36. Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Six
Betty
“ S he’s here.” Margo’s excited voice barely drowns out her stomping feet down the stairs as she races to the front door.
I adjust silverware on the dining room table, my mother, across from me, primping a bouquet. “I can’t believe you got Miss Irene to leave her house.”
My mom’s voice fills with a respect toward me that I’ve not heard in a very long time. Her and Miss Irene’s friendship spans decades, yet it was my phone call she took, not my mom’s. Nor Olivia’s. Nor calls from half the town. “I think she knew all I needed to hear was the sound of her voice. I wouldn’t press her to talk or say anything. Sometimes, all you need is for someone to sit with you in silence. No judgement. No words. Their presence along speaking volumes.”
My words force my mother’s gaze to return to the bouquet, and I pray she’s heard every word. I remind her for the third time, “Now, remember she’s feeling embarrassed by the whole situation. Let’s try not to mention it.”
The warning is more for me. If it’s true and the pantry has lost all their funds, I have a hundred questions that need answers. The music festival is one of the busiest weeks for the pantry during the entire summer. If we need to pivot, we need to move quickly. I have no idea what Laredo is cooking up. The last day and a half, he’s been holed up in the studio with Ariel, working on her new sound and then spending time with Adam, who has isolated himself at the hotel.
Laredo didn’t share any details about the cause of the breakup between Ariel and Adam other than to mutter, “Girl problems.”
I’ve given Laredo an open invitation to spend the night at my place, but he claims he and Adam are working on a secret project, which he’s yet to share the details about. I tell myself to ignore the warning bells in my head. He’s not distancing himself. He’s not going to leave again, not after promising me the opposite. Ariel and his brother will be leaving town after the festival ends tomorrow, and then I’ll have him to myself.
I can be patient.
“I won’t unless she brings it up.” Mom’s words snap me back to the present. Her words almost sound like an apology in advance. She’s totally planning on mentioning the robbery. I start to object when Margo calls my name from the front of the house.
“Betty, you’ve got company,” Margo bellows from the foyer, and a smile pulls on my face.
My pulse kicks up like never before, and I know the reason why. “That must be Laredo. Thanks again for letting me invite him to dinner.” I’m still in shock at how well Mom took the news of the invite. I’ve told her he’s staying this time. She said she wants to see it with her own two eyes. I’ll prove her wrong.
She nods. “If he’s going to be in your life…” She pauses as if reconsidering her words. “… I’d like to get to know him.”
I walk down the hall to the front of the house in time to see Margo hugging Miss Irene and shaking Laredo’s hand. Laredo steps to the side, and I spot the third person in the group.
Laredo captures my gaze, a happy sparkle in his eyes, and he reaches for me. “I hope you don’t mind I’ve dragged Adam along.”
This is good. Another buffer between my mom and her inappropriate remarks. And with Adam here, I’m sure Laredo will breathe easier rather than half his attention being pulled away with concern for his brother.
“Of course it is.” As I approach Adam, I can’t help but notice his slumped shoulders and how he keeps his gaze fixed on the floor. “Good seeing you again, Adam.”
He musters up a mumble and hands me a bottle of wine. Even in the misery of a breakup, he doesn’t forget his manners. “Same.”
Laredo shrugs and pushes a sour apple Blow Pop into my hand. His contribution for the night. I giggle when he turns and pushes a grape Blow Pop in Margo’s direction.
She bounces on her toes and pulls him into a hug. I feel so fortunate to be able to see all of this with my own eyes. My sister and my man instantly click, their laughter filling the room.
I nod and hook my arm to lead Adam into the house. “I’m glad you’re here. I want to hear all about growing up a twin.”
He shakes his head. “If I tell those stories, it might not leave the best impression with your parents.”
“We’ll be the judge of that.” Dad leans over the banister, coming down the steps and catching a bit of our conversation. “Lovely seeing you, Irene. We’ve made your favorites.”
Dad’s comment finally pulls a soft smile from her. “I can smell it from here. Thank you, James.” As they share a meaningful glance, I feel a surge of hope that Miss Irene finally understands our unwavering support.
With a lively buzz of conversation and laughter, we march into the dining room. Mom has promised to be on her best behavior. I’m introducing my boyfriend officially to my entire family.
My bones are tingling with a sense of anticipation, It's going to require me to navigate a hire wire act without a net. But I'm not concerned. Laredo is here. If I fall, I know he'll catch me.
***
“So, all you know how to do is play a guitar?” Mom barely waits for us to get two bites into the dinner before she starts her inquisition.
“Mom!” I shout.
“I also sing.” Laredo confidently dials up his charm, unfazed by the question.
Mom is not one to be thrown either. “How is that working out for you? Do you have a 401k?”
“I have four dollars and one cent.” Laredo digs a hand into his front pocket, and I fully expect him to start peeling out George Washingtons.
The room goes silent for a beat, and all I hear is my heart pounding in my chest. “He’s playing the main stage at the festival Sunday.” The rescue comes from the unlikeliest of places—his brother, Adam.
“Wait, what?” I twist to face Laredo sitting next to me, my chair scraping on the hardwood floor. “When…”
“He’s joining Ariel’s band.” Adam completes the picture for me.
“Devil May Care?” Miss Irene chimes in with a bright smile from a fan. “I guess, Meredith, you have your answer. He doesn’t need to do anything else if he’s good enough to play with them. Money won’t be a concern. They’re on tour all the time.”
My appetite immediately evaporates. My mom reads my thoughts and speaks before I can. “Meaning you’re leaving my daughter. Again.”
I stare at Laredo, who continues to chew on his food like he’s not going back on his word. Like this isn’t a big deal. Like he didn’t keep a monumental, life-changing secret from me after we both promised never to do this.
I twist in my chair and pick up my glass of lemonade just to have something to distract me. I won’t have this conversation in front of my mother. I can already hear her telling me this is what I get for choosing a musician. For trying to connect with a boy not from around here.
“Mom, this is good news. It’s always been Laredo’s dream. It’s what he’s been working so hard for.” It hurts like hell to force these words from my mouth, but I do. Mom has chirped in my ear for most of my life while I’ve stumbled seeking my dream. All I’ve ever wanted is for her to support my choice because it’s my life, my choice. At the end of the day, all anyone who loves you should want is for you to be happy. If this is what Laredo wants, I’ll find a way to support it, even if it smothers any chance at a relationship.
"Pass me the wine," I order dad. I'd steered clear of alcohol all evening, needing to keep my wits in order to joust with my mom. Thanks to Laredo's decision its no longer a concern. "This news deserves a proper toast." Dad gives me a look of concern, pouring nothing but a splash into my glass. It'll do the trick. I lift my glass at him, toasting the start of his music career and the end of our relationship. “Here’s to you getting everything you’ve wanted.”
Dad shifts in his seat across from me, forcing me to capture his gaze. He sees my struggle. He knows what Laredo joining the band means. But he also knows this should be a private conversation between Laredo and me. “Can you get us tickets?” Dad’s cheerful voice adds a touch of brightness to the conversation, lightening the mood. And for that, I want to hug him.
Laredo chuckles. “I’ll see what I can do.” He lowers his hand onto my thigh, giving it a squeeze before turning to face my mom. I hold my breath. “Mrs. Vacarro, as for your question, I’m not leaving your daughter. I’m planning on staying here in Seaside.”
“You are?” I stammer, feeling my heart racing in my chest.
He nods at me briefly before redirecting his focus to my mom. “There’s something a little more important than music. Your daughter. I’m going to stick around, and we’re going to work on getting to know each other and see where that takes us. I believe that’s the dream I was meant to pursue.”
I try to speak, but my lips remain sealed shut. I have no words.
“You’re not going on tour with the band?” Apparently, I’m not the only one in the dark. Adam stares across the table from his brother like he’s lost his mind. “A chance like this doesn’t…”
Laredo slips his hand into mine, lifting our hands above the table for everyone to see, and places a kiss on the back of my hand. “Exactly. And I won’t let this chance slip through my fingers.”
My vision blurs as water builds in my eyes, and I’m at a loss for words. He’s not only here, but he’s sacrificing his shot to stay. “Are you sure? I can’t ask you to give everything up for me.”
“You didn’t ask. I chose this. I chose you. You’re worth it. I hope you discover so am I.” I can’t believe this is happening. Like this. In front of my parents and my sister. “I told Ariel I will join her band on the Sunday stage, but it’s a one-time thing. She’d need to look elsewhere for a permanent replacement. I have other commitments that matter to me more. Someone.” He captures my gaze, and I never want to look anywhere else.
“I think this is where you kiss him,” Margo whispers from across the table.
My giggle fills the room, and I press my lips to Laredo’s. I’ve not kissed a man in front of my mom since I was picked up at the house for my high school senior prom. Laredo must sense my nervousness—he’s as cool as a cucumber.
“No tongue, please.”
Laughter fills the room as the entire table erupts.
Miss Irene taps her fork on her wineglass, drawing our attention to her. “Since we’re all sharing news… I guess I’ll share mine.” Laredo holds my hand, and we all turn to face her. Laredo isn’t the only one with big news. I know what’s coming but had no idea we would be doing it here, tonight.
I give Laredo’s hand a hold on tight and listen to this squeeze. “I’ve resigned from my position at the food pantry.”
“Irene, you can’t,” Mom says.
“Did the board say something? Are they forcing you out? I’ll…” I love how quickly my dad snaps to her defense.
She stands, waving her arms to stop the speculation. “It’s my decision. Yes, it may have been expedited by what happened. But it’s time. I love the pantry. It’s the most exhausting, fulfilling love of my life. It’s been a steady partner for me for three decades. But it’s time.”
“What will you do? How will you manage?” Mom plows forward, she skips ahead to the practical. She's a tactician through and through, and I hold my breath and wait for her to mention they’re hiring at the post office.
“I’ll be fine, Meredith. Remember, I collect not one but two alimony checks.” She offers a broken smile. “I’m tired. I’ve been thinking about moving back east. My sisters have been trying to get me to return for years. I’ll get to spend more time with my nieces and nephews. I’m exhausted. It’ll be good to have someone else take care of things for a while.”
Miss Irene’s gaze connects with mine. I know what comes next. It’s a difficult conversation we had this morning. A long, winding one that feels right.
I release Laredo’s hand, my palms pressing to the top of the table. “I’m taking over the operations of the pantry as executive director starting next week.” I drop the news, which I’m still reconciling in my head. A ninety-minute conversation with Miss Irene this afternoon. I’ve never led anything in my life. I’ve always played it safe, but this community needs this. The pantry is too important. And outside of Miss Irene, no one knows it and loves it as much as I do.
“Oh my, I love this for you.” Margo races around the table and pulls me into a hug. Her thoughtful words and gestures demonstrate that she truly grasps the significance of this to me.
“Don’t you have to interview? Get approved by the board?” Mom asks. Her concern is always on the practical.
“Done and done,” Miss Irene says with a finality that I still can’t believe. “I’ve put the place in such a crippling hole the board agreed immediately. Their words to the effect of ‘only a fool would take on this role.’”
I laugh because she’s right. It will take a miracle to keep the pantry doors open longer than three months. Miss Irene shared all the gory details of the financial condition of the pantry with me. The stolen money is never coming back. Overnight, she got three emails from federal and state programs suspending their upcoming grant payments to the pantry until a proper audit of the funds can be completed. The audits will take six months to a year to complete. Outside of the food in the storage units, the pantry has only thirteen cents in its operational budget.
“If anyone can do it, Betty can,” Laredo chimes in. I knew I’d have his support. “And she won’t have to do it alone.”
Laredo winks at me. He hadn’t forgotten. He’s formulated a plan. I press on the tips of my toes and lean toward him, expecting him to take the spotlight and share. He’s a man full of surprises.
“The plan is ingenious and ten times better than anything I could have come up with.” He waves a hand in Adam’s direction, and for the first time since he entered the house, a spark of life flutters in his eyes.
Adam pushes back from the table. “It’s going to be chaotic, and we’ll have to call in a bunch of favors, but if we work together, I think we can pull it off.”
From what I know of Adam, he’s modest and doesn’t boast of the impossible. He captures the complete attention of the room. “Betty?” He calls my name, and I leap to attention.
“Before we start, you may want to get Olivia on FaceTime. If not, she may never forgive you for missing this moment.”
He offers me a tender smile that warms my heart. I pull out my phone and dial her, quickly informing her of what is going on. She has a dozen questions but is smart enough not to ask. I lean the phone against the salad bowl so that Olivia can see everyone.
We all turn our attention to Adam, but not before I steal a glance at his brother. Laredo is beaming, a picture of contentment taking a back seat. He catches me looking at him, with a quick wink and then a head nod for me to pay attention to Adam.
I have no idea what the two of them have been planning, but I’m excited. Because I know it’s going to be something special.