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We’d played here from my earliest memories and gone tearing in and out with no thought to its historic grandeur. It was simply Nana’s house. I was able to appreciate it now. The smell of beeswax, the occasional creaking board or stair, the heavy crown molding. The gorgeous chandeliers. Our history in the place. One day, I planned to go up into the attic and look through some of the old photos and things.
The smell of a well-cooked pot of dumplings hit me as I got closer to the kitchen. Nana’s kitchen had a tall, swinging door and a wall of windows where the round breakfast table that comfortably sat eight resided. The room had been renovated in the past decade to include an enormous six-burner gas range with a griddle and a built-in refrigerator. A charming hub of the home with blue accents, it’s where we all gathered most of the time.
“Your sister and Karen will be here shortly.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize they were coming.” I sat at the long counter-height bar where I could visit with Nana as she set up the food for serving. “Can I help with something?”
“I’m already done with it, but you can tell me what’s happening with Tanner and your new job opportunity.” Nana knew about Tanner’s defection only because she’d been present a time or two when it had been discussed around her dinner table.
I wanted to tell her everything, but at this point there were so many unknowns, and I didn’t want to break Tanner’s trust. “He showed me the new office space. And we shook on my working with him.” Nana was aware of the situation between Carson and Tanner. She and Carson had a long and contemptuous history because of Momma and how he’d bullied her to keep quiet about her pregnancy with Allison years ago.
“When do you start working together officially?” Nana asked as she started to pick up the large, bubbling pot.
“Here, let me do that.” I hopped up from my seat to carry the huge Dutch oven filled with hot food from the stove and placed it on the iron trivet set out for serving. Nana was perfectly capable, I knew, but so was I.
“We haven’t set a date yet. I’m guessing it’ll be sometime next week. He’s working on getting all the permits finalized through city hall.” These were details that didn’t disclose too much personal information.
“Fingers crossed things go smoothly. I realize there are concerns with his daddy causing some trouble.” Nana cast a worried frown at me.
“I do wonder how a man gets so powerful that so many people are worried about crossing him,” I mused.
“I guess if you can’t be liked, be feared.” Nana’s wisdom was legend.
“Doesn’t he care that everyone hates and fears him?”
“No, he doesn’t. Being liked is less important than everyone showing him unearned respect.”
“Is he—violent?”Thatmattered to me.
Nana paused in tossing the salad. “Nobody has ever said that out loud, but really, who knows? I don’t want you to be anywhere nearby if he was ever tested.”
“Don’t worry. I have no intention of getting close to the man.”
Nana pulled the corn bread from the oven and placed it on the stovetop. “If Carson wants to insert himself, he will, so be aware.”
The heavy front door slammed, and we heard female voices. I quickly whispered to Nana. “I’d rather not discuss this around Momma since Tanner is keeping it under wraps except with the family. And Momma hates Carson.”
Nana nodded and smiled a greeting to my sister and mother as they entered the kitchen. She was like a vault. Information went in and didn’t come out without permission. I trusted the older woman above all people in my life.
“That smells amazing.” Leah plopped down on the barstool beside me.
Momma entered a little more sedately, a trifle bowl filled with something mint green in her grasp. “I’ve brought a Jell-O salad for dessert.”
I tried not to groan. Momma had a thing about Jell-O salad. I did too, but it wasn’t a good thing. I liked green Jell-O, marshmallows, cream cheese, pineapple, cherries, Cool Whip, and 7UP. Just not all mixed up together. I knew how to make one too. We all did. It was a Southern staple. I didn’t think a funeral could be had without one.
“Sounds good, Momma.” I pretended to stick my finger down my throat and gag when Momma turned her back and placed the green goo into the fridge. I could tell Nana tried not to laugh. Leah punched me in the arm. She loved Momma’s Jell-O salad.
“Dinner’s all ready now. We’ll serve from the bar and bring it to the table.”
Once we were all happily eating, Momma made an announcement. “Your father has moved back into our bedroom.”
We all turned to look her way in response.
Leah choked and I slapped her hard on the back. “Ow.”
I grinned. “You’re welcome. I didn’t want you to die.” She narrowed her eyes at me.
“So, darling, this is good news, yes?” Nana replied first.
