Sacrifices of the Soul, Chapter 43
 
 
 

Eve is sitting on the beach, looking out at the water, when she feels a hand on her shoulder.

" TC, I'm glad you're back.", Eve says, getting up and going into his arms.

" Hey, hey. What's wrong?"

" Your Godmother visited."

" Ah, Auntie came by. I didn't tell her I was coming."

" From what I see, you don't need to announce yourself around here to be known."

TC laughs. " That's certainly true. Well, are you hungry, I think I've got the fixings for a good meal."

Eve took TC's hand, and they went into the house. When they got to the kitchen, she saw a number of fresh vegetables, some rice, and lobster.

" Lobster? You tell me that we're going economy, and you've got lobster?"

" I know one of the main grocers on the island. I know that this time of summer, he's always slow. I did some work for him, and got paid in food. Lobsters are so plentiful around here, they aren't that expensive. You do like lobster, don't you?"

" I love lobster."

" And, I got fresh fruit for dessert. "

" Nonsense", Eve says, looking in the pantry. " I have everything to make us a nice berry crisp for dessert. Topped with homemade cream?"

" Sounds marvelous. I'll go start up the grill, for the vegetables, which will take no time. And, then, I'll put on the rice. My mother has an almond rice pilaf that's perfect for dinners like this. I'll do the lobsters last."

The two of them begin work. As TC starts up the grill, Eve finds the pot for the lobsters and puts the water on. She washes the berries that TC brought and places them on a towel to dry. He fixes the rice pilaf, and then puts the lobsters on. He takes the vegetables out to grill, and  she goes to the dining room, and fixes the table. As soon as the dinner is ready to be served, Eve places the berry crisps into the oven and places the whip cream in the freezer.

They sit down to dinner.

Eve tastes the food.

" TC, this is fabulous. Where did you learn how to cook?"

" My mother insisted on it."

" She did a good job."

" She'll be pleased."

" Why isn't she here?"

" Well, one of the biggest wedding in New Orleans  is going to happen in the next few weeks, and Mama was hired as the Wedding Coordinator. She bride is the daughter of a Louisiana VIP, and so, it's a coup that Mama was chosen."

" I see. So, tell me about your Godmother."

" Auntie? She's one of Mama's oldest friends. They met one another in preschool and have been friends ever since. They were debs together, roommates in college, AKA's together.  She's my Godmother. There hasn't been a time in my life when she hasn't been there. She meant no harm. Since my mother isn't here, I bet she felt that she had to 'stand in' for her. She's harmless."

Eve nodded, but, silently knew that Mrs. DeJoine was anything BUT harmless. And, she had to find out why.

" She said to tell you that we were invited to brunch tomorrow, and she wouldn't take no for an answer."

TC thought about it. " Well, that sort of works into the plans I had. I told the grocer I'd be there at 5:30."

" Five-thirty?"

" Yep. I can work for him until around 10:30, and then I'll come back here, shower and get dressed. Auntie's is at 11, right?"

" Yep."

" It'll be fine. You'll have a great time. Do you have a tennis outfit? You might think of bringing it. She has a court."

" I'll think about it."
" TC, I hate to hear of you working. You invited me. I can help."

TC shakes his head. " Nonsense. I invited you. You're a guest here. I can't have you paying for anything. Hard work never killed anyone. It's not long labor. And, after tomorrow, I dare to say that most of our meals will be taken care of. I'll begin working on fun stuff for us to do."

Just then the timer went off, and Eve got up to get the dessert.

" It will need to cool for about 15 minutes at least before we try to eat it."

" Good. I just want to enjoy my time with you."

TC leaned across the table and took her hand and kissed it. Eve smiled. They ate their meal slowly, peppered with conversation about their respective summers. TC really listened to her as she spoke about her work at the Clinic. He seemed impressed.

They had dessert and coffee on the wraparound porch, underneath the moon. TC put on the record player and they listened to some old Duke Ellington records. Eve felt so safe in his arms. She didn't even realize that she was asleep, and found herself, the next morning, in her bed, with a blanket on her. When her eyes opened, the clock had said, 9:30. She couldn't believe she had slept so late. The tension of her life seemed a million miles away, and she spotted a letter on her nightstand.

You were sleeping so soundly, I couldn't bear to wake you. See you around 10:30.
- TC

Eve got up and took a long bath. She couldn't believe the sweetness of her evening with TC. She thought that she could stay there forever. But, the next few weeks would definitely do. Wrapped in a towel, Eve looked at the wardrobe that she had. TC had said something about playing tennis. She didn't like any of the tennis outfits, and ultimately decided against it. She would wear a nice Laura Ashley dress - conservative, yet youthful. If Mrs. DeJoine invited her over again and mentioned tennis, she would be ready. But, she didn't think it was right of her to presume that she could play tennis the first time over there. Eve looked at herself in the brightly flowered dress. She chose a yellow headband that matched the dress perfectly, as well as new yellow sandals. She was comparing earrings when she heard a whistle and a knock.

" You look terrific.", TC said smiling.

" Thank you."

" Well, I got the groceries. If you could unpack for me while I shower and change, I'd appreciate it."

" Sure, TC. I'll be downstairs."

Once TC was gone, Eve finished accessorizing her outfit. Everything that she had on screamed money, but, not obvious money, which is the look that she thinks will work best. She goes to the kitchen, and unpacks the groceries. TC said he thought they'd have enough for their stay. Eve didn't think so. He brought a lot, but, not enough  for several weeks. She decides that when he comes downstairs, she's going to insist that he take a little money from her. After all, it's only fair. Eve is sitting on the porch reading a book when TC comes out. She looks at him. He's dressed casually, but, the khaki shorts and lavender polo shirt fit him wonderfully and accent his physique.

" Ready to go?"

Eve smiles and takes his hand. They walk about a city block until they come upon a very large house. They walk around the back, and Eve sees a terrific view of the beach and ocean, as well as a croquet setup. The tennis court AND swimming pool. And, plush wicker furniture everywhere, organized just right. They walk up to Mrs. DeJoine, who is on the porch, giving instructions to the Cook, and to the Maid, who is in uniform. They waited until she was finished.

When she saw TC, she smiled.

" Thornton!", she said, hugging him.

" Hello, Auntie."

" I see your Miss Wharton is here."

" Mrs. DeJoine. You have a lovely home, from what I can see."

" Thank you, Dear." She motioned for the maid, who brought them iced tea. "Thornton, I spoke to your mother this morning. She said that she was surprised that you are here. And, entertaining."

" I know. I was supposed to go to New Orleans, but, nothing’s like the Vineyard this time of year."

" So true. Miss Wharton, I think that you won’t be surrounded completely by strangers. I believe you know a few of my guests." She motioned towards a table of ladies, and Eve stopped drinking. " Is that Mrs. Weston?"

" Yes, Julia and I were in graduate school together. We’ve known one another for years. Why don’t you and Thornton go say hello?"

TC takes Eve over to the table.

" Hello, Mrs. Weston."

" Eve Wharton, is that you?", she kisses Eve and explains to the rest of the table. " One of the best students that Wellesley has ever had, and one of the best workers I've had."

" Thank you, Mrs. Weston."

" Thornton, how are you?"

" Fine, M'am."

" So, Eve, you're here staying at the Vineyard?"

" Yes, TC invited me."

" Thornton, how is your mother?", one of the women ask.

" Fine."

" I hear that wedding is going to be something else."

" If Mama has anything to say about it, it will be."

" Well, Eve, you enjoy yourself with Thornton. He's a wonderful young man."

" I know.", Eve said, making TC blush.

They walk away from the table, " It's so odd that I'd run into Mrs. Weston here."

" Yeah, I guess this world is pretty insular. I see an old friend from college, Eve. Would you mind if I go butt into their game and play a little football?"

" No problem. It'll be fine."

Eve was walking and observing the party in progress when she hears a familiar voice.

" Well, Eve Wharton."

Eve rolls her eyes and turns around.

" Hello, Preston."

" So, you've finally graced the Vineyard with your presence. I can remember the invitation that I gave you last summer."

" Which I declined."

" Yes, you did."

" Your family's place around here?"

" Right down the beach. The one with the blue shutters. " Eve looks down the beach, and sees a house whose size was comparable to the DeJoine place.

" Well, I have to go."

" Eve, why are you limiting yourself? After all, Russell doesn't even want to be a college professor. He wants to teach 'high school'", Jameson says, condescendingly.

" I'm not limiting myself, Jameson. Teaching is a very noble profession. I thought you told me that your mother was a teacher. "

" My mother is a Principal - there's a difference."

" Well, if TC decides to become a Principal, he will. "

" What lifestyle can that afford you?"

" Have you forgotten that I'm studying to be a doctor?"

Preston moves closer to Eve, and before she knew it, he had snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her towards him.

" Eve, you know that you can do better. If you gave me a chance…"

" You would still be an asshole. Let me go."

" Not until you say that you'll have lunch with me. "

" I said let me go."

" You don't really want that. I know that you don't. I can smell it - you like it kinky in the bedroom, don't you? Most of you quiet - I give off the air of a Saint- gals do."

" Let me go.", Eve says, trying to gracefully work her way out of his grip, but, he was far stronger than she thought.

" The woman said let her go." They both turned to see TC standing there, with an anger in his eyes that Eve had never seen before.

Preston let go of Eve. " No harm. No harm.", he said, backing away from Eve, who was shocked to see genuine fear in his eyes.

" Eve, are you OK?"

" I'm fine, TC. He didn't mean any harm. He's just a jerk that is used to women throwing themselves at him. He doesn't know what to do if a woman doesn't respond that way."

" Well, enough about him. Why don't we go and mingle."

TC and Eve did socialize for the next few hours. Over a wonderful buffet spread, Eve was able to meet people that had been a part of TC's life ever since he was a child. Eve understood now why TC knew that they wouldn't have to worry about meals for the most part during their stay. Each introduction came with an invitation - either to lunch or dinner. Eve could barely keep up with all of them. When she asked TC about how he was doing it, he said that he wasn't. He knew he'd see these people over and over and when it came time for their party, someone else would remind him of it. They had a wonderful meal, and Eve was commandeered to be a fourth at bridge by Mrs. Weston.  After bridge, she went over to watch TC play tennis.

Eve thought that she could definitely get used to a summers like this. She loved these kinds of gatherings. She was walking around to the back of the house, when she heard a group of women talking. She didn't know why, but, she stopped to eavesdrop on them.

" Did you hear about Robert Forster?"

" Oh yes. He finally gave Toni that engagement ring. "

" I know. Could you BELIEVE that girl he showed up with last summer?"

" Oh, yes. Who could forget?"

" I can't believe that he was so fooled by her."

" Of course he was. Men only think with one thing….."

The ladies giggled. " Which is why we have the Granny Network."

" Yep. Better than the FBI."

" I know. She had told Robert all sorts of lies about her background. Sure, she LOOKED the part."

" But, all Nannette DeJoine and Madelaine Russell needed were a few answers to some pertinent questions.."

" And, they got the lowdown on her."

" And, LOW, it was."

Another woman nodded. " Straight from the ghetto LOW."

" I know. And to think, that she almost got her hooks into Robert."

" ALMOST, being the key word."

" Well, maybe he loved her.", one chirped in.

" Love? Puleeze. I remember when Shane Anderson thought he had found his 'Ghetto Queen'. How long did that last, Missy?"

" Less than 18 months."

" I know. She wasn't exactly the person to have on his arm as he was trying to make partner. "

" I'm just saying that it's possible to find love with someone not from our background."

" Maybe, but, not likely. Those ghettodwellers don't understand this world. Or the accomplishments behind it. Even those 'by the bootstraps' kind are hardpressed to understand things.  I find the Granny Network comforting."

" I think it's smothering."

" Why? Remember that smooth talker who tried to woo Suzanne a few years ago? Without the Granny Network, she wouldn't have known about his 3 kids by two women until it was TOO late, and he'd gotten a wedding ring on her finger and used that finger to get into her trust fund. However intrusive it might be, it's an added measure of protection."

" You know, I hear all the time, ' that guy is so nice'. While we're called snobby bitches."

" I know. The men don't have to worry about being snobby. They don't have to worry about 'sniffing out the wrong element."

" So true. They know their mothers , aunts, sisters and the other females will watch out for them. You can be the nicest guy in the world if you know you have others doing your dirty work."

" Uh - Huh."

" Tell me about it. I hope there's nothing wrong with that gal that TC brought. Because, there's the Granny Network, and then there's Nannette DeJoine."

" I know. And with Maddy Russell not here?"

" She'll be looking out for TC like he was her own. And, if anyone can get to the truth, it's Nannette DeJoine."

Eve backed away from the women, unnoticed.  She was walking to get to the other side of the house, when she heard a voice call out to her.

" Eve."

She turned around to see.

" Mrs. DeJoine."

" Why don't you come inside, and join me for a glass of tea? I would like to get to know you better.", she said with a smile, but it put a chill down Eve's spine.