Autumn Spring

by Shelley Thrasher

  Sarah smiled. “Oh yes. I appreciate you having her ask us. Bree’s talked me into helping her make some pies. I plan to sit and let her do all the work. How about a pecan and a chocolate?”

  “That sounds wonderful. I’m sure we’ll all enjoy them. I’ll make a cake and some chocolate candy, so we should have the sweets covered.” She grinned. “I’d love to see Bree hustling around the kitchen.”

  Sarah got up and headed toward her canvas. “I’m looking forward to it. And if I don’t see you before then, I’ll definitely see you Thursday, pies in hand.”

  Linda waved, and as she left Sarah’s room, she felt stronger. She’d definitely follow Sandy’s advice. If her grandmother could do what her heart desired all those years ago, surely Linda could try to do the same now.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Bree unloaded her mother’s walker from the cargo area of her mother’s Lexus SUV. It was a tight fit but easier to load into than the trunk of her Mustang. “I bought everything you put on the list for the pies,” she said as she unfolded the walker and positioned it so her mother could grab the handgrips as soon as Bree helped her out of the SUV.

  Sarah surveyed the yard as she started walking toward the house. “Looks like you need to call Miguel to come rake all these crepe-myrtle leaves, Bree. And he needs to pick up those branches over there.”

  “They just fell the other day, during that storm. I’ll ask him to come next week, after the holiday weekend.”

  “Don’t put it off too long. You know how picky the neighbors are.”

  “I won’t, but let’s get you inside. This wind’s chilly.” They headed for the nearby garage.

  Bree was glad the housekeeper had come yesterday. The house was immaculate inside, so her mother shouldn’t have any complaints about it.

  “Why don’t you sit at the table?” Bree suggested. “That way you can see everything I do while I make the pies. Want something warm to drink?”

  “That sounds good. How about some hot tea with lemon?”

  How strange to be orchestrating the activity in the kitchen for a change. Bree felt stiff and uncomfortable, and her mother probably did too.

  After she settled Sarah in the most strategically located of the chairs, she clicked the Keurig on and fixed each of them a cup of tea.

  “Sit down, Bree. Let’s talk a minute before we start on the pies.”

  Sitting felt more familiar. How many hours had she spent here after school, doing her homework, barely aware of what her mother was up to? They’d rarely, if ever, just faced each other and talked.

  “What’s going on between you and Linda?”

  Bree almost spit out the drink of tea she’d just taken. “What?” She set her cup down. “Nothing’s going on.”

  Sarah sipped her tea as calmly as if she’d just asked her about tomorrow’s weather forecast. “Are you sure?”

  “I haven’t even seen her since last week in the library, when I told her about her real father.”

  “How did she take the news?” Sarah lowered her cup and scrutinized her.

  “What do you expect? She was surprised and upset. A little distant maybe.”

  “Have you talked to her since then? That was, what, last Wednesday or Thursday?”

  “I thought she might want some time to process the news, but when she hadn’t called by Saturday morning, I phoned her. She was unfriendly, so I decided she must not be ready to discuss it yet.” She tried another drink of her tea. “Her invitation to Thanksgiving dinner surprised me, but I guess she’s feeling better. Why do you want to know? Have you talked to her lately?”

  “Yes. She dropped by Monday to check on me, while you were in Dallas. She said she hadn’t seen you lately and thought you might be going back to Chicago. She said she hoped you’d enjoyed your visit. Have you?”

  Bree set her cup down with a clatter. “Yes. A lot more than I expected. But why would she think I’m going back? You’ve just been out of the hospital a full week.”

  “You are still gainfully employed, aren’t you? If you’re not, you must have a lot of vacation time accumulated.” Sarah put down her cup too and looked around. “I’m hungry. Do you have anything to snack on?”

  Bree jumped up, eager to escape her mother’s third degree, if only for a minute. “Sweet or salty?” She strode over to the pantry and pulled out a couple of boxes.

  “Bring me both.” Sarah bit into one of the small, round, salty crackers first. “Hmm. I like the crunch of these.”

  What was she up to?

  Then she tried one of the rectangular, larger cookies. “And this is good too. Sweet. Which do you prefer?”

  Why was Sarah fixating on these snacks?

  She didn’t wait for Bree to answer. “Have you seen much of Ann lately?” Sarah asked, out of the blue. Had she missed some of her medication today?

  “Uh, yes. I told you she dropped by Friday and even spent the night and that we went to Dallas.”

  “Did Linda know?”

  “I doubt it. I also told you I haven’t seen her since last week, and when I talked to her Saturday, she almost hung up on me.”

  “Hmm. I wonder.” Sarah picked up another cracker and crunched into it. “There might be more sisterly rivalry between Linda and Ann than you and I are aware of. I’m glad we’ll be around them tomorrow. Maybe we’ll be able to figure it out.”

  Bree gave up trying to follow her mother’s reasoning. “I wish I could understand what you’re driving at, but shouldn’t we start on those pies? I don’t want to show up empty-handed.”

  Sarah finished her tea and pushed the plate of snacks away. “We can’t have that, can we? Now go get out the flour, salt, and cooking oil, and I’ll show you how to make a piecrust.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Bree jumped up, relieved. Her mother was talking in riddles.

  *

  Maureen’s plane wasn’t due in Tyler until 4:20 p.m., but sometimes the flight arrived early. Sure enough, Linda had just pushed through the glass doors into the reception area when Maureen and her partner Terry bounded toward her, each pulling a small suitcase.

  They gave her a huge hug, then followed her outside. “Love your new spinners,” Linda said as they stowed their cases—Maureen’s pink and Terry’s lime-green—into the back of her CR-V.

  “We wanted you to be able to spot us in a crowd, Mom,” Maureen said as she crawled into the front seat and left the backseat for Terry.

  As they sped through Tyler, they briefed her on their news. “I assume you’re having a crowd of people over for Thanksgiving tomorrow,” Maureen said. “What can Terry and I bring?”

  Linda glanced at her. “You know you don’t have to bring anything.”

  Terry chimed in. “But we want to.”

  “Oh, okay. What if you two buy some Chinet paper plates and plastic utensils? That way we won’t have to spend all afternoon and night washing dishes.”

  Maureen nodded. “That’s easy. How about stopping by the store on the way in? I assume everything will be closed tomorrow.”

  “Sure. I’m expecting about twenty people.”

  “Wow. Why so many?” Maureen glanced at her. “Not that I mind. I’m just curious.”

  Linda shrugged and turned into the Kroger parking lot, crowded with last-minute shoppers.

  “I’ll run in and pick out the stuff, Maureen,” Terry offered. “You stay here and visit with your mom.”

  Maureen blew her a kiss. “Thanks, sweetie. Don’t buy out the store.”

  “She’s really thoughtful, isn’t she?” Linda said as Terry walked away.

  “Yeah. She’s the best. I’m lucky to be with her.”

  “I’d say she’s lucky to be with you too.” Linda squeezed Maureen’s forearm. “Y’all doing okay?”

  Maureen smiled, her eyes still on Terry as she disappeared into the store. “Couldn’t be better. What about you? Found anybody special yet?”

  Linda squirmed. It was strange to be having this discussion with her dau
ghter, who not that many years ago had come out to her and spent hours talking about her busy dating life.

  “Not yet. I did have quite an experience Friday night, though.”

  After she described her disastrous date with Tonda, Maureen laughed. “I bet she’s hot, Mom. You could probably have some good times with her, but she’s apparently not the type you’re interested in.”

  “You’re right. In fact, I wasn’t planning to tell you this, because it may be over before it even gets started, but I really like one of the women who’s coming over for Thanksgiving tomorrow.”

  Maureen stared at her. “Who?”

  “I doubt I’ve ever mentioned her. I had a crush on her when I was a teenager. She’s been living in Chicago and has been here almost a month now. We’ve spent quite a bit of time together, but things are up in the air between us now, and she’ll probably be leaving soon. I’m trying not to get my hopes up.”

  “So you invited her to spend a major holiday with us? Smart move, Mom.”

  Linda laughed. “I know. But I didn’t invite her. Your aunt Ann did.”

  “Ann? Oh no. When did she show up again?”

  “Oh, you know how she flits in between husbands. I even thought she’d found one here, but evidently she decided against him. I have no more idea how long she’ll be in town than I do about Bree—”

  “Bree? Bree Principal?”

  “What? Do you know her? How?”

  Maureen raised a brow. “Mom. Every lesbian in Chicago knows her—at least knows her reputation. She’s an old-school player, a love-’em-and-leave-’em type. She’d probably make your date last Friday night look tame.”

  Linda’s heart suddenly felt as frozen as some of the turkeys she’d seen in the grocery store earlier this week. “Where’d you hear that?”

  “Gossip. I’ve never actually met her. We run in different circles. She’s very private, very selective. But I’ve heard whispers about her, and I remembered her name because she’s supposedly from this part of Texas.” She grimaced. “Not that she’d ever admit it. I’ve also heard she doesn’t sound like it either, like she’s ashamed of being from down here. That’s one reason I’ve never even tried to meet her.”

  “Are you sure we’re talking about the same person?” Linda asked, but Maureen’s comment about Bree purposely losing her East Texas accent rang true.

  “No. But if she’s going to be there tomorrow, I’ll sure check her out. I won’t put up with anyone like her breaking my mom’s heart.” She looked as ferocious as Riley had that time she’d threatened Bree, but then she glanced out the window and smiled. “Here’s Terry.”

  “That didn’t take long,” Linda said as Terry opened the back door and loaded several bulging plastic bags onto the seat.

  “No. I got lucky. The express lane was empty.”

  “Well, let’s go home, girls. I have a big pot of chili waiting for you two. I know how much you like it.”

  “You got that right, Mom. And I’m starving.”

  Maureen had sounded so much like Bree just then that Linda’s heart thawed a bit. If what Maureen said was true, thank God she hadn’t become too involved with Bree.

  She sighed. Which would she rather have—a frozen heart or a broken one?

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Linda had just finished eating a light breakfast with Maureen and Terry when the phone rang.

  “Hey, sis. Thought I’d come over a little early and help you get ready for the big event. What time would be good for you?”

  “You don’t have to do that, Ann. I can press Maureen and Terry into service.” Linda didn’t know whether Ann’s sudden friendliness pleased or depressed her.

  “No. I mean it. I’ve sloughed off on holidays enough. Let the girls rest. They’re supposed to be on vacation.”

  They did seem a little tired. “Okay. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind just lounging around.”

  “Great. Since we’re supposed to eat at two this afternoon, how about I show up at noon, turkey in hand?”

  “That should work. See you then.”

  This was certainly a first. What was up with Ann?

  Exactly at noon, a sleek black Lexus pulled into the driveway, and Ann unloaded a large UPS box from the front seat.

  Linda hurried to the back door. “You haven’t even opened the box yet?”

  Ann shook her head. “I’m not totally helpless. I refrigerated it yesterday and let the turkey sit out all morning.”

  “It should be perfect. Let’s find a platter.”

  After they settled the turkey on the dining-room table, Ann looked around. “Nice decorations.”

  Linda stared. Ann rarely noticed anything creative she’d done, much less complimented her. “Thanks. Riley helped me. They’re not professional, but we enjoyed making them.”

  “That’s what counts, isn’t it?” Ann followed her into the kitchen. “Now, just tell me what to do.”

  Maureen and Terry had greeted Ann when she arrived, but after half an hour, Maureen said, “Looks like you two have it covered here, Mom. Okay if Terry and I take a quick nap before company gets here?”

  “Sure. Go ahead.”

  Ann hadn’t stopped working, but after the girls left the room, she said, “We need to talk.”

  Oh, my God. Linda had dreaded this moment. Could she bear to hear why Ann had undergone such a radical personality change practically overnight? However, she’d followed Sandy’s advice lately by trying to focus on what she wanted rather than cut herself off from what she feared might happen.

  “Okay. Let’s take a break.”

  They sat down at the breakfast-room table, and Ann said, “You’ve got to have noticed my sudden holiday mood.”

  “Yes. I wondered about it but figured you’d tell me what caused it when it suited you.”

  Ann nodded. “I’m giving myself several days to make sure I’m not jumping the gun this time.”

  Linda gritted her teeth and forced a smile. Yes, Ann had spent the night with Bree almost a week ago. “That’s smart.”

  “I’ve finally found someone who seems to love me even with all these wrinkles and my little potbelly.” She patted her stomach and giggled.

  Linda’s smile almost iced up her cheekbones, but she held it. She felt glad for Ann, who’d never really seemed happy before now. But why did Ann’s newfound joy have to destroy hers? A deep sigh welled up from deep inside her.

  “That’s all I get? A sigh? Don’t you want the details? Aren’t you happy for me?” Ann faded like an aging rose, which hurt Linda.

  “No, no—I’m thrilled for you. Tell me all about it.” Linda had never uttered two more painful sentences, but she chose to listen to her better angel.

  “I’m truly in love, for the first time and for the right reasons. I want to spend the rest of my life with Carl and—”

  “Carl? What do you mean?” The sun seemed to have emerged and began to thaw Linda’s frozen smile.

  “What do you think I mean? That I could find somebody else to fall for in such a short time? We’ve been engaged for at least a month now. Even I don’t work that fast.”

  “No…I…”

  “Aha.” Ann’s grin appeared teasing yet sympathetic. “I bet I know.”

  “Know what?”

  “You thought I’ve been talking about Bree.” She took Linda’s hand and squeezed it. “Look at me. That’s why you’ve seemed so down in the mouth lately, isn’t it?”

  “Why, I…”

  “You can’t fool me. You care for her, don’t you?”

  Linda’s smile melted, and she let it fill her face. “Yes. I can’t help it. But—”

  “But you’re not sure how she feels about you. Right?”

  Linda let her head drop. “Right.”

  “I can’t help you there. From all indications, she’s very fond of you and has enjoyed your time together a lot. But you’ll need to talk to her. I can’t think about anything right now except Carl. He’s been so patient with me.”


  As Ann raved about Carl, Linda listened with half an ear. Hopefully, Ann’s sixth marriage would be a double charm.

  But how could she get Bree alone and find out how things stood between them? Maybe, as Sandy said, magic actually worked.

  *

  From the moment Bree strolled though the front door wearing an orange sweater and brown jeans, Linda couldn’t keep her mind on anything or anyone else. The two of them seemed to exist in an iridescent bubble, a glistening membrane that kept them from straying too far apart and filtered everyone else out.

  After everyone piled their plates high with the food laid out on the Corian counters, the youngsters migrated outside to enjoy the unpredictably balmy, springlike weather. Even Sarah finally moved to one of the tables on the back patio and sat in the warmth of the sun.

  Linda thought of the safe picnic area she always visualized in her daily meditations, but the dad who’d adopted her morphed into her biological father, Patrick. Sandy was the only other person here who used to go to those picnics, but Linda’s new family gathered at her home today supplanted the one of her childhood.

  She and Bree sat at opposite ends of a long table, and neither said much, the bubble cocooning them. Did Bree feel it too, this womb-like sensation? Or did Ann? No. Ann was too wrapped up in Carl, who sat beside her like he’d just won the Kentucky Derby, listening as Ann chattered. Only Sarah seemed to detect the fragile membrane that cradled Linda and Bree, and she never stopped smiling as she sat there in the sun.

  Sated from turkey and casseroles and hot rolls and sauces, Linda rose and walked inside to sample the desserts.

  “You look wonderful today, Linda.” Bree spoke so softly Linda barely heard her amid the hubbub from outside.

  “Thanks. It’s because you’re here.” She cut a slice of pecan pie. “Did you really make this?”

  Bree’s grin made the warmth of the sun spread throughout Linda. “Yes. I’m learning all types of new things. But I’ve missed seeing you lately. Are you all right?”