Ava Comes Home (34 page)

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Did you have a good one?”

“My mother died.”

“Oh God, I forgot. Did I send flowers?”

“Your P.A. did.”

“Shit.”

“Doesn't matter.”

“Mental telepathy is quite something. I was going to call you tomorrow because if I'm correct you're flying in the day after that.”

“I'm leaving in the morning, actually. I wanted to let you know so you could book an extra night.”

“Will do. Does the Plaza suit, or shall I…”

“The Plaza's fine.”

“I do hope you're rested up dumpling, because the week is going to be filled with pre-production meetings and director's meetings. You'll have to meet with the producers.”

“I thought all that was done.”

“There have been a few changes.”

“What?”

“Don't get panicky. Nothing drastic, but they fired the director and we have a new hot shot on board who's very ready to impress the studios. He's keen and he's full of ideas.”

“Oh, spare me.”

“Don't be like that, Ava. You're beginning to have a hint of a reputation for being difficult and if you get too pouty, it could keep you from earning the big bucks.”

“Don't be ridiculous, Trent. A-list actors who earn the really big bucks are in another stratosphere altogether.”

“But you're not far behind. That's what I keep trying to stress. Just a little more gas in that engine and you'll be off the charts too.”

“And naturally, that's the only thing I want in life.”

There was dead air.

“Sorry.”

“I hope you're hormonal, because if you waltz into New York with this fucking attitude, your ass will be on the first plane outta there. The studios aren't putting up with shit from prima donnas. There are too many eager beavers in the wing, and I do mean beavers.”

“What a disgusting thing to say. Is that all these young girls are? You think all of us sleep our way into a career. I thought you were classier than that, Trent.”

“You're right, I apologize. But I am trying to make life easier for you. I know what they're like and it's getting meaner by the picture. I'm in your corner but you have to meet me halfway.”

She rubbed her forehead. “Yes, I know. I'm just a little tired.”

“I'll pick you up, then, the day after tomorrow and we'll head over there about ten. Okay by you?”

“Fine.”

“Camilla will be coming a couple of days later. She's in Europe at the moment, organizing your upcoming appearances at various film festivals. Hopefully, they haven't forgotten you completely.”

“Right.”

“Be good, my little retirement fund.”

She hung up. “Goodbye, jerk.”

The next call was more difficult. She had to be strong for this one.

“Hey, Lola!”

“Hi sweetie! I was going to call you tomorrow.”

“I was going to call you too.”

“Only two more days. Can you bear to leave?”

She bit her knuckle. “Not really.”

“Oh gosh, I don't blame you. I miss Aunt Vi and Uncle Angus so much.”

“Well honey, they miss you too. Listen, how's your mother?”

“She's really good, thanks. She opted to have the lumpectomy and she's having her radiation therapy now. The doctors are optimistic because she caught it early, so fingers crossed.”

“And toes.”

“As it looks now, I think I'll be able to make it, for a little while anyway.”

“Oh honey, you don't have to do that.”

“No, really. I'm going out of my mind, anyway. There's something about being almost thirty and living in your old bedroom that's sort of freaky. My mom still has my cheerleading trophies in here.”

“Cheerleading? I don't believe it. My little rebel?”

“Teenagers always go through a hellish stage. That was mine.”

“I've missed you,” Ava laughed.

“Me too. Now what's today…Sunday? You're flying into New York on Tuesday, so how about I meet you there on Wednesday. I have a few things I have to do first.”

“Wednesday will be fine.”

“Maurice and Harold should be there by then. We'll have a girl's night in. At the Plaza, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Who are you under this time?”

“I was thinking Geranium.” Lola's laughter made her smile. “I can't think of a last name though.”

“Easy. Potts.”

“Perfect.”

“See you soon! I can't wait.”

“Me either. Love you.”

“You too.” She made kissy noises before she hung up.

Now all she had to do was tell everyone she was leaving a day early.

Her packing was finished in an hour. She left out clothes for the next day and put on jeans and a sleeveless blouse, since it looked like another hot day. It had been a great summer, mostly beach weather, which only reminded her of Seamus and the kids.

Sarah's shell was on the window ledge. When she picked it up a bit of dry sand fell out of it. She kissed it and tucked it into her jewelry case.

Then it was downstairs to break the news. She arranged her face into a woe-begotten look and walked into the kitchen slowly with her hands in her pockets. Her aunt and uncle looked at her.

“What's wrong?”

“You're not going to believe it.”

“What?”

“My agent called and told me I have to be in New York tomorrow.” It killed her to see their faces fall.

“But I'm having everyone over for dinner tomorrow. A grand send-off,” Aunt Vi moaned.

“I'm sorry. I can't get out of it. I signed a contract and I have to be there when they tell me to.”

Uncle Angus threw his newspaper on the floor. “Well, don't that just beat all. What on earth would one day matter?” He pointed at her. “You see! That's what's wrong with the world. The tail's waggin' the dog. No one gives a damn how people feel, so long as there's money to be made.”

She suddenly remembered. “Oh my god, what about Teddy Bear!” At the sound of his name, Teddy rushed over from his bed by the window and jumped up on his mother. Ava picked him up and held him close, kissing his face. “I can't leave him in a hotel room alone. Why didn't I think of that before? What am I going to do?”

“He'll stay here with us of course, until you're ready to go back to California,” Uncle Angus said. “Dog would miss him anyway, wouldn't you Dog?”

Dog thumped his tail at the sound of his name.

Ava reached down and kissed Uncle Angus's bald head. “Thank you. Thank you.”

“I know,” Aunt Vi said. “Everyone will come for supper tonight. It won't be fancy, but if everyone brings something, it won't matter.”

“That's a great idea. I'll call.”

“You do that. I have to make four pies.”

“Am I going to spend my last day with you baking?”

Aunt Vi turned around. “You used to love to watch me bake. You can help me.”

“I'd love to,” she squeaked.

Her aunt hurried over, as fast as one can be with a cane. “Sweetheart, don't cry now. We can't waste the day in tears. Time enough for that tomorrow.”

She nodded and sniffed.

Luckily, it didn't matter to the family whether they had their meal that night or the next, it was all the same to them, except that every–one hated to think they'd miss a whole day with Libby. Everyone came over earlier than they ordinarily would have, just so they could have a bit of a visit.

If she had been up for another Academy Award for her performance, she'd have won hands down again. She reassured them constantly that's she'd come back on a regular basis and if she couldn't get to them, they'd have to come to her. Her house was big enough to hold them all. But she knew in her heart she'd never return to the island again.

At the table that night, they laughed until they cried at Maurice and Harold stories.

“I've got a batch of oatcakes in the freezer and blueberry muffins. Can you take it to them, dear, or do you have too much to carry?” Aunt Vi asked.

“I'll put them with my carry-on luggage. They'd never forgive me if I left them behind.”

Vicky stood up. “We have something for them too.” She ran out of the kitchen for a minute and came back with a picture. “We made sure we took one of the three of us at the prom with our dates.” She passed it to her aunt.

Ava touched the picture. Three beautiful young ladies with three boys—one too tall, one too short and one with a mouth full of braces smiled back at her. “They'll love it. I know they'll have this framed and treasure it. Thank you, darling.” Ava's voice cracked. Everyone looked at her. Rose put her hand up. “Don't you dare cry or I'll be bawlin' like a baby.”

“Me too,” Bev said.

“Ditto,” said Maryette.

“Ah geez, are we goin' to have boohooing in here,” Johnnie complained. “I'm leavin' the table if that's going to start.”

“I'll get dessert,” Aunt Vi said. “There's banana cream pie, strawberry pie, blueberry pie, and a lemon meringue that Libby made.”

“Oh well, I'll stay for that then,” Johnnie said.

It was just as well most of them left together. It was obvious that Ava was having a very hard time with the idea of going, so they tried not to make it too difficult for her, which she appreciated. Rose said she'd drive her to the airport.

“I have to take the rental back anyway, so I might as well go myself.”

Rose wouldn't hear of it. “Look, I know we can't all go to the airport tomorrow, it would be too hard. But I'll be damned if you're going to drive yourself there alone. I'll pick you up and Stan will drive the car in behind us. How's that?”

“Okay. Thank you.”

They lined up as they hugged and kissed her goodbye. In the end, nothing was said. No one could talk, so they waved and smiled and hurried out the door.

When she was ready for bed, Ava stood in front of Aunt Vi's bedroom door and gave a little knock before she entered. “Only me.”

They only just crawled into bed themselves. Uncle Angus flipped through the flyers as Aunt Vi put Jergen's Hand Lotion on her hands. “I love that smell,” Ava smiled. “Mom used that all the time, didn't she?”

“She did indeed. Want some?”

“Okay. A little squirt.” She held out her hand. “It smells like cherries.”

“And you remember this one.” Aunt Vi pointed to her Avon Moisture Cream in the small green container on her bureau.

“I forgot about this.” She reached over and took the lid off. The yellow cream was just as she remembered. “Mom used to let me put a little of this on sometimes, if I bugged her long enough.” She took a whiff. “This smells like her.” Suddenly her face went blank. “I forgot to go to the cemetery today.”

“Never mind, child. You'll be back. Your mother never was one for a lot of sentimentality. She'd rather you'd spent your last day with your brothers and sisters.”

“I'm so stupid.” She felt sick.

“Nonsense.”

“You're not stupid,” Uncle Angus said, “This here store is stupid. Look at this. Chargin' an arm and a leg for toilet paper. Paper to wipe me arse costs more than a case of beer. I'll use their flamin' flyer for toilet paper before I pay that ransom.”

“Well, the package is as big as the washing machine downstairs,” Aunt Vi observed.

“Exactly. How the hell is a person supposed to get it through the bloody door?”

“Don't get your blood pressure up, Angus. You'll be tootin' all night.” If only they knew how much she'd miss them. She had to leave the room or she'd give herself away.

“Would you mind if I took this nightgown home, Aunt Vi?”

“Of course not, honey, and take Lola's. I washed it and put it in the drawer.”

“Thank you. Thank you for everything. I—”

“Don't get yourself all worked up love. We'll have a nice bowl of porridge in the morning before you go. How's that sound?”

She nodded and kissed them both good night, then went down the hall and got into the little twin bed for the last time. Teddy Bear jumped up and cuddled next to her. “I'm going to miss you, Teddy.” With her arms around him, she listened to the night sounds through the open window. The leaves on the big maple tree beside the house rustled every so often in the wind, and soon she heard the pitter-pat of raindrops falling from the eave against the sill. It was a lonely sound. She whispered in pet's ear, “I won't see you again, Teddy. I don't want you to live in California with dogs who wear designer clothes and booties and have their nails painted. You belong with Dog and Aunt Vi and Uncle Angus. I know you'll be happier here.”

Teddy tossed his head and hit her cheek with his rubbery wet nose. He slept. She didn't.

Ava was able to get up the next morning because she couldn't feel anything. It was better this way. She showered and got dressed, stripped the sheets off the bed and folded the blankets at the end of the mattress. She trooped downstairs with the luggage, managed to keep down her breakfast, and, last but not least, put Maurice and Harold's goodies in her bag before putting on her coat.

At nine on the dot, Rose arrived and honked the horn. Ava kissed her kin one last time, gave Teddy a final embrace, and walked outside, handing Stan the keys to the rental. He took her luggage and put it in the back of their car. Aunt Vi and Uncle Angus stood on the porch and waved, Teddy whining in Aunt Vi's arms. As Ava opened the car door she noticed Geranium in the window, so she blew her a kiss.

She didn't say much in the car with Rose and Rose made a valiant attempt to keep the conversation going. Ava would smile at her now and again and even laughed once, but it was unbearable to do more.

At the airport, Stan kissed her goodbye and went to deal with the rental. Rose stood off to the side as Ava went to the ticket counter and got her boarding pass. When all was done, there was nothing to do but sit side by side until it was closer to the flight time.