The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree

Lizzy looked at her watch. “Okay, but let’s hurry. I’ve got to get back to the office.”


Lima’s Drugstore was across from the picture show, on the southwest corner of the courthouse square, at Rosemont and Dauphin. But when Verna and Lizzy got there, they discovered a piece of paper taped to the door, clumsily hand-lettered in red crayon: CALLED OUT OF TOWN. CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Lizzy blinked. “Closed?”

“Well, for pete’s sake,” Verna said, astonished. “What do you suppose?”

“Beats me,” Lizzy replied, shaking her head. “I don’t remember that Mr. Lima has ever closed the store, only at Thanksgiving and Christmas. He always said that he hated to take vacations because some of his patients might need their medicine.”

Verna narrowed her eyes. “This certainly seems suspicious to me, Lizzy. Do you think it has anything to do with Bunny? With what Mildred Kilgore saw behind that curtain?” She paused. “If Mr. Lima was getting after her hot and heavy at the shop, what do you think was going on after hours?”

But of course there was no answer to this question. The two of them crossed Dauphin and began walking across the courthouse lawn. After a moment, Lizzy broke the silence.

“I’ve been thinking, Verna.” She stopped and cocked her head, giving Verna a sidewise glance. “This may seem like a silly question, but do you ... well, do you ever miss it?”

“Miss what?” Verna asked, preoccupied with the puzzle of Mr. Lima. What could have made him close up the drugstore and leave town so unexpectedly? Had Mrs. Lima found out that he and Bunny had been having— “You know. Sex.” Lizzy colored and looked away. “Walter has been dead now for ... how long? Ten years?”

“Ten years last month,” Verna said. She was surprised at Lizzy’s question but tried to answer it honestly. “Yes, I do miss it, I guess. Walter and I didn’t always get along, but when it came to that, he was ...” She smiled, remembering the pleasure. “He was just great. It may be awful for me to say it, but after he was gone, sex was what I missed most. Certainly wasn’t his camellias.” She paused. “Why are you asking?”

Lizzy’s color deepened. “Oh, just wondering.”

“Wouldn’t have anything to do with Grady Alexander, would it?”

“Sort of.” Lizzy sighed. “I have to decide what to do about him, Verna. I’m not sure I can put it off much longer.” She laughed a little. “If I don’t decide, the decision may get made for me.”

Verna frowned, thinking about the possibility that Bunny had been assaulted. “Oh, come on, Lizzy. I’m sure Grady wouldn’t—”

“No, he wouldn’t. He’s a gentleman.” Lizzy’s smile was crooked. “But I might. I’m sorely tempted.”

Verna chuckled. “Would that be such a bad thing? I mean, Grady is sexy as all get-out. Not bad-looking, either. And he’s got a real job. Pays real money.”

Lizzy screwed up her mouth. “You’re so practical, Verna.”

“Hell, yes, I’m practical,” Verna said shortly. “That’s what it takes to get along in this world. Try falling for a hobo and see how long that lasts, kiddo.”

“I know, I know.” Lizzy sighed. “Just the same ... I mean, I’m not a prude, and neither is Grady. But I know him. If we have sex, he’ll start pushing me to marry him. He’s old-fashioned that way. But I’ve got my own house, and a yard and a garden, and it’s all just the way I want it. I enjoy my job, and I like earning my own money.” She paused. “Grady’s old-fashioned about money, too. He’d probably insist on being the breadwinner and want me to stay home and be a house-wife. Maybe it sounds selfish, but ...”

“It’s not selfish at all,” Verna said warmly. “Living alone gets a little lonely sometimes, but being your own boss can make up for a lot. If you’re lonely, Lizzy, get a dog. Clyde never gets drunk, always shows up for dinner on time, and doesn’t run around with other women.” She paused, smiling a little. “What about Mr. Moseley? You used to carry a flaming torch for him, didn’t you?”

Lizzy rolled her eyes. “That was years ago, Verna. Years and years. It’s all over now, absolutely and utterly. My heart is safe. I couldn’t care less about Benton Moseley.”

Verna gave her a skeptical glance. “You’re sure about that?”

“Don’t be silly, Verna,” Lizzy scoffed. “Mr. Moseley is married.”

“It looks like that didn’t stop Bunny,” Verna said, half under her breath, as the courthouse clock began to chime. “Oops. I have to get back to work. The boss is supposed to come in this afternoon.”

“Me, too,” Lizzy replied. “You can quit worrying your head about me and Mr. Moseley, Verna. But thanks for the advice about Grady. I do appreciate it.”