back on track quickly became Betty's number one objective. They all ate sheepishly. They knew any amount of fooling around would result in some form of scolding from Betty.
The remainder of the meal was uneventful but delicious. They kept the conversation limited to the unusually warm weather they were having. Normally by September in North Carolina you could count on a break in the humidity and the evenings would be cool enough for a sweater at times. Each of them took turns commenting on how the extended heat had them all anxious for winter. It seemed to be the only common ground they could find.
Piper had barely left room for dessert but decided it would be rude not to partake in Betty’s peach cobbler. She looked around the table, and, although the tension was still palpable, she found herself envious that all these people would be back here next week. The bickering and jabbing that might have seemed annoying to all of them was charming to Piper. No one here was throwing things; no one was threatening anyone’s life or slamming a door. They were simply disagreeing without being overly disagreeable. It was such a stark contrast to all Piper had ever known, and she wished it didn’t have to end after just one night.
Jules rose abruptly from the table after Scott had taken the final bite of his second helping of cobbler.
“Ma, I'll help you clear the table, but I've got a big day at work tomorrow and we’d better get going.” Jules physically lifted Scott upward by hooking him under his arm. He clearly had not gotten the message that she was anxious to go. As far as Piper could tell, he was completely oblivious to any tension circling the table. As a matter of fact, it seemed like there was no shortage of things to which he was oblivious.
“Don't you touch a dish. I know there's a lot going on in your office. It seems like every time I drive by, there is a line practically out the door. That’s what happens in a growing town like ours. I guess everyone needs something from town hall. Permits, licenses, records. In a small place like Edenville they expect you guys to do it all.”
Betty turned toward Piper and said with pride lighting her face, “My Julie is in charge of the whole town hall. Well pretty much.” Piper loved how Betty seemed to be the only one who called her daughter by her full name. She wondered when it had morphed into Jules for everyone else and why Betty had decided that just wouldn’t do for her.
“Not quite, Ma. It’s too bad you quit school Piper. If you ever go back we’d be seeing a lot of each other. All the courthouse documents are housed in my archives. The lawyers, detectives, and such are always pawing through and leaving it a mess.” Jules was still trying to shuffle Scott away from the table as she spoke. “It was really nice to meet you Piper, I’m glad Ma had you over and that Scott will be able to help you get a job.” She leaned in and whispered to Piper. “He means well, you just have to get to know him better.” She smiled through the embarrassment of having to plead her case for compassion for her husband. She pulled Piper in for a hug and continued their private conversation. “And keep your eye on Bobby for me. He’s on a slippery slope. He could use a friend right now.”
“We’re not really friends. He’s been kind of rude actually. All we’ve done is argue with each other,” Piper whispered, with a confused look on her face as they broke their embrace.
“Well that’s how most epic love stories begin,” Jules insisted, as she turned away from Piper and toward her husband who had his fork back in the serving dish of peach cobbler. “Are you kidding? Let’s go already Scott.” She yanked on his arm and he finally moved in the direction of the door.
“Come down to the office tomorrow, Pepper. I’ll have everything set up for you,” Scott mumbled, his mouth full of cobbler.
“It’s Piper, Scott. I swear you have the memory of a gold fish.” Jules physically shoved him the rest of the way through the door and toward the porch. “Bye Ma,” she called out behind her.
Betty walked out behind them and waved from the porch until they were out of sight. Bobby and Piper had begun