Chapter 31
31
Honey
Seeing the old farmhouse getting painted that rich golden-yellow left Honey with mixed feelings. She liked the color selection well enough. And she was extremely grateful CT seemed to adore it and highly amused over how he believed he’d picked the “honey paint” all by himself. But seeing the farmhouse go from green to a harvest sort of gold was like saying goodbye to an old friend. Or maybe it was the shock of seeing summer on its way to becoming autumn, sort of like how her life felt. These things happened so fast.
Her grandmother had chosen the pale green back when Honey was a small child and sent to live with her grandparents while her parents followed her dad’s military career overseas. Honey couldn’t remember what color the house had been before that because it had always seemed to be pale green. Just like her old cabinets in the kitchen, which were now a lovely olive. But all these changes were hard to swallow. Not that she ever voiced her disgruntlement. It would hurt Jewel’s feelings too much, and her old confidant CT just plain wouldn’t get it.
Perhaps that was something she missed more than anything. The sad truth that CT, her best friend, could no longer understand her petty little grievances like he used to. She remembered how easily she could dump on him after a difficult day at school. He had always been a sympathetic listener and a great encourager, and he often had words of wisdom for her. But those days were long gone now.
Feeling guilty for her secret resentments regarding the farmhouse changes, she reminded herself it must be a bit like the way CT had felt when he’d been forced to give up driving and guns and even farming. She also reminded herself that the changes Jewel was instigating would allow her daughter and granddaughter to make a living and remain here on the farm indefinitely. That was no small reward and well worth her temporary inner discomfort.
But at the same time she felt sad to see this last change as she stood outside watching the last of the exterior paint being applied by Jewel and Miguel, who were now painting the dark green trim color in front. Cooper and Anna were applying a second coat to the sides, and poor old CT was still puttering away on the backside or sitting in his lawn chair. Already, the farmhouse interior was so different. She felt almost discombobulated when she went inside, but she had to admit it looked surprisingly beautiful. Far beyond anything she ever could’ve imagined for the space. Like making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, as her grandma used to say—it was impossible. But Jewel, with her artistic vision, had done it.
While Jewel was occupied the other day, Honey had snuck in to really snoop around. And the transformation had been startling. The light-colored walls, all painted the same color for the first time ever, made the house feel larger, cleaner, fresher. It reminded her of how she used to feel on the first warm day of the season, opening all the windows to air out the house. Now the AC cooled them off without lifting a finger.
And her daughter’s artwork, so perfectly displayed, made the house feel like much more than a countrified farmhouse but almost like a gallery, only friendlier. The old oak floors, which Jewel had gotten refinished, now gleamed with a golden patina that only years of living could achieve. And the gently revamped bathrooms, in that lovely pale shade of blue, with fluffy white towels and lavender-scented accoutrements, felt clean and new. Although the fixtures were still the plain white ones she’d had installed when Jewel was a girl, back in the eighties, they looked just fine. But it was the kitchen that still took her breath away each time she entered. It could’ve been featured in a design magazine. Or at least Country Living .
Any guests who visited the Honey Bee and Bee would not be disappointed. Yet Honey still had mixed feelings. To be honest, these changes and renovations were something that Honey would’ve liked for her and CT at one time. Back when they were younger and able to enjoy the place. But having a career had taken priority over home improvement for Honey. And there were lean years when they could’ve lost the farm if not for her income. But even during summer months, when she’d imagined doing some big fixes on the house during her time off, she’d get herself busy with outdoor projects ... like chickens and cows or the landscape, the garden, the greenhouse, the lavender fields, or just walking the fields with whatever dog they’d had at the time.
Something had always beckoned her outdoors on those warm days, so she’d been painfully aware of how the farmhouse had been way overdue for attention. Sometimes it had even kept her awake at night. But she’d promised herself she’d catch up with all these projects after retirement. And then CT got worse, and her focus switched to him and all the appointments they needed to go to, chasing answers that didn’t exist. And, well, there you go. Honey knew she should just be pleased that Jewel had cared enough, and had enough vision to actually do it.
“So what do you think, Mom?” Jewel stepped down from the porch, using a bandanna to wipe her olive-green paint-smeared hands. “You haven’t said much yet about much of anything over here. I hope you’re not having second thoughts.”
Honey set down the cooler of drinks that she’d just refreshed with ice and slowly shook her head in wonder. “Oh, Jewel, I was just thinking about everything you’ve done here. Honestly, I can hardly believe it. And in such a short time.” She looked into her daughter’s eyes. “It’s truly amazing. Just gorgeous. Inside and out. You’re a real wonder-worker.”
“Really? You like it?”
“It’s all just beautiful.” Honey beamed at her. “I’m so very proud of you, sweetie. And you know what my favorite part is?”
“The kitchen?”
“It’s pretty gorgeous, but, no, it’s your artwork throughout the house. I knew you were talented, but I always got the impression from your website that you only did modern or abstract art. I had no idea you’d been doing landscape and still life.”
Jewel laughed. “Well, those paintings didn’t do too well in California. Too urbane and cliché. So I just stored them in the back room of my gallery. Now I’m glad I saved them. I think they fit a farmhouse motif.”
“Well, I just love them.” Honey shook her finger. “In my opinion, they’re neither urbane nor cliché. They’re like real life ... only better. They’re beautiful.”
“I have more paintings if you’d like any for your house,” Jewel said.
“I’d love a few pieces.”
“They’re in the barn. I’ll show you when we both have time.” She took another step off the porch. “Marta is bringing over dinner,” Jewel told her. “I hope you and Dad will join us.”
“If your dad feels up to it, I’d love to.”
“I think he’s finally gotten over his trouble with Miguel. In fact, he seems to really like him.”
“It’s about time.” Honey smiled. “That’s quite an accomplishment. In a way, bringing people together and healing relationships, well, that’s probably more valuable than all the renovations you’ve done here. More amazing too.”
Jewel’s nod was somber. “I agree.”
“Anyway, I won’t distract you any more. Looks like you’re closing in on the end. And the exterior of the Honey Bee and Bee really does look grand. It’s a color I never would’ve picked and yet it feels right.”
“It’s actually historically correct for this house. I looked it up.”
“Well, it’s very rich and inviting.” She patted Jewel’s back. “Nicely done. I’m going to check on your dad and then my old friend Donna is coming for a little visit.”
“Good for you, Mom. It’s about time you started having a social life again.”
As Honey walked around to check on CT, her feelings were a little less mixed, and she didn’t feel disingenuous either, because everything she’d said to Jewel was true. She just hadn’t described all her feelings, because there was no point. Plus, she was certain that she would get over it in time. Change was supposed to be good. And even if it wasn’t good, it was inevitable. So she might as well move on!
After finding CT sitting in his lawn chair, in the shade, she gave him a fresh bottle of water, kissed him on the forehead, and reminded him not to overdo it. Then she headed back to Honeymoon Cottage just in time to see Donna’s little electric car pulling into the driveway. That Donna, always cutting-edge. Honey waved, directing her friend toward the graveled parking area right next to the new house.
“Come and see my new digs,” she said as they embraced. “I even baked cookies.”
“This is cute.” Donna paused to look around. “Really, really cute.”
“You can attribute the cuteness to Jewel. She’s so gifted at these things.” Honey pointed to the old farmhouse. “After we have a good visit, I’ll give you the full tour of all the amazing changes she’s made over there.” As they went onto the covered front deck, Honey explained about the B&B that was “coming soon.”
Donna laughed when she heard the name. “That’s perfect.” She looked around, taking in the potted plants and rockers. “This is so charming, Honey.”
“Thanks. It makes me happy.” Honey pointed to the field. “And the wide-open view. It’s my peaceful place.” She opened the front door. “Welcome to Honeymoon Cottage.” She giggled. “CT and Jewel came up with that, but I like it.” She gave Donna a short tour of the small house, and Donna thought it was all just wonderful.
“I’m so happy for you. This place really is perfect for you and CT. Low maintenance and one level. It was a brilliant plan. Well done.”
“Again, I have to give credit to Jewel. Her idea.” They sat down at the kitchen table where Honey had laid out refreshments. “To be honest, I had my doubts at first.”
“Was it hard to let go of your old house?”
Honey explained how she’d just been feeling. “But CT and I are both having to let go of so many things ... it’s just one more.”
“Well, having this sweet cottage is a pretty nice swap.” Donna pursed her lips. “But I’m guessing you can’t keep CT here indefinitely. Have you looked into any of those places I texted to you?”
“I haven’t really had time.” Honey frowned. “Truthfully, I just haven’t wanted to do that yet. I know the time will probably come ... but I hate to rush it. For CT’s sake. He still enjoys the farm.” She explained how he was “helping” to paint and how he liked to rearrange things and feel occupied. “And needed. He wants to feel necessary.”
“I totally understand.” Donna nodded. “But how about the resources I gave you for help in your home, you know, to give you a break? Have you looked into those?”
“I’ve made a list. But I’m hoping once all the renovating is done around here, I can count on Jewel and Cooper to step in sometimes. They’re both willing.”
“That’s good. But you might want some kind of nurse’s aide eventually.”
“I know. And like I said, I’ve made a list. Thanks so much for sending me those references. It’s reassuring to know they’re out there, especially in our small community.”
“Well, after all my years in social services, I know a few people.” She winked. “Now, tell me what you’re doing for yourself.”
Honey held up her hands. “I don’t really know. Like I said, I guess I’m waiting for the renovations to get done. And the light’s at the end of the tunnel.”
“I just know that caregivers usually put self-care at the bottom of their to-do list. I don’t want to see you do that, Honey. You’ve always been so involved. And you have a lot of friends. I know I plan to start calling you up more often.”
“I hope you will.” Honey pointed to Donna’s phone. “Got any Alaska pictures there?”
“Are you kidding?”
“I’d love to see them.”
Donna scooted her chair closer, and Honey put on her reading glasses and listened with real interest as Donna described their recent trip and gushed over the fabulous photos. Finally, it was getting late and Honey reinvited her to tour the old farmhouse.
“You don’t have to ask me twice.” Donna stood. “I love remodeling projects. I keep watching HGTV and thinking we’ll do something with our old place. But it’s lots easier said than done.” She waved a hand. “We don’t even have AC yet. You must be absolutely loving this.”
“It’s been pretty nice. Not sure how we did without it for so long. Jewel put it in the farmhouse too.”
Honey felt very nearly happy as she led Donna through the farmhouse. Of course, Donna had nothing but praise for every bit of it. Finally, they were on the back porch where Jewel was washing brushes, and Donna got a chance to gush at her. “It’s just brilliantly beautiful. Everything is absolutely perfect. When can you do my house?” Donna asked.
Jewel laughed and thanked her. “It’s been a fun project.”
“Your mother must be so proud of you.”
“You got that right.” Honey eagerly nodded. “My Jewel is a jewel.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Jewel’s smile looked a little weary. “And we’re all done with the exterior. Other than some touch-ups in back. But I’ll do that when Dad’s not around to, uh, supervise .” She rolled her eyes and they all laughed. As Honey walked Donna back to her car, she decided that all in all it had been a very good day. And everyone needed a very good day from time to time!