Chapter 23
Ellen's POV – Mid November
I can't believe I'm forced to return here to New Jersey. Once I joined Valerie and her husband in California, I never thought I'd end up back here. But no, that good for nothing, two-timing son-of-a-gun had to get their babysitter pregnant. Not only did he knock up that girl, who is only nineteen, but he decided to divorce Valerie so he could marry her. Valerie got so tired of Angie and Mary Alice, my two darling granddaughters, hearing the community's lies that she felt it necessary to relocate to Trenton, back to the Burg.
So, that means that I'm forced to find a place to stay. Valerie suggested we stay in a hotel for a few days until we could find a house to rent temporarily. But why would I stay someplace where other people have had relations? The only reason why people rent a room in Trenton is to partake in relations, usually extramarital ones. I will not subject myself to those germs. I could get syphilis. After talking to Frank six weeks ago and discovering that he sold our house, I know I had no choice but to call my good-for-nothing slut-of-a-daughter Stephanie. How was I supposed to know that the money that appeared in my account was from our house's sale? However, before I could call Stephanie, I received a call from Pina Orr, Stephanie's former mother-in-law. After I explained my dilemma to her, she spoke to her husband. It seems that Frank helped Stephanie purchase her home and did so before we were officially divorced. Since we never legally separated, that house is part of our marital estate. Therefore, I can lay claim to it. So, I think that I'll just take it. What does Stephanie need a house for? She doesn't even have a husband. She'll be fine in an apartment.
Now, I keep that information to myself. No need to get Stephanie involved yet. As for now, we'll just stay in her house, slowly making it our own. I still can't believe that I'm back in Trenton. I told Valerie time, and time again her prudish ways in the bedroom would come back to bite her in the ass. I swear, that girl didn't even know how to please her husband with her mouth. She made him go almost eight months without sex when she was pregnant with Angie, simply because the doctor told her SHE couldn't have sex. What does pleasuring your husband have to do with having sex? It's no wonder he strayed. I'm sure his new wife knows how to please him the right way.
I'm also upset to be leaving behind Mark. Mark owned a local bookstore that I used to frequent, especially when I first arrived in California. I left most of my cookbooks behind, as I didn't want to ship them because the cost was too astronomical. So, I would go once a week to buy a replacement. During that time, Mark and I started to talk. I discovered that his wife was having an affair. He was heartbroken but didn't want to leave his wife because of his standing in the community. They agreed to carry on, but to do so discreetly. That's how I became a part-time employee there. Soon, our relationship turned sexual and we were lovers. I can tell you he was a much better lover than Frank. It reminded me of when I was with Rocco Morelli, Angie's husband. I still don't know how Frank never found out about our affair. It just goes to show you how quiet you can keep your business if you know how to hide in plain sight. Mark understood why I had to leave California, and I will miss him. The things I do for my daughters. Why me?
When we landed in Philadelphia, Angie Morelli had her darling son, Detective Joseph Morelli, pick us up from the airport. I must say, Joseph is a looker. He reminds me so much of his father. I saw the way he ogled Valerie, maybe he will marry her. One can only hope. Afterall, he is an upstanding member of the Burg, even after that unfortunate misunderstanding. How his fellow cops could fathom that he would kill the poor girl I'll never understand. Fortunately, though, he was able to prove his innocence. I know Angie was beside herself for quite some time. I was incredibly embarrassed to learn that Stephanie was one of the people who brought him back to jail. However, both Steve and Valerie explained that since Joseph failed to appear in court, someone had to bring him to jail, or Angie would have lost her house. While I still don't think it was right for her to drag Joseph into jail, since Angie holds no hard feelings, I let it go. Since she at least had the decency to capture him in Philadelphia, he was spared some embarrassment.
I sat in the back seat with my granddaughters to allow Joseph and Valerie an opportunity to reacquaint themselves. They were in the same grade in school. I was always surprised that they didn't date. Joseph was the quarterback and Valerie was the captain of the cheerleading team. But back then, Joseph only had eyes for Theresa Grizzoli, much to Angie's dismay. Thankfully, by the time he returned from the Navy, he was done with that mob princess.
My granddaughters, Angie and Mary Alice, are delightful young girls. They are respectful, know that they should be seen and not heard, and dress properly. However, Mary Alice has started to act like a horse. I'm afraid it could be a consequence of her parent's divorce, but I told Valerie she needs to be firm and nip this behavior in the bud. We wouldn't want people talking about Mary Alice. It's this type of behavior that will lead her to follow in her aunt's footsteps, and goodness knows we don't need another Stephanie in this family.
All too quickly we arrive in Trenton. Joseph knows where Stephanie's house is, so he is bringing us there. Since it is 5:15, she should be home, placing the finishing touches on our dinner which will be promptly served at six. I should invite Joseph for dinner, after all, he did take time out of his day to pick us up from the airport.
When we stop outside of a modest single family home, I'm confused. We are not in the Burg. When did Stephanie move out of Chambersburg?
"Mrs. Plum, Valerie, here is Stephanie's home. Let me help you with your bags."
"Thank you, Joseph. You're such a gentleman." I see a red and a black SUV parked in the driveway. In front of the house is a black Porsche. I cross myself quickly. What on Earth would Stephanie need with a sports car like that. She is a mother. I mean, she should be driving a minivan like Valerie did.
Valerie and I, along with the girls, walk up to the front door. Before we could knock, Stephanie is standing there with the door open. She doesn't look happy to see us. I don't understand why. She unlocks the screen door and turns around. She probably needs to be in the kitchen. This is a very critical time when preparing dinner. I walk into the house, followed by Valerie, with Angie holding the door for the adults. Joseph follows us in, placing the suitcases by the stairs. I don't smell anything cooking. What is going on here? I decide to head into the kitchen to find out what is going on.
"Valerie, why don't you and the girls head upstairs. Get settled in your rooms. I'll go talk to your sister."
"Okay, Mom. Come on, girls." Valerie responds.
I walk into the kitchen as Joseph returns outside to get the next set of bags. I'm glad that I didn't ask him to stay for dinner yet.
"Stephanie, why is nothing being prepared? It's almost six o'clock." I take a good look at her and sigh. She's wearing black scrubs, black sneakers, and her hair is in a ponytail. As much as I don't approve of her outfit per se, I can't really say anything because it is her uniform. Though I don't know why she can't dress in slacks and a blouse like other physical therapists do.
"Mom, I'm glad you arrived safely. I need to get back to work soon. One of my patients was injured and needs intensive PT. I am working with him after hours. There are some prepared meals in the fridge and freezer, enough for all of you. I also had the pantry and refrigerator stocked with basics that I know you always kept on hand. The black SUV is for Valerie or you to use until she gets her own car. It belongs to my employer, so please be careful. It has GPS and is fully loaded. The keys are on the counter. Make yourself comfortable. The phone numbers of the local school are in this book, and I left the newspaper here in case Valerie wants to start looking for a job."
Just as I'm about to reply, a dark-skinned man walks into the room. I take a step back, not knowing what he is doing here.
"Babe, is now a good time to go over the alarm system?"
"I guess it's as good of a time as any." I take a good look at this man. He is wearing all black, like my daughter, and has the same name embroidered on his shirt as she does. Are they coworkers? He has long almost black hair tied back at the nape of his neck. Since when do men wear their hair long? His skin looks the color of one of those mocha latte drinks that Valerie gets from Starbucks. His eyes are dark brown and intense. He is handsome, but not someone whom my daughter should be so friendly with.
"Mom, this is Ranger, my employer. He is the one who offered one of his company cars to Valerie. I have a security system on this home, and he will explain to you how to activate it and deactivate it. Ranger, this is my mother, Ellen Plum."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ma'am. If you or your daughter need any assistance, please reach out to me. If I can't assist you, one of my employees would be more than happy to do so. Stephanie is a wonderful woman, and my men would do anything to help her out."
Hmpt. Wonderful my foot. However, I turn on my charm, as a good Burg woman. "Thank you, but I'm sure we won't be needing your assistance." At that moment, Joseph walks into the kitchen.
"Mrs. Plum, I finished bringing in your bags." Joseph stops, then stands tall, looking at Ranger with distrust. "Manoso."
"Morelli."
"That's Detective Morelli to you."
"Mom, if you could please follow Ranger, we do need to get back to the office."
"Stephanie, we don't need an alarm system. We will keep it deactivated."
"No. If you plan on staying here, you will use it. Otherwise, you can find other accommodations. This is not negotiable. This is my home, and I want to keep it protected. If someone were to break in or if there were a fire, Rangeman's response time is better than the police, especially since this home is mine. I will not lose what I have worked hard for."
"Mrs. Plum, it is very simple to operate. In fact, after a few days, it will be habit."
"Fine." I huff. I don't want to start looking for a home. Besides, once this house is in my name, I'll remove the system.
"If you'd follow me to the panel." Ranger walked to the front entrance. He explained how to turn on the alarm and how to turn it off. I must admit, it is simple. He set up a code for me, and one for Valerie. He also explained how there were cameras inside and outside the house. The outside cameras were activated 24/7, but the inside would only activate when no one was home. He showed me how to disable them. Ranger further explained how the cameras were only on the first floor, in the main living spaces with exterior windows or doors, also in the living room, dining room, kitchen, and the small TV room.
"If Valerie gets a pet, please let me know so I can adjust the security protocol."
"Thank you." I respond. Joseph and Stephanie were in the kitchen this entire time, and I was hoping that maybe he would be willing to marry Stephanie, so that she would be a proper Burg woman once and for all. We head back to the kitchen.
"You know they are a bunch of thugs and criminals. Being associated with them isn't good for your reputation, Cupcake."
"I thought I told you to never call me Cupcake. Why don't you ever listen? Morelli, I don't care what you think, I don't care what the Burg thinks. You should know that by now."
"Babe, is everything okay?"
"Yes, I'm okay. Can we go?"
"Yes, we're done here." I observe the interactions between my wayward daughter and her boss, and I must say, I don't like their friendliness. A boss shouldn't be calling his employee "Babe." To make matters worse, she completely blew off poor Joseph and allowed that, that thug to place his hand on her back. Where did I go wrong with Stephanie?
"Stephanie, when are we to expect you home?"
"You're not to expect me. I don't live here anymore. I moved out a few weeks ago into a new home. This house is for sale. Don't worry, no one will be coming to see the house. I have a couple of prospective buyers already. I'll let you know when I go to contract. I expect closing to be two months after the contract is signed, so I suggest you and Valerie start looking for another place to live. Have a good night."
With that, Stephanie walks out of the kitchen towards the front door. I am livid, but as I see that it is 5:30, I know I must start heating something up for dinner. I quickly look in the refrigerator when I see a note on the door.
Good evening. Welcome home. I know you must be tired from your travels. I left a lasagna in the oven. It is still warm, so it should only need to be heated for about twenty minutes. There is also fresh, homemade garlic bread in the toaster. I also took the liberty of preparing a salad for you as well. There are several dressings in the pantry, all will go well, but I recommend the homemade dressing in the fridge. Enjoy your meal, and please let me know if I could be of any assistance. My phone number can be found on the inside front cover of the phone book on the kitchen table.
Warmly, Mrs. Ella Guzman
Hmpt. I don't know who this Ella Guzman is, but I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. I look in the oven, lifting the corner of aluminum foil on the baking pan. The aroma that hits my nose is heavenly. I quickly turn on the oven to heat up the meal and check the toaster for the bread. I see that it is prepared, but not yet baked. I will place it in the oven about ten minutes before I place the dinner on the table. I decided to try the salad, a little green never hurt anyone. Besides, Valerie likes salad. I hear Stephanie talking to Valerie, letting her know about the car.
"Joseph, please stay for dinner. It's the least we could do since you gave up most of your afternoon to help us, and on your day off."
"It's okay, Mrs. Plum. Anything for a friend of my mother."
"Please, Joseph, I insist."
"Are you sure I won't be putting you out?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Besides, we have more than enough food here."
"Thank you, Mrs. Plum."
"Why don't you go and sit in the dining room. Dinner will be on the table at six."
Once Joseph exited the kitchen, Valerie came in.
"Mom, the girl's room has a full bed in it. The other two rooms have a queen sized bed. I gave you the one at the front of the house. It has the most natural light, which I know you like. I took the second room. We're going to have to get the girls bunk beds."
"Don't worry, I'll get your ungrateful sister to buy bunk beds for the girls. She should have the appropriate furniture here waiting for us. She even had another woman make us food."
"It smells delicious."
"You're right, of course. Maybe this is a good thing, we know your sister can't cook. I invited Joseph to stay for dinner. He's still single. This could be your chance."
"I know Mom. He's still so handsome. I hope that he's interested in me."
"Why wouldn't he be? You are the perfect Burg girl. You can cook, clean, and provide him with children."
"I have to think positively."
"Yes. Now, tomorrow I will call Dickie. Stephanie said that this house is for sale. How she can sell it without my approval is beyond me. We may have to move up our lawsuit sooner rather than later. We don't want to have to move again so soon."
"Yes, Mom, you are correct. Do you need help with dinner?"
"I need you to set the table. Are the girls washed up?"
"Yes, they are unpacking their large suitcase. This way, they will have pajamas for tonight and clothes for the next few days until the rest of the stuff arrives with the moving truck."
"Perfect."
Valerie and I finish the preparations for dinner and enjoy a lovely evening with Joseph. I can't wait to see the look on Stephanie's face when she discovers that I own part of this house and that I'm not selling it.