New Start:
Part Seven
Adalia smoothed the hair back from her forehead as she glanced aside, smiling. Right now, it appeared that more people had arrived in the last ten minutes than had been there the last time she looked around the room.
“Well...I had a grandmother who once taught me how to make the best chicken soup from some old Jewish recipe that she learned from her mother or grandmother. I figured I might put that on the menu over at the Tavern – you know ‘chicken soup like your grandmother used to make...or not.’ Something like that anyway.”
“I love that idea!” Donna told her, although Steve was rolling his eyes, earning himself a nudge when he was caught in the act. “Annabella used to make an incredible chicken soup, but then, well, all three of us have the same background, you know: Jewish grandmothers, chicken soup, and matzo balls.”
“Yours doesn’t come with matzo balls, does it?” Steve asked.
Adalia glared, pretending to be offended. “You don’t care for matzo balls, Mr. Timko?”
“Not Donna’s anyway....Ow! That hurt woman!” he exclaimed, rubbing his left arm.
“It ought to...and there’s nothing wrong with my matzo balls!” She looked back at Adalia and assured her, “There’s nothing wrong with my matzo balls.”
“You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Steven Timko – criticizing Donna’s matzo balls that way.”
“You haven’t...” He suddenly took a couple of steps away from Donna’s side before he said, “You haven’t tasted them, Ms. Rabinovich,” and before his girlfriend could give him another pinch, he was chuckling and scurrying in the direction of the buffet table.
Adalia did not know if she should feel uncomfortable at what had just happened or not. She thought the couple was playing, and yet again.... “Uh...is he...”
“Always like that? Sure...which is why I guess I fell in love with him,” Donna explained, smiling. “Anyway...I haven’t had a good chicken soup in I don’t know when, and I know, I know...the Tavern’s food is supposed to be a little more casual, but what’s more casual and more homey than chicken soup...with or without the matzo balls, right? The crowd should love it.”
“I hope so....”
“Oh trust me, they will. I’ve been around this place long enough to know that...and Tina’s been telling me that she loved your ideas for what you plan on doing to liven things up. She wouldn’t have chosen you otherwise. Besides...the men around here will eat anything...as long as it’s food. I mean...look at them, look at them,” and she nodded to where Steve now stood, filling his plate with spoonful after spoonful of potato salad while Andy glared at him, the latter seeming to count each one. “You’d think there wasn’t anymore in the kitchen...” She looked back at Adalia. “There is more potato salad, isn’t there?”
“I hope so.”
“Thank the goddess.”
“I don’t think Tina wants a riot on her hands! She’s told me how the guys around here eat. But remember...she planned this. Didn’t want me catering my own housewarming.”
“Well, Tina plans everything almost down to the last detail. Guess you’ve noticed right? That girl and her notebooks. You’ve got to love her....Well, let me go grab a bite to eat before they take it all. Men...what would we do without them, hmm? Talk to you later.”
“It was nice meeting you, Donna.”
“Same here...and trust me...you’re going to get sick of me before it’s over,” she joked, winking as she walked away, leaving Adalia to sigh and give her living room another look.
As large and comfortable as her house had felt, even with the inclusion of her belongings, she was beginning to feel cramped and nearly claustrophobic. She knew that not that many had been invited – just the Point inhabitants and the Point regulars, some of whom made a special trip that weekend to be there to meet her – but she had the suspicion that some of the single boys had brought along their most current ‘friends,’ especially on overhearing one or two ask whether they needed to find a last-minute gift.
And despite this being a ‘private’ party, she watched as John Biebe or Maximus, Bud White or Cort, or Jack Aubrey or Jim Braddock politely escorted what would be considered ‘lurkers’ back towards the Tavern, where the usual Saturday night festivities were in full swing. She figured that some of the ‘guests’ simply saw another gathering and decided there would be even more food and drink available; after a few minutes of grabbing a snack and some beer or alcohol, their stay was at a quick end, and Adalia never saw them again. Considering that some were getting on the loud side, she was thankful for any of the brothers – without being told – to run interference and prevent the housewarming from deteriorating into a free-for-all.
“That’s the way people are around here,” Stephanie Giraudeau assured her at one point. “We all try to look out for one another. I’m still the resident attorney, so if you ever need legal advice at any time, look me up.”
“Thanks.”
“And I’m married to the resident doctor, which you’ve probably heard already, and if you don’t mind me saying so, I still think he’s the best looking man here...and at least he’s unique. He doesn’t look like all the others.”
“Funny – Tina told me you’d say that.”
“Did she?” Stephanie asked, feigning innocence. “Sneaky girl. I’m going to have to talk to her about that. She really ought not to be going around warning you about people that way.”
Adalia felt comfortable around Stephanie, thinking that perhaps it was the idea that they – like Tina – were from the same region, but she then realized she was having the same reaction about nearly all that she met over the last couple of hours. Some elicited immediate reactions of friendship.
Hando left her curious and cautious, and although there were assurances of his change of heart and mind, she needed to personally know that this was true, not simply take the word of others. He seemed friendly enough however, even upon noticing the menorah in that place of honor in her living room, or his brief analysis of the mezuzah upon the front doorpost as he entered her home. More than likely he noticed the Star of David she wore on a chain about her neck, but the Hando of the movie was nothing like the Hando she saw in the flesh. Later, she overheard him asking Terry as to what ‘the odd little mailbox’ was, and on learning, seemed curious as to why it was so important and what was written upon the scroll he was told was inside. Adalia admitted to herself that she was excited when the boy said, “Maybe I’ll ask her…maybe,” when his older sibling told him that it would be simpler just to ask Adalia. So perhaps…one day….
But she had to be given time. Even Tina was sympathetic in that aspect. Jack Aubrey was close to being as overwhelming in person as he was in his movie, and while the General was everything she imagined him to be, Maximus Decimus Meridias was still a powerful enough figure to take one’s breath away. It had been, so far, a most interesting housewarming.
But now, Adalia was speaking to a woman who was married to someone who bore a very striking resemblance to not only Maximus’ enemy in Gladiator, but even more so, the cinematic version of a certain famous Man in Black. Most importantly, it was obvious how much he loved his wife...and how much she adored him.
“You should have met Steph’s ex-husband...although Tina can’t stand the sight of him,” yet another Point regular told her.
Adalia’s head was beginning to spin, and deep in the recesses of her mind, she tried to recall the name. Was it Lisa? No...that would be the woman doing the quick step right now with Lachlan Curry. No, the person in front of her had the name of a Southern location: Atlanta? Florida? Georgia? Virginia? Wait – Georgia! Marching Through Georgia: Hurrah, hurrah, we’ll sing the jubilee. Hurrah, hurrah, the flag that makes us free. Dum dee dum dee dum dee dum…Atlanta to the sea….Where on the sea? Oh! Savannah! Right – Savannah from Vancouver, the young woman who seemed such a natural life of the party because she was incredibly vivacious.
“Tina can’t? You mean Tina Tina? I didn’t think Tina disliked anyone.”
“Oh Tina knew him from way back during her and Stephanie’s years in Kentucky. Jack Foley’s from there too. That’s his name: Jack Foley. They all graduated the University of Kentucky, maybe not the same year, but they all graduated from there. But right now, he works for the top law firm in the state, and I’ve heard he definitely earns his keep. A lot of firms all across the U.S. would love to get their hands on him.”
“That good, huh?”
“That’s what they tell me. Anyway, it’s not like Tina’s ever impolite to him. She’s hardly ever impolite to anybody.”
“But this Jack Foley...?”
“Well...she's not rude to him either, but he brings out the worst in her. He's...well...you’ve never met him. He accidentally got into the Point once when he was following behind Stephanie, and...well ask Tina to tell you the story sometime. He nearly destroyed everything.”
“He nearly…What?”
“He almost single-handedly wiped out the Point.”
“Oh my…Oh my God.” She did not think such a thing was possible.
“It all worked out in the end, but it doesn't change how much he frustrates her." Savannah's voice dropped slightly, as if afraid to be overheard. "She doesn't mince words. He's a cheat."
Adalia gasped.
"That's why she doesn't trust him. Tina said he hurt Steph when he was married to her, not just once but two or three times, and then always came off with the 'I'll never do it again' with Steph until she couldn't put up with it anymore!"
"No wonder Tina can't stand him."
"Of course none of us had even heard of Jack Foley before he stumbled in here, and occasionally he sticks his nose into what’s going on with Steph, but things are all right I guess. I’ve met him; not sure I like him all that much. He’s kind of slimy in that charming kind of way a lot of women enjoy. I still think if Tina could rip out his heart with a rusty knife she’d do it in a heartbeat.”
“Understandable. I don't like cheats and liars either."
“Just don’t mention Fargo around her though.”
“Fargo? You mean, Fargo the city...or...Fargo the Coen Brothers movie?”
“The movie. Wasn’t it great? But you mention that and she’ll get off talking about him and wood chipper fodder...”
“Ewwww...”
“And I honestly don’t think a former crime scene technician should be talking that way...if you know what I mean,” and Savannah winked.
Adalia just smiled, watching as her new boss laughed along with several of the others before turning away, lovingly easing her arm within one of her husband’s. It was difficult believing that Tina Stewart-Biebe would be capable of.... A wood chipper? Good grief! “So does this Mr. Foley look like one of the...?” and she nodded towards a small group in which Braddock, Max Skinner and Johnny Ryan were standing.
“Oh Heavens no! He claims that people think he looks like what’s-his-name who used to be on that...uh...you know...that doctor show....”
“House?”
“Oh no way – not House. And don’t you dare say Doogie Howser either – you had it on the tip of your tongue, didn’t you?” and Adalia just laughed. “No...it’s that one that’s been on fore...E.R. He says some people think he looks like that guy that used to be on E.R. You know. The Ocean movies and Oh Brother Where....”
“Him?!” It suddenly hit her as she recalled reading something about it in one of the stories the ladies had written, the ones that most people would consider fiction, and never have any idea beyond that. “He thinks he looks like...?”
“I don’t think he does,” Savannah confessed. “I’ve never thought he did. I just figured that was Jack Foley being an arrogant fat head, and Tina would say I was right. You should see some of the men that come here and think they resemble Russell Crowe. You’d laugh your arse off, you really would!”
“So you’ve been coming to the Point a long time then?”
“Oh wow...yeah, I guess I have. Had to stop and think about that for a minute....Yes I...I...uh...I got here a few months before John and Tina’s wedding, but she and Michelle had been trying to get me here for a while. I just kept...you know...hesitating I guess; wasn’t sure. I used to come every now and then, but now...well now I suppose I’ve found my niche...finally. Chelle and Tina would say finally anyway,” she grinned, but Adalia could see that the last words went quite deep with her.
“I guess...I guess you must miss Michelle. Tina was telling me about her.”
“Well, I see her in Vancouver of course but yeah...I miss her being around here. You miss people that have been part of a place for a long time, and then something calls them away.” She sighed, glancing down as she swirled her Guinness about in the glass. “And of course that was when Arthur and I were real close too. Have you met Arthur yet? Arthur Baskin?”
“Arthur? Oh yes, yes I did...the first day I was here. Well, the first day I came back after I got the job. He was working over at the Hotel.”
“Isn’t he the sweetest? I don’t think there’s an evil bone in his whole body. And wait until you hear him sing. It’s like listening to an angel.”
Adalia tried to think of a way of phrasing her next words without making it appear overly meddlesome, but since Savannah had opened the door herself.... “So uh...you and Arthur...you used to be...”
“Used to be is the operative term, yeah. We’re like brother and sister now. I did feel a little...well...it was sort of awkward at first after we...and I didn’t come back for a while...but then I realized...” She shrugged, taking another drink. “It’s funny...all the ones I’ve seen come and go, and some of them do come back, but most of them, when they go...when something else...I don’t know. I guess once I came back and knew it was about as permanent as it was going to be...I just wondered...” But now she laughed and smiled brightly. “I’m rambling. Tina will tell you...I ramble a lot. And I’m making your housewarming awfully depressing....So tell me; please tell me. Don’t hold back. Did you like the candles I gave you? ”
“How did you know I love those fragrances?” And no...you aren’t depressing me Savannah. I’m just thinking how sad it is to see friends you love go away from all this. From what little I’ve seen so far, I can’t imagine why anyone would want to leave...and I don’t just mean the fascination with the men either.
“A little Louisville Cardinal told me. I just hope a dozen weren’t too many.”
“Not the way I burn them. Thank you so much. I just loved them!”
“Well, I thought those would be nice, you know, for when you have a chance to relax at home. I don’t think you could ever give me enough candles, and – hint, hint – when your stock gets low, remember Scents, Swords and More. And there...that was my shameless plug of the evening. How are you settling in?”
Adalia paused, feeling as if she had been momentarily taken aback. Savannah could manage to squeeze a million subjects into a matter of seconds, and she was glad the girl was fascinating enough that you couldn’t help but pay attention. “Oh I’m...I’m getting there, thanks for asking. I’m just grateful Tina gave me some time off or I’d be running around like the proverbial chicken with its’ head cut-off.”
Lisa shook her head. It was now her turn to talk to the new head chef, and she managed to catch Adalia in the kitchen when the latter went to fetch more wine she wanted the crowd to try. “Tina’s not a slave driver you know, and I’m glad you had time to feel your way around. It’s so...disconcerting when you first get here....Come to think of it, I’ve been coming for years and I still get thrown every single time....Here – let me give you a hand with that,” and she took two of the bottles. “Ooooooo...this Aussie Chardonnay sounds good. Master-peace. Great name! Anyway, what was I...? Oh...you won’t be the first one to get thrown off by this place. Between you and me...” and momentarily, there was a sense that an old memory was tugging at her, “some of us have been literally left in tears.”
“Are you kidding?” Adalia looked astounded. The only time she felt tearful during her preliminary visits – while going through the interview phase – was that she might have mismatched the 2003 Chateau Gravas Sauternes she decided to serve during one of the competitions.
“Nope....Believe me, you’ll hear all the battle stories...all the Point Urban Legends, but if you want it from the horse’s mouth, I think most of the gals around here are more than willing to bend your ear. I guess we’re always hoping somebody might learn from our mistakes.”
“Adalia?!” one of the male voices called out to her, and she saw Bud White motioning to her, an action that nearly took her breath away – partially because he had always been one of her favorite characters, and partially because seeing him in person was simply overwhelming.
“Look,” he continued, the moment she was at his side, “I know I told you how much I hope grits will stay on the menu.”
“Absolutely! There’s no way I’d remove that. I might be a Hoosier, but way too much of my cooking is inspired by the Southern United States.”
“Great. Well, you can add this cheese on there too.”
“You like it then?” she beamed.
Darcy laughed. “Like it? He won’t let anybody else near it. They start towards it and he practically growls.”
“Oh I do not.” He looked at Adalia as if hoping she did not believe Darcy’s words. “I do not...Look Adalia honey...I’ll pay you myself to make sure you always have this cheese around. Can you do that?”
“Sure I can, and seriously, I was hoping you all would like it. You’ll never guess where it comes from.”
The ones nearest her guessed Britain, then France, while several thought Wisconsin or some other ‘cheese state,’ and a few mentioned Italy.
“Nope....I am very, very proud to tell you that it comes from...Indiana,” a response which earned her quite a few expressions of surprise...and an ‘I’ll be damned’ which she accepted as a compliment! “That is a Banon Capriole Goat Cheese, and I know the French have something similar, but I’m biased and don’t care. It’s one of the best cheeses I’ve ever had in my life.”
“You can say that again,” Bud confessed as he slathered a large amount on a plain cracker and popped it into his mouth. “I didn’t even know it was goat cheese. I mean it doesn’t taste...”
“Goaty?” Darcy was grinning when she asked that.
Bud rolled his eyes. “Goaty? Give me a break. No...Look...goat cheese makes me think real strong tasting or something, and this ain’t it. It’s like butter. Butter with...okay I give. What’s it wrapped in? I was peeling off those leaves. What the hell was that?”
Adalia giggled. “Chestnut leaves....Chestnut leaves soaked in Kentucky bourbon.”
“Damn!”
“Now I see why you’re in love with it,” Darcy joked. “Bud’s been a fan of Kentucky bourbon since Tina told him about it years ago, right?”
The cop simply nodded and returned to smoothing more of the dense, creamy cheese onto yet another cracker, managing between bites to say, “Just tell me you won’t run out.”
“I’ll try not to,” the chef promised, turning to respond to someone else who wanted to know what wine would go best with the cheese. “Um...well...I think a good sherry would work, depending of course on whether you like sherry. I’ve got one right over here....It’s a Manzanilla...Hidalgo La Gitana, but if Bud will let you near the cheese table, get a sample of the Banon, get some olives...there are some toasted almonds right...right there, and see what you think. Let me know...” and she started walking backwards and stepping away from them on noticing that Tina was motioning to her. “Okay? Personally, I’m a big fan of Osborne Oloroso,” and she nearly ran into Kim Barrett upon turning about.