Southern Belles, a Novel About Love, Purpose & Second Chances (9781310340970)

by Anderson, Sarah

  “So, cheese fries and two chocolate milkshakes?” Trudy asked.

  “No.” I said writing the ticket for the kitchen.

  “Really?” She asked.

  “No, you’re right. Of course, it’s cheese fries and chocolate milkshakes.”

  “I figured. Is everything okay Char?”

  “Yes.”

  “Really?” She pursued a more truthful answer.

  “I’m okay, just frustrated. My best friend is never home. She’s here for a second and now she’s going to the Bahamas for most of her winter break. She has no responsibilities only lots of exciting trips and opportunities while I’m stuck here making milkshakes.”

  “What do you want Char?” Trudy asked.

  I looked at her and I could see she was impacted by my last statement. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean it to come out like that. I love CeCe and I’m happy for her. I just feel like I’m stuck here, in this little town, that I worked so hard to get out of so I could do all of those exciting things that CeCe is doing with everyone else but me. And I can’t go because I’m a mom and have responsibilities that I can’t just drop and she doesn’t get it. I’m sorry, I’m unloading on you.”

  “I get it Char. You’re talking to me. I’ve been there. It’s okay to feel angry but if you let yourself get swallowed up by the bitterness of the what if’s then you’re going to miss all the what now’s. The hardest thing I’ve learned to do is to enjoy the journey every step of the way. The journey never takes us to our destination on our schedule. When we’re lucky, we get to take the scenic route. The adventure of the journey is to allow it to take you somewhere new every day. If you focus on just the destination—you’ll miss all the beauty in between.”

  There was profound truth in her words even though my psyche wasn’t willing to grasp it yet.

  “Char, you are only limited by the words you speak in this life. I get it. Sometimes, we have to cry and whine and get out all the unfairness that life threw at you. But two minutes later—you’ve got to stop crying and start expecting the best life has to offer you. You’ve got to look for the unexpected good things in life. They are all around you if you’re willing to look beyond yourself.”

  “Thank you Tru. You and my mother always seem to know just what to say. I’m sorry. I just know there’s more out there for me—for Lucy and me.”

  “There is sweetie. Sometimes the best surprises come in ways we don’t expect. Whether or not he ever comes back, life has good things for you and Lucy.”

  “I guess that’s true. Are you happy—I mean really happy?” I asked as I looked across the room and saw CeCe talking to some of our high school friends.

  “Yes. It took me some time like you. I wasted more time feeling sorry for myself that could have been spent making my dreams turn into reality much sooner. Like today—I am now the proud owner of this diner.”

  “What?” I asked, turning towards Trudy. “You bought Trixie Rox?”

  “I sure did. I’ve been saving for some time now. Old man Fellows bought a home in Daytona Beach and is retiring, finally. He said he only trusted me to keep up the diner he put his blood, sweat, and tears into for so many years.” She said, smiling.

  “Oh Mylanta! That is so wonderful Trudy!” I said, still in shock and so happy for her.

  “You asked am I happy—yes I’m happy but more than anything, I’m thankful.”

  “Wow. I can’t wait to tell CeCe.”

  “Make sure to tell her the new name too.” Trudy smiled proudly.

  “What is it? Trudy’s?”

  “I had to promise that I would keep Roxie’s somewhere in the name so…I decided to rename it Tru Rox.” She laughed, biting her bottom lip.

  “I love it! Congratulations—you proud owner of the best diner food on the east coast!”

  “Thanks Char. Expect good things always. It’s only a matter of time.

  “Thank you Tru.”

  I walked back to the table much lighter and inspired. I didn’t want to own a diner but Trudy did and now she had one of own. Anything is possible; she was right. I just needed to be open to the possibilities all around me. Like Lucy, good things came in different packages. The best ones were unexpected.

  As promised, CeCe spent the day with me and Lucy the day after she got back from the Bahamas. It was one of the most fun days of my life. We drove down to Jacksonville, Florida and went to the Jacksonville Zoo. It was a beautiful warm and sunny day, a perfect day for the zoo. Lucy was very content sitting back in her stroller seeing all the exotic animals for the first time. We took our time and walked, slowly, throughout the zoo. Lucy pointed at the lions and even seemed to mimic their roars after she let go of her initial panic from hearing their roaring matches. CeCe and I were able to catch up about all the little things going on in our lives. She shared that last semester she often stayed in to study for her chemistry and law classes that were increasingly challenging for her. CeCe felt the burden of her parent’s expectations to live up to their legacy on campus. She even got a tutor, for the first time ever, to keep up her grades. She had chosen not to tell them about the tutor as if it made her less capable then them. I missed this CeCe—the one who trusted me with all her secrets and who didn’t have to be anything else but herself. Underneath her feisty and pretty yoga finesse was a good person with a delicate heart. I treasured up that day in my heart.

  The next time I saw CeCe was many months later when she came home for summer break. Even though I missed her I knew she was busy with school and that I was always going to be her best friend. We celebrated Lucy’s first birthday, with my dad barbecuing burgers and brats, on the farm. CeCe and her parents came, bearing presents and fruit trifle—the only thing CeCe’s mother knew how to make well. Trudy stopped over for a little while before heading to the diner. Father John came and said the prayer over Lucy and the meal. My grandmothers, brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins were all present. It was a hot summer day full of food, music, and great company ending with evening fireworks over the lake. Lucy went all over from person-to-person, falling here and there when she ran too quickly over her excitement. She had gotten many presents but was most happy to see everyone. My brothers took turns swinging her around and throwing her up in the air. I was slightly worried that she might puke on them after grazing all day but she kept going back to them with a belly full of giggles. It was nice to sit and relax and see her happy. Lucy was such a blessing. She brought the family together again for another day of fun. My favorite part of the day was watching my Grandma Evi rock a sleeping Lucy on her lap. Even though her words had long left her, she was still just as kind and nurturing in her silence as she was when I was Lucy’s age snuggled up in her lap.

  Chapter 16: The Good Ole Days are Here Again

  That summer had been wonderful. When I wasn’t working or at school, CeCe, Lucy and I took long lazy days at the beach. I packed up the station wagon with a cooler of food and drinks, plenty of beach toys and a large umbrella for Lucy’s naps. It was these simple things that brought me great pleasure and left fond memories. Several times, Richie came with us. He pitched a tent and we all camped on the beach with warm, sleepy bonfires and cool breezes from the beach. It was the three musketeers plus a little peanut. I had made peace with my life and allowed it to take me where it flowed.

  CeCe started her third year at the University of Georgia that fall. Although she was pursuing an undergraduate degree in political science, she wasn’t completely convinced that it would bring her the satisfaction she longed for in a career. I had six more classes to finish my Associates degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in journalism. There was a small four-year school nearby that offered Bachelor degrees in English literature and Creative Writing. I planned on attending there as soon as I finished my degree. I had been inspired by my summer to start journaling again. I bought a book to record my thoughts for any book ideas that came to me. Sometimes, it was just a sentence and other times a whole story line would propel itself out o
f my head. I was excited about life again. I was writing and it made me happy. Lucy was getting big and was into everything. Her vocabulary was expanding quickly. She started saying ‘mama’ which quickly became my favorite word. In the evenings before bedtime while she played outside in the yard, I sat nearby jotting down ideas and story lines. I dreamed of being a successful author of full-length novels turned into movies. The summer had brought CeCe and I back to the good days—the ones that reminded us of our carefree youth as we watched Lucy chase the seagulls one moment and tease the waves the next. I was stirred to write a book about best friends. Like a wild fire spreading across a forest, my pen, tirelessly, brought to life a story of two best friends. There were pieces of me and CeCe woven throughout the characters. Writing brought me happiness and I knew I was just getting started. I had come to accept my life with or without a guy by my side. I loved being a mother to Lucy and I was passionate about life. I looked forward to what each day would bring us. Something had shifted inside of me and gave me the confidence to move forward boldly.

  I spent my spare time putting the pieces of my book together when Lucy was sleeping or playing. I had gotten use to not hanging out with friends other than my family and CeCe when she was home from school and I was okay with that. My mind was obsessed with finishing my book. I had high hopes of finding a publisher to pick up my book for print. I was three-quarters of the way done and had begun snapping pictures of CeCe and I on the beach with my dad’s manual camera, for the cover. I thought about my friendship with CeCe and became endeared to the title Southern Belles. Neither she nor I had ever had a sister but I imagined that if I did I would want her to be just like CeCe. My mother encouraged my writing and offered to edit the book. Since she was very good with spelling and grammar I took her up on it. I found that she was also a very helpful thesaurus.

  I looked at the clock and put down my notebook and pen. I quickly slipped on my jeans and tee shirt, grabbed my black apron and Lucy, and headed downstairs.

  “Grandma, I’ve got to leave for work. I gave Lucy a bottle an hour ago. She should be good for a little while. She had pancakes for breakfast too.” I said, handing Lucy over to Grandma Rose.

  “Hi there sugar. How’s my favorite grand baby girl?” She said, kissing Lucy’s soft pink cheeks.

  “Thank you Grandma. Sorry, I’ve got to run. I lost track of the time and need to get to the diner before the lunch rush begins.”

  “Were you writing again?”

  “Yes. I’m so close to finishing. I just want to get it done; I want to do something good for Lucy.” I said, kissing Lucy and then Grandma Rose.

  “I’m sure it will be great Charlotte. Your mother speaks very highly of your writing style. And, you are always doing something good for Lucy.”

  “Thank you Grandma, I love writing. I love you two, bye.” I said, closing the front door behind me.

  As I neared the diner a few minutes later, only a few cars were in the parking lot. I recognized the Jimmy’s car and Trudy’s. I thought I spotted Willard’s too, a regular, for lunch, for the past 30 years. There was a slight breeze in the November sky that made me wish I had worn a sweater. I walked in and was immediately greeted by Trudy.

  “Hey there, how are you? I am going to be in the back for a little while. The repair guy for the second walk-in cooler is here and I need to be back here if he needs anything.”

  “That’s fine. I can handle it.”

  “If it gets crazy out here just come get me.” She said smiling oddly.

  “Okay, no problem. Do we have any of that rice milk in the back?” I asked following her back there.

  “Sure, I can get it for you.” Trudy said quickly.

  “It’s alright; I’m back here already anyway. I can get it.”

  “Trudy, do you have a second? I found these wires chewed up at the circuit breaker.” I heard a deep male voice say.

  “Sure.” She replied coolly.

  Suddenly, a tan and well-built man looking to be in his mid-thirties appeared from behind the walk-in cooler door.

  “Hi, I’m Charlotte. I see why you need my help so you can be back here Tru.” I said, embarrassing a flushed-faced Trudy.

  “You’re funny Char. Jake, I will be right back.” Trudy said, ushering me quickly out of the kitchen.

  “I didn’t even get my rice milk.”

  “I will bring it to you.”

  “Oh c’mon! He’s cute. You may need to break some more things around here.”

  “Ha-ha. He is cute, isn’t he? I will be right back with your rice milk.” She said still glowing.

  “Hey Tru—he’s not wearing a ring either!” I whispered loudly.

  “Shush, I know.” She smiled turning back around.

  This was the first time I’d seen Trudy gush over anybody. She was so strong and independent that I never saw any guy catch her breath but I could tell there was something there. I was happy for her. I bent down below the counter to grab a glass for my rice milk and a towel to wipe off the counter before customers started coming in. I heard the front door ring as I searched for a towel.

  “I’ll be right with you.” I yelled, from below the counter.

  “Okay.” I heard a familiar male voice say.

  I knew that voice but it had been awhile since I’d heard it. I looked quickly for a towel and a glass to check my face in its reflection. As I stood up slowly I saw a young, handsome man dressed in khaki pants and a button-down white linen shirt rolled up to his elbows.

  “Hi Charlotte; do you remember me?” He asked.

  “Yeah, it’s been awhile. Eric Sothersby, how are you?”

  “I’m good. I mean as good as you can be. I moved back from school to help my parents at their insurance company. My dad got sick but he’s getting better. He still has to go for radiation, sometimes, in Savannah.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. But I’m glad he’s doing better.” I said apologetically.

  “Thanks. What have you been up to? I thought I saw you last Christmas after mass—you and CeCe?” He said shyly.

  “Yeah, I thought I saw you too. Well, you’ve probably already heard. I got slightly pregnant and had a little girl right after high school. It threw me off but I’m good. She’s incredible. Her name’s Lucy.”

  “Slightly pregnant?” Eric laughed raising an eyebrow, tilting his head.

  “Well, very pregnant I guess.” I laughed back.

  “You’re brother told me when I saw him last Christmas; that’s a lot to handle but pretty exciting. I’m an uncle. My sister had a little boy, Aiden, about two years ago and he’s cool—he always has so much energy.”

  “Yeah, she keeps me busy—that work and school.”

  “So, is Lucy’s dad around?” Eric asked cautiously.

  “Umm…no.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. He’s sure missing out.”

  “Thanks, it’s a long story I won’t burden you with.”

  “I’ve got time. I’m not going anywhere other than back to work after lunch and I know the boss so if I’m a little late, it’ll be okay.” He said pulling out a barstool at the counter.

  “Where are my manners? I haven’t even offered to get you something to drink before I tell you my soap opera.” I giggled uneasily.

  “A soap opera sounds a bit more exciting than selling life insurance at retirement living complexes.”

  “I don’t know about that. My Grandma Rose sure knows how to keep things interesting. She’s had more dates over the last year than I’ve had in my whole lifetime.” I said pouring him a glass of water.

  Eric grinned. CeCe was right. He had the hot factor going on. He was nice and polite and had a good sense of humor. He also seemed less shy than he was in high school. It was strange talking with him as I remembered only recalling a few brief conversations with him in school. It was comforting. He was very down-to-earth and seemed to have a good head on his shoulders—not like the typical, immature guys our age. He ordered a burger with extra p
ickles and blue cheese with fries. He listened when I spoke without interrupting. For the few minutes I wasn’t talking, he told me about his trips to Brazil, over the last two summers, for surfing. This small town guy had become cultured and polished without forgetting his roots.

  “That was a really good burger. Tell Jimmy that was his best.” Eric said taking his last bite.

  “I will.” I smiled.

  I heard the door ring a few more times. Our lunch rush was just starting.

  “Is there anything else I can get you? It’s going to get busy quickly.” I said, putting the bill by his plate.

  “Yeah, do you want to hang out sometime?” He asked smiling.

  “Ah, well, I’m kind of busy.” I paused, with a flash of CeCe’s face running through my head.

  “I’m not busy except for when I watch Aiden so my sister and brother-in-law can go out or when I have to take my dad to his radiation appointments. I’ve lost touch with a lot of my high school friends and figured it would be nice to hang out with someone who wasn’t one of the high school snobs.”

  “Well, I guess we could hang out sometime.”

  “Good. Maybe we can get Aiden and Lucy together for a play date.” He said pulling out his wallet.

  “Oh that would be nice. Lucy might like having a little friend to play with.” I said surprised by his thoughtfulness.

  “Here’s my number, call me when you get a chance. It’ll be fun.” Eric smiled as he handed me the bill, with his phone number and money. “Keep the change.”

  “Oh, Okay. Thanks, I will.” I smiled back.

  I put the bill, with his phone number on it, and money into my apron pocket and moved on to the next customer. Out of the side of my eye, I could see Eric crossing the street to his family’s insurance agency. That had to be one of the best conversations I’d had with anyone in a long time. It felt good to have a nice guy show some interest in me. Unfortunately, it was the wrong nice guy. I didn’t want to hurt CeCe’s feelings by hanging out with Eric. On the other hand, she was hanging out with lots of guys and parties at school while I wasn’t. Why shouldn’t I have some fun, I thought? I wouldn’t let it be anything more than just friendship anyway. I wasn’t ready for that with anyone and besides, Eric seemed like a nice enough guy to hang out with and his looks didn’t hurt either.