The Millionaires Club: London

Thirty-three days after their last breakfast together, the Millionaires Club met for breakfast again. This time it was in a swanky London hotel.
Most of them had been there several days already. JB and his wife arrived only the night before. They were the only ones who previously had passports and had traveled internationally decades before the big lottery. So this was a new and trying experience for the rest of them, albeit a great adventure.
Joe and Frank had traveled together, arriving 24 hours ahead of the meeting, and had done a little sight-seeing, knowing little about London. Jesi and her boyfriend had arrived three days earlier, flashing a lot of gold jewelry and visiting all the spots recommended by their travel agent. They all had run into each other in the hotel bar the previous evening. It took no time for Jesi and Luke to feel like the London experts. They shared their vast knowledge with Joe and Frank over mixed drinks, the latter having gone out to sample some local pubs after Jesi and Luke retired.
Caitlin and George, with two babies in tow, had come with Nellie, Caitlin’s mother, five days earlier. They wanted to rest and tour slowly with their youngsters. They also wanted to be alone, so they stayed at a different hotel. They didn’t plan to arrive at the meeting place until 8 am. No one else in their odd club knew they were in London or when they would show up.
Paris and her husband were also in London already. They were at another hotel because they waited so late to make reservations. But, JB and Jesi had both been contacted. Paris had told them that the boys and her husband would have breakfast at a nearby restaurant, since the boys would be bored to death around her friends. They got in the day before and planned to stay a week, making it an educational adventure for the whole family.
Louise was intimidated by airports and baggage checks. So she had treated her brother and sister-in-law who loved to travel to Europe, so that she would have experienced people to guide her through. She had brought another brother and his daughter as well. They had needed passports and travel clothes. What good was it to have money and travel without helping people you love? They had arrived two nights before and had done some unhurried sightseeing the day before. They, too, were in another hotel, a cheaper one, but all would come here for breakfast. Louise had asked them to avoid being seated too closely to her group. She felt puzzled about why she had done that.
So now at 8:30, they were filtering into the lobby. They were catching up on their flights, their plans, what they had already seen, stopping to greet each new arrival, and then resuming the routine with the latest person, frequently repeating themselves. They were all dressed in new clothes and accessories, Jesi’s being the most eye-catching outfit, with Joe, Jesi, and Paris sporting the most gold jewelry.
Finally, at 8:55 Caitlin and Nellie rushed through the doors, looking very sharp in tasteful new clothes.
“We were beginning to wonder if you were going to show up!” said Frank, reaching out to hug Nellie, then Caitlin.
“I was worried about you,” said Jesi, hugging them both enthusiastically.
“Oh, you know how it is with babies.” Nellie flashed them all smiles. “I hate to leave them.”
Caitlin admitted, “I’m always running late. It’s hard for me to get anywhere until the nick of time. Maybe I need to hire a nanny who’ll travel with me everywhere.”
“Maybe you should,” said Frank, dressed immaculately as always.
“A well-organized, punctual nanny,” she said.
JB put his arm around Nellie. “Glad to see you, Girl. So, how have you been?”
“Wonderful. Right now, I’m hungry. Anybody else?”
“I’m famished,” said Joe. “Can we be seated?”
The host had heard him and came quickly.
“Right this way, please. We have a nice table for you.”
As they followed him through the dining room, Louise noticed her brothers and sister-in-law and made a small wave, pointing them out to Nellie, saying, “Those are my brothers.”
Nellie gave them a big smile and waved, too. They waved to her just as they had to Louise.
They were seated, Louise in between Nellie and Caitlin. Jesi sat next to Nellie, and Paris next to her. Joe sat down beside Caitlin after holding her chair. Frank took the seat next to Joe, and JB sat next to Paris.
“Look. The boys are on one side and the girls on the other.” Jesi beamed.
“It’s not hard to do. We outnumber them,” said Caitlin. An onlooker might observe that Caitlin didn’t have warm feelings for jesi.
“JB, are you dying for some coffee?” asked Louise.
“I can always use coffee. But I had some in my room early this morning.”
“I could use some coffee,” said Joe.
“Rough night last night?” asked Louise.
“Yeah, I was up a little late.”
The waiter arrived with a coffee and tea cart.
“Would anyone care for coffee?” he asked.
“Yes, please.”
As he began to fill their cups, he stated, “I have tea of several varieties if anyone prefers.”
Caitlin said, “Actually, I’d like some tea. Do you have Earl Grey?”
“Yes, madam.” When he came to her, he put down the coffee pot and switched to the tea service.
Everyone else took coffee, like most Americans. They perused the menu they had been given. They all chose simple breakfasts, afraid to be adventurous by getting ‘bangers’ or other listings.
“Well, who’s going to be moderator this time? That seemed to work last time. Caitlin handled it okay,” said JB, shrugging his shoulders.
Caitlin, always smiling, shrugged, too. But Joe spoke up, “I’d like to try if no one minds. I never get to control anything or run any meetings. It sounds corny, but I’d like to know what it feels like to run the show. Is that Okay?” He looked around.
“Not a bad idea,” said Louise.
“Sure. Go ahead. If it makes you happy, it makes me happy,” said Nellie in that deep, throaty voice.
“Why not?” said Frank. They all gave Joe a confirmation.
“Where do I start? Let’s start with Paris and go around the table. What have you seen in London and what do you hope to see?”
“Yesterday, we took the boys to Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. It was kind of rushed. We bought a tacky souvenir as proof we were here. And the boys each bought their grandparents a nice gift. Then Trent wanted a gift for his mother, and Tim wanted one for his father. We had fish and chips last night. Today we’re taking one of those trolley tours so we can get the big picture. I don’t want us to be so exhausted that we end up sleeping our last few days here. I don’t remember the name, but one day we’re going out to the country to visit some little village. Then we’ll stay at some inn outside of London, before we take off.”
“Jesi, go ahead and tell us what you’re doing.” His southern voice was friendly and comforting.
“We decided no more bars. That’s not why we came here. We don’t know when we’ll be back, so we’re going to see as many of the palaces as we can. We’ll catch as many cabs as necessary, because I’m not going to walk more than half an hour at a time. We arranged for day tours, except for today. They say they’re kind of leisurely, so we don’t get rushed and forget something.”
“Ok, then, sounds good. Maybe we’ll run into you around the city. Maybe not.” Joe nodded at Nellie. “Next.”
“Well, Caitlin and I are together, of course, with these beautiful babies. Today, we’re going to Piccadilly Circus to shop. We saw Buckingham Palace and Big Ben yesterday. We saw Kent Square Corner. Is that what you call it, Caitlin? Well, anyway we saw the big arch where the two streets meet. And we walked until I thought I would drop. I’m not as young as I used to be.”
“You did fine, Mom. We’ve been here five days and we’ve seen a lot, but we’ve been doing it at a slow pace with children and one still in diapers. We went to Hyde Park with the arch on the Corner, and we went to Kensington Gardens. We took lots of pictures. Tonight, if we’re up to it, we’re going to the theatre.”
“Oh, that sounds good. I hadn’t thought of that. My boys would probably like that as long as it’s not Shakespeare.” Paris smiled excitedly.
“Not me,” said Frank. “You couldn’t drag me to a play. I’d go to sleep in it.”
“I could go to a play with the right date,” said Joe.
“You should try it,” roared JB in his baritone. “You both could use a little culture.”
“You mean try a date or a play?” quipped Joe.
“Go to the theatre. Get a little culture. Then maybe you could talk about something that would get you an interesting date.”
“I’m game.” Turning to Louise, Joe asked, “Where have you been? What are you doing?”
“Well, we’ve been to several museums on the West end. My brothers like art. We went to Buckingham Palace yesterday, then Westminster Abby, and did all the touristy things we could at both places. Today we’re going to The Tower, and the Tower Bridge to take pictures. They’re on the East End. I want to be able to say I have seen The Thames.” Looking at Joe, she said, “The Thames River.”
“I’m not stupid. We read in Arkansas.”
“I want to visit Harrrod’s before I go.”
“What’s that?” asked Jesi.
“A huge department store. Remember reading about Princess Di’s fiancé when she died. He was from the family that owned it. I also want to visit the Globe theatre and some of the big churches, Winchester Cathedral, and so forth. At the end of the week, we’ll leave London and go to Stonehenge and Stratford-on-Avon. That’s where Shakespeare lived for people who don’t come from Arkansas.”
“Very funny. And, yes. I did know that place, too. Well, I guess it’s my turn.” Then he looked back quickly to Caitlin, “Unless you want to add something?”
“Nope. I’m done.”
“Well, we’ve walked a lot to get the atmosphere. And went to a few bars or pubs. We did some dancing. I love these accents these women have. The down side is I have to listen to Frank snore at night.”
“I wouldn’t talk if I were you, Mr. Freight Train,” snorted Frank, good-naturedly.

“You might not realize this,” interjected JB, “but you can afford separate rooms even if you fly together.”
“We can change if it gets too difficult. Anyway, we were sort of aimless the first day,” resumed Joe. Then yesterday, we visited some big churches and WWII memorials some woman told us about. I bought some things for my mother and daughter in one of the shops we saw. I just arranged to have them shipped back home, so I didn’t have to worry with carrying them around or checking them in on the plane. I would like to visit Stonehenge, now that you mention it, if we can add it in before we go.” He hesitated with eyebrows raised. “I don’t have anything else to report.” He looked around.
“Ok, Frank, it’s your turn.”
“He pretty much covered everything. We’ve asked a lot of questions everywhere we’ve gone. We don’t really want to visit museums. We would with kids. But we’d rather be out talking to people. You know, trying the food, dancing, listening to music, window shopping, walking a lot, looking for the sights you see in all the pictures. We talked to some bobbies. We’re just a couple of guys over 35 trying to enjoy life.” Looking at Joe, he added, “Stonehenge is fine with me, Bud. Do we need to stay a day longer?”
“I’ll call the agent and see what she says. Are you done, or do you need more time?”
Frank shook his head.
“JB, what’s in your plans?”
In a resounding voice, “We got in last night, and rested. Today, we’re taking in some of the sights you guys have already mentioned. I want to see the guards at Buckingham Palace. My wife has to go shopping. I understand Regent Street is good, and Picadilly is good for the shops. We’re leaving Saturday, so we’ll cover what we can. We’re going to the theatre Friday night.”
“Anything else?”
“No, that will keep us busy. I plan to walk slowly and hold my wife’s hand, and enjoy her company.”
“Ok, a little romance. Well, let’s move on in our meeting.” He grinned as he labeled their gathering.
“Frank, go around and tell what’s new with you personally.”
Frank nodded. “All right.” He looked up, clinching his lips, and pondering. “Some of my stocks fell, but my broker said to let it ride. Hmm. I joined a gym and have lost 3 pounds, and my leg muscles have been killing me. I had my teeth cleaned in my six-month dental check-up. I asked two women out on dates and was rejected by both. You know that still hurts, even when you get to my age.” He lowered his face to see them at eye level with that last statement.
“Bought anything new?”
“Underwear.”
They snickered or shook their heads.
“It was an ordeal to get a passport, see the doctor, buy tickets, and all that stuff. I’ve never been anywhere but Canada. Here I am. Never thought I would see this day. Never thought about it much.”
“We’ve traveled before,” offered JB. “We went on a Greek cruise, and we’ve been to Korea to visit relatives, and to Thailand with one of Julia’s relatives. And I’ve been to Mexico and Jamaica before I met Julia. She’s been to Australia and to Bermuda with her first husband. We never even considered London. It just hasn’t been a dream of ours. We’re here because of you guys.”
“You all are way ahead of me,” remarked Joe. “I’ve never been anywhere but Arkansas, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, DC, and New York. Last Month. And now here. I just feel like a whole new existence just opened up to me.” He held up a finger for each place listed as he tried to keep track.
“That’s great,” smiled Louise, genuinely happy for this poor guy.
The waiter appeared with breakfast, so the conversation lulled while plates were passed and more coffee was served. They began eating and comparing culinary notes.
Joe resumed control after consuming half of his eggs and toast. “Well, before breakfast was served, we were talking about stateside travel. What about everybody else? Where have you been besides Virginia?”
Caitlin replied next. “I’ve been to North and South Carolina, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, DC, New York, Ohio, Florida, Canada, and now London.”
Nellie went next. “I’ve been to Ohio, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, North and South Carolina, Bermuda, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia, DC, Maryland, and Canada and London.”
“Wow,” said Caitlin. “You’ve been more places than me, Mom.”
“That’s because I’m older than you. I had a life before you were born, you know.”
“Oh, yeah. Life before me. With that creep of a father I had.”
Laughing, Paris said, “My turn. I’ve been to New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, DC, Kentucky –for the horse races, and Georgia- for a wedding. I think that’s all.” With each name, she patted the table with her left hand.
The clank of silverware against china was beginning to slow. JB motioned for more coffee to the waiter.
“Well, as far as the USA goes,” said Frank, “I’ve been to Virginia, New York, Florida, California, Hawaii, DC, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Louisiana for Mardi Gras when I was very young, and Texas. When I was in the military, I was stationed in Oklahoma for a while, then Georgia, and then in Guam. But I wasn’t thinking of the military as real travel.”
“That’s still a worldly experience,” said Louise nodding.
Frank just shrugged his shoulders.
Jesi had been ignored too long. “I feel like such a novice around you guys. I’ve been to Canada when my Mom was married the third time. I‘ve lived in Virginia mostly, but I lived in West Virginia when my step dad raped me.” The others looked stunned, but she continued as though nothing out of the ordinary had been said. “When he was sent to jail, we moved back to Virginia for a few months, then we went to Maryland where my Mom’s new boyfriend got a new job. We stayed there one year. We moved back to my grandmother’s in Virginia when he kicked us out for a younger girlfriend. I haven’t traveled anywhere but to the Outer Banks, DC, Maryland, New York and London with you guys. That’s it.”
A moment of silence prevailed, and then JB shook his head and said, “Well, I’ve been all over the East Coast, from New York where my grandparents live, to Florida, every state. I’ve been to Chicago, Detroit, Salt Lake, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, Houston, Galveston, and even West Virginia.”
Joe spoke up, “Louise?”
“I’m the stick in the mud. I drove to Florida by myself one year for a full two weeks, so I hit every thing from Virginia to the Everglades. I had a flat tire there in the park. There’s no way out if you’re on that road except to turn around, fly, or take an air boat. So at all the lookouts along the way, the tourists were whispering to each other, ‘Is she the one that changed the tire?’ And I thought, ‘Gee, thanks for offering to help, when you saw me struggling.’ Anyway, I’ve been to Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Kansas, many of which make up another treacherous car story, Mississippi, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York, including Niagara Falls, Quebec, and Ganinocquea in Canada along the Hudson. And I have dreamed of traveling all my life. I’ve wanted to see Ireland, and Egypt, and Tunisia, and New Zealand, and Samoa, and Italy, and Brazil, and so much more. Now maybe I will, if it’s not too late.”
“Why would it be too late? If it’s what you’ve always dreamed of?” asked Joe.
“Yeah, don’t worry about meeting us if you’re on some long tour. Fill your heart’s desire,” offered Paris enthusiastically.
“Baby, we are not too old to travel,” added Nellie emphatically.
“Hell, no,” added Frank. “If that’s what you’re thinking, People older than us travel all the time.”
Louise thought to herself, ‘If people think I’m the same age as Frank, I really look old.’
She just tilted her head to one side and smiled.
JB, who had been eyeing her quietly, asked softly, “How’s your health been?”
She jerked her head up to look at him, and said, “OK.”
Joe, feeling that he had lost control, said, “Where were we? Everyone covered their stateside travel. Frank finished talking. JB, what have you been up to?”

“Julia and I have been exercising and gardening and relaxing. We were ready for something different, and the timing for this trip was good. We’ll be visiting my grandparents this month coming up.”
“Paris, what about you?” Joe was obviously enjoying his emcee role.
“Teens. I have two I’m going to kill. And my joints are giving me fits. Steve and I have been looking into doctors and hospitals around the country with innovative techniques to help me. So we might be doing some traveling if we find something and my doctors support it. I don’t want to become a cripple. And I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. Even though I now have enough money to pay for nurses and not be a burden to my husband financially or physically, it’s the lifestyle that will burden him and the boys.”
“But when people love you, they don’t mind the burden, Paris.” It was Louise playing the mother again. “Give them that chance to love you as you are. When the time comes, your boys might surprise you with their strength and the values you’ve taught them. They’re still growing up, which means they’re going to be rebellious and self-centered. But they will become self-sufficient. And calmer. They will.” Smiling, she added, “Just don’t hold your breath for nurturing. Boys, sometimes men, don’t get nurturing.”
Caitlin added, “Sometimes families can be very supportive when you least expect it.”
It was Joe who added, “And now that you’ve come into some moolah, I bet a lot of family members will be willing to help you out.”
“So far, my family is happy for me. They haven’t asked for anything.”
“You’re lucky,” said JB. “My kids suddenly can’t call me enough. They don’t ask me outright, but tell me all these sad stories, hoping I’ll get the message. I’ve had cousins I haven’t seen in a decade or longer, call me just to congratulate me. I don’t even know how they got my unlisted number!” He looked disgusted.
Nellie said, “I’ve got that beat. My first two husbands are both calling me, telling me they messed up and that we should have worked it out. And the first one is married to someone else, the jerk.”
“And get this,” Caitlin leaned in to speak. She aimed her right thumb at Nellie. “That first husband who’s married to someone else and has other kids has been calling me to tell me how much he loves me and how he wishes he could see his grandchildren more.” She leaned back in her chair. “Yeah, right. He hasn’t had time for me for the last fifteen years. Why would he suddenly be so caring? The timing is awfully fishy. But I don’t want to say anything that cuts me off from him. He’s still my father. My kids are still his grandchildren, and maybe that will matter to them. So I have to keep the lines open without getting suckered emotionally or financially.”
They were shaking their heads and looking dismal.
Frank spoke up, “My money is not helping me get close to anybody, even if they are insincere.”
Joe agreed in a loud voice. “Money doesn’t solve your problems. And it doesn’t buy you friends, I guess it could buy you a date, but I just can’t be like Charlie Sheen.”
They all broke out in a laugh. Joe was in control for real.
“Jesi,” he said, “How have you been?” He dropped the hand he had been holding in her direction. “How’s the new chest?”
Again they all laughed. A few acted surprised by the question.
Jesi enjoyed the attention and showed no embarrassment. “Just fine. I’m surprised at how nice everybody is to ne. People just seem to be extra nice. Men are holding doors for me, nodding their heads, saying hello. The funny thing is that even women are being nice to me.”
Everyone was smiling, enjoying this performance.
“I get a lot of flirting from the guys. Some women at the convenience stores seem to be a little catty. I didn’t notice that at first, but once I was aware of it, I noticed it more. I just have to ignore it.”
Caitlin offered, “Maybe they’re being nice because you look pretty, you’re well dressed, you’re young. But the women being catty are jealous or they think your clothes are too revealing.”
“Well, they are revealing. Chris has said that. But he’s proud of me. He says when other guys look at me or flirt with me, it makes him feel good, ‘cause he’s the one who has me. He doesn’t mind what I wear as long as I don’t show too much. I like short skirts. And I like showing cleavage. I never had much cleavage before. If it gets me better service, it’s worth it. And I can’t help it if other women are jealous or are threatened by the way I dress. My style has always been daring and eye-popping, and edgy. I look good in dark colors. Now I can buy better quality. And add some nice bling-bling.”
“Anything else on Jesi’s chest?” Joe looked around the table.
Nellie said, “Yeah, the same as last time. How do they feel? Are they heavier to you? Can you feel it in your back? Are you aware of them all day long? Or do you just not think about them until someone stares at them or rudely asks you about them at the breakfast table?”
A few of them chuckled.
“I’ve gotten used to them. I’m not conscious of them all the time. They don’t feel awkward or heavy. They don’t feel like they’re jiggling. They don’t hurt or get tired. I kind of like people staring at them. I mean it’s like they’re trying to stare at them but not look like they’re staring at them. Women stare as much as men. I’m assuming they look good.”
“Does that turn you on?” asked Joe.
“You mean people staring at them? She asked.
“Yeah.”
“No, it doesn’t arouse sexual feelings. I suppose if Luke looked at them in some lascivious way. . . Well, so far, just everyday people looking hasn’t had any effect on me. I know we’re talking about female breasts, but having bigger ones isn’t about sex.” She was looking upward, trying to find the right words. ”It’s more about appearance, like a good haircut, you know. About being feminine. About having confidence, being worthwhile.”
Again, Jesi left them silent. For such a shallow girl, she was shockingly perceptive and insightful as she shared this bit of herself.
“Of course, if it turns on the guys staring at me, well, that helps my self-worth, too.”
Louise stopped chewing, as did Caitlin. Caitlin rolled her eyes, not caring who saw. JB shook his head because he didn’t know what was coming next.
Louise swallowed her food, had a sip of water, and then spoke. “Honey, you are a person of worth. And it doesn’t matter what any man who ogles you thinks or feels. You are so much more than just a sex object for strangers. For a moment there, you sounded sure of yourself, like our baby was growing up. You acknowledged the tie between body image and confidence. And then you blew it with that last remark. You are an enigma for sure. There are all these crazy ideas in your head, and they don’t all jibe with each other. You don’t need to make someone else happy to be a person of worth, provided that you aren’t making everyone else miserable, you understand.”
She continued, “Let me make my point some other way. It’s okay to please someone of the opposite sex; it’s highly satisfying as a matter of fact. But it is not essential to your existence or to your value. You have a brain, you have a heart, you have natural beauty. You are kind. You are friendly. Sometimes you are very deep. You have worth. You don’t need those external things to be worthwhile.”
Louise paused, looking intently at Jesi. “I’m not fussing at you. It might have sounded that way. I just think you have some self-esteem issues and are overly concerned with pleasing others. Just ease up on yourself, okay? ”
Caitlin jumped in, “Don’t buy into that chauvinistic stuff that women pass on without the help of men. Even if men didn’t ogle you or flirt with you, you would still be a person of value and worth. A woman doesn’t need a man’s approval to be worthwhile.”
Jesi had a tear in her eye, but nodded. “I know what you said is true. It’s hard to act on what we think, tho.”
“Ain’t it the truth!” said Louise. “It’s the human condition. If everyone could easily do what they knew was right and avoid what was wrong, there’d be a lot less overeating, substance abuse, other addictions, and various bad habits. There would be a lot more people exercising, going to church or synagogue, or reading good books, or things like that.” She was leaning forward and speaking passionately, “When it comes to what we think and feel, it’s just as hard to change. We usually learn all those negative things when we’re children. So we’ve been thinking that way a long time by the time we finally realize it’s wrong thinking. But keep working on it, Jesi. You are a person of worth. Keep telling yourself that every day. And when you find yourself thinking all those outdated myths you’ve made in your head, stop it right away. You can practice until you have a more positive view of yourself.”
She looked around, then said, “Okay, I’m sorry. I’ll get off my feminist soapbox. I’m sorry, Jesi, if I embarrassed you.” The mellow Louise had reeled in her enthusiasm self-consciously.
Before Jesi could respond, Caitlin added, “No, that sexist way of thinking is wrong. All those things she said about her enhancement sounded okay until that remark about men getting their jollies making her feel better about herself. And she sounded really sincere and secure, and then immediately sounded insecure.”
“Oh, I agree,” said Nellie. Our little Jesi just sounded so deep, so mature, then reverted to the old Jesi we all know and love.”
Frank spoke up, “Jesi, your surgery didn’t change who you are. You’re still the same. The size of your chest hasn’t made you a bigger or smaller person inside where it counts. Let me tell you about men. They want a woman who listens to them, who respects them, who looks them in the eye and makes them feel important. Sure, we like pretty girls. We prefer trim to, well, more substantial shapes. But that’s only the chemistry part that attracts us. If you don’t have some chemistry, you’ll never get together. But what we really care about is how we’re treated. Baby doll, you’re still the same and you have a lot of worth.”
JB spoke up, “I tried to tell you, all those times you came to work with clothes that were just a little too far over the line, that you didn’t need to show so much to get attention. You have personality enough that you don’t need mini skirts, or clothes too tight, or low cut sweaters. You have everything you need to be a success in life.”
Jesi was definitely teary eyed now, “Thank you guys.” She was too choked up to say more. Paris reached over and hugged her. They held the embrace for a while.
Joe was pursing his lips waiting for his moment. Caitlin rolled her eyes at him and shook her head.
Some of them had finished eating by then. The food remaining on plates had gotten cold.
Nellie handed a tissue to Jesi, who took it and dabbed her heavily blackened eyes.
“Oh, don’t worry. Your mascara just smeared a tiny bit,” said Paris. “You’re getting it okay.”
Joe lifted his chin and asked, “Are we through attacking Jesi.”
“We weren’t attacking her,” Paris added very quickly and emphatically. She’s got everything going for her. She doesn’t need sleazy men going gaga over her shape. She’s had bad experiences with men, and we just want her to be happy.”
They were all silent for a moment.
Then Joe tried again. “If we’re ready, we almost covered everyone. Nellie, what’s been going on with you?”
“I’ve spent some time with my little aunt in Illinois. She lives near my mother. I finally hired a nurse for her. She’ll put her to bed at night, be there during the night if she needs her. Of course, she’ll sleep in the next room, but my aunt will have a bell. She’ll get her up in the morning, give her the medicines, help her bathe and dress, make her bed, and fix her breakfast. Then she’ll leave for the day. I think she’ll be ok alone during the day. And I’m looking for someone to do the three nights she’s off. They’re 12 hour shifts.”
“Mom was mostly concerned about her night time and morning medications and the dressing and hygiene things. She was getting too weak to do it all alone, and a little forgetful,” added Caitlin.
“Well, that’s nice. Anything else?”
“Just taking care of business. No excitement.”
“Louise.”
“I went to a Glen Miller concert with some friends. Before you say anything, that music was before my time, but I like it anyway. I finally went to an accountant to start keeping track of my expenses and taxes and so forth. I haven’t had a lot of free time. Wasn’t that what we were expecting after we won the lottery: free time?”
“That’s part of the fantasy. You still have your life, your home. You still need to do laundry, get the car maintained, pay bills, and so on. And you know, having more money is a lot of responsibility.” Paris was shaking her head as she spoke.
“Now that you mention it, I don’t have much free time either. But I do have a different attitude. I spend time with my beautiful wife and don’t worry about any thing. I don’t worry about supporting my parents or my kids if necessary. I’m diversified so that if one area of my finances dries up, I still have other areas that work. I’m more relaxed now, even if I am busy.” JB nodded his head calmly.
Caitlin seized the opening, “With two small children and a dog, I don’t feel like there’s any free time. Of course, George helps me with business decisions and handling responsibilities. The one new thing we’ve started is that we’re going to church.”
“Hey, that’s what I ought to do with my daughter,” said Joe. Maybe I can get her past this attitude she’s got. You know how it is. She’s fourteen and she knows more than anybody else.”
Several were nodding or shrugging their shoulders. Some were looking at their watches.
“So why don’t we decide the next time and place and wrap this up?” Joe looked authoritative.
JB said, “I don’t know if I can make it next month.”
Paris added, “Yeah, I don’t know if I’m up to all this jet-setting around. My bones need resting.”
“Okay,” said Louise. “Nobody has to come every single month. But now’s a good time to rethink this. When we were dreaming of winning, we thought it might be nice to fly for a one day trip to exotic or faraway places just because we could. But we’re all turning them into prolonged sight-seeing trips, so that takes a good chunk out of the month. We had only agreed to ten times a year, definitely skipping December. You want to change it to every other month? Or once a quarter?”
“I think it’s still a good idea to get together.” Frank calmly explained, “None of us has ever had this kind of money before. They say that most lottery winners go bankrupt or have other disasters within a few years. We can share tips with each other and help keep each other from really going overboard and blowing everything. I say we keep it at the original plan, but make the trips closer to home. If we make it the first year with none of us going under, we can change it to six times a year. And so on. As the years go by and we’re all safe, or relatively safe, we can get together just once a year for memories’ sake.”
“Frank, you make a lot of sense. I like it. And if anyone can’t make it one month, okay, fine. We’ll see you the following month.” Paris was smiling and nodding.
Nellie said, “I like Frank’s idea. Stateside for most of the meetings would be easier. And it is a good idea to help each other.”
Louise had out a calendar, as did Jesi, and Joe. “How about the first Tuesday in May? Baltimore?”
Most of them thought and then nodded. None of them had been to Baltimore and agreed to let Paris work out reservations and send out notices. Everyone would make their own room reservations if necessary.
“How about Hot Springs for June?” asked Joe.
No one found fault with that and most jotted notes.
“The Outer Banks in October? Asked Louise.
JB looked shocked. “That’s hurricane season.”
Louise said, “It’s mostly over by then. And we have the beaches and restaurants to ourselves. Of course, a lot of the shops are closed by then. But there’s great stuff to do in Manteo.”
“Ashville, NC, in September. I’ve always wanted to go,” said Paris.
JB in his managerial voice said, “Let’s all think about it and bring a list of places, stateside or foreign, for next time. And bring your calendars. We can plan out the next year, so that we can all make our own individual plans. Have your doctor appointments and family reunions and so forth marked on the calendars you bring with you. Anyone change their phone number?”
They finished their business notes, left generous tips, and departed with hugs and kisses. London was waiting for them.