Neighbourhood Wrap - Volume 7 - FINALE: Keeping Up With the Neighbours Series 2, #7

NEIGHBOURHOOD RUCKUS

JED

Jed shifted his gaze away from the hockey playoffs on TV and looked down at the text message he’d just received on his phone. His stomach did a little jig when he saw the name: Andrea Carravagio. An expletive escaped his lips, more at his own silly reaction than at the woman. He opened up the message and read.

Just wanted to remind you about the guest speaker at our church next week.

He grunted and closed the message without replying. She’d told him all about it the other night on their drive home together. Some former biker turned preacher was speaking at her church for several evenings in a row.

Not likely! The last thing he wanted was to listen to some holier than thou preacher trying to make him change his ways. He was happy just the way he was, thank you very much.

Or was he?

Jed refocused his attention on the game in progress but his mind began to wander once again. Less than a week ago he’d spent almost an entire evening in her company at the Fortune Cookie Family Restaurant. His brother Zeb had set things up, purposely inviting Andrea when he knew darned well Jed didn’t have a hope in hell of making it with her.

He smiled at that. Hope in hell was right. Andrea was religious - the kind that went to church during the week and twice on Sundays. She was a good person, he had no doubt, but had made it clear a few months back that she would never consider dating a guy like him. She’d said it was because God didn’t approve. ‘Unequally yoked’ she’d said. Hmph!

He’d gone to Catholic school for his entire education. Probably knew as much as most about the Bible when it came down to it. He’d just never subscribed to it, that’s all. There were too many ‘thou shalt nots’ for his liking. No, he wasn’t about to change for any woman, no matter how much he liked her.

They’d had a nice time the other night, though. She wasn’t at all uppity - although she never had been - and she didn’t even mention the fact that she and God had given him the thumbs down once already. She seemed genuinely pleased to see him and they’d gotten along like old friends, talking about his work, her salon, his sister Reba who worked for her, and various other topics. Then she’d gone and mentioned the biker dude preacher and things had gotten a little awkward.

He’d given her a ride home - thanks again to Zeb’s orchestration. Not that he minded. He and Andrea lived in the same building and all, but it had been some time since he’d found himself alone in her company.

He’d forgotten how melodic her voice was… how her smile reached all the way up into her eyes, and how she seemed to have a positive energy that drew him in… made him want to accept her invitation - which was ridiculous, of course!

He downed the dregs of beer from the can he was holding and then set the empty on the floor beside his armchair. It was a silly fool notion to even be entertaining thoughts about Andrea Carravagio. He squinted at the TV and swore again. He’d missed a goal. With another huff he sat forward in the chair, determined not to miss another moment.

She was definitely a looker, that Andrea. He couldn’t deny the attraction he felt every time he caught a glimpse of her, but that was only natural. He was a man and she was a well-endowed woman who was pretty in every way.

Jed shook his head. He’d dealt with these feelings, already! He was no schoolboy with his first crush. It would be downright foolhardy to accept her invitation, not only because he wasn’t interested in religion, but he wasn’t interested in Andrea, either. No, he was better off making an excuse and leaving it at that.

Zeb was no good at matchmaking and he was going to tell him so the next time he saw him, make no mistake.

The hockey game having failed to secure his attention, Jed did what he always did when he had nothing better to do. He headed for the Urban Cowboy. He sat up to his usual spot at the bar and ordered a beer from Bo, who was working behind the counter.

Thought you were staying home tonight to watch the game, Bo said.

Jed shrugged. It was a wash out.

Too bad. Bo set the stein of draft in front of Jed and he took a long swig. I thought the Canadiens had a real shot this year.

They do. The series isn’t over yet, Jed said.

At least that is one thing we agree on, Jacques Marcett, the manager of the establishment, said from nearby.

True enough, Jed said. I know it’s not popular to cheer for any team but the Calgary Flames in this town, but I’ve been a Montreal fan all my life and I’m not gonna change now.

As I said, for once we agree, Jacques said.

Bo waved at an approaching figure. Jed looked over his shoulder and was surprised to see Buck Stone making his way toward them. Buck worked at the same campground as their brother Will.

Fancy meeting you here, Jed said when Buck arrived by his side. Can I buy ya a drink?

Bo cleared his throat meaningfully. Um, Buck doesn’t drink, remember?

No, it’s okay, Buck said. I just came from visiting my daughter. Thought I’d stop in for one before I head back out to the camp.

Bo frowned. Are you sure?

Buck’s face remained placid. Of course. I’m not going to start drinking again. It’s just one.

I don’t know… Bo slung a towel over his shoulder.

It is not your job to deny a customer, Jacques reminded, not far away.

Buck nodded his thanks at Jacques and sat up beside Jed. I’ll just have what he’s having. He pointed at Jed’s half empty mug.

Bo set his mouth into a line and silently filled the second stein with draft.

Will didn’t come with you tonight? Jed asked, keeping the conversation going.

No, not this time.

Jed shook his head. I thought for sure now that things went south with that gal out there, he’d wanna come to town more often.

Not everyone drowns their sorrows, Bo offered wryly as he set Buck’s drink in front of him.

That’s for you to talk to him about, Buck said. I try to stay out of people’s personal lives.

Good advice, Jed said with a nod of his head. Makes for less ruckus later on.

Bo shook his head. Says the one who loves to get his nose in other people’s business.

Do you like pool? Jed asked Buck. Looks like there’s a table free.

Buck nodded. Don’t mind if I do.

Good. That way we don’t ‘ave to listen to this mother hen.

Jed held the cell phone to his ear and then glanced over at his living room couch where Buck Stone lay sleeping, one arm dangling on the floor, the other over his eyes.

He’s still sleepin’ it off, b’y. I’ll get ’im up and on ‘is way shortly. Jed waited for his brother Will to respond and then winced when he did.

I can’t believe you went drinking with ‘im last night! Will chided into the phone.

He was only gonna have one… Jed looked over at his youngest brother Pip, who was leaning against a nearby door-jam with arms crossed, listening to the conversation.

What’s wrong with ya? Don’t you remember he’s an alcoholic? Will continued on the other end of the line.

It’s not like I forced ‘im, Jed defended.

But you didn’t stop ‘im neither.

How was I to know he’s got no self-control?

That’s the point. Alcoholic’s don’t have self-control. That’s what makes ‘em alcoholics.

No need to yell at me. I’m not the one with the problem, Jed said. Anyway, I didn’t want to leave ‘im on the couch and Pip and I are about to leave for work. Just be glad I phoned you this morning at all. Thought your boss might be wondering where he was.

Oh he will, Will said. I just hope it doesn’t cost Buck ‘is job.

After one little slip? Jed snorted. Make some kind of excuse and I’ll get ‘im out the door right quick.

Will ended the call with a few choice words which Jed chose to ignore and he hung up.

You could just let ‘im sleep, Pip suggested.

Better not. I told Will I’d get ‘im up and goin’, so I best do it. Jed walked closer to the couch and stood looking over Buck for a moment. He did feel bad, in a way, but how was he to know the other man couldn’t stop at one?

Jed cleared his throat. Eh, b’y! Time to get a move on, as like."

Buck inhaled sharply and then stretched. He moved his arm from over his eyes and squinted at the offending morning light streaming through the patio doors. What time is it?

Jed checked his watch. Seven fifteen. Pip and me are about to leave so we thought you’d best be up and at ‘em, too.

Buck sat up and winced, swinging his legs onto the floor. I never should have stayed. Now I’ll be late for work.

You were in no shape for driving last night. Your boss’ll cut you some slack, I reckon.

Buck turned bleary eyes to Jed. Not if he finds out why.

Jed just shrugged. Will’s gonna cover for you till you get there.

Where’s my truck? Buck asked.

Still parked outside the Urban Cowboy, Jed said.

By the time I get back to my truck and then out of the city it’ll be two hours before I make it back. Buck ran a hand through his hair and stood up. He seemed momentarily disoriented. Where’s your washroom again?

Down the hall. Jed pointed and then watched Buck shuffle in that direction.

Hope he doesn’t take too long. Pip looked at the time on his cell phone. I don’t wanna be late.

Never you mind, Jed said. I’ll cover for ya if I have to.

When Buck reappeared a few minutes later he looked somewhat more presentable, although still red rimmed around the eyes. Thanks, he mumbled.

No trouble. Any time.

I hope not.

Jed blinked. What’s that now?

I hope it doesn’t happen again. Buck shook his head. Not that I’m not grateful for keeping me off the roads, but now I’ve got some explaining to do and I’m not looking forward to it. Especially not my daughter.

Why even tell ‘er? Jed asked. What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.

Buck shook his head. No. Secrets lead to more secrets. It’s best to just get it out in the open and let the chips fall.

Suit yourself. Jed shrugged.

Thanks again. Buck hesitated once more, the door to the apartment half open. I’ll be back next week. For my AA meeting. Now that I know where you live, maybe I’ll pick you up.

Before Jed could formulate an answer, Buck was gone.

Pip smiled on his way past Jed. That’ll be the day, eh, b’y? You goin’ to an AA meeting?

Shut yer trap and get a move on. Jed locked the door behind them.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HEARTACHE

BO

That scowl will be permanent if you don’t watch it.

Jacques’s French accent cut into Bo’s consciousness and he glanced up from the case of bottles he was sorting to see his boss standing next to him with arms crossed, an easy grin on the other man’s face. Bo purposely smoothed his brow as he straightened. Not sure what you’re talking about. I was just concentrating.

Sure you were. Jacques didn’t sound convinced.

Bo rolled one shoulder. Okay, so I’m still miffed about last night. But I’ll get over it.

Last night?

Serving Buck Stone when he’s a known alcoholic.

A lot of people are alcoholics, but it’s a free country. We can cut people off once they’ve had too many, but we can’t legally refuse to sell to someone without cause. It’s just part of the job.

A part I don’t like.

Jacques shrugged. You should have thought of that when you decided to become a bartender.

Bo didn’t say anything else. Jacques was right. He’d never really considered the moral dilemmas he might have to face when he’d taken the course back in Newfoundland. He just thought it would be fun. A way to be part of the action without actually having to participate.

Jacques turned his back on the crowd and leaned against the counter. Did I tell you that Viann is finally leaving? I told her she didn’t have to, but she’s made up her mind.

Bo blinked. All concern over Buck Stone vanished. She’s leaving? When?

Next week. She’s got her flight booked. Jacques smiled and stroked his goatee. It’s about time.

Where will she go?

Back to Montreal. Jacques narrowed his eyes at Bo. You seem surprised. I don’t know why. She stayed longer than I expected.

She has a habit of coming and going? Bo asked, slipping back into his Newfoundland accent.

You can say that again! Every time she has men troubles she comes running for help. This time she ran from one right into the arms of another. I could have warned her, but she doesn’t listen.

Bo took that bit of information in. Viann was apparently as unstable as she appeared. It was probably for the best that she was going back