Best Friends

by Curry, Edna

  “I’ll never remember all this stuff,” Cal said with a sigh. “Joe said he needs an itemized list of all the items I’ve lost.”

  An hour later, Cal let out a joyful whoop. Tami stopped what she was doing and looked over to see what had brought on the cheer. Cal was holding a metal box.

  He looked up and grinned happily at her. “My back-up computer disks!” he exclaimed. “They were under this pile of rubble and they stayed dry. The box is undamaged, so they should be okay. Now all I need is a replacement computer and I’m back on track to give Joe a list of my inventory.”

  Tami had no idea what his lists entailed, but she knew very well what having a back-up copy of her own important computer data meant to her. She smiled in appreciation of his pleasure.

  “That’s great, Cal,” she said enthusiastically. She watched him pull his key ring from his pocket and open the box. When he smiled, she felt an answering warmth. “Do you use a special program for your inventory?”

  “No, just Excel.”

  “And you have the list of your equipment and other inventory your insurance man needs on those disks?”

  “Pretty much,” Cal nodded. “It’s not entirely up to date, but better than starting from scratch and my memory, by a long shot.”

  “Great. So we can get started, then.”

  He looked up at her, obviously puzzled.

  She flushed. Was she assuming too much again? “I have Excel on my computer. If you’d like, we could put it on my laptop. You tell me what equipment you’ve saved and what you’ve lost and I’ll check it off the list. If you want me to?”

  Cal’s face lit up. “That would be great. But, don’t you need your computer? I mean, don’t you have to take pictures and write your stories or whatever? By a certain deadline, I mean?”

  She shrugged. “Yes. But I can spare a few hours, Cal. We got such an early start this morning that it’s only eleven o’clock. And I got a lot done while you talked to your insurance agent earlier.”

  “Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.” He pulled out the correct disk from the box and leaned close. She breathed in his manly scent. Today it was a mixture of his spicy aftershave overlaid with healthy working man’s sweat. And it didn’t turn her off a bit. She wanted him to wrap her in his arms. She wanted to stay with him and share his life.

  Why did she have to feel this way now, when their lives couldn’t be more diverse? A future with him was impossible.

  She pulled her attention back to the spreadsheet on her screen. Again he leaned close, sending her pulse rate into orbit. After showing her where to mark the status of each item in his inventory, he began walking among the tractors and other pieces of farm equipment and telling her their names and status. Hadn’t he been affected by their closeness?

  His mechanic, Tom, appeared and began helping move debris to unearth items. Various townspeople kept stopping by to consult Cal for some decision or other that, apparently, they thought only the mayor should decide.

  Tami really liked this grown up version of Cal. He wasn’t as cocky as he’d been as a sports hero. He had a quiet assurance that was much more attractive. Or had her values changed over the years?

  She admired his patience as he considered the problem each person presented to him, and sympathized with them about their losses. He encouraged each one, assuring them that he and the other city council members would do everything possible to help them file their insurance claims and to obtain loans and grants if needed to help them rebuild.

  Everyone stopped work for awhile when the governor arrived to view the damage for himself. Cal introduced Tami, and the governor complimented her on the articles she’d written. “They got my attention and made me realize I needed to come out here to see this situation for myself,” he told her.

  He walked around what was left of the town with Cal and Tami. She took more pictures to record his visit and made notes for her article on what help the governor promised them.

  They headed to the lunch stand and sat side by side, again talking to various people who shared their experiences with them and the governor.

  One lady said, “When the sky suddenly turned really dark, I knew it would get bad. I had just returned from shopping. I’d stepped out of my car and headed up the sidewalk toward my house when the wind hit. A tree crashed onto my car a few feet behind me. I ran for my basement and took cover. There’s not much left of my house or car. But I’m thankful to be alive.”

  “That’s a wonderful attitude,” the governor said. “We’ll do all we can to help everyone replace what they’ve lost and get their lives back to normal.”

  They listened to story after story of survival and courage. The governor expressed the amazement they all felt, that so much damage had been done, yet so few deaths and serious injuries had resulted.

  She met Cal’s eyes, and knew he, too, was thinking of Sam, who lay fighting for his life in the hospital.

  After the governor left, she said, “With all the interruptions, Cal, we didn’t get much of your inventory done. I could come back after I send my story in.”

  He stood looking at the rubble around them, a tired, thoughtful look on his face. Glancing at her, he asked softly, “Is your evening free?”

  She nodded.

  “Then how about going with me to check on Sam? The inventory can wait until tomorrow.”

  She looked at him in surprise, her heart pounding at the thought of another long drive with him. “Has Sam come out of his coma?”

  “No, but Aunt Cora said the girls are crying to see their mother and Sally wants to see them as well. Sally’s mom has found a temporary small apartment for them near the hospital. She’ll take care of the girls there so Sally can see them and Sam every day. I thought I’d drive them over tonight, if you want to go with me?”

  She nodded. “Sure. I imagine Sally could use some support, even if Sam doesn’t know we’re there.” Most likely Cal could use some help on a three hour drive with a baby and a three year old, too. Inviting her to go with him was as close as Cal would get to asking for her help. An unreasoning pleasure spread through her at the thought he needed her, and wanted her help.

  “I’d love to go.”

  “Good. We should leave by four or so, so it doesn’t get too late for the little ones.”

  “All right.”

  “Why don’t you call Aunt Cora and tell her we’ll pick up the girls at four o'clock? We’ll grab some supper at a fast-food place on the way. Let’s take Bobby, too. He’d object to staying there alone with Cora and I’ve been so busy I’ve hardly seen him the last couple of days.”

  “Five of us? But we can’t all fit in your pick-up.” It had seemed mighty small with only the two of them in it the other night. But maybe that was because she’d been so aware of him every minute. She imagined them all crowded in the cab and shook her head.

  “You're right.” He looked disappointed. “Maybe it's not such a good idea.”

  She glanced at him sharply. Did he really mean that, or did he only hate asking to use her car? Honestly, he was such a stubborn man! “Let’s take my car. There's plenty of room for all three car seats in the back.”

  He looked pleased, and nodded. “All right.”

  She'd guessed right. “I’ll finish my report and take it to Sparville,” she said. “Then I'll meet you back here, okay?”

  By four o’clock, they had collected the clothes and car seat from Sally’s house and picked up the kids from Aunt Cora who fussed she should have fed them supper first.

  Jean and Bobby were thrilled to ‘go for a ride’ in Tami’s red car. Little Sara wasn’t exactly thrilled with Tami, and eyed her suspiciously. But she had immediately lifted her arms to Cal, welcoming him. Aunt Cora handed Tami a couple of picture books and Sara’s diaper bag, reminding Tami that Sara’s bottle and more formula mix was in it. Cal put the box of diapers and clothes in the trunk.

  Cal offered to drive, thinking he'd let Tami drive later and he'd keep the little ones occupie
d when they became tired and fussy.

  Sara promptly fell asleep and Bobby ‘read’ a picture book to Jean.

  On the long drive, Cal was surprised to see how well Tami handled the children. She answered their many questions patiently and calmly mentioned it was time for a potty stop when she saw Jean begin to squirm.

  At the gas station, she took Jean’s hand. Cal watched the two walk off, Tami’s long blonde hair a stark contrast to Jean’s dark curls.

  He wondered if that was the first time Tami had ever taken a little girl to the bathroom. As far as he knew, she’d never had much contact with children. But, to look at her, anyone would think she’d been doing it all her life. Did she ever think about what it would be like to have a little girl of her own?

  Or maybe theirs? For a moment he wondered what life would have been like for them if they hadn’t broken up all those years ago. If he’d given in to her and taken a job with a big corporation after college and they’d chosen the fast track of life in the suburbs. Would they have had children by now? He shook his head to clear it of such foolish thoughts as he watched her return.

  “Your turn,” she said, giving him and Bobby a smile.

  “Be right back. Come on, pal.”

  Sara slept most of the way in her car seat, like the little angel she was, most of the time. An hour later they stopped at a restaurant for supper and Sara began to fuss.

  “I wonder if they’ll have a changing table here?” Tami said, taking the baby out of her car-seat and trying to calm her. “I think Sara needs a fresh diaper.”

  “Probably only in the women’s bathroom,” Cal said. “I can change her here.”

  “Here?” Tami frowned and shook her head. “No, it’s too chilly for that. I can handle it. Why don’t you go ahead, get us a table and order for us? I’ll have a hamburger and coffee.”

  “All right,” he said relieved at her confident offer. She was constantly surprising him lately.

  The wind whipped across the parking lot, pulling at their coats and trying to steal their breath away. He watched Sara, calm now and still half asleep, cuddle her face into Tami’s shoulder as they walked into the restaurant. Tami smiled and held Sara close, pulling the blanket over her head against the chilly April wind.

  Later, in the restaurant, Bobby spilled his glass of milk. Cal was used to his child’s mishaps, but wished it hadn’t happened now, with Tami along. He held his breath, expecting an explosion or complaint.

  But Tami only slid over in the booth, out of the way of the dripping liquid. Grabbing some napkins, she helped Cal wipe up the spilled milk, reassuring the little boy, “Accidents happen, Bobby, no harm done. Do you want more milk?”

  Cal sighed in surprise and relief.

  Bobby, his wide brown eyes regarding Tami solemnly, shook his head, saying, “I’m done.”

  “Then let’s get back on the road.”

  A few minutes later, they saw a strip mall along the highway. “Stop here a minute,” Tami said.

  Cal frowned. “We can’t waste much time. Visiting hours will be over.”

  “This will just take a minute. Bring the kids in, too.”

  She took Sara from her car seat while he reluctantly helped Bobby and Jean out of their seatbelts. She led the way into a store and hurried on through to the toy department. “Come here, Bobby,” she said. “Which of these teddy bears would you like?”

  Bobby’s eyes grew round and he quickly looked at his father. “Can I, Dad?”

  Tami gazed at Cal, as though daring him to refuse her gift. Cal shrugged, and said, “Sure, if Tami wants. Why didn’t I think of that?”

  Bobby lost no time choosing a soft bear and cuddling it close. His speed in deciding made her whisper to Cal, “Does this one look like the one he lost?”

  He nodded and watched her help Jean pick out a stuffed bunny and choose a soft kitten for Sara, then take them to the register and pay for them. “There, that didn’t take so long, did it?” she asked as they left the store.

  “No, it didn’t. Thanks, Tami,” Cal said gruffly as they settled the kids back into the car.

  “Thanks, Tami,” Bobby echoed, hugging his teddy bear.

  They arrived at the hospital in good time and were directed to a waiting room.

  “You go ahead,” Tami said. “I’ll watch the kids.”

  “All right.” Cal took the elevator up to Sam’s room and found Sally at Sam’s bedside. She was tearfully glad to see him.

  “How is he?” Cal asked, his stomach plummeting at the sight of Sam, lying pale and still in the bed. Sam was hooked to a monitor and seemed to have tubes everywhere. It was not an encouraging sight.

  “He’s about the same,” Sally said, fighting back tears.

  Cal took Sam’s hand, needing to touch him, but Sam didn’t respond. Cal felt sick at the possibility he might lose his friend.

  “The doctor says he’s holding his own, but recovery may take a long time. Did you bring the kids?”

  “Yes. Tami has them down in the waiting room.”

  “Let’s go down then.” Sally hurried down to the elevator.

  At the sight of their mother, the girls immediately reached out their arms. Cal noticed Tami’s eyes were wet as she watched Sally hug her little ones.

  Sally went with them to settle her girls in with her mother at their small nearby apartment. Sally's mother served them coffee.

  Sally thanked them profusely for bringing the girls to her. “I needed them, now,” she said. “And I think they need me as well. There’s been enough disruption in their lives already.”

  “Yes,” Cal agreed.

  “I’ve decided to sell the cows,” Sally told Cal. She looked away to hide the tears in her eyes.

  “That’s not necessary,” he protested. “We’re handling them just fine. Various neighbors are taking turns with me doing the chores. Tom did them tonight.”

  “I know. And I really do appreciate all you’ve done,” she said. “But it may be months before Sam is able to leave the hospital. And he may never be able to care for the cows again.”

  “Oh, no!” Tami said.

  “So, I sold them today to Jim Johnson, along with whatever he can salvage of the milking equipment. I know Jim has been wanting to expand his herd, so I called him. The bank in Conley is handling the sale for me. Jim will pick them up tomorrow afternoon.”

  His voice husky, Cal asked, “But what will Sam say to that?”

  “He'll understand I have no choice. It may be weeks before Sam comes out of the coma.”

  The words, ‘if ever,’ hung unsaid in the room, constricting their throats.

  “I’m sorry, Sally,” Cal said. He gave her a hug.

  “If Sam recovers fine, we’ll buy more cows and start over,” Sally assured him. “I know it’s what I need to do now.”

  Cal agreed. They reluctantly said goodbye. Sally went back to the hospital and the three of them headed home.

  This time it was Bobby who fell asleep. They stopped for coffee and Tami offered to drive the rest of the way home. Night had fallen, and traffic on the freeway was light. Dark clouds and a stiff wind made the spring night seem dreary. After seeing Sam in such dire condition, they were in a somber mood, so the weather seemed appropriate for the occasion.

  Cal settled in, leaning back to sleep. Glancing in the rear-view mirror, Tami saw Bobby had gone back to sleep as well.

  “Thanks for being so good with the kids,” Cal said, not looking at her. “It would have been a hassle for me to do it alone.”

  Tami wondered how hard that admission had been for him. It was nice to have self-sufficient Cal needing her help for a change. “You’re welcome,” she said, giving him a smile. “I enjoyed it. They’re sweet girls. And your Bobby’s great, too,” she added.

  “Thanks.” he said, opening his eyes and tossing her an enigmatic smile. He closed his eyes again.

  The flat Minnesota countryside made the miles speed by. The freeway was straight and smooth and they were
making good time. She glanced at Cal, wondering if he was really asleep or just pretending to be. Oncoming headlights lit up the inside of their car. His rugged face looked tired and his long brown lashes lay dark against his pale skin. She realized this was the first time she’d seen him asleep.

  Glancing over at him, she wished she weren’t driving. She’d like to feel those brown curls again, slide her fingers through them to see if they were as crisp and springy as they used to be.

  What a thought. Get hold of yourself, woman!

  No doubt about it, he could still make her blood sing and her insides curl with wanting, like he had this morning in his basement. What would have happened if she hadn’t pushed him away? Would the insurance man have caught them in the middle of lovemaking?

  Honestly, she had to keep herself under control. Her hormones had always been too active, and as her mother had often said, would get her into lots of trouble that could screw up her life’s plans. That wasn’t going to happen to her.

  ~*~

  The wind was still blowing the next morning, but it was a godsend, drying out the fields and turning the mud into workable earth.

  The job of doing Sam’s chores for the last time had fallen to a neighbor this morning, so Cal and Tami had been able to go into Conley to work early.

  Again, busloads of volunteer helpers had arrived in the little town, more workers than they needed in Conley.

  “Why don’t we take a busload of these people to pick up litter at Sam’s place?” Tami suggested. “I know some neighbors are already working there, but they could certainly use the help.”

  “Good idea," Cal agreed. "The volunteers could pick up and pile the smaller debris. The neighborhood men will have wagons and bucket tractors to pick it up and haul it away.”

  It was back-breaking work, with constant bending and lifting, Cal realized a few hours later. Glancing at Tami working nearby, he thought how attractive she looked, slim and graceful as she picked up debris and tossed it into the bucket, then reached for the next piece.