Jenny Lomax-Hammond Ch. 9 Family Vacation

When we last visited the Hammonds, Jenny was growing bored with being a housewife. She complained about the long hours Lonnie worked in his popular restaurant and she was increasingly insecure about aging. Being 15 years older than her former playboy husband only exacerbated the problem. Their oldest daughter, Loni Faye, had become a teenager and Lonnie had promised her should could soon work at the restaurant with him.

It began to seem to Lonnie that the best idea would be to install Jenny as his restaurant hostess and Loni Faye as a waitress. Then at least Jenny would be with him during his long hours and he could groom Loni Faye part-time, teaching her gradually what he knew about the culinary field, food service, and running a business. By the time she went to college she might know if she was interested in any or all of those careers. Le Magnifique! was open all weekend and closed on Mondays. Lonnie did not want Loni Faye's schoolwork to suffer nor her burgeoning social life with her young friends, so he preferred she not work after school and only every other weekend. It would be enough for now, at least until maybe summer, which was a year away. And they'd need her to supervise Liara after school anyway with Jenny working afternoons and evenings. So the first weekend came and while Loni Faye learned to wait tables, Liara went upstairs to play in the small living unit upstairs.

Things went well, in general, although Jenny couldn't help but notice that there were always more female patrons who flocked to the restaurant than male. Lonnie had not lost his natural charm and appeal, it seemed.

The rest of spring went by and when summer came Loni Faye wanted to work longer hours--making her own money was fun--so Lonnie took her off weekends and gave her regular workday hours, but only 4 days a week.

In the fall Lonnie announced he would close the restaurant for a few days and they would take a well-deserved vacation in Three Lakes, up in the mountains. The family had never even been on holiday since Lonnie opened the restaurant. He told them he'd already rented a large cabin. Liara worried about her kitten,

"But what about Tangerina? Will she go with us? And if not, who will feed and play with her? 

"Not to worry, little one," Lonnie told her, "I've already engaged a house-sitter who was recommended especially for people whose pets remain behind and need care. It's actually better for Tangerina than boarding her with the vet, she'll stay in familiar surroundings. Cats don't like to travel or leave home very much, you know."

This placated Liara and she began to get really excited about going to the mountains. Meanwhile, Loni Faye was none too happy, as she talked on the phone to her friend, Simone Wilson.

 

"Yeah, it's a cabin I guess. Probably some shack out in the middle of the deep woods, I'm sure there will be nothing to do! After all, I'm practically grown up and taking a vacation with my family is kind of babyish. And now I have to postpone my date with Robby, too. But there's nothing I can do; I'll be stuck with my baby sister, my parents and 20 billion trees!"

Simone was not very sympathetic,

"Yeah, hate it for ya, Loni girl. If only I could go on a vacation--even if with my family, even in the wilderness. My parents are always so absorbed with their produce market and now with the new baby, I'll never get them 'away from the farm'. Just be glad you're getting out of ole' Unpleasantview for a change."

"I guess I should be grateful," Loni Faye admitted glumly, "But I'm sure just because I can't be there in town all kinds of exciting things will happen. Just be sure to tell me what I missed when I get back, Simone."

"Yep. Let's see...exciting things that could happen in this town, hmm, that would be like, um...nothing. Unless you want to count Bubba and Junior Krebbs doing their Saturday night try at cow-tipping," then Simone laughed, "Well, have a good time up there with Bambi, Bigfoot and marauding bears. Rarrrrr!"

That left Loni Faye having nightmares about a man-eating bear crashing through the flimsy front door of their rental shack.

Lonnie decided he didn't want to oversell the trip,

"It's really only a mini-vacation," he told the family the night before they left, just a long weekend. But if it goes well I'm hoping to take one or two more trips over the next year, maybe at the beach, or even somewhere farther afield."

Jenny and the girls were pleased and amazed when they arrived; the "cabin" was immense, more like a lodge. The first day they enjoyed games on the back porch and that evening they sat around the campfire roasting marshmallows.

Loni Faye had already let slip from her memory her complaints from the day before. She'd forgotten how much fun she'd always had with her sister before she became a teenager and was enjoying her now. Surprisingly, the same could be said for her parents who, so far, had not embarrassed her in any way. Of course there were three more days to go.

The cabin boasted a large kitchen and the first morning Lonnie played chef and made bacon and eggs for the family while they discussed their plans for the day. They'd picked up brochures of the local interests and activities available and their first adventure would be at the Lumber Mill.

Little Liara checked out the cutaway section from a huge tree that detailed what had happened in history over the years the tree was alive, while her parents and Loni Faye tried their hands at axe-throwing. Loni Faye had always been good at archery in her Phys. Ed. classes and was gratified that her aim remained true with an axe as well. 

They were having a wonderful time and planned on trying the log-rolling next but then it started to rain. There was really nowhere to take cover there except in the washrooms so they left. But as their taxi approached the Smooth Rock Spa, the rain let up and Lonnie asked the driver to let them out there at the spa.

Jenny and Lonnie headed immediately to the two therapeutic massage huts to get acupressure done and learn how to do it themselves. While Loni Faye and Liara relaxed in one of the natural mineral springs. Afterwards Liara tried her hand at fishing the tiny pond while Loni Faye checked out the sauna.

The next morning Lonnie woke up early and put his arms around the still sleeping Jenny. A respite from the restaurant's long hours and a change of scenery had definitely boosted their love life. The girls were getting along amazingly well, too. So now he made up his mind--definitely--to take the family on a longer vacation to the beach. There were some really nice upscale hotels there but it might be fun to rent a house again. It would depend on what they had to offer in the way of amenities and convenience.

There was a nice pond at the rental cabin and so they tried a little night fishing that evening. It was fall and the nights could often get quite cold up in the mountains, but they'd been blessed, at least after the first day, with lovely weather and very mild temperatures for the time of year so far. After the fishing Jenny fixed everyone a late night dessert of banana splits.

"I think we should try the Lumber Mill again today," Lonnie said at their breakfast of Fruit Loops cereal the next morning, "We didn't get a chance to try our luck at log-rolling, what you do say?"

"Fine by me," Jenny agreed.

"Yippy!" Liara laughed.

"And can we try some of the local food for supper tonight, Dad?" Loni Faye asked, "I love what you and Mom have been cooking here for us, but I'd like to try some hotcakes or chicken pot pie."

Lonnie smiled, "Sure, you should try new foods all the time, especially if you work in the culinary field, honey. But even if you don't, you should be ready to try new experiences whenever you can--as long as they're legal!"

The family spent quite some time on the logs, laughing and teasing each other when one or the other lost balance and plopped into the water. Actually was a pretty good workout climbing out of the water to get back on the log each time.

When they got dressed again again they did a little fishing at the big pond there at the Lumber Mill.

When evening fell they did, indeed, order supper at the shack there. Jenny and the girls ordered the hotcakes with the locally made maple syrup, but Lonnie ordered the grilled catfish and then proceeded to disgust them all when he pour syrup all over the grilled fish.

"Euww, Dad! That's so gross!" Loni Faye exclaimed in horror and glanced around, embarrassed to see what other tourists might have been nearby to notice this offensive behavior. No young people her age, at least, and thank goodness. Ever since she was born Loni Faye had adored and admired her dad, but the teen years were hard on the parent/child relationship as a rule. Lonnie was no longer perfect in her eyes since she'd become a teenager.

"Yuck, Daddy, that's sicko!" snickered Liara, wrinkling her nose, but actually was delighted with what she assumed was her father's sense of humor.

"Alonzo Hammond!" Jenny said in a scandalized voice, "What in the world?"

"What? This syrup is home grown and I wanted to try it, as for the fish--sweet and savory--works for me. Haven't you ever eaten maple-glazed salmon?" Lonnie shrugged. He was serious.

All three females looked at each other for a few seconds. Hmm, he had a point.

"Can we all have just a bite?" Jenny ventured.

He nodded and passed it over to watch them each grab a forkful. They made sure there was syrup on it. Then Jenny took another bite. By the time they all grabbed 2 or 3 bites there wasn't much left for a hungry man so Lonnie ordered a second plate. Then had to share that one, too...

The evening was winding to a close as they talked a local into showing them how to do the slap dance that was so popular in the mountains. They were leaving late that night and Loni Faye was surprised to realize how she almost hated to go. The rental house had felt like a home. The good thing was, her dad was now saying they would take another vacation in a few months. This time she would be happy to take a vacation with her sister and parents. She couldn't wait to see Robby Blackford again, though, once she got home. He couldn't even call her when they were in the mountains, no reception on cell phones there for the most part. She hoped he'd ask her for another date since she'd had to cancel their last one for this vacation, but she had no idea. Men were frequently hard to figure.

Next blog update: 
Everhart Brothers - Pres Ch. 4 Procastinating


Next update on the Hammond family:
Jenny-Lomax Hammond Ch. 10 Dropping the Bomb Pt. 1 

Lalique Flynn Ch. 9 The Truth Will Out

The next day--after Lalique had entertained Ray Nolan and his friend, Perry, John Lassiter called her and wanted to come by with his "report" on Ray. Lalique, of course, wanted him to tell her what he had over the phone and not in person. He stalled for a while but then finally did tell her what he'd learned; she wasn't sure why he gave in but she was anxious to hear.

"Nolan does fix cars there at his house. He's been looking for a job, and does live in the place he described. Chuck couldn't find any indication that he is married. But...he can't find any information on Ray Nolan prior to two years ago."

"Well, what does that mean?"

I was asking that myself," John said, "Then Chuck told me that his source suggested he should leave it alone."

"His...'source'?"

John exhaled noisily,

"Chuck is a former police detective so I assume he's trying to get the information through an old friend of his who is still on the force. I got the impression he may also have asked an informer he had from the old days. Somewhere along the way he ran up against a brick wall. All Chuck will tell me is that as far as he knows, Arlene's guy has never been in trouble with the law. He feels pretty sure his source knew something further, but wouldn't--or couldn't--tell him. The guy asked him in the name of their friendship to back off. So Chuck pretty much asked the same of me."

"Well, for heaven's sake," Lalique was amazed but she was no longer as worried because of the two times she'd been around Ray. Before she had a chance to tell this to John he went on,

"If you ask me it doesn't bode well and I'd try to talk Arlene into breaking it off with him. For all you know he might even be in the witness protection program with the mob hot on his trail."

"Well, if he has no record as a criminal I guess it will be all right for her to see him. I can't tell her who to date, anyway, John. Besides I met him last week and he seemed like a decent guy; he looks kind of rough around the edges with long hair and, according to Arlene, he dresses that way, too. But the two times I saw him he was wearing jeans, a tee shirt and a jacket. He looked fine and he has good manners."

"You saw him two times already? Why did you do that when you specifically asked me to check him out first before you let him anywhere near your place?"
Since John was absolutely right Lalique back-pedaled, feeling defensive,

"Well, he asked us to dine with him at Eden House, an upscale restaurant and obviously a public place. He was on time, courteous and, frankly, footed the bill for the whole thing. His best friend showed up later. The guy is an attorney so I doubt there is anything to worry about with Ray. On the basis of my observations, a few days after that I invited them both over for a cookout. Ray struck me as a real nice guy although his lawyer friend gave me a swift pain, I must say."

"So you're going to encourage her to keep seeing him in spite of what Chuck told me?"

"Don't worry about it, John. I appreciate your checking him out. I don't suppose you've ever heard anything unsavory about a lawyer named Perry Everhart?" she asked hopefully.

"What? Yeah, I know Perry, he's a straight up guy, extremely intelligent. Why are you asking?" John sounded a bit suspicious.

"Never mind, it doesn't really matter, I guess. Anyway, none of this is your problem. You did me a favor and I thank you."

"It's not my problem?" he sounded incredulous, "You have three small children at home, one of whom is mine, and you're contemplating letting a man into your house who has no past? I think of that as my problem, Lalique. And I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist you allow me to come over at least for an hour or two. I think I'd like to see my child, if you don't mind."

Lalique was so flabbergasted she couldn't say a word. John knew? How did he know? How much did he know? Obviously he didn't know everything because he'd said 'three children' so he evidently only assumed she'd had only one baby by him instead of twins.

He went on,

"Don't worry, I'm not trying to get a foot in the door to renew our relationship. As I told you when you asked me to look into this, Melora found out about us. Unfortunately when I told her you'd had my baby, she demanded to know your name. She actually does understand about me wanting to see the baby and is encouraging me in that. However; to Melora this means the end of our reconciliation efforts, but I'm not giving up. Somehow I'll get her back. So you can see I'm not trying to start things up again with you."

Her temper flared,

"So you're not trying to revive an old flame, so what? I'm the one who ended it and it wouldn't matter to me if you were trying to get back or not; you'd be wasting your time. Just so you know where you stand. So now are you asking for my permission to see the babies--or are you demanding it?"

"Somewhere between the two, I guess. I'm asking, but I intend to see my child one way or another," he paused, "Please, Lalique, I have to see the--wait a minute--babies? Plural? As in more than one?"

"I had twins, John, a boy and a girl," she said stiffly and then her voice became softer, "Bretton Gerard and Noelle Ondine."

In spite of his shock after a moment he forged ahead,

"I promise I won't try to interfere in your life but I would like to have a small part in their world."

She sighed. At least he wasn't trying to take over everything the way she feared he would if he knew about the babies. Not so far, anyway. Still, his usual possessiveness no longer seemed to be for her, but may have transferred to his children.

"All right," she relented, "You can come tomorrow afternoon if you want."

She dreaded it; she had wanted to keep that distance between them. John was a forceful and charming man, and as she thought back to the time of their affair  she feared his influence on her would become all encompassing again. It had been a heady thing for her to let this older, sophisticated man take charge of her and of her life. No more, she vowed. No Alpha male would ever again tromp through her bedroom and her heart. No way. She pushed all thoughts of how much she'd loved being captivated and dominated by a commanding man, even if he was sexy. That was then; this is now.  

When John came the next day it appeared she needn't have worried; he concentrated on his babies during his visit and not on charming her. He also told her he definitely wanted to help with money, though. He was obviously happy and thrilled with the twins.

She knew Brett and Noelle deserved something; after all, what if they'd been married and had divorced? He'd had to have coughed up some bucks in that case, so why not take any financial aid he offered? 

But she was proud so she said casually,

"Hey, if you want to start a college fund for them, be my guest. Otherwise, I'm okay, I don't need your money."

In reality things were beginning to get a bit tough for her financially. She hadn't worked in a few years and her savings were seriously depleted. She had investments but didn't want to touch them. If it got really bad she could get help from her parents but that was a last resort. It wouldn't be a problem if she wasn't so determined to be a stay-at-home mom. However; before she'd ask for help from her parents she'd go back to work. She hated the idea of daycare and she knew sooner or later Arlene was going to marry her guy and want to move to her own home.

He didn't argue about the money for now and she was relieved. Frankly, she still wanted as little contact with him as possible. She felt she'd been on her way at last to getting over him. At least as close to moving on as she'd ever expected she would get. Her constant dreams of him had begun to let up. In fact she hadn't had one in almost a month. John's feelings had definitely changed too, in fact, he barely looked at her while they both played with Alain and Desiree. He'd asked to see them while he was there and that pleased her. They had no father and John was the closest thing they'd had to one. They ran to him the minute he entered their nursery.

Lalique told him they would have to work out a schedule for  his visits with Brett and Noelle. Definitely she couldn't have him barging in whenever he got the notion. And for now the visits would be fairly brief.

He agree to that and said if she wanted she should get a lawyer to draw up something that he would sign. John's step was jaunty as he left; his male ego was stroked by the fact that he'd fathered twins--and at his age.

"Macho poophead," Lalique grumped under her breath as his car pulled away.

Meanwhile, Perry Everhart had been calling Lalique almost every day in the week that had passed since she'd entertained him and Ray Nolan at the house. She was briefly negative to the point of rudeness. No, she would not see him, she would not have dinner with him and, in point of fact, she never wanted to see him again. He never seemed to hold a grudge, and was unfailingly upbeat. But he hadn't called today or the day before; well, it was high time he got the message. But what had changed his mind?

It doesn't matter Lalique thought, it took a week but he's finally going to leave me alone. She reflected that this conclusion should have been not only a relief but cause for jubilation. Wasn't it? It was almost as though she looked forward to their once-a-day verbal sparring. It was kind of fun to play the ice queen. She shrugged; the day wasn't over yet.

Next blog update: Jenny Lomax Hammond Ch. 9 Family Vacation

Lalique Flynn Ch. 9 On Thin Ice