Nitty Gritty

"Hey, Tully," came Mark Hitchcock's friendly voice when Tully answered the phone.

Hey, yourself, Hitch," Tully responded. "It's good to hear from you. How are things going?"

"Can't complain. Working on a couple of projects for the army, and some new designs for medical equipment," Hitch replied.

"Sounds like you're keeping busy," Tully commented.

"As always. How about you? Did you follow through with the plans we discussed last time we talked?" Hitch was curious.

"Yeah," Tully answered, "I was planning to call you a bit later to tell you the news. I did it. I bought the garage that was for sale just outside of Richmond. I hope to have it open for business in a few weeks."

"That's fantastic," Hitch was happy for his friend. "Mary Ellen happy about it?"

"You know Mary Ellen," Tully said, "If it's what I want and it makes me happy, she's on board with whatever it is."

"Yeah, it's pretty great having someone who's always there for you," Hitch agreed.

"You should know," Tully remarked.

"Very true," Hitch concurred thinking of the unconditional love and support he shared with Isla. "If there's anything I can do to help you get the place up and running, let me know and I'll come."

"I know you would, but I think I've got everything in hand. Two of the mechanics that worked for the previous owner are going to stay on so we should be able to handle any work that comes our way," Tully said.

"Great. With your talent for engines, you should build up a large clientele pretty quickly," Hitch was proud of his friend.

"I hope so," Tully agreed. "Mary Ellen and I are talking about having another child, but I'd like to have the garage on a more solid footing before we take the plunge."

"Very wise. You don't want another surprise when you least expect it," Hitch laughed.

"It turned out to be a good surprise. Liam has brought so much meaning to our lives. I wanted to ask you when you were here last and we found out Isla was expecting, was this planned or something of an oops? Don't tell me the condom broke? Didn't you pay attention to all those films in the Army?"

Hitch laughed, "You'd know more about an oops baby than me. We'd been trying for a few months, so we were thrilled at the news. Isla's just beginning to show a bit and she's taking a lot of flack from Balanchine who keeps commenting about it being the end of her career."

"Will it be?" Tully was concerned. He knew how much dancing meant to Isla.

"Not if she has anything to say about it," Hitch answered. "Knowing her, she'll give birth and be back at the barre working out the same day. She's one of the most strong-willed persons I've ever meant, and that includes Troy. If she's determined to get back into shape and continue dancing, she will."

"Yeah, she doesn't let anything stand it the way once she's made up her mind," Tully agreed. "Just make sure she doesn't overdo."

"I'm watching her like a hawk. She has her last performances this weekend, then she'll step away for a while. She'll still keep up with most of her stretching exercises but nothing like what she currently does. I think she's spoken with every dancer who's ever had a child, and she has a female obstetrician she completely trusts," Hitch explained.

"How did your parents take the news?" Tully asked.

"Are you kidding? They're over the moon. So are her parents, and Granny Mac keeps reminding us, we agreed to name a child after her," Hitch responded.

"So, I take it you found the gift I left in your car before you left here?" Tully was smiling.

"The ten pound bag of grits. Oh yeah, we found them, and I appreciate the recipes and instructions you included," Hitch found himself smiling.

"Did they make her sick or has she admitted they are a gift from the gods?" Tully joked.

"As a matter of fact, that's why I called," Hitch sheepishly replied. "Can you send us some more? I haven't been able to find any around here. I guess New Yorkers aren't big grit eaters. Isla on the other hand, can't get enough of them. I was prepared for her craving ice cream or even sardines, but grits are what she wants most often. We've tried every recipe you sent with shrimp and grits being her favorite."

Tully laughed heartily, "Sure, I'll send a care package. Can't have her longing for something she can't have just because New Yorkers have no taste."

"I'd really appreciate it," Hitch assured his friend, "and maybe send it airmail, special delivery so it arrives as soon as possible."

"I will take care of it as soon as I'm off the phone," Tully promised. "Will twenty pounds do, or should I send more?"

"Let's start with twenty and I'll let you know if we need more," Hitch was grateful.

"Anytime," Tully replied, "glad to be of service. Give her our love and I'll ask my mom for more recipes. By the way, have you talked with Troy recently?"

"No, why?" Hitch grew concerned.

"Moffitt says he's talking about a woman he recently met. Doc thought it might be serious."

"No, I haven't heard anything. I'll give him a call and see what I can find out," Hitch hoped Troy had found someone special.

"I'll look forward to hearing from you. Take care. And let me know when the grits arrive," Tully said as they ended the conversation.

Hitch hung up the phone and turned to his wife saying, "You can relax and stop rationing your grits. Tully is sending more and is glad you've finally realized how good they are."

"Oh, thank you, my love," she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. "I think I'll try them with lobster tonight for dinner."

"That actually sounds pretty good," Hitch agreed, kissing her back. "Thanks to Tully, we can get down to the nitty gritty of your cravings."