Solvang 2
Part 6
I woke up to the smell of bacon. When I sat up, I was surprised to see Pablo in bed with me.
“Is that bacon?”
I nodded. “I’ll go investigate.” I left him in the bedroom and headed out to the kitchen where my brother was standing in front of the stove.
“Morning, sis.”
“Paul?” I didn't know where he found bacon to make.
“I went to Nielsen’s for you this morning. I don’t know what all was on your grocery list, but I picked up a few things to at least get you through the next few days.”
I pointed at the whiteboard that hung on our pantry door. “That’s the list. Did you get anything on it?”
He turned around and glanced at it. “I got most of it. I couldn’t read the items at the bottom very well. And I also picked up some almond butter for you and some blueberry preserves. That makes the best pb&j sandwiches. It’s another lunch your vegetarian can eat.”
I was a little too stunned to respond. Paul had spent so much time either ignoring me or burning bridges. When did he become so thoughtful? “Thank you.”
“As I said yesterday, I’d like to make up for making life so much harder for you. You deserved a better brother. It’s never too late to be one, right?”
I laughed. “I guess not. You surprise me, Paul.”
“At least this time, it’s a good surprise.” He laughed, turning back to the stove. “I don’t think you appreciated the calls from police stations when I was arrested.”
He was right about that. There were two DUIs and a Destruction of Property. And then there was the call from San Francisco nine years ago. That was the unforgivable one. The idea that he had finally pulled his life together put a smile on my face.
“I can make you some dirty eggs like mom used to make.”
“Paul Michaels, I think you’re going to ruin your reputation as a bad boy.”
He sighed and turned to face me. “I’ve been trying to for the last five years.” He paused, turning back to the food. “Breakfast should be ready soon. Want to wake up everyone?”
I would have been surprised if the smell of bacon hadn’t already done that, but I agreed. Knowing Pablo was awake, I paused outside of Etta’s bedroom. I started to knock, but stopped when I heard voices inside.
“Are you seriously still thinking about it?” Rafe asked his sister.
“Well, yes. I want to, but I know you hate sitting there, waiting on me.”
He laughed. “But if Uncle Paul really stays, that gives me another option instead of watching you practice or sitting at The Elskede.”
Etta sighed. “Maybe. But if Uncle Paul changes his mind and leaves, like he usually does…”
“Then it’s my problem. I know you have Olympic aspirations. And you might be good enough to make it some day.”
I smiled to myself, hearing Rafe compliment his sister. I knew I had two good kids.
“2032. I’m going to go to college somewhere that has a gymnastics program and compete for four years. And then go professional after that. I’ll get on the national team and go to the 2032 games, wherever they are.”
He laughed. “That’s not how it works, you know. You’ll need to put college on hold. You should be shooting for the 2024 games. You’d be turning sixteen that year. If you wait for 2032, you’d be turning twenty-four. It’s not realistic.”
“It’s how I’m going to do it. I’ll bet you right now that I make it to the 2032 games.”
“I’m not taking that bet. Something tells me that you will always accomplish whatever you set your mind to.”
“Thank you, Rafe.”
“Even when you’re being stupid.”
Knowing it was time to end their conversation before it got ugly, I knocked on her bedroom door. “Etta?”
“Yes, mom?”
“Time to get up for breakfast.”
“Okay. I’ll be out in a minute. And I’ll wake up Rafe for you. So you don’t have to knock on his door.”
I smiled, knowing he was in her room with her. “Oh, okay. Thank you, Etta.” I headed for my bedroom where I found Pablo leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.
“Were you eavesdropping?” He shook his head at me.
“I was parenting. It’s not the same.”
He laughed. “I’m sure you that’s how you felt when you were the child.”
I shrugged. “That wasn’t exactly yesterday. I don’t remember.”
“The bacon?”
I told him about Paul’s trip to the grocery store for us. “He hasn’t mentioned how much the bill was, so I’m going to assume it’s his treat.”
“Maybe he will stay. It would be nice for us to have family in town.”
I shrugged. “Chef is family. And so is Avianna and Victor and Tania and Isabel and…”
“They are all like family, but your brother is family. Your relationship with him may not have been what you wanted it to be, but if he gives you the chance to have it now, you should take it.”
I’d have to think about it. “Come on, he’s just about got breakfast ready. And he said he’d make me dirty eggs like my mom used to make.”
Ten minutes later, we were all sitting down at the breakfast table. I ate my dirty eggs and they were just as good as my mom used to make. It put tears in my eyes as I thought of her again.
“I screwed them up, didn’t I?”
I shook my head. “No. They’re perfect. Just like mom used to make.”
Etta looked at me and then reached for my hand. “Tell me something about grandma.”
“She had strawberry blonde hair, just like you and me and your mom.” Paul offered. “And she was the most beautiful mom in the world.”
I nodded. “And she loved reading. And she loved listening to music. My mom and dad danced to At Last when they got married.”
“And that’s how I got my name, right? Etta James?”
I nodded. “Yes. That’s right.”
“When I get married, I want to dance to it.”
“When are you going to do that?” Rafe laughed. “If you’re going to the 2032 Olympics…”
She pulled her hand away from mine as she turned to her brother. “Well, obviously after that.”
“What’s this about the 2032 Olympics?” Pablo interrupted them.
Etta looked at her dad before turning to me. “I’ve decided I’d like to join the team. It starts off two nights a week, right?”
I nodded. “And as you increase levels, you’d add additional days.”
“So, I wouldn’t be at five days until I’m closer to elite, right?” I could see the excitement in her eyes.
“Right.”
“And if Uncle Paul really stays, maybe he could take me down to practice some nights so you wouldn’t have to.”
“I would love to be able to give your mom a night off, every once in a while.” He smiled at his niece.
If Uncle Paul really stays… The words seem to hang in the air again like another cartoon bubble. Etta looked at her uncle, filled with hope and realism.
The conversation over breakfast stayed on the topic of Etta’s plans for her future. She had them all mapped out. And she had already started researching schools with gymnastics programs, knowing they could drop their programs long before she’d be applying to them.
Rafe added his plans for his future near the end of breakfast - animal physical therapist. But he didn’t know what kind of degree or degrees would be required for it.
While Pablo and the kids cleaned up the breakfast dishes, I excused myself and headed for my bedroom. I unplugged my phone and looked up Kirk’s phone number.
Knowing it would be an awkward conversation, I tapped his number and waited to see if he had changed it.
“Hello?” It was Kirk’s voice.
“Kirk?”
“Felicia?”
“Yes, it’s me.”
“I never thought I’d hear from you again. How are you? Are you still in Solvang?”
I nodded. “Yes, I am. And I’m good, thanks for asking. How are you?”
“Good. It’s been kind of crazy lately. But I’ve got a new case I’m working on.”
I wondered if he expected me to ask him about it. Deciding he probably would not tell me about it, I decided not to. We made some idle chit-chat about the weather and he asked about my kids.
“I have an FBI-kind of question for you.” I forced myself to get the question out so I could end the conversation.
“Oh, really? Your husband get himself into some kind of trouble?”
“It’s not about Pablo.”
“Is he still your husband? Are you separated?”
I sighed, annoyed. “Yes, he’s still my husband. And no, we’re not separated.”
“Then why are you calling me Felicia?”
“I have a friend … I think the FBI might be trying to tear down her trees.”
He cleared his throat. “Really, Felicia? Are you kidding me? You’re calling me about trees?”
I knew the conversation would be awkward. And I felt stupid asking. “I’m just trying to figure out who is trying to tear down her trees.”
“Since when are you friends with Pearl Tarkey, Felicia? Seriously. What is wrong with you?”
I caught my breath when he asked me those questions. I had specifically not mentioned her name. And Kirk Graham knew exactly what I was talking about. Making a point to take a few deep breaths before responding, I tried to come up with the right words.
“Nothing is wrong with me, Kirk.”
“I guess I should ask what you’ve been doing in the years since you broke off our engagement. I wouldn’t take you for the type to start hanging out with criminals.”
“Her husband was the criminal. But I want to thank you for confirming my guess that it is the FBI who wants to tear down her trees. I guess I should ask you why? What do you have against the environment? Trees clean the air.”
“I’m tearing those trees down because I can. You should stay away from Pearl Tarkey.”
I laughed at him. “Kirk, don’t you remember you never could tell me what to do? And you telling me to stay away from her makes me want to make her my best friend.”
When I received no response, I realized I was hearing a dial tone. “Hello?” He’d hung up on me. I ended the call and dropped my phone on the bed.
I definitely knew who wanted to tear down her trees. And I didn’t have a way to stop them. Sighing, I moved to get dressed. It was time to tell Pearl Tarkey what I knew.
gagengirl entertainment
Solvang 2
Part 6
I woke up to the smell of bacon. When I sat up, I was surprised to see Pablo in bed with me.
“Is that bacon?”
I nodded. “I’ll go investigate.” I left him in the bedroom and headed out to the kitchen where my brother was standing in front of the stove.
“Morning, sis.”
“Paul?” I didn't know where he found bacon to make.
“I went to Nielsen’s for you this morning. I don’t know what all was on your grocery list, but I picked up a few things to at least get you through the next few days.”
I pointed at the whiteboard that hung on our pantry door. “That’s the list. Did you get anything on it?”
He turned around and glanced at it. “I got most of it. I couldn’t read the items at the bottom very well. And I also picked up some almond butter for you and some blueberry preserves. That makes the best pb&j sandwiches. It’s another lunch your vegetarian can eat.”
I was a little too stunned to respond. Paul had spent so much time either ignoring me or burning bridges. When did he become so thoughtful? “Thank you.”
“As I said yesterday, I’d like to make up for making life so much harder for you. You deserved a better brother. It’s never too late to be one, right?”
I laughed. “I guess not. You surprise me, Paul.”
“At least this time, it’s a good surprise.” He laughed, turning back to the stove. “I don’t think you appreciated the calls from police stations when I was arrested.”
He was right about that. There were two DUIs and a Destruction of Property. And then there was the call from San Francisco nine years ago. That was the unforgivable one. The idea that he had finally pulled his life together put a smile on my face.
“I can make you some dirty eggs like mom used to make.”
“Paul Michaels, I think you’re going to ruin your reputation as a bad boy.”
He sighed and turned to face me. “I’ve been trying to for the last five years.” He paused, turning back to the food. “Breakfast should be ready soon. Want to wake up everyone?”
I would have been surprised if the smell of bacon hadn’t already done that, but I agreed. Knowing Pablo was awake, I paused outside of Etta’s bedroom. I started to knock, but stopped when I heard voices inside.
“Are you seriously still thinking about it?” Rafe asked his sister.
“Well, yes. I want to, but I know you hate sitting there, waiting on me.”
He laughed. “But if Uncle Paul really stays, that gives me another option instead of watching you practice or sitting at The Elskede.”
Etta sighed. “Maybe. But if Uncle Paul changes his mind and leaves, like he usually does…”
“Then it’s my problem. I know you have Olympic aspirations. And you might be good enough to make it some day.”
I smiled to myself, hearing Rafe compliment his sister. I knew I had two good kids.
“2032. I’m going to go to college somewhere that has a gymnastics program and compete for four years. And then go professional after that. I’ll get on the national team and go to the 2032 games, wherever they are.”
He laughed. “That’s not how it works, you know. You’ll need to put college on hold. You should be shooting for the 2024 games. You’d be turning sixteen that year. If you wait for 2032, you’d be turning twenty-four. It’s not realistic.”
“It’s how I’m going to do it. I’ll bet you right now that I make it to the 2032 games.”
“I’m not taking that bet. Something tells me that you will always accomplish whatever you set your mind to.”
“Thank you, Rafe.”
“Even when you’re being stupid.”
Knowing it was time to end their conversation before it got ugly, I knocked on her bedroom door. “Etta?”
“Yes, mom?”
“Time to get up for breakfast.”
“Okay. I’ll be out in a minute. And I’ll wake up Rafe for you. So you don’t have to knock on his door.”
I smiled, knowing he was in her room with her. “Oh, okay. Thank you, Etta.” I headed for my bedroom where I found Pablo leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.
“Were you eavesdropping?” He shook his head at me.
“I was parenting. It’s not the same.”
He laughed. “I’m sure you that’s how you felt when you were the child.”
I shrugged. “That wasn’t exactly yesterday. I don’t remember.”
“The bacon?”
I told him about Paul’s trip to the grocery store for us. “He hasn’t mentioned how much the bill was, so I’m going to assume it’s his treat.”
“Maybe he will stay. It would be nice for us to have family in town.”
I shrugged. “Chef is family. And so is Avianna and Victor and Tania and Isabel and…”
“They are all like family, but your brother is family. Your relationship with him may not have been what you wanted it to be, but if he gives you the chance to have it now, you should take it.”
I’d have to think about it. “Come on, he’s just about got breakfast ready. And he said he’d make me dirty eggs like my mom used to make.”
Ten minutes later, we were all sitting down at the breakfast table. I ate my dirty eggs and they were just as good as my mom used to make. It put tears in my eyes as I thought of her again.
“I screwed them up, didn’t I?”
I shook my head. “No. They’re perfect. Just like mom used to make.”
Etta looked at me and then reached for my hand. “Tell me something about grandma.”
“She had strawberry blonde hair, just like you and me and your mom.” Paul offered. “And she was the most beautiful mom in the world.”
I nodded. “And she loved reading. And she loved listening to music. My mom and dad danced to At Last when they got married.”
“And that’s how I got my name, right? Etta James?”
I nodded. “Yes. That’s right.”
“When I get married, I want to dance to it.”
“When are you going to do that?” Rafe laughed. “If you’re going to the 2032 Olympics…”
She pulled her hand away from mine as she turned to her brother. “Well, obviously after that.”
“What’s this about the 2032 Olympics?” Pablo interrupted them.
Etta looked at her dad before turning to me. “I’ve decided I’d like to join the team. It starts off two nights a week, right?”
I nodded. “And as you increase levels, you’d add additional days.”
“So, I wouldn’t be at five days until I’m closer to elite, right?” I could see the excitement in her eyes.
“Right.”
“And if Uncle Paul really stays, maybe he could take me down to practice some nights so you wouldn’t have to.”
“I would love to be able to give your mom a night off, every once in a while.” He smiled at his niece.
If Uncle Paul really stays… The words seem to hang in the air again like another cartoon bubble. Etta looked at her uncle, filled with hope and realism.
The conversation over breakfast stayed on the topic of Etta’s plans for her future. She had them all mapped out. And she had already started researching schools with gymnastics programs, knowing they could drop their programs long before she’d be applying to them.
Rafe added his plans for his future near the end of breakfast - animal physical therapist. But he didn’t know what kind of degree or degrees would be required for it.
While Pablo and the kids cleaned up the breakfast dishes, I excused myself and headed for my bedroom. I unplugged my phone and looked up Kirk’s phone number.
Knowing it would be an awkward conversation, I tapped his number and waited to see if he had changed it.
“Hello?” It was Kirk’s voice.
“Kirk?”
“Felicia?”
“Yes, it’s me.”
“I never thought I’d hear from you again. How are you? Are you still in Solvang?”
I nodded. “Yes, I am. And I’m good, thanks for asking. How are you?”
“Good. It’s been kind of crazy lately. But I’ve got a new case I’m working on.”
I wondered if he expected me to ask him about it. Deciding he probably would not tell me about it, I decided not to. We made some idle chit-chat about the weather and he asked about my kids.
“I have an FBI-kind of question for you.” I forced myself to get the question out so I could end the conversation.
“Oh, really? Your husband get himself into some kind of trouble?”
“It’s not about Pablo.”
“Is he still your husband? Are you separated?”
I sighed, annoyed. “Yes, he’s still my husband. And no, we’re not separated.”
“Then why are you calling me Felicia?”
“I have a friend … I think the FBI might be trying to tear down her trees.”
He cleared his throat. “Really, Felicia? Are you kidding me? You’re calling me about trees?”
I knew the conversation would be awkward. And I felt stupid asking. “I’m just trying to figure out who is trying to tear down her trees.”
“Since when are you friends with Pearl Tarkey, Felicia? Seriously. What is wrong with you?”
I caught my breath when he asked me those questions. I had specifically not mentioned her name. And Kirk Graham knew exactly what I was talking about. Making a point to take a few deep breaths before responding, I tried to come up with the right words.
“Nothing is wrong with me, Kirk.”
“I guess I should ask what you’ve been doing in the years since you broke off our engagement. I wouldn’t take you for the type to start hanging out with criminals.”
“Her husband was the criminal. But I want to thank you for confirming my guess that it is the FBI who wants to tear down her trees. I guess I should ask you why? What do you have against the environment? Trees clean the air.”
“I’m tearing those trees down because I can. You should stay away from Pearl Tarkey.”
I laughed at him. “Kirk, don’t you remember you never could tell me what to do? And you telling me to stay away from her makes me want to make her my best friend.”
When I received no response, I realized I was hearing a dial tone. “Hello?” He’d hung up on me. I ended the call and dropped my phone on the bed.
I definitely knew who wanted to tear down her trees. And I didn’t have a way to stop them. Sighing, I moved to get dressed. It was time to tell Pearl Tarkey what I knew.
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