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* * * *
Charlie drove his classic 1939 hunter-green Ford pickup truck out of the garage and down the driveway. It was his prize possession and he only took it out for special occasions, car shows or summer Sunday drives. He slowly drove by the Cantrells’ place where he saw Tom finishing up talking to some man in a business suit.
Tom didn’t look too happy as the businessman entered the dark blue Lincoln town car.
Tom saw Charlie and waved him down.
“Hey, where are you going in this beauty? I love this truck of yours, Charlie,” Tom told him as he stood by the passenger side window.
“I’m headed to Casper’s.”
“All alone?”
“Not exactly.” Charlie looked away from Tom and toward the road.
“Oh…a date, huh? She must be someone special. Seeing how you’re all spiffed up, clean shaven”—Tom sniffed the air as he leaned into the window a little—“nice cologne, your fancy truck. This is great, Charlie. How about Trevor and Dante? They going, too?”
Charlie couldn’t help but smile at Old Man Cantrell. Others who didn’t know him well thought he was a mean old bastard. Charlie and his family knew better. He was the best friend and neighbor anyone could ever ask for and he was always willing to help or give a hand.
“Yeah, they’re coming along. She is very special. So who was that guy you were talking to? Someone else interested in your land?”
“Yeah, some business tycoon from Houston. He wants to build condominiums. If I’m going to sell this land, I want nice houses, developments for young people like you to start families, build up the community. Then maybe start some small businesses, a park, that kind of stuff.”
“You have some great ideas, Tom. Why not just get together with an architect and builder and come up with something on your own. It could be your project, perhaps a hamlet of Valley Stream called Cantrell.”
“You and your brothers have degrees in engineering and architectural design. Why don’t we all become partners and come up with something really great?”
“You don’t want to do that, Tom. You said the whole point of selling was to not have to worry about making plans, working with architects, builders, and dealing with the bureaucracy and politics of the town. Even if we work together, we’re going to have to do all that stuff. There’s a lot to consider.”
“I know, son, but it just seems that my land is grabbing the attention of the wrong types of buyers. You and your brothers, I would be willing to work with.” Tom looked away from Charlie and stuck his hands into his pockets. Instantly Charlie knew something was wrong.
“What’s wrong, Tom? Has someone been harassing you?”
“Nothing I can’t handle, son. I just don’t want anyone to get hurt and I feel that my hands are slowly being pulled behind my back. But no need for you to worry, you go have a good time with Lori,” he told him with a smile.
Charlie laughed, knowing it was probably obvious to everyone that he and his brothers were interested in Lori.
“Listen I’m here for you, Tom, so how about when I get back later or tomorrow morning you tell me about things and maybe Dante, Trevor, you, and I can come up with some plans. I feel change is coming and just maybe I might be ready to do something different.”
Charlie waved good-bye and Tom watched as he drove off in the classic truck.
* * * *
Lori was applying her lip gloss and looking at herself one more time in the mirror.
“You look beautiful, sis.” Maggie sat on the edge of her sister’s bed.
“Thanks, Maggie. What about my hair and this outfit?” Lori asked for the tenth time at least, and Maggie knew her sister really liked Dante, Trevor, and Charlie. They were perfect for her, and after Maggie interrogated Jasper about his cousins, Maggie felt they may be perfect for Lori. They were a lot more experienced than she was and Maggie hoped that the men would take things slow.
“I’ve told you a hundred times, Lori, you look great. The one-piece, sleeveless dress was the perfect outfit to wear. The black dress is so versatile. Plus it brings out your beautiful tan, and if the temperature drops, you have this nice light green sweater that brings out the green in your eyes. If they take you to a nice place for lunch, more than likely it will be air-conditioned. Just throw the sweater over your shoulders and tie it in the front like this.” Maggie showed her the different styles she could get from the sweater alone.
“Thanks, Maggie, I appreciate your help. Am I all ready?”
“You sure are and you smell fantastic, too. That jasmine body cologne smells wonderful on you. It’s not too much, just the slightest hint.”
“As long as they’re not allergic to jasmine. Oh man, maybe I should have just used some powder,” Lori said rather nervously.
“Lori, stop it, everything is perfect, now you stay up here and I’ll call you when Charlie comes. He should come to the door you know,” Maggie teased as she left the room. Lori was just as nervous about her parents sitting on the porch right now like bodyguards. She had no idea that Jasper was out there as well.
