Sweet Southern Hearts

by Susan Schild

  Ruby lay stretched out on the couch of the RV with a seat belt fastened cattywampus around her waist. She sighed happily. “The Opry was amazing. Can you believe we saw Blake Shelton, Larry Gatlin, and that darling Scotty McCreery?”

  “All fine examples of American manhood,” Dottie said staunchly, as if she was admiring the patriotism of the group of singers instead of their collective hunkiness.

  Linny shook her head from her co-driver’s seat. “I always liked Johnny Cash, but now that we went to that museum, I’m deeply in like with him. Deeply,” she said reverently.

  “Listening to those recordings and reading old letters he wrote to June. So soulful,” Ruby said wistfully and put a hand to her heart. “That was a big love.”

  “No man ever wrote me letters like that,” her mother said quietly.

  “Maybe Mack will,” Linny said.

  “Mack is just a friend,” her mother reminded her.

  “A friend who calls or FaceTimes you once or twice a day,” Dessie said drily. She glanced at the now wrinkled-looking itinerary in her hand and sounded bemused. “On to Elvis and Graceland. I hadn’t planned it this way, but this is the hunky male singer leg of our trip.”

  “It is.” Linny smiled. “What were you all’s favorite Elvis songs?”

  Dessie spoke with no hesitation, “Mine was ‘That’s All Right.’ Oh my goodness, he was something.” She pretended to fan herself with her hand.

  “‘Love Me Tender.’” Ruby gave a swoony sigh. “That one just melted me.”

  “Mine was ‘How Great Thou Art.’ That man had a fine gospel voice,” Dottie said firmly. Pausing for a moment, she admitted, “I also loved ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love.’ It just got me the way he couldn’t help himself.”

  Linny glanced back at her, understanding her desire for that intensity. “I love that song, too, Mama.”

  “I heard Elvis bought Graceland when he was young, just after he started to make it big,” Ruby said.

  “That’s true.” Dessie nodded. “I read it online. He bought the mansion and the thirteen acres of grounds in 1957 for about one hundred thousand dollars.”

  Linny thought about it. “So why was Graceland on y’alls bucket list? Is it because you loved the music and Elvis was such a heartthrob?”

  The three women were quiet for a moment.

  “He was a good bit older than the three of us,” Dessie said slowly. “But his voice was amazing and he was pure breath taking with those heavy-lidded eyes and that curled lip. I could see why the girls screamed and fainted when they saw him perform.”

  “He was a good-lookin’ man,” Dottie admitted. “But I also liked that he was Southern and he was good to his mama and daddy. He got mixed up with that fast crowd, but he was a Christian man at heart, and his roots were in gospel music.” She gave a swooning sigh. “He was a real original.”

  Ruby weighed in. “I loved his romance with Priscilla. Imagine, him falling in love with her when she was so young and then waiting to marry her. It was the romance of a lifetime.”

  Until they divorced, Linny thought but didn’t say. She was determined to keep the mood happy.

  * * *

  After the tour of Graceland, the four women wearily climbed back on the RV.

  “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m officially Elvised out.” Dessie collapsed on the sofa in the back.

  “That was so much fun, but my dogs are barking.” Ruby sat, slipped off her tennis shoes, and rubbed her feet. “Can you believe we lucked out and met those men who were going to compete in the Elvis Tribute Artist Contest this year? They looked so much like the King, it was like seeing his ghost.”

  Dessie nabbed a drink from the refrigerator, sat down heavily, and took a long swallow. “I just loved that place. Wore me plumb out, but going through the house and the museum and seeing his car and his planes—we were just walking through history.”

  Linny lay down on the carpeted floor and groaned. “My back hurts, but I’ve seen the Jungle Room.”

  * * *

  As dusk gathered, the four of them sat in their camp chairs watching the flames of their campfire, finishing off the last of what they referred to as the Last Supper. Linny was flying home in the morning. The grilled chicken, baked potatoes, green bean casserole, and pecan pie topped with vanilla ice cream had been delicious. They all were subdued: tired from the day and aware that this was Linny’s last night of the trip with them.

  “That was a fine meal, Ruby,” Linny said, wishing she hadn’t eaten seconds on the pie. “With our busy schedule I can’t believe you pulled that meal off. You went to an awful lot of trouble.”

  “Don’t be silly,” Ruby said with a little wave. “We couldn’t let you go without a special send-off supper.”

  Dottie gave Linny a brave smile. “I can’t believe you’re leaving us tomorrow. It just won’t seem right without you.”

  “You’ve been good company,” Dessie said.

  Linny glanced fondly at the now familiar faces, all looking relaxed and flushed by the heat of the fire. She’d gotten to know each woman better—including her mother—and grown to like them more and more. She’d enjoyed Ruby’s bubbling personality and bright optimism, Dessie’s quiet calm and keen observations about people, and Mama’s dry wit and sense of adventure. As excited as she was about getting home and seeing Jack and Neal, Linny felt sad, too. “I had a great time. Thank you for letting me tag along.” She raised her glass of wine. “A toast?”

  The other women smiled and raised their glasses.

  Linny said, “To the SWAT Team having even more wonderful adventures on the rest of the trip, and to having fun with the men who will be joining you. Send pictures, FaceTime me, and we’ll leave the front-porch light on for you back in Willow Hill.”

  They touched glasses and drank.

  Determined to lighten the mood, Linny looked at Ruby. “How’s your fishing coming? What kind of nibbles are you getting from the notes you answered?”

  “Lots of nibbles and bites,” she said brightly. “Mr. Successful Businessman—who is named Byron, by the way—has written me twice. He’s on his way to Dubai for a business meeting. He’s going to call me as soon as he gets back to the States. Those were his words: back to the States. He sounds so international.”

  Dottie gave her a sideways glance. “What does he do for a living?” she asked.

  Ruby looked away for a moment. “I can’t remember. I’m getting them all mixed up.”

  Dottie popped the last of her sandwich in her mouth. “Could be all hat and no cattle.”

  “You don’t know that, Dottie. Just because of your experience with men doesn’t mean that . . .” Ruby’s eyes widened and she sat up straight in her chair and pointed excitedly at a couple approaching. “That’s that Hal and Letty. He told me they were headed to Graceland today, too.” She stood and waved madly. “Hey, Letty! Hey, Hal!”

  Hal gave a friendly wave and walked over, but his wife hung back.

  Ruby’s face flushed and she smiled brightly.

  “Hey there, Miss Ruby.” Hal gave her a boyish grin and quickly turned to the others. “Evening, ladies.”

  As Hal chatted with the women about their Graceland tour, Linny watched Letty from behind her sunglasses. The woman seemed to be chewing double-time on the piece of gum in her mouth. Despite today’s ninety-four-degree heat, she wore a long-sleeved cotton dress that looked too big on her, and her hand gripped the purse she wore strapped diagonally across her chest. Maybe she was afraid she’d get her purse stolen because the four of them had been burgled, but still . . . There was something off about the woman.

  “Your cookies were delicious,” Dottie called to the skinny woman. “The girls and I really enjoyed them.”

  Linny arched a brow at her mother, but Dottie ignored her. Technically, Mama had eaten every one of the cookies at some point in the middle of the night, but Linny wasn’t one to split hairs.

  “We heard you all were headed for Branson
, too,” Hal said.

  “We are, right after we drop this one off at the airport tomorrow.” Dessie pointed to Linny.

  “It’s been real nice meeting you,” Hal said, smiling shyly at Linny.

  “Nice meeting you, too,” Linny said, liking the man.

  Hal looked at the others, cocking his head. “How long are you staying and where are you camping?”

  Probably doing math in her head about the drive time, Dessie thought a minute. “We’ll be in Branson from late Friday through Monday and we’re staying at Quiet Creekside RV Resort.”

  “Good,” Hal said, looking pleased. “We’re staying just down the road at Scenic Valley. We’ll look out for you ladies on the road and catch up with you all there.” He pulled a pen and a crumpled receipt from his shirt pocket, scribbled down a number, and handed it to Dessie. “Here’s my cell in case you all need it. Have a good evening.” With a tip of an imaginary hat, Hal ambled off.

  “Such a sweet man,” Ruby breathed. “Too bad the good ones are taken.”

  Linny smiled and then watched the friends talk and tease each other. Dottie pulled out her knitting but announced she was going to cut herself a smidge more pie. She glanced at Ruby as she threw back her head and laughed at an aside Dessie had made. With or without her, the adventures would continue for these three. Linny’s job was done. Mama not only had her sea legs, she was having the time of her life.

  CHAPTER 9

  Homecoming

  As she scrabbled in the bottom of her purse for stray bills to add to the cab driver’s tip, Linny marveled again at her good luck. In these days of TSA lines and overbooked flights, she’d gotten lucky and managed to catch an earlier plane home. She’d tried to get hold of Jack to tell him not to pick her up at the airport but hadn’t heard back from him. Even if he didn’t check his phone, she was home at six p.m. instead of nine, so she had plenty of time to head Neal and him off before they made the trip to RDU.

  Their dogs barked as they bounded out from behind the house. Linny called to them and grinned, showering pats on the yipping and swarming pack. They gave her doggie smiles when she rubbed them, and Linny paused to give extra love to her best man, Roy. Jack’s truck wasn’t in its usual parking space. Was he down at the barn or had he and Neal gone to run errands?

  Linny took a deep breath, enjoying the familiar scents: faint whiffs of gardenias mixed with the earthier smells of horse manure and recently plowed field. So good to be home. She bumped her bag onto the front porch of Jack’s—no, their—old farmhouse and felt a shiver of delicious anticipation. All the fretting about intrusive Vera had dissolved with the passing days and all Linny could think about now was stepping into Jack’s arms. She couldn’t wait to tell him about her trip and find out all about their adventures.

  As she fit the key in the lock, the door swung open without her turning the key. Linny felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up. This was the second time this week a door that was supposed to be locked was open. Cautiously, she poked her head in the house and breathed in the delicious scent of warm corn bread. Linny paused for a moment, feeling almost teary with gratitude. Jack and Neal had guessed she’d be road weary and pulled out the cookbooks to make supper for her.

  But from the direction of the kitchen, a woman’s voice called out, “Yoo-hoo.”

  Linny froze, wondering wildly if the voice was Vera’s. Had she just moved in like a carpetbagger as soon as Linny left North Carolina? Her heart thundered.

  “Y’all go wash up. Supper is almost ready!” the woman called.

  Linny heard the distinctive clicking of kitten heels and sighed inwardly. The drawling trill was her mother-in-law, Ceecee. The two of them had had a rocky start, with Ceecee still being brokenhearted about Jack’s divorce from her best friend’s daughter. But once Ceecee learned the truth about Vera’s abandoning the marriage, and as she’d come to know Linny, the two women had begun forging a bond of respect and affection. Still, Linny felt slightly wary around Ceecee, as if she needed to be on her best behavior. All she wanted to do tonight was relax, not have to make conversation with anyone but Jack and Neal. Forcing a smile, Linny stepped into the kitchen.

  Ceecee looked startled, but then her eyes lit up and she threw her arms around Linny in an extravagant hug. “I heard the dogs barking and thought you were the boys. Welcome home, you little traveler!”

  “Thank you,” Linny said, flushing and feeling inordinately pleased at her warm greeting. But Ceecee was wearing Linny’s favorite apron: a vintage number with cabbage roses and ribbons on it that Jack had given her for Christmas that year. Fighting a hot crawl of possessiveness, she reminded herself that she wasn’t three years old and that Ceecee was doing something nice for her family by cooking them a home-cooked meal.

  “Well, when we all sit down for supper I want to hear all about your trip. You can tell us every little thing.” Ceecee’s low heels clicked as she bustled around the kitchen, pulling out silverware and glasses. “The boys are at the feedstore. They got home yesterday afternoon and were just starving to death, so I came over and cooked for them. Thought I’d cook again tonight because Jack told me that he and Neal planned on just ordering pizza or cooking one of those instant dump-the-bag-in-the-skillet-and-stir-it-around deals. Probably full of preservatives.” She shook her head and peered inside the oven.

  Linny gave Ceecee a wry grin and admitted, “One of the last suppers I cooked before the trip was a dump-it-in-the-skillet meal. The boys gave it five stars.”

  Ceecee’s eyes widened but with a determinedly positive smile backtracked smoothly. “Well, I just can’t imagine how clever you are to have your little business and still have time to get a meal on the table for two men.” Clasping her hands in front of her waist, her charm bracelet tinkling, Ceecee got a fond look in her eye. “When Jack was Neal’s age he could go through a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread in just two days. And bologna sandwiches; that young man loved bologna sandwiches. Neal is always hungry, too, isn’t he?” she asked, bright-eyed as she cocked her head.

  “He can be . . .” Linny started but stopped herself, remembering her new truth-telling policy. “Neal turns up his nose at a lot of my meals because his mama cooks it better,” she admitted, crossing her arms and bracing herself, remembering how Ceecee used to wax rhapsodically about her ex-daughter-in-law’s cooking.

  But Ceecee just tutted and shot her a sympathetic look. “Try not to let that worry you. Boys that age can be contrary, and he’s had a lot of changes lately. He’ll come around.” Ceecee slipped on oven mitts and pulled the steaming corn bread from the oven. Peeking into Linny’s slow cooker, she gave a stir to the spicy-smelling contents. “Seafood gumbo.”

  Linny inhaled the mouthwateringly delicious aroma of garlic, tomato, and peppers and smiled. “It smells amazing.”

  She gave a satisfied little nod. “I hope you don’t mind, but I was planning on staying for supper. Rush dropped me off here on the way to his Rotary Club’s board of directors’ meeting. That doesn’t end until nine so I’m just as free as a bird.” She made a fluttering movement with her fingers, a little free bird just flying away. “Maybe we could play Scrabble or Monopoly after supper.”

  “Good,” Linny said, trying to muster up polite enthusiasm. But board games plain bored her and she was exhausted. All the sleeping on a too-thin mattress with no Jack beside her, the stress of driving the RV, the lack of privacy in the past week, and changing time zones was catching up with her. She pointed to the bedroom. “I’d like to go freshen up.”

  “Of course you would,” Ceecee said with a firm nod. “I’ve got everything under control here. We’ll just wait for our men to come home.” Her charms jingled again as she gave the gumbo a stir. “You know, I’ve enjoyed spending time with young Neal. He’s turning into such a darling young man. He and I have had some good long chats. I taught him to play gin rummy and he’s teaching me to play poker,” she said with a mischievous smile.

  Linny trudged back to the
bedroom, glad for the reprieve but picturing a chatty meal and a marathon game of Monopoly. All she wanted to do was go slip on shorts and a T-shirt, hug the boys tightly, snuggle with Roy, and make it an early night.

  Her mother’s words came back to her: People pleasing is a bad habit and I hope I raised a daughter who pays attention to what she wants.

  Linny stopped abruptly, turned around, and walked back to the kitchen.

  Ceecee’s brows flew up. “Everything okay?” she asked solicitously.

  Linny met her beautiful green eyes—the ones Jack had inherited. “Ceecee, I am just so tired. Will you please take charge tonight? You’re doing a great job. I’m going to go get Roy to keep me company, make a peanut butter sandwich, grab a glass of wine, and go lie down.”

  Ceecee paused and broke into tentative smile. She reached out to pat Linny’s arm, her eyes kind. “Of course you’re tired, darling. You’ve been taking such good care of your mama. Now you go get yourself comfy. I’ll fix you a little tray and bring it to you in your room.” She twirled away, tiptoeing up to grab a loaf of bread from on top of the refrigerator. “Now do you want that sandwich on white or wheat, and would you like white or red wine?”

  “White and white,” Linny croaked, her mouth suddenly dry. Standing stock-still, she felt a wave of giddy relief. Ceecee hadn’t raised a brow at the odd meal request or Linny bailing on the family supper and games night. “Thank you,” she said, flashing Ceecee a grateful smile, relieved to be able to just be herself.

  “Of course.” Ceecee gave a dismissive wave, but she bustled around with a pleased smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

  “Let me go round up Roy,” Linny said and walked outside to call the dog. She breezed back through the kitchen with Roy’s claws skittering on the wood floors behind her, and paused to give Ceecee a peck on the cheek. Watching her mother-in-law color with pleasure, Linny smiled as she wheeled her suitcase toward her room.