“I don’t know the last time I felt so peculiar.” Ruby holds the boathouse screen door open with her hip. “It’s not every day you meet someone who already knew you were going to meet them, for heaven’s sake!”

“I thought the entire experience was like watching a movie and I was off somewhere in the corner observing.” I plop an armload of fabric down on the counter. “Hope she calls…Something about her.”

“She will, darling.” Ruby puts her hands to her temple. “I see it.”

“Well, here the two of you are,” Johnny says through the screen door of the boathouse. “Can we come in?”

“What a lovely surprise. Get in here and have a look around,” Ruby says. “We’ve been out shopping all morning and look!” She holds up a bolt of material with enormous pink flowers.

“Oh man, these are going to look…obnoxious. Where did you find all this stuff?” Johnny roots through the fabric Ruby had just finished putting into tidy piles.

“We found more than this, I’ll tell you.” Ruby and I fill them in on Sam and her “gift” as well as the rest of our adventures in Bayfield.

“I’m impressed with…everything,” Howard says. “Sam sounds intriguing, Lilly will be a hoot and my God, things are cooking,” he adds with obvious glee, lifting up some of the bolts of fabric and shaking his head. “Women will want armloads of these.”

“These are like, totally kitsch, Valley-girls,” Johnny says. “This is so on-trend and Howard’s got the web site coming along and I just finished making a cutout of the original Ruby-apron.”

“Let me see those, darling.” Ruby reaches for the cardboard cutouts. “I had no idea there were so many parts to an apron.”

“I think some should have pockets—some with wider ties—you know…variations,” I suggest. “The more we make…I’m sure they’ll evolve.”

“Johnny, you used your Ouija board box for these?” Ruby shows us the backside of one of the patterns.

“Haven’t needed it for years now. Have all the magic I can handle right here.” He drapes his arm around Howard.

“You two…It’s getting really thick in here.” I shake my head. “Sure do appreciate all you’ve done though.”

“Honestly Eve”—Howard comes over and puts his arm around me—“it’s been a while since Johnny and I have gotten such a kick out of…well…hanging out. Making things…being involved again.”

“Even though you and Ruby are working us to death,” Johnny adds.

“Of course we are,” Ruby states matter-of-factly. “We’ve every intention of paying you…both of you. This is a company after all and our intentions are—”

“To be filthy rich,” I throw in. “No…to make enough to cover everything, at least in the beginning. Then…who the hell knows? We do need to get things in gear, with the booth I’ve reserved and—”

“Wait a minute.” Johnny holds up a well-manicured hand. “What booth?”

“I rented a booth. During the Bayfield Apple Festival in October. So…we’re firing up on Monday. That’ll give us well over a month, seeing as today is…I don’t even know the day…”

“August twenty-second,” Howard replies. “I think…with just the two of you…and the two of us…we’ll need those women you told us about.”

Ruby jumps in. “Then there’s the float for the parade. And a schedule for who will work the booth, who will keep the aprons coming, lunches, more fabric, since we’ll certainly run out in no time at all and—”

“What have we gotten ourselves into?” Howard asks Rocky, who’s staring at us from the top of the fridge.

The boys eventually head back over to their place. I get on the deer-phone and leave messages for Lilly and Bonnie. If they can start next week, that would be awesome. I expect they will, since neither one of them is currently employed.

Just as I reach up to open the screen door and head up to the barn, the deer head rings. Pulling the jaw down, I grab the phone, giving it a good tug so I don’t have to stare old stuffed-head in the eye.

“Eve’s Salon—I mean…hello?” That’s the first time that’s happened.

“Hi there. Is this Eve?”

“Yes…who’s this?”

“It’s Ruby, you nitwit.”

“Ruby? Where the hell are you?”

“Up at the cottage. All the phones here become an intercom if you dial eight, six, two, three, which spells toad, of course. Let’s have a chat like old times. I realized the reason the phone doesn’t ring like it did in Eau Claire is because we’re both here. So…hi.” I hear the familiar exhale and imagine the smoke ring she’s just set free.

“You know…you’re right.”

“Of course I am, darling. How’s it coming down there?”

“Looks wonderful…I hadn’t realized you’d snuck off. I was scouring the bathroom sink.”

“I should think it was a bit of a mess…you poor darling.”

“Those iron stains are not going anywhere.”

“Eve…things have gotten so stirred up, in a good way, mind you. The boathouse is beginning to look like what we thought it would, only a hell of a lot better and who knew?”

“No kidding.” I nod to the deer head. “Not to mention the band of women we’ve hired. What a riot.”

“I do hope they all show up,” Ruby says. “If the Apple Festival proves to be a success…well I’d say—we’re in business. If I do say so myself…and I do.”

“If we make these babies really well—you know, quality stitching and all, catchy label, affordable price that’s not too affordable—I’d say we’re onto something. Or…we could get laughed out of town.”

“Let ’em laugh,” Ruby says.

“That, my dear, is exactly what we’ll do. You’re a genius.”

“True, so true. Hey…I like these sketches you left up here for a label,” Ruby says. “Seems like your name should be on it too though.”

“Ruby’s Aprons is simple. Has a nice ring to it…without trying to be too cute.”

“I must admit, I’ve always loved my name.”

“Me too,” I say. “I love the color ruby, too. Wish my hair was still…but that’s a whole other story. How about meeting me at the barn? I could use some help.”

“Delighted.”

“Delighted?” I ask the deer head.

Letting go of the phone, I watch as it flies up, a blackened tongue finding its way home. The screen door slaps shut behind me. Turning back, I peer through the mesh into the boathouse. Piles of bright floral material are heaped on tables and chairs. A shiny chrome percolator coffeepot and mugs wait in readiness on the counter, and spools of thread are stacked in the shape of a pyramid, compliments of Johnny. There’s still a lot to do, but it’s taking shape.

I take the wooden stairs down two at a time. Whistling, I walk up and around the cottage heading toward the barn. I can see the outline of Ruby standing in the barn’s open doorway, hands on hips.

“Don’t you look nice,” I sputter, a little out of breath.

She’s changed into a long gray dress that hangs clear to her ankles. Silver bracelets clang as she waves.

“Thought you’d never get up here,” she says and smiles. “Had a lovely chat with a dear old friend of mine earlier. I was inspired—here.” She hands me a framed napkin.

“What the…oh man. Should be worth millions one day,” I say. It’s the one from Maggie’s, with the “Ruby’s Aprons” logo I drew on it. A pink flamingo winks from a corner and my lipstick marks an O on the bottom. It’s a simple sketch, really, an old-fashioned tie-at-the-waist apron, the ties floating out on either side, with a floral print design and “Ruby’s Aprons” written in retro-style letters.

“While we were chatting, I remembered you framing my check that I wrote you the first day you opened Eve’s Salon. I was so flattered…a little embarrassed too. I just thought…” She stammers a bit and I’m all the more touched.

“Thank you. This is great. Who knows where it will lead. You have to admit, so far it’s been smooth sailing.” I turn the frame over and read what Ruby’s written: “To my dearest friend in the whole world—that’s you, Eve—even way up here you’ve managed to make the sun shine a little brighter. Thank God all those years ago you had the good sense to say, ‘I have time for you.’ Love, Ruby.” I sigh, feeling all mushy.

“Now then…” Ruby moves things along with her brisk manner. “The boys will be over in a bit so you should hustle on upstairs—take a nice hot shower, throw on a favorite frock and let’s celebrate!”

“Are you saying that I smell?”

“Good heavens, yes—stink is more like it, darling.”

“Don’t hold anything back, you old…” I grin. “I did want to haul a table down and grab some other stuff, but I can have the boys help tomorrow. Maybe we can take the duck out for a spin tonight.”

“Sounds lovely, darling. Now come along.” She turns me around and we head toward the back door.

 

Pulling on a sweater and khakis, I glance at my reflection in the mirror. Rocky’s lounging on my bed with not a care in his furry head. I wind my hair up and shove several pencils in the twist for good measure. Dab on lip gloss and feel revived. I grab Rocky and we head down the stairs, following our noses into the kitchen.

“Hey—look at you,” Ruby tosses a huge salad in one of her mammoth bowls. “Be a love and pour us some wine.”

“My pleasure.” I set Rocky on the floor. “What smells so tasty? I’m famished.”

“That must be the garlic bread I’m warming.” We clink our goblets and take a sip. “We’re having salad with smoked salmon and homemade cilantro dressing.”

“Sounds delicious.” I sit down on a stool and spin. “Feels good to sit. I love being this tired—when I do get to rest, there’s not as much guilt involved.”

“Does make you appreciate the simple things: like being cooked for, cleaned up after and…get off your rear and come over here and open this!” She points to the salmon wrapped tight-as-a-drum in saran wrap.

“Right.” I carefully open drawers in search of a scissors. I do not want any more surprises leaping at me.

“It’s going to be lovely having a job again,” Ruby remarks over the drone of her electric mixing stick. “It’s been years and I’m so looking forward to it.”

“Me too. But you know—why is it that I can’t be happy to just sit? All our lives we complain about…well just about everything and yet when I have a block of time to myself…I’d much rather be busy.”

“Gives us structure, I should think. Having things to do. But too much work…Perhaps that’s what’s making people nowadays so miserable.” She comes at me with a spoon to sample the dressing.

“I think you’re right.” I smack my lips in approval. “When I used to listen to clients, I was shocked by their work schedules. Late nights, weekends, carting kids around, no time to cook. A few of them—the at-home moms—they always seemed the happiest.”

“I’d like to think that maybe the world is heading back to what you and I are heading into.” She adds a pinch of something.

“You mean working at home? Or working together? Or…”

“Yes, to it all, darling. More than anything though…doing things together, sharing all the things that make a home. The simple act of making a meal together…chatting; I love the chatting.”

“I do too.”

“I don’t think he was invited.” Ruby reaches up to remove a spider hanging off one of the pencils in my hair and escorts it out the door.

She returns with Howard and Johnny, who are looking handsome, smelling fresh and clean. I get pecks on either cheek.

“Hey you two, great timing!” I hand Rocky to Johnny, then load Howard’s arms up with plates and napkins.

“Guess the honeymoon is over,” Howard says. “Where shall we dine tonight?” I push him out into the living room.

“Out on the porch; the sunset is just beginning,” I suggest. “Get busy and set a nice table. Honeymoon! You and Johnny are going to be working so hard, you won’t have time to complain.”

“I brought a couple more cardboard apron patterns,” Johnny says to no one in particular.

“Wonderful.” I reach for them. “I’ve appointed myself chief fabric-cutter. I figure I can cut a mean haircut, so fabric shouldn’t be too hard. The ladies and you can assemble.”

“You’re a mastermind,” Johnny chides.

“True.”

“This is fantastic!” Howard holds up the framed napkin with “Ruby’s Aprons” on it. “It’s great for the logo and the story behind it will personalize the Web site.”

“It is lovely, isn’t it,” Ruby agrees. “You don’t think it should say Eve and Ruby’s or Eve’s Aprons or—”

“I think it’s charming.” Howard grins. “Simple, old fashioned and besides, old names are in again.”

“Old names? old?” Ruby stands there with the devil in her eyes and a loaded mixer in her hand.

“Oh boy…did I just put my size fourteen in my mouth again?” Howard asks, laying an arm around Ruby, pulling her close.

“I love the name,” I comment quickly. “It’s important to keep it simple. How about a toast to the official naming of our lakeside factory. Then let’s talk about something else for a while.”

“To Ruby’s Aprons! To the birth of a brilliant concept in ladies’ ready-to-wear and to three wonderful friends,” Ruby says. We clink and sip, then I re-pour and we all sit around the stump table except for Ruby, who’s tending the loaf of bread in the oven.

“I’ll give Howard a hand and bring the plates and stuff back in here. What were we thinking?” I chuckle. The kitchen always seems like the best place to be.

“You two sure look beautiful,” Howard says while I help him clear the table on the porch. “The island’s working its magic.” He set it all wrong anyway, fork on the right, knives facing the wrong way—really!

“Thank you.” I loop my arm through Howard’s, steering us back into the kitchen. “There’s something in the air here.”

“I love what it’s done to Johnny…me, too,” Howard comments.

“Are you two staying on the island through the winter or…?” I ask tentatively.

“We usually stay until after Christmas and then hightail it down to Key West,” Howard says while I unload his arms, setting the stump table. I do it exactly as Howard had. Who the hell cares what side the fork is on anyway?

“It would be wonderful if you stayed.” Should I beg? “Everyone’s been mentioning how lonely it can be here in the winter, but with you two and—”

“Lonely? Winter? What are you two talking about?” Johnny asks, being nosy. “What could be lonely with you two around—excuse me, three.” A muffled meow is coming from inside the fridge. Ruby opens it and scolds Rocky good.

“There’s a point to consider,” Howard says. “But I was telling Eve here—”

“We wouldn’t miss this for all the rum in Florida,” Johnny breaks in. “To be honest, last winter we vowed would be our last. It’s gotten way too crowded.”

“I don’t suppose anyone is hungry?” Ruby asks. “Rocky and I are ready to serve.”

After eating, we gather around a crackling fire. Howard has his arm around Johnny’s shoulder and Rocky’s fast asleep in Ruby’s lap. I have my feet up on the coffee table, getting all warm and cozy.

“How about coming for breakfast in the morning,” Johnny suggests. “We can show you the site on Howard’s computer.”

“Look’s like Howard is ready for La La Land,” I say quietly, since Howard’s head is resting on Johnny’s shoulder. “Sleeping Beauty.”

“He can fall asleep anywhere. I can’t even nap.” Johnny gives him a little shake.

“What did I miss? Sorry.” Howard rubs his eyes. “What a dream.”

“You were snoring and drooling and the things you said,” Johnny says and giggles. “I’m kidding. You did fart, though.” Howard tickles him.

“I dreamt that Ruby and Eve were on a gondola in Venice wearing huge pink flowered aprons on their heads and Rocky was at the helm singing and—”

“At least this time it wasn’t you wearing the pink dress…dancing on tables,” Johnny says. “I won’t go into it tonight, but this is one repressed drag queen here.”

“Off to bed with the lot of us.” Ruby waves her hand and finishes up a serious yawn. “Tomorrow will be here soon enough.”

We steer the boys through the kitchen. Ruby hands them a plastic container of goodies on the way out the back door. We watch them slowly amble through the yard, hand in hand. The bright moonlight colors them silver. Right before they disappear into the path, they turn and wave.

“They are gems,” Ruby says as we both step back into the warmth of the kitchen.

“Kind of gives you hope that love is very much alive in all its shapes and kinds.” I scoop up Rocky.

“A glass of sherry, darling?” Ruby moves a curl out of my face, gives Rocky’s head a pat. “My loves.”

“Read my mind. I’ll put more wood on the fire and let’s have some of those gorgeous chocolates the boys brought over, BT McElrath’s I think. That is, if you haven’t eaten them all.”

 

“Just one more chunk,” I say through the goo sticking to the roof of my mouth.

“What could be more delicious…sherry and chocolate,” Ruby replies.

“Wish we could offer the ladies health benefits—too expensive right now. It’s on my wish list though. It took me a long time before I could afford it for Watts and Dorothy. I wonder how they’re doing?”

“I’m sure you’re missed, darling,” Ruby says, reading my mind. “Ruby’s Aprons. Ed would be impressed, not to mention surprised as hell.”

“Surprised? How so?” I sink into the cozy sofa and pull a quilt up to my neck.

“No offense, darling, but I never thought at the ripe…young…age of…sixty-or-so, I would be starting up a business, living year-round on an island and having so much fun.”

“I was raised to believe that work was right up there with pain and suffering,” I add.

“Me too, darling; now let’s take these tired bodies to bed.”

“Good idea.”

We say our good nights and part at the top of the stairs. Just as I turn to go into my room, something swoops through my hair.

“What the hell?” I say as Rocky comes streaking into the room, his tail whipping the air. Not a good sign.

Then a little black flying thing races around, smashes into the window, and tips over a lotion jar, sending it crashing to the floor! Ruby dashes down the hall.

“Are you all right, darling?” Ruby ducks just as the dark, soaring shape zips between us.

“What in the world?” Then it dawns on me. “Bat!”

“Oh—bloody hell!” Ruby screeches, as it flies into my hair and gets stuck. “I detest the buggery creatures!”

Reaching into my hair, I yank out the pencils and swing my head around like crazy. I’m screaming “Holy hell” and “Fucking bat!” Bending over, I give my head a violent shake, then lift and bring my head up and swing it back. The damn thing soars out of my hair, across the room and slams against the wall. In slow motion it slides to the floor, landing with a thud.

“Little bastard!” I want desperately to take my hair off and throw the entire mess into the washing machine.

I grab Rocky. We tiptoe over to the pile of black fur and peer down at it. Eyes very wide—ours, that is.

“Is it dead?” I ask in a half-whisper.

“I don’t think so…the tummy is moving,” Ruby replies. We can hear pounding at the back door.

“I think I prefer mice,” I say, half kidding.

“The boys must have heard us. I’ll let them in; you keep an eye on our visitor.”

“I need something to defend myself with. Here—take Rocky or I think he’ll eat it and catch something horrible.” I hand Rocky over, looking around my room for a bat-killer weapon.

“This umbrella should do the trick. If it moves, run it through!” Ruby does a run-through demo with my floral-print umbrella. “I’ll be right back.” She leaves me with it!

The boys come running up the stairs with Ruby close behind. They crowd into my bedroom. Before any of us can think, Rocky dashes between Howard’s legs and pounces on it. In a flash, it comes to life! Letting out a horrible squeaky-squeal, it flies into the air.

Insanity! We’re all pawing at the air—jumping around. Johnny leaps on my bed, Howard tries to swish it out the window with a handful of my bras and I’m defending Ruby with my trusty umbrella.

Then, all on its own, it zooms out the window and into the night. My umbrella decides it’s time to snap open—and so it does. We look at each other, then at Johnny standing on my bed and burst into laughter.

I hand my open umbrella to Howard and he gives me my bras as if handing me a string of fish.