by JB Bonds
“I don’t graduate for two more years, but I want to go to New York and try out for a couple of musicals,” Kendall said with a big smile.
“Here’s what I want to suggest. When you get back home — that would be Chicago, right?”
“Yes sir.”
“Have your parents find a voice coach for you, and then work with that coach for the next couple of years, very diligently. In the mean time, I want to make arrangements for you to meet someone. I still have some great contacts on Broadway: producers, directors, and such, that would kill for a voice like yours.”
“Mr. Monroe, are you serious?” Kendall said.
“Yes, ma’am. You’re that good. Roz, you and I will talk after the talent show is in the can, when I have more time to really think, and we’ll make arrangements for me to meet Kendall and her family in New York sometime over the summer. I’m due for a trip up north anyway.”
Kody had been sitting very quietly, listening and watching the conversation, when Burton spotted him. “My little man, what are your plans while you’re visiting Grandma Joanie?”
“I’m going to ride my bike, swim, and teach Max some tricks.”
“How artistic are you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Can you draw?”
“A little bit, why?”
“There are some things that need to be drawn to add to our set; mainly circus animals on kraft paper that can be attached to the parachute material.”
“I can draw a great elephant!” Kody said as he stood up with true enthusiasm in his voice.
“And, Kendall, how would you like to sing in the talent show, with me?”
“That would be awesome!” Kendall said.
Burton had succeeded in winning over both kids and ultimately giving their week-long visit with the grandmas a whole new life. I could see some of the old Burton coming out when he talked with Kody and Kendall, but it wasn’t easy for me and Roz to look into his eyes and see his diminishing body.
Chapter 41
He’s a Perfectionist
Early the next morning, Kendall had no sooner eaten her breakfast than she was in her swimsuit asking for a beach bag and towels. Her tan was a big priority now that she was to be in front of an audience in only three days. Burton had asked that both kids come to the Center right after lunch, so Roz and I made plans to go to bridge and beading for the afternoon. We would all then head into Key West for dinner. We wanted the kids to see the cruise ships as they left for the night, and of course, the sunset.
We were all back home around 5:00 p.m. Neither Kendall nor Kody could stop talking about Burton and how much fun they’d had that afternoon. He had given Kody a roll of kraft paper and paints and told him to produce six foot tall circus animals; any animal he could think of. Burton and Kendall had practiced a song from South Pacific, but Kendall wouldn’t tell us which one. It was a surprise. After watching the sunset down at the docks and seeing the cruise ships off, we had an enjoyable dinner at a little seafood restaurant on the water.
“Grandma, why does Burton dress the way he does?” Kody asked with all innocence.
I knew this question would come up. Why wouldn’t it? Kody was young and not quite aware of the ways of the world. I decided to be truthful, but not elaborate.
“Kody, Burton has always dressed in whatever he wanted as long as he can remember. The brighter and bolder, the better. His clothes might not suit everyone, but they are perfect for Burton.”
“Man, you’re right about that. I’ve never seen a guy in a skirt before, but that’s what he had on today.”
“Yep, that sounds like Burton. He’s so much fun and upbeat, don’t you think?” Roz said.
“I think he’s a real fun guy, Grandma.”
Kendall just rolled her eyes at her grandmother.
Wednesday arrived before we knew it. Kody had been all over Rainbow on his bike by then. Kendall had spent a few hours at the pool and was beginning to get a glow from the Florida sun, her olive complexion shining. Roz and I had been at the Center most of that day working with the maintenance men to finish the set for Friday night’s performance. Kody’s animals were spectacular. They were stylized versions of every animal you could imagine, which made them especially endearing. They looked like a child’s rendition of an elephant, zebra, and a lion, and were just perfect.
Roz and I hadn’t seen McGhee and Ida since the children had arrived, and we wanted the girls to meet them. We decided on a little picnic down by the Gulf for that evening, and invited McGhee and Ida to join us. When we parked the golf cart by the gate going down to the water, we saw McGhee and Ida’s cart already parked there. Kendall and Roz gathered up the picnic basket and drinks while I talked with Kody about Max. He had insisted on bringing him to our picnic.
“Kody, why don’t you take Max for a little walk before we go down to the water? Have you got your plastic bag and scooper?” I asked.
“Yes, ma’am, I do. I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Kody said as he and Max walked along the fence line where there was some grass.
When we got to the loungers, McGhee and Ida had already set out a few dishes, and were enjoying what looked like lemonade.
“Girls, I’d like for you to meet my granddaughter, Kendall,” Roz said.
“Well, aren’t you the little beauty!” McGhee said, giving Kendall a big hug.
“I’m Ida and this is my sister, McGhee. It’s a pure pleasure to meet you. Where’s that little grandson, Joanie?”
“He’s walking Max. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”
Fifteen minutes had passed and I was getting anxious about Kody and Max. Just as I was preparing to go look for him, I saw them coming down the walkway. My heart slowed down and I could think clearly again. I don’t think I ever got this worried over my own when they were this age.
“Grandma, I’m hungry. What’s for dinner?” Kody asked.
“Where have you been, Kody?”
“Just walking Max. I saw Christopher and he walked with us for a little bit.”
“Who’s Christopher”?
“A boy I met at the pool. He’s visiting his grandma, too.”
“How old is he?”
“He’s almost a teenager, Grandma. He’s twelve. I really like him.”
“You’ll have to invite him to come over to watch a movie or something before you leave for home. Come over here, Kody, and meet our friends and neighbors.”
“Kody, that’s a nice name. It’s nice to meet you. It looks like you know how to handle dogs,” Ida said.
“Yes, ma’am, I do. I have my own dog at home and I’ve taught him a bunch of tricks.”
The six of us enjoyed our picnic and watching the boat traffic come and go along the Gulf. Kendall had to leave for practice, so she left on foot. She had to stop by the house to get a change of clothes, and said she would walk to the Recreation Center. She didn’t want to be late.
All of us picnickers gathered our things, promised to see one another sometime the next day, and then went our way. When we got home, we put Max in his kennel and decided to go to the Center to see how things were going. When we got there, Kody ran ahead to see how his animals looked now that they were attached to the parachute fabric, and Roz and I brought up the rear. As we were entering the building, Bea, Alberta, and Lois were coming out.
“Roz, have you heard your granddaughter sing with Burton yet?” Lois asked.
“Not yet. I can’t wait until Friday’s performance,” Roz said.
“I bet we’ll see her name up in lights somewhere. She’s so talented,” Bea said.
“How are things going with your trio?” I asked.
“We’re solid. We’ve been ready for weeks. I don’t know why Burton insists we come in for every practice when he knows we have it down cold,” Alberta said.
“He�
�s a perfectionist. You know his personality,” Roz said.
“Do us a favor, Joanie. The next time you come up with an idea that includes Burton as the leader, don’t!” Bea said.
“You can be assured I’ll never recommend Burton do something like this again. I think he’s enjoyed it, but in other ways, this whole show has taken a terrible toll on him. So, Lois, how are the newlyweds?”
“Doing just fine. My sweetie pie is home right now waiting for his little darling to get home, so I’ll see you ladies tomorrow afternoon for yet another practice!” Lois said as she got on her three-wheel and pedaled off.
Bea and Alberta headed for home and Roz and I went inside. Just as we entered, Roz asked, “Have you seen the car keys, Joanie?”
“Not since we drove back from Key West the other night. Why?”
“I had them earlier today when I got back from the grocery store, but can’t find them now.”
“They’ll show up.”
Kendall and Burton had their heads together going over a musical score when we walked in, and both of them were in their element. In one week’s time, Kendall had gotten more training for singing than she could have ever gotten with a teacher at home. Roz and I couldn’t wait to hear them sing together.
“OK, everybody, scoot, scoot!” Burton said as he waved his hands above his head and shooed everyone toward the doors. “And that means you two sisters. Kendall is finished for the night. She’ll need to be back here tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 p.m. on the dot for our last rehearsal. And make sure she isn’t late this time!” Burton said as he walked out of the room.
Kendall walked toward us, shrugging her shoulders. “I was a little late for practice today. I thought I’d make it on time, but I guess my walk took me a little longer than I thought.”
“Please don’t let Burton upset you. He’s not been himself for awhile now,” Roz said.
“He kind of reminds me of some of those kids I’ve seen in the Health Class films our teachers make us watch about druggies.”
“Why do you say that?” Roz asked.
“His hands shake so badly and his eyes are kind of crazy looking. And he just can’t seem to sit still or talk fast enough, but that’s just my observation.”
“And a good one,” I said.
“Kendall, have you seen my car keys?” Roz asked.
“No, Grams. You went to the grocery store today, didn’t you?”
“I did. Don’t you just hate to lose something like that?” Roz said as she rummaged through her big tote bag for the tenth time in the last hour.
Kody was checking out all the other rooms in the building. He ran down the hall just as we were calling his name.
“Kody, how do you like your animals?” I asked.
“Well, if my animals weren’t up there, how would you know it was supposed to be a circus tent? It’s a good thing I came to visit you right now, huh, Grandma?”
“Yes, indeed, Banjo.”
“Banjo? What kind of a name is that?” Kody asked.
“It’s the nickname I gave your father when he was about your age, and it’s the kind of a name that belongs to little boys. Since your dad isn’t so little any more, do you mind if I call you that once in awhile?”
“No, I kind of like it. Do you think Dad would care if I called him that some time?”
“I’m sure he would just love it.”
We all got into the golf cart and went home. Kody immediately went to get Max out of his kennel and take him outside. Kendall went for the shower in my bedroom, and Roz disappeared in a hurry down the hall to the other bathroom. Everyone was running around like they were shot out of a cannon. I decided we could all use a little lemonade, so I made a pitcher. By that time, Kody was back with Max, Kendall was out of the shower, and Roz was walking down the hallway in her pj’s.
“You don’t have to look for the keys anymore,” Roz said.
“Oh? Where did you find them?” I asked.
“In my underwear.”
“In your underwear! You mean to tell me you had a set of keys in your underwear and didn’t even know it?”
“I remember now. When I was bringing in the groceries, I didn’t want to lose them, so I put them in the band of my pants. What can I say? Maybe they just got lost in the crack, but when I sat down to go to the bathroom, they fell out,” Roz said with a straight face. She had to find a chair, though, because she was laughing along with me.
“Ewwww, Grams, you and Aunt Joanie can be so strange sometimes,” Kendall said as she came into the kitchen.
About that time, Kody came into the kitchen to get a glass of lemonade. “Has anyone seen Max’s toy?”
“Why don’t you ask Aunt Roz? Maybe it’s in her panties!” Kendall said.
“Huh?” Kody said.
Chapter 42
My Nerves were Jangling
We all got up early the next morning. After breakfast, Kody and Kendall went to the pool; so that left Roz and me to sit quietly for a few minutes to collect our thoughts.
“I wonder how Burton is holding up now with the show tomorrow night. Maybe we should go by to check on him this morning while the kids are out.”
“Let’s wait for a little while and, hopefully, Burton will have had his coffee before we check on him,” Roz said with a smile.
About an hour later, Roz and I went down to the pool to check on the kids. Kendall was bronzing in the sun and Kody was playing in the pool. We told Kendall where we were going and when we would be back home in case she and Kody got home before we did. Their visit with us was almost at its end, which was so hard to believe. They were leaving on Sunday.
Roz drove over to Burton’s RV. To our surprise he was sitting on a lounger sunning himself. The sun would help his gray coloring. Maybe he was seeing what we were seeing in his declining appearance.
“Burton, good morning. We wanted to check to see if there was anything we could do to help you before tomorrow night,” I said.
“Come pull up a chair, girls. I think everything is under control, including myself. You two will be glad to know I haven’t taken any elixir today, and can feel myself calming a little. You were right, that stuff is potent. I think someone needs to check into what’s in that little bottle besides honey and berry juice, if you ask me. I realized a few days ago that before I could even brush my teeth or get a cup of coffee I was downing a big gulp of that stuff every morning and then again in the afternoon. I’d go to bed wired and then wake up exhausted. My nerves were jangling!”
“Burton, don’t buy any more Caliente Honey until you hear from us. Joe Curtis is doing some detective work for us. He’s found some disturbing inconsistencies in the Hammonds’ story. We should know any day now what’s in the elixir,” Roz said.
“What kind of inconsistencies?”
“For one thing, their names aren’t Hammond, but that’s all we can say. Joe asked us to keep everything very quiet for now,” I said.
“What do you mean their names aren’t Hammond?
“That’s what we’re trying to find out. Do you have any of the elixir on hand?” Roz asked.
“Not a drop. I poured it all down the drain last night, and let me tell you, that took some gutsiness on my part. I probably poured $300 worth of the stuff down that bathroom sink!”
“Burton, I hope you haven’t spent a lot of money buying that stuff,” I said.
“I will not divulge just how much I’ve spent, but it is a considerable amount, unfortunately.”
“We’ll see you later this afternoon to go over the sets and be there for the last rehearsal. I have to admit, we can’t wait to hear you and Kendall sing your duet,” Roz said.
“I hope you two will be pleased and surprised.”
We left Burton to his suntan and coffee and made plans to take Kody and Kendall to swim with the dolphins after lunch i
n Marathon Key. We didn’t have a lot of time left with the kids and wanted them to experience more of the beautiful Florida Keys, maybe in hopes this wouldn’t be Kendall’s last time to visit. I felt Kody would return, but he was the youngest grandchild between us, and probably the last. We could see we were going to have to make some plans of our own, and get to our children’s houses more often.
“Let’s stop by to see what McGhee and Ida are up to today,” Roz said.
“Great idea! I want to see if McGhee’s bee problem has been solved.”
We took the long way around the Inner Perimeter Road to go to Palm Street because we were hopeful we might see Joe Curtis out in his yard. Unfortunately, his car was gone so we knew he wasn’t there. Roz and I were anxious to see if he’d gotten the results of the test on the elixir.
“Joanie, when that report comes in, if there’s something in the elixir that is illegal or hazardous, what do we do then?” Roz asked as we drove around to McGhee’s and Ida’s house.
I just shook my head.
We arrived at McGhee and Ida’s and they were at home. Their house was picture perfect. These girls had a green thumb, that was for sure. Because they’d lived in a part of the country where citrus plants, hibiscus flowers, and giant ferns just wouldn’t survive the winter, their deck was wall to wall tropical plants, and they were thriving. We knocked at their door and McGhee answered it almost immediately.
“So, what are you two up to this morning?” McGhee asked.
“The grandkids are at the pool and Roz and I went around to check on Burton,” I said.
“How is he doing?”
“He seems a little better. He told us he stopped taking the elixir so he looks a little sluggish. I’m not sure how this is going to affect his performance tomorrow night.”
“Come in, please, we just took a coffee cake out of the oven,” Ida said.
“Who could pass up something like that?” Roz said.
We sat at their kitchen table, and Ida served us all a cup of coffee and a piece of the cake.
“We don’t have a lot of time. The kids will be coming home soon and we want to take them over to Marathon Key to swim with the dolphins,” I said.
