CHAPTER NINETEEN
Esta heard the knock at the door and thought for sure it would be young Beau Couvillion. He’d made it a habit of checking up on her every day either on his way to work or going home from work.
“Well, I wondered…”
Her voice trailed off as she stared at her daughter on her front porch. She was looking around at the old place, her frown not something Esta thought she would ever see again.
“Hello, Mama,” said the woman.
“Sheila. I wasn’t expecting you,” she said calmly.
“Yes. I don’t suppose you were. May I come in?”
“Yes, yes, of course,” said Esta stepping back. “Are the children with you?”
“No. And if you recall, the children are young adults now. They’re no longer babies wanting to tag along with their mother. I was just in New Orleans for some shopping and thought I should check on you.” Esta frowned at her daughter.
“Why? You haven’t been to the house in almost ten years.”
“Eddie said he drove by here a week ago and was shocked at how good the place looks. We just worried that you sold it or something and didn’t tell us.”
“Didn’t tell you? Sheila, I wouldn’t have to tell you if I sold the house. It’s mine.”
“Mama, we would just want our fair share,” she said staring at all the new items. “How did you afford all these repairs?”
“Wait a minute. Stop right there. Your fair share? I paid the mortgage on this house. I paid it working my fingers to the bone so you and your brother would have a safe place to live and grow up. So that you could go to college.”
“And go into debt with student loans when the scholarships didn’t cover everything. You didn’t do us any favors,” she frowned looking around the living room. “It’s not like you paid for everything, Mama. We had to pay for it all.”
Esta felt as though she’d been slapped in the face. All her hard work and this is what she got in return.
“Yes. You had to take student loans but I paid for books. I sent money for meals. I paid your car insurance. I gave you a home to grow up in, food, new clothing when you needed it. Was this such a terrible life?” she asked hurt more than she cared to admit.
“Oh, Mama, don’t be so dramatic. No, it wasn’t a terrible life we just felt like you could have done more. I mean, we know Daddy died and left you to fend for yourself but you could have done a little more.”
“I see. Well, I’m sorry that your daddy died and left me to ‘fend’ for myself. I’m sorry I didn’t do more. And does Michael do more?” she asked referring to her daughter’s husband.
“Michael is an attorney, Mama. He makes an excellent living and our children’s college funds are already fully funded. I swear, that man works day and night to make sure we have everything we need.”
“Good for you. Does he fund the college fund for his bastard children as well?” asked Esta. Her daughter turned, staring sharply into her eyes. “Did you think I didn’t know? I always knew. Even at your wedding his friends were talking about him sleeping with your maid of honor. Everyone knew.”
“Michael and I have an agreement, Mama.”
“That must be wonderful for Michael,” she said quietly. “And does Eddie have the same agreement with Valerie? Is your brother making bastard babies all over the state?”
“No. Eddie made sure he can no longer have children. Two were enough and Valerie is quite happy keeping their home.”
“I’m sure she is. I mean a six-bedroom home for four people in the country club is something to be proud of.” Esta stood with some effort, her hands shaking. “Just what do you want?”
“We want to be sure that your affairs are in order. I mean, the house isn’t worth a lot but Eddie and I would want to split the sale price. Do you even have life insurance?”
Just as Esta was about to scream at her daughter, the door opened and Beau gave a big smile.
“Miss Esta, good morning. Sorry for barging in but I noticed an unfamiliar car and wanted to check on you.”
“Who are you?” sneered her daughter.
“Me? Oh, I’m Beau Couvillion. I work for the Robicheaux family.” He made sure to add that little tidbit, knowing that the woman would understand the meaning.
“Robicheaux family,” she whispered. “I see. So, you’ve got the richest family in the south taking care of you?”
“You’ve lost your mind, woman,” laughed Beau. “Miss Esta takes care of me. She sews my buttons, makes sure I’m eating enough, she even takes me to mass with her every Sunday. We’re best of friends and if you know our family, we take care of our friends.”
Esta hid the grin behind her hand, winking at Beau. Sheila grabbed her purse and headed to the door.
“I guess you’re just fine, Mama.”
“I am. Tell your brother that as well. And for your information, when I die this house will be given to someone who needs it. Nothing in my bank account or my estate will be left to you or your brother. I do hope my grandchildren are well.”
“Yes. Well, we’ve had some issues with the children. Nothing Michael can’t fix with the sheriff.”
“The sheriff? What on earth?” asked Esta.
“It’s just young adult stuff, Mama. Drinking and driving, some gambling issues, a few other things. They’re fine.”
“Right. Well, I’m happy to report that neither you nor your brother were ever arrested or jailed. I didn’t have to ‘work things out’ with the sheriff. You might think me a terrible mother but I at least raised children who obeyed the law.”
“Yes. Yes, you did Mama. As long as it didn’t violate your law as well. Make your beds, clean the dishes, sweep the floors, cut the grass. We never had a spare moment!”
“Lady, you’ve got a warped sense of what life is like. Doing things around the house, especially things that will help your own parents, is what children are supposed to do. No wonder yours are a train wreck.”
“I think you need to leave now Sheila. Give my best to your brother.” Sheila opened the door and Esta stopped her.
“Oh, and Sheila? If you think that Michael is going to perform some lawyer magic on my estate, I will have the Robicheaux lawyers address him personally. I’m sure he doesn’t need that kind of attention right now. ”
Sheila’s face was beet red as she slammed the door behind her. Esta fell back in her chair, her hands still shaking.
“I always knew they hated me. I just didn’t realize how bad it really was,” she whispered.
“Miss Esta, you can’t make children understand you or love you. You did all you could,” said Beau holding one of her hands.
“Thank you, Beau. Thank you for being here. I’m feeling energized actually.
Like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
I suppose the not knowing was what was eating at me all these years.
I feel as though I might like a nice lunch down at the café.
What do you say? I’ll put on my new coat and scarf and I’ll buy you lunch. ”
“Now, Miss Esta, you know my good manners won’t allow that but I darn sure would love to have lunch with you.
Maybe afterwards you could come with me to the General Store and see some of the new holiday decorations.
I know you didn’t want to decorate this year, but I think it would make you feel better.
“Plus, I could sure use a hand in decorating the store. We have to get the tree decorated and the lights on and we could use some help in creating some displays for the windows.” She laughed, shaking her head at the young man.
“You know what, Beau? I think you might be right. Let’s go. It sounds like you and I have a full afternoon.”