Chesapeake Tide by Jeanette Baker Page B

“Perks has everything, coffee, tea, herbs, health foods, books, cards, whatever you’re looking for.” She held out her hand. “I’m Verna Lee Fontaine.”
    Chloe took it. “Chloe Richards.”
    â€œWho are your grandparents?”
    â€œThe Delacourtes.”
    Something flickered behind Verna Lee’s eyes. “Really? You don’t look like a Delacourte. Your hair’s beautiful.”
    Chloe nodded. “Thanks. I look like my dad.”
    Verna Lee opened the door. “Come on in and sit down.”
    Chloe followed her inside and looked around appreciatively. The decor was pure eclectic with deep couches, low tables and bookshelves filled with interesting titles. Two glass cases offered various dried leaves and twigs, all neatly labeled. Colorful china and crockery sat on the shelves and the tables, along with candles, beads and incense of every imaginable scent and color. “I like this,” said Chloe reverently, grateful for the cool air blowing from the vents. She sat down on one of the couches.
    â€œThank you. Where are you from?”
    â€œCalifornia.”
    â€œAh, California.”
    â€œHave you been there?”
    Verna Lee nodded. “I went to school in San Francisco.”
    Chloe’s blue eyes slanted in surprise. “Why did you come back here?”
    â€œMy grandmother is old. There was no one else to take care of her. She needed me.”
    Dubious, Chloe nodded. Selflessness to such a degree that one would sacrifice San Francisco for Marshyhope Creek was beyond her.
    Verna Lee moved efficiently, as if the heat and humidity had no effect on her. She set two sweating glasses of ice cubes and golden liquid on the table in front of Chloe. “Taste that and tell me if you like it. I’ll join you if you don’t mind.”
    Chloe sipped it tentatively. “It’s delicious,” she said. “You put sugar in it.”
    Verna Lee shook her head. “It’s naturally sweetened with cinnamon and spices. My own recipe. You should feel better in a minute.”
    â€œI feel better already.”
    Verna Lee sat down beside Chloe and crossed her legs. “Tell me about yourself, Chloe Richards. How long will you be here?”
    â€œI’m not sure. My mother said two weeks, but it may be longer. We thought my grandmother was dying, but she’s nowhere near that. Not that I want her to be,” she said hastily. “It’s just that now everything is up in the air and I had things going on at home.”
    â€œOccasionally, life throws us a loop.” Verna Lee touched Chloe’s leg briefly, gently. “Sometimes, in the end, it works out for the best.”
    Chloe changed the subject. “Do you know someone named Bailey Jones?”
    Verna Lee’s smile faded. “I do.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with him?”
    â€œNothing,” said Verna Lee stiffly. “Bailey hasn’t had an easy time of it and folks around here have long memories.”
    â€œHe gave me a lift into town,” Chloe explained, “but he made me get out before anyone saw us. He said it wouldn’t be a good thing to be seen with him.”
    Verna Lee sighed. “Bailey Jones doesn’t fit the mold of a good ol’ boy. He’s his mama’s only son and sole support. Lizzie Jones is half Cherokee Indian, one of the few left around here. Some say she’s got a drop of African blood as well. Whatever the case, she’s in poor health. They live in a trailer on the other side of the marsh. No one knows who Bailey’s father is. The boy’s got more than his share of pride. That’s his only flaw. Otherwise, he’s a hardworking kid who deserves a break. It isn’t pleasant being on the outside looking in.”
    â€œAre you saying I should try being his friend?”
    â€œHow are you at swimming against the tide and taking on lost causes?”
    Chloe lifted her chin and smiled.