Riverbend Reunion(95)

Jessica caught Wade’s eye across all the people, and he winked and mouthed, “We did it.”

She blew him a kiss and then turned to see Stella storming across the dance floor and out the door.

“That should take care of Miz Sullivan for now and forevermore,” Oscar told Jessica.

“What did you say to her?” Jessica asked.

“I told her that a picture of her dancing with me in a bar would be somewhere in every newspaper in all the surrounding counties, even if I had to pay for ads thanking everyone for coming out to our grand opening,” Oscar answered.

“Are you really going to do it?” Jessica asked.

“You heard Tommy promise, didn’t you?” Oscar waved at a couple of elderly men who were claiming barstools. “When everyone sees her dancing and looking like she’s having a good time, her smart-ass plans to destroy us won’t hold a bit of water.”

“She’ll call it fake news,” Jessica said.

“Yep, and that will make it seem more real. Haven’t you heard that stirring the crap pile just makes it stink even worse?” Oscar disappeared into the crowd.



A few minutes before closing time, Wade plugged in a few more coins and played “Danny Boy” again. When it ended, he picked up the microphone from behind the bar and said, “Thank you all for being here tonight for our grand opening. Our plans are to be open Tuesday through Saturday from six p.m. to two a.m.”

Wade herded the last few stragglers to the door and locked it behind them, then went straight to the kitchen, where everyone else was gathered. “We did it, folks. We had an amazing first night, but what was all that business with Stella here?”

“What!” Risa gasped. “My mother was in the bar?”

“Not by choice,” Oscar said, “but yes, she was here, and yes, she danced with me, and yes, her picture doing that will be on the front page of the newspaper on Wednesday when it comes out, and no, she was not happy about any of it. But that should stop her from being so nasty in public to all of us.”

“Sweet Lord!” Risa’s eyes were as big as saucers.

“Yep, He is very sweet at that.” Mary Nell giggled.

“Did anyone see what those brochures were all about?” Haley asked.

Oscar laid one on the table. “Looks like it says that folks should turn from iniquity and be saved.” His phone rang, and he pulled it from his pocket and raised a finger. “Yes, this is Oscar,” he said and listened for a few minutes. “It’s negotiable. What have you got to give me?” He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “That won’t do.”

Wade was standing close enough that he heard a woman yell, “Then you can go to hell. I’ll tell everyone the picture was doctored.” When Oscar put his phone back in his pocket, Wade raised an eyebrow.

“That was Stella, trying to make a deal,” Oscar said. “I guess the folks that had cell phones posted on social media, so the newspaper will just be an afterthought. She’s been getting calls all night, and she’s plenty mad. She doesn’t realize that I might have the power to keep it out of the newspaper by offering Tommy a few more drinks, but there’s nothing I can do about the internet.”

Lily whipped out her phone. “It’s blowing up Snapchat. They’re saying that an old couple was the first ones to dance at the grand opening of Danny’s Place. You can’t see your faces so well, but I can tell it’s Granny Stella.”

Wade bit back laughter. “It’s been a night to remember, but I’m beat. The party is over. Let’s turn out the lights and clean up the mess tomorrow afternoon.”

“I’m all for that,” Jessica said. “Church starts at eleven, so it’s going to be a short night.”

“Give me a hallelujah,” Lily said.

“Give me an amen,” Daisy said and then covered a yawn.



Jessica could hardly hold her eyes open, but she managed until Wade finished his shower and crawled between the sheets with her. She cuddled up beside him and laid her head on his chest. “Do you think every night will be this busy?”

“Probably not, but I expect Saturdays just might.” Wade rubbed her back.

“I liked that we opened and closed with ‘Danny Boy,’” she whispered. “It seemed fitting.”

“It did,” Wade agreed. “Maybe we should do that every night.”

“I think so. Have I told you today that I’m in love with you, Wade?” she asked.

“Couple of times, darlin’, but I’ll never get tired of hearing it,” he answered. “And I love you right back.”





Epilogue


NINE MONTHS LATER

You do know that if we’d gotten married right after basic training, we could have kids this age,” Wade whispered to Jessica as the senior class marched down the sideline of the football field and took their places in front of the stage.

“I was just thinking the same thing, but I’m glad that things worked out for us the way they have. We had a beautiful little private wedding at the bar at Christmas. I loved every bit of it.”

“And now we’ve got our little guy on the way, and he should be here by homecoming in the fall. Do you think they’ll want y’all to ride on the float this year?” Wade teased.