by Lowe, T. I.
“You must be Lulu,” I comment.
“No. I’m Leah. Lulu is my mom. What can I get y’all?”
Mr. Friendly extends his hand and introduces us. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Greyson and this is Julia.”
Leah smiles at him, and then reaches for my hand after Greyson releases her. I can’t help but smile back at her.
“How about you choose for us,” he offers.
She laughs at this. “You sound like another handsome man I know. Coffee?”
“Yes, please,” I pipe in. She pours us both a cup before heading into the kitchen to prepare our mystery breakfast.
Greyson leans over to my ear as I’m about to take a sip of my coffee. “Say y’all.”
I come close to snickering in my coffee. “No.”
We are halfway through our cups of coffee when the sweet lady brings over two plates filled with egg white omelets loaded with spinach and generous-sized muffins. I pick my muffin up and give it a good sniff. She looks at me curiously.
“I hate bananas,” I admit.
She laughs. “Well, you are in luck. Today I made apple muffins.”
I already figured that out with the sniff test but say nothing.
Greyson thanks her for our food, and then grabs hold of my hand as he always does and whispers a prayer. After this we dig in.
Leah has just topped off our cups of coffee when a tall, ruggedly handsome man strolls right behind the counter, grabs her up in his arms, and goes to town on her lips. Oh my…
“Knock that off, Crowley,” a customer shouts from somewhere behind us.
He ignores the guy for a few beats longer. It’s like the two of them are in their own world. He finally pulls back from Leah’s lips but keeps holding her like she is the most precious thing.
“I can’t help it, Danny. This woman makes my mouth water,” he finally answers back.
“Now that is swoon worthy,” I comment and check the side of my mouth for drool.
This gets the handsome guy’s attention. He looks over at me, and I swear I can see the ocean in his eyes. They are crinkled at the corners from him smiling over at me. He gives Leah one more kiss before releasing her and extends his hand to me.
“Good morning, ma’am. Crowley Mason.”
I shake his hand and introduce myself. “Julia Thorton.”
“Thorton? You wouldn’t happen to be kin to the owners of The Thorton Seafood House would you?”
“Yep. That’s my family.” I smile at him.
“I have to eat there every time we head to the beach. That lady, Miss May, sure knows how to cook up some seafood.”
I smile even bigger. “She sure does.”
Crowley turns his attention to Greyson and they introduce themselves to one another, and I can already tell Greyson has made a new friend.
“You folks own that home on wheels parked outside?” Crowley asks as he helps himself to some coffee.
“Yep,” Greyson answers between bites.
“How many can you haul around in it?”
“Eight easily.”
Crowley looks over at Leah and says matter-of-fact, “We gettin’ one of ’em.” He looks over at Greyson. “You mind if I check it out?”
“Sure, man,” Greyson answers.
Leah comes back from delivering a food order, and asks who I’m assuming to be her husband—they both have wedding bands on, “What have you done with my babies, Crow?”
It seems like a private conversation, so I pick at my muffin and eavesdrop.
“Lulu popped in to see the young’uns and told me to get lost. I think they are scheming about a certain wedding anniversary coming up soon.” He winks at her as he swipes a muffin for himself. “I told her she has one hour before I claim ‘em back. Me and Jessup are taking the crowd fishing. Lulu has already demanded Lydia is to stay with her. I don’t understand why she won’t let me take my own young’un fishing.” His handsome face pinches in mock-aggravation.
Leah laughs at this. “Maybe because she is only eight months old.”
He shrugs his shoulders as though it still doesn’t make sense to him, and I think it’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever witnessed. Those children are some lucky little scoundrels.
He pulls Leah’s hand to his lips and places a kiss on her palm, and I am so jealous. “I’m going to go get some work done. I’ll be across the street if you need me.”
She says breathlessly, “Okay.” They act like lovesick teenagers. It’s too adorable.
“Go ahead and check the RV out. It’s unlocked,” Greyson calls over to Crowley, who is heading towards the front door. “Do you want the keys?”
Leah speaks up first. “Do not give that man the keys.” She gives her husband a stern stare. “Look, but don’t touch.”
“Our baby is in there sleeping,” I warn. All eyes turn to us at that.
Greyson laughs. “She’s talking about our little dog,” he clarifies. “She’s in her carrier. She’s fine. We’ve got the air on and everything,” he adds, I’m guessing out of guilt for leaving her.
“Don’t get any wild hairs about a dog too, Crow,” Leah warns with a smile.
“Yes, ma’am.” Crowley laughs and is out the door in a flash.
We finish up breakfast and are enjoying another cup of coffee while Greyson has a second muffin. A cute petite woman walks in with a baby on her tiny hip and sits right beside me.
Leah eases back to the counter and smiles at the dark-haired beauty. “I was wondering how long it would take before your prissy butt showed up.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she sasses back.
Leah holds out her arms. “Give me that sweet baby, and I’ll leave you alone.”
“Deal,” she says as she passes the baby over the counter. The little baby looks a lot like her momma with dark hair and olive skin. She then turns her attention to us. “Good morning, y’all. I’m Ana and this is my sweet girl, Isabella.” She motions to the baby.
We start to introduce ourselves when the little firecracker interrupts. “Sweetie, I know who the both of you are. Julia Rose and Greyson Stone.”
Leah stares at her, looking a bit confused. “Just how did you know that?” she asks Ana.
Ana rolls her eyes and says, “They’re famous models.” She looks over at us. “I must say, you two are a lot more gorgeous in person. I don’t know why magazines ads want models to look so emaciated.”
“Leave the customers be, Ana. Where’s Jake?” Leah hands her friend a glass of tea while cradling the baby with one arm. You can tell she is a baby pro.
She sighs dramatically. “He’s outside with your husband, checking out that massive RV like they are in love with it. Now I guarantee the fever is gonna set in, and there won’t be anything we can do about it.” She huffs out.
“Did Jake settle in his office yet?” Leah asks her. It seems like another personal conversation, so I sit here and listen anyway. I love the comforting banter of their southern voices—although Leah’s twang seems to be more rubbed on due to time and not born with it.
“Yep. He took Crowley’s old one and they are putting Matt in Crowley’s grandma’s office.”
Leah looks over at me and politely fills me in. “My husband owns a small law firm across the street.”
“He keeps shipping his friends in to work with him, but I’m not complaining. That’s how I met my husband.” Ana smiles at this and I do too.
Greyson leans over and whispers in my ear. “She’s as prissy as you.”
Ana takes a sip of her tea and tells me, “You have to come next door and let me play dress up with you.”
I wasn’t expecting that. The uneasiness must show on my face, because Leah tries to clarify this, too. “Ana owns the designer clothing boutique next door. Please agree to let her, that way she might leave me alone for a while.”
Ana pipes in. “It ain’t my fault. I’m five foot nothing. I need long legs to get the right impression of my designs.”
�
�Sounds fun,” I agree. And it does. I could use a distraction.
“Sounds like torture to me,” Greyson whines as he finishes up the muffin.
“I can call Crowley and have him show you a country boy good time, while Ana and Julia play dress up,” Leah offers as she clears our dishes.
“Oh that sounds perfect,” I answer for him.
He fishes out his wallet and says, “All right.”
By the time he pays and gets back from the restroom, an antique pick-up truck pulls up with Crowley driving. The back of the truck is loaded down with a bunch of towhead kids. Greyson breaks out in a grin and heads out the door after muttering a quick goodbye in my direction. I watch as he pulls his hat on backwards and launches himself over the side and into the back of the truck, then they drive off. I sure hope they return him.
“Let’s go,” Ana says with a grin of her own.
“Just let me go check on my dog first,” I say. I hate leaving Fifi alone.
Ana follows me over without me asking. I check on my little fur ball and Ana pulls her out of the carrier without permission. I don’t care though. Her directness is fun.
She loves on Fifi for a few minutes while she checks out our trip collage on the fridge. “You two look like you have been on one grand adventure.”
“That we have.” A smile pulls at my lips as I scan the pictures. One of my favorites is a selfie I snapped of us under that apple tree in Georgia. That was such a peaceful day. I’m looking at the camera and Greyson is looking over at me thoughtfully.
“Grab the carrier and we’ll bring this precious girl over to the shop,” Ana says, bringing me back to the now.
I do as she says and we set into dressing me up for a better part of the day, after we swing back in and pick up little Isabella from Leah. Ana has an assistant grab us turkey wraps from Lulu’s for lunch and we just keep going through her beautiful clothes.
“You’re a size two,” she states.
“For now,” I answer. “Do you think I can grab a few size fours, also?” I ask hesitantly.
“I think size four would be better suited for your height and frame,” she comments as she looks me over.
I scan over my body in the mirrors. “You think?”
“Absolutely. You and Leah are around the same height. She’s a size ten and look at how fabulous she looks.”
“She does,” I agree. I could never think to allow a size ten, but Leah is so graceful and slim. It makes me wonder what I really look like. I don’t think the mirror tells me the same story it tells others that look at me. I press my hands to my upper sides and feel the ribs protruding. No, there’s no way I’m seeing clearly.
The day has been such fun, and I end up purchasing five bags of new clothing. I can just see Greyson’s eye roll now. Giving Fifi sugar, aka kisses and hugs, before placing her and the bags in the cool RV, I skip back into the café.
I spot a little gray-haired lady with a baby in her arms at one of the tables. The baby has white curls and I have no doubt this baby belongs to Leah. The little lady looks up at me as though she know who I am. “Hey, sweetheart. Come have a seat with us.”
She is just the sweetest looking woman, so I give no thought about joining her. I think Greyson’s friend-making skill is rubbing off on me. I feel so at ease with all these people here.
“You’re Lulu,” I say proudly.
“You’re Julia,” she says back, and we both laugh.
Leah brings me a glass of tea and places a kiss on the baby’s head before hustling back to the kitchen.
I look around and notice the place is empty of customers. “Where’s everyone at?”
“It’s past closing time. They’ll be back tomorrow,” Lulu assures me.
I find this odd because it’s only three in the afternoon. To each their own, I guess.
“So you babysit while Leah runs the café?” I make small talk, hoping Greyson will get back soon. It’s the longest we’ve been apart in months. I already find myself missing him.
“We take turns. actually. We split the work week. It’s important for this little one and the others to have their mommy time.” Lulu places a kiss on the baby’s cheek.
I look away. “I wouldn’t know about any of that. I was raised by nannies and more or less raised myself.” I fiddle with a piece of ice in my glass. “I don’t think I did a very good job.” I’m shocked to find myself confessing to this stranger, who doesn’t feel like a stranger at all.
“Looks to me you turned out just fine,” she says as she pats my hand.
“Looks can be deceiving.” I try to force a smile, but my lips refuse.
“Oh, I just bet God has blessed you greatly.”
I don’t disagree with that, but say, “I don’t think God likes me very much.” I think back over all of my choices—drugs, alcohol and men in excess. I feel right ashamed.
“I guarantee there’s times God don’t like me very much either,” she says as she bounces the baby on her knee and hands her a little rattle toy. “But don’t ever doubt the fact that He always loves you.”
I keep my focus on the little girl as I mumble, “I’m not so sure about that.”
“Who’s someone you love more than anything?” Lulu asks.
“My little sister,” I answer without hesitation.
“Well, I just bet there are times you don’t like her very much, but you’ve never stopped loving her. Have you?”
“True. She deserves the best life possible.” I feel my eyes prick with tears and try to think of a way to change the subject.
Lulu pipes back in before I can find one. “That’s exactly what God wants for you too, sweetheart. Close your eyes for me and think of the one thing that makes you completely happy.”
I do as she says and an image of Greyson under that apple tree appears instantly, finally making me smile. It surprises me. I open my eyes and look over at this wise little lady.
She smiles back at me and says, “That image is a treasure from God. Now I suggest you seek it with all your heart and never let go.”
The front door opens and our little conversation concludes. I look over and see Crowley walking in with an army of children following behind him. They all say a polite hello before scurrying to go help their mom close up. I look back nervously for Greyson.
“Your feller went to change. He sort of fell into the river. He’ll be over in a minute,” Crowley says with a grin that lights up his whole face.
“You best be treating your company nice. Please tell me you did not push that boy in the river, Crowley Mason,” Lulu says sternly, causing me and this guy to laugh at her.
He pulls his baby girl into his arms and plants kisses all over her chubby face, causing her to squeal. “I didn’t push him in. Your grandson did.” He nods his head toward the tallest boy.
“CJ, that ain’t polite, young man.” Lulu scolds him, but there’s laughter in her voice.
“Daddy dared me.” CJ points his finger towards his daddy and we all laugh.
“Greyson was leaning over the side of the dock, looking at a fish Jessup just caught. It was too tempting.” Crowley laughs. “Don’t worry, Lulu. The rest of the time we were perfect heathens... I mean angels.”
Lulu reaches over and pops him on the arm. I have to admit, I’m falling in love with these people.
“The guy seemed pleased with it. He swam around and even jumped off the tree rope several times, Ma Lu,” another boy answers.
“I believe you, JC,” she says as she gets up and wanders into the kitchen.
Greyson finally comes through the door. I feel like I can breathe again. He smiles over at me, but goes directly for the baby.
“Hand her over and I’ll forgive you for having your boy shove me in the river,” he advises Crowley.
Crowley hands her over with a smile and Greyson introduces himself. “Hello there, little lady. It’s nice to meet you.” She grabs his nose and gurgles some response. He sits down with her and sets out in a conversation
with her. The other kids occasionally come over to talk with him about something during the next stretch of time. No one seems to be in a hurry to conclude the day at the café. I like how it’s all so laidback.
Greyson Stone is just something else to watch, I must say. They all act like he’s their dearest buddy. The twin girls bring him a tea and a leftover sandwich. He happily teases them about him catching more fish. They tease right back, saying they didn’t want to show off. All I can do is just sit in amazement at this scene.
A little guy who I’m guessing is around the preschool age perches himself on the seat beside me, stealing my attention instantly. He has a white mop of curls like his mom and gorgeous eyes just like his daddy’s. He keeps smiling up at me without saying a word.
“Hey there,” I say warmly.
He just keeps grinning. Leah walks back out of the kitchen and smiles over at him. “Gabe, have you made a new friend?”
He keeps on smiling and nods his head. I can’t help myself, so I give in and run my fingers through his soft curls.
“Don’t go stealing my woman,” Greyson says with a grin and winks over at me.
This challenge causes the little guy to reach over and grab my hand. We all let out a rowdy chuckle at his boldness.
“Enough flirting with our new friend. How about we head home and go swimming?” Leah suggests, and the entire Mason bunch enthusiastically heads to the door.
“You remember the way to the house, right?” Crowley asks Greyson.
“Yep.”
“Well, come on then. You can help me clean the fish while the rest swim.”
We all head out after this. Greyson maneuvers the RV down this country road and turns into a place called Big Oaks Plantation.
“This is their house?” I ask, surprised.
“Oh yeah. Wait till you see the place. It’s incredible,” Greyson says, and boy is he not kidding.
The RV creeps down this long drive that is lined with ancient oak trees and leads us to a glorious three-story white plantation home. I would have never guessed these down-to-earth people live in such a grand place. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
