Momma Grizzly #2
Entry 2 of 39
Continuing the memoir of Kelly Clegg. - Parce
I rounded on my parents in the parking lot. “What the hell was that about?”
My mother gasped. “What’s the matter with you?”
“Why did he say that about the town?”
“Say what?”
“The part about people in Grünwald being un-Christian. It’s not like they don’t believe in God. A lot of them… just also believe the stories about the woods.”
She frowned. “Well, Pastor Cotton thinks it’s dangerous to have those kinds of superstitions. They might lead people away from God.”
“It’s harmless,” I said. “It’s folklore. Like Paul Bunyan. Lots of people believe in Bigfoot. Are they un-Christian?”
“He’s just speaking to his crowd,” my dad said. “It was a smart business move to come out here, that’s all this is. San Antonio and Austin are booming. I heard his attendance in Atlanta had been falling for a while. There are more people here who want to buy what he’s selling. Bringing the church here was a win-win for Bellwether and for San Antonio.”
“But is it a win for Grünwald?”
My dad sighed. “It will be different for sure. Who’s hungry?”
I really didn’t want to go to lunch with them. I threw out the first plausible lie that came to mind: “I’m, uh, planning to meet up with Sammie for lunch.”
My mother frowned. “There’s something we wanted to talk to you about.”
I pulled my phone out of my pocket. “Oh, I bet that’s her right now.” I glanced down and shot off the only text message that could make an honest woman out of me: Meet for lunch?
“This won’t take very long,” my mother said as we reached their SUV. My dad hung back with a hand on her shoulder. I knew what that meant. She’d be speaking for both of them.
I sighed and stuck my phone back in my pocket. “Alright. What did you want to talk about?”
“Well… I’m sure you can see how many people drive up here from San Antonio to go to this church. Lots of them make a day of it, right? They stay in town for lunch and to look at the historical buildings and all that. A lot of people even moved from Atlanta just to follow Pastor Cotton.”
“OK. So…?” I gritted my teeth and waited for the hammer to fall.
“So,” said my mother, “it wouldn’t be that hard to meet a nice young man from the city, don’t you think?”
I don’t know what else I expected. It was always about this. My right hand reflexively covered over my left. “Mom, I’m still married.”
“To a man you barely see.”
“It’s going to get better soon.”
“You’ve been saying that all this time. It can’t go on forever, Kelly.”
My stomach burned and so did my face. “It won’t. This stuff takes a while to heal.”
“You were ready for a divorce not that long ago.”
“Some things happened, you know. It’s different now.”
“I understand that. But what if this is as much healing as he’s going to do? How long are you going to hold out hope?”
I shrugged and fidgeted with the simple silver band on my ring finger. “Longer than you, sounds like.”
“Kelly, this isn’t good for you. You’re all alone out here. What if something happens?”
“We’ve been through this, Mom. I don’t need to marry a new guy to be happy. I don’t need to move back in with you to stay on my feet. I’m doing really well by myself.”
That did it. She crossed her arms and lifted her chin. “You’re being unrealistic. Maybe you’re a good fit for this town after all.”
I opened the car door for her. “Bye, Mom.”
She shook her head and climbed in. My dad gave me a forlorn look as he went around to the driver’s side. I walked between a couple of rows and found my old Civic.
I started the engine and left the door open while I checked my phone. Sammie had answered: Sounds good! MLE has been asking to see you. When & where?
I thought about it. Forty Winks? Just whenever you can make it. I’m free all afternoon.
Her answer was quick: Cool be there in 30.
I was reaching out to close my car door when I saw a manicured hand take hold of its top edge. I looked up at my mother’s face.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean what I said.”
“It’s OK, Mom.”
“No, it’s not. I’m just so worried about you.”
“I know you want what’s best.” I stood up to give her a hug. She held onto me tighter than I had expected. Her floral perfume brought back memories, made me small again. I opened my eyes. Two parking spots away, my dad leaned against the idling SUV. He winked at me.
My mother let go, reaching up to tuck an errant chestnut curl behind my ear. “Have fun with Sammie. Is the baby going to be there?”
“Yeah. Sammie said Emma Lee wanted to see me.”
“What about Rachael?”
“I… don’t think she’ll be joining us, Mom. I haven’t talked to her in a long time.”
“Well, that’s a shame. Go have fun and hug that child for me. Be safe.”
“Thanks, Mom.”