Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained Read online

  No more did she open the door and the little guy appeared on her shoe. She bent down, picked him up, and looked for his home. “I found him.”

  Louise looked up. “I’ve been searching for Rascal for almost an hour, you walk in and find him.” She took the tiny animal from Bea and held him close. “You’re a bad boy for running away, but I’m glad you’re back. She put him back in his plastic home. “Thank you.”

  “Where’d you put Alfie?” Ed got up off the floor where he’d joined Ethel to look for the gerbil.

  “First pen to the right. What kind of dog is he anyway? He sure is pretty.”

  “Believe it or not, part Rottweiler and part West Highland Terrier, called a Wottie.”

  “Get out, you’re kidding, right?”

  “No, he’s not,” Louise joined the conversation. “Unlikely companions for sure. Time to get to work, people. We’ve got a group of dogs coming in less than an hour. Ed, would you clean the pens? Ethel, how about taking over feeding, and Beatrice Lulu, we have a lot of paperwork.”

  Before you knew it, the day swept by. Beatrice Lulu looked at the clock and panicked. They were supposed to pick up the boys. “I have to go.” She headed into the kennels to find Ed.

  He was coming toward her. “Bea, we have to go.”

  “That’s what I was coming out to tell you. We’re going to be late.”

  “Don’t worry, they’re big boys, they’ll wait.”

  Chapter 11

  They pulled up to the school and looked around. Many of the students were gone. Only a few lingered, waiting for rides, or just hanging out. Bea looked for Mark. “Do you think he went across to the high school?”

  “Stanley was supposed to come here. There’s Stanley, but I don’t see Mark anywhere.” Ed beeped his horn to get Stanley’s attention.

  “Have you seen Mark?” Bea rolled down her window.

  “No, I just got here. Let me check inside.”

  Bea didn’t like this. Mark was supposed to wait out front. Where could he have gone? Surely, he didn’t decide to walk home. Not that he couldn’t, it wasn’t that far. No, he wouldn’t have done that without waiting for Stanley.

  Five minutes passed and then ten, still no boys. Bea’s stomach rumbled. Nausea filled her throat. This wasn’t looking good. “I’m going in to look for them. They should have been out by now.”

  “Just stay put, we don’t need to look for you, too. Maybe they’re delayed talking to a teacher or something. Mark said he wanted to join band, maybe he’s inquiring about that.”

  Bea still didn’t like it. “You’d think Stanley would at least come out and tell us what’s going on.”

  Fifteen minutes passed. “That’s it. I’m going in. Something’s wrong.” Bea didn’t give Ed a chance to answer, she pushed the car door open with such force, she was surprised it didn’t come off the hinges. She hurried up the steps, grabbed the door as someone came out and hurried inside. Question was, where to look? She’d never been in the school before. At the end of the hall, she had to decide right, left, or upstairs. What was it her father used to say when they were lost? ‘When in doubt, go left.’ Left it was.

  The squeak from her rubber-soled shoes echoed in the deserted school hallway. No other sound, no voices, no swishing of swinging mops or brooms from the janitor. Nothing. No point continuing down this hallway. She turned around and headed to the other corridor. Music played in the distance. She followed the sound. The strong smell of pine disinfectant tickled her nose. Smelled like the janitor was hard at work.

  Voices came out of the room at the end of the hall. Sounded like Mark. She hurried to the room. Mark, Stanley, and a dark-haired woman in her late twenties stood laughing.

  “Excuse me.”

  Mark jumped back, Stanley lowered his head and the woman smiled at her. “Don’t tell me you’re Mrs. Eberhardt. Mark and Stanley were just telling me about you and their adventure. I understand you rescued them. I’m Isabella Sanchez. Izzy for short. I teach music here. Mark said he wants to join band. I’m pleased to have him.”

  Beatrice Lulu looked from the boys to Isabella and extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I was getting worried about the boys. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

  “I’m sorry, Aunt Beatrice Lulu. It’s my fault. When I saw Ms Izzy, well we started talking about old times, and then Stanley came in and well, time just got away from us. It won’t happen again.”

  “Oh, you’re old friends with Ms Izzy?”

  “I’m afraid it was really my fault. When I saw the boys again a lot of memories came back to me. I lived next door to them. In fact, I used to babysit them. Until I left for college, that is. Our parents were great friends. It was good to catch up. Although I was sorry to hear of their loss.”

  “No harm done. I’m glad they’ve met a friend. It’s always difficult in a new school.” Beatrice Lulu put her hand on Mark’s back. “Uncle Ed’s waiting. We’re planning on stopping at the music store to pick up a cornet for you.”

  “Really?” Mark’s look of disbelief surprised her.

  “He told you he would. One thing you can count on with Uncle Ed. If he says he’s going to do something, you’d darned well better believe he will. Come on, let’s not keep him waiting any longer. I have dinner to make, too.” Beatrice Lulu turned to leave. “It was very nice meeting you, Ms Izzy. I’m glad the boys found an old friend.”

  “Nice meeting you, too, Mrs. Eberhardt. The boys are lucky to have you as a guardian.”

  “So how was your first day?” Bea hurried the boys to the car.

  “Was okay,” Stanley said. “Nothing spectacular.”

  “Was boring until I met Izzy.” Mark tossed his backpack in the back of the car and got in. “Aunt Beatrice Lulu said you’re going to take me for my cornet.”

  “Yep, that’s right.” Ed smiled at the boys.

  “Do you mind dropping me at home? I need to let the dogs out and get supper going.” Bea wasn’t especially keen on the idea of shopping for a cornet. She liked music well enough, but musical instruments didn’t do a thing for her. Besides, the dogs had been in their crates all day.

  A moving van sat in the driveway next door. “Looks like our new neighbors are moving in. I wish I’d have known, I’d have baked them something.” Bea got out of the car. “Are you coming in or going with them, Stanley?”

  “I thought I’d tag along if they don’t mind.”

  “Not at all, son. I’d like to have you.” Ed blew a kiss to Bea, and pulled away, shaking his head.

  “Bet she regrets going to the kennel today. She missed seeing what they moved in next door.”

  “Huh?” Stanley looked puzzled.

  “Aunt Beatrice Lulu likes to see what’s going on in the neighborhood. Bit of a busybody you might call her.” Of course, Stanley wouldn’t understand, being young and all. What would he know about nosy women? “Don’t get me wrong, I love her dearly, and she only wants to help.” Ed realized he’d said too much. He didn’t mean to sound like he was bad-mouthing Bea. “Listen, forget I said anything. Bea’s great. I couldn’t imagine life without her.” Why did he make a habit of saying the wrong thing? Better he just shut up.

  Mark laughed. “Aunt Beatrice Lulu sounds like Nosy Nellie Norwood.”

  “She is nosy, but it’s a good kind of nosy, know what I mean?”

  Mark and Stanley shook their heads.

  “She doesn’t mean to interfere, she just wants to help people.” Thank goodness, they pulled up to the music store. Ed said enough about Bea. “Are you sure you want the cornet? Or would you rather try something else, like the trumpet or maybe a saxophone?”

  “A trumpet’s pretty much like a cornet. I’m not sure about a saxophone.”

  “We’ll talk to someone about it if you’re interested. How about you, Stanley, you interested in playing an instrument?”

  “Not me, sir. I’m not into the arts, Give me a football, basketball, or baseball any day.”

  “Did you fi
nd out when basketball season starts?”

  “Yeah, end of November. I’m going to try out.”

  “Good, I look forward to going to your games.” Between basketball and concerts, his and Bea’s life ought to be full.

  It didn’t take long for Mark to decide on a trumpet. Ed almost wished he would have chosen the saxophone, but it wasn’t for him to decide.

  ***

  Bea wished she didn’t have to start dinner, she’d have loved to welcome the new neighbor. Guess she’d have to leave it until tomorrow. Maybe she’d make a chocolate cake to take over. Better yet, she’d make a nice casserole and take it over for dinner. She mixed together the ingredients for meatloaf, patted it in the pan, put it in the oven. That done, she peeled potatoes and prepared a broccoli casserole. Now for a casserole for the neighbors. She snapped her fingers. Easier than that, there was chili in the freezer. All she had to do was heat it. Even frozen, it wouldn’t take long. Today was an excellent chili day. Problem solved. She set it to heat and sat down.

  Now to make a list for Sunday dinner. She’d decided on a pork roast with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, Ethel’s casserole, and a salad and best part of it, she had everything but the salad fixings. Not much to shop for. She’d heard back from everyone but Lottie. Even Lillian agreed with her plan to relieve Jess of the family dinners. Not that it surprised her. They’d talked about it once before. Back then Jess wouldn’t hear of it. Thank goodness, she was more receptive to the idea this time.

  Ed came back with the boys and the phone rang before Bea got to ask how it went. She looked at caller id. Lottie. She ignored the call, figuring to call her sister back later.

  “So, you got your instrument.” Bea followed Ed and the boys into the kitchen.

  “Yes, ma’am a trumpet.”

  “Good, did Uncle Ed sign you up for lessons?”

  “Yes, I did. He starts next Monday.” Ed opened a cupboard and pulled out the cookies.

  “Nuh uh. You know the rule. Dinner’s almost ready and you’ll spoil your appetite.” She took the cookies and put them back in the cupboard. “You’re no different than the boys. If they’re not allowed, neither are you.”

  “Touché.” Ed relinquished the cookies.

  Bea stirred the chili, looked around for a pretty casserole dish, and poured the chili in it.

  “What’s that for? I thought we were having meatloaf.” Ed lifted the lid on the mashed potatoes.

  Bea found two new potholders in the drawer and picked up the casserole. “I’m taking it to our new neighbors, I’ll be right back.”

  Ed laughed. “I wondered what excuse you’d make to go over there.”

  Bea stopped and stared at him. “Just what is that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing, honey pot.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I think it’s very nice of you to take them dinner.”

  Ed’s wink at the boys wasn’t lost on Bea. “If you’re insinuating that I’m being nosy….”

  “Not at all, sweetheart. Is there anything you want me to do for dinner?”

  “Harrumph. I know you better than that, Edgar Leroy Eberhardt. Have the boys set the table. Otto should be here soon, entertain him until I get back.”

  “Don’t be long.” Ed took the dishes out of the cupboard and handed them to Stanley.

  “I won’t.” Bea nodded toward the door. “Can someone open that for me, please?”

  Mark hurried to the door, opened it, and found Uncle Otto, hand up, ready to knock.

  “Otto, come in, you’re just in time. Dinner will be ready in a minute. I’ll be right back.” Bea squeezed past him.

  Bea hurried up the walk. Even through the potholders, the casserole dish was getting hot. She rang the bell.

  A tall, muscular, gray haired man opened the door. Bea stared at him. She’d seen good-looking men before, but this was Cesar Romero reincarnated. Tall. Suave. Sophisticated. Gorgeous silvery hair over cocoa brown eyes. A dark mustache sprinkled with silvery gray topped the most stunning smile she’d ever seen.

  “Yes, may I help you?”

  “Huh? Oh, yes, I’m Beatrice Lulu Eberhardt, your next-door neighbor. I…um….” Bea had never been tongue tied before. “I just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood and I brought you this.” She held the casserole dish out to him.

  “Who’s there, Harry?” A child-like voice said from behind the door.

  “Our neighbor. I’m Harry Davis, by the way, my wife Mavis.” He indicated the woman appearing in the doorway.

  A slender blue-eyed, sophisticated woman, with salt and pepper hair, came to the door. “Hello.”

  Bea eyed her up and down, late 40s maybe early 50s, something snobbish about her. Could be the voice, reminded Bea of Marilyn Monroe from documentaries she’d watched. “Hi, I’m Beatrice Lulu Eberhardt. I figured since you were just moving in, you wouldn’t have time to make dinner, so I brought you this.”

  “What is it?”

  “Chili.”

  “I’m sorry, we’re vegetarians, but thank you for thinking of us.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Welcome to the neighborhood anyway. Sorry to interrupt. I know you’re busy.” Bea turned to go.

  “Thank you for stopping by,” Harry said as he closed the door.

  Well, that didn’t go well. Bea hurried home. Guess they had dinner for tomorrow. She hurried into the house.

  Ed looked up from taking the broccoli casserole out of the oven. “The timer went off.”

  “Thank you.” Bea set the casserole with the chili on the counter.

  “What happened? Weren’t they home?” Ed nodded toward the casserole.

  “Yes, but they’re vegetarians.” Bea uncovered the meatloaf and sliced it. “Everything’s ready, call the boys and Otto to the table.”

  Ed carried the salad and mashed potatoes to the table. “Otto, Mark, Stanley, dinner’s ready.”

  After dinner, Bea carried their coffee to the living room while the boys did the dishes. She had to admit it was nice getting a break after making dinner.

  “That was an excellent meal, Mrs. Eberhardt, thanks for inviting me. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a home-cooked meal.” Otto sat on the chair, leaving the couch for Ed and Bea.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hope you can join us Sunday, my family will be here to meet you and the boys.”

  “Me? Why would you want them to meet me?”

  “You’re part of the family now, too. Please say you’ll come.” Bea poured the coffee and held out a cup to Otto.

  “If it’s going to be a meal half as good as this one, I’m all in.” Otto waved his hand and declined the coffee “I really hate to eat and run, but I’ve got an appointment tonight that I couldn’t cancel.” He stood, patted his stomach, and looked at Bea. “I can’t thank you enough for dinner and taking the boys. It’s such a relief not to worry about them.”

  Bea stood. “Believe me, we’re the ones benefitting. It’s a pleasure to have them.”

  Ed walked Otto to the door. “Bea wasn’t kidding, the boys are a delight.”

  Otto shook Ed’s hand. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. It’s awfully quiet around there without them, though. Not that they were loud, but just having someone in the house gave it a different feel.”

  “I know what you mean. They’ve only been here a couple of days, and already I look for them when I walk in the room.”

  Bea was on the phone when Ed returned. That didn’t take long. Probably one of her sisters. More than likely Ethel, if he had to guess. Suppose he’d have to wait to hear about the new neighbors. He went in the kitchen to talk to the boys. Nice having a diversion while she was on the phone. Although it surprised him Bea wasn’t hovering over the boys. In fact, she hadn’t at all. Very unlike her. That was one of his biggest concerns about taking the boys in. After the way she acted when Callie stayed here, he figured she’d be a mother hen. What was the term the kids used now days, helicopter mother or something like that. Something els
e must be on her mind. Whatever it was, he hoped she’d continue to focus on it and not the boys.

  “Can we watch TV?” Mark gave Ed a pleading look that almost made him laugh. Talk about puppy dog eyes.

  “Your homework’s done, right?”

  “Yep, finished it right after we got home like you said.”

  “Okay, go ahead.”

  “Go ahead what?” Bea came in the room.

  “I told him he could watch TV.” No more were the words out of his mouth, both Mark and Stanley left the room. Ed laughed. “So, who was on the phone?”

  “Lottie. Poor thing’s madder than a wet hen.” Bea set the phone in its charger. “She ordered that new skin stuff that’s supposed to remove wrinkles. They offered a trial for only $4.95. So, she tried it. Turned out it was a scam. Apparently if you didn’t call and cancel after the 14-day trial, they charge $98.00 for the product. “Ed, are you listening to me?

  “Of course, I am. I always listen to you.”

  “Then how come you didn’t say anything?”

  “I honestly don’t know what to say. That’s a lot of money to lose. I’m sorry for her.” Ed kissed Bea’s hand. “I hope you don’t fall for anything like that. I like you just the way you are, wrinkles and all.”

  Bea pulled her hand away. “Edgar Leroy Eberhardt, are you saying I have wrinkles?”

  “Now, honey pot, you know you’re beautiful. How could you even think such a thing?”

  “Easy, because you said it.”

  “I said nothing of the kind.”

  Bea laughed. “I gotta love ya. No matter what you say. And you don’t have to worry about me falling for something like that. Heck, I'm overweight, why should I worry about my face when my body looks like a barrel?”

  Ed hugged her. “Like I said, I love you just the way you are. You don’t need anti-wrinkle cream or anything else to hide that beautiful face. It has character.”

  “Go on, now. You sure know how to make a woman feel good.”

  “What can I say, I love ya, sweetheart.”