but, mercury's not in retrograde!

by McCarthy, G. L.

  “Really? I guess I need to have more faith. Here I am, only twenty-eight and thinking my love life is over. Okay, I’ll take it easy on my father, but we will talk and I’ll go with the flow and see where Cyn and I go from here.” TJ definitely wanted to keep Alex as a friend. She made sense and was optimistic about her future.

  Alex gave TJ a wink and a soft punch on the shoulder. The two got out of the truck just as Cyn and Little Blue pulled up the drive. Now they could fix their lunch.

  Chapter 24

  Alex was impressed with TJ as she jumped in and helped unload the car and took charge of getting the Hibachi going. Alex and Cyn started getting the steaks ready by seasoning them and letting them breathe at room temperature. Getting the potatoes in the microwave oven and slicing the onion, as well as seasoning it before wrapping it in aluminum foil, was the next chore. Cyn wanted a big salad and started getting it ready. She wanted to cook bacon for real bacon bits. She had found some avocados at considerable expense, but didn’t care. Slicing up a cucumber and topping it all off with Italian dressing was the plan. If she couldn’t impress TJ with her conversational skills just yet, she could at least show the girl she could cook!

  Alex relayed her whole conversation with TJ, including her belief that her father could be responsible for the minor glitches with Cyn’s car and that she was going to have a talk with him to confirm. But Alex tried to play down the possibility that someone else had messed with Little Blue that first time. She stated it was probably Richard just trying to throw any suspicion from him to some homophobe. Cyn seemed to buy it as she responded with, “Well, I’m glad it’s over.” Alex then tried to get Cyn to look at TJ as just another teacher so she wouldn’t get all tongue tied and suggested maybe they should talk on the phone more so TJ’s blue eyes wouldn’t be such a distraction. Cyn agreed that sounded like a good idea and commented that if it were sunny outside, sunglasses would fix that problem immediately.

  Alex went back outside with the steaks after she heard a yell that the coals were ready. TJ had been busy getting a little dining area set up, too. She preferred to eat outside weather permitting and the weather was permitting for the moment. Alex had forgotten all about her folding table and chairs. Not having unloaded her storage locker all by herself, she’d forgotten she even had it. She handed TJ the steaks, gave her the spatula, and told her to go to it. TJ calculated six minutes per side so requested they bring everything else out in ten so the steaks would be hot off the grill.

  “Oui mon Capitaine. We live to serve.” Winking at TJ, Alex realized she really liked this girl and hoped she and Cyn hit if off. She also wondered if she was a fan of old black and white movies; otherwise she would miss the movie line reference.

  “That’s right. I love an obedient staff.” Smiling as she placed the steaks on the grill, TJ hoped this threesome and soon to be foursome would remain great friends for a very long time.

  “You know Cyn, I really do like TJ a lot. At least I like what I’ve seen so far. She’s a self starter, she has a great sense of humor and she seems easy going. Now we just need to get her to open up a bit about her ex and see where that all went wrong.” Alex figured maybe Sam would be a good candidate to loosen her up so it wouldn’t look like she was super nosey.

  “Okay, stop singing her praises. Remember I’m supposed to think of her as just another teacher and not a potential girlfriend/lover.” Cyn was really glad Alex liked TJ, as she trusted her intuition about people.

  “Sorry, I forgot you’re lusting after our chef.” Alex winked at Cyn as she went back out with the onions.

  “How do I cook these things?” TJ had never cooked an onion before.

  “They go in with the coals. I’ll lift up the grill and you shove them down in there.” Alex had learned this trick from Jessie a long time ago.

  “I never would have thought of that. It should be great. I can hardly wait to try it.” Flipping the steaks, TJ decided she would remember this item for future barbeques.

  “The potatoes are about five minutes away from being ready. I microwaved them this time, but next time when I’m more organized, I’ll bake them. So you’ll be ready in five, right?”

  “Correct. The steaks will be ready and waiting.” TJ followed Alex back into the house to get plates and utensils.

  When Alex and Cyn returned with the salad and potatoes, the steaks were waiting, sizzling on the plates. The grilled onions were on a separate plate and cooked to caramelized perfection. The meal was a huge success and it was agreed that they should make it a regular Sunday afternoon activity to end their weekend.

  When the meal was over, Alex and Cyn took care of the dishes, while TJ cleaned up the grill and disposed of the charcoal ashes. Then the three sat and watched the curtain come down on a great day. TJ offered to follow Cyn home and make sure she got in okay before heading down the road to her place. TJ lived over the garage behind her father’s house which was only a mile away from Cyn. She had driven by her house every day on her way to work and never realized just how close she was. Apologizing to Cyn for her father’s actions, TJ said she was going to be nice, but firm with her dad about this little matter. Cyn requested she not make a big deal about it as she was just glad to know who was behind it and that it was over. TJ looked at Alex as Cyn hadn’t mentioned the other possibility and saw Alex give her a wink. TJ took that as she had it handled and she wanted Cyn to think everything was fine. Giving TJ a hug, Alex whispered a thank you to her and told her she would give her an explanation regarding the other matter. She got home from work around four, so to call or stop by. TJ said she would do just that and thanked Alex for a great meal and fantastic time at Casa Whitney. Laughing as she waved goodbye, Alex headed for the phone and a good night call to Sam.

  Alex snuggled with her pillow listening to the phone ring three times before Sam picked up. She sounded out of breath.

  “Good evenin’, Darlin’. How was your day?” Sam had been in the shower and ran to answer her phone before it went to voice mail.

  “It was almost perfect. I just missed you. You sound like you were running. Did I pull you away from something?” Alex thought it was safe to call at this hour.

  “Not a thing. I was taking a shower and had just stepped out and was toweling off when I heard the phone. So, wanting to desperately talk to you I ran before it went to voice mail.” Sam carried her phone back into the bathroom to dry off. She had been packing for her trip since she needed to leave for the airport tomorrow morning early.

  “Oh yeah, I had one of those this morning. But then you get to play outside all day and get dirty. I spent the day washing dishes and stuff so I’m still pretty clean. But I did have a barbeque with Cyn’s prospective girlfriend this afternoon. She’s very nice and I hope it works because I think she’d make a great camping buddy for us. She doesn’t have to be asked to do anything and she’s really cute, so if Cyn can just calm down so she can talk to her, we could double date when you get here, or not. But you won’t have only me to talk to about stuff, she’s an auto mechanic. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, we’re pretty sure it was her father, Roy Spicer, who disabled Cyn’s car. I think he was trying to get TJ and Cyn together. It’s a long story. I’ll tell you some night when you’re lying right here next to me.” Sam loved to listen to Alex ramble.

  “So she’s really cute, you say. Do I need to worry?” Sam knew the answer but wanted to give Alex a hard time.

  “No way lady. You’re stuck with me until you don’t want to be stuck anymore.” Alex hoped she would get the response she wanted.

  “Well, if I have to be stuck with you the rest of my life, I wouldn’t ask for anything more.” Sam looked at the clock and realized that in twenty-four hours she would be lying next to her.

  “That was the best possible answer you could’ve given me. All right, I’ll let you get back to getting cleaned up. I’ll talk to you tomorrow and you take good care of yourself and tell everyone hi for me.” Alex could have listened to S
am all night, but she had school tomorrow and in a few hours she wouldn’t be forty-two anymore. Bummer.

  Chapter 25

  As the air filled with the sound of birds chirping, Alex turned over and hit the snooze button on her alarm clock. She had nine more minutes to dream of Sam. When it went off again, she drug herself out of bed and into the shower. She didn’t feel any older, but the calendar said she was. So as of today she was forty-three years old. Rats. At least she didn’t have to rush, since Cyn would be coming over this week for breakfast at her place. Alex wondered how she slept, and if she dreamt of TJ all night or was it a nightmare. She was curious as to what time TJ went to work. Maybe she would suggest to Cyn they invite her to have breakfast with them in the morning if they all needed to be at work at the same time. It was one way to get Cyn to relax quicker, since she seemed to do better around TJ when food was involved.

  Walking into the kitchen to start the coffee, Alex looked out the window and noticed it had been raining. So what else is new this time of year; she thought at least it wasn’t snow. While staring at the wall she was brought back to reality with the sound of her cell phone ringing.

  “Happy Birthday, Darlin’. I wanted to be first to wish you a great day.” Sam was just getting cleaned up after getting all her morning chores done before she left for the airport.

  “You are so sweet and crazy. What time is it there?” Alex was calculating in her head and it was way too early to be calling.

  “Early, but you’re worth it. I’ll let you go, but just wanted to hear your voice. You don’t sound any older. Just kidding. I miss you so much. You have a great day and I’ll talk to you later.” Sam was half dressed and running on shear joy this morning.

  “I miss you too. You don’t know how much. You have a great day too and you’ll definitely hear from me tonight.” Alex thought back to past birthdays and how little effort Dez had put into their celebration, especially her own. She was definitely no fun when it came to birthdays.

  Walking out of the bathroom, tucking in her shirt, she saw Cyn driving up her driveway with a white pickup following her. Alex smiled to herself and wondered how long these two had talked after they left her place.

  As she opened her front door, Cyn was getting out of her car and smiling from ear to ear. TJ came up to help by holding her door while she pulled everything out. She had a bouquet of balloons which she handed to TJ. She then retrieved a dozen beautiful roses and a bottle of champagne.

  “What’s the occasion? Did you two go and get married last night?” Alex knew the occasion and wondered how many people at school would remember. Ugh!

  “We heard the old woman who lived here was having a birthday. So we decided to cheer the old girl up, and bring her a few things.” Cyn loved to tease Alex about her age.

  “Old woman is right. Thank you so much, but you really shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble and expense. A ratty old card would have been fine.” Alex gave Cyn a big hug and kiss on the cheek and did the same for her partner in crime.

  “Do you have enough coffee for one more?” TJ was smiling and gave Alex a wink.

  “Absolutely, you’re welcome anytime. But I have to tell you it just doesn’t taste the same as the coffee Cyn makes. I just don’t have her gift for brewing.” Alex knew it wasn’t true, but she needed to make points for Cyn with TJ.

  “You’re such a liar. It tastes the same and so does your toast. TJ, this woman will make your head swell with all of her compliments. If I didn’t know better I’d swear she kissed the Blarney Stone about a hundred times.” Cyn was in a very good mood as she and TJ had talked on the phone for a couple of hours last night and it made everything so much better between them.

  “I wouldn’t say she was a liar, just a good friend who knows how to pay a compliment.” TJ wished more people were like Alex.

  “Thank you, TJ. It’s nice to have a friend who appreciates my efforts.” Alex stuck her tongue out at Cyn as she finished her sentence.

  “Oh, so sorry, lady. I’ll have to look closer next time for the compliment mixed in with all the BS.” Cyn responded in kind to Alex’s actions by sticking her tongue out too.

  “All right, you two play nice. I’ll take anybody’s coffee, just give me something with caffeine in it to drink.” TJ had been up late talking to Cyn and then her father. It took her a while to calm down from both conversations and she didn’t get much sleep.

  “Make yourself at home; cups are in the cupboard above the coffee pot, spoons in the drawer below. Sugar’s on the counter, milk’s in the fridge.” Alex was trying to remember where she put her flower vase.

  “I figured we could open the champagne tonight. What do you say to another barbeque tonight here after work? Just the three of us. TJ offered to pick up the needed supplies on her way home from work.” Cyn was playing down the whole thing and trying not to act super excited about Alex’s big surprise.

  “Sounds great. Dinner was fantastic last night, wasn’t it?” Thinking about it, Alex could hardly wait. “Here’s an idea. Let’s play hooky and not go to school today.”

  “Aren’t you a little old to be playing hooky?” Cyn knew why Alex wanted to avoid school, but she would be really happy later.

  “You’re never too old to play hooky, right TJ?” Alex wanted a majority vote so she could skip work.

  “Right, but in this case, I think you need to go to school and set a good example for your students.” TJ had been let in on the surprise and wanted to be present for the party at school.

  “Ugh, the voice of reason. I hope you aren’t this responsible all the time. You do know how to have fun, right?” Winking at TJ, Alex was sure this good looking woman knew how to have a lot of fun, indoors and out.

  “Absolutely. I can party down with the best of them, but after work.” Smiling, TJ sipped her coffee and raised her eyebrows up and down at Alex.

  Finally remembering where she had put her vase, Alex arranged her roses while Cyn made her famous toast. TJ tied the balloon bouquet to the back of a chair and watched the two women interact as they kidded each other about how to do their delegated jobs.

  Looking at the clock, it was apparent to all they needed to get a move on. TJ left with a piece of toast in her mouth and a promise to bring the coffee cup back. Cyn was driving so Alex could finish up on the ride to work. On the way, Alex quizzed Cyn on just how many people were aware of her birthday. Cyn said Megan was, of course, plus some seniors who wanted to throw a party after the last period. Nothing too fancy, just a few students who were graduating in June and wanted to show their love and appreciation. Alex figured that would be low key and acceptable. She just worried about Megan and what she had planned. It was apparent by the balloons attached to her parking space placard that Megan had informed the world.

  “Oh, crud. I guess those balloons weren’t placed there to welcome me back for another lovely week, were they?” Alex was sure this was Megan’s handy work. How long would this girl continue to be her number one fan?

  “Remember to smile, and this time next year probably no one will remember your forty-fourth birthday.” Cyn wasn’t sure that was going to help, but she needed to say something.

  “Whoopee, I can hardly wait.” Alex took a deep breath and got out of the car.

  Now that they were arriving later than in the past, most of the students and teachers were already present at school. Birthday wishes where shouted from everyone Alex passed as she made her way to class. At least if there was a cake in the teacher’s lounge she wouldn’t have to see it until the end of the day, if at all.

  Walking into her classroom, everyone was already seated. She smiled as she approached her desk. Half of it was covered with flowers and cards, with an especially beautiful bouquet right in the middle. Alex assumed it was from Frederick, and she had assumed right.

  “Good morning, ladies. Apparently there’s a vicious rumor going around that today is my birthday. By the flowers and cards I’d say you believed it, so I guess I’ll ha
ve to play along this time. I want to thank you all for the presents, but in no way will this help your grade.” Smiling at the chuckles coming from the girls, Alex didn’t feel like teaching so she opened the cards and read them aloud. Most were very funny about getting old and being a fossil. Some were very sweet and endearing and she held back the tears with every one. Luckily, Mrs. Greenway came in to announce that Alex’s birthday cake would be served at lunch. This gave Alex time to compose herself and to request several containers to put all her flowers in.

  Having used up half the period, Alex asked the girls to write down their thoughts on why we as a people dread getting older, but growing up as children we can hardly wait to become an adult. Then, they would read them aloud tomorrow in class.

  As the room grew quiet and only a few pencil taps could be heard, Alex reread her cards. She realized this was the first birthday anyone ever acknowledged here at Taylorwood. If she hadn’t been involved with Sally Jennings, this birthday would have passed by quietly like the rest. The thought of having to be grateful to that woman was hard to bear, but if she hadn’t tried to kill Alex none of what happened to her since then would have occurred. She wouldn’t have left Dez, or met Sam. She would still be miserable in a relationship that wasn’t working and totally oblivious to the reason why. Alex preferred to believe that her spirit guides were behind it all. That was much easier to accept.

  Second period brought more of the same and a present from Megan and her father. Apparently Megan wasn’t allowed to see her mother for the first six months until they could get her medication just right and some counseling in. No one wanted Sally blurting out the truth to her daughter when so much work had gone into keeping it a secret.