As I lay in the darkness, I tried to make sense out of the past few days. I thought of the bizarre things I had learned about my mother, and the rest of my family for that matter, and the strange relationship she and dad and Louise had shared. It seemed to me as if mother had concocted this wild and crazy scenario for their lives and then, wasn't satisfied with her results, and just gave up and conveniently died leaving Louise holding the bag. She had created in Louise, a woman of huge character and determination, turned all of her problems and possessions over to her and just checked out. Louise appeared totally submissive at times, but still, she had the strength and resilience to keep the entire family functioning. She has now chosen to devote herself completely to the task of making my life a success. Go figure.
My father had suddenly come up with this unbelievable plan to split his fortune between Dianne, Camille, Louise and I, and then just move south. I still wanted to get more insight into his thinking, but was reluctant to upset him right now. His mind is going a mile a minute, and everything he's done has been to benefit the rest of us. I hope guilt wasn't a contributing factor, or if it was, I hope he gets over it after he gets situated in the Keys. I thought I might drive down later in the summer and spend a few days alone with him and see if I could be enlightened.
I could see lightening flashing on the walls in the studio, through the bedroom door, and hoped today would not be a repeat of yesterdays deluge. I was looking forward to our gig at The White Lion this weekend. I hoped that rain wouldn't dampen the crowd. St. Augustine, being such a big tourist town, boasted some really great audiences for entertainers. I especially enjoyed playing The Lion because of the atmosphere. It's located in the historical district, and the building was originally constructed back in the late 1600's. The restaurant and bar were basically one room and the band played right in the center between the two areas. You could see into both the bar and restaurant from the stage. The spectators sat on three sides of the stage and it was rather cozy.
I glanced at the clock and saw that it was only 5:35 AM. I usually didn't wake up early. Things had been happening in such a flurry lately, I must want to get started early, so I won't miss any of the action. I really need to slow down.
I decided to get up and have a nice hot bath before school. I ran the tub full, as hot as I could stand, and slid in. I switched the Jacuzzi on and was enjoying the bubbles when I saw the lightening flash on the draperies. I really hoped it wouldn't rain. The hot water had relaxed me, and the next thing I knew, there stood Louise, grinning like the Cheshire cat, with my morning cup of scalding coffee hanging from her finger. "Well, don't you look all comfy there with the bubbles going?" She asked, "Did you have a hard time sleeping too?" I peered up at her beaming face, reached for the proffered coffee cup, and asked, "You too?" She stood with her hands on her hips looking down and nodded, "Lots to think about these days. Your papa's got me worried. He's thinking too clearly and that's always cause for alarm." Then she tilted her head back and laughed a great big belly laugh. "It's been almost fifty years I've known that rascal, and nothing surprises me anymore. But he's on a mission, and there ain't no changing his mind. We've just gotta live with it."
"By the way, Tall, you all right with last night?" She asked. "Yeah, you?" I asked back. "I got off easy. Your daddy used to play a lot rougher. I might not be able to handle that much anymore. I needed the discipline though. Can you understand?" She replied. "I felt the rush. I don't think I can go any harder. It's just not in me. I liked the king and queen bit though. It made me feel the power, not that I need it. I've just never had to be the pusher. I'd rather lead. Do I make any sense?" I countered. "More than you can ever know, Sweet Baby, more than you can ever know." She said. "Now get your skinny white ass out the tub and come up for breakfast."
She spun on her heel and was gone. I pulled the plug and reached for a towel. Yellow today, good girl, I like yellow towels. I found a bright yellow Hawaiian shirt, with colorful butterflies all over it, and a pair of jeans. I dressed and climbed the steps just as I monstrous clap of thunder shook the whole house. Damn, it is going to rain. I hoped it would be short-lived; I really wanted it to be nice tonight. I sat and watched Louise finish loading my plate and as she placed it on the table I asked her, "Have you given any more thought to hiring a couple to help around here?" She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat across from me at the table. "As a matter of fact, I have. I talked to your dad this morning, before he left, and he agrees with us that we need to staff this place like they did several years ago. He thinks we need a cook-housekeeper, someone to keep up the grounds, and a maintenance person to take care of the buildings and pool." She said. I agreed with her assessment. I asked, "Anybody particular you have in mind?" "I'd like to see if we could locate that girl Janice. I enjoyed having her around. I heard she had a rotten marriage and is divorced and living up in Jacksonville. I'm going to try and find her right away. I'll need help with your sisters coming." She answered. "Good. I'll ask at school if anybody is interested in the grounds keeper job for the summer. That would give us a chance to find someone permanent. Now, I have to scoot, I'll be late tonight. We are playing in St. Augustine and I'll take my clothes and change after we set up." I carried my plate to the sink and turned and nearly ran over Louise. She stood on tiptoes and kissed me on the chin, and said, "You play good tonight, make your old black mama proud." I squeezed a big titty with one hand, and patted her butt with the other. "Bye my Queen." I was gone.