Chapter 23

R-Jay opened the door. “Hey, Alice is at work, and I have to mind the store until five. Don’t burn down our bungalow. See ya.”

Archie began preparing the bird as the oven heated. Three hours later, he was tired but mostly satisfied. The table was set with candles and stemware for the wine. Archie called them to the table. After a quiet moment to give thanks, the dishes were passed around to general approval. But Alice skeptically eyed the bread basket. “You made cookies?”

“Um, R-Jay bought baking powder instead of baking soda, so we didn’t get enough leavening. They probably won’t kill you, but—” It was a rookie mistake, but didn’t wreck the meal.

Archie left with enthusiastic reviews and high confidence.

Cathie and Jessie joined them, with a surprise. Derek Mason was Cathie’s new boyfriend. At six feet four inches he stood above Cathie. The blended family gaped up at him. “Basketball?” “Point Guard.” “Car?” “Honda Accord. But my ‘66 Mustang is in the shop.” Bruce clapped him on the back. “Son! So glad you came! Let’s go see my baby.” They charged off towards the garage. Bettie laughed. “And who did you bring?” indicating Jessie.

“Motherrr. A girl needs a boy like a fish needs a tricycle. Why is Archie in the kitchen?”

Bettie smirked. “Just you wait, Missy.”

Jessie dreaded the possibility, “Shoulda stopped for tacos,” she muttered. Later, she was skeptical. “Who are you, misleading brother-shaped chef thing?”

Cathie ignored them, staring at Derek. Bettie and Bruce smirked. “He is teachable, that one.” Jessie and Bruce cleared the table and started the dishes. “So, Bruce, you and Mom? First comes love, then comes marriage, then your new son shows up with a classic car? Isn’t there a classic car auction in Waco coming up?”

“Jessie, no woman is that tolerant. Now go thank Archie for the delicious feast.” At the end of the evening, Derek spoke. “Thank you for a wonderful meal. It’s off to the motel tonight. Coming, Dear?” Bruce erupted, “What?! You’re out of the will!” But Bettie pulled on his arm, smiling. “You all go on.” Cathie and Derek scampered off. “I’ll take care of Bruce.” Jessie and Archie covered their ears. “La-la-la, we can’t hear you.”

Back in the family room, Jessie pounced. “What the hell? You can cook, you’re all buffed out and, like, healthy. I went over to Austin just ten weeks ago!” Archie indicated his feet: “New boots.” Jessie punched him. “Here’s the number for my brain man. Brian can tell you things.” Jessie stormed off, unsatisfied.

Two weeks later, the café was crowded. Besides the usual crowd, some shoppers were resting their feet between stores. A young woman brought her toddler in and fastened the belt on a high chair. Meanwhile, a burly man grabbed a tray and loaded it with fatty foods and a tiny carton of chocolate milk. He paid and approached the table. A couple other diners withered under his glare and relocated.

The woman timidly asked, “Any other milk? Anything for me?” The big man casually flicked her away. She collided with the high chair, and the toddler cried out fearfully as the chair teetered and nearly overbalanced.

Archie moved into the brute’s line of sight, holding a broom. Without much heat the man said, “Mind your business, runt.” Archie was diffidently unscrewing the broom handle and then whapped the table top. “I’m not a runt, I’m a giant shrink.” Archie put the broom handle under the brute’s chin. I think your daddy’s calling you, dimwit.” Brute pushed away the handle and kicked out of his chair.

In the kitchen, Sherry was calling the police. Covering the mouthpiece, she indicated an older man at the side of the dining room. “Shep will handle him, I hope. She turned back to the phone. Shepard Carson, retired Texas Ranger, stepped forward. “Pardon me, folks.” He whipped his hand towards the beefy neck. Sparks flew, to little effect. Shep stepped on brute’s foot and flung him down. Archie stuck the broom handle under brute’s chin and applied pressure.