“Hello, I’m a nurse,” Ally said, “and this is my patient, and she’s going to need that seat.” The young man just nodded, stood up, and quickly moved away. Ally eased Noel down into the narrow chair. “There you go. I think you need to be off your feet while they get this sorted out.”
“Ally, can you tell them we want to stay together?” Noel said. “I’d feel so much better.”
Ally took her hand. “Don’t worry. I will. Everything’s going to work out. I’m sure we’ll be out of here and on our way tomorrow.”
…
“Wow,” Jake said to himself. He’d never seen so much traffic on Airport Road, and, as he turned into the MCR parking lot, he could see the jam of vehicles lined up at the curb. He rolled his 1968 cherry-red Ford F100 pickup truck behind Ed Cunningham’s Highway Patrol cruiser. Ed was out of uniform, leaning against his driver’s door, radio in hand. Jake moved the gearshift to neutral, put on the emergency brake, and got out.
“Jake,” Ed said in greeting.
“Hey Ed. What’s going on?”
Ed held up his radio. “You’re in a good spot, ’cause I’m getting regular updates from the terminal. They’re still figuring things out. You housing somebody?”
“Nah. Here for my mother.”
“Uh huh,” Ed said. “Shirley and I volunteered to put up a couple. Coulda done more ’cept Susie’s home for the holidays. Brought her boyfriend with her.” Ed gave an eye roll.
“That right?” Jake said. “You like him?”
Ed shrugged. “A little bit of a know-it-all. ”
“Probably just trying to impress you, Ed.”
“Yeah? Then he’s going about it all wrong.”
Jake laughed. “So, how long you think I’ll be cooling it here?”
Ed shrugged. “I’d guess forty five minutes to an hour.”
“Great.” Jake sighed.
“Hey,” Ed said. “I got a football in the trunk. Wanna chuck it around a bit?”
Jake thought it over for a second. “Sure.”
…
“Taylor party of four. Host family McCabe. Taylor family, please report to curbside and look for your sign.”
Pamela had fallen into a nice rhythm, calling out a name and family every two to three minutes. As the passengers started to head out to meet their hosts, a chair had opened up next to Noel, and Ally scooped it up. Ally looked at her travel companion’s head resting on her shoulder and smiled. How her pregnant friend had managed to doze off among the terminal chaos was a marvel. They’d been waiting nearly an hour, and Ally had to pee like nobody’s business, but didn’t want to disturb Noel. She glanced over at the line at the door of the ladies’ room. It had morphed from impossibly long ten minutes earlier to just very long, as more and more stranded passengers made their way out to their rides. She glanced over at Pamela and marveled at how their leader was able to keep that smile pasted on with the nonstop bombardment of questions, suggestions, and gripes she was fielding from the stranded passengers. They were tired of being cooped up; all of them wanted to know when it would be their turn.
Ally thought about Tim, wondered what he was doing. She was trying to stay positive and convince herself that there were scores of texts and messages waiting for her just as soon as she was able to get some charge in her damn phone. She tried to push Tim out of her thoughts for the moment. There were more pressing matters to navigate. Like getting the hell out of that dingy little airport.
“Henderson, Allison. Allison Henderson. Rogers, Noel. Noel Rogers.” Ally stirred at the sound of their names, nudging Noel awake. “Party of two.”
“Huh?” Noel said. “What’s happening?”
“They just called us.”
“You’ll be staying with Peggy Nelson,” Pamela called into the megaphone. “Please report to the curb to meet your host.”
Ally stood up, took Noel by the arm, and helped her to her feet. “C’mon. We’re going to blow this popsicle stand.”
“Great,” Noel said. “Just as soon as I pee.”
“My sentiments exactly,” Ally said.
Chapter Four
Jake leaned on the front of his truck and scanned the terminal door. He wondered what sort of folks his mother would be saddled with for the night. It was half past four, he’d been at the airport all of fifty seven minutes, and he’d seen dozens of stranded passengers loaded up in cars and pickups, vans and SUVs. He’d watched as they awkwardly greeted their hosts and then headed off toward town. It was a strange and surreal sight, and he thought also a little ironic. It was Christmas, and travelers were coming to Bethlehem.
He figured Pastor Joe Murphy would hammer that point home in his sermon on Sunday. He wondered how long the visitors would be in town. Surely, no more than a night. He’d probably be right back at MCR the next morning, dropping them off for the rest of their journey east. The airports would almost certainly reopen by then, and everything could go back to normal. Bethlehem would be abuzz about it for a week or two, and then it would be business as usual.
The automatic doors opened, and a large woman in a lavender dress emerged. Pregnant, Jake thought. Very pregnant. What in the world is she doing flying? He thought back to the Bethlehem analogy.
To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.
Jake watched her look back inside the terminal as if she was waiting for someone. Husband, he figured. He started over to her as the electronic doors opened again and a young woman stepped out. She was loaded down with luggage, pulling two large roller suitcases with several other smaller bags wedged under her arms, backpack strapped to her back.
Jake stopped his approach. He watched for a moment as she said something to the pregnant lady. He continued to watch as she started looking around, obviously searching for him but with no idea who he was. She had short chestnut-brown hair that fell down to her shoulders. She didn’t seem to be wearing a trace of makeup, but she had just about the prettiest face he’d ever seen. She flashed a smile at her traveling companion, and Jake found it impressive that she could smile that lovely smile at a time like this.
He felt his heart skip a little as thoughts raced through his mind. Who is she, and why is she traveling with a pregnant woman? Is it her sister? Best friend? Wife? He felt silly just standing there on the curb, but he suddenly wasn’t in a hurry. He just wanted to watch her for a moment, drink her in. Then he saw her eyes light on him as if she knew: This is the guy. This is our ride. The pretty lady with the chestnut hair tossed up a cautious wave, then he watched her say something to the pregnant woman as they headed in his direction.
“Hello,” Jake said as they walked up. Wow, she’s even prettier up close, he thought. Ten bucks says even if these two aren’t married, she’s still taken. He glanced at her ring finger, and the glimmering diamond there put the matter to rest. Of course she’s spoken for.
“Hello,” Jake’s passengers said in sync. “You our ride?” the pretty lady asked.
Jake sure hoped he was.
“I’m here for Peggy Nelson,” he said, his voice cracking a little. “Picking up her guests?”
“Cool,” she said. “That’s us.” She stuck out her hand. “Ally Henderson.” Jake was surprised to feel a little rush when he took her hand. What is your problem, Nelson? he asked himself. You’re not fifteen.
“Noel Rogers,” the pregnant lady said, taking Jake’s hand next. “Rogers as in Mister, but still alive.” Jake smiled. He liked her already.
“Good one,” he said. “Well, welcome to northwest Colorado. I’m Jake Nelson. Peggy’s my mother.” There was an awkward pause. Nobody seemed to know what came next. Jake noticed that Ally was watching him with a half smile on her face. HAS to be taken, he mused. “Well, let me get those bags for you,” he said.
…
Ally watched as Jake gathered up their luggage, most of which belonged to Noel. She smiled as he picked up Noel’s pink bears, greeting them with “hello” and “how are you?” one-by-one as if it
was the most normal thing in the world. She watched him as he headed over to an old red pickup truck. Cool ride, she thought. She wondered if he’d painted it that way specially for the Christmas season. As she assessed his overall vibe, Ally decided that Jake Nelson looked about like she’d expect some Colorado cowboy would look. He was wearing faded Wranglers, a denim shirt, and a Colorado Rockies baseball cap she figured he hadn’t washed in a decade. He was tall, a bit over six feet, had a few days’ growth of beard, and looked to be in pretty good shape.
“Nice ass,” Noel whispered. Ally looked at her. “And don’t tell me you didn’t notice.”
Ally gave her new friend a nudge. “You’re sitting in the middle.”
“It’s about a fifteen-minute drive into Bethlehem,” Jake said as he tossed the luggage in the bed of the truck. He opened the passenger door. “Might be a little snug.”
“Preggy gets the middle,” Noel said, shooting Ally a smile. Ally held her friend’s arm as she helped her get in. Jake stood awkwardly by and seemed to be waiting to jump in if his assistance was needed.
“We got this,” Ally said. Jake nodded and headed around to the driver’s side. When he slid in behind the wheel of his truck, Ally could see it was more than just a tight squeeze. They were jammed in there like sardines. Noel was straddling the gearshift. Jake would have to shift gears with his hand between her legs. Ally enjoyed watching him blush.
“All right,” Jake said. “This is going to be a little…awkward.”
“I can ride in back with the luggage if you want,” Ally teased.
“Would you mind?” Jake asked. He shot Ally a serious look, then winked. “Don’t worry. We’ll make it work.” Ally studied Jake. He was obviously embarrassed as he did his best not to brush against Noel’s leg when he reached for the gearshift.
“Don’t worry,” Noel teased. “I won’t sue.” Ally saw Jake flush brink pink. Pretty cute, she thought. Christmas music blared from the truck radio as Jake started the engine. Ally noticed that he quickly turned the station.
“Don’t like Christmas music?” Ally asked.
“Not my favorite,” he said. Hmm, Ally thought. What’s up with that?
Ally was surprised when he tuned in to a classical station out of Denver. He looked more country and western to her. As the truck rolled out of the airport and turned right, Ally took in the surroundings. No jackhammers. No towering buildings. No blaring taxis. How could anyone survive here? As a matter of fact, as she gazed across the vast mesa toward the distant mountain range, Ally didn’t see a single sign of civilization. Ugh, she thought. Lord, give me strength.
“Not exactly New York City, is it?” Jake had read her mind.
“No,” Ally said. “Not even close.”
“Always wanted to see what a real frontier town looked like,” Noel chimed in. “Will there be a working phone in town?” Ally was relieved when Jake laughed. At least he wasn’t easily offended.
“Yes. Lots of them,” he said. “We even have running water now. Cell service is a little spotty, though.” Ally looked at him, waiting for him to say “just kidding.” It never came.
“I’ll need a phone soon,” Noel said. “I have to call my husband. He’s going to be worried. And Ally needs to call her fiancé.”
Ally noticed Jake glance at her when Noel said the “F” word. She wondered what he was thinking, what his story was. Married? She didn’t see a wedding band. Girlfriend?
“Ally’s a yoga instructor,” Noel volunteered. “She has her own studio in L.A. Isn’t that cool?”
“Interesting,” was all he said.
She decided to bait him. “So, I gather you’re not into yoga.”
“I’m a simple country boy,” Jake said. “I don’t really go for that new-age hooey.” Ally swallowed. I can’t believe he just said that.
“New-age hooey?” she repeated. “Nice.” She could tell Jake regretted his choice of words.
“No offense,” he said
“Oh, how would I ever take offense at that,” Ally said. “I’ve known you less than five minutes, and you’ve already dissed my life’s work.” Who does this guy think he is? Ally thought.
Noel seemed to sense the tension and determine that her talking was the solution. Ally decided to try and let the anti-yoga remark roll off her back. She turned and stared out the window.
As she listened to the sound of the truck’s tires on the rugged asphalt road mixed with Mozart on the radio and Noel’s nonstop chatter about Brian and home and baby names and the shows she liked to binge on Netflix, Ally again thought of Tim and wondered if he was all right. How could he have not contacted me if he was alive and able to use his fingers? she mused. Then, she shifted her mindset, convinced herself that, just as soon as she was able to plug in her damn phone, she’d have a charge and there’d be scores of texts and missed calls from Tim. He would have an explanation she never thought of, and one that made perfect sense. His voicemail would reassure her of his undying love and devotion and that he was counting the days and hours until she would become his wife. Yes, electricity and a phone charger would soon make all things right in Ally’s world. Tim would be horrified at her predicament, offer to drive to her immediately.
“I don’t care if it is Bumblebutt, Colorado,” he’d say. “I want to be with you, Ally. I miss you.” Yes, Tim’s voice and sweet texts would soon ease her troubled soul. She thought of her mother in New York and figured Lucille had already called the airline a half dozen times to find out her arrival time, and they would have told her the news.
“So, where are you folks from?” Jake’s question stirred Ally from her daydream.
“Asbury Park, New Jersey,” Noel said. “I grew up there. My husband Brian and I live two doors down from my parents. He’s a cop. I was a substitute school teacher until I got knocked up.” Noel suddenly became weepy again. “Think I’ll ever see him again?”
Ally took her hand. “Sure you will. Probably tomorrow.”
“Sorry,” Noel said. “I’m a little hormonal.”
Jake leaned forward a little to look at Ally. “What about you? What’s your story?”
“My story,” Ally said. “Hmmm.”
“Ally’s from L.A.,” Noel cut in. “And she’s getting married! In New York City. Christmas Day. His name’s Tim, and they own a yoga studio together in L.A.” Ally looked at Jake.
“That’s pretty much it,” she said. She had a strangely queasy sensation in the pit of her stomach, her swirling, unpredictable thoughts again shifting on a dime. What if Tim’s dead? she thought. What if he’s been in an accident and is trying to reach out to me? What if he’s in the hospital with amnesia or in a coma? On a ventilator? Ally wanted to be giddy about her wedding, but she suddenly felt nothing but dull dread. She focused on dhriti—a Sanskrit term that means courage and patience. Be steadfast, Henderson. No fear.
“Wow, a new baby and a new marriage,” Jake said. “Congratulations to you both.”
“Thanks,” Ally and Noel said in near unison. Ally thought that—in another life—this guy might actually grow on her. A life where she wasn’t engaged to an amazing man, a life where, instead of living in the middle of Desolate County, he resided in Manhattan, somewhere above 50th Street. A life where he put on an Armani suit every morning and took the subway down to the business district, his daily Wall Street Journal clutched in his well-manicured hands. A life where he didn’t drive a pickup truck and only wore denim shirts at a costume party.
He’s probably one of those guys who looks down on city life, she thought, a country snob who rambles on and on about the virtues of woods and streams and fresh air. I bet he stretches out on the hood of his truck at night and stares up at the star-filled sky. He goes fly fishing every weekend. Hunting in season. Not for me, Ally thought.
“So, you two didn’t know each other before?” Jake asked.
“Nope,” Noel said. “Met on the plane. Ally was a lifesaver. I don’t think I could have survived the stress without
her.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t go that far,” Ally said. “I’m sure you’d have been just fine.”
“So, Jake,” Noel said. “Are you taken?”
Ally was jarred from her distraction by Noel’s blunt question. She looked at the handsome driver, watched his cheeks flush. Now it was his turn on the embarrassment hot seat.
“No,” he said. “Not at the moment.”
“Oh,” Noel said, “guess I’m the only taken one in the truck, then.” She hesitated before adding, “I mean, other than Ally.” Ally thought about Noel’s hesitation and wondered if, perhaps, it might be prophetic. Did her pregnant fellow traveler sense something? Did she think the Tim-not-contacting-her thing was more serious than she pretended? Ally’s instinct sprung up and bit her on the butt. There wasn’t going to be a happy ending.
Chapter Five
Jake enjoyed watching Ally and Noel as he drove slowly through town square. Bethlehem was small, but boy his hometown sure knew how to do Christmas. Unfortunately for Jake, the Christmas overload, while appealing to lovers of the season, made it even harder on him. Harder to forget, to push the painful memories back in his mind, since those memories went hand-in-hand with Christmas. To Jake, Christmas was like an old love that moved in across the street and only came out of the house in December to stick a dagger in his heart. He had come to dread the long days of December, because that’s when the memories were sharpest.
“Wow,” Noel said. “This town is so cute, huh, Ally?”
“It is,” Ally said. “Looks like Currier and Ives did the design themselves.”
“Check out Santa’s Village!” Noel said. Jake grinned as Noel enthused about the square, the little North Pole village on the green, the gazebo strewn with garlands and lights and holly-laced wreaths. She marveled at the grandly towering twenty-five-plus-foot blue spruce Christmas tree at the center of it all. But, as the pregnant lady marveled, he noticed something about Ally that gave him pause. While Noel was enthusiastic about the small-town charm, the bride-to-be sat stoically, as if she was preoccupied. Yes, Ally was pretty and seemed like a good person, but she had that everything-works-better-in-the-big-city attitude. As she took in his hometown, he got the feeling she’d been expecting Saks Fifth Avenue and ended up with Target. He wondered if she also believed her poop to be odor free.
The Christmas Layover Page 4