Lizbeth shook off her thoughts of James and proceeded on her next mission. She needed to talk to Fanny.
#
Lizbeth was waiting on the porch when Gray came limping up a little after noon. The walk had not been kind to her feet. She flopped down in the rocker next to Lizbeth. She had a worried look on her face, but managed a smile for Lizbeth when she sat down.
“That bad, huh?” Lizbeth asked.
“She wasn’t mad, just disappointed. I scared her and I knew better,” Gray said, as she began untying her shoes.
“You two have quite a history. This is just a bump in the road,” Lizbeth reassured her.
“I hate that I did that to her, to Fanny, to you. I’m sorry I worried you all so much. That’s not all of it, though. Besides the money this is going to cost me, I have to show my face after showing my ass. I got nobody to blame but myself for this mess.”
Lizbeth was sympathetic. “Honey, I helped.”
“You didn’t force that liquor down my throat. I know what happens when I drink that shit. I knew I was gonna blow. I just couldn’t stop myself. I hadn’t counted on being devastated when you told me to fuck off. I totally lost control and I don’t like doing that.”
Gray had come back from Cora Mae’s in a very reflective mood. Lizbeth wondered what else might have been in the topic of conversation. She tried to lighten Gray up a little.
“Okay, we’re checking moonshine off the list of things you’re allowed to drink.”
Gray did laugh a little. She had gotten her shoes and socks off and stretched her legs out, exposing the bottoms of her feet to the air. She still had a far off look in her eyes.
Lizbeth asked her, “Honey, are you worried about the money?”
“It’s going to put a dent in my savings, that’s for sure.”
Lizbeth took Gray’s hand in hers and turned to her, so Gray could see all of her face. She grinned until Gray finally said, “What?”
“Remember when you asked me how much money I had?”
Gray shook her head no. “I’m not taking money from you. I have a job. I make good money. I’ll just have to add some more tours to make up what I’ve lost. The insurance will pay part of what the Fanny Gray will cost, anyway.”
“Gray, listen to me. I know you’re proud, but if we’re in this together, then we’re in this together. I don’t want you to quit your job, because it is so much a part of who you are, but you don’t have to take on more tours. I just sold my house.”
“So. You’ll need that money if you don’t take that library job.”
Lizbeth giggled a little. “Honey, you don’t understand. Minus the money I am giving Mazie, I’m about to get three million dollars.”
Gray sat up straight from her lounging position. A look of total shock seized her face. “Jesus, Lizbeth. What, did you live in a mansion?”
“Yes, I guess you could call it that,” Lizbeth answered.
“Are you sure you want to come slumming down here with me? I’m sure this is quite different from the circles you travelled in. It’s funny, but you don’t act like someone with that much money.”
“I never cared about it. Oh sure, it was convenient, but it didn’t make me happy, did it?” Lizbeth let that sink in, then added, “You make me happy, Gray. Let me help you. I don’t want you to worry.”
“I like to carry my own weight,” Gray said, seriously, but then she grinned and said, “But that’s really sweet of you. I’ll tell you what, I won’t worry and you keep your checkbook in your purse. If a time comes when I need something I can’t pay for, then you can help me. Okay?”
Lizbeth had made one other phone call that morning. She got the salvage company name from Fanny and arranged for Gray’s boat to be taken to a boat yard, where it was to be repaired and modernized. Lizbeth could have just bought Gray a new one, but she knew how much her grandfather’s boat meant to her. Now, she was afraid she’d overstepped her bounds.
“Gray, I have to tell you something. Now, don’t be mad. I did it because I wanted to. It’s the least I could do, since I was the source of all that out of control emotion.”
Gray’s eyebrows shot up. Her imagination was running wild, so Lizbeth thought she should just tell her before she thought up something worse.
“I got Fanny to give me the number of the salvage company and arranged for the Fanny Gray to be taken to a shipyard for refitting.”
Gray cocked her head to one side and stared at Lizbeth. Lizbeth couldn’t tell if she was mad or just stunned. She stayed like that a few seconds and then slowly a grin formed in the corners of her mouth, before she smiled widely, saying, “Did I tell you I loved you today?”
Lizbeth relaxed. “I can’t remember. Maybe you should tell me again.”
Gray stood up on tender feet. She pulled Lizbeth into a standing position in front of her. Her eyes twinkled and the raffish grin had returned. She bent down to Lizbeth’s ear and whispered, “How ‘bout I show you, instead?”
#
When Gray finished explaining to Lizbeth that she loved her in no uncertain terms, they got dressed again and headed over to Fanny’s. Sweet iced tea washed down bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches. Lizbeth was going to miss these fresh tomatoes, but luckily, Fanny had canned some for the winter months. Lizbeth planned to use them the next time she made meatballs.
Mazie called back and said she was bringing the Mustang down on Saturday morning. Mazie asked if she could bring anything and Lizbeth gave her a list of groceries, so she and Gray wouldn’t have to drive up the beach to Avon. Fanny and Gray were glad Mazie was going to stay a few days. It made Lizbeth proud that both women appeared to like her daughter.
That afternoon, the three women took Gray’s Jeep “over the beach.” They scoured the shoreline for the sea’s treasures. Most of the good stuff had already been picked through, but Lizbeth did find an intact sea dollar. Fanny convinced Gray to put her feet in the salt water.
“Old folks swear by the healin’ power of the ocean,” Fanny said.
Gray grinned at her from behind the steering wheel. “You are old folk. Not many left much older than you.”
“Elmira’s ninety-five, so I’m not the oldest yet,” Fanny shot back, “Go on, be a hard head, but if my feet looked like that, I’d have ‘em in that there water.”
Lizbeth observed the discussion from the back seat.
Gray turned to Fanny. “There’s all kinds of bacteria in that water. No tellin’ what that storm stirred up.”
Fanny harrumphed, “I’m eight-five years old and been curin’ ails with seawater my whole life, but what the hell could I know?”
Gray stopped the Jeep. She got out, mumbling under her breath, “Might as well do it. You’re going to harp on me till I do.”
Lizbeth hopped out of the back and joined Gray in the edge of the water. Gray lifted one flip-flopped foot and then the other, letting the seawater flow on the bottoms of her feet.
“I can’t take the flip-flops off cause the sand will tear open the cuts, but there is no use arguing with that stubborn old woman,” Gray said, when Lizbeth slid her arm around her waist.
Lizbeth smiled up at Gray, saying, “It’s an endearing family trait.”
Back at Fanny’s cottage, they cleaned Gray’s wounds and then played cards with Fanny. This time Gray concentrated more, but Lizbeth defeated both the O’Neal women, much to their displeasure and Lizbeth’s delight. They had supper with Fanny, another round of BLT’s because that’s what Lizbeth requested and then sat with Fanny on the porch until she retired to bed.
Later that night, while Gray and Lizbeth held each other, Gray said softly, “Thank you for spending time with Fanny.” Her voice cracked slightly. “I don’t know how much time I have left.”
Lizbeth patted her hand on Gray’s chest. “Honey, she’s healthy as a horse, but we’ll spend all the time you want with her. We can sleep over there sometimes, if you want, but not until I get over this uncontrollable need for you to screw my brains out. I have never been this sex crazed in my life.” Lizbeth giggled at herself.
Gray rolled onto her side, pulling Lizbeth underneath her in one smooth move. She bore down on Lizbeth with an expression that did nothing to quell the fire that was growing between Lizbeth’s legs. Lizbeth’s breath caught in her chest. This woman consumed the air around Lizbeth and gave it back in a warm cloud of desire that engulfed her.
Gray nuzzled into Lizbeth’s thick hair covering her neck. She began to move against Lizbeth’s body, slowly sliding over her skin, melding into one. She whispered into Lizbeth’s ear, “What makes you think you’re gonna get over this uncontrollable need?”
Lizbeth’s answer came in the form of an arched back and a deep moan.
Sitting at Fanny’s table the next morning having another home cooked breakfast, Lizbeth was all smiles, inside and out. All of the anxiousness of the two of them just getting it together had dissipated. She and Gray were relaxing into each other, learning each other’s quirks and habits. They were settling in to the newlywed stage rather nicely.
Lizbeth was jarred from her thoughts by her cell phone ringing in her pocket. It was Molly.
“Hey, Molly. You’re up early.”
“I’m at the airport. Look, I’m going to fly to Manteo and rent a car. I’ll be there in a few hours, if that’s okay. I’m going to be out of town for a couple of weeks, so we need to get these papers signed.”
“Sure, it’s fine. I hate for you to go out of your way like that, though,” Lizbeth said.
“It’s no problem. I’m looking forward to the drive. The scenery is breathtaking.”
Lizbeth giggled. “Would that be inside or outside of the car?”
“I won’t bring her to the cottage, I promise.”
“Do you know where I live? I’m sure she could show you.” Lizbeth was careful to use pronouns, because she hadn’t told Gray about Dana and Molly, yet.
“Relax, Lizbeth. I’m only going to be there a few hours. Then we’re off to Texas.”
“Do they make U-Hauls for jets?” Lizbeth said, laughing.
When she hung up, Gray questioned her with her eyes. Lizbeth explained that Molly was coming down with papers for Lizbeth to sign. Gray’s feet were better this morning. Fanny’s prediction that the salt water would help had been correct. She wasn’t ready to run a marathon yet, but Gray was moving around with no perceptible limp. Still, when they went back across the street, Lizbeth made Gray lie on the couch while she cleaned the cottage. She gave Gray a copy of the rough draft of her paper to read, to keep her busy.
Lizbeth enjoyed being domestic. She had a maid service in Durham, but this life suited her better. It may wear off over time, she told herself, but right now making a home with Gray was fulfilling. The simple act of finding Gray’s tee shirt thrown across the back of the chair in the bedroom made her smile. She remembered how it got there. Little things, like making up the bed where they had just been, filled her with a glowing warmth. It was more than sex, or love even. Lizbeth felt whole. This is where she was meant to be. This is what she was meant to do. This is whom she was meant to love.
A little over an hour later, she stopped on the way through the parlor to grab a quick kiss from Gray. She was just finishing the last page of the paper when Lizbeth walked up.
Gray looked up at Lizbeth. “That was really interesting. I grew up here and I didn’t know half of that stuff. You write very well.”
“It’s still a draft, but I’m glad you approve.” Lizbeth leaned down and kissed Gray lightly on the lips.
Gray pulled Lizbeth down on her lap and wrapped her in a bear hug. Then she began to kiss Lizbeth’s neck. It was just getting good to Lizbeth when they heard a car pull up and a door slam in the driveway, followed shortly by another car door closing. Lizbeth thought, “Oh God, Molly brought Dana to the house.” She hadn’t had time to tell Gray about Molly and Dana. Well, to be honest, she had the time; she just hadn’t wanted to do it. Then a second car stopped and two more car doors shut loudly, interrupting her thoughts. Now, she was confused. Four doors closing didn’t make sense.
Lizbeth disentangled herself from Gray and went to the front door. Before she could get the door open, the approaching woman saw her through the glass and began screeching at her, loudly.
“Mary Elizabeth Jackson, have you lost your damn mind!”
Lizbeth froze, her hand on the doorknob. She wasn’t sure if she should open it or not. She looked back at Gray, who now was standing by the couch. Gray was white faced. She had no idea who was on the other side of that door, but she knew whoever it was wasn’t happy. Lizbeth swallowed hard and turned back to the door. Gray was going to be no help. This was going to be a confrontation and Gray would probably sneak out the backdoor when Lizbeth’s back was turned.
The porch on the other side of the door had now filled up with Jackson women. Lizbeth’s mother, Mary Grace Jackson, sixty-six, a gray haired, carbon copy of Lizbeth, was leading the charge. Lizbeth’s sister, Annie, taller than the other three and the only blonde, not natural Lizbeth knew, stood behind her mother, wearing a silly grin. Annie loved this. Annie had always been the troublemaker, Lizbeth the good little sister. Except for the pregnancy, Lizbeth had been perfect in her sister’s eyes. Even the pregnancy had landed Lizbeth a man her mother approved of and the marriage had lasted longer than anyone expected. Annie flew through men like used cars and most of them were not acceptable to their mother. Lizbeth had finally done something worse than Annie had and she was eating it up. Lizbeth glowered at her through the glass.