Mon Sep 16 Lunch debriefing

Bobbie checked her phone. She had a text from Trixie that said she was still in town and she and Barb have an idea and wanted to meet her for coffee. Bobbie replied, “I have missed our lunches.” And went to gussy up.

Bobbie was first to arrive so she picked a nice table and got a glass of water to wait for her friends.

They bustled in after a few minutes and they greeted each other and Barb said, “What would you like Bobbie? It’s my treat. I want to thank you guys for my lovely party.”

“Barb, I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”

They settled in with their drinks and Trixie began. “Now that I have Russel coming on stream; I’ve carved out some time and have access to a place in Malta that is available for the last two weeks of October.”

“Since I just retired and since Jeremy is gone, I was thinking it would be so nice to have some warmer weather, see some new sights and have poolside drinks and a good visit. You guys have been so busy but now you both have serous helpers and it might be therapeutic for us to let down our hair.”

Bobbie was silent; she wasn’t sure she could leave the motel. They were getting bookings for more weddings. And Christmas was coming.

Trixie said, “I know things are ramping up with the motel but Will can handle things for you now. It’s a bit hard learning to accept help. It’s something I’m working on with Russ as well.”

“Will’s been great. He and Mark came up with an idea to move one of our big glass front fridges to fit into a corner of Spokes and fill it with things that you can have for dinner. Cold things like sandwiches and salad and things that you can heat up in a microwave. It has a freezer side too. We can freeze chili and baked beans that don’t sell at the market. It’s popular with guests and non-guests alike. Jane, our new dishwasher, who is of course Rose’s aunt is working out really well too. She gets along with everyone. I had a nice talk with her and she wants to be strong and self sufficient for Rose.”

Trixie sipped her water. “I wondered why Jane never really helped Rose when she was being abused by her father.”

“That’s a little harsh Trixie; she was so scared and so upset that she couldn’t. I don’t know when her substance abuse issues started. All I know that she was glad to have Rose stay with her. I think it was good for both of them and Jane said she was relieved when Rose started university that it was like a weight lifted. She promised her late sister that she’s would look after Rose no matter what. She felt like a failure for so long. Now Rose is in university and might be interested in being a doctor. Jane is too proud. With so much going on; I might be able to come for a part of the time but I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t leave the motel.”

Barb was about to protest when Trixie tapped her leg under the table. “Part of the time is a good too Bobbie. Barb and I will book flights and you can book yours when you decide which days work for you.” Trixie knew Bobbie would come around to the idea if she was not pressured.

“Oh, alright I’ll come for the whole trip. It’s getting a little last minute. Book my flight too, I’ll just have to tell everyone. I can probably leave Fossie with Johnny. What about Greg? Come to think about it; what about Harry and Townes? Will we be inviting them?”

“I don’t think Harry is enough of a thing.”

“He was dying to connect at your party. You were certainly the belle of the ball. I want it to be just us. Greg would come but he’d want to do guy stuff and we don’t need that.”

“Maybe we can invite all those guys for a weekend away as a big group? We could go to my grandmother’s place. Mom won’t mind. I can take some photos for her. She’s been thinking of doing some renovations.”

“What can the guys do there?”

“There’s lots going on there. There is a long private beach for romantic walks and campfires. There is a farmer’s market on the weekends. There is a golf course within 15 minutes and a pub that has live local music. There’s also a boat and maybe we can test out our water skiing muscles.”

“I haven’t water skied in years. Why did we never go down there before?”

“Gramma moved out in the late 1990’s and left the care of the place to a caretaker. They say she was heart broken.”

“Was that when your grampa died?”

“No, he died right after we graduated high school. I stayed with them for almost a year when I was 15 and having trouble at school. Grampa was retired by then and we’d go sailing but I could see him slipping away; he had early onset dementia. Gramma moved away when her housekeeper and partner passed away. It was like I had 2 grammas if you know what I mean.”

“Your Gramma had a girlfriend?”

“Don’t be so surprised Trixie. You came down to visit back then and as you were leaving you told me you thought Gramma and Mary were a thing. I loved them both but they were certainly not “Out”.”

“I remember now.”

“They’re gone and so is the caretaker who stayed there when Gramma moved into the retirement apartment. Mom’s Uncles used to stay there with their families and they’re all gone too. When Gramma passed, Mom bought the place for a good deal because no one wanted it or could pay for the upkeep.”

“I remember when your mom bought it. She and your dad used to go there in the summers.”

“I took the kids there when they were young but we haven’t been since the caretaker died.”

Trixie clutched her throat in mock horror. “You mean we’d have no staff?”

“Ha ha. I think we can manage. There is a grocery store down there too.”

“Trixie, you can ask Greg. Barb, you can ask Harry and I’ll ask Townes and if he’s busy I’ll bring Johnny.”

“You tell Townes that, I’m sure he’ll come.”

“Do you think Townes is jelly of Johnny?”

“I think all the guys are Jelly of Johnny.”

“Johnny’s like the stand in boyfriend for all of us though. It’s weird when Johnny has a girlfriend.”

“Poor Johnny, that’s got to be worse than the friend zone.”

“Don’t worry about Johnny. I think he has a robust private life.”

“So anyway, Joan was happy with the setup in the kitchen for the retirement party. She’s planning to cater her niece’s wedding and we’re already getting more reservations for weddings on the website. I wish I had a bigger motel with more rooms.”

“If your rooms are filled, that’s a good thing Bobbie.”

“I know. I really can’t complain. Thank for lunch Barb. Do you think you can come back for the weekend Trixie?”

“I might send Greg as a place holder and join you on Saturday.”

“I’ll ask Johnny no matter what, he’d hate to miss a campfire on the beach.”

“We’ll talk soon. I’ll ask Harry but I’m sure he’ll be busy. Where am I going to get a bathing suit that fits. I love the beach in September.”