Lacy's Lane Page 24

“Those look good.” He leaned his hip against the counter smiling.

  “I made them for dessert tonight. The girls love them.”

  “I see you do, too.”

  “Yeah, guess I’m being a pig aren’t I? It’s my third one.”

  “You could use a pound or two.” He knew that would get to her.

  “Really?” She gave him a look.

  “Course it’s not for me to say.”

  “You’re right, it isn’t. So where are you headed?” She changed the topic with ease.

  “Why do you want to know?”

  She felt caught in a web. He had tossed the ball back into her court and she wasn’t ready.

  “You know I really don’t need to know.” She picked up another cookie and took a bite.

  “You keep eating those cookies to avoid me and you’re gonna…”

  “Look, Thad. This is silly. I’ll get out of your way. Me and the girls are going to catch a flight back as soon as we can.”

  “Ah, so it’s flight not fight, huh?”

  “No, it’s neither. I want to go home. That’s all.”

  “Well, then I guess you wouldn’t be interested in going to church with me and Stephanie. I came home to see if you and the girls would like to go to the Saturday evening service.”

  Lacy looked away, gathered her courage and looked back. “I’m sorry, Thad. I’m just not used to being gone so long. And the girls need to start schooling, you know.” She shrugged.

  “So, that’s settled. No church. What kind of book were you looking for?”

  “Uh…” she stalled, she was not going to say a romance. “Oh, maybe a biography, cookbook, something easy to read.”

  “Cookbook?” He gave her a long look.

  She squirmed. That was a dead-out lie. She felt her face burn.

  “Come on.” He motioned her to follow.

  “Oh, that’s okay. You don’t have to…”

  “Come on, Lace.”

  His voice was stern, so she followed.

  “Right here…come on in, I’m not going to bite you…here is the historical section, biographies, Victorian romance, a bit of history, American and British. Take your pick.”

  She followed his lead and was reading titles when she heard, “Have a good time. I’ll be late.”

  “Thanks, Thad…and…”

  But he was already thunking down the stairs to the garage. Stephanie was waiting.

  Chapter 44

  Lacy heard Thad come in and checked the clock. It was 4 a.m. Long church service, she muttered, punched her pillow and tried to sleep. The next morning she paid for her worried night.

  “You guys mind fixing your own breakfast? I have a horrible headache.” She announced when the girls came knocking.

  Every noise made from the kitchen traveled down the hall to her bedroom. Thad was laughing. Maybe Stephanie had come home with him. Pots banged and silverware fell on the travertine floors. She cringed. A big crash sounding like breaking glass caused her to jump out of bed. She slipped on her old clothes and crept partway down the hall to take a peek.

  Finally crouching down she got a look. Stephanie was there. Her and Thad were laughing along with Ting and Kew. Ting was actually giggling. She had never heard her laugh, let alone giggle. Stephanie was nearly doubled over. What in the world?

  Then she saw. Thad stood up and had what looked like pancake mix running down his hair, his face, down his shirt and onto his jean shorts. Then a plop fell off his forehead onto his shirt and when he looked down at it, she slapped her hand over her mouth and tiptoed back to her room.

  She would never forget that scene. Mr. actor-suave-man dripping in pancake mix. All he needed was syrup and he’d be good to go.

  Jumping back into bed, she let herself laugh. She couldn’t remember the last time she really laughed. From the inside-out. And it felt good.

  Stephanie was good for Thad. That sudden realization stifled her laughter. It was time to skedaddle and leave them be. It was enough that Thad cared for a girl who loved Jesus. She garnered her thoughts and remembered to think more highly of others than she did herself. The pastor had read that from the Bible. This was her ticket to go. She settled her heart and shut her eyes. The headache subsided, but she was sleepy from staying awake worrying about something that was none of her business. She turned on her side, relieved, and fell asleep.

  Next thing she knew it was noon. Groggy from the late morning sleep, she rolled out of bed and took a shower. Clean and hair dried, she slipped on her new California flip-flops and put on her swimsuit and a white lace cover-up. Taking the steps one at a time she went to the kitchen and opened the fridge. She was starved. Then she saw a note on the counter.

  “Lace, Steph and I took the girls for a ride. Be back later.” Signed…T.”

  She set it aside and looked at his handwriting. It was loose and free, just like he was. And it was the same as in high school. He had written across her notebook once, when one of the other girls had the courage to ask the cutest guy in school for his signature. She had been too afraid and got her girlfriend to do the deed. They all thought she was so lucky to ride the same bus as Thad Gannon. She thought so too, but she’d never tell them that. The way girls talked it might get back to him.

  Now she smiled. Funny how a simple thing like handwriting could take a girl back ten years. Other memories tried to sneak back—bad memories—but she put them out of her mind and made toast and tea and peeled an orange.

  She was glad for one thing. Well, two. One, that the girls had gone out. Two, that she was alone today.

  The book that she started was a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Not even halfway through, she took her things and walked out to the beach. The wind was strong, the surf surging in and out today. She settled into the chair and read four hours straight, then rushed upstairs to the bathroom and barely made it. She couldn’t put the book down. She loved reading history, learning about generations of people who came ahead of us.

  Grabbing a few chocolate chip cookies, noting there were just a few left, she went back outside and settled into the comfy lounge. The birds rising and falling to catch fish entertained her between chapters. Too soon the sun was behind her. A check on her cell said it was 6 p.m. She shut the book. Almost finished. Lacy closed her eyes and thought about life, how quickly it could go, how one needed to live while they were alive. She called Allison.

  “What did you find out, Al?”

  “Next Saturday is the best day to fly.”

  “A whole week?”

  “Yep, unless you want to pay nearly double. It’s better to plan ahead, Sis. I couldn’t get the three of you right next to each other but you’re across the aisle.”

  “But we are close, right? Ting would have a problem with that.”

  “Very close. She’ll be fine. Dario says hi.”

  “Tell him hello.”

  “Will do. Thad doing all right with everything?” Allison wanted to know.

  “Yeah, I have a lot to tell you, but right now I’m starving again, so going in to make a sandwich.”

  “Yeah, poor thing. I can hear the ocean, Lace.”

  “I know. It’s so beautiful here Al. I bet Thad would let you come. You and Dario.”

  “I bet he would. Maybe we will. After we get back from our honeymoon.”

  “Honeymoon…did you guys set a date?”

  “Yep. June of next year. We’re getting married in Italy, Lace.”

  “Italy? Oh, Al I’m so happy for you. Did you get a ring?”

  “Yes. Last evening. It is simply perfect. I love him so much Lace.”

  Lacy felt tears well up. She didn’t know if it was pure joy for her little sister, or a touch of jealousy she, being the oldest she had not married nor had kids to set an example for her little sister. Suddenly home felt so far away.

  “I’m going to miss you, Al.”

  “Oh Lace, don’t cry. Not when you’re that far away. I can’t hug you. You’re happy for me, right?” />
  “Of course I am. Why do you think I’m crying?” Lacy sputtered. “Send some pics over. I want to see the ring. And give Dario a hug for me.”

  “I will. Look, we have to run. I’m sure Thad has a printer. Send me his email address, I’ll send you the itinerary so you can print it out.”

  “Thank you, Al. I love you.”

  Lacy pressed the button and cut off the communication. Al was leaving her again, this time, she knew deep in her heart, farther away. They were just waiting to let her down easy. Five minutes later her phone beeped. She picked it up and gazed at the photo; a beautifully set diamond encircled Allison’s slender left finger and then a second photo with her and Dario kissing.

  She picked up her book, tears blurring her eyes and prepared to face whatever was next in her life. Things were so out of control she felt like she was swirling. Why couldn’t just one thing in her life stay the same?

  Chapter 45

  Lacy tried to read but couldn’t because her eyes kept tearing up so she trudged back to the house letting tears fall freely, thankful she was alone. A quick shower washed off the sunscreen, plus she could cry in the shower and no one would know. She combed her wet hair back, pulled on some clothes then wandered down to the lower level where another huge wall of windows looked out over the ocean. She ate a sandwich, assuming everyone else gathered to eat after church, brought a glass of iced tea, found the remote and flipped on HGTV. Maybe she could get a few ideas about fixing her place up … and deter her thoughts from Al’s latest news. How could one be happy and sad at the same time? She forced her thoughts in a new direction, realizing she was feeling sorry for herself.

  Rob could tear down a couple more walls, perhaps even install a skylight or two to brighten the living room. The do-it-yourself show made installing skylights look easy. She mused as she sipped tea. Beautiful views and lots of light helped her mood.

  Time ticked by. She spent a couple hours on the deck then came in later, popped a bowl of popcorn and found an old movie on Turner Classic Movies. Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, Adams’s Rib was playing. The movie was made in 1949. She kept tearing up thinking about the old days. Her mother was five years old that year and sleeping in the bed she slept in now. How had time gotten away so quickly? Just as the movie was running the credits, tears rolling down her face, she heard a click and a whir signaling the garage door opening. She swiped her eyes and cheeks and reached for the remote and shut off the television.

  Kew barged in the door first, Ting close behind. Lacy imagined that Ting had been like paint on a fence, close to Kew all day.

  Ting showed Lacy her shells, a whole pocketful of them. “None the same.” Her amazement made Lacy smile.

  “Every one is different. Right, Ting?” Kew stated.

  “Yes-yes. All.”

  Kew opened her hand and it was full of stones. “I prefer stones over shells.” She announced.

  “I see you do. You two are very different.”

  She tried to concentrate on what the girls were saying when she heard Stephanie’s unmistakable laugh and then saw Thad coming through the door and took a second look. Every one of them were dark tan.

  “Where have you been? You’re all so tan. Didn’t you take sunscreen?” she spoke as they all gathered around.

  “Yep. But the sun was hot today. We went down to Rincon to watch a surf contest. I knew a lot of the guys. Steph had friends. We ate on the beach. Girls had a great time.”

  Thad looked so happy Lacy wanted to cry.

  “I see.” She tried to sound excited.

  The girls disappeared.

  “Do you want popcorn? I just made some.” Lacy stood needing to be busy.

  “You know that sounds really good, Lace.” Stephanie said.

  Lacy looked at Thad and he laughed.

  “Did I say something?” Stephanie looked to Thad.

  “Actually I call her Lace. Me and Allison, her sister. Everyone else calls her Lacy.”

  “Oh okay. No problem, Lacy it is.”

  “It doesn’t matter.” Lacy didn’t want Steph to feel bad. “Did you two want to take a shower before you eat? I’ll get started…” Then she realized what she’d said. “I don’t mean….I mean…you…”

  “I know what you meant.” Stephanie saved her with a laugh. “I’ll shower upstairs.”

  Lacy heard Thad’s chuckle as he walked down the stairs to the lower level, slinging a towel over his shoulder.

  You’re a tongue- tied, emotional wreck, Lacy Linden. You need to get back to your own life. She made her way to the kitchen, made some fresh iced tea, pulled out the skillet, oil, popcorn and, of course, butter.

  She could hear them coming, so she heated up the pan and popped several batches, filling a huge bowl.

  “Man that smells good!” Thad grabbed a handful and opened the fridge. “Soda anyone? Or pop? Whichever side of the country you’re from.”

  Lacy noted Thad smelled clean with a hint of cologne. His hair stuck out all over.

  “I’ll take water.” Stephanie pulled her long blond hair, still wet, back into a ponytail and secured it.

  Kew ran down the stairs, announcing, “Ting’s writing in her book.”

  That girl could never just walk, Lacy couldn’t help but smile.

  “Did Ting have a good time?” Lacy filled a small bowl and handed it to her. “Butter?”

  “No butter. Yes, Ting had a great time. I saw her smile many times today.”

  “I’m so glad. Thank you for watching out for her Kew.”

  “I was biggest sister in my family.”

  Lacy noted that was the first time she had spoken about her past and hoped that they could talk more about it when she was ready.

  “So you know how to take good care of people.” Lacy poured tea for Kew from the no-sugar pitcher.

  Kew shrugged. “I guess.”

  “So did you watch movies today, Lace?” Thad turned on the television.

  “Yes.” She took the single chair, leaving the sofa open for Thad and Stephanie.

  Kew sprawled out on the floor with her bowl.

  “Chick flick, ladies? Looks like I’m outnumbered.”

  “Yes.” Came three feminine voices at once.

  “Okay, Lace had her choice today. Kew, Steph?”

  “Blind Side.” Stephanie suggested.

  “Sounds good.” Thad found the movie on Netflix and tuned in, sat on the sofa, and propped his feet on the brown leather ottoman. Steph sat on the sofa at the opposite end from Thad, Lacy noted. A few minutes later Ting joined them.

  Two hours later, the movie ended.

  “Great movie.” Thad said. “Based on a true story, too. I like that. Good choice, Steph.”

  “You’ve met Sandra Bullock, right?” Stephanie asked Thad.

  “Yeah, we’ve crossed paths a couple times. She’s a nice lady.”

  Thad stood and stretched. Stephanie stuck out her hand and he pulled her up. They went to the kitchen.

  Lacy stayed where she was. Kew took her bowl to the kitchen sink then flew up the stairs. Ting followed. It had been a long, lazy day. Lacy left her bowl on a side table and started up the stairs to go to bed. Everyone was still full from their late meal and the popcorn so there would be no gathering for dinner tonight. She could hear Thad and Stephanie talking low in the kitchen.

  “Hey where are you going?” Thad directed his comment to Lacy. “Steph and I were just going out on the deck. The winds have died down a bit. Come on, join us?”

  Lacy wanted to say no. Why did they need a third wheel in the mix?

  “Please?” Stephanie smiled.

  “For a little while then.” She turned and came back down, planning at the first yawn to excuse herself.

  “I hear you’re going back to Michigan.” Stephanie said as soon as they sat down. Thad popped up and went for something in the kitchen.

  “Yes. It’s time.”

  “So soon?”

  “Yes, I have a farm to run back h
ome. And the girls have to start home school.”

  “Thad was telling me about the girls. I hope you don’t mind, Lacy.”

  “No, not at all.”

  “How did you find the girls? Was it hard to bring them here?”

  “Lots of paperwork. But I had a friend who went through the experience first so she was able to help me.”

  “I think it’s a wonderful thing you are doing. I belong to a group that looks for mission opportunities. There are people in our church who either have no children, or their children are raised and gone, who want to help kids that need it.”

  “Really? There are so many girls that need homes. Mei Le grabbed my heart as soon as I met her. Kippy, my friend, is single and when her parents passed and left her a large house, she didn’t want to live in it alone. She took Mei Le in and is waiting on another girl. In fact she has four bedrooms she wants to fill. She’s an excellent teacher and plans to home school the girls until they get used to the country, our language, and make a few friends, then will let them decide whether they want to go to the local school.”

  “She sounds like an angel.”

  “The girls meet her need and she meets theirs. It’s a win-win.”

  “Would you mind meeting with some of the families at our church before you leave?”

  “Oh….I’m not sure I’ll be here long. My sister is checking flights and we’re taking the first available.”

  Thad walked in. “You are? You didn’t mention that.”

  “I thought I told you we needed to get back.”

  “You did. You just didn’t say it was going to be that quick. The girls like it here, don’t they?”

  “Oh very much.”

  “Then what’s the hurry?”

  Lacy hated being questioned in front of others. She could never think of the right thing to say at the right time.

  “Kippy’s waiting for them.” Her conscience stung. That wasn’t the entire truth.

  “I see.”

  “Look, Thad, I’d better get home. If you like I’ll take the Jeep and bring it back tomorrow. My brother can run me down in the morning,” Stephanie interrupted.

  “Sure, no problem.” He stood.