A Summer of Discovery

Chapter Twenty

The drive to Pops house from the airport was a long one. The roads felt longer and the minutes like hours passing slowly as the sun started to set. The orange hue in the sky was a beautiful back drop to the red in the fall leaves. Passing Pops garage was always the moment my heart took the elevator to my throat. I felt my pulse quicken and my cheeks rosy. I swung off of Main Street and onto our street, Pops was at the curb with his head under the bonnet of his truck. He lifted his head in time to see my black convertible pull up behind him, he lifted the cap from his head and wiped his brow. His sandy hair fell out as he swiped it back with his large hands and threw down his tools.

"June bug" He called rounding the vehicle to open my door. I smiled and took off my aviators. His arms pulled me out and swept me up. I was so small in his arms. He let me go momentarily only to look at me again before pulling me back for more.

"Pops I can't breathe" I said as his arms began to loosen.

"Sorry Emery but you don't visit enough for me to get bored of ya" He said wiping his eyes.

"I know sorry" I replied reaching back to get my purse. Pops arm linked with mine as he walked me over the yard towards the house.

"Jane has been so busy with this party she's in her element" he chuckled deeply.

"Well that's why I'm here... I'm here to take the stress away and get the last chores done and preparations for the weekend" I responded.

"June bug you will get nowhere near those plans she's a drill sergeant she's got it all done. There aint a napkin or balloon left between Fairview and Mayhew she's got it all" He said with a gravely chuckle. Jane appeared in the doorway apron in hand, her blond bob had a new friend in bangs which hung loosely around her cheeks. "Emery" She squealed before pulling the screen door back. Her arms wrapped around me as Pops pushed past us into the kitchen.

"Can I have one of these bread rolls" He asked behind us. Jane gave me a pat on the shoulder, smiled and called after him "Not yet wait for us" before heading after him. I pulled the screen shut behind me and looked around the lounge. Most traces of the girls were gone apart from a small hamper of toys placed neatly by the couch. Tegan's Barbie looked out at me. I felt myself sigh.

"Strange isn't it" Jane said coming up beside me and handing me a lemonade.

"Yeah it's odd not seeing them here" I responded as I followed Jane to the table. She had set out a dinner of meat loaf, potatoes and vegetables with gravy. I was starving from the journey. I sat beside Pops who was head of the table, he handed me a bowl of potatoes and I spooned a large amount onto my plate.

"So do you know if Lilly and the girls are coming for the party yet? Lucy and I never received her rsvp" I asked as I placed down the potatoes and forked a piece of meatloaf into my mouth.

Jane handed me the vegetables. I took some green beans and placed them beside my potatoes. The whole thing was mouth-watering. I had missed homemade southern food.

"She can't make it Emery. I tried to tell her to come but she said she had a huge paper due and work wouldn't let her off. But the kids are coming" She said with a smile. I dropped my fork accidentally. It made a huge clang as it hit the plate. Both Pops and Jane sat open mouthed. "You okay kiddo" Pops asked. I shook my head before apologizing and lifted the green beans to my mouth.

"I'm sorry you're disappointed aren't you" Jane said apologetically.

"No... No I'm good." I responded. "But I would like to perhaps visit with her before the weekend. Could I have her address" I asked.

"No Emery stay here and join Jane party planning. Jane would love that wouldn't you honey. You can see Lilly another time when she's not so busy" Pops said as he took a swig of his beer.