Sweet Southern Comfort

by Candice Poarch

  He almost missed Eric sitting in a lawn chair in the front yard. Monroe stopped in the middle of a step. Pain, shock, joy, fury—all kinds of emotions slammed into each other.

  A lifetime ago, the two had been best friends.

  This was the first time the two had confronted each other since the company breakup.

  “Hello, Monroe.”

  At the sound of Eric’s voice, Monroe blocked his feelings and continued up the walk. “Come in,” Monroe said. It was time to get that first awkward meeting over with.

  Monroe tossed his hat on the coat tree. “Can I get you anything?” What did you say to a friend turned enemy?

  “Nothing. I guess you got the call from Emerson.”

  “I did, but I’m going to decline.” The men squared off against each other.

  “You got a better offer?”

  “The four of us working together again? I don’t think so. When the going gets tough, you’ll bail.”

  “It was more than that….”

  “Right.”

  “Laying it all on me is convenient, isn’t it? And I let you in the beginning, because…”

  “Because what?”

  “Look. You were going after Aaron with a vengeance. It was tough to get business done. Hell, half the time we were breaking up fights.”

  “I did my job.”

  “You broke Aaron’s nose for chrissake, loosened two of his teeth. And you were on his back about everything.”

  “He wasn’t doing his job. You should have replaced him instead of disbanding the entire company.”

  Eric sighed. “I know the company was your baby. But it wasn’t going to survive Aaron’s faithlessness. It couldn’t survive your divorce.”

  “It’s over and done with. I’m not signing up with another deal with you all again.”

  “The offer wasn’t made to all of us. Only you and me. You know, siding with them was the worst thing I ever did. If I’d believed for a moment the company could survive, I wouldn’t have.” Walking to the fireplace, Eric raked a hand over his head. “We started getting more and more offers for buyouts and Peter had wanted to sell and take the profits.” Eric sighed. “I guess we didn’t do a great job of choosing partners.”

  “Guess not.”

  “I want this, Monroe. But I can’t do it without you. This time we’ll have more discretional funds. We’ll have time for a life. I don’t want the job to be my life ever again.”

  “You think it’ll be different with Emerson? Stockholders want profits, and you don’t get that without working long hours.”

  “I’ve already discussed that with Emerson. I told them if they want that kind of manager, hire someone else.”

  “Good luck.”

  Eric looked disappointed. “I’m going to drop by Mrs. Eudora’s. She said she was feeling better.”

  “She is.”

  “You’ve got a nice farm here, Monroe.”

  “How…how is Eric Jr.?”

  “Having a great soccer season. School’s great.”

  Monroe didn’t know what made him say “Bring him out here sometime. He’d love the animals.”

  For the first time since he’d arrived, Eric smiled. “I’ll do that.”

  “Tell Veronica hello for me.”

  “She’s at the hotel. She’d love to see you.”

  He could imagine Veronica’s impression of their rinky-dink hotel. “How long will you be in town?”

  “Through the weekend. Thought we’d visit Savannah while we’re here.”

  “And Eric Jr.?”

  “Veronica’s parents are keeping him while we’re away.”

  As much as Monroe didn’t want Eric under his roof, Veronica was still a good friend. He couldn’t let her remain in that dingy motel. “Why don’t you stay at the house? It’s big enough.” For him to get lost in. He wouldn’t have to see Eric.

  “Veronica would love that. She’s done nothing but complain about the hotel.” He rose, jiggled his keys. “Good to see you again, Monroe.”

  When Eric left, Monroe called Mrs. Pearl to see if a staff member could work every day to ensure that Ronnie could take a mini vacation. He knew her. She had to keep busy. She’d be looking for things to do. The only thing he wanted her to do was take walks along the lake, enjoy his pool and ride his animals. He didn’t want her to worry about cooking breakfast or making her bed. She needed a break.

  Of course Mrs. Pearl wanted to know why he needed someone to work every day, nosy woman.

  Chapter 10

  The next day, Melanie was still reeling from her ordeal with Uncle Milton when Monroe showed up at her shop.

  “You and Courtney settle things?” he asked.

  “She still won’t admit to people that she’s teaching Connie math, and Connie is afraid to admit her connection to Courtney. Darn it. The girls are building a friendship they can’t acknowledge. It’s such a mess.”

  “Feuds often are. You’re dealing with stubborn people.”

  “What an understatement. I just want to bang their heads together. Knock some sense into them.” After venting, some of the anger drained out of Melanie, replaced by despair. “Uncle Milton is never going to forgive. Both men think they’re right. Neither is willing to relent even a little.”

  “Melanie, you take on the world. Don’t anguish over this. Sometimes things have a way of working out on their own.”

  “You don’t really believe that, do you?”

  Monroe nodded. “Yes, I do.”

  “Thanks for trying to cheer me up. I’m just in a rotten mood.”

  “Guess I came at a bad time, hmm?”

  She really looked at him for the first time. He seemed troubled and here she was pouring out her problems on him. He’d been a rock for her yesterday. “Thanks for being there for me. It’s not a bad time. I just need something to take my mind off the feud.”

  His eyes were gentle and uncertain. “Look, an old partner of mine is in town with his wife. I was hoping I could convince you to join us for dinner tomorrow night. My grandmother would love to have Courtney stay with her overnight, if you’re worried about her being up too late.”

  “I think I can be persuaded,” she said with a teasing smile that drew his focus. “It’ll be six before I can get there. Is that okay?”

  “Six works for me. Mind if Courtney gets off the bus at Grandma’s?”

  “I’ll tell her tonight. If she can get within a foot of Mrs. Eudora it shouldn’t be a problem. I guess you’ll probably be busy with your guests today.”

  “Eric and Veronica are moving into my house as we speak. But stop by so I can introduce you.”

  “I can’t; I have a meeting later on, but I’ll be there tomorrow.”

  Monroe gathered her into his arms. “This is going to be a stressful week. Thanks for agreeing to come.”

  “Eric. Was he your friend?” Melanie frowned. She could tell Monroe disliked talking about his past.

  His gray eyes became flat and unreadable. “We were best friends.”

  “Sounds like you might want him to be a best friend again. Maybe now that time has passed you can talk things through.”

  “You’re still the dreamer, aren’t you?”

  Maybe that was how Uncle Milton saw her, too. People saw her as the dreamer. Not to be taken seriously. Maybe that was why Monroe could swat away her concerns about the feud like a pesky mosquito.

  Monroe’s family was scattered over the globe. If he couldn’t talk to his best friend, then more than likely he hadn’t confided in anyone. “Why are they here?”

  “Remember the job offer I had from Emerson? They want to hire Eric as CEO of the subsidiary they’re forming.”

  “Just like old times. How do you feel about working with him again?”

  “I don’t know if we can.”

  But he moved the man and his wife into his home and he wanted her to meet them. Even though they were still on the outs, these people were obviously important to Monroe.


  “Well, first of all, how do you feel about working for Emerson?”

  For the first time, she saw a spark of interest in his eyes. “They want me to spearhead a project I recommended before we sold. It’s a project I’d like to do.”

  “Can you be content with Emerson? Can you go from a business owner to an employee?”

  “I don’t know. I thought I could. But owning your own company, especially something that’s cutting-edge, is a lot of work. Takes enormous capital. We couldn’t afford the staff Emerson is offering us.”

  She gave him a little rub on his arm. “You’ll work it out.”

  “Yeah—there goes that dreamer again.”

  Melanie struggled to smile so he wouldn’t see how much his words hurt. “What kind of books does Veronica like?”

  “Fiction, I guess. How would I know?”

  She scoffed. “That helps a lot. Do you know how many categories there are under fiction?”

  He touched his fingertips to one side of her jaw. With a shrug, he was out the door, the weight of his future riding on his shoulders. Melanie watched him as he climbed into his truck and drove off.

  She started back around the countertop. The telephone rang.

  “Melanie,” Mrs. Eudora announced in a commanding voice. “Please drop by this evening if it’s convenient. I have some plaza business to discuss with you.”

  Melanie had planned to work on the business plan with Gail after work, but she couldn’t afford to alienate Mrs. Eudora. “What time?” she asked.

  “After you leave the shop. Courtney is here with your cousin. Since you’re coming by anyway she may as well stay until you get here. I’ll make sure she completes all her homework.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Eudora.”

  “Pearl has already prepared dinner, dear. I’ll let Courtney eat so she won’t go to bed on a full stomach if it’s okay with you.”

  “That’s fine.” Good excuse to visit with my daughter, Melanie thought.

  “She’s in good hands. Don’t worry about her.”

  “I never worry when she’s with you.”

  Melanie hung up. By hook or crook, Mrs. Eudora was getting Courtney over there. At least Melanie wouldn’t have to worry about the child hiding in the woods. Mrs. Eudora kept an eagle eye on her. And Courtney admired the older woman.

  Melanie called Gail and asked if they could meet later. Gail complied.

  Melanie glanced up as the door opened and the little bell above tinkled. The mayor strutted in, his chest puffed out, followed by a man dressed in a polo shirt and khaki slacks.

  A woman on the city council followed them in. “Afternoon, Melanie. Oh, Andrew. I wanted to have a word with you,” the woman said.

  “Just a moment,” the mayor replied, and went to a secluded corner with the woman.

  The man who was with him stood at the far reaches of the store when Andrew came tearing to the counter.

  “I don’t know what you think you’re up to, but you can forget becoming mayor of this town. I’ve been mayor for fifteen years and no outsider is coming in to take my place.”

  “Maybe the people feel it’s time for new blood,” Melanie said calmly, glad to get one up on him for a change. She was sick of him threatening their jobs.

  “The way things are run is just fine. We don’t need you.”

  “Maybe the citizens of this town feel they can do better than a mayor who has done nothing to bring jobs here, but is sure bent on trying to take them away.”

  “If these companies expand the shops, they’ll bring in even more jobs, and you know it. You’re trying your best to ruin me, but that isn’t going to happen.”

  “I’m not trying to ruin you. I’m trying to survive. To carve out a living for my family, just like the other shop owners. Why is it so important for you to stop us?”

  “Because we don’t need an outsider coming in telling the little folks what to do. You’ll never be mayor of Summer Lake.”

  “May the best person win the office.”

  The woman on the city council came to the cash register with two books. “I’ve been looking forward to reading these for ages. It’s nice to have a local bookstore. And you keep a great selection here, Melanie.”

  “Thank you. Did you find everything you were looking for?”

  “Oh, yes.”

  As Melanie rang up the sale, she noticed the mayor and the man leaving her store and crossing the street. Melanie smiled. He had lost his strut.

  Melanie was only at Mrs. Eudora’s for a short time. Mrs. Pearl had left out a plate for Melanie. Baked lemon chicken, broccoli with new red potatoes, finishing with a tall glass of lemonade and warm yeast rolls.

  Melanie had worked alone most of the day and was glad to let her tired feet rest. Courtney and Mrs. Pearl played checkers while Melanie and Mrs. Eudora talked

  “I understand Monroe’s ex was at one of the games with her new baby. How did he react?”

  “He seemed okay. He didn’t actually see the baby up close.”

  “Heard she came over to speak to him.”

  “A brief conversation. Did Monroe say anything about it?”

  “Oh, pooh. He’s so close-mouthed. Take my head off if I say one word.”

  Melanie didn’t know how much to divulge, but the woman worried about Monroe.

  “He didn’t seem bothered by her. That’s all I know.”

  “The poor dear loves children. It’s a good thing Courtney likes him. She’s a godsend for both of us.” Mrs. Eudora reached across the table and patted Melanie’s hand. “And you’re just an angel sent from heaven for poor Monroe. He’s taken with you.”

  “You’re just a crafty old woman, you know that?”

  Mrs. Eudora squeezed her lips and lifted her chin. “It’s the truth.”

  The woman was determined to have her way.

  “Melanie, I don’t see why Courtney can’t get off the bus here sometimes like she used to.”

  “I wasn’t trying to keep her from you. You have therapy. You don’t need the extra stress.”

  “If I get tired, Pearl’s here. I’m never here alone. Courtney’s good company. And I’m teaching her how to knit scarves. How will she ever learn if she doesn’t come here? She has to learn those skills.”

  “Between Aunt Thelma teaching her how to can preserves and you knitting, she’s learning lots of new skills.” Melanie sighed. “I guess we can work something out if it isn’t too much for you.” Monroe was going to have a fit, but that was his problem. If he didn’t like it, he could take it up with Eudora.

  It was another half hour before Melanie left with Courtney. Gail was waiting for her when she arrived home. The women spent three hours updating descriptions of the business, marketing information and financial data.

  “Good thing we prepared all this before you presented the plan to Mrs. Eudora,” Gail said.

  “Gosh, we spent months on that. See if you can get sales figures from the stores for the weeks of spring break.”

  “You collect them from the Hickses, and I’ll get them from everyone else.”

  “The feud can’t interfere with business.”

  Gail blew out a long breath and they finished as much as they could.

  The next day, Melanie left work early to dress for dinner. She must have spent an hour in her closet trying things on and discarding them. Whatever Monroe said, Eric and his wife were still important to him. She wondered what kind of people they were if Eric hadn’t stood up for his friend.

  She settled on beige slacks, a red V-neck top and red strappy sandals. She complemented the outfit with gold accessories.

  She could have driven, but Monroe insisted on coming to get her. He asked her to bring sneakers in case they went for a walk. Although he tried to hide it, he was apprehensive.

  At his house, a beautiful woman with short black hair and ebony tones stood in the yard admiring roses. A man, approximately six feet tall, stood beside her with his hands deep in his pockets.

  “Me
lanie, meet Veronica and Eric Parker.”

  Melanie extended a hand. “Pleased to meet you.”

  Veronica clasped a warm hand around hers. “It’s our pleasure. I hope you’re hungry, because the aromas coming out of that kitchen are heavenly.”

  “I’m starved.”

  When she scanned Eric’s troubled gaze, she realized there was a hidden story Monroe hadn’t touched on. And although Veronica was outgoing and Monroe was clearly indulgent with her, she, too, hid a world of concern about him.

  Eric may have betrayed Monroe, but it was apparent these people were concerned.

  “I have a gift for you.” Melanie handed the bag of goodies to Veronica. “Welcome to Summer Lake.”

  “You shouldn’t have, but thank you.” Setting the bag on a table, she pulled out the book. Her eyes softened. “I love this author, but I hadn’t gotten her latest yet. How wonderful.” Then she took out the box with the figurine.

  “The gifts, both of them, are perfect. Eric rushed me out so quickly I didn’t have time to pack any books. And the delicate bird figurine, it’s gorgeous.” She hugged Melanie. “This is so thoughtful, isn’t it, Eric? I have just the place for it in my living room.”

  “Very thoughtful, thank you, Melanie. So, when do we eat?” he asked.

  Veronica tapped him on the arm. “You’re always thinking with your stomach.”

  The table was set up on the screened back porch. A crisp white tablecloth was topped with candles and small vases of fresh lavender and purple lisianthus. White china and purple napkins complemented the arrangement.

  A warm breeze blew off the lake, but not enough to keep the mosquitoes away. The two couples rushed to the porch, the screen door snapping shut behind them.

  “Would you like a glass of wine?” Monroe asked.

  Melanie nodded while trying to size up his guests. They tried to act as if nothing was wrong.

  Melanie ate more than anyone else. She felt like a pig because the others only picked at their food. The performance was a drain on all of them, Monroe included. After dinner, the men went to saddle the horses while the ladies cleaned up.

  “I’m going to change shoes, then we can meet the men on the lake,” Melanie said.