Green Stone Ring Read online

  Gini and Mama put the turkey in the oven at ten o’clock. Everyone started arriving about noon. Cindy and Neil got there first. Gini helped them bring in the chairs and the extra tables the church had lent to them for the day. Neil brought in the coolers. Two of the coolers were for the drinks, and a third had the salads that Cindy had made.

  Gini got busy and opened the ice bags and poured the ice into the coolers, then put in the drinks.

  “Where’s Todd?” Gini asked.

  “He and Andrea will be here soon,” Cindy said with a broad smile.

  Gini figured there was going to be a big announcement coming.

  After a while, Dwayne and his family came in.

  “Well, if it isn’t the big city girl,” Dwayne said. “Decided to grace our tables, did yah?” He gave her a quick hug and walked on in.

  “Gini,” Brit said with a nod as she passed by.

  The two young boys raced past Gini and headed right for Mama Elizabeth.

  “Grandmama,” they both shouted with glee. Each grabbed onto Elizabeth and hugged her tight. Neil was standing close by and took hold of her shoulders to help steady her as the energy passed from the boys to Elizabeth.

  “Oh, my little munchkins.”

  Dwayne yelled, “What have I told you boys about your grandmother?”

  He went over, took hold of both of their arms and pulled them away.

  “It’s okay, Dwayne. Let them love me.”

  As the hour went by, Larry arrived, and Thomas and his family came soon after; everyone hugged. It was kind of scary to her how much Thomas looked like her dad.

  It was close to one when Todd and Andrea got to the house. He was carrying a box full of different drinks.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.”

  Gini ran over to him and hugged him. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “Aunt Gini, it’s so great to see you again.” He reached back and pulled Andrea up to his side. “You remember Andrea?”

  “Yes, yes of course. Happy Thanksgiving to you.”

  “Thank you.” Andrea fidgeted and then shrugged her shoulders, smiled, and held out her left hand.

  “I guess I’ll have to get used to calling you Aunt Gini.”

  “You’re engaged! Congratulations. Mama, Mama, come look, they’re engaged.”

  Everyone gathered around the two and admired the ring and gave their congratulations.

  “Oh, honey,” Elizabeth said. “This is a happy day, a happy day.”

  The chatter continued as the meal preparations were finished and the food was put on the tables. They gathered and sat down to eat. Everything was delicious. The conversation was upbeat, and everyone was having a good time, including Gini. It was like being home when she was a child. Mama ran around making sure all the family had enough to eat and insisting they eat more, even though they all were full.

  It was a tradition for the men to clear the table and do the dishes. The women split the leftovers up and put them into containers for everyone to take home. Gini went out into the backyard to check on the drinks in the coolers. She squatted down to replenish the sodas.

  “It’s good to see you,” Dwayne said, surprising her. She hadn’t seen him come out the door.

  She stood up. “Thank you. I’m enjoying being with the family again.”

  “I’ve missed you and Franco. Where is he?”

  “He has a job in China, so he has been over there for a while.”

  “I remember, he digs water wells, right?”

  She smiled, impressed Dwayne kept up on Franco.

  “Yes, he digs wells, invents, and makes many people happy. He improves their quality of life.”

  “And you? You still preaching on the Hill?”

  “Yes,” Gini answered still smiling. “I still talk a lot.”

  Dwayne laughed. “You were a little chatterbox for sure, a brat, really.”

  “A brat?” She gave him a face. “I was your cute little sister.”

  “Right! I just wanted to tell you thanks for coming. I know it means a lot to Mama. And I wanted to tell you…” He paused a moment. “I wanted to tell you, I really do miss you and that I’m very proud of you.”

  “Well… Dwayne, thanks.”

  “I guess a university education can take you to better places. Mama and Pop wanted me to go to college. But I thought I was too much of a big shot. I didn’t need any more education. You’re the smart one, getting a degree and getting the heck out of here. Mama and Pop’s money was well spent on you.”

  “I appreciated Mama letting me leave the state, and I was grateful for the money they had to help me, but most of my schooling was paid for with scholarships. And… I worked the whole time I was in school. You’re right, though, a good college education opens doors.”

  “Yeah, better than saddling yourself with a family that I struggle to support.” He looked down at his feet.

  “You have a wonderful family. Your little boys are adorable. Franco and I want kids so bad, but we just can’t seem to get pregnant.”

  “I guess I have one up on you.” Dwayne walked over and gave her a big hug. “I’m glad you came.”

  He turned around and went back into the house. Gini stood staring at the door. Dwayne had never been that sweet to her—ever.

  Everyone gathered in the living room, and Gini and Cindy dished and served the desserts. There was talk about football, mostly college, and the San Francisco 49ers.

  “Do you see the games in Boston?” Dwayne asked.

  “What games?”

  “The 49ers, our team, of course. Is there any other?”

  “I’m a Patriots fan,” Gini said proudly with a smile. The room filled with boos.

  “Patriots!” Neil shouted. “We have a traitor amongst us.”

  Everyone laughed and gave her a bad time.

  Slowly the family began to leave. Gini could see Mama was completely worn out, but she was happy. Mama kept hugging Dwayne’s little boys until they left. It truly had been a joyful Thanksgiving. When Gini went to bed, she thought about Franco. They had had so many great holidays in that house growing up. He should have been there; he should have.

  Ric had bought a case of expensive wine for the feast at the Westcotts’.

  “Come on in,” Maria said, kissing him on the cheek. “You can put the wine in the wine refrigerator. There’s someone here I want you to meet.”

  Maria took his hand, and they walked into the great room where everyone had gathered.

  “Ric, I’d like you to meet Julia Morton. She’s a lawyer. Julia, this is Ric Santini. He’s a lawyer too.”

  Ric smiled and nodded.

  “Ric, ole boy,” Victor said putting his arm around Ric’s shoulders and giving him a stern hug. “It’s good to see you.”

  “Hey, congrats on the re-election.” Ric patted Victor on the arm.

  Victor guided Ric into the crowd, leaving the two ladies standing alone.

  A football game was on the TV. Everyone shook hands as they greeted each other. Maria took Julia farther into the room.

  Dinner was served at a long table in the dining room-kitchen combination.

  “Here,” Maria said to Ric, “you sit here next to Julia. I’m sure there’s a lot you can talk about.”

  Maria had always been trying to find a girl for him, and she was doing her matchmaking again.

  Julia was an attractive enough woman, tall and slender, with blonde hair and hazel-green eyes. She was dressed in a clinging sweater and nice wool pants with high heels.

  “Which firm do you work for?” she asked.

  “I’m not practicing law, at the moment.”

  Maria sat at the head of the table on the other side of him. “But he was with Lory and Lawson.”

  “Oh wow, that’s a very prestigious firm.”

  Ric smiled.

  “Julia is a junior partner,” Maria said. “Which firm was that?”

  “Freed and Associates.”

  “That’s a great firm too
. Isn’t that right, Ric?”

  He agreed.

  The conversation continued throughout the meal with Maria’s constant interjections. Although Julia was nice, attractive, and seemed smart—his kind of woman—Ric wasn’t interested in connecting with her. Through the discussions, he learned she was a serious trial lawyer, passionate about interpreting statutes as they had been intended. He tried to stay engaged in the stories, but he disliked trial lawyering and was having a difficult time paying attention to what she was saying about her cases.

  Maria was pleased he seemed to enjoy being with Julia. He was his charming self, showing great interest in her work.

  He got up to help clear the dishes.

  Maria followed him to the sink with both hands full. “Ric, honey, isn’t Julia just about perfect?”

  “Maria.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I don’t need a matchmaker.”

  She smiled as they went back to the table for more dishes. “Yes you do, you need a woman.”

  Ric and Victor were smoking their cigars out on the enclosed porch.

  Julia dried the last dish. “I don’t think I impressed him much.”

  “Oh, don’t worry, he likes you. I’m sure you’ll hear from him.”

  “He hasn’t asked me for contact information.”

  “I’ll give it to him.”

  “You’re sweet, Maria, but I doubt he has any problem getting women.”

  “He’s a good-looker for sure, but he never seems to have a lady by his side. I think he works way too hard. Leave it to me, Julia.”

  Everyone left except Ric. The two men were in the great room drinking an after-dinner drink, talking politics.

  “Here you go, honey.” Maria handed him a piece of paper. “This is Julia’s number.”

  Victor grabbed her onto his lap. “Are you trying your hand at arranging a date for Ric again?”

  “He needs a fine lady on his arm.”

  “Maria, I appreciate your concern, but I have a beautiful woman in my life.” He couldn’t tell them who it was he was so much in love with. It was too early. He hadn’t even told Gini yet how he felt. It was his secret for now.

  “No!” Maria said, surprised. “And you haven’t mentioned that to us?”

  “She’s a good friend. We have been going out together. It’s nice to have someone to enjoy the good times. Just good friends, for now.”

  “You have to bring her here. We want to meet her.”

  Friday morning Gini fixed breakfast for herself and her mom. Cindy came about nine o’clock. They finished packing up the rest of Mama’s clothes and then took her to her new home.

  They were pleasantly greeted at the reception desk, and Mama introduced the daughters. Mama showed Gini around the facility.

  “This is the activity room, and this room is our kitchen.” The room was large, with three cooking areas.

  Cindy hugged Elizabeth around the shoulders. “I think Mama will spend lots of time in here. All she has to do is tell the kitchen what ingredients she needs, and she can bake her heart away.”

  Gini was impressed with the luxurious living. The atmosphere was light and cheerful. She was pleased and happy her mother was going to get good care.

  After the tour, they went up to Elizabeth’s place. It was small, but nicely furnished, and had a balcony that looked out over a lush green, wooded area.

  They had a good meal in the dining room, where several people greeted Elizabeth. She introduced her two daughters.

  The three of them went back up to Mama’s place. At nine, the night nurse came to help Mama get ready for bed.

  “Someone will come in to check on Mama every day. They’ll make sure she’s eating and taking her medication. And at night, they’ll help her get to bed.”

  “This is so nice. I’m glad we are doing this for Mama. She’s been good to me. Now, I can repay her by paying for her to stay here.” Gini felt much better about Mama selling the family house.

  “She’s in bed,” the aide said. “I’ll check on her through the night.”

  They went to the bedroom to say good night.

  “Gini, you have a good trip home,” Mama said. “And you give Franco a big hug and kiss from me.”

  “I will. I love you, Mama.”

  “I love you too, honey.” Elizabeth kissed her.

  They walked back to the living room. “I’m going to stay at the hotel out by the airport. I can take you home on the way,” Gini said to Cindy.

  “No, I think I’ll stay here tonight and sleep on the couch. I’ll call Neil and have him bring my things. Mama has only stayed here for two nights. I want to make sure she’s okay.”

  Gini gave Cindy a hug and kiss. “You’re a good daughter.”

  “Have a good trip home. It’s so good to see you, baby sister.” She held Gini away at arm’s length. “You go, be with your husband. He loves you, and you love him.”

  Gini smiled. “Yes, you’re right.”

  She walked into the familiar hotel lobby.

  “Mrs. Legotti, welcome home,” the man behind the desk greeted.

  Once in the room, she got settled and went to bed. She thought about what Cindy had said about her being with Franco. Rubbing her hand across the other side of the bed, she thought about them staying there, making love, talking about the family, and laughing at funny stories about when they were young. Why wasn’t he lying there next to her? Why did she have to deal with their lives’ ups and downs—Mama’s failings—without him? They were partners in a union; they needed to be together. But then she wondered if going to China was the answer. Wasn’t that what a good wife would do? But she’d be so miserable, and she knew it. He knew it too, that’s why he hadn’t insisted. She knew one thing, she longed to be back in his arms again, reassured that he loved her, and desired her. That’s all she wanted. He was her family now, and she needed him.

  Chapter 9 – Holidays

  Saturday morning Gini sat in first class looking out the window at the line of planes going to the runway. She couldn’t get the last thing Cindy said to her out of her mind. Being with the family and having such a good time made her want her husband even more. The memories of the early days kept coming—the days when he’d never been out of this town and so was fully engaged with the people and the situations, when she could talk about Mama and Cindy, and maybe he didn’t understand, but he cared. And she’d run out of talk, and they’d look at each other… It used to make them laugh how they’d both at the same moment remember the delights of sex. He’d get that heavy-lidded look and throw an arm around her, or if she were across the room, he’d just look at her and ask, “Gini, why are you over there when you could be on my lap?” It was just such a surprise—that two people could feel so good together.

  She couldn’t get him out of her head all night.

  Once they were in the air, she took out her PET and started writing an email to him:

  Franco, I’m on the plane heading back to Boston after spending a wonderful holiday with my family. They all missed you, as do I, and were wondering when they would see you again. The whole family was there. It was just like when we were kids. All the food, laughter, and Dwayne picking on me. Lol. I hope you celebrated Thanksgiving in some way over there. Please tell me when you’ll be home. I love you. Gini.

  She sent the message and then started eating the breakfast that was served to her.

  In just a few minutes, her PET signaled she had an email. She smiled. That was fast.

  I’m unable to respond to my messages at this time. All messages will be forwarded to my assistant. I will contact you as soon as I have an internet connection. Franco Legotti.

  Was his assistant going to read her personal mail? Why did she bother? She spread the butter on her breakfast roll over and over furiously. She wished she could delete it. A tear came to her eye.

  “Can I get you anything?” the flight attendant asked.

  Gini wiped her cheek. “I’ll have some orange juice.”
r />   Once she finished the meal, she reclined her seat and fell asleep. She was surprised when she woke up, and the loudspeaker was announcing to prepare for landing. Out the window, she could see the airport as the plane made a broad bank over the water.

  It was nearly four o’clock when she walked in her door. Right on top of all her mail sitting on the kitchen bar was a note addressed “Gini.” She opened it:

  I hope you had a great week in Sacramento. I just wanted to remind you about the party tonight at the hotel. I know you’ll enjoy it. It starts at 7. I’ll come and get you at 6:15. Text me with your acceptance. Ric.

  She set the note aside and went through the rest of the stack. There was nothing of importance. She pulled her PET out of her bag.

  “Email Cindy,” she commanded. “Start. Cindy, I got home just fine. Period. Thank you for a great time. Period. I absolutely loved being with the family. Period. I love you, sis. Period. Stop. Send.”

  She checked her emails. There was one from Catherine:

  I hope you’re having as much fun with your family as I am with mine. All we have done is eat, drink, and laugh and then eat and drink some more. Happy Thanksgiving, friend.

  She smiled. “Respond. Start. Had a great time in Sacramento. Yes, we ate way too much. Happy Thanksgiving to you. Period. Stop. Send.”

  She picked up the note and went into the living room, sat down in the chair, and pulled her legs up to her chest. She flipped the paper back and forth over her finger. Why not go? She’d just had a great time with her family—so many memories. He had an exciting life; she should go. After all, he was family too. She smiled. A fun night out was just what she needed to forget about Franco and his non-message. She was probably making more of a big deal about it than necessary.

  But the kiss. What about the kiss? She shivered at the memory then said to herself—like a teacher who is always right even when she’s wrong—It was just a thank-you kiss like Michael’s, to thank me for being his friend, that’s all, a thank-you kiss.

  She tapped her electronic bracelet and spoke the message, “Text Ric Santini. I’ll see you at six-fifteen. Send.”