Texas Dad. Roz Fox Denny

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СКАЧАТЬ He was surprised at the old sense of loss that arose, given how many years had passed. “Zoey and I are lucky Erma landed at the ranch equipped to mother us,” he told Brandy.

      Erma stirred. “It was me who got lucky, y’all. You may remember, Mackenzie, but I was engaged to be married. My fiancé, Johnny, went MIA in Vietnam. It was right near the end of that awful war. I didn’t have any real skills. Johnny’s family and mine were both dirt poor. I attempted a series of odd jobs but couldn’t live on what I got paid. Back then there weren’t many good jobs available to rural farm kids. But I couldn’t bear to leave La Mesa in case the army found Johnny. Since I wasn’t his wife, they wouldn’t have tracked me down. Seems like yesterday, but it’s been forty years.” She passed a trembling, wrinkled hand over her eyes. “Shoot, it’s gotta be that danged shot making me lonesome. You kids don’t need to hear an old lady ramble on.”

      Mack squeezed Erma’s arm. “I’ve heard they’re still finding dog tags over there.”

      They drove in silence for a little while. “What’s MIA?” Zoey finally asked as Mack angled into a parking spot outside a chain pharmacy a ways out of town on Lubbock Highway.

      “The letters stand for missing in action, Zoey,” Mack said, preparing to climb out. “I’m going in to fill Erma’s prescription and see if they have any wheelchairs— I’m hoping this pharmacy carries medical equipment.”

      “What about the wheelchair you put in back?” Zoey jerked a thumb behind her.

      “It’s on loan from the E.R. We can’t keep it for the four to six weeks the doctor said Erma needs to stay off that leg.”

      “That long?” Zoey gasped. “Who’ll take care of us?”

      Mack reached back to tap her nose. “Aren’t you ready to be our chief cook and bottle washer?”

      Her eyes went wide.

      “I’m teasing,” he said. “I talked to Benny earlier. He has a cousin who may be able to help us out. Everyone keep your fingers crossed.”

      “I will,” Erma said as Mack’s door slammed. Silence filled the cab for a time, and it was plain to see from the way Erma’s head fell forward that she was nodding off. Then Brandy whispered to Zoey, “How old do you suppose Benny’s cousin is?”

      Zoey shrugged. She kept her voice down, and said, “Benny’s seventy-two. I know because Erma baked him a cake for his birthday last month. There wasn’t room on the cake for so many candles, so Dad bought two in the shape of a seven and a two. Why?”

      “Duh, our plan to find your dad someone to date.”

      “Yeah, but maybe I should forget trying to find a new mom. I forgot how young my dad was when his mom died, and he turned out okay. Erma took care of him. Maybe I’m being selfish. Am I, Brandy?”

      “I don’t know, since I’ve got a mom, a dad and all my grandparents. And from what you say about your grandparents, you don’t talk to them, either.”

      “They’re so preachy! If I had to live with them like they wanted, I’d never mention getting my ears pierced or learning to wear makeup. They think TV and cell phones are sinful. I’m lucky Daddy’s lawyer fixed it so I only have to see them once or twice a year. And my dad goes with me.” She shuddered.

      The back gate of the pickup squeaked open. Peering out the rear window, the girls saw Mack slide a big box in beside the wheelchair. Then he slammed the tailgate shut and got into the cab with sufficient noise to jolt Erma awake.

      “Are we home?” she asked groggily.

      “No, sorry. I didn’t realize you were sleeping, Erma. Here’s your pain medication.” She didn’t reach out for the paper bag, so he asked, “Are you okay?”

      “I think I need to lie down. I can’t seem to keep my eyes open.”

      “We’ll be home soon. Well, in fifteen minutes or so, after we drop Brandy off.”

      “Can she come home with us? I thought J.J. might take our pictures. For fun.”

      Mack ground the key in the ignition. “Jill will be long gone by the time we get home, Zoey. Plus I told Mrs. Evers hours ago that I’d collect you girls from the library.” He passed his cell phone back. “Call your mom and apologize for how late we are, Brandy. Explain that the E.R. was superbusy.”

      Brandy took the phone. “I’m probably going to get my own cell for my birthday,” she said, sweeping her long hair back behind one ear as she waited for the number she’d punched in to connect. “Wait, I have to try again. I wish we had better cell service.”

      They were on the road by the time she got through and relayed Mack’s message, then passed back his phone. “Mom said thanks. She was picking tomatoes and lost track of time, anyway.”

      “Dad, can I get a phone for my thirteenth birthday? Some kids already have them.”

      “At twelve?”

      “Yes, and if I had one you wouldn’t have needed to bother Brandy’s mom to find out we were at the library. You could have called me.”

      “That, young lady, is something you should have settled with me before you left the house. Responsibility doesn’t start with owning a phone.”

      “Oh, brother,” Zoey drawled, flopping against her seat back.

      Mack pulled slowly down the Everses’ lane. He beeped his horn at Amanda Evers, who was in her produce stand talking with a customer. “Erma, those tomatoes look great. Want me to send Zoey to buy some?”

      Erma, who was dozing again, gave a start. She grabbed her hip and grimaced. “Darn, I’m afraid that pain shot is wearing off. Sorry, Mack, what about tomatoes? I, uh, thawed hamburger to make meat loaf. I sure hope I can stand long enough to fix supper.”

      Mack chewed his lip. “The doctor said to take two of those pills when you get home, and he wants you off your feet. The kitchen counter is too high for you to work from a wheelchair, even if you were in any shape to make supper tonight. Zoey and I can figure it out after I haul water to the herd.” Turning in his seat, he said, “Zoey, run and see if Brandy’s mom has some lettuce and sweet onion to go with those tomatoes so we can have a good salad. I hope Benny’s cousin can come ASAP.” Digging in his pocket, Mack handed Zoey a twenty-dollar bill.

      She crawled out and ran to the stand with Brandy.

      Amanda Evers listened to the girls natter on about Erma’s accident as she bagged produce, took Zoey’s money and gave her change. “Honey, tell your dad to call me if he needs meals until he hires help. I’ll round up neighbors to bring casseroles you can pop in the oven. Or better yet, tell your dad Trudy Thorne can come and stay at your place. She stopped by a while ago and mentioned Erma’s fall. She wanted Mack to know she’d be happy to pinch-hit until Erma’s up and around.”

      The girls traded a dark expression that Brandy’s mom intercepted. “Girls, be nice. I realize some people think Trudy is pushy, but she probably has a lot to offer you and your dad, Zoey. Brandy tells me you’re feeling the loss of your mother a lot lately. And the teen years can be rough. Trudy spent her teens here in La Mesa.”

      “Yes’m,” СКАЧАТЬ