Biloxi Brides (Sugar and Grits)

by Martha Rogers

  Dottie Jean ran her finger over the picture of Hank Weaver in his football uniform. She considered the irony of her life. She and Hank had run away to Calista after high school to escape the trailer park where they lived. Here she sat now, living in a double wide. Of course it was a manufactured home now, but still a trailer. She sighed and placed the yearbook back on the table. Better to let the past stay in the past and deal with the present.

  She strolled into the kitchen. The gleaming stainless steel fixtures reflected the late afternoon sun. The usual coffee maker, canisters, and toaster oven occupied the counter tops along with a basket of fresh fruit and a bowl of recently picked flowers.

  Thank goodness Jenny liked things neat and clean. When left to Dottie Jean, everything became cluttered and unorganized. She reached to close the blinds. Her kitchen glistened clean and modern, but her mind pictured the trailer park where she and Hank had lived as children. Fletcher’s face invaded the memory, and she shivered. Her heart danced in her chest like she was a giddy school girl once again with a crush on the best-looking guy in school.

  A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. When she answered, Fletcher stood smiling on the other side.

  ***

  “Oh, you’re early.” Her expression reflected her surprise.

  “Yes, may I come in?” He stood poised on the stoop. He didn’t want to intrude, but he wanted a glimpse of Dottie Jean’s life.

  Her cheeks turned pink. “Oh. . .uh. . . yes, of course, I’m sorry.” She stepped back to allow him to enter.

  His gaze took in the neatly kept living room and dining area. The spaciousness surprised him. He had never been in one of these manufactured homes before. The deep green of the carpet and the greens in the upholstered pieces gave a sense of comfort and peace.

  “This is nice. Didn’t realize you’d have so much space.” He relaxed on one of the chairs. He noted the small details of family photos, unusual figurines, and candles she had added to make the place a home.

  Dottie Jean sat on the edge of the sofa, clearly uncomfortable. “Yes, it’s fine for Jenny and me.”

  “I understand that. You have a good view of the river.” He stood and walked to the window behind the dining area. “You can almost see up to the lake from here. Have you had any problems with hurricanes or tropical storms? They can really bring in a lot of water.”

  “Just the usual.” Suddenly she jumped up. “I’m sorry. Would you like something to drink?”

  He smiled. “No, nothing. If you’re about ready, we can get on the road.”

  Her cheeks grew pink again, and she stumbled against the coffee table. “Uh, sure. Just a minute. I’ll get my purse.” She disappeared down a hall.

  Fletcher blew out her breath. She looked as nervous as he felt. He’d been out of the dating scene too long.

  She returned. “Okay, I’m ready. Let’s go.”

  Fletcher held the door open for her and followed her out to his car. On the drive over to Mobile, he let her do the talking. Her voice still held the same melodic ring it had so many years ago. Being a cheerleader hadn’t affected it at all.

  Suddenly she stopped, “I’m babbling on like a river out of control. You must think my brain’s out to lunch.”

  He laughed and shrugged his shoulders. “No, I don’t. You sound just like you did when you were talking with your friends back in school.” Of course then he’d thought of it only as chatter and gossip, not real conversation, but she didn’t need to know that.

  Her eyes opened wide. “Oh, dear. I’m not sure if that’s any better.”

  Fletcher laughed. He pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant and found a vacant slot. Inside they were seated and ordered their meals. He noted how she chose only healthy vegetables from the salad bar. No creamy, fat- laden dressings, cheese or other high calorie extras on her plate. When they returned to the table, hot bread and their tea waited for them.

  He couldn’t remember having a better time in a long while and delighted in watching Dottie Jean savor the tender steak when it arrived. When she declined dessert, he ordered coffee for them both.

  He concentrated on how he could offer the invitation he planned to present tonight. True this was their first date, but he had known her for a long time. With the charity dinner still a few weeks away, they’d have time to find out more about their present lives. He’d like nothing better than if she’d consent to accompany him. Maybe it was too short a notice. Fletcher remembered Barbara saying women needed plenty of notice for a big affair.

  After a few minutes he coughed and cleared his throat. “Um, I have something to ask you, but I’m not sure how to do it.”

  “Then, just ask.” Her smile warmed his heart and fortified his courage.

  “Okay. I’m on the board of a national foundation, and we’re having a fund-raising event in three weeks. I know it’s short notice, but I’d love to have you as my date for the evening.”

  Dottie Jean gulped and her eyes opened wide. “Three weeks? That is soon. I’m not sure. I—I’ve never been to anything like that. Is it formal?”

  Fletcher wanted to kick himself. Of course the dinner was formal, and she probably didn’t have an evening gown. “Uh, yes. It’s black tie. I’ll understand if you say no, but I really want you to go with me.”

  She furrowed her brown and her blue eyes clouded. “I need to think about this. Can I let you know in a few days?”

  How could he have been so stupid? Now he’d embarrassed her.

  Chapter Five

  Dottie Jean flipped the switch to turn on the coffee urn. She had hurried home from the evening church service to prepare for this week’s meeting of Bible study group. Before they became involved in tonight’s Bible study, she planned to air her concerns about Fletcher’s invitation and seek the advice of her friends. Keeping it from them all weekend had been one of the most difficult things she’d done. Especially since Sassy knew her so well.

  A rap on the door signaled her friends’ arrival, and she scurried to unlock it for them. Sassy entered followed by Leota and Sue Ellen.

  Sassy plopped her tote bag onto the table. “Well, Dottie Jean, are you going to tell us what’s in your craw today?”

  She took a deep breath before answering her friend. “What are you talking about, Sassy?”

  Sassy let loose with a whooping laugh. “Don’t you think I’ve seen that distracted look in your eyes all weekend? Why, during the service tonight you looked like you were out in Never-Never Land somewhere.”

  Sue Ellen settled herself at the table. “She’s right. I noticed it, too.”

  Dottie peered at the trio. “Was I that obvious?”

  Leota grinned. “Oh, yes. Must have to do with that Fletcher fellow.”

  Heat burned in Dottie Jean’s cheeks, and she busied herself with coffee mugs and the pecan pie on the counter. The air grew thick enough to slice with the large knife she held for cutting the pastry. They sure wouldn’t suspect the bombshell she planned to drop on them. After arranging the refreshments on a tray, she steeled herself for their curious stares and pasted a smile on her face. She did want their opinion.

  “Okay. Stop your gawking.” She set the coffee and pie on the table. “I was planning on talking to you tonight anyway. I just didn’t realize my feelings were so transparent.”

  Sassy helped herself to a large wedge of pie. “Honey, you haven’t been able to hide your feelings from me since we were newlyweds.”

  “And you’ve helped me through many rough seas over the years.” She poured a cup of coffee and stirred in a packet of artificial sweetener.

  Sue Ellen and Leota slipped small slivers of the gooey, nut-laden pastry onto their plates.

  Sassy clucked her tongue. “You young’uns don’t know how to enjoy life. That’s not enough pie to even taste. I know Leota’s watching her figure for a wedding, but who are you watching for Sue Ellen? Don’t know of any fellows in this town after you.”

  “Thanks a lot, Sassy. For tha
t I’ll just have more.” Sue Ellen slid a generous chunk onto her plate.

  Sassy rolled her eyes. “I should think you wouldn’t be hungry. I saw that stuff you ate before the evening service.”

  Leota raised her hands. “Now, now ladies, let’s quit talking about ourselves, so Dottie Jean can tell us about Fletcher.”

  Dottie Jean wanted to shout, “No. Go ahead.” The longer they talked the more courage she could work up to ask their opinion. She decided to plunge in and let the remarks fall where they may. “I have a dilemma. Fletcher invited me to accompany him to a formal charity dinner in Jackson. I don’t know if I should accept.”

  Sue Ellen and Leota clapped their hands in glee. Both said it was wonderful, but Sassy guffawed. Just the reaction Dottie Jean had expected from her best friend.

  When her laughter died down, Sassy leaned forward. “I’m sorry, Hon, but that man’s ego is as big as all outdoors.”

  “Oh, hush, Sassy. This is a great honor. I’ll even do your hair up real fancy for free if you’ll go.” Sue Ellen grasped Dottie Jean’s hands in hers.

  “And I’ll be glad to go with you to Biloxi or Jackson or wherever to look for a dress,” Leota offered. “I found several good places while looking for a wedding gown. Maybe Debbie over at the dress shop could order one for you.”

  Leota’s wedding was coming up in a few months, and she had good taste in clothes. Dottie Jean furrowed her brow. “I haven’t seen anything there appropriate for a formal affair.” Not that she’d looked recently, but then nothing fancy ever happened in Calista, so there was no need for fancy clothes.

  “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. With those rich folks moving up around the lake, Debbie’s taken to buying a better quality clothing.” Leota reached for her glass of tea.

  “Humph. Gonna bring trouble down on your head, mark my words.” Sassy stuffed another bite of pie into her mouth.

  Dottie Jean’s heart sank as she glanced at the older woman. Maybe her friend spoke the truth. Suddenly, despite Sassy, she wanted to go to this affair. She ignored the warning and turned to Sue Ellen and Leota. “What do you two think?”

  Leota leaned forward from her chair. “Well, we think you ought to go. Don’t we, Sue Ellen?”

  “Sure. Give you a chance to hobnob with the rich and famous of Jackson.”

  Sassy washed her pie down with coffee then tilted her head. “That’s the problem. But go if you like. You know me, I’ve got no patience with the hoity-toity set in the city.”

  “I think it’s time to get down to Bible study.” Dottie Jean retrieved her Bible from a nearby table. She didn’t want to discuss this any further with them. She’d have to make up her own mind and take whatever consequences resulted.

  The next morning, after the diner had cleared of breakfast customers, Dottie Jean followed Jenny into the office. The new computer sat on the desk, hooked up and ready to go. Jenny sat down and punched a few keys and up came an image on the screen. It looked like a ledger sheet from one of the accounting books Dottie Jean used for bookkeeping.

  “I’ve already set up an account for each of our suppliers, and entered all the invoices I could find from last month.” She went on to explain how she could track each account and know exactly how much was owed and when it had been paid.

  Jenny sounded so proud of her accomplishment, but Dottie Jean didn’t have a clue as to what she rattled on about.

  “That’s nice, Honey. This should make your job much easier. Let me do the ordering, and I’ll let you handle the bills and such.” If this kept Jenny happy and occupied, then Dottie could handle the change.

  “Fine, Mama. You can even order on-line from our suppliers if you like.”

  “No thanks, I prefer the good old-fashioned phone, which I need to use right now, but I think I’ll go over to the house for this call.” No need to publicize what she wanted to say.

  Jenny’s eyes lit up. “Oh, going to call Mr. Cameron? Oh, Mama, do say yes to his invitation.”

  Dottie Jean shrugged and scurried out to the double-wide. She did plan to say yes, but still didn’t know if she had made the right decision. Now was the time to think again and change her mind. No, she wouldn’t be wishy-washy. She’d made her decision and would stick with it.

  When Dottie Jean identified herself and asked the secretary to let Mr. Cameron know she’d called, Mrs. Phelps said, “Oh, no, Mrs. Weaver. I’m to put you through right away. One moment.”

  An instant later Dottie Jean heard Fletcher’s deep voice. “Dottie Jean, I’ve been waiting for your call.”

  “Oh, you have? Didn’t mean for you to do that, but I’d be delighted to go with you to the dinner.” There, it was done.

  “Yes. That’s the best news I’ve had today.”

  She listened as he gave her a few more details about time and place. “I’ll call you back and let you know what arrangements I’ve made for your stay here.”

  Her stay there? She hadn’t considered that, but of course Jackson was too far away to make it a one-day trip. What kind of plans would he be making?

  “Better yet, I’ll come down there next week, and we can talk more about it then. I could use one of your catfish dinners.”

  “Hmm, okay. I’ll take off, and we can sit down and visit.” The dinner patrons would have to do without her for one night.

  “Good. I’ll see you then.”

  Dottie Jean said good-bye and placed the phone on the counter. She glanced at her watch. No time to think about Fletcher or anything else for that matter. It was time to get over to the diner and make pies for the evening crowd.

  Jenny met her in the kitchen. “Well, are we going to get you a dress?”

  Dottie Jean measured flour into an oversized mixing bowl. “I suppose so.”

  Her daughter hugged her from behind. “I’m so glad. You deserve to have a good time. You haven’t been anywhere but out with Fletcher since Daddy died. Five years is a long time to bury yourself in work.”

  “Wish your brother had felt that way. When he found out I’d been out with Fletcher, he didn’t like the idea at all.” She reached for shortening.

  “That’s because he’s . . . oh, never mind. When are we going for your dress?”

  “How about next Monday afternoon? Leota said she’d go with us. Sue Ellen and Sassy might go, too since they’re closed on Mondays.”

  “Sounds good to me. Now I’ll leave you with your pies.” Jenny kissed her cheek and strolled out to the dining room.

  Dottie Jean picked up her rolling pin. Why did she feel so apprehensive about the upcoming event?

  ***

  After ending the call, Fletcher sat at his desk and grinned. She had actually said yes. He couldn’t believe his luck. He pressed a button on his intercom. “Mrs. Phelps, could you come in here, please?”

  The elderly woman entered the room. “What do you need, Mr. Cameron?”

  “Mrs. Weaver has agreed to attend that fundraiser with me. I need to be sure she has a place to stay while she’s here. See if the hotel where we’ll be going has a room available and book it for her.”

  “Certainly, Mr. Cameron.”

  Kevin poked his head around the doorframe. “A room for who, Dad?”

  Fletcher dismissed Mrs. Phelps and motioned for his son to come in. “Dottie Jean Weaver has agreed to attend the dinner with me.”

  Kevin furrowed his brow. “Isn’t she the owner of that restaurant in Calista?”

  “Yes, she is.” He didn’t like the look on his son’s face. The clouds there spelled trouble.

  “Thought we weren’t going to pursue that.” Kevin sank into a chair across the desk.

  “I’m not pursuing the restaurant, just the owner.”

  “Oh.” Kevin sat up straighter. “I’m not sure I understand.”

  “That’s what all my trips down to the coast have been about. I’ve taken her out to dinner, and we’ve renewed our friendship from our high school days.”

  “Does anyone else in the famil
y know about her?”

  “No, it’s really no one’s business but my own. I don’t know where our friendship will go, but for now, she’s a pleasant dinner companion and a good friend.” But if his plans succeeded, she’d be more than that.

  Kevin stood and shook his head before blowing out a long breath. “Okay, Dad. I just don’t want to see you rush into something and be hurt or find you’ve made a big mistake.”

  Fletcher grinned. “I’ll be fine. Thank you for caring, but don’t say anything to the rest of the family just yet.”

  Kevin opened the door. “If that’s the way you want it.” He stepped out and closed the door behind him.

  Fletcher breathed a sigh of relief. The big protest he’d expected hadn’t appeared. Now if his son did keep his mouth shut, he could proceed with his plans. Time enough later to introduce his old friend to the family. Although his heart felt otherwise, common sense told him to take this relationship slow and easy and see where it would lead. He’d have to slow down to a jog instead of running full steam ahead.

  Mrs. Phelps knocked on the doorframe. “Mr. Cameron, I have those plans you wanted.”

  He waved her in. “What do we have?”

  “I’ve booked the hotel where the dinner will be held for Friday night. Mrs. Weaver will have a luxury suite on the tenth floor. It’s one of the best rooms in the hotel, and I ordered fresh flowers and mini-refrigerator stocked with water and soft drinks. No liquor. She’ll have a full supply of snack items and all the other amenities the hotel offers for VIPs.”

  “Very good. I’m sure she’ll enjoy it.” He checked his calendar for a date to head down to Calista to enjoy another catfish dinner.

  Chapter Six

  On the Friday morning of the benefit dinner, Dottie Jean paid Sue Ellen a visit. Sassy showed up and hollered at Sue Ellen. “Get your scissors and stuff. We’re going to fix Dottie Jean’s hair proper for this shindig tonight.”

  Dottie Jean yanked the protective smock from around her neck. “What do you mean—scissors?”