door. Stopping short, he turned around and added, "We'll have to stop and get some bait," before continuing on his way.
Jo turned back to the ladies. "Okay, so whose car can I borrow?" she asked.
Both ladies stiffened with trepidation, remembering Jo's driving skills from their last trip to South Carolina.
"Look, I haven't lived three quarters of a century without learning to read body language. You have nothing to worry about. Do you really think I'd drive recklessly with two youngsters in the car?" Jo asked, hands on her hips.
Billie and Cat exchanged looks then reluctantly turned over the keys to the mini-van. "Please be careful," Cat said as the keys jingled at the end of Jo's fingers.
"I will," Jo replied. "Ya ready to go, rugrat?" she directed at Tara.
"Yep," Tara replied as she followed her great-grandmother out the door.
"I'll get the paper dolls," Skylar announced as she jumped to her feet and headed toward the stairs to the upper floor.
Cat shifted within the circle of Billie's arms so that she could look directly at her wife. "You know, they really should have been back a while ago," she said worriedly.
"I know what you mean. I'm beginning to believe that Jo has a right to be concerned," Billie replied. "I wonder if I should go looking for them," she suggested.
"That thought has crossed my mind as well, but Grams is an adult after all," Cat observed.
"I'm beginning to wonder if this ruse we set up was such a good idea," Billie confessed. "I'll never forgive myself if serious harm comes to their relationship because of it."
"Healthy competition is good for any relationship, love. A little jealousy goes a long way to making one realize when you've taken your loved ones for granted," Cat replied.
Billie looked long and hard at the green orbs peering back at her. "Do you feel that way about us, Cat? I mean, do I ever take you for granted?" she asked seriously.
Cat gently cupped the side of Billie's face. "Sweetheart, no you don't. I for one believe our relationship is quite balanced. Honey, we both have our strengths and weaknesses. I'm not saying there aren't times when each of us takes the other for granted, but for the most part, our attributes tend to complement each other. We complete one another," Cat explained.
Billie narrowed her eyes. "Is that a slam about my cooking?" she asked in mock seriousness.
"Well…" Cat replied grimacing.
"I'm back," Skylar announced as she stood before her mothers and emptied a large bag full of paper dolls on the coffee table in front of the two groaning women.
***
After what seemed like an eternity of playing house with the spineless dolls, Billie thought for sure she would die of boredom. Just as she was about to suggest to her daughter that they take a break, a noise drew her attention to the kitchen. Looking over at Cat, she was thoroughly amazed at how this grown woman could become so involved in child's play that she seemed oblivious to her own surroundings. Obviously, Cat had not heard the noise. Only Billie's rise to her feet broke Cat out of her spell.
"What is it, love?" Cat said, looking up from the array of paper dolls strewn all over the table.
"Someone's here," Billie replied. "I'll be right back."
Billie secretly blessed their intruder for rescuing her from the grips of paper-doll hell as she made her way to the kitchen. Billie stepped into the kitchen just as Alex stumbled into the kitchen from the porch. It was obvious that she was a bit tipsy.
"Billie, dear, give this old lady a hand, if you would," she said as soon as she laid eyes on her granddaughter.
Billie rushed to Alex's side and wrapped one arm around her waist, just as her knees gave away. Gently guiding her to the table, she lowered Alex into a chair. "Are you all right, Grams?" she asked.
Alex giggled. "Fine. I'm wonnerful," she slurred.
"Billie, who's here? Grams!" Cat exclaimed as she entered the kitchen and saw her grandmother's inebriated state. "What in God's name happened? How did you get blood on your leg?" Cat asked.
Billie looked under the table, and did indeed see a stream of blood flowing from Alex's knee.
"I can s'plain. I fell on the porch steps," Alex said. "It's no big deal."
"You fell on the steps?" Cat said in disbelief. Of Jo, she would believe it, but Alex was always so poised and careful.
"We've got to get you cleaned up. Then you've got some explaining to do," Cat scolded. "Honey, would you mind getting me some towels from the bathroom?" she asked Billie as she began to tear away Alex's battered support hose. "Oh, and bring the first aid kit too," she added.
"Grams, you had us worried sick...gone all day like that. And now look at you," Cat continued to scold as she worked. "Grandma Jo is really upset. She thinks you've gone and run off with Chet. What were you thinking coming home so late?" she asked. "And where is Chet? He should have seen that you made it into the house safe and sound."
Billie returned to the kitchen carrying several white hand-cloths soaked in warm water, along with a few dry towels.
"Here you go love. Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.
"Yeah, you can talk some sense into your grandmother while I take care of her injury," Cat replied.
"Josie is upset?" Alex asked. "Whatever for?"
"Grams, you left with Chet pretty early this morning. We expected you back a lot sooner. We've all been worried," Billie explained.
An indignant look crossed Alex's face. "And just what business is it of yours if I choose to spend the day with a gentleman caller?" Alex asked sharply.
Billie narrowed her eyes while Cat widened hers. This was a side of Grandma Alex they had never seen before. Billie pulled up a chair beside her grandmother and leaned forward, resting her forearms on her thighs.
"Since when did Chet become a gentleman caller, Grams?" Billie asked. "It is totally unlike you to become intoxicated. There's only one reason a gentleman caller gets his date drunk. He better not have been disrespectful."
Alex straightened her back, a haughty manner overtaking her normally soft features. "I don't have to answer that," she declared. "Ouch! Caitlain Maureen O'Grady Charland, you're hurtin' me!" she suddenly shouted as she nearly jumped out of her chair.
"Grams, it's just a scratch," Cat responded in her best don't be such a baby voice as she continued to scrub the wound.
"Well, it hurts just the same," Alex whined.
"You know, Grandma Jo is pretty upset with the attention Chet has been paying to you," Billie informed her.
"Serves her right," Alex replied, hiccupping. "I'm gettin' kind of tired of standin' by while she flirts with stewardesses, waitresses, and even the cashier at the grocery store. It appears she notices everyone but me these days," Alex whined. "It feels darn right good to have someone payin' attention to me for a change."
Billie looked at Cat who was putting the final touches to a bandage on Alex's knee, a silent message of confirmation passing between them.
"Where is that crazy old woman anyway?" Alex asked, breaking the silence that had settled over the trio.
"She took Seth and Tara fishing," Cat replied.
"Oh, y
eah, she's real upset," Alex said sarcastically. "She's so upset she just had to go fishing. If she was half as upset as you say she is, you think she would'a been out fightin' for what's hers. But, no...she went fishing instead," Alex ranted, her arms flying around recklessly.
"All right Grams, I think it's time for you to rest," Cat said as she rose to her feet and extended her hand to her grandmother.
"I'm not one bit tired, Caitlain. Besides, I have a thing or two to say to that grandmother of yours when she finally comes home," Alex said stubbornly.
"Well, at the very least, you need to rest your leg. Doctor's orders," Cat said. "Billie, would you please give me a hand walking Grams into her bedroom? She can sit up in bed and watch TV until Grandma Jo gets home," Cat said, looking pointedly at Billie.
Catching Cat's meaning, Billie quickly helped Alex to her feet while Cat wrapped an arm around Alex's waist. "Okay, Grams," Cat instructed. "Now don't put too much weight on that knee. That's it, lean on us. We'll get you there."
Within moments, Cat and Billie maneuvered Alex into the bedroom, helped her change into her dressing gown, and gently lowered her into bed, propping her up with several pillows. Cat turned on the television strategically placed on the dresser opposite the bed then sat on the edge of the bed.
"There you go, Grams. Enjoy your show. We'll send Grandma Jo in as soon as she gets home," Cat said.
Billie and Cat both planted kisses on Alex's still-soft cheek and left her to settle in, closing the door behind them.
"She'll be sound asleep in minutes," Cat said as they reconvened in the living room.
"Let's hope," Billie said. "The last thing we need is a reenactment of the Civil War when Jo gets back. I don't know what she was drinking today, but it sure did make her ornery. I just hope she didn't do something she'll regret in the morning."
"Mama, what's wrong with Grams?" Skylar asked as her parents rejoined her in the living room, where she was still playing with her paper dolls.
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