Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey (17 page)

“So the story goes, he got ticked off at somebody at the party, blew out of the parking lot at full speed in the shiny, new sports car his parents gave him for his birthday. Some people from the party said they tried to keep up with him—to try to stop him. He was driving over 100 miles per hour, and he lost ‘em.

“Well, unfortunately, he found Dad and Tommy. They were on their way to a fishing weekend at a friend’s cabin in Lake Jocassee. They were pulling a boat, and he…he blew ‘em off the road,” Libby’s voice trailed off. She was staring across the yard. She couldn’t look anyone in the eye for fear she’d completely break down.

After a pause for composure, she continued. “They told us the road narrowed just before the curve. Dad was driving up the mountain. Harrison came down…on the wrong side of the road, forcing Dad off. They said he left paint down the entire side of the truck and the boat. Dad barely left a skid-mark—he didn’t have time to react. He drove…straight off the side of the mountain.

“Oh, Libby, I’m so sorry!” Joe cupped her face in his hands, then pulled her close, holding her.

Lee’s eyes filled with tears, and she turned to look at her husband.

Joe released her and reached for her hand as she continued, “They were just thirty minutes from the cabin. I used to think...if they had just left a little earlier...they’d both still be here. Just minutes…my life, Megan’s life, even Mom’s life, would have been
so different
.

“Until today, I guess I never realized how music…well, it kinda died in our house when ‘the Toms’ died. That’s what Momma always called ‘em.” Libby smiled through the sadness in her eyes.

“Mom was never the same: seems like a part of her died with them. Megan needed somebody who was ‘all there’ – and Mom couldn’t be that person. It seemed she just went through motions. She never laughed anymore. She’d stare at nothing…a lot,” Libby sighed.

“I don’t blame her, though. She did what she could. She went back to teaching English, and I deferred college. She tried to talk me out of it, but there was no way I was gonna be a burden, Besides, she needed help with Muggs—that’s what we all called Megan. Grace took me on full-time at the agency. I picked Megan up from school every day, and she came to work with me a lot. So, we made it work. Muggs is half my age, and she and I pretty much became inseparable at that point. Other than when she was at school, we were always together. This trip is really the first time…” Libby’s voice trailed again.

“That’s a lot to deal with, Libby,” Joe said softly. He was still holding her hand tightly.

“You’re such a great daughter to sacrifice so much,” Lee said. The Kingston clan studied Libby with empathy—occasionally sharing glances as the story unfolded.

“Mom really tried to be there for us, don’t get me wrong. Something inside her just...died. I did all I could to keep Megan from being affected by her depression. We were always doing projects or homework and stuff. She and I went everywhere together.”

“Did that horrible boy die, then?” Lee asked.

Libby tried to pull herself together as she continued, “No ma’am, Brandon was arrested at the scene that night: a news crew shot a video of the arrest. It showed him barely able to stand, he was so drunk.

“There was a technicality, or Brandon’s lawyers were just so much better paid than the solicitor, I don’t know. Regardless, he managed to avoid jail time, even though there were fatalities. It was completely incomprehensible. Will, our lawyer, was great though. He went after both Brandon and his manager, who provided the alcohol to minors. There’s a law that allows a civil suit against the person who supplies alcohol that results in a wreck—and the fact that Brandon was under-aged just added to it. When the judge in the civil case found out that Brandon managed to get out of jail time, he really laid it on him. It was a lot of money. They appealed, of course, but when Brandon overdosed, Will resolved it quickly.

“Libby, that’s just so tragic! You’re too young to have experienced so much loss,” Lee shook her head woefully.

Joe played with Libby’s hair as he placed his lips against the back of her hand.

Libby smiled, “One slow day at work, I was staring out the window; and as I answered a call, I found myself looking at a calendar on the wall as I talked to the customer. I couldn’t take my eyes off the hot air balloons floating over a canyon. It’s like I left my body…and I was
actually
there—in the balloon. Every time I looked at them after that, I felt this…peace. Whenever I had a bad day…I focused on those images, and I just…felt better. The thought of floating over the world…and in such a beautiful place as the canyon…well it got me through a lot back then. It helped me to be there for Megan, too. So, see, I’ve sorta lived for that moment—seeing the Grand Canyon, and the balloons for myself--for a long time.

Libby smiled sadly, “Well, about nine months ago, I got a call from my ex-boyfriend, Scott Walker, who’s a Charleston County deputy. He happened to be at the hospital one night. He told me they brought Mom in from school. She’d had a heart attack in her classroom after school. The custodians found her several hours after it happened. If someone had found her sooner...they believe she…they could’ve…helped her. As it was, there wasn’t anything they could do.

Libby’s eyes filled with tears, “Miss Lee, being here with you…well, I really miss her.”

“Of course you do!” Lee couldn’t stand it any longer and left her chair to hug Libby. Joe smiled at her as she did.

“Thanks,” Libby smiled as she wiped tears from her face. Lee patted Libby’s cheek, and they both began to cry again as Lee hugged Libby tightly. Joe stroked her hair and blinked away a swell as he made eye contact with his own Mom.

“Libby, I’m so sorry,” he whispered.

“Feels like we’re all each other has, Muggs and I. I guess we’re both a bit over-protective. I didn’t want her to feel like she needed to miss out on her life—which was another reason I took this trip. I want her to know that it’s okay to live her life. That I’ll always be here for her, but I don’t want her to sacrifice her life for me in any way.

So, just before Mom died, Will told us about the lawsuit settlement. It was a long, drawn-out mess, and I’m so thankful he was there. When Mom died...well, I don’t know what I’d have done with him and Jane, his wife. They’ve sorta been surrogate parents to both of us—even though I’m not a child. I never could’ve managed all of it alone.

Joe smiled at her as he took her hand. “You’ve had so much tragedy to deal with girl, and you’re so young. It’s amazing that you’re so...together. Driving across country, alone no less! Geez,” Joe shook his head. “Well, I’m glad you did, don’t get me wrong. You’re just so...brave...so responsible...and grounded,” Joe shook his head.

“Well, our home is yours, Libby. You’re welcome here anytime,” Lee patted Libby’s hand and returned to her chair, wiping her eyes while trying not to be seen.

Joe reached over and put his arm around Libby’s, kissing her neck.

“Maybe we should stop,” Joe said as he looked at Libby with admiration mixed with sorrow.

“No!” Libby forced a smile. “This is wonderful! I miss our Sunday afternoon family concerts! This reminded me of them…that’s what started this whole mess,” she laughed as she wiped her eyes. Memories of Mom playing her guitar, and we all spent Sunday afternoons lounging on the porch singing all kinds of songs. We had the best time. Please, don’t let me stop this…it’s so great!” She looked into Joe’s eyes and touched his face. “Please...keep singing!”

Joe smiled at her…something was different about him. “Anything for you,” he whispered. He kissed her cheek, then picked up his guitar and pulled his chair closer to her as he began playing an up-tempo song. Chuck and Rick followed along, and soon all were singing and laughing again.

Later, Joe began singing old country classics and his Dad let out a whoop as every song began. Everyone joined in from time to time. The morning passed as the group enjoyed each other’s company, and the music they all shared.

* * *

Lee was picking up glasses from the front porch as Joe walked out the front door. “Thought we’d run into town to gas up the RV, find a dump station and take care of a few things. We’ll be back in a bit. Mom, you need me to pick up anything in Paris?”

“Nah, Sweetheart. We’re good. I can’t remember the last time you boys sat around and sang with your ol’ mom and dad…I sure miss you boys!” Lee hugged Joe as he reached the top step. I’m runnin’ late with lunch though, I’m about to put somethin’ together.”

“We’ll grab somethin’ in town.”

“Oh…okay then. You kids have fun,” Lee gave him another quick hug, then gathered the glasses and turned to the door just as Libby came out smiling.

Joe and Libby walked across the dam holding hands. After disconnecting the RV, Joe and Libby paused at the door. Joe pulled Libby close and kissed her as he held the screen door open. Libby smiled back at him and climbed into the RV. As Joe closed the door behind him, Libby met him as he turned toward the cab and kissed him passionately.

“Ya know...I’m kinda getting used to this,” she breathed into his ear.

Joe’s eyes were closed as he entwined his fingers with her hair.

“Yes ma’am. I’m at your service…night and day,” he smiled.

After another passionate kiss, the two composed themselves to take the RV into Paris, Texas. Once the RV maintenance was finished, they stopped for lunch at a nearby café.

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so at ease with a woman before,” Joe said over lunch. “You’re just SO easy to be with, Libby. I’ve never met
anybody
that asked nothing of me. It’s never crossed my mind…well, I can’t believe I’m admittin’ this, but I can’t remember
ever
wishin’ a woman wasn’t in a hurry to leave.”

Libby smiled, “This morning, with your family…that was amazing. Y’all took me back to my childhood. I’m just so sorry I lost it.”

Joe smiled at Libby, taking her hand in his and kissing the back of it. He pulled it close to his heart as he looked deeply into her eyes.

Smiling, she touched his cheek. “I don’t think I ever allowed myself to stop and feel back then. It all felt so surreal. And it was so obvious that Muggs and Mom needed me—that I don’t think I ever really thought about everything I lost that day. Until today, that is. I miss family.”

“You can have mine,” Joe laughed. He squeezed her hand, “No, but seriously, I’m glad you’re here…and I’m so sorry for all you’ve had to deal with on your own. You’re a very strong woman, Libby. Most folks wouldn’t have been able to handle everything as well as you,” Joe’s admiration was reflected in his blue eyes, and her heart melted as she gazed into them.

“Joe, you…”

“So, looks like heaven sent an angel to bring home the prodigal son! Now I
know
you had to make a deal with the devil, boy. But how do you get an angel like this to look twice at your ugly mug? Darlin’, dump this loser and come on with
me
. I’m
so
much prettier, and I’ve got a much better six-pack…among
other
things that shouldn’t be mentioned to a real lady in the daylight,” a deep, hearty laugh bellowed out of the man who stepped in between Joe and Libby.

Joe rose quickly to his feet and threw a punch into the round belly of the man standing beside him, pulling just short of impact.

“Six pack? Damn, Bull, that’s a fully loaded grocery sack, son! I’m thinkin’ a few six-packs, some steaks, taters…whole by the looks of it,” Joe laughed as he popped his hand into the rotund belly, then grabbed and hugged his friend.

“Libby, I’d like you to meet Bull, uh, my ol’ buddy Billy Boulware. We played football together in high school.”

“Best damned quarterback the Savages ever had, right there!” Bull pushed Joe’s shoulders. “Hells yea! The three years he called the plays…we took State every time with the most goals ever recorded! Joe brought a bullet like nobody’s done since!”

“Ah…you pushin’ that line back every game…that’s what made me look good. We didn’t need a whole line, see, all we needed was this Neanderthal!” Joe laughed. “Pull up a chair, man. Tell me what’s what.”

“You back?” Bull pulled the chair around and straddled it backwards, folding his arms across the back of the chair.

“Nah, just a few days, then we’re headin’ to the OK fair this weekend. I’m shootin’ a film in South Dakota afterwards. What’cha been up to…besides eatin’?” Joe laughed as he nodded toward Bull’s belly.

“Ah, bud, since school, I got married and had a little girl, actually,” Bull looked down at the table, moving the salt and pepper shakers around.

“Hey, Daddy Bull, that’s great!” Joe punched his arm.

“Yeah, it was…while it lasted. My little girl had heart problems from birth. We had her for two years, though. Most of that time was spent back and forth at the hospital.”

“Ah, Bull, I’m so sorry!” Joe’s hand gripped the big man’s shoulder for support.

Libby instinctively reached for his hand on the salt shaker. “Bull, I’m so sorry. That’s so tragic.” Tears filled her eyes as she watched the massive man shrink from the weight of his words.

He just shook his head and squeezed her hand. Managing a smile, “Nah, they say everything happens for a reason. I don’t exactly know what that reason is—even now. The wife left a year later. We just couldn’t get it together.” He wiped a tear from his eye trying to appear aloof.

“Ah, you just find your strength and hold your line, right? You play the hand you’re dealt. Hey, listen to me, though, pissin’ my bliss when you’re not wearin’ slickers!”

Libby stood and hugged Bull in his chair. He appeared shocked, “Hey, now, there’s an ace!” he laughed.

“This guy, you should’a seen him! Boy, could he call plays…I’ll tell ya. He could calculate the oppositions’ weaknesses…right on the field. Like he had a sixth-sense about it, ya know? We’d study tapes all week, and they’d throw in some long-shot or curve, and Joe’d be right on top of it…every time. Charmed, we said,” Bull looked instinctively at Libby.

“I tell ya, this boy was charmed. He never lost it, eh?” Bull punched Joe’s shoulder while his eyes were fixed on Libby.