Look Always Forward (Bellingwood Book 11) (11 page)

"I don't want to walk around town and have strangers staring at me," Polly said. "It's bad enough that the people who live here act a little afraid of me."

"Last I heard, they took down the pool at the Elevator. You kept branching out and they couldn't keep up."

Polly flung a pencil at him. It missed by a mile and caromed off the wall behind him.

Jeff bent over, picked it up and put it back on her desk. "You're bad at that, you know."

"Shaddup and go back to work. I'm going upstairs to check on the kids."

He stood up and hung back while she exited her office. "What are you going to do about the Sutworth's?" he asked.

"Any reason I shouldn't say yes?"

Jeff shook his head.

"Then I'll call Evelyn Morrow. I'd rather she be the one to work with the mother. I don't want to be responsible for that woman," Polly said.

She looked at Stephanie, who was diligently typing away at her computer.

"What do you think of all the insanity, Stephanie?" Polly asked.

The girl looked back and forth between Polly and Jeff, smiled and said, "I have a great job. It's better than anything I could have ever hoped for." She placed her hands back on the keyboard and started typing again.

"She's good," Polly said with a laugh. "I think we should keep her."

~~~

Polly made sure the kids were set for lunch and changed into a fresh blouse. She was only going to the diner, but since she didn't know Camille well, thought she could dress up.  She rubbed Leia's head and ran her hand along Luke's back and up his tail. Both cats were sprawled on her bed, ignoring the daily chaos that happened in the place.

"See ya later," she called out. Rebecca had decided they were having sandwiches and fruit for lunch. The girl knew her mind and it was entertaining to watch Andrew and Kayla acquiesce to nearly everything she asked of them. Polly tried to pay attention to make sure she wasn't unreasonable, but for the most part, she was the only one willing to make a decision and follow through.

Obiwan followed Polly to the front door and wagged when she rubbed his head. It was never easy to leave him, even if the kids were there. How had she lived all those years without a pet?

She waved to Stephanie through the window to the office and walked outside. It was warm and the humidity was high. She should have driven, but the walk wouldn't hurt her. Polly wandered through the corner garden and waited for traffic to pass before she crossed the street. She started to walk down Elm Street, but remembered encountering the three boys and decided to take another route. That was going to have to be fixed. She wasn't going to be frightened to walk in her own community. Now all she needed to do was figure out how to deal with them.

By the time she arrived at the diner, sweat was dripping from her forehead and she was glad to get inside the air conditioned restaurant.

"How are you, honey?" Lucy asked.

"I'm hot," Polly replied with a laugh. "It's enough to make me whine and complain."

Lucy smiled. "Your friend is in that booth over there." She pointed at the wall where Camille was waiting. "You go ahead and I'll bring you an ice cold Dew and extra napkins. How about something cool to wipe your face?"

"I'll be fine," Polly said. "Thanks though."

She made her way through the crowd to Camille. "I'm sorry if I'm late. I walked."

"I was early," Camille said with a wry smile. "I'm still trying to impress you."

Lucy was right there with Polly's drink. She put a small stack of napkins in front of Polly and handed her a cold, wet cloth. "That's fresh."

"Do I look so bad?" Polly asked. "I'm not that out of shape."

"You're fine, dear. Do you two know what you want to eat yet or do you need a few more minutes?"

Polly looked over at Camille, who nodded. After giving Lucy their lunch orders, she wove her way back to the main counter.

"Do I look that hot?" Polly asked.

Camille leaned across the table. "She's been handing those out since I got here. She offered me one, too."

"Joe's going to love the laundry bill this week," Polly said. "How are you doing?"

"I'm still shaken, but Jeff tells me that it will be okay." Camille looked at Polly and grinned. "He also told me that if I'm going to work for you, I should get used to this."

Polly shook her head. "Don't listen to him. He makes too much out of things. Tell me why you wanted to move back. Jeff said you'd been working at a college?"

"In southern Indiana," Camille said with a nod. "My family is actually from Omaha and I wanted to move closer. I was also ready to leave the university setting. It was a great job, but there's always red tape and regulations. And no matter how far up the food chain you go, there's one more person who has input into what needs to happen. I wanted more control and easier access to decision makers."

"Where else did you look?" Polly asked.

"I applied for a few things in the Omaha area. My mama would have loved that. It broke her heart when I moved to Indiana." Camille smiled across the table at Polly. "I quickly figured out that Omaha wasn't big enough for all of us. I was there for three weeks and felt like running away. Do you think Bellingwood is far enough?"

"I guess we'll see," Polly said, smiling. "You have a big family?"

Camille rolled her eyes. "My daddy has three brothers and two sisters and Mama has five brothers and three sisters. Everyone lives in the Omaha area with all of their kids and a slew of grandbabies. Both of my grandmothers are still alive and they rule the families."

Polly chuckled. "I can't even imagine. It was just my dad and me. Well, his brother was near, but we didn't see much of them."

"Oh girl," Camille said. "You should see it when we get together. We have to rent out the church basement for holiday meals. My family doesn't know the meaning of an intimate gathering. No matter what happens, it's a party."

They waited while Lucy put plates in front of them. "You're looking much better now," Lucy said to Polly. She gestured to the two salads in front of the women. "Are you sure you don't want anything else?"

Polly grinned. "It's too hot for a tenderloin and fries. Maybe next time."

"Wave if you need anything," Lucy said and turned away.

"So is cooking for big family gatherings..." Polly stopped as she looked up and saw Camille's head bowed and her lips moving. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

Camille looked back up. "No, that's fine. Don't apologize. I know I startle people sometimes. Now what were you asking about cooking?"

"Was that why you went into food service?"

"Both Mama and Daddy were the oldest in their families, so it fell on her to organize things when everybody got together. I'm her oldest daughter and since the day I was able to walk and hold onto her apron, I was part of that planning. It was just a natural thing for me. As I grew up, it was my job to assign tasks to my brothers and sisters and the cousins so they'd stay out of trouble until we ate. I learned how to delegate before I was in junior high. Even the toddlers had jobs to do. And when we get together now, it's still my job to keep everyone busy until the meal is served. Mama and I have a good rhythm. We know what the other one needs without anyone saying anything."

"That's so cool," Polly said. "Sometimes I wish I had a big family. And then other times, I'm glad that I don't."

"From what Jeff says, it sounds like you have a pretty big family here in town."

Polly shrugged her shoulders. "I guess I do. I hope you like it here. They're good people."

"So far, so good," Camille replied. "I'm still trying to deal with what happened to Julie. That's more than I know what to do with. But I like Sylvie, and Jeff will be wonderful to work with. Can you tell me what's up with you and your friend Sal? Jeff tried to explain that Sal owned the building and the coffee shop and you own the bakery, but Jeff works for you and he's in charge ..." She left the thought hanging.

"That's essentially it. Sal's from Boston and thought Bellingwood needed a coffee shop. She also wanted to get involved in the community. Once she brought up the idea, it all kind of exploded and we invested in it with her and so, ummm, yeah. Maybe there isn't a great explanation," Polly said.

"That makes more sense," Camille said, shaking her head back and forth. "Or not. Oh well. Sal told me that Jeff is the one who will be working with me, so I guess that's enough information."

The two talked until Polly looked up and saw that the reason the restaurant had grown quiet was because it had emptied out. Their table had been cleared and she'd already paid the bill. She checked the time on her phone and saw that it was two fifteen. "I can't believe we talked so long," she said.

Camille did the same thing. "I guess I'm glad the sheriff has closed the coffee shop. I'd be late. Do you want a ride back to Sycamore House?"

"That's okay," Polly said. "I'm going to the library to say hello to my friend, Joss. She's the head librarian and you'll get to know her. She's as addicted to caffeine as anyone I know and can hardly wait for you to open."

They walked out the front door and Polly reached over to hug Camille. "I'm glad you're here."

Camille's hug was strong. With a large family, she was probably used to affection.

"Me too," Camille said. "You're in for a treat this weekend. Mama is coming to visit me for a day." Then she stopped. "I hope you don't mind that she stays with me at Sycamore House."

Polly grinned and took Camille's hand. "I'll speak to Jeff. While she's here, she might as well stay in the room next to yours. There's no reason you two have to share. I can't wait to meet your mother."

They separated and Polly headed for the library with a lilt in her step. There was nothing more fun than getting to know someone new.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The next morning, Polly stood at the kitchen sink. Henry had already gone to work and Rebecca was just starting to rouse. Kayla would be there soon and Polly had promised the three kids a ride in her new truck. She looked out the window to see her four Percherons walk past, each with a rider. She recognized Jason and Eliseo and waved, but they didn't see her. They turned the corner and headed east, toward Sycamore Inn and the winery.

"Polly?" Rebecca said quietly.

Polly jumped and squealed, startling both cats.

"I'm sorry!" Rebecca said.

"No, I was focused on the horses," Polly said, pointing out the window. "I didn't hear you come in."

Rebecca had all of her sheets in a bundle.

"What's up?" Polly asked.

"It started last night," Rebecca said, her head bent down. "Now I'm in hell."

Polly started laughing as soon as she realized what Rebecca was talking about. "Hell? That's one way of putting it. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. It just surprised me. I didn't think it was ever going to come and now I don't know if I want it to be here. I can't go swimming or do anything anymore, can I."

"You know better than that," Polly said. They'd already talked about this and Rebecca's bathroom was stocked with what she needed. "But you have what you need?"

Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Yes, but promise you won't tell Henry?"

"I don't keep secrets from him, but we certainly won't talk about it in front of you. Shall we treat and wash your sheets?"

Dragging the sheets behind her, Rebecca slumped her way to the bathroom near the media room where they'd installed a washer and dryer. "I don't feel very good. Do I have to go anywhere today?" she asked.

That one threw Polly. She wanted to be as sympathetic as possible, but on the other hand, she didn't want Rebecca turning into a lump every month. "I tell you what. We'll start the sheets, then I want you to take a long shower and put on your favorite shorts and shirt. Make sure you're comfortable. You don't get to sit around and feel sorry for yourself today. You never know, tomorrow might get worse or the day after that might be a bad day and if you give up now, you'll never make it through this."

Polly handed Rebecca the stain remover and let her deal with her sheets, walking out into Henry's office. She'd give her space to cope, but since this was part of every girl's life, Rebecca had to learn to manage it just like everyone else.

She heard the washer start its cycle and waited for Rebecca to come out. When she didn't, Polly went to the doorway and pushed it open. "Are you okay in here?"

At the sound of quiet sobbing, she pushed the door open and found Rebecca on the floor, her head in her hands and her knees pulled up to her chest.

"Honey, what's wrong?"

"I miss Mom," Rebecca said.

Polly slid down to sit beside her and stroked Rebecca's hair. "I'll bet you do. I'm so sorry. And I get it. Mary had to help me through my first time and we weren't prepared at all. She'd completely forgotten that it was going to happen to me. And I was in school when it did. I had to go see the nurse and I was crying so hard they called Mary to come get me."

"Was it embarrassing being at school when it happened?" Rebecca asked.

"It wasn't too bad. I was in the bathroom when I discovered it, then I ran to the nurse's office. I was scared because nobody had ever talked to me."

Rebecca giggled. "It would have been bad if your Dad had to have that conversation."

"No kidding," Polly said. "Luckily, you have a million women around you and none of us are embarrassed about it."

"Kayla started before school was out."

"She did! Have you two talked about this?"

"A little. Am I going to get bigger boobs now?"

Polly started to laugh. "I think your boobs have already started developing. And I'm sorry to say, but your mom didn't have much, so you might not get much more than what you have."

Rebecca looked down at herself. "I thought that maybe my period would give me more. I'm pretty flat."

"You're fine. Whatever you have is perfect for you," Polly said.

"Kayla's boobs are bigger than mine."

"Yes they are, but she's a different girl than you. None of us are identical."

"That's for sure," Rebecca said. "I'm sorry I cried."

"This is one of those times you miss your mom. You're allowed to cry about that whenever you want."

"Mom and I talked about this, too. She kinda scared me, Polly."

Polly scrunched up her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"She told me about a time when she was wearing white jeans and she..." Rebecca's voice dropped to a whisper. "Leaked. She was really embarrassed."

"I think all of us have one embarrassing time in our lives. At least one. But look at me and think about your mom. We lived through it. Right?"

"I don't want to do that."

"You need to not worry. We'll do our best to pay attention. Is that why you want to stay home? You're worried?"

Rebecca nodded and dropped her head down again.

"Oh sweetie, I get that. Now, we can stay home today and then what are you going to do about tomorrow?"

Rebecca lifted her shoulders and dropped them.

"And the day after that?"

"I dunno," Rebecca said quietly.

"And what about next month? Are you planning to stay home from school for an entire week?"

Rebecca looked up at her, the question in her eyes.

Polly chuckled. "No. You don't get to stay home because of this. Did Kayla stay home?"

"No," Rebecca said.

"You can't be afraid of this. You can handle it. When we go out today, I'll be sure that we stop at places with bathrooms. This will all be okay. I promise."

"Can I take extra clothes, too?"

"Of course," Polly said with a laugh. "We'll put the bag in the bed of the truck. No one else needs to know it's there."

"Okay." Rebecca stood up and offered a hand to Polly. "I'd better take a shower. Kayla will be here any minute. I'm sorry about being whiny."

Polly walked into the other room with her. "There will always be scary stuff. Just promise me that you won't let them stop you from doing the things you love. Talk to me and we'll find our way through it, okay?"

"Okay." Rebecca turned around. "It's not hell?"

"I didn't say that," Polly said, laughing. "But you'll get used to it."

~~~

"Where's Andrew today?" Polly asked when she walked into the kitchen. "I was going to take the kids out in my new truck."

Sylvie looked up from her laptop. She tapped the screen and turned it so Rachel could read it. "That's what we're looking for. Would you check to make sure we have everything we need?"

Rachel nodded and then grinned at Polly. "She found recipes from the Amanas. We're actually going to make a Boston Cream Pie."

Polly looked sideways at Sylvie.

"It's a cream cake with a ganache," Sylvie said. "This shouldn't be too difficult and if it's as wonderful as I think, it will be a huge hit in town."

"That's my favorite cake in the world," Polly said. "The kids and I will come back and be taste testers."

"Andrew won't be here," Sylvie said. "He's home with Padme."

"Is he sick?" Polly asked.

Sylvie stood up and reached under the counter and came back up with two large bowls. "Nope. Not sick. Just being an adolescent. We're nipping this in the bud today."

Polly chuckled. "Whoops. What did he do?"

"Little boy of mine decided that he was smarter than his mother last night and thought he could get away with telling me what's what. When Jason tried to warn him off, Andrew actually pushed him." Sylvie looked up, laughter in her eyes. "Can you believe it? He pushed Jason. What was that kid thinking?"

"This doesn't sound like Andrew."

Sylvie shrugged. "It's been building. I swear. Sometimes the week or two before school starts is the worst. My boys see it coming and they don't know how to handle themselves."

"What did Jason do?" Rachel asked.

"He was confused," Sylvie said. "They've always wrestled, but Jason usually initiates it. When he started getting stronger, we talked about being careful. He works at it. I was proud when he backed up and looked at me, as if to ask what he could get away with."

"I'd have let Jason pound on him," Polly remarked.

"That's what Andrew wanted. He was spoiling for a fight. I told Andrew that he needed to apologize to me for being disrespectful and to Jason for getting physical. He informed us that he had no intention of doing either thing. He was right and Jason shouldn't have gotten between us."

"What in the world?" Polly asked. "That doesn't sound like Andrew. At all. He's so easy going. This just isn't normal."

"Trust me," Sylvie said. "I gave up on normal a long time ago. He stormed off to his room last and refused to talk to us. This morning when Jason and I were getting ready to leave, he informed me that he was staying home. I informed
him
that was just fine."

Polly shook her head. "Sylvie, something must have happened."

"You're right. But until he's ready to talk, I can't do anything and I won't put up with bad behavior. He needs to learn that right now. The rest of it will come out when it does and then he can swim back out of the muck he's creating." She looked at the prep table and the ingredients Rachel had assembled. "Do we have everything?"

"It's all there," Rachel said.

"I need to get busy, Polly. I'm sorry if Andrew screwed up your day."

"No, it was no big deal. I'll take the girls. We'll do the day without him. Have fun with whatever you're doing here." Polly went out the back door and up the steps to her apartment. She couldn't imagine what would have set Andrew off enough to bring out this behavior. She hadn't seen much of him the last couple of days, so didn't know if he'd been acting out while he was here. She wasn't bringing it up with Kayla and Rebecca. They didn't need to be part of this. He'd figure it out and the world would move forward anyway.

When Polly got upstairs, she was surprised not to see any of the animals come running. No one was in the media room, so she called out, "Rebecca? Kayla?"

"In here," Rebecca called back from her bedroom. The bedroom door opened as Polly walked into the living room, releasing Obiwan and the two cats.

"What are you girls doing in there?" Polly asked. "Giving the animals a makeover?

Kayla laughed. "Well, kinda. We shut the door because we didn't want Andrew barging in. Then the cats pawed at the door and whined and when we let them in, Obiwan came with them."

"I see. Well, Andrew isn't feeling well today. He's not coming over, so you're safe."

Polly caught a quick glimpse of shame cross Rebecca's face before she jumped down from her bed.

"Where are we going, Polly?" Rebecca asked, smoothing the comforter where she'd been sitting.

"I thought we might go down to the bookstore in Boone, but since Andrew isn't here, I hate to leave him out of a trip like that. Since you two girls are shopping with Stephanie on Saturday, it doesn't make sense to do that. What do you think?"

"Maybe we should just get lunch and go to the coffee shop. Kayla and I could put the books back on the shelves and help clean up," Rebecca said. "We can do fun things another day."

"Is that what you want to do, Kayla?" Polly asked.

The girl looked at Rebecca and then Polly and then back to Rebecca. "Did you and Andrew have a fight?" she asked Rebecca.

"I don't know," Rebecca said under her breath.

"Why would he be mad at you?" Polly asked her.

"It's nothing. Just nothing." Rebecca pushed past Kayla and out into the living room. "Shouldn't we walk Obiwan before we go anywhere? Let's take him outside, Kayla." She patted her leg. "Come on, Obiwan. Let's go for a walk."

Kayla ran to catch up and Polly followed them to the top of the steps. Rebecca looked back at her with more guilt as she went down the steps. Polly followed the girls outside.