Thursday Aug 15 Trixie visits

Trixie arrived in Crow Harbour last night. She called to say she’d be over around noon today so Bobbie was trying to decide what to make for lunch. It was raining and Bobbie hoped the rain would stop for the market on Saturday. She was planning to play a couple songs with Johnny, if the weather co-operated. The internet fuss was manageable and Johnny wasn’t singing with Rick anymore. Rick was gone.

Her phone dinged and it was Trixie saying she was running a little late. Bobbie shook her head and walked over to the fridge and made her favourite layered dip. That was one of Trixie’s favourites too. She put that in the fridge and made sure she had iced tea and waited for Trixie.

Trixie arrived around 1. “Hi Bobbie, I feel like I’ve been away for ever. I brought my jammies I’m allowed to sleep over.”

“Yay, I’ll keep you to myself this afternoon but I’ll text Johnny and Barb and Greg, if you want and get some Thai food for supper. Bobbie poured some iced tea and they went into the living room and put some music on. She brought the corn chips and the dip on the side table between them.

“So, what’s the story with Eddie and Jenny. I thought they were happy as clams. I always worried about Charlie and June more. June seemed to be a little morose for Charlie’s light hearted nature.

“Still waters run deep. Charlie and June support each other and June still lights up when Charlie talks to her. Eddie was being a lout to Jenny all the time. He says he doesn’t want to be married anymore. I don’t know if it’s his moodiness from losing his dad and Grandfather, genuine low-grade depression or if he really doesn’t want to stay married. He’s staying here this week, while Jenny finds an apartment so you’ll see him at dinner”

“It’s probably a combination of those things Bobbie. I think you have to take him at his word. So, what about this guy, Mac that started all the trouble?”

“I don’t like saying Mac started it all; he was just a guy that was a lot nicer to Jenny than her husband. I think he did want to Jump her bones though.”

“You like him!”

“Don’t say that like I’m being disloyal to Eddie. Eddie likes him too.”

“You bunch of freaks.”

“Maybe I should invite Jenny and Mac for dinner tonight.”

“You wouldn’t!”

Bobbie laughed. “No, I wouldn’t.”

 “Let’s talk about something else. Where’s your cat?”

“Here Fossie-pants here kitty kitty.”

They chatted and Bobbie showed her cat tricks and when Fossie was tuckered out, he jumped up on Trixie’s lap.

“Maybe we can start sipping something a little more interesting than iced tea.” Said Bobbie heading over to the kitchen and washing her hands. She got a pitcher of white sangria and some large wine glasses. They snacked on the corn chips and dip and sipped sangria.

“OMG, I forgot to ask you about Brose’s visit.”

“It was weird. I think he was trying to patch things up or something. I’m just not interested in a long serous relationship with him. It would take so long for me to trust him again and truthfully, he kind of creeps me out now.”

“The rumour mill in Cap City says he is in political trouble. I think he might actually step down. He told me that someone was gunning for him and they were threatening pull you and the motel incident into it so I advised him to step aside quietly. I think he’ll be gone as soon as next week and be on a plane back to France and his “Mother’s” Company as soon as he can.”

“Oh, he’ll land on his feet and be sipping wine on the shores of the Mediterranean.”

“Bobbie, you sound like you’d like to be there with him.”

“I’d like to be sipping wine on the shores of the Mediterranean; just not with him.”

How are things with you anyway? Is your apartment almost finished? Do you still have meetings with Kathy about the business?”

“Well Kathrine’s health is deteriorating quickly and she doesn’t have much interest in the company any more. Lester says she probably doesn’t have much time left.”

“Oh no, I should try to get up for one last visit. I’m not sure why but I’m going to miss her.”

“I know, we’ve only known her a short time but she is a such a dynamic presence. Imagine her when she was at full health. Managing the company is a little better. I’ve worked with the lawyers and the federal department of resources and we’ve cut a bit of deadwood and we’ve managed to put changes in motion. Frank has gotten you out of ‘big oil’ investments. We’re going to be able to support some greener energy companies. Greg and I haven’t been spending much time together. I think Greg is disappointed I’m so busy. When we met, I was starting to wind down my career and he was too. His nephew, Lacey’s brother, Arthur is starting to handle more of Greg’s business and Greg is just happy that Art is really interested. I don’t really have a person waiting in the wings for me to assume any responsibility.

“Oh Trixie, we’ve got to find you someone to work with. Is there nobody in the whole company that you get along with and trust to be your number 2?

“Well look at the time. We should get ready for our guests.”

“OK, we can talk about this later.”

Greg and Barb arrived and Johnny arrived with the artistic renderings of his homestead with his new pool.

“Hey look at this Bobbie. I talked to Rocco and we’re going to put the footings in for a big deck off the second-floor kitchen space. It will provide the roof for a screened in porch beside the pool.”

“I can’t wait for your housewarming party Johnny. The drawing looks great. When are you getting started?” Greg handed him a glass of wine.

“I’m getting the holes dug this weekend and getting my pool installed on Tuesday.

“I’ve arranged to get my foundations poured on Thursday and Rocco has agreed to bring his plumber to help on Wednesday and the three of us will get the septic tank and plumbing pipes and vents all laid before the concrete comes in.”

They sat down with their meal and Bobbie looked at Barb. “So, have you settled on the date for your retirement party? I assume we are having it here and Joan has offered to cater it.”

“I really don’t want that much fuss Bobbie; I can’t imagine needing catering.”

“Nonsense Sweetie, I will help with all the planning and Greg and I will be there with bells on.”

“Oh, thanks Trixie. I just can’t shake this feeling of being overwhelmed with it all since Jeremy’s death.

“I know how that feels Barb. It comes and goes, doesn’t it?”

“With what you built here Bobbie, you wouldn’t know it.”

“Thanks Barb. I’ve had so much help from you and Trixie. I’ve been lucky to hire some great people too. I have to start figuring out how I’m going to live, manage the motel and enjoy my family.”

“That’s good because your family needs your support now. I’m so sorry your having marriage problems Eddie; you have such a lovely family.”

“Thanks Trixie, I just want to keep it civil between me and Jenny And her new boyfriend.”

“I have to meet this guy that, for some reason, we don’t seem to hate.”

At the end of the evening Barb hugged Trixie “So Trixie, I settled on a date for my retirement party; September 14. It’s a Saturday.”

After everyone left and Eddie retired to his room, Trixie and Bobbie went into her Living room with a final nightcap. “I think Barb is losing some weight.”

“We’ve been walking more and maybe she’s just in a better place now that Jeremy’s illness isn’t hanging over her head. She told me that since she retired, her focus is on her own health.”

“That’s good. I didn’t want her to feel self conscious or that I’m judging but I think she looks great. Good for her.”

“So, Trixie, what do you think about that Townes Carson guy anyway.”

“I like him. There is an exception in the Board’s rules that I can review the second generation inherited seats and I gave a buy out to most of them. Townes seems quite keen on out move away from oil so he’s still on the board but I can’t see him with you. He’s a bit of a jet setter and has a reputation for dating celebrities and influencer types. He’s been interviewed about that picture of you and him, where I was edited out and he’s not denying your connection. I think he’s just milking it for the attention.”

“No one has talked to me but I haven’t made myself too available these days.”

“That’s probably best.”

“Hmm, I ask because he’s actually made a two-week reservation for later in the month”

“He’s coming here?”

“Yes, I think he likes white river rafting.”