Page 126 of Meet Me at the Starlight
“This business is about skin and bones. You know that, Harlow,” Jinx said.
“And I’m over it. Not going to do it.”
“Good for you,” Charlotte said. “I started CCW because I didn’t like how things were done in the cosmetic industry. You’re pioneering your own path, and I wish you all the best.”
“Harlow, can we talk this over?” Mom remained in her seat, siding with those in the room. “This opportunity is—”
“Mom, I’m leaving. You can stay, but I think these people have work to do.”
Jinx walked them to the elevator. “I was right, you know,” she said, reaching around Harlow to press the down button. “When you got the key from Xander. I said, ‘Go to the beach, it will do you good.’”
The elevator doors opened, and Harlow stepped inside with Mom. “Our wedding is at the end of December, Jinx. Mark your calendar.”
“I’ll be there. And oh, Anne, call me next week,” she said. “We may have a job for you in our Atlanta office.”
“Really?” Mom slapped her hand against the closing doors. “In what capacity? How? I do have some ideas. ...”
“We’ll talk next week.” Jinx winked at Harlow as the doors closed.
They descended a few floors before Mom grabbed Harlow’s hand and whispered, “Thank you.”
SEA BLUE BEACH
MARCH 1991
We lost our beloved Tuesday in January. We mourned her death all winter, but somehow we understood she wanted to start her new year on the other side of the Starlight.
Her final years were her best. A direct quote. She saw her grandson marry the love of his life, and ten months later, she rocked her first great-grandchild to sleep. A girl. Tuesday Anne Knight, who recently started walking and goes by the nickname Little Toot. Two years later another little one arrived, Leroy Hayes, nicknamed Hazy.
Xander’s call to the House of Blue made some interesting connections, and Tuesday, along with Dupree, Matt, and Harlow, flew to Lauchtenland for an audience with King Rein IV and the Crown Princess Catherine.
The king was most appreciative of Tuesday and the rest of usfighting to preserve Prince Blue’s legacy. So much so, they gave Tuesday an honorary title, Lady Tuesday Knight, and Sea Blue Beach a Key to Lauchtenland. Rachel Kirby tagged along and filed a daily update for theGazette, which we buzzed about over breakfast or while going about our day.
Taking a cue from Doc, the family sailed the English Channel and said good-bye to LJ, then visited Leroy’s marker in Normandy. Upon coming home, Tuesday collected Harriet and Jubilee and flew to New York with a very pregnant Harlow for a few Broadway plays. Then she visited Hollywood.
What a storied life, Tuesday Knight.
While in Lauchtenland, she deeded the Starlight to Spike, with an official seal from the House of Blue, and as the first of the Knight Construction hotels were completed on the west end of town—we knew Dupree couldn’t retire—vacationers booked their holiday at Sea Blue Beach and skated at the now-famousroyalskating rink.
After the spy-thriller, which actually earned Matt an Oscar nomination, his career skyrocketed, so he decided to run for mayor “next time,” and threw his support behind Harry. Forgiveness was a powerful tool.
Between babies, Harlow won the lead in a romantic comedy with a British chap, Hugh Grant, and no one said a word about her losing another pound, let alone twenty.
She has never worn the Jane Fonda workout gear.
These days, we see Matt and Harlow at home at 321 Sea Blue Way, running down the street with Little Toot and Hazy in a stroller. On sunny days, Harlow dons her hat from Biggs.
The Hayes Cookie Shop does a swift business with Cookie himself coming down to look things over and mentor Simon Caster, the manager. The kid is one sharp cookie. (Yes, we know . . .punny.)
Dupree met a lovely gal from LA—that is, lower Alabama—and we saw sparks flying from under his porch roof the other night.
Every now and then, if we look real close, we catch a glimpse of Immanuel walking among the streetlamps, between the homes and shops, and we remember the first night He walked onto our shore.
Perhaps you too will see Him one day. Until then, we’ll keep the Starlight on for you.
