Part Seven - Coffee and Cake.

Patty returned to the kitchen. She sat down at the table. Her heart beating a little faster. There was nothing wrong with boys having close friendships, she told herself firmly. Syd was a good boy—kind, funny, loyal. He had been a wonderful friend to Teddy, especially after the accident.

But still, Patty couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more happening there. Something that made her feel protective in a way she couldn’t fully explain.

“Teddy is growing up. He is changing in ways that I don’t always understand, and it scares me,” Patty looked on, seeming to plead for help from her audience, “What if he trusted too much, or felt something he wasn’t ready to handle? What if he got hurt? What if...?”

Patty pressed her fingers to her temples, forcing herself to take a deep breath. She was overthinking it. Teddy was just a boy, and boys formed bonds. It didn’t have to mean anything. And yet...

The back door creaked opened startling Patty from her musings. Freddie stepped into the kitchen—and the sight of him made her forget all about her suspicions.

His shirt was untucked and wrinkled, his hair mussed, and there was a fresh purple bruise blooming beneath his left eye. His knuckles were red and slightly swollen. He was carrying his jacket over one arm like nothing was amiss.

“Freddie!” Patty gasped, rushing over to him. “What on earth happened to you?”

Freddie leaned his shoulder against the doorframe, letting out a breath that sounded like a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction, “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

“Don’t give me that,” Patty said, her eyes scanning his face. She reached up to touch his bruised cheek, but he winced slightly, pulling back. “You’re hurt!”

“I’m fine, darlin,” he said, brushing her concern away with a wave of his hand. “Simmo’s dad just needed some tips on good parenting.”

Patty froze, her heart skipping a beat. “Warren? What do you mean? What did he say?”

Freddie straightened, his jaw tightening. “He called Teddy a sissy,” he said, the words dripping with disgust. “And that was just the start of it. He made a few other comments—about how boys should ‘toughen up’ and how I should teach my son to ‘act like a man.’”

Patty’s stomach churned, “What did you do?”

Freddie smirked, though the expression made his bruised cheek twitch, “I told him that he wouldn't know the first thing about being a ‘real man'. He sat out the war. Kept himself cozy and safe while the rest of us were in the muck.”

Patty’s breath caught, “You said that to him?”

“Oh, I said more than that,” Freddie replied, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. “I told him what kind of boy I am raising. My son is brave, kind, and smarter than his kid ever will be.”

Patty’s eyes widened, “Freddie, you didn’t...”

He shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. “That was when he decided to take a swing at me. It didn’t go too well for him.”

Patty’s mouth dropped open. “You fought him?”

Freddie chuckled, though it was low and a little tired. “If you could call it that. He got one good hit in—that’s where this beauty came from.” He gestured to his black eye with a smirk. “But I’ve been through worse, Pat. A lot worse. A guy like him? Doesn’t know what it’s like to actually fight for something that matters.”

Patty stepped closer, reaching for his hand. His knuckles were scraped, but not badly. She ran her thumb over them gently, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and worry.

“Freddie,” she murmured, her voice soft. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I did,” Freddie said firmly. “Nobody talks about my boy like that. Nobody.”

Patty stared at him, her chest tight with emotion. Freddie was standing in their kitchen with his tie askew and his shirt rumpled, he looked every inch a hero to her. She was so proud of him. She reached up, cupping his unbruised cheek. “You’re going to get yourself hurt, Freddie Love,” she said softly, though her voice was thick with pride.

A faint smile tugged at his lips, “Worth it.”

Patty shook her head, pulling him into a careful hug. His arms wrapped around her, solid and steady, and she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her.

“Thank you,” she whispered against his shoulder. “For standing up for him. For being his dad.”

“Always,” Freddie said, his voice soft but unwavering. “That’s my job.”

As they pulled apart, Patty stepped back, hands on her hips. “Alright, sit down. I’ll get you some ice for that eye before it swells shut.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Freddie said, lowering himself into a chair with a chuckle.

“Warren better not show up here,” Patty added, fetching a dishcloth from the sink. “Because if he does, I’ll be the one taking a swing at him.”

Freddie laughed, wincing slightly as the movement tugged at his bruised face. “I’d pay good money to see that, darlin.”

As she pressed the cool cloth to his cheek, Patty couldn’t help but smile. Freddie might have come home battered and bruised, but he had stood up for their family—and that, more than anything, made her heart swell with pride.

*********

The book club gathered on a quiet Wednesday evening in Myra’s inviting living room, the soft glow of lamps casting a warm ambiance. A faint scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the aroma of Myra’s homemade bundt cake, creating an atmosphere of comfort.

“So,” Cindy began, crossing her legs elegantly as she held up her copy of Rebecca, its cover dog-eared from where she had clearly thumbed through it often, “let’s talk about this month’s selection. Who else found Maxim de Winter... just a little too mysterious for his own good?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Flo chimed in, “The way he handled everything with Rebecca—so cold, so detached. He reminded me of my husband.” There were a few coughs and awkward glances. They all knew about Flo’s husband not returning any time soon. “It’s no wonder the second Mrs. de Winter felt like she was going mad half the time.”

“But was he truly detached?” Cindy countered, leaning forward. “Or was it all part of his charm? I mean, Rebecca had her secrets too, didn’t she?”

“I thought Rebecca sounded dreadful,” Lucy interjected, her tone sharp. “Beautiful, yes, but completely reckless. Frankly, I don’t blame Maxim for wanting to forget her.”

Myra replied, shaking her head, “The poor second wife—always in Rebecca’s shadow. It wasn’t fair to her.”

Patty sat quietly, observing the animated discussion with a faint smile. She had loved Rebecca for the way it explored the unspoken power dynamics in relationships—the subtle ways people could influence and control each other, often without realizing it.

“What about you, Patty?” Cindy asked suddenly, drawing all eyes to her. “What did you think of Rebecca?”

Patty smoothed down her dress. “I think... Rebecca was as much a victim of her circumstances as anyone else. She used what power she had to get what she wanted, but in the end, it didn’t make her happy.”

Cindy tilted her head, a knowing smile curling at the edges of her lips. “Interesting perspective, Patty. Very understanding.”

“Speaking of fascinating relationships,” Flo said, her eyes lighting up with mischief, “I heard Freddie had a fascinating encounter with Warren Johnston all over what happened at the river. Poor Teddy—what an ordeal for him. Did you really tan the hide of that nasty boy, Simon Johnston. He is always mooing my salon when not throwing eggs.”

“I did,” Patty said, keeping her voice steady. “He was being a dangerous hooligan.”

“Don’t you think you were both a little heavy handed?” Lucy said, her tone dripping with false concern. “I mean, Teddy can’t expect you two to fight all his battles. I mean…some boys need toughing up if they are to survive this world…and not get too soft.”

Patty stiffened. “What are you trying to say, Lucy?”

“Oh, nothing,” Lucy said quickly, though her expression suggested otherwise. “I just think it might be worth bringing in someone who could help Teddy. Maybe enlist the services of this Dr. Baxter. He might be able to give some guidance to correct some of Teddy’s traits before it is too late.”

Patty’s expression tightened slightly, a flicker of concern crossing her features. Cindy placed a restraining hand upon Patty’s arm. Cindy interjected for her, “I’ve heard mixed reports about his approach. He tends to medicalize behaviours that might just be part of growing up.”

Patty’s hands clenched into fists in her lap. “My son doesn’t need an expert,” she said, her voice sharp enough to cut through the room. “He’s a smart, sensitive boy, and there’s nothing wrong with him.”

“Yes, he is,” Lucy sighed. “But I am concerned. My Jocelyn had some interesting thoughts about the bullying. I would consider her to be an unbiased party.”

“The same girl I caught hoovering the lips of this Simmo on Guy Fawkes night?”

“We’ve already discussed this, Patty! Jocelyn was home all night. She was studying.”

“Her room isn’t a concrete jungle. She might not have stayed.”

“You’re all so lucky to still have your children at home,” Myra reminded them gently, her eyes scanning the room. “I miss mine terribly,” she confessed, her voice tinged with longing. “It is strange not having them around but I’m proud of how independent they are,” she added, a wistful smile touching her lips. “I have so much time on my hands…the house is like a morgue.” She suddenly noticed everyone’s concerned looks suddenly brightening up, “But it does give me more time to perfect my ginger fluff, and I am taking in some mending jobs from the neighbours.”

Lucy’s face brightened as she thought of her other daughter’s recent achievements. “Oh, did I tell you about, Sarah?” she added, her voice filled with pride, “She’s already running the maternity ward like I knew she would. She has really found her niche.”

“Sarah sounds like high achiever,” Flo commented neutrally, though her expression hinted at a different perspective. “Pity, she’ll soon meet a nice doctor and bid farewell to her niche.”

“Of course.” Lucy sneered. “And I’m sure her nursing skills will come in handy when raising a family. What about your boy? Still trying to find himself interesting.”

“Yes, my Danny, has taking a different path.” Flo relied, snidely. “Now his flying kites over Cable Beach. Not the stuff of achievement but at least he is having enriching experiences.”

Patty got up to refresh her cup. Cindy followed her, “Patty, have you heard about the new courses being run at the library? We’re offering all sorts of classes like cooking, art, even writing. My friend, Winny, is also running a new women’s studies. You articulate yourself so well at book club that I think you should be sharing your thoughts with the world.”

Patty’s eyes widened with interest. “That sounds intriguing. Do you think it would be worth checking out?”

Cindy nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely! I went to one of their open house events last week. It’s a wonderful space filled with people of all walks of life engaging in learning. You should give it a try.”

Patty felt a flicker of excitement mixed with apprehension. “Maybe I will. It could be just what I need.”

*********

The giggles started as soon as Lizzy and Gina bolted to her room, their arms full of blankets, pillows, and a tin of marbles.

"Remember!" Patty called out as she halted her mending, “No trouble, no running, and for heaven’s sake, no flour fights!”

“Yes, Mum!” Lizzy called back; her tone sweet but utterly unconvincing.

The laughter from The Donna Reed Show called her back to the screen. She began to giggle along with the audience as she fixed a button on one of Freddie's shirts.

Lizzy and Gina sprawled across the floor of Lizzy’s room, whispering conspiratorially, “Okay,” Lizzy said, leaning in, “Teddy and the boys are so unsuspecting that we’ll catch them unaware and just show them how superior we are.”

Gina grinned, pig tails bouncing, “What are we going to do?”

“Step one: marbles in the hallway. Step two: feathers and water bombs. It’ll be hilarious.”

“What about step three?” Gina asked.

“Flour will be the icing on the cake.” Lizzy passed over a camera, “You snap a picture with dad’s camera as proof that we are the best.”

“Won’t your mum scold us with the wooden spoon,” Gina exclaimed, “My papa has a saddle belt for us.”

“Nah. That’s only for Simmo. Besides she has a deluxe Dyson. It’ll be cleaned up in minutes.”

The two girls broke into stifled giggles, quickly gathering their supplies and creeping toward the hallway.

*********

In Teddy’s room, Teddy, Syd, and Angelo were gathered around a pile of comics. The flashlight beam made the illustrations seem even more dramatic as they debated the latest Phantom storyline.

“Look, the Phantom wins because he’s got brains and brawn,” Syd argued, gesturing animatedly.

“Tarzan’s got the jungle on his side,” Angelo countered.

Teddy was about to weigh in when Angelo casually pulled a glossy gentlemen's magazine from under his jacket. The door burst open just as Syd was holding up the magazine to inspect a particularly risqué page of a woman totally nude but for some tassels concealing her nipples.

“Attack!” Lizzy yelled, hurling a handful of water bombs into the room.

Syd let out a strangled yelp as the water exploded across his face. Angelo scrambled to hide the magazine under a pillow, but Lizzy and Gina were already charging forward, pillows and feathers flying.

“What the—? Lizzy!” Teddy shouted, jumping to his feet.

Within moments, the room was a whirlwind of laughter, water, feathers, and chaos. Syd raced from the room for his own supplies only to slip on a marble outside the door. Gina grabbed a handful of flour and tossed it at her brother, who was too busy trying to keep the magazine hidden to defend himself.

“Get out, Lizzy!” Teddy yelled, his voice cracking as he reached for the pillow under which the magazine was hidden.

But Lizzy’s sharp eyes caught the movement, “What’s this?” she asked, diving for the pillow.

“Nothing!” Angelo shouted, lunging to stop her, but it was too late. Lizzy held up the magazine triumphantly, her mouth dropping open as she took in the nude woman.

“Oh my God,” Lizzy said, her voice dripping with mock outrage.

Syd stepped back into the room and tried to swipe the magazine from Lizzy, but she was too quick for him. He ended up in Teddy’s lap. Panicking, Teddy quickly jumped-up tossing Syd onto the floor before anyone noticed the rouge rising about his cheeks.

Gina gasped, “You dirty boys!”

“You deserve the hose!” Lizzy smirked, getting ready to throw her last water bomb. “I’ve got something even better.”

And that was when Gina took a photo of their three drenched boys covered in flour and feathers looking mortified at being caught out.

“What is going on in here?”

Lizzy threw the water bomb just as Patty stepped into the chaos. She copped a splatter of water in the face as the balloon exploded.

The room went silent as all five kids froze. Their faces turned pale taking in Patty with a dripping wet face with remnants of a water balloon clinging to her hair. The cold water seemed to silence Patty, until Lizzy, still holding the magazine, quickly tried to hide it behind her back.

“Elizabeth...Love,” Patty said slowly, her eyes narrowing. “What are you hiding?”

“Nothing!” Lizzy squeaked.

Patty took two steps forward and held out her hand, “Give it to me.”

Lizzy hesitated, then reluctantly handed over the magazine. Patty’s eyes widened slightly as she glanced at the nude images, but her expression remained composed as she looked around the room.

“Feathers. Flour. Water bombs. And now this,” she said, holding up the magazine. “Is there anything else I should know about?”

The kids shook their heads in unison, their faces red with embarrassment.

“Lizzy! Gina! I’ll speak with you first. I’ll be back to have a talk to you boys about this degrading imagery of women.”

Patty went to step out of the room. Her feet found the last of the marbles and she ended up on the floor in a heap. Petticoat and skirt flailing about. She was startled at first until the children couldn’t hold back the laughter any longer. Their guffawing brought her rising from the floor not amused. Her tail bone wasn’t too impressed either.

Once she had cleaned up, and the rooms were spotless again thanks to every child in the house, Patty made them all sleep outside with the mosquitoes.

Patty sat at the kitchen table, a little sore and sorry for herself, with confiscated magazine in front of her. She sighed, shaking her head.

“Angelo,” she muttered to herself, turning to face her audience, “He is going to give me grey hair before my time. And the boy isn’t even my child. He likes to push boundaries that one.” She flipped through the racy magazine, “Perhaps he’ll be a good influence on Teddy.”

Patty couldn’t help but laugh quietly at the absurdity of the evening. It wasn’t the first chaotic night in the Love household, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. And if Teddy was interested in images of naked women, wasn’t that better than the alternative? There was still hope for him.

*********

Patty stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress for the third time. “Freddie, are you ready?” she called out, trying to suppress her nervous energy.

Freddie emerged from the bathroom, freshly shaved and wearing his best shirt. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied, giving Patty a warm smile. “I still can’t believe Alice and Dick invited us over. We’re not normally their kind of people.”

“This wasn’t my idea,” Patty looks to her audience forcing a smile. “Freddie came home with the invitation. What was I going to say? I have a headache!” She frowned, “What’s Dick playing at? I need to corner him before he talks about our kiss.”

They arrived at Alice and Dick’s house, the warm glow of the lights inside making it look inviting. As they stepped in, the scent of rum cake filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of Irish coffee. Alice, a petite woman with a mischievous glint in her eye welcomed them with open arms, “Patty! Freddie! So glad you could make it!” Alice exclaimed, handing them each a drink.

Patty took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

Freddie, oblivious to her inner turmoil, was already chatting away with Dick about the daily news and local gossip.

Alice leaned in close and whispered, “No need to fret, my dear. Dick told me all about your little kiss. He is quite harmless really. He just likes to have fun.”

Patty’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. “Oh…um! That’s very understanding of you.”

“Relax, we’re all friends here. Who’d have thought a sweet little thing like you would have such a wild side.”

It was just a kiss. What had Dick said about that encounter? It sounded a lot more intriguing than what she had experienced. It sounded like debauchery.

As the evening wore on, Patty tried to keep her composure. They sat around the dining table, enjoying slices of rum cake and cups of Irish coffee. Freddie seemed to be having a great time, completely unaware of the undercurrents swirling around them.

As the conversation meandered through various topics, Alice leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm, “Patty, have you had the chance to read The Secret Lives of Society?”

Patty paused, her cup halfway to her lips, “I can’t say I have,” she replied, setting her cup down. “Is it a Barbara Cartland?”

Alice’s smile widened. “Oh, I should think not! It is far more enlightening than that drivel. Cindy recommended it to me, and I must say, it offers a rather... unconventional perspective on relationships.”

At the mention of Cindy’s name, Patty's interest piqued, “Cindy Nichols? From the library? I didn’t realize you two were acquainted.”

“Oh, we’ve become quite close recently. She has such... intriguing insights.” Alice chuckled lightly, “I actually have a copy right here,” Alice continued, rising from her seat. She moved to a nearby shelf and retrieved a book, its cover adorned with elegant script. Handing it to Patty, she added, “Feel free to borrow it. I think you’ll find it... eye-opening.”

Patty accepted the book, her fingers brushing against the worn cover.

Dick suddenly stood up with a twinkle in his eye. “How about we make this night even more interesting?” he suggested, holding up a bowl and a set of car keys.

Alice dimmed the lights, a playful smile on her lips. “Let’s see where the night takes us.” She added her own keys to the bowl, suggesting that this evening could lead to any combination of couplings. “Now your sets, my dears.”

Panic surged through Patty. She glanced at Freddie, who was still blissfully unaware, and made a snap decision. She stood up abruptly, swaying a bit for effect. “Oh my,” she said suddenly bringing a hand to her forehead. “I feel a bit faint.”

Patty did a dramatic slump to the floor like Jean Harlow. All skirt and petticoat on display but if it got her out of this house it was worth the dishevelment.

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