FLIGHT FROM OBSESSION - CHAPTER FIVE

 
   Abby started the camper and made a quick stop at the administration building to pick up her mail tossing it in the passenger seat and then headed out of town. Whoops, I almost forgot Tess’ grand opening at the Inn on Saturday. Rerouting she stopped at the florists and went in expecting to see Dani Tanaka behind the counter. 

    “Is Dani Tanaka here?” Abby asked the elderly man behind the counter.     

    “She’s in back arranging flowers,” the old man said.  

   “That’s all right,” Abby said and placed an order for a large arrangement to be delivered to Tess at her Inn on Saturday morning. 

   Back in her camper and once more headed home Abby passed two dress shops she liked and saw that they had new window displays. She circled the block and found parking near the store and went in to browse. 

    “Hi, Joanne, do you have anything new in my size?” Abby asked.  Abby was a regular and the store’s staff knew her well.    

  “Hi Abby, we have a whole new shipment of summer dresses in and the spring dresses are on sale. We’ve been unpacking and racking the summer line all morning so you’re getting the first look,” Joanne said.   

  She browsed the new selection and said, “Oh oh, I think I feel a shopping spree coming on.” She already had several things on her arm to take to the dressing room.    

 “Here, let me take those and set up a room for you,” Joanne said, “taking the dresses.”   

Abby gave in to the urge and soon was in the corner dressing room trying on everything that caught her eye. There were so many beautiful colors out this year that she just couldn’t resist.  One dress in dress in particular pleased her, it was a washed moss green sheath with small splashes of muted orange and when she tried it on it fit perfectly.  She already had a hat that would look good with the dress and she would find gloves.     

     An alarm went off in her head, was she buying new dresses because of Blackie, or maybe Tom she thought? Nonsense, I’m buying new dresses because I’m starting to date again and I deserve some new, colorful, happy dresses.   

 Two hours later Abby was standing at the checkout counter, inwardly winching, as she watched her total steadily increase but she was pleased with her choices as the stock boy helped her to camper with the shopping bags.   

 She drove around the corner to a boutique that Joanne had recommended to look for gloves and again spent more than she intended but she liked the fashion flair the accessories would add to her new ensembles.

     Abby lifted her shoulders and faked a model’s runway walk as she returned to the camper with her new bundles and headed home.   

     When Abby got home with all of her new dresses she took great pleasure in hanging them in her walk-in closet and putting the accessories away in the clear boxes she purchased for that purpose.  She felt like a squirrel with a tree full of acorns, ready for anything. No more dull evenings with Cliff, I am a social butterfly, she laughed at herself.      

     She tried calling Cliff at his office with no success and then called Sherri Tanaka to confirm herself for the Saturday barbeque. Abby was assigned potato salad and baked beans because Ken loved both of Abby’s versions of those dishes.     

     Sherri said that both she and Ken were looking forward to the barbeque and little Josie kept chattering about Tom from their encounter at the potluck.     

      Abby laughed and asked, “Do you think he’ll wait for her to grow up, Sherri?   

    “Sherri giggled and said, “It would be an awfully long engagement.” 

    “By the way, Sherri, have you ever been to the, City Park deli?” 

    “Doesn’t sound familiar,” Sherri answered. 

    “Blackie and I had lunch there today and it was super fun for a quick lunch. We’ll have to try it sometime. And,” she told Sherri, “Joanne’s just got a new shipment of dresses in and I went crazy. The colors this summer are amazing.”    

     Sherri was grinning at Ken as she said, “I’ll have to stop by Joanne’s tomorrow after work.”  

     They hung up looking forward to the barbeque and new dresses while Ken rolled his eyes at Sherri, knowing full well what Joanne’s meant.   

     Abby finished up the last week of school early Friday afternoon and when she got home she boiled potatoes and eggs for the potato salad and got the beans ready to go into the oven to slow cook over night. All she had left to do was put the baked beans in the oven tonight and assemble the salad in the morning.   

     She went upstairs and took a long shower and dressed in a green checked shirt, designer jeans and moccasins for the meeting with Jack Brannon. She grabbed a Levi jacket on the way out just in case the wind came up.    

     As she ran out of the back door, Tom waved and said, “I hear you’re going to make it to the game tomorrow?”

 

    She was pleased he cared and said, “Yes, I’m really looking forward to it. Sorry,” she said, “I’m in a bit of a rush right now.” 

    “No problem,” he said, but looked a little crestfallen.   

     She backed out of the drive way and headed to Harvest Hill, hoping that the atmosphere of cooperation developed in Brannon’s office would continue in today’s meeting.  She liked Brannon and felt he was honest despite the way approval was obtained for the development of Harvest Hill.  

     On her way to the meeting she noticed that the hills were already brown from the season’s sun and several years of light rains. Mixed oak and fir growth dotted the landscape and followed the banks of a creek as it wandered down the hill.   

     Abby pulled up in a cloud of dust on the crest of the hill and parked next to Blackie’s car and a pickup truck with Brannon Construction on the side.  She saw Blackie and Brannon, hands in pockets, standing a short distance away.   

     “Hi guys,” Abby called out, “I’m not late am I?” 

    “Not at all Abby,” Brannon said as he extended his hand. 

     She took Jack’s hand and smiled up at Blackie hoping they weren’t here long enough to get into it without her moderating presence.

     “We’re discussing the way approval was obtained for this project,” Blackie said, but he didn’t look unhappy.  

     “Yes,” Brannon said, “It turns out that it was technically legal but,” he nodded in Blackie’s direction, “As I was telling Blackie, it was done that way without my knowledge,” his voice harsh.

    Abby looked from Jack to Blackie, relieved to see the men were on good terms.

    Brannon continued, “Personally, I don’t see the need for subterfuge in my business dealings and I’ve made that clear to my staff.”

    Abby smiled inwardly, I’m glad I wasn’t a member of his staff this week.  I’ll bet they’re still quaking in their boots. With some pleasure she hoped Cliff caught some of that fall out.  

     “Well, Brannon, down to business,” Blackie said bringing them back to the purpose of the meeting.

 

     “Yes,” said Jack, “I think I’ve solved the problem.”  He walked over to the pickup ad took a roll of plans from the cab and spread them out on the bed of the pickup.  Blackie and Abby followed him and looked at the plans.

 

    “You see here,” he said, pointing with his every present pencil, “instead of having the main entrance at the foot of the hill I’ll take the main road up to the top of the hill and have the entrance there.”

    Blackie scrutinized the plans and said, “Yes, I see what you changed.  It will also minimize through traffic, very creative.” 

    Brannon accepted the accolade with a nod, “I figure we’ll build a small park up near the entrance with the monument and parking for visitors. It will be attractive and historical. I’ll finance the park and parking and you can take care of the monument. Fair enough,” he asked as he rolled up the plans? 

    “Absolutely, Brannon, absolutely,” Blackie said as he shook Jack’s hand with real pleasure for the first time.   

    “Do you have the pictures of the artist’s work we want to commission for the monument,” Abby asked Blackie?  

    “Sure, they’re in the car if you have time, to look at them, Brannon.” 

    “It would help in planning the park,” Jack said, “Particularly the approximate size and shape of the monument.”

    Blackie retrieved the envelope and handed the stack of pictures to Brannon.

    Brannon took them and was quiet for several minutes and then he went through the pictures a second time.

    Brannon looked at Blackie and Abby, “These are terrific,” he said, “A hell of a lot more than just a historical marker.”  

    Abby and Blackie exchanged pleased looks. 

    Jack was quiet again as he looked at several of the photographs, “This monument will be a real piece of art,” he said, “We might want to add a nice restroom, and maybe a trail and several benches.” 

    Blackie accepted the photographs back from Brannon, “Thanks,” he said quietly, “both Abby and I are going down next week to check Raintree’s available work and decide if we want to buy something that’s ready or commission something original. Do you have any idea of your completion date?”

 

    “Thanks for showing me those,” Jack said, “I’m afraid Abby is right.  We were butting heads before we really understood each other.”

    Blackie grinned, shaking his head affirmatively, “I have a tendency to jump the gun,” he admitted.

    Jack continued, “It will be at least thirty months to completion but I hope to open up in sections. I have surveyors coming in next week for the road up to the top of the hill and the streets inside the site.”

    Abby was leaning against Blackie’s car with a pleased look on her face. 

    “I hope,” she said, “that in the future we can all be more direct with each other.”

    “I’m more than willing to do that, Abby,” Brannon said with a grin, “But that doesn’t mean I’ll always agree with you, and if I disagree I’ll fight you tooth and nail.”

    “Don’t think I could square off with a better man,” Blackie grinned and slapped Jack on the back.

    They chatted for a while longer and then parted company.

    As Blackie took Abby’s arm in his and walked her to the camper, she asked, “Are you tied up later this evening, we could all meet at my house and celebrate?” 

    “Hey, that’s a great idea,” he said, I could make an announcement to everyone at the same time.  Are you sure it’s not too much trouble,” he asked, frowning?  

    “It’s still early,” Abby said, looking at her watch “let’s get started at seven and finish up by ten. I’ll stop at a deli and take something out of the freezer,” she added, “You can bring beer if you think anyone would like it.”

    Blackie was on his cell phone all the way home calling people on the council to a meeting at Abby’s house. 

    She drove to the deli and bought party cheese, meat, bread and several salads. She would take dessert out of the freezer and make coffee and a citrus punch. Finally home, she put the camper in the garage and lugged the groceries into the house.  

    Moments later she heard Tom’s tap on the back door. 

    “Come in, Tom,” she called as she unloaded the groceries on the counter.

    “Looks like party time,” he said.

    She turned toward him and said, “Yes, Tom, a celebration. I’m so happy,” she said with a hint of tears in her eyes. 

    He hugged her but didn’t know quite what to say, “I’m glad Abby”

    Tom leaned back and saw tears coursing down her cheeks, “Come, let’s sit down for a minute,” and he led her to the window seat.

    She tried to stop the tears but Tom said, “It’s all right, just let it all come out, now.”

    She lifted her head from his shoulder and giggled, “You’re so silly, finish crying now if I’m going to have a party later?”

    He laughed with her, “Now tell me what happened,” he said, “So we can tell if you’re finished crying.”

    “I’m just so grateful to God, Tom. The tribal council has been having trouble with a particular developer and today everything turned out much better than expected. So much better it’s hard to take in,” she said.

    She jumped up and began getting things ready for the party and Tom got up to help her.   

    He waded right in and copied the catering trays he had seen at parties. “There,” he said presenting the two trays; one arranged with cheese and the other with meat, “How’s that,” he asked?   

    She grinned at him as she set up the coffee and fixed the punch. 

    He took a basket Abby set out and sliced up part of each loaf of bread and covered them.

    Finally the two of them arranged everything on the buffet in the living room and Abby even had plenty of time to wash the tears away. 

    She thanked Tom over and over because she felt awkward about crying earlier and she really didn’t want to explain the whole, sordid story about Cliff and the betrayal.   

    Tom said easily, “We seem to work well together and it was fun.”   

    “I wish you could stay, Tom.”   

    “No,” he said, “I’m not a member and it’s a private celebration.” He gave her a big hug and slipped out the back door.  

       Crossing the driveway Tom ran into a big, well-built man carrying a case of beer on his shoulder.  

     “Hello,” the big man said, “You’re Tom Wyatt, aren’t you?” 

     “I am,” Tom said, “And you’re…?” 

      Blackie set the case down and offered his hand, “We went to school together.  I’m Blackie Jordan, first base.” 

    “Well hell, Blackie, you’ve grown a bit since then.  “Great to see you again. Do you still play,” Tom asked? 

    “I’m afraid I don’t have much time anymore, Blackie admitted, “But we do have a Tribal Team.” 

    “We’re having a pickup game tomorrow at Ken Tanaka’s, we could use more players,” Tom said. 

    “By the way,” Tom asked, “Do you play beach volley ball?” 

    “Not since college but I was pretty good and I really love the game,” Blackie answered. 

    “I’ve been thinking about getting some guys together to play this summer.  I have all of the equipment we need.  Interested,” Tom asked? 

    “Sounds great,” Blackie said, “If I can work out the time.” 

    “How busy are your Sunday afternoons,” Tom asked? 

    “Clear unless I have an emergency,” Blackie was beginning to get excited about the idea. 

    “I’ll give you a call. Good seeing you again, Blackie,” Tom said as he wandered back home. 

    Blackie went into the kitchen with the beer, “Hey, Abby, it’s just me,” he said. 

    “Did you reach everyone,” she asked? 

    “Pretty much, I just ran into Tom Wyatt,” he said, “We might be playing some beach volley ball this summer.” 

    “That would be good for you,” she said, “I had him over for dinner his first night in town because nothing was working next door and nothing was open in town.”

    “He’s always seemed to be a straight shooter,” Blackie said. 

    “I’m afraid I made a fool of myself, Blackie, Tom stopped by I burst into tears.” 

    “Why, Abby, things turned out so well?” 

    “Exactly, Blackie, I was just so grateful that my actions didn’t ruin everything. It hit me all at once.”

    “It was my fault, Abby,” he held her hands in his, “I thought about saying a prayer up on the hill then I got all engrossed in celebrating.” 

    “It’s not your fault, Blackie, but we humans do kind of forget God when we’re finished needing him, don’t we?”

    “A good lesson,” he said and dropped her hands when they heard people at the door.  

    They welcomed everyone and assembled in the living room for the meeting.  

    The crowd exclaimed over the buffet that was laid out but Blackie said business first and when Gary arrived he called the meeting to order. 

    He stood in the middle of the living room with a big smile on his face waiting for them to quiet down. 

    “We have much to be grateful for,” he said to them.  “Abby and I met with Jack Brannon up on Harvest Hill earlier today.”

    He waited for quiet again, “Jack Brannon has agreed to a monument on Harvest Hill.  Abby’s report had a lot to do with his agreement.” 

    The crowd applauded while Abby smiled, a little self-consciously. 

    Not only has he agreed to a monument which our Council will purchase, but he will build a park at the top of the hill to accommodate the monument at his own expense.  

    There were war whoops and excited applause.   

    Blackie waited again, “He has agreed to build the park with a parking area, restrooms and trails. 

    They could hardly contain their excitement and finally Blackie raised his hands.  We will thank our God for the generous treatment He has bestowed on us and then Blackie bowed his head and said a prayer of thankfulness.  

    One more thing he said as they started to get up. When they were quiet again, Blackie said, “I want every one of our young people to spend a period of time taking care of that park.  Every weekend a group of our young will go to the park and remove any litter, graffiti or anything else marring its significance. In this way they will show respect for our traditions.

     The council all nodded in agreement understanding the need for tradition. 

    Then Blackie shouted, “Let’s celebrate what our gracious God has given us. 

    There was applause, a few whoops, and some hugging and handshakes. 

    Blackie brought in the cold beer to go with the buffet and the party spread out and new people came in until Blackie chased them all out at eleven. 

    Blackie helped Abby carry everything into the kitchen and gathered all of the garbage to take out. 

    “What are you up to tomorrow,” he asked? 

    She smiled and put the beans in the oven to slow cook overnight.  

    “I’ve been invited to the Tanaka’s for a barbeque,” she said, “I’m taking baked beans and potato salad.” 

    He grinned down at her, “Have fun, Abby,” and kissed her on the forehead, “Do you feel better now,” he asked? 

    “Yes. Much better now, thanks Blackie.” 

    He slipped out with a smile and the garbage.