Char left to go work on her act with her drama coach and a special production manager from the Divas. Now they were incorporating old film clips of Sonny and Cher behind her as she performed. Her act was growing into something a lot more sensational than any of us had imagined that it might. And quickly. But her new production manager said that Char was taking to the stage like the proverbial duck to water, and he saw no reason not to go all out for Char’s debut. Naturally, Char was thrilled, as we all were.

But I had to get back to Charleston, and forgive me if I sound like Holly, I just had a feeling that the sooner I got home, the better. I just felt a nagging pull, way down inside of my gut. And as any old salt will tell you, when the Lowcountry calls you home? You had better go.

When Suzanne got word we were leaving, she came by. She was very upset, too, so I tried to explain to him the whole story about Holly and the bees and Sharon and Archie and the boys. And about Momma’s health.

“Honey, if you can clean up that mess, you can negotiate lasting peace in the Middle East.” She just shook her head and said, “Where’s your momma? I want to talk to her.”

Momma was in the bedroom, packing. I watched as Suzanne knocked lightly on the door and heard Momma say she should come in. The door was closed for a long time. Meanwhile, I got flights for us for the following day and decided to pack as well.

Suzanne came to my room and said, “I talked to the QB. Get her home and call me, okay? I want to know what’s going on. And if you need me, I’ll come in a heartbeat. You hear what I am telling you? A heartbeat!”

“I promise. I will.”

I looked at her and realized her eyes were filled with tears. When I saw Suzanne upset, I began to choke up.

“I’m scared for her,” she said.

“Me, too,” I said and put my arms around her, giving her a solid hug. Then we sat down together on the end of my bed. “Char’s mad with me for leaving.”

“Oh, she’s a big old brat if ever there was one. Don’t worry about her. I’ll straighten her out.”

“I think we’re all done.”

Suzanne just patted the back of my hand and nodded her head. “It’s all going to be okay. Now, may I drive my favorite ladies to the airport?”

“Oh! That would be so nice,” I said.

“I love you girls, you know? I really do.”

“Oh, Suzanne.”