“Yep,” I say.
“No washing machine in the cabin, is there?” He frowns. “And no dryer. No A/C?”
“It is quite bare necessities,” I tell him.
“Hmmm.”
Waldo goes over to the clothes line and fixes it back to the tree. “Get a trash-bag, I’ll take ‘em. Going to the cleaners anyway.”
“I can’t ask you to do my sheets.”
“Just dropping off. You don’t think I'd actually wash a bunch of rock star skivvies myself do you?”
“In that case, thank you.” As we are loading up the car, Waldo clears his throat and says quietly, “Call me if you need any help. Or if you are worried about something… or someone.”
My eyes fill up. “Thank you.”
He sketches me a salute and then leaves, whisking my
bedsheets off with him.
I look at my watch. It’s midday now, so I’ve time to shower and change.
There were two bedrooms in the cabin. One has a pair of bunk beds, and one a small double bed. I’m using the room with the double bed. Aunt Sheila said it had been years since she and Patsy had last been there, but the room is still filled with their books, bags and scarves.
My tiny collection of clothing only takes up three drawers of the dresser. I look at my clothing choices now. Jeans, jean shorts, yoga pants, tee shirts.
Hmmm.
My one sundress now has a stain on it that is impossible to get out.
I have the sexy black clothes from Lennox, but I can’t wear those to a lunch date.
Jean shorts and a tee shirt then. I pull them on and stand in front of the tarnished mirror. I’m not feeling it.
Maybe the aunt’s have something to jazz the whole outfit up?
I go over to the closet. I haven’t poked around in there, it’s full of clothes in storage bags and old suitcases. Crossing my fingers I pull out the bags and unzip them on the bed.
Holy moly.
A treasure trove! Inside are clothes that look perfect for a 1970’s Caribbean cruise. Or maybe a stay at The White Lotus. Kaftans of pink and red clashing colors. A sea-green sleeveless pantsuit. A bright orange babydoll dress, and all kinds of bell-bottom pants. I run my fingers over the crepe, polyester, silk, and chiffon.
Wow! They’d been fashionistas, who knew?
I shower, then spend the next hour playing dress-up.
By 12.30pm I’ve chosen a white silk dress. It has little cap sleeves and the empire-line dress lands just above my knees. Creamy white flowers are appliqued all over the top, and the skirt of the dress moves like a waterfall of silk.
Yes, I know it is totally over the top for a lunch date, but I’m going to wear it just the same. Being out of thrift-store tee-shirts is heavenly. I look at the kitchen clock, I should get going.
It only takes ten minutes to walk over to the ranch. The boys must have been looking out for me, because Lennox comes bounding down the steps like an over excited puppy.
“Harmony, my baby.” He takes me in his arms and swings me around and around. “I do like you in white, makes you look like a bride!”
“Ahem,” says Asa, coming down the steps. “My turn.”
He instantly swoops me up in his arms and jogs up the steps to the front door.
