George Hartmann Box Set

by Kelly Utt

  “Well, our educated and successful wives would be carrying us,” I add.

  Damn. It came out of my mouth before I thought about it. Liam doesn’t skip a beat, but I can tell it pains him to think of himself as part of a married couple now that he and Estella are separated. I’m not sure if Taye and Roddy know about the separation. I think they do, but it was presumptuous of me to say it like that.

  “Liam,” I begin. “I’m sorry…”

  “No need, George,” my uncle replies. “Moving on.”

  He looks over at Roddy as if to ask that the meeting be adjourned.

  Roddy takes the cue and walks around the table to shake hands once more. “I’m happy to cover Duke’s travel expenses,” he says. “Tell him I won’t take no for an answer.”

  “Will do,” I confirm. “Thanks, Roddy.”

  “This is really going to be something,” Taye says. “I’m pumped.”

  We smile and pat each other on the backs heartily like the home team just won. Ali hugs each of us and peppers us with compliments. She seems proud of the men in her life. I hope we can live up to her expectations. Mostly, I hope I can live up to her expectations. I want to be every bit as wonderful as my wife thinks I am.

  We spend the rest of the morning saying slow goodbyes as Taye and Nicky pack their families up and leave to head back East. The weekend has been a monumental success. I can’t wait to see what our big trip has in store.

  Those of us venturing to Lake Tahoe together launch right into packing and preparation for travel. It takes a lot of equipment to keep a baby Will’s age comfortable, not to mention the needs of our older guys who are still very much at the stage where they need to be entertained. When Marjorie, Roddy, and Liam finish their own packing, they offer to help me and Ali get things together. We, of course, happily take them up on that offer.

  By the time early evening rolls around, the house looks like a tornado has passed through it. But we’re ready. We’ll worry about cleaning up when we get home. We knew it would be this way when we planned a party the weekend before an early Monday morning flight out of town. It’s okay though. In the grand scheme of things, a messy house isn’t a big deal.

  When we’re all finished with necessary preparations, the adults reconvene in the living room to regroup. Ever the planner, Marjorie knows we’ll be getting hungry again soon.

  “Do we want to go out for dinner this evening, or should Roddy and I make something?” she asks.

  “We want to be in bed early so everyone is rested for our big trip tomorrow,” Ali says.

  “Right,” Marjorie says. “What’s easiest?”

  “Let’s go out,” I say. “There are plenty of good places to eat around here. And it will be less work that way.”

  Sometimes it feels like our lives revolve around mealtimes. I suppose that’s true for any family with three young kids.

  “Agreed,” Ali confirms. “How about Pepperoni Parlor? It’s become one of our favorites.”

  “Yeah, the employees know us by name now,” I add with a laugh.

  “Done,” Marjorie says. “I can’t imagine the kiddos objecting to that choice. Their food is amazing. They have burgers and such for those who might not want Italian, correct?”

  “Yep,” I say.

  Liam leans over to get my attention while the rest of the family continues chatting about the dinner menu. I know what he’s going to say.

  “Hey, George,” Liam says. “We need to reach out to your mom.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about her,” I confirm. “Time is getting away from me, but I need to try and touch base.”

  “Has she been in touch at all?” Ali asks.

  “No,” I reply. “I haven’t heard a peep. No calls, texts, or emails. Not since you and Liam talked to her yesterday before the party.”

  “Then, George, how about you and I drive separately so we can stop by her house on the way to dinner?” Liam asks.

  “Good idea,” I say.

  My wife shakes her head in agreement.

  “Get going then,” Ali says. “It will take us a little while to round up the boys and get them ready anyway. We’ll see you there.”

  “You sure?” I ask. “I’m happy to stay and help pack the toy bags and such while you get little Will ready. I assume he’ll want to nurse again before we go.”

  “We’ve got it, George,” Marjorie says. “That’s what we’re here for. Go check on your mom.”

  “Okay, then,” I say, hugging my mother-in-law and leaning in tight on the top of her head. “You’re the best. I appreciate the way you and Roddy take care of my family.”

  “Our family,” she corrects. “But I know what you mean.”

  Even though it’s been six months since the break-in, I’m still hesitant to be away from Ali and our boys. I know it’s irrational and that I can’t stay glued to their sides forever. The boys have to grow up with some sense of normalcy, of course. I just don’t think we’re completely safe yet. Not until we find the getaway driver. Roddy can tell what I’m thinking.

  “George, we’ve got them,” he says.

  I trust Roddy to protect them. I kiss my wife goodbye, slowly, on the lips. I try to keep the PDA to a minimum when the others are around, so I don’t linger. It’s difficult to break away. She tastes so very good.

  Liam and I slip on our sandals and head out to his blue truck, which is still parked on the road in front of our house against the curb.

  The air is warm and moist. It feels thick like rain is coming in. Good thing the rain waited until after our party. As far as I’m concerned, it can come on in any time now. The local crops need it. And we’re about to catch a jet plane out of here. Bright and early tomorrow morning.

  4

  Stay Like This

  The drive to Mom’s is quick. Down the hill that is East Shore Drive, around the old train station, and across Green Street to downtown.

  Her little stone cottage looks cheerful and well-kept when we arrive with its red door and potted plants lining the front porch. I haven’t been here in a while. I’m especially glad to see the potted plants. Since Mom didn’t sow a garden this year, they’re the next best thing. Their presence lets me know that she hasn’t completely abandoned the things she loves. I want my mom to be happy. Her car is in the driveway, and the colored reflection of a TV playing in the living room dances on and off of the front window.

  “She’s home,” I say to Liam as I raise my fist to knock on the front door.

  Knocking always feels more personal than the doorbell.

  “Wait a minute, George,” my uncle says, raising his palm up between me and the wooden door before I can make contact.

  “What is it?” I ask.

  “Do you notice the old black truck parked out on the road?”

  “I didn’t,” I say. “But now I see it. So what?”

  “It’s a classic. A 1970s Chevy like my own Ruby,” he continues, talking in a hushed voice so as not to be heard from inside.

  Liam has owned Ruby for years. She’s a red and white 1975 pickup. When he isn’t traveling, my uncle likes to spend weekends tinkering with her. He always keeps a brand new truck for serious driving, but he gets a kick out of tinkering with the old one. I expect he’ll be bringing Ruby up here to Ithaca with him when he moves. I can’t imagine him leaving her in D.C. She’s one of his most prized possessions.

  “So,” he continues. “When I arrived in town yesterday afternoon, I drove in this way and right by Linette’s house.”

  “And?” I ask, still not following.

  “And the same old black Chevy was parked out front,” he says.

  I don’t say anything as I work to process.

  “And she mentioned bringing a guest to the party,” he continues.

  “Oh,” I say abruptly. I’m not sure why I didn’t catch that right away. “You mean…”

  “Maybe,” he says. “I wanted to mention it so you’d be prepared. Are you going to be okay if she has someo
ne in there with her?”

  “Like a… what?... a boyfriend?” I ask. “Would it even be called a boyfriend?”

  “A significant other, maybe,” Liam says. “But that’s not the point. Are you okay with your mom dating?”

  “Of course,” I say quickly. “She’s a grown woman in her sixties. Almost her seventies. She can do whatever she wants.”

  “Right, George,” he replies. “But damn it if you didn’t sound surprised at the thought.”

  “Did I?”

  “Yeah, you sure did,” he confirms. “I know you’ve been through a lot lately. And you’ve never known your mom with anyone but your dad. It’s natural to have some feelings about it.”

  “I’m okay,” I say, taking a deep breath. “It wasn’t long ago that I was knocking on this door to see John Wendell, knowing in the back of my mind that he wasn’t doing well and probably wouldn’t be with us much longer. If Mom has a significant other in there, then that will be a surprise. But a happy one.”

  “Alright,” Liam says. “Knock away then.”

  “You know,” I add. “I got the feeling Mom was hiding something that day. Even before John Wendell died, she was acting cagey. Why wouldn’t she want me to know she was dating someone? I’d rather she was hiding a man than suffering from depression.”

  “She could be both hiding a man and suffering from depression for all we know,” Liam adds. “They’re not mutually exclusive. Knock on the door and we’ll see what we can find out.”

  I do as he says. One long knock followed by three shorter ones. Then we wait and listen. I see the reflection on the window interrupted as a figure moves in front of the TV and heads down the hall towards the back rooms with deliberate, plodding steps. I can’t tell for sure, but it seems like someone who is taller than Mom. Heavier footsteps, too.

  “You see that?” I ask Liam.

  “Yep,” he confirms. “I hear it, too. Heavy footsteps. Like I said.”

  “Wow,” I exclaim, smiling. “I’m getting kind of excited now. A man in Mom’s life might be good for everyone. I’m happy for her.”

  Liam smiles as well, then motions back towards the wooden door as Mom unlocks and opens it to greet us. It’s the kind of door with three windows in the craftsman style Ali loves. Liam must have seen the top of Mom’s head appear in the windows before hearing the lock.

  The air conditioning from inside the house exits in a burst and feels refreshing compared to the warm, muggy outdoor air.

  “George, Liam,” Mom says with a half smile as she greets us. “What are you boys doing here?”

  Much like the day I showed up to see John Wendell last winter, she doesn’t invite us in.

  “We came to check on you, Mom,” I say. “We thought you were coming to our party last night.”

  “With a guest,” Liam adds, winking at mom.

  It strikes me that she might feel funny with Liam knowing about her man. She was married to his brother, after all.

  “Oh,” she says, looking embarrassed. “About that…”

  Mom blushes and smooths the front of her cotton shirt above her waistband nervously. Her shirt has small yellow flowers on it, and it’s wrinkled on the bottom as if it was tucked in and recently pulled out of her pants.

  “I’d love to meet him,” I say quietly.

  “How do you know there’s a him?” Mom asks, lowering her head now like a shy child. “I never said…”

  “Mom,” I interrupt. “It’s okay. You don’t need to be embarrassed.”

  She steps out onto the porch and closes the door behind her. She takes a minute to collect herself, then stands on her toes to look back into the house through the windows at the top of the door before she continues.

  “Look, boys,” she begins. “I was going to bring a guest to your party, like I told you yesterday on the phone, Liam. But the truth is, I chickened out.”

  Liam chuckles. “No shame in that, Linette. It happens to all of us at one time or another.”

  “I appreciate you saying so,” Mom says.

  “You could have let us know,” I say. “I stood out in the road for awhile thinking you would arrive any minute. I looked forward to seeing you and I wanted to greet your guest properly. I was disappointed when you didn’t show up.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, dear,” she says. “I didn’t mean to disappoint you.”

  “I know,” I say after a moment.

  “Look, we’re here now because we wanted to check on you,” Liam adds. “To make sure you’re okay. That’s all.”

  “I am okay,” she says, raising a hand up to smooth the hair on the side of my head. “It’s nice of you boys to check on me.”

  “Hey, Mom,” I say. “Liam is moving to Ithaca. Can you believe that?”

  “Wow!” she says, sounding more like herself now that we’ve moved on to another subject. “That’s really good news. When?”

  “Soon,” Liam answers. “When we get back from Tahoe, I’m going to buy a house. Then it’ll just be a matter of wrapping things up in D.C. and getting my retirement paperwork in order.”

  “That’s truly wonderful news,” Mom says. “It will be lovely to have you and Estella nearby.”

  I look at my uncle as he pauses.

  “Not Estella,” I say. “Just Liam.”

  “Oh,” Mom says. “I see. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” Liam says. “Trial separation. We’ll see how it goes.”

  “I understand,” she confirms.

  “It will be great to live nearby you, too, Linette,” Liam says. “If you ever need anything at all, you will know I’m here and happy to help.”

  “You’re too kind, Liam,” Mom says. “Your big brother sure would be proud of you. Both for the man you are and for how good you’ve been to me.”

  Tears begin to fill Liam’s eyes upon hearing this and I’m struck by how many times I’ve been the teary-eyed one this year. It’s unusual to see my uncle in that position. I place my arm tightly around his shoulder and give him a squeeze.

  “Thank you for saying that, Linette,” Liam says, his voice breaking mid-way through. “I try.”

  Mom leans in towards us and we stand together in a warm embrace for a couple of minutes without saying anything.

  “You boys are too good to me,” Mom says. “I love you both.”

  We tell her the same.

  “Mom?” I ask.

  “Yes, dear, what is it?” she replies. She sounds completely like her old self again now.

  “Can we come inside your house?” I ask. “We’d really love to meet your guest.”

  She smiles slyly and lowers her head into the shy schoolgirl pose once more. She looks like she’s debating the options in her mind.

  “I want you to,” Mom begins. “I’m not quite ready though. Can we put this off until you return from your trip?”

  I look at Liam, who has regained his composure now. He lowers his eyebrows and nods his head up and down.

  “Of course,” I say. “That will give us something to look forward to for when we get back.”

  “Good,” Mom says, looking relieved. “Thanks for being patient with me.”

  Liam looks at Mom and smiles. I get the idea he thinks he’s keeping me under control and that Mom sanctions the effort. I don’t mind. It’s kind of humorous, actually. Our schtick.

  “So, are you all packed up and ready to go?” Mom asks.

  “Yep, we are,” I answer.

  “Are our boys excited?”

  “They are,” I say. “It’s going to be a trip to remember. Life is good.”

  “That’s wonderful,” she replies. “I’m so glad. How about Lady? Do you need someone to keep her while you’re gone?”

  “She’s staying with Jen and Duke,” I answer. “Oh, and Jen’s pregnant! They announced it last night at the party.”

  “That’s such good news!” Mom exclaims. “Sounds like I missed a great party.”

  “You did,” Liam says.

  “There
was one more big announcement,” I add.

  “Oh?” Mom says, shifting her weight forward and looking genuinely excited to hear the news.

  “Marjorie and Roddy and moving to Ithaca, too,” I say.

  “What?” she asks. “That’s truly wonderful news!” She doesn’t show any indication of being jealous of my in-laws, which I really appreciate. It’s not a competition and I’m glad our parents don’t try and make it one. They’re so different. There’s room in our lives for each of them.

  “Yeah,” I continue. “They’re planning to open a musical theater facility in town which will put on shows and concerts. It will offer camps for kids as well. Between the two of them, they’re well suited to make a big splash here. I can’t wait to see what they do. I’m sure their new place will be a huge asset for our little town.”

  “Wow!” she exclaims. “What a gift to Ithaca that will be. I wish John Wendell was still around to hear about this. He would be incredibly jazzed about a musical theater place. He’d be there for every show.”

  Mom’s face suddenly contorts at the thought of her dad missing out on something he would have loved so very much. She begins to cry. I pull her into me tightly and let her get it out. Liam and I don’t have dry eyes either. It’s emotional. We all loved John Wendell. He was a special man. And Mom’s right, a musical theater is right up his alley. I wish he were alive to see it.

  “Well,” Mom says, finally pulling away from me and dabbing at her eyes. “Good things are happening for the family. And right here in Ithaca. It’s a dream come true for me. We have a lot to look forward to.”

  “That we do,” Liam says with a smile.

  “Okay, Mom,” I say. “We’re meeting the others at Pepperoni Parlour for dinner and we have an early flight tomorrow, so we’ll let you get back to whatever it was you were doing.”

  She blushes again, although not quite as severely. I don’t mention our business plans. Neither does Liam. We hadn’t discussed whether or not to tell Mom about them, but he knows better. We’ll deal with that when we get back from our trip. All in good time. We say goodbye to Mom and head out to dinner, feeling positive about the status of things. Maybe Mom is okay after all. And just maybe, she’s more than okay. A significant other might be exactly what she needs.