Chapter 42 – Dealing With Tommy
As they got closer to the farm, Gran had Elizabeth text Jack so him and Nathan could come out and help unload everything. While they were doing that, she planned to get things ready to make pizza for lunch. Elizabeth could tell that there was something bothering Gran, but she wasn't sure it was her place to say anything. Elizabeth made a note to say something to Jack. When Gran pulled up to the house, she was meet by Jack and Nathan who both looked a little worse for wear. Gran wasn't going to mention anything, but Elizabeth did.
"Are they okay?" Elizabeth asked.
"They will be." Gran said. "They had their first workout with Marco this morning. He probably put them through the paces. Give them a day or two to get use to the new routine. JP has done it before. Give them a little space, especially if they are tired tonight. I know that you want to spend time with JP, but you need to also understand that he works when he is here and part of that working is showing his horses. Since he agreed to the show, he will give it everything in him."
"Okay." Elizabeth said a little wearily.
Gran parked the truck and Jack opened her door.
"Hi, Gran." Jack said. "I have the brick oven heating.
"Good." Gran said. "There is plenty to unload. I will take the dry cleaning. I will start the pizza dough. When you are finished bringing everything in, there are veggies and stuff to get ready for the pizza."
"Yes, ma'am." Nathan said.
"Elizabeth." Gran said. "It will be okay."
Jack wondered what Elizabeth had been talking to Gran about. Before Jack could ask, Elizabeth started handing the boys bags to carry in. Gran grabbed the dry cleaning and headed into the house. When she walked toward the kitchen, she saw Tommy laying across the couch playing on his phone.
"There are groceries to bring in." Gran said.
Tommy rolled his eyes, but continued to play on his phone.
"I saw that." Gran said. "Do it again, I will take your phone for the rest of the week and change the wi-fi password. Now go help your brother."
Tommy started to protest, but didn't get a word out before Gran continued.
"If you want to argue." Gran said. "I am sure that there are plenty of stalls to muck out. Now, is there a problem."
"No, ma'am." Tommy huffed.
"Good." Gran said. "Lose the attitude and go help bring things in. Then there is plenty to do to help get lunch ready."
Tommy wasn't happy, but went to help carry things inside as Jack and Nathan were bring in a load. He shot them a dirty look, but didn't say anything.
"JP." Gran said. "Do you mind starting putting things away. Tommy will help Nathan carry things in."
"Okay." Jack said.
"There are veggies and chicken for the pizza." Gran said. "Leave those out. There is also hamburger, pepperoni and bacon in the fridge."
Jack nodded and set about unpacking things as Elizabeth helped him. Nathan and Tommy finished carrying everything in, then helped to unpack and put things away. Everyone in the kitchen could feel the tension around Tommy, but no one wanted to say anything and push Gran any more then she had already been pushed. Jack and Nathan could both tell that Gran was upset and didn't want to further anger her. Elizabeth was most acutely aware of the tension, because it was similar to what she would feel at her house when her sisters were in the kitchen with their mother. Elizabeth wanted to be anywhere else, but she knew that she should help with lunch. Elizabeth said a quick prayer that Tommy wouldn't push Gran or Jack anymore and things would get better.
"Nathan." Gran said. "Will you go over to the pantry (she pointed to the door) and get a jar of my tomato sauce?"
"Sure." Nathan said.
Nathan did as he was asked. Then he helped get the pizza pans down, since it was easier to stretch the dough on the pans and then put them in the oven.
"Do you have a barbecue sauce?" Nathan asked.
Gran stopped and looked at him.
"Since you have everything for my favorite pizza." Nathan said. "I was wondering if we could make one?"
"And what would be your favorite pizza?" Elizabeth asked.
"Chicken barbecue." Nathan said. "Granted my sister adds beef, peppers, olives and onions. I will add onions and mushrooms if I have them. But it is good without that. I also like extra bacon on it once and awhile. I don't do it a lot, but I figured since we were having pizza, I would ask. Especially, since there is bacon and onions to add to the pizza. You don't have to eat if you want. We can do half a pizza if we need."
"That actually sounds good." Jack said.
"I don't have a barbecue sauce." Gran said. "But I can make one as soon as I get this dough finished."
"I can make it." Nathan said.
"What do you need?" Gran asked.
"Ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar and honey." Nathan said. "I will also need a bowl and whisk."
"The ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are in the fridge." Gran said. "The rest should be in the pantry. JP, grab him a bowl and whisk."
Nathan grabbed the items that he needed while Jack got the bowl and whisk. Nathan set about making the barbecue sauce while the others continued to prep the veggies and put the last of the groceries away. He knew that he could measure everything out, but he was good at eye-balling it since he had made this one several times.
"JP." Gran said. "Are your mother and grandfather coming up for lunch?"
"I don't know." Jack said. "After we rode, we came up here to workout. But I can text them to ask."
"Please." Gran said. "I think we will need three pizzas if they are coming up."
"Let's go ahead and make all three." Nathan said. "All else fails, it will be good later."
"Okay." Gran said. "But James will want just pepperoni on his."
"So we do one of Nathan's." Elizabeth said. "We do one pepperoni and the third can be a combination of other items."
"I like that plan." Jack said with a smile.
"Thin crust okay with everyone?" Gran asked.
"Yes." The group said.
"Everything is put away." Jack said.
"Friday morning." Gran said. "You will need to stop at Primal and pick up an order. I have already paid for it. You can do it before or after the farmer's market. Before you say anything, you can do chores, run to town and then still ride before lunch."
"Yes, ma'am." Nathan said. "It won't be a problem."
"Good, didn't think so." Gran said. "I do have to run back to town tomorrow, so if there is anything you need, please put it on the list."
"I would like some Gatorade." Jack said. "Especially if we are going to be working out."
"Write it down." Gran said. "Make sure you list what flavors you want."
"Thank you." Nathan said.
It wasn't long and they had three pizza in the oven while they cleaned up the kitchen. James and Charlotte came in a few minutes before the pizzas were done. Gran pulled them out and placed them back on their pans. She cut them and then brought them to the table. She set Nathan's near him, the pepperoni near James and the other in the middle which was half beef and veggies and the other half pepperoni and onion. She explained what each one was. There was also fresh cut fruit and veggies to have. James lead everyone in prayer. Nathan shared 'his' pizza with Jack and Elizabeth. Gran took a half a piece to try and Charlotte took the other half. Everyone agreed that the barbecue pizza was good.
"So what is everyone doing this afternoon?" Gran asked.
"Char and I have work to do down in the office." James said. "We will be down there until supper time. There is a lot of paperwork to get done before the end of the month."
Jack looked between his grandparents. No one other then Nathan caught the look that he gave them.
"Nathan and I were going to work with a couple of horses." Jack said.
"Of course you were." Tommy muttered with a roll of his eyes.
"Phone." Gran said holding out her hand toward Tommy with a snap of her fingers.
"What?" Tommy said.
"Give me your phone." Gran said. "I warned you about the attitude once already today."
"Ma." Tommy cried.
"Listen to your grandmother." Charlotte said.
Charlotte knew better then to argue with her mother, especially when she could tell that her mother was in a mood. Charlotte wasn't sure what set her mother off, but she wasn't going to push it at the moment. She knew that she would try to talk to her later, she figured that once her mother calmed down she could talk to her and get Tommy's phone back.
"Seriously." Tommy muttered. "I am on vacation."
Jack saw his grandmother close her eyes and inhale sharply. He knew that Tommy had pushed her too far. He gave Nathan a quick look and a small shake of his head. Nathan gave a nod of understanding. Elizabeth watched the exchange and wondered what they were saying to each other without speaking. She knew that her and Jack had done that a few times, but she had also seen Jack do it with Nathan a few times as well. She tucked the information away to talk about another time. Elizabeth was also surprised that Tommy had continued to push things. She was even more surprised that Gran would step in to punish him with his mother sitting there. Gran opened her eyes and focused on her husband, not once looking at Tommy.
"James." Gran said. "I assume there are stalls that need to be mucked out or tack that needs a good cleaning."
"Both." James said. "The hands haven't gotten to the semiannual cleaning and maintenance that needs to be done on the tack. It is on the list of things that need to get done this week or next. But we are two hands down, on top of it still being foaling season."
"Good." Gran said. "You now have a volunteer to get going on it. Tommy will spend this week cleaning tack."
"Isn't that why you pay people." Tommy hissed. "Why do I have to do their job? Seriously."
"Thomas Andrew Thornton." Gran said. "You are fifteen years old and beyond spoiled. Your brother and cousins were caring for multiple horses by the time they were your age. A vacation is for people that have earned one by working hard. You have done nothing but lay around and play with your phone. Around here, we all work. You need to learn."
"What about JP and his friends?" Tommy whined.
"JP and Nathan." James said. "Have each taken care of horses, jumped multiple rounds in the sand ring and put in a full workout. And that was just this morning. This afternoon, they will be working with more horses. Elizabeth has earned a vacation, yet she has helped your grandmother cook and run errands. Both Nathan and Elizabeth are guests in this house and have done more then you have. Your grandmother is correct – you are beyond spoiled. You need to learn that what you have takes hard work. For the remainder of your stay, you will get up with everyone else and help with the horses. You will clean tack and help around the farm. I will have a list of other chores for you to do once you are done with the tack, which should take you at least three or four days."
"Ma." Tommy whined, looking at her.
"They are right." Charlotte said. "You are spoiled. I guess, I am to blame for that. But it ends now. You have had nothing but an attitude about everything for months. It ends now, period. I still have time to enroll you in boarding or military school for the fall. I know that your father talked to you about that if you didn't change your attitude. I will be talking to your father when he arrives tomorrow or Wednesday. I suggest you listen to your grandparents and show your father that you are trying. I know that he will not put up with the way you have been to your grandmother. The only reason you haven't been seen away to school yet, was because of me. But I am done. You will change that attitude or we will change it for you. You will help around here. Until you can show that you are responsible, you will not have your phone or access to money. You need to learn that it takes a lot of time and hard work to have the things that you have so graciously been handed."
Tommy just huffed and handed his phone over. Gran looked at it and saw it was locked.
"Unlock it and remove the passcode." Gran said.
"No." Tommy said. "It is my phone. You don't need the code."
"Here." Jack said.
Gran handed it over to Jack. He quickly unlocked it and removed the passcode.
"Please shut it down." Gran said. "I will deal with it later."
Jack did as he was told. He then handed it back to his grandmother. She put it on the counter. Tommy shot Jack a dirty look, which earned him a smack on the shoulder from his mother.
"You can have it back when your parents decide, after the tack is clean." Gran said. "But for now, it will be with me. I will also be changing the wi-fi password in the house."
"What are you doing this afternoon, dear?" James asked.
"I have phone calls to make." Gran said. "I also have laundry that needs to get done. I have stuff to get ready for women's circle for Church. I will be around the house this afternoon, trying to get what I can done before I have to head back into town in the morning."
"Very well." James said.
"Jack." Elizabeth said tentatively.
Jack looked up at her to know that she had his attention.
"I was wondering if I could go with you this afternoon?" Elizabeth asked.
"Great idea." Gran said. "She hasn't seen the grounds. Take her and introduce her to the horses."
Jack looked at Nathan who gave him a small nod.
"Okay." Jack said. "You can come with Nathan and I this afternoon. We are going to work with two of Doug's horses. I was also hoping to go check out some of new foals as well as the mares that are still expecting."
Elizabeth's face lite up at the mention of the foals.
"What time are you planning supper, Mom?" Charlotte asked. "I just want to know what time we should all aim to be back here."
Gran looked around to see that everyone, except Tommy was listening.
"Well." Gran said. "I was thinking of doing leftovers tonight. There is plenty of stuff in the fridge and we can finish up. All else fails, we can make a couple more pizzas. So lets plan on being back here to eat around six thirty to seven."
There were nods around the table.
"Elizabeth." Gran said. "If you want or need to come back up here before that, it is fine. I will be working in the home office or library most of the afternoon."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "I will see how things go."
"Let's finish up and get to work." James said. "There is plenty for everyone to do. JP, please let me know how the mares are if you go over there. I haven't been over in a few days, but have read the daily reports."
"Yes, Sir." Jack said.
The finished up eating. Jack, Nathan and Elizabeth stayed to help clear the table and put the food away. Tommy went with his mother and grandfather, all be it reluctantly. Jack waited until they were beyond the pool deck before speaking.
"So bets on how long Tommy lasts cleaning tack?" Jack joked.
"If he wants his phone back." Gran said. "He will make sure it passes Marco and Andy's inspection. I get you are happy he has to work, but don't tease him. The last thing that I want is fighting between you two. I don't need anymore more drama in this house."
"Yes, ma'am." Jack said.
"Good." Gran said. "Just so we are clear."
"Crystal." Jack said.
Nathan and Elizabeth exchanged a look. Elizabeth had to turn away so she didn't break out laughing.
"Anything else?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, thank you for helping clean up." Gran said.
"We will be back for supper." Nathan said. "I promise we will be on time."
"Thank you." Gran said.
Author's Note: Here are the recipes for the pizza dough and the barbeque sauce
Thin-Crust Pizza Dough
Yields 4 servings Ingredients
¾ cup lukewarm water
1 teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ teaspoon white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
½ teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1
Warm water to 110 degrees F (44 degrees C) in a bowl. Stir in yeast and sugar. Let stand until yeast forms a creamy foam, 5 to 8 minutes.
Step 2
Combine 1 3/4 cups flour and salt in a large bowl. Pour in yeast mixture; mix well until dough comes together.
Step 3
Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 1/4 cup flour if dough is too sticky.
Step 4
Roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a greased pizza pan.
Barbecue sauce for the pizza
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
drizzle of honey to taste
Add ingredients into a bowl and whisk together.