Chapter Twenty-One

Ellie closed the door after Richie left. He and Kyle had come over and brought sandwiches for lunch. It was a welcome respite from cleaning and unpacking. She turned and looked at Kyle, who was quietly picking up the empty paper plates. “Don't worry about that. I'll clean everything up in a little while.”

“I don't mind. Richie has me well-trained, or so he claims.” Kyle carried the trash into the kitchen and looked around. “Uh, do you have a trashcan? ”

“I did before I moved.” Ellie put her hands on her hips and surveyed the many boxes. “Just toss everything in the sink. I'll find a trash bag later. I was so tired last night that I barely got my bed made before I fell asleep. At least today I was able to get my bedroom and bathroom sorted out.”

Kyle did as she was told and followed Ellie to the living room. “Would you like some help getting the kitchen unpacked? I mean, I don't have to work until tomorrow, and I'd be glad to give you a hand.”

“You don't have to do that. I'll get to it, eventually.” Ellie dropped onto the couch and stretched out her legs. “You're welcome to stay, though.”

“How can I resist such a charming offer? ” Kyle sat beside Ellie, who started to get up in a huff. “Wait.” Kyle grabbed her arm. “I'm sorry. I was just kidding.”

Ellie frowned, but kept her seat. “No, that's okay. I tend to get a little touchy. Always have.”

“Why? ”

With a shrug, Ellie tried not to think about how good Kyle's hand felt on her arm. “I got a lot of flack from my mom, growing up. Old news.”

Kyle edged closer, until their legs were almost touching. “If you need or want to talk about it, I'm a pretty good listener.” She cautiously put her hand on Ellie's leg. “My parents kicked me out of the house when I was fifteen, so I won't be one to judge you.”

“Fifteen? My god, why? ” Ellie turned and almost gasped at the intensity coming from Kyle's hazel eyes.

“I made the mistake of telling them I liked girls.” Kyle tried to grin and joke about it, but failed. “My old man slapped me across the room, and my mother held the door open. Nice family, huh? ”

Ellie shook her head and covered Kyle's hand with hers. “I'm sorry. Makes my mom sound tame, by comparison.”

“How? ”

“She's a religious zealot, and swears I'm going to burn in hell. I haven't talked to her in ten years. I'm guessing she's still that way.” Ellie sighed. “Worst part is, I used to be the same way. When I first met my cousin, I told her how horrible I thought she was. If it wasn't for Amanda, we'd have most likely killed each other.”

Kyle cringed. “Ouch.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, ” Kyle squeezed Ellie's hand, “it seems you got everything figured out.”

Ellie laughed. “Yeah. After trying to kiss Amanda.”

Kyle jerked up straight. “Whoa! I didn't see that coming.”

“Neither did she, ” Ellie joked. “It was a long time ago. I had just figured out I liked women, and she was so nice to me. Needless to say, it didn't work out.”

“No, I guess it wouldn't. So, did you get involved with anyone after her? ”

With a shrug of her shoulders, Ellie sighed. “I've gone out a few times over the years, but never really clicked with anyone, you know? And I really hate that ‘first date, getting to know you' awkward stage.”

“Oh, god. Me too.” Kyle leaned back against the sofa and closed her eyes. “Did you do the bar scene? ”

“No, never got that desperate. Did you? ”

Kyle nodded. “Yeah. Too much. A few years back I spent a month drying out, so now I just hang out at home with the guys.”

“Are they partners? ” Ellie asked.

Kyle started laughing. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh. It's just funny, because it would be like the Odd Couple hooking up. Tony's the ultimate slob, and Richie can't stand to see anything out of place. They bicker like an old married couple, though. Tony's been seeing a guy he works with at the restaurant, so I don't know how long he'll be living with us.”

“How long have you three been together? ”

“They've been roomies since college, on and off. One will move in with a boyfriend, break up, and move back. When my last long-term girlfriend kicked me out, they took me in.” Kyle closed her eyes in thought. “God, that's been close to five years ago.” She took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Sorry, didn't mean to go down that road.”

Ellie pulled their linked hands into her lap. “That's all right. I'm a good listener, too.”

#

Melanie skipped in a circle, holding hands with Mallory, another girl from her class. “And then, my Momma throwed the rope real far and it went over the cow's head. The cow went ‘moo' a lot but Momma made it mind her.”

“My mommy bakes cookies, ” Mallory shared. She stopped skipping and sat on the gym floor. “How come your mommy plays with cows? ”

Melanie joined her. “It's not playing, it's work. Momma has to take care of the cows ‘cause they're just dumb animals.”

“What's that mean? ”

“I dunno. I heard her say it once.” Melanie squirmed around. “Hey, wanna patty cake? ”

“Sure! ” They began clapping their hands together, until Melanie saw her cousin walking nearby. “There's Teddy! ”

Mallory shrugged her shoulders. “So? He thinks he's so smart, just ‘cause his daddy's a doctor.”

“Well, his daddy is smart. And nice. I like Uncle Rodney a lot.” She got up and followed Teddy. “Hey, Teddy! ”

Teddy turned around. “What? ”

“Where's your cowboy clothes? ” Melanie asked. “You're not wearing your hat.”

“That's ‘cause I don't want to be a cowboy no more. Cowboys are dumb.”

Melanie frowned. “No they're not.”

“Are too! ”

“Uh-uh. You're dumb! ” Melanie stomped her foot for emphasis. “My Momma's a cowboy, and she's not dumb.”

Teddy thought about that for a moment. “No, she's smart. But being a cowboy was a dumb idea.”

“Why? ‘cause you're scared of animals? ”

“I'm not scared! Horses are big and dumb, ” Teddy declared. He stuck out his lower lip and crossed his arms. “You don't like horses neither.”

Melanie shrugged. “They're okay, but they smell bad. So, if you're not gonna be a cowboy, whatcha gonna do? ”

He puffed up his chest with pride. “I'm gonna be a fireman. My daddy took me to the fire station and let me meet the firemen. They're really brave.”

“Cool. I'm gonna be a princess when I grow up.”

“Really? ”

“Uh-huh. Momma already calls me princess.” Melanie twirled in a circle. “Do you want to come play with me and Heather? ”

“Sure.” Teddy's bad mood evaporated as he followed his cousin across the gym.

#

On the other side of the gym, Lorrie bounced a basketball and looked around. She saw that her little sister was having fun with Teddy and Mallory, which eased her mind. Although they fought constantly, Lorrie always kept her eye on Melanie. She frowned when she saw a solitary figure sitting on the bleachers, away from the other children. Her mother's reminder from the other day rang in her head.

“Lorrie, don't just stand there, ” Allison yelled, “throw the ball.”

With a shrug, Lorrie bounced the ball to her best friend. “I'll be right back.” She ignored Ally's entreaty and walked toward the bleachers. When she got close, she put her hands in her front pockets. “Hey.”

The boy looked up. “Hey.”

“Whatcha doin'? ” Lorrie asked as she sat next to him.

Jerry shrugged. “Nothin'.” He stared down at his dirty and scuffed sneakers.

“Um, are you okay? ”

He shrugged again.

“You know, ” Lorrie started, as she tried to think of something to say, “we've got to make teams for the next science project. Allie and I are together, but we need somebody else. Do you have a team yet? ”

“No.”

Lorrie rolled her eyes. “Would you like to be on our team? I bet we can come up with some good ideas.”

“Really? ” Jerry looked at her, his brows scrunched together in confusion.

“Yep. Hey, do you think your grandma will let you come to my house sometime? You could see my horse.”

He lowered his eyes again. “I dunno. She's kinda old, and doesn't drive or nothin'.” He sniffled and started to cry. “I miss my mom.”

“Is she coming back? ”

Jerry shook his head and locked his hands behind his head, lowering his face until his elbows were on his knees. “Grandma says she's in heaven, ” he cried.

Unsure of what to do, Lorrie awkwardly patted his back. “Heaven's supposed to be nice. My grandpa and daddy are there.”

“They are? ” Jerry turned his head to look at her.

“Uh-huh. But my Gramma said they're there to watch us, like angels.”

Jerry sat up and wiped his face with his hand. “My mom was sometimes bad. Do you think she's still in heaven? ”

Lorrie considered the question. “Probably. Hey, do you want to play basketball with us? You can be on my team.”

“Okay.” Jerry sniffled and used his shirt sleeve to wipe his runny nose. “Don't tell no one I was crying, okay? ”

“I won't. Come on.” Lorrie jumped off the bleachers. “Let's go beat Russ's team.”

#

With Eddie at Martha's and Lex napping in the bedroom, Amanda decided it was time to take care of a load or two of laundry. She had called Jeremy earlier and asked if he knew anything about Jerry's return to Somerville. The sheriff had said he didn't, but would check it out and call her back. So, she kept her cell phone on her belt while she gathered dirty clothes out of the girl's rooms.

Melanie's room, as usual, was neat. Their youngest daughter liked keeping everything in its place, other than the finished pages from coloring books that adorned her “art wall”, which was a deep purple. The other walls were a more sedate pale violet. Amanda took Melanie's laundry basket from her closet and cut through the Jack-and-Jill bathroom the girls shared.

She picked up two dirty towels from where they were draped across the tub, as well as a towel that had been tossed in the floor beside the toilet. “Lorrie, I swear, you're just like your Momma, ” Amanda grumbled. After getting two washcloths from the sink, she made her way into Lorrie's room.

It had taken Amanda time, but now she was warming up to the light gray walls that Lorrie had chosen. As she stepped across the threshold, a pungent odor assailed her senses. “Lord. What has that girl done now? ”

Freckles, who had been in Lorrie's room, excitedly pranced around Amanda.

“Calm down, you silly dog.” Amanda started picking up dirty clothes from all over the room. She shook her head at how Lorrie had made her bed. The comforter was askew and there were several suspicious lumps beneath it.

When she bent over to pick up a shirt that was partially under the bed, Amanda almost fell back. “What the hell? ” Freckles began to lick at her face. “Stop it.”

Lex stood at the doorway. “What's the matter? Did you yell? ”

“You'll never believe it.” Amanda crooked her finger at Lex, who joined her beside the bed.

“Damn. That smells like a dead animal. Or has Lorrie been leaving dirty dishes in here? ”

Amanda pointed under the bed. “I don't think this one's our daughter's fault.”

“Yeah? ” Lex cautiously dropped to her knees, much to Freckles delight. “Freckles, no.” She started to reach under the bed, when Amanda handed her a washcloth.

“Don't touch it with your hands.”

“Why? I think its dead.” But to appease her wife, Lex used the cloth to snare the item. As she pulled it from under the bed, Freckles tried to take it away from her. “Stop it, Freckles.”

The dog barked and danced around. Lex removed the dead squirrel and held it away from her. “Ugh.” She held it out to Amanda, who stepped away.

“Don't you dare, ” Amanda warned.

Lex waved the carcass back and forth. “It's definitely dead. Stiff as a board.” She put her free hand on the mattress and levered herself up. Then she looked at the dog, who seemed proud. “Brought Lorrie a gift, did you? Good girl.”

Amanda shivered. “Don't congratulate her. She brought a dead animal into the house.” She wrapped her arms around herself.

“Aw, come on. It could have been worse.” Lex walked out of the room, with Amanda and Freckles at her heels.

“How? ”

Once down the stairs, Lex stopped by the back door. “It could have been alive. Imagine trying to catch a squirrel in the house.”

“No thank you.” Amanda opened the door. “Freckles, stay.” The dog whined but sat next to Amanda. “What are you going to do with it? ”

“If you'll bring me a trash bag from the kitchen, I'll wrap it up and have one of the guys bury it away from the house. No sense in having the trash stink.”

Amanda shivered in revulsion, but quickly fetched a bag. “Throw the washcloth away with it. I'm not putting it in with our laundry.”

“Why not? It'll get clean.”

“No. Absolutely not. I will not wash something that touched a dead animal with our towels.”

Lex shrugged, but did as she was asked. “Maybe I should turn Freckles loose in the barn. I've seen a few mice out there.” Lex tied up the bag, walked to the gate, and placed it on the other side.

“Like hell you will, ” Amanda called after her. When Lex came back into the house, she pointed to the bathroom off the hall. “Go sanitize your hands, please.” She patted Freckles on the head. “Good girl.”

With a roll of her eyes, Lex went into the bathroom and washed her hands. Amanda stood at the door, watching. When she was finished, Lex held out her hands. “How's that, Mommy? ”

“You are such a brat.” Amanda turned and headed for the kitchen.

Lex grinned and followed, popping Amanda on the butt before she sat at the table. “Next time I'll let you remove the dead critter.” She snapped her fingers and Freckles immediately came over. “You're such a good dog.” She scratched the happy pooch behind the ears.

“Don't encourage her, ” Amanda scolded. “Do you think she really killed the squirrel? ”

“It's hard to say. But I'm betting the thing fell out of a tree or off an electrical wire, and she just brought its carcass in to give to Lorrie.”

Amanda poured each of them a cup of coffee and joined her wife at the table. “Well, whatever happened, I hope she doesn't do it again. That was disgusting.”

“At least she hadn't eaten any of it.”

“Gross.” Amanda held up her hand. “Please don't say anything to the girls. It's bad enough that I've got to move Lorrie's bed and disinfect in there before they get home.”

“Do you need my help? ”

Amanda glared at her. “No. I shouldn't have let you stretch under the bed to get the squirrel, but I just couldn't bring myself to touch it. It's easy enough to push the bed around on the wood floor.”

“All right. Just remember I offered.”

When Amanda's cell phone rang, they both jumped. Amanda took it from her waist and flipped it open. “Hello? ”

“Amanda? This is Jeremy. I hope I haven't disturbed you.”

She looked at Lex and mouthed, Jeremy. “No, not at all. Do you mind if I put you on speakerphone so Lex can hear? ”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Amanda placed her phone on the table between them. “Can you hear me okay? ”

“Yes. Hey, Lex. How are you doing? ”

Lex grinned. “I'm great. What's up? ”

“Well, I have information about Jerry Sater. He's under the guardianship of his maternal grandmother, Isabel Brooks.”

Amanda nodded to Lex. “That's what Lorrie told us, that he was living with his grandmother. Did his mother lose custody of him? ”

“It's worse than that. A few weeks ago, Susan Sater and her live-in boyfriend, um, Vincent Walsh, were killed in a one-car accident. Jerry was in the backseat, but buckled in and not seriously injured. I don't know all the particulars, but it seems that Susan's ex-husband and Jerry's father, Marvin Sater, is out of the picture. He left her before Jerry was born and took their other two children with him. The authorities tried to track him down, but there's no sign of him.”

“That's so sad.” Amanda shook her head. “So, it's just him and his grandmother? ”

“I'm afraid so.”

Lex tapped the table in a nervous gesture. “Is there anything we can do for him? ”

“I don't know, ” Jeremy answered. “Hopefully, his grandmother will be a stabilizing influence on him. Anyway, you folks have a great evening. Lex, take care of yourself. Amanda, try not to kill her. I hate filling out paperwork.”

Both women laughed, but Amanda was the first to gain her composure. “I'll do my best, Jeremy. Thank you for your help.” She closed her phone and sighed. “That poor kid.”

“Yeah. I hope he makes it through this okay. I'd hate for our kids to go through something like that.”

Amanda held out her hand, which Lex automatically took. “It breaks my heart. But I suppose we can't take in every child, can we? ”

“Unfortunately, no. But maybe he'll be okay with his grandmother.”

“Maybe so.” Amanda stood and tugged on their joined hands. “Let's go to Martha's. I have this need to see our son.”

Lex stood and joined her. “You took the words right out of my mouth, sweetheart.” She kissed Amanda on the cheek.

#

Ellie looked around the kitchen and sighed. The counters were clear and all of the trash had been bagged and put in the garage. “I can't believe we finished.”

“Looks great, ” Kyle commented from her perch on the bar. She swung her legs. “I don't know about you, but I'm famished.”

Although she hadn't thought about it, the moment Kyle mentioned food, Ellie's stomach growled. “I guess I could eat.”

Kyle laughed and jumped down. “Let's go grab a burger. I know this great little dive not too far away.”

“I don't know. I don't think I'm exactly dressed to go out.” Ellie gestured to her clothes. Worn, faded jeans and a stained sweatshirt went well with her ratty sneakers.

“You look great, ” Kyle gushed. She brushed a strand of hair away from Ellie's eyes. “Beautiful, in fact.”

Ellie blushed, but couldn't take her eyes off of Kyle's. “Kyle, I—”

Kyle put her finger over Ellie's lips. “Shh.” She leaned in and removed her finger. “I really want to kiss you right now.”

“Uh.” Ellie's eyes grew wider and Kyle's face moved closer. “Yes, ” she whispered, just as Kyle's lips lightly touched hers. Warmth settled over Ellie as the kiss deepened. Her hands went to Kyle's waist, while Kyle's hands threaded behind her head.

Kyle finally moved back to breathe. “Thank you.”

Ellie turned bright red and a nervous giggle escaped. “Thank you? ”

“Yeah, ” Kyle whispered dreamily. “I've been wanting to do that since the moment you chewed me out for parking in your driveway.”

“Really? ”

Kyle nodded. “Really.” She put her hand on Ellie's cheek and left a soft kiss on her lips. The noise from Ellie's stomach broke the intimate moment, as both women laughed. “I guess we'd better feed that monster, before someone gets hurt.”

“Sorry.” Ellie lowered her head and silently cursed herself.

“Hey.” Kyle's hand cupped Ellie's chin and forced her to look up. “I think you're adorable. And to tell you the truth, my stomach's starting to grumble, too. Let's go eat.”

Ellie's grateful smile caused her eyes to sparkle. “Sounds good.” Before she could stop herself, she leaned forward and gave Kyle a quick kiss. “Let's take your car. I've always wanted to ride in a classic.”

“You got it, pretty lady.” Kyle held out her arm playfully, grinning wide when Ellie took it.