Page 49 of Grounded
“That’s another thing we’ll do this summer. You need to know how to use a gun,” he said, before wishing her a good night and hanging up.
After turning out the lights and plodding upstairs, Annie washed her face and put on her pajamas. Under the comfort of a frayed quilt, she dropped into a sound sleep.
Chapter Twenty
It was not until the morning, with the stillness of a house holding only one spirit, that Annie realized how much she would miss her grandmother if she never came home. The power of the thought forced her to call the hospital room, early as it was, and check on her.
“I’m fine,” she said, her voice sounding a little groggy. “Didn’t get much sleep last night what with all the vitals, pills and shift changes. I’ll rest today.”
“Evelyn said she would be there after lunch. If you think of anything you want her to bring you from here, call me.”
“I’d love a decent cup of coffee. It’s weak as water up here. If she’s not coming until afternoon, a strong glass of iced tea might be as good.”
“Huh, sounds like you’ve grown accustomed to my good coffee,” Annie said.
“I reckon you’ve spoiled me.”
The quiet morning was soon broken by the arrival of a pickup truck, doors slamming and the screech of metal as a ladder unfolded.
“Would y’all like some coffee?” Annie leaned out the front door, hearing the painters, but not seeing them.
“We brought a thermos, but thank you just the same,” a voice said from above.
After Annie had eaten her breakfast, she went out the front door to see the progress. A man was perched on a ladder, priming the top of the roof gable. The other was painting from the ground, to the right of the porch. The names and faces were familiar, probably from years ago rather than her recent visits, so introductions seemed trivial.
“The back door is open, so help yourselves. There’s a fresh pot of coffee and some cold water in the refrigerator. We really appreciate this.”
The man painting in the gable turned slightly, his paintbrush suspended in the air. “We’re only paying back. Beulah brought me soups and casseroles when my wife was sick.”
From under the wide brim of a tobacco warehouse cap, the other man said, “She tended to my mother up till the day she died. We’ve searched high and low for a way to pay her back. This is the first chance we’ve had.”
A warm feeling of pride spread over her. “She’ll be so pleased!”
Once inside the house, Annie set about her work at breakneck speed. There was much to do while her grandmother was gone. She wanted everything to be perfect for her return.
Annie washed curtains, changed sheets and helped Evelyn with lunch, remembering to tell her about Beulah’s request for tea. They fed Jim and Elbert, stuffing them full of Evelyn’s butter fried chicken and coconut pie.
That afternoon, Annie was cleaning the glass shades on the dining room chandelier when Woody stopped by.
“Better water your garden tonight. We’re in a dry spell, and those seeds you planted need some water to grow,” Woody said, his bridge wobbling below his upper lip.
“Isn’t that a waste of water?”
“Naw, better go ahead and water tonight when the ground holds the moisture. Now, I know that Jake has got some newfangled ideas on farming, but you’d better listen to somebody that’s got dried mud on their boots. Wanna go for a ride tomorrow afternoon?” Woody asked.
“Thanks, but I’ve got some projects to finish before I bring Grandma home. Maybe another time?”
“Oh, okay, sure thing,” Woody said. “Maybe a Sunday afternoon trail ride.”
He seemed disappointed at her response, and Annie wondered if her grandmother was right after all. Maybe Woody had more in mind than friendship. She’d have to set that straight soon and let him know she was done with dating. Period.
That evening, she attached the water hose to a sprinkler she found in the equipment shed and turned on the water. She left it on while she bathed so it would get a good soaking.
Evelyn called to report Beulah had sent her home early, saying she was fine. “No sense in both of us eating alone. Why don’t you come over here? Nothing fancy.”
Over pasta and salad, Evelyn shared her excitement about Jake’s upcoming visit.
“He’ll be home in time for dinner Friday night and is staying for two weeks. Camille will be here for a few days next week, but has to leave on Thursday for a meeting. He’s hoping she’ll come back for part of the next week as well.”
