Pawleys Island Paradise boxset, Books 1 - 3 Page 5

  “Oh my, I’d love a piece of that chocolate.”

  Rita grinned and set them down. Grabbing a knife, she sliced a piece for Leslie and one for herself. She walked back out to the dining room with them and Leslie followed. When they’d settled in with their desserts and forks, Rita continued, “I guess I should start at the beginning. Nathan’s my only child. He’s a sweetheart, he really is.”

  Leslie nodded. “I could tell that, from the brief interaction I had with him.”

  “He was always a little bit of a mama’s boy. And I have to say I never minded. But my husband, Gary, is on the rough and tough side. He was a football player when I met him. Later, he joined the reserves and went into infantry. He’s been deployed several times. When he’s home, he’s in construction.”

  Leslie took a forkful of the dessert and placed it in her mouth. She fought the urge to moan her pleasure at the explosion of flavor.

  “He is a good dad, always was. But he and Nathan never really bonded. They had totally separate interests. But Gary tried. He’d take Nathan to music lessons, listen to him sing. When Nathan was in a play in high school, Gary not only went, but invited some of his friends.

  “Before, when Gary deployed and it was just me and Nathan at home, we could manage. I mean, we missed him, me especially. But Nathan seemed largely unaffected. But this time was different. Gary left about a month after Nathan started college. He didn’t do well his first semester, and I wondered if Nathan was worried about me being home alone. Nathan called me in October. He was flunking all his classes.”

  Rita ran a hand through her hair again, and scrubbed her face with her hands. “I encouraged him to stick it out for a whole semester. Work with a tutor, get some help. He agreed to try, but he never turned his grades around. When he came home for Thanksgiving, he never went back. One whole semester’s tuition down the drain.”

  Leslie frowned. She’d never had to worry about grades with Jasmine. If anything, she worried her daughter was too much of a studier – her nose always in a book, never noticing life was passing her by. Which is why, if she were honest with herself, she was pleased Jaz was going to Paris, despite the fact it meant a summer away from Leslie.

  “Once he was home, I noticed some problem areas. He wasn’t the same kid as he was in high school. He kept to himself more, never opened up or confided in me. My friends told me that’s typical for a young man who is developing independence. But more things. He stayed up till all hours of the night, and slept in past noon every day. Never left his room, other than to shower and eat. Never saw his friends. And he had no purpose in life – no school, no job, no means to support himself. No longer a kid, but not yet a man, living in his mother’s house.”

  Leslie pushed her empty dish away. Rita hadn’t started hers yet.

  “When I suggested he go look for a job, it started World War III. Granted, it’s not like job opportunities abound in Summersville. But he could’ve at least looked for something. He refused. Finally, I gave him a job here. I didn’t give him a choice. I told him if he wasn’t going to school, he’d have to work, period.

  “That’s when I started noticing strange kids dropping by. Kids I’d never seen before, and they’d only stay a few minutes and leave. He uses his earnings from the restaurant — money I pay him — for drugs.”

  Her voice trembled. The weight of her story was taking its toll. Leslie reached over and placed her hand on top of Rita’s.

  “I think he picked up the habit while he was away at school. Which explains why he flunked out. For all I know, marijuana is just the beginning. What if he’s ventured into more addictive drugs and he’s letting the addiction run his life? Or ruin his life.” She smirked.

  “What does your husband say about it?”

  Rita lifted her head and looked into Leslie’s eyes. “I haven’t told him,” she whispered.

  Leslie was shocked. “Why?”

  Rita shook her head and looked down. “It’s sort of the military wife’s code. You don’t tell your man any bad news. He’s got it bad enough over there. He faces danger and loss of life every day. I either need to fix this on my own, or it’ll have to wait till he comes back.”

  Leslie’s head was reeling. She couldn’t imagine Rita’s reality. Military wives staying so strong on the home front to protect their men on the battlefield. She doubted if she herself would have the strength. But it was obviously nearly killing Rita.

  “But Rita, you can’t fix this on your own. This is Nathan’s problem. He needs to fix it.”

  Rita blinked.

  “You can encourage and urge him. But you can’t overcome a drug addiction for him. He needs to come to the conclusion his life stinks the way it is, and he needs to do something about it.”

  Rita sat still, her eyes widening. “Oh, my gosh.”

  “What?”

  “You just said something that gave me a whole new perspective.”

  “I did?”

  “Yes. He needs to come to the conclusion that his life stinks so much, he needs to do something to change it.”

  “Uh huh.” Leslie watched her new friend, her face shedding its dread and beaming a little.

  “But guess what: his life doesn’t stink. I take care of everything for him.” Rita grabbed her fork and dug it into her slice of peach pie. “He doesn’t go to school because he flunked out of college. He doesn’t have a job, so I give him one and a paycheck. He has no bills so he spends his money on drugs. He doesn’t pay rent – he lives with me scot-free.”

  She stuck the sugary treat in her mouth and chewed on it, smiling. Leslie looked at her expectantly. From Rita’s tone of voice you’d think she was happy about these revelations. Or maybe she was happy she’d finally figured out the problem.

  Rita dropped her fork, got up and took steps back and forth in front of the table while she worked this out. “It’s a mother’s job to love her child. To do all she can for her child. To make life as good as possible for said child. That’s what I thought I was doing. But …!” She twirled around and faced Leslie, sticking her pointed finger in Leslie’s face, “I’m not doing him any favors, now am I?”

  Leslie smiled at her enthusiasm and shook her head.

  “He has no consequences to his actions. He has no incentive to do better. Because ta-dah! Mom’s always there to pick up the pieces.” She froze on the spot and gasped. “You could even say I’m ruining his life by handling it this way.”

  Leslie stood and joined her. “No. He’s ruining his life, not you. He’s old enough to go away to college, work hard and do well. He’s old enough to get a job and support himself. But I can see how, in your attempts to take care of things for him, and protect him from the bad things in life, you’ve taken away any need or desire for him to take care of business himself.”

  Rita stared, eyebrows raised. “I did it because I loved him.”

  “I know. Maybe it’s time for a new kind of love now.”

  After a moment of silence, Rita walked back to the chair and sat. “How? I can’t just push him out of the house. He needs me. Now more than ever.”

  “Yes. But what he needs from you might be different than what you’re currently giving him.”

  Rita nodded. “I have to change my approach. But how?”

  Leslie reached over the tabletop and took one of Rita’s hands, squeezed it between hers. “Could it be he needs some medical help?”

  Unhappiness took over the lines of her face. “Maybe,” she whispered. A shudder rippled through her shoulders. She flopped back in her chair and scanned the ceiling. “I don’t have the first clue how to start. What to do. Where to go.”

  “You don’t have to go through it alone. Who can help you? Are your parents around?”

  Rita shrugged. “They’re still alive – not local, though.”

  “Call your mom. She’ll help. She can listen and give advice, that is, if you want to take it.”

  Rita nodded. The front door opened and closed, and soon, two couples
walked into the dining room. Rita wiped her arm over face, pushed back her hair from her eyes. She forced a smile. “Be right with you, folks. Sit anywhere you like.” Rita collected the dessert plates and pie. “Well, the show must go on.”

  “Do you have any other help coming in?”

  Rita shook her head. “No. Mondays are usually slow, and I figured I could handle the crowd myself with Nathan waiting tables.” She smirked. “So much for that plan.” She started back to the kitchen.

  Leslie followed her. “Well, you’re looking at Plan B.”

  Rita frowned at her over her shoulder. “Huh?”

  “I’ll cover for Nathan tonight. At least till he comes back.”

  “I doubt he’ll be back. He’s so ticked off at me it wouldn’t bother him in the least if I have a rough night here by myself.”

  “All the better reason for me to help. Give me a pad, a pen. Do I need anything else?” Leslie grabbed a nearby menu and scanned its contents. “Any specials tonight?”

  She was familiarizing herself with the fare and didn’t realize silent moments were ticking away without a response from Rita, until she finished reading all the selections and looked up at her new friend. Rita was staring at her with something close to amazement in her eyes.

  “Who are you? Who sent you here when I needed you the most?”

  Leslie chuckled.

  “Seriously, are you an angel? Can I pinch you?”

  “Hey, like I said before, us moms need to stick together. It’s not an easy job. Believe me, I’ve been through my ups and downs with Jasmine too. This too will pass.” Leslie spied an apron with two front pockets lying nearby and put it on. Rita handed her a pad and pen and she slipped them into the left pocket.

  “I can’t thank you enough. For everything.”

  “Shush. I’ve got customers waiting.” Leslie shot her a beaming smile and pushed through the swinging doors.

  The next two hours passed quickly. Although there was never a large crowd, there was a constant trickle of customers and the pace was enough to keep the newbie waitress hopping. She greeted and seated customers, made small talk, poured water, took orders, then delivered the meals when Rita had whipped them up. By seven PM, Leslie had earned thirty dollars in tips. When the last customers left, she pushed through the kitchen doors using her fistful of bills to fan herself.

  “Well, excu-u-use me!”

  Rita looked over and laughed. “You made a haul!”

  “Hey, I think I’ve found a new talent.”

  “You’re a fantastic waitress. I sure could use you every night.”

  Leslie laughed and quieted. It had been a long, eventful day and the weariness was beginning to seep into her bones. But as far as first days went, this vacation had gotten off to the most memorable and unique start ever.

  “How much longer are you open?”

  “I close at 8 on weeknights, 10 on weekends. But don’t worry, the worst of the crowd has come and gone. It’ll be slow from here on out, if we even get more customers at all.”

  Leslie nodded. “Can you suggest a hotel? I’m passing through and need to find somewhere to stay. I definitely don’t want to drive anymore tonight.”

  Rita smiled. “I can suggest a perfect place. It’s comfortable, homey and really close by. And for that matter, the price is right.”

  “Sounds perfect. Where is it?”

  “Right here.”

  “What?”

  “Stay here. Seriously. I have an extra room and it’s all made up. I once had the notion of offering my spare rooms for rent on a nightly basis. Sort of like a bed and breakfast. I did it for a year, then decided to convert the main floor to the restaurant instead. But I still have the guest room. You can stay there.”

  The thought of a bed in such close proximity was tempting. Heavenly, in fact. “I wouldn’t want to impose.”

  “Impose? Don’t be crazy. I insist. You’re looking for a room, and I’ve got one. You were there when I needed you, now I can do something to help you. Please.”

  Leslie hesitated only a second more. “Do you have a bathtub?”

  Rita laughed. “Yes I do. And bubble bath.”

  “Sold.”

  She went out to her car, got her suitcase and carried it back to the house. Rita led her up the wide staircase, gleaming with polished wood. The second door on the right after they hit the landing, Rita opened and stood back. Leslie rolled her suitcase in and looked around. The room was immaculate and delightful – all blue walls, wooden floors, braided throw rugs and white eyelet fabric.

  “It’s adorable.” Leslie twirled around and beamed at Rita. “It’s the best way I can imagine to end my day.”

  Rita grinned and marched into the room, pulling the blinds down, plumping the pillows and pulling back the soft, white comforter. “Make yourself at home. There’s an adjoining bathroom with a tub and shower. There’s a tiny TV in here, but you’re welcome to come down to the living room if you want a big one. If you find yourself hungry or thirsty, come to the restaurant kitchen. I’ll probably be down there for another hour and a half.”

  Leslie shook her head. “I can’t think of a thing I want to do other than get out of these clothes, soak in a hot tub, then hit the hay.”

  Rita squeezed her arm as she walked back to the door. “Then sleep well, my friend.”

  Sleep came easily in the quiet old house, and before she knew it, the sun was peeking in through the slats of the wooden blinds. Leslie stretched lazily and glanced at the bedside table. The alarm clock read 8:10. She closed her eyes again. Could she convince herself to slip back into slumber? But she was looking forward to continuing her roadtrip.

  She rose and made the bed, slipped into the bathroom and freshened herself, then dressed in clean clothes. A sheet of paper had been slid under the door. “Ready for breakfast? Come down to the restaurant whenever you want.”

  Leslie chuckled. That woman must love to cook. She wondered if Rita served breakfast in The Front Porch. Making her way down the gorgeous old stairway, she made a right through the business’s waiting room, through the dining room and into the kitchen. Rita was there, hard at work, a strip of flour on her cheek. “Good morning.”

  Rita looked up from frosting a delicious-looking vanilla cake with chocolate cream icing. “Hey! There she is! Are you a coffee drinker? I have a pot made.”

  Leslie laughed. “You better believe it. I make my living teaching eight-year-olds. I take my coffee strong and black.”

  Rita grabbed a mug and filled it. “You’re a teacher, huh? Doesn’t surprise me in the least. You sure taught me something last night. And I want to thank you for it.”

  Leslie took a long sip and the hot liquid eased languorously through her body. She shrugged. “What’d I do?”

  “You opened my eyes to a new approach with Nathan. In my attempts to love him, I was babying him. Not only does a young man not flourish under those conditions, I wasn’t making him accountable for his own actions. But with God’s help, I’m going to change that.”

  Leslie bobbed her head in agreement. “Good for you, Rita. Where is Nathan, by the way? Did he make it home last night?”

  “No. But I did get a text from him. He spent the night with an old high school friend. Brad’s a good guy, so I was happy to hear it, and relieved to get the text.”

  Leslie sat on a tall barstool facing the counter where Rita was working. She held the mug in both hands and enjoyed another long, leisurely sip.

  “I’m going to make breakfast for you. What would you like? Eggs? Bacon? Toast?”

  Leslie laughed. “You’re going to spoil me. You already made dinner for me, and put me up for the night.”

  “A good breakfast will start your day out right. Are you hitting the road?”

  Leslie nodded. “Yeah, I guess I’ll keep moving. It’s kind of an odd trip for me because, well, I’m alone, for one thing. And I have no particular destination. Other than the beach.”

  Rita stared. “Now, that do
es sound intriguing. Tell me all about it while I whip us up some eggs.”

  Leslie gave Rita a condensed version of her recent life, leading up to the impromptu decision to take a solo roadtrip. When their breakfast was ready, Rita pulled up a second barstool and joined Leslie with two heaping plates of breakfast favorites.

  “So how far do you want to get today?”

  “I have no idea. I’m going to follow my whim and who knows what excitement is in store? I mean, my first day was a doozy.”

  “Well, I admire you for what you’re doing, and truth be told, I envy you too. I wouldn’t mind getting away from my normal life for an undetermined amount of time. Driving wherever I feel like it, stopping whenever I want. Sounds heavenly.”

  Leslie gazed at her new friend. “You have important work to do here, though, don’t you?”

  Rita quieted, then turned her attention to Leslie. “You’re right. I do.”

  “Do you mind if I ask you one other thing?”

  Rita shrugged. “Why not? Go for it.”

  “Don’t you think you should talk to your husband about this?”

  Rita started to protest but Leslie forged ahead. “It’s none of my business, Rita, and tell me to butt out and I’ll understand. I get the whole ‘keep your soldier safe by keeping it light and happy’ philosophy. But on the other hand, Nathan is his son too. And I think he’d want to have some input. Maybe he’d want to talk to Nathan himself and take some of the burden off you. Or, he might have ideas for treatment that aren’t evident to you because you live with it day in and day out.”

  Rita was looking down at her empty plate, frowning, nodding.

  “You two are still a team in raising Nathan, even though he’s on the other side of the world. You don’t have to do this alone, you know.”

  Rita reached up and flicked a tear from her eye. She turned to Leslie. “I’ll think about it. I really will.”

  Leslie cleared the dishes and took them to the sink. They walked back to the guest room and retrieved Leslie’s suitcase. When she’d locked it in her SUV outside, she turned to face Rita. Surprisingly, she realized she was going to miss this woman she’d only known a few hours.