Southern Belles, a Novel About Love, Purpose & Second Chances (9781310340970) (29 page)

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 of 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 pickles 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.

“So, Eric Sothersby huh?” I heard Trudy’s
voice behind me.

“Yeah, he just moved back to town to help
his parents.”

“Uh hmm.” She smirked.

“So 6’2 back there, huh?”

“He’s just fixing the cooler.”

“Eric just needs a friend and so do I.”

“Really, how much did he tip you?” Trudy
pretended to peek in my apron pocket.

“I don’t know.” I said pulling out his bill
and money.

“I bet it’s over twenty percent.”

“Okay.” I said sarcastically. “He gave me a
twenty.”