Broad Street Goddesses Page 15

  “Paige, this is Betty.” Della gave her a quick look out the side of her dramatically lined eyes and reached out a hand to help Betty stand. “Betty, this is our dear Paige.” Betty bounced up like a cork in water.

  Paige made a quick assessment of Jake’s sweetheart, wearing a red dress with white polka dots the size of nickels. She was slight in build, white cotton candy hair styled to high perfection, pulled back to show off her yellow button earrings that matched the wide patent leather belt around her petite waist. A black sweater slung over her shoulders with a clasp of enameled lady bugs connected with a silver chain. White pointy shoes with a slight heel gave her the look of a 50’s actress.

  “What a pleasure to meet you,” Paige softly squeezed the hand Betty held out. Betty wasn’t quite five feet tall, and appeared to Paige to be at least eighty years old.

  “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.” Betty said.

  Paige instantly recognized the voice as the angel who turned her power on when she’d arrived unprepared and overtired, “Betty I haven’t had the chance to thank you for…”

  Betty cut her off holding up a hand jingling with bangle bracelets, “No need to thank me, Doll. I have information that will save your house. I’ve been here since Jesus was a baby, you know.” Her eyes were full of mischief, “I think my ancestors and yours must’ve had quite a time in our Nevada City.”

  Betty’s brightly painted red lips curved into a crooked smile. She was a Goddess too. In her day, Paige imagined, Betty could have easily been a pin up girl. No wonder Jake had fallen in love with her when he was five years old. She was femininity incarnate at eighty plus years old. A rush of pure relief opened up and washed over Paige.

  She couldn’t help but smile and be warmed by Betty, “I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.” She looked at Betty with solid concentration. Attention shifted over Paige’s shoulder to someone approaching. Della rolled her eyes, Patti stood aside and Betty lit up like a Christmas tree as Jake stepped toward the group. Paige’s heels dangled from his finger and he held a clipboard to his chest. Everything in Paige’s mind screeched to a halt and a dull buzz rang in her ears.

  Betty reached out for the clipboard, “How many do we have now?”

  “Close to two fifty,” Jake said releasing the bundle to Betty.

  “Great.” She turned the clipboard and examined its contents, “Paige, Doll, we’ll have lunch on Tuesday, before the council meeting.” She never looked up, “eleven, at the Diner. I’ve got work to do.” Paige watched, mesmerized by the motion of Betty’s skirts as she click-clacked on her way out the gate and down the walk.

  “Wow. So that’s Betty.” Paige was smiling. Before she knew it Della and Patti had slipped away leaving her alone with Jake, standing in front of her steps.

  “I think you shed these out of self defense.” Jake held out the strappy spiked heels.

  “Thanks.” Paige set her shoes on the steps, avoiding Jake’s eyes.

  “They looked amazing… if it’s any consolation” Jake was shuffling his feet, “I don’t know how you women do it… but I’m thankful.” He looked at her feet in avoidance, “Paige…”

  “Jake, I can’t do this right now…”

  CHAPTER 18

  Despite her strongest efforts to ward off the tears, Paige had been crying quietly in bed, cursing the puffy eyes that would follow. If she didn’t cry she would explode. Wally wandered through the room, jumped up to the bed, assessed the situation and then sat, looking at her square in the eye as if she was inconveniencing him with the noise she was making.

  “Oh what is it?” she said through her sobs, reaching for his furry head.

  Wally blinked in slow motion and lazily walked over her arm to lie on her heart. His purr started as a stutter and then went steady, loud and constant. Amazing love vibrated from him. She tried to make eye contact to thank him. He refused her gratitude. It was the warm and fuzzy lullaby that Paige drifted off to.

  A monstrous red wrecking ball towered over the mansion. She was helpless, feeling stuck in very deep mud. People were passing by unconcerned with her personal horror. She desperately attempted to scream out. Panic ridden, she fell to her knees and watched as Jake pointed to the top turreted roofline yelling, “Start there…”

  Shock consumed her as a tiny squeal broke free, but no one came to help her. She rolled onto her belly and looked up from behind the house. She covered her head trying to shield herself from shards of wood and roof pounding down all around her. That’s when she saw at least a dozen women with horrified howls of panic in the upstairs windows.

  “NO NO NO NO NO,” she cried, “Stop!” A curious crowd gathered around to watch as the house was demolished before them. Cheers rang out as all of Paige’s dreams came down in slow motion surrounding the unsympathetic mob.

  Paige woke up panting, soaked in sweat. Wally was nowhere to be seen. Sitting up, she swallowed the urge to scream just to feel the relief of actually being able to do it, but she pulled in a ragged breath instead. If you scream in a huge old mansion and only the cat hears it, did you really scream at all? She wobbled to the bathroom and sat down hard on the toilet. Cold and shivering she tried to shake off the night terror. Turning on the hot water in the tub, Paige thought it might be a better way to start the day. After 45 minutes the chill had been chased away. It took hours to conquer the feeling that she was a helpless observer in a series of events destroying her future.

  “I have heard the call and I’m answering!” Etta yelled through the kitchen door.

  “I’m in here,” Paige called from the bathroom.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Etta flopped down on the freshly made bed. “The urge to come over here was so strong I couldn’t go to the office without checking in with you.”

  “I had a nightmare last night and now I can’t get over the feeling that this fight is a lost cause.” Paige twisted her lipstick back into the tube and took a quick look at Etta. “I also think there are a few more spirits trapped her than we know about.”

  “I have it on high authority that it’s not a lost cause, but the meeting tonight will tell us what road we take. You’re meeting with Betty today, yes? Spirits, yes, but they are fading.”

  “In about 30 minutes.” Paige looked at her watch, “it’s more like they’re dying, Etta. There is something I can do to set them free.”

  Etta’s face looked tired, and worried. Paige was sure it wasn’t about her mansion. Etta’s mind had been whirling about a child’s future, her relationship with Will and things that transcended the material world. Suddenly Paige’s worries didn’t seem that significant.

  “Thank you for answering the call,” Paige said softly to Etta who was now looking out the window. “How is Will doing with all this hanging over his head?”

  “Well, he’s doing okay. Mim has been talking to him about the importance of family and how Jon’s grandfather has the right to be part of his life… he owes it to Jon-Jon.” She hesitated, “Will’s dead set against it… says if he’d been a decent father his kid wouldn’t have become a stripper and drug addict.” Etta took in a breath and smiled at Paige, “Family drama… gotta love it.”

  “Jon Jon is lucky to have so many people who care about his future. You’re the psychic, what do you see when you look into the future?” Paige asked.

  “Funny thing is, I’m so deeply entrenched in the situation, that I can’t see the forest through the trees so to speak… psychic work is like that. It works for anyone but me.” Etta glanced at Paige, “You look great! Go meet Betty and get her story before we march into the foundry and take this situation by the short hairs.”

  “Right,” Paige looked at her watch, “Oh, Got to run. I’ll see you tonight.”

  Betty was perched on a chrome stool at the counter, looking sharp in yellow Capri pants, an oversized white shirt belted at the waste and white flats. She was deep in conversation with the waitress who lazed on the edge of the counter tapping her order pad on the Formic
a edge. The waitress gave Paige a curious look, “I think your girl is here, Bet.”

  “Hi there, shall I take a booth or do you want to sit at the counter, Betty?” Paige realized immediately that she sounded ‘all business’ by the look the two women gave her. The waitress bugged her eyes out and turned to look at Betty shrugging her shoulders.

  Betty’s bracelets jingled as she hopped down from the stool and said sweetly, “How about right here,” and led her to the corner booth tucked behind the juke box. The waitress looked disappointed that they didn’t stay at the counter.

  “I didn’t mean to barge in Betty,” Paige said softly sliding onto the turquoise vinyl seat.

  “Oh don’t worry about that old sour puss, she’s just nosey and she won’t be able to hear us talking over here…” Betty wiggled into her seat and slid her little beaded bag toward the wall. “I don’t mean to be right to the point Doll, but I have a date in a few minutes and there is so much I want to say to you.”

  “Of course,” Paige was fascinated with Betty’s every move, “I’m all ears. I even brought a pad to write notes.”

  “No need for that.” Betty looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “Jake has it all under control.” She reached across the table to pat Paige on the hand.

  “What?” Paige said more harshly than she intended, “I mean, he hasn’t said much to me in over two weeks. Why should I believe that he has everything under control?” Paige felt her face getting hot and her ears starting to ring, “Oh Betty, there is so much at stake!”

  “Jakes hands are very capable.” Betty scanned the diner again before continuing, “Don’t worry Paige. I know for a fact that Jed can’t tear your house down,” she winked.

  Paige was having a hard time holding back the tears of disappointment. Leaning back against the booth, she closed her eyes. When she opened them a moment later, Betty was studying her face intently.

  “Paige, you are going to have to trust. Now I want to tell you something more…”

  Paige leaned in.

  “I know you and Jake got off to a rocky start, but he’s a good boy. He’s one of my favorite people. And believe me I’ve known them all comin’ and going through here. He’s got a heart of gold and I am asking you to trust him. He’s got the whole town behind you now. Jed doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell tonight.”

  “Well, I would feel a lot better if I knew what everyone else suddenly knows!” Paige was finding it hard to hide her frustration.

  “Shhhh….” Betty looked around and slid out of the booth. Her flats tap tap tapped all the way out the door. Paige sat in a stunned stupor. Not knowing if she should be relieved or start packing. Relieved for what reason? Because Jake had it all taken care of? Because some retired pin up model says so? Her head flopped into her hands, but she refused to cry. Her eyes had been so puffy that morning her vision had been distorted. She didn’t want to go into the meeting tonight with her eyes swollen shut.

  “Can I bring you something?” the waitress asked. It was lunchtime and people were waiting for a table. Paige grabbed her purse, fished around for a tip and putting it on the table, shook her head no and headed out.

  ~

  Paige and Etta had walked toward the foundry together in silence. Etta didn’t look concerned and reminded Paige to keep the faith. The large crowd approaching the meeting looked solemn. Once inside, they took their seats in the second row beside Mim, Addy, Patti and Della. Betty sat in the front row on the other side from them in a hazel blue pant suit, a brief case on the floor next to her. With a look of confidence, she shot a smug wink at Paige. Jake sat on the stage behind the table and podium. He looked haggard. His sleeves were rolled up with his jacket on the back of his seat. The head chair was empty.

  Mim leaned in close to Paige, “Don’t worry Darlin’, Della’s got the slid show and we’ve got all of our information lined out. It’s a knock out presentation.”

  “Thank you for everything you’ve done, Mim…” Paiges voice cracked. “You’ve got so much going on and you’ve…”

  “Don’t…. don’t you dare get emotional right now. You stay strong with us. This is going to be settled once and for all.”

  The humming of people gathering around her and the shuffling of chairs echoed in the enormous room. Looking around the old building, the stone floors were unevenly worn smooth with one hundred sixty years of use. Paige felt that the old building would vibrate a story to her if she would just put her hands against the walls and listen.

  Jed walked into the building and the energy in the room changed. The air became heavy as attendees settled into their seats.

  Jed strutted to the podium, “‘E’venin’ everyone. Let’s start by saying the pledge.”

  Local Boy Scout troop 139, which consisted of seven boys aged eight to twelve, brought out the California and United States flags and the building echoed with the pledge of allegiance. It brought goose bumps to her arms when she listened to the words. A promise that justice would be served.

  “Let’s all be seated,” Jed’s voice boomed with squealing feedback from the microphone, “We’ve got a lot of ground to cover tonight. And I know my Rita’s got a chicken in the oven… don’t want to be late for that!”

  “What an asshole,” Della whispered loud enough to be heard two rows away. Snickers moved through the crowd, stifled the minute Jed looked in her direction. It was just like being in school. Della sweetly blew a kiss to Jed.

  “Jake,” Jed huffed, “why don’t you get us started with what this meeting is all about.”

  Jake stood up, walked to the podium and cleared his throat, “As you all know, I’ve become involved with a project involving the property Ms. Paige Hamilton recently bought in full.” He shot a look over his shoulder to Jed. “I believe most of you here tonight were present for a tour a few days ago to let you all know what the plans for the property are. Let the record show that Jed Grizwald was not present for the City Tour.” Jake cut a quick glance at Paige, “Della has put together a presentation to show you what is in store for that piece of property. Now before we watch the slides it must be said that the problem that plagues our city is parking. Every visitor or local for that matter can’t find a damn place to park. It’s infuriating. Even disabled people can’t find a spot to park here in the heart of town. How many of you had to walk more than four blocks to come here tonight?” At least eighty percent of the attendants held up their hands. “Now, I know it keeps us healthier to walk, but I was on crutches a few weeks back and I’ll tell you what… It was hell getting around town. So, I understand the problem. I get it. Every single person in this room gets it. What I am asking is will our City be made better by tearing down a beautiful and historic mansion for parking? Most folks who visit here say it’s because of the charm. I am proposing that we come up with a solution that does not rely on demolition as the answer to our parking problem. Della, I think we’re ready.”

  The lights dimmed and Paige watched as her mansion came to life before her eyes. Pictures of the mansion a few years prior were shown. It was a ram shackled wreck by anyone’s measure. Della narrated while the pictures clicked through. The pictures progressed from the improvements made so far, to the renderings Paige hand sketched herself. Finally, she saw it on the screen. Complete with her sign out front and guests in the yard.

  Jed was at the Podium when the lights came back up, “Heart rendering,” he stated flatly, “let’s open the floor for comments for 10 minutes, then I have a solution for this …. Problem.”

  “Let the tourists stay home,” Samson shouted from his chair.

  General mayhem broke out throughout the meeting until Mim stood, regal and with a raise of her arm, she majestically took control of the room, “My friends, my neighbors, and my goodness,” she leveled off a look at the old gentleman. “Listen to yourselves. I’ve got a longing to see this mansion finished and making money in our community. It’s not only an asset but has an immeasurable amount of intrinsic
value to Nevada City. As for parking, I have an idea where we can build up instead of tearing down. We can shuttle our visitors in from other locations for the time being. There are alternatives, we’ve all heard them. Tearing this mansion down is the easy way out.” Mim nodded her head back to Jed, content that she’d taken charge.

  Jed’s chin rested into his open hand listening. He blinked lazily as though the conversation had become a huge bore, “Okay, Ms. Hamilton what do YOU have to say about this project?”

  Paige stood and moved to the podium. She waited for the hush to settle and said strongly, “I bought it on the internet, if you can all believe it. I became obsessed with it and clicked that mouse until I owned a mansion in a town I haven’t set foot in since I was a toddler. I was born here and this mansion has been the vehicle that brought me home. What I’ve found since I arrived is so much more than wood and plaster. There is over a century and a half of history in the house. The mansion drew me here, but I didn’t fall in love with her until I touched the banister, washed the mermaid wallpaper in the bathroom, painted the walls of the foyer and watched light dance through the stained glass. When I first heard about the city’s plans to tear it down I thought ‘NO it’s mine,’” Paige hesitated, “Today as I sat here watching the slid show, thank you, Della, I realized that my name is on the deed, but this house belongs to Nevada City. I’m just a steward for its survival. Even knowing the complications and now the heartbreak that has arisen for saving this mansion… I would do it again. Mayor Griswold, let it be shown on the record that I object to this threat of immanent domain. I thank all of you who have stood with me and fought to inspire a different way… Thank you.” Paige bowed to the crowd in thanks before returned to sit between Etta and Mim.

  Jake stood and handed Jed a stack of papers, “Jed, in this you will find over five hundred signatures all asking you to stop the demolition of the mansion on Pine street.”