Not A Good Reason (Alexandria Whitney Mystery) Page 14

  Alex walked into the kitchen and started to make the coffee when Oliver appeared.

  “Good morning, Alex. Is Sam up too?” Oliver looked towards the bedroom.

  “Not yet, Oliver. Good morning to you too. She’ll be up in another couple of hours. What’s up?” Alex knew something was if Oliver was asking after Sam.

  “Oh, I just had something I wanted to show you both. But it can wait until she gets up.” Oliver turned and disappeared.

  “Okay, nice talking to you too.” Alex shook her head and finished making the coffee.

  She thought he must have something amazing to show them and didn’t want to do it twice. Which was understandable, but now Alex wondered what it could be. What could he move or lift that would be as awesome as the spoon trick and slamming the truck door.

  While the coffeemaker finished doing its thing, Alex stared out the window and thought about taking a walk. She could take her coffee with her and take a walk in TJ’s direction. It was a couple of miles and would give her something to do. She had plenty of time to kill and leaving a note would let Sam know to call her if she wasn’t back when she was got up. The morning air had quite a nip to it and it might be cold enough for snow if Mother Nature wanted to let it fly. Alex had never taken a walk on this road. In fact, since she moved into her new place she never really had the time. It was really beautiful with all the greenery and fresh smell of dew. Her thermal cup was keeping her coffee hot, but not her hands and she wished she’d brought her heavier gloves. The only sound was made by her boots on the loose gravel until her phone vibrated. It was a text message from TJ.

  ‘Hope this doesn’t wake you. I’m ready to be your driver whenever you’re ready.’

  Alex set her coffee down on the ground and pulled off her gloves to reply. ‘I’m walking towards your place as I type. Is it to early to go now?’ This was great, but what time did the hardware store open on Saturday?

  ‘Not at all. By the time we get into town the hardware store should be open. I’m on my way to pick you up.’ Alex was thrilled and sent a quick ‘Excellent’ before putting her gloves back on. She could stop back by the house and revise her note. There was a slim chance that Sam was awake, but it was a paper thin chance.

  The sound of TJ’s truck could be heard before she came into view and Alex was happy to see TJ smiling. Hopefully her pain was lessening with every day that passed. “Hey. What has you up at this hour?” TJ figured she wouldn’t see Alex until early afternoon.

  “I went to bed right after you left and woke up like it was a work day. So I got up and decided to take a walk and here I am.” Alex set her coffee mug on the dash while she put on her seat belt.

  “The hardware store opens at 6 during the week and 7 on weekends. We should be getting there just as they open the doors.” TJ waited for Alex to get buckled in and her coffee back in hand.

  “Perfect. Can we stop by my place so I can get my wallet and leave Sam a note?” Alex had a charge account at the store, but maybe they needed to stop for another cup of coffee.

  “No problem.” TJ wondered if this could turn into an all day thing. She’d already been invited over to break in the new grill and since they were out at such an early hour who knew what the rest of the day had in store?

  Alex found Sam still sound asleep and it was apparent she hadn’t moved since she got up. She revised her note to include her whereabouts and that she may need to reheat the coffee if the machine shut itself off. She’d be back in a few hours and to call her for an update.

  The conversation on the way was light and kidding. Each woman giving the other a hard time about one thing or another. TJ kidded Alex about her spouse being eight years younger, but still asleep on this beautiful morning. Alex told TJ to watch what she said or she’d end up with a girlfriend just like Sam and the two of them would have to entertain themselves while their lovers slept all day. TJ would settle for that, Alex was great company and Sam was a true friend. She’d be happy and consider herself lucky.

  “Do you believe in fate?” TJ had been thinking on the subject while not being able to sleep much since the breakup.

  “Yes. Why do you ask?” Alex wondered where this was going.

  “Well, if you hadn’t known Cyn, then I wouldn’t have met you and Sam. So maybe it was fate to meet you and Sam, but not for Cyn and I to be a couple.” TJ had really analyzed this scenario.

  “Hmmm, you could be right. If I hadn’t gotten hurt Cyn wouldn’t have met Dr. Adrienne and you two would still be together. So you could be right. Maybe you and Cyn were not fated in the stars.” Alex was hoping this line of thought could help TJ get over Cyn.

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought. We were okay together, I liked her a lot. But I wasn’t gaga can’t help myself in love with her.” TJ gave Alex a quick glance. “And when I thought about why I was so upset about losing her it took me a while to figure out that it wasn’t her I’d miss, but you and Sam. I guess I thought she’d win you guys in the divorce. Sort of.”

  “No chance of losing us in the divorce. We love you too. In fact, Cyn has deserted us for the new girlfriend. Which I can understand because it’s happened to me so many times before.” Alex could recall every time.

  “What do you mean deserted?” TJ didn’t have any lesbian friends to speak of so this was all new to her.

  “Well you meet someone and you really hit it off. Not someone you’re attracted to as a lover, but someone who’s fun to hang with. You become best buddies do everything together, you’re there for them. You get them through the breakups and provide a shoulder for them to cry on. But then one day you finally meet the real person. They decide to get back with someone who ripped their heart out on more than one occasion and because they know you know the whole story they lie about getting back with this person. When they finally tell you they’re back seeing this person, you somehow have been demoted from BFF to just a friend. Now if you need her to be there for you, you’d better think again. Of course, this is only until she gets dumped again and then you’re supposed to be there for her. It’s one of those lessons the universe likes to throw at you more than once.” Alex had been burned several times with this scenario.

  “Wow, I guess I’m lucky it’s never happened. That is not yet.” TJ was glad Alex was so giving of her life lessons. Hopefully she could learn from Alex’s mistakes.

  “Well you’re probably a lot more savvy than me. I seem to have sucker stamped on my forehead about things like this.” Alex gave a small smile and shrugged her shoulders.

  “It’s not you. You’re just too nice and trusting. People can see that and take advantage. I’m just glad you haven’t let it turn you into one of them. All selfish and controlling.” TJ was sorry this conversation was going to be cut short as they were almost to the hardware store.

  “Well that is part of it. But there are people who have no self-esteem and let the people in their life bully them. They’ve let other people steal their power and then expect you to be the one who lets it all slide. I got tired of being that person, so now once someone shows their true colors I walk away. I can’t help them get their power back. They need to get it back themselves. It’s like any of the 12 step programs like AA, NA or OA they need to be the one who looks for help.” Alex felt like TJ was just the person to avoid this trap.

  “I never thought of that. So what would this group be called?” TJ smiled at Alex figuring she had to have thought of one by now.

  “That would be Idiot’s Anonymous or if they do something really dumb like buy the bully in their life a car or house then they need to join Fucking Idiot’s Anonymous.” Alex thought this group needed a lot more help and even though she didn’t like cussing it seemed to fit.

  “Good one, I like that. Hi. I’m TJ and I’m a Fucking Idiot. I think you have something there. Well here we are.” TJ rolled into the closest parking space and was glad she wouldn’t have to join FIA.

  Carol was rolling out the cart with firewood stacked on it. She gave the
truck a quick look and was happy to see two customers she truly loved as friends.

  “Good morning ladies. What brings you out at this hour?” Carol walked down the steps and gave Alex a big hug.

  “We’re shopping for a gas grill. Having to wait for charcoal to get hot seems so inefficient time wise, don’t you think?” Alex walked with her arm through Carol’s as they entered the store.

  “Hey TJ, are you here to keep her from spending to much?” Carol wondered where Sam was and hoped everything was okay.

  “The girlfriend is still sleeping after a rough week at the academy. I’m the muscle, she’s the brains.” TJ didn’t want people thinking she was hitting on Alex.

  “I see. So how is Sam doing?” Carol led them to the side room that had all things stainless steel.

  “She loves it. Eating like a horse, and actually I should go to the store and buy more food while I’m in town.” Alex’s eyes locked on one unit – it was love at first sight.

  “That’s great. I see you found what you were looking for.” Carol knew that look.

  The stainless steel Charbroil grill beckoned to Alex to take it home. Carol read off the specs for the four burner grill with warming racks and side burner.

  “So I could hook this up to the propane for the house and I wouldn’t have to deal with refilling tanks?” Alex was in heaven.

  “Yes sirree. No hassling getting refills. You can cook on it all the time and never have to clean up greasy splatter in your kitchen.” Carol loved that part the best.

  “What do you think TJ, shall we get it?” Alex figured if she was going to be the chef she should have a say in its purchase.

  “It’s very nice. But we’ll have to get a tank for the time being. That is until you run a gas line to it.” TJ wanted to try it out today.

  “You’re right. Okay Carol you’ve got a sale and I need the name of a plumber to call on Monday.” Alex never needed to call one when she lived with Dez.

  “Well TJ here is as qualified as any plumber in town. Didn’t you know that about her?” Carol could see TJ blush.

  “Girlfriend are you keeping secrets from me?” Alex was learning more about TJ by the minute.

  “Yeah, well before I decided to make being a mechanic my full time profession I was an apprentice plumber. I just got tired of the emergency calls at 2 in the morning. You know frozen pipes and clogged drains. I like working 9-5 with weekends off.” TJ especially liked that part.

  “Excellent. Can I hire you to do the job or are you completely retired?” Alex hoped she’d let her pay her for her time.

  “I would love to do the job, but how about you pay for materials and feed me for my labor?” TJ had been feeling awkward about the free meals.

  “You’ve got yourself a deal. So can you pick up what you need here?” Alex didn’t want to be pushy, but hey the sooner the better.

  “Sure.” TJ started to walk away feeling a little pressured to get it done today.

  “Hey, we have spare tanks here we rent out all the time. Take one of those and TJ can do the job at her leisure.” Carol knew she wouldn’t want to spend her Saturday digging a trench.

  “That’s even better. We can do it as a team project. I mean I don’t even know where we should put it. So how will you know what to buy?” Alex could see a smile come over TJ’s face and wasn’t quite sure if she knew the meaning.

  “Great. I can at least pick up a few fittings I will need regardless of where you put it. That way I know they will fit.” TJ was in a better frame of mind now knowing she didn’t have to do this job today.

  While TJ shopped for her supplies Carol and Alex caught up on the latest news. Carol asked if Alex was still in need of a therapist. Alex was relieved to say that panic mode had past. Alex asked Carol if she could tell her what happened to Sheriff Taylor’s marriage, since she was his cousin?

  “John’s personality changed for quite a while. He’s very sensitive and didn’t take a lot of the cases well. He didn’t start his law enforcement career here. He wanted excitement and found it in the big city. It was after his divorce that he came here and became Sheriff. So if you’re worried about Sam and you, just try to help her stay grounded and remember Hastings is like Mayberry – not a lot of crime to deal with.” Carol could see the worry in Alex’s face and was glad to see it change with her response.

  “Thanks Carol. I appreciate it. Well it looks like TJ is ready to go, so let’s settle up.” Alex would write a check for it all knowing that Carol would give her a great deal.

  By the time they had the grill loaded in the truck and were ready to go, the thought of another cup of coffee was on Alex’s mind. No word from Sam as yet, which was all she needed to suggest they stop at the local coffee shop. Then they could head over to the market for more lunch stuff and a few more snacks for later. TJ was up for anything, since she had all day.

  Chapter 26

  It was after nine when Sam’s bladder woke her with an urgent need to be emptied. She tried to keep her eyes from opening completely as she shuffled to the bathroom. The house was totally quiet and the only sounds were being made by her. After taking care of business she headed back to bed, when she heard the back door open and the sound of giggling. Who was with Alex at this hour? Oliver?

  “I can’t believe that? Why do you think she’d say that?” Alex and TJ were back on why people do dumb things and expect everyone to let them get away with it.

  “Because who’s going to contradict her and look like a bitch?” TJ slid the bags onto the counter and closed the door.

  “I guess you’re right. Let me check and see if sleeping beauty is up yet.” Alex saw the note still in the middle of the table.

  Alex could hear the tank filling with water and knew Sam had been in the bathroom. But was she getting up or going back to sleep?

  “Good morning, Darlin. What have you been up too?” Sam was back in bed.

  “TJ and I went to the hardware store and I bought a new gas grill. Then we had coffee and hit the market for more lunch supplies. How are you feeling?” Alex sat on Sam’s side of the bed and stoked her cheek.

  “Still sore, but okay. You’ve been busy. Did you eat breakfast yet?” Sam was feeling a little left out.

  “Not yet. But we will be soon. Are you ready to get up? You don’t have too. I can keep your breakfast warm for later.” Alex was okay either way.

  “No, I’m ready to get up. I’ll be out by the time it’s ready.” Sam felt rather lazy still being in bed, especially since Alex and TJ had already been to town and back.

  “Okay. Bacon, eggs and pancakes sound good?” Alex figured that should fill her up.

  “Perfect. Is the coffee ready?” Sam wasn’t completely awake yet.

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll bring you a cup.” Alex leaned over and gave Sam a quick kiss, before leaving the room.

  Sam watched her leave and couldn’t help feel that something was different. Not a big thing, but something was off. Maybe this need for constant babying was getting old to Alex. She had been playing nursemaid for most of the week and now when she had time to spend with Alex she was sleeping. Thanks Ramon, I need a good kick in the pants every once in a while.

  TJ pitched in and started making the pancakes, while Alex began cooking the bacon. As a team they worked quite well and Big Sis and Little Sis put together quite a nice looking spread. When Sam walked in all showered and dressed, she found herself being served from both women.

  “Wow, you two have out done yourselves.” Sam had more food on her plate than even she thought her stomach could hold.

  “Well I don’t want you leaving this table still hungry.” Alex made a motion to Sam to start eating.

  Sam picked up her knife and started to butter her pancakes. After last night’s comment about being starved, Alex was going to make sure that Sam never said it again. The two cooks dished out smaller portions for themselves and continued their conversation from the ride home.

  “TJ and I were talking earlier abou
t relationships that are one sided. You know one person making all the decisions and the other all the compromising.” Alex knew Sam would have little to say on the subject.

  “Uh-huh. Anybody in particular you’re referring to?” Sam didn’t think it was her.

  “Oh, you know. Dez, Cyn, my mother. People like that.” Alex stared at her fork and then Sam.

  “Cyn was controlling?” Sam was shocked.

  “Not like Dez or my mother, but listening to TJ she had her moments.” Alex was shocked too.

  “It didn’t bother me in the beginning. I didn’t care what we did, but there were a few times I’d have preferred we did what I wanted to do.” TJ liked history well enough, but not as much as Cyn.

  “For example?” Sam had never really been around Cyn that much.

  “Cemeteries, old creepy cemeteries. Not to mention old battlefields. We went to Ridgefield to check it out. It was okay, but not how I wanted to spend my holiday.” TJ did think that Keeler’s Tavern Museum was cool, still having a British cannon ball in its wall.

  “I knew she liked history, but not that much. She never told me any of this.” Alex was also learning a lot more about Cyn today.

  “Oh, yeah. But I know more than I used to about the Revolutionary War. Did you know that Benedict Arnold fought at Ridgefield? He was a Brigadier General and was wounded trying to defend the town. He was promoted to Major General, before he changed sides. It seems he was pissed about how he was treated and passed over for promotion a few times. So he plotted to surrender West Point to the British, but his plot was uncovered and foiled. I learned that much from hanging with Cyn.” TJ remembered more than she thought.

  “Impressive. I didn’t know that about General Arnold. Sounds like one disgruntled employee. But he still made it to Major General. What did he think he should have been?” Alex wondered if they knew what whining was in the 1700’s.