MORE THAN THE MOON

by A Rosendale

  It was blissfully comfortable here in bed, nestled under a fluffy down comforter. For several minutes, Alma couldn’t determine what had woken her. After all, she was warm and comfy and still very sleepy. Then she recalled the vague memory of a half-dreamt blip that had sounded surprisingly similar to her phone. Groggy fingers crawled from the covers and roamed blindly across her bedside table before fumbling on the phone. Finally, she peeled her eyes open and gazed at the blurry screen.

  Text Message

  ‘Headed your way’

  Dirk Travers

  Suddenly, the night galloped back to her in waves. The gala at the convention had been interrupted by her handsome, yet strangely mysterious, hero, who’d rescued her from snobby politicians and the greedy grip of Brandon Miles to be whisked away to a hole-in-the-wall tavern. When Dirk ordered a scotch, Alma had told the barkeep to double it. Dirk had given her an appraising gaze, one that brought an amused glean to his eye. Then they had absconded to a corner booth in the dimly lit, underground pub and talked into the early hours of the morning. It wasn’t until nearly four o’clock that either one had bothered to check the time. Dirk had escorted her to her apartment building in a cab, wished her goodnight, made the cabby wait until she was safely in the lobby, and disappeared amidst the first flakes of falling snow.

  That had only been five and a half hours ago, Alma realized. Then she remembered the promise he’d made during their conversation. She’d mentioned that her least favorite aspect of teaching was the grading of menial tests the university required her to administer. It was time consuming and tedious to grade hundreds of paper and pencil exams every few weeks. Dirk mentioned a web-based platform he knew of that might change her test administration entirely and promised to show it to her the next day. He even offered to help her transfer tests she already had to a digital format. They’d set an appointment for ten o’clock and moved on to discuss other things.

  ‘Oh, crap!’ She threw back the covers and hurried into the bathroom. After a quick shower, she threw her soggy hair into a sloppy braid, whipped through the closet like a whirlwind to pull on jeans and a UW hoodie. She was just pulling on thick wool socks when the intercom buzzed. Stumbling through the living room, she hit the talk button.

  “Hello?” She thought her voice sounded more awake than she felt.

  “Hey. It’s Dirk. I come bearing coffee.”

  “How did you know that was the toll?” she joked and pressed the button that would release the door lock downstairs. In the minutes it took for him to navigate to the fifth floor, she tore through the apartment, picking up an already spotless living space.

  When he knocked on the door, she tossed her braid over her shoulder, hoped she looked presentable and let him in.

  “Good morning,” she greeted as brightly as she could on so few hours of sleep.

  He stepped inside with a coffee in each hand, snow melting in his hair and on his shoes and pant cuffs, and a tired smile on his lips. Alma realized that he would have gotten even less sleep, having had to navigate home and then rise early to fetch coffee and be on her doorstep already.

  “Morning. You look brilliant for as little sleep as you got.”

  “’Brilliant’?” she scoffed. “You must be more tired than I thought. You’re not seeing clearly.”

  Dirk chuckled, a deep rumble that woke Alma far better than the shower.

  “Here.” She took the drinks and allowed him to set his bag down and shed his snowy coat. He hung it on a coat rack next to hers and reclaimed one of the cups. “Thanks for the coffee.”

  “No problem.” He dug in his bag to extract a MacBook.

  Alma motioned to a small kitchen table against the far wall where her laptop had a semi-permanent perch. She took a gulp of hot liquid, pleased to find sugar had been stirred in already. Would this man never stop amazing her? Smiling, she pulled a chair next to Dirk’s and opened her computer.

  “Google has come leaps and bounds,” he explained, opening Chrome. Alma followed his example. “I wish I would have bought stock years ago. They have a personalized drive accessible from anywhere in the world, at least with internet access. Microsoft’s programs, like Word and PowerPoint, have been adapted to this online format. They’ve even created a Classroom application, which is what I think you’ll be interested in.” As he spoke, he navigated through Google, signed into his own account, and opened the Classroom app. He proceeded to show her how to add students and create assignments. The automatic grading system intrigued her beyond all else and she asked him to help her create the first assessment, which she had saved in a Word document on her computer.

  “Wow! That was super easy! Especially compared to the university site.”

  “Do you have more tests you’d like to create?”

  She debated telling him no and letting him go about his Saturday. But she enjoyed his company and his help would save her countless hours. “Yeah. That’d be great.”

  They worked through the remainder of the morning. Eventually, Alma brewed a pot of coffee to keep them going after the initial caffeine buzz dissipated. Dirk asked if she wanted to listen to music and pulled up a Broadway musicals playlist.

  “Seriously?” she said as she poured water into the coffee pot.

  He shrugged. “What? You don’t like musicals?”

  “Well, sure. But…”

  He raised a brow and leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed over his broad chest, daring her to finish.

  “But…” she stuttered.

  “What you mean is, ’but I didn’t expect a strapping young man such as yourself, Dirk, to be interested in the arts,’” he suggested.

  “No! No, I…” She sighed at the hole she dug herself. “Okay. I admit. Your interest surprises me. In fact, you seem full of surprises.”

  A winning smile spread over his face, lighting those entrancing emerald eyes. “It’s my secret weapon.”

  She looked at him skeptically. “Secret weapon?”

  “Sure. Against the undeniable charms of attractive professors such as yourself.”

  Although his statement flattered her, she couldn’t overlook his own undeniable charms. “No offense, Mr. Travers, but why haven’t you been swept up by some delightful little doll?”

  “’Little doll’? Like a top floor executive or a pretty little house wife?” He laughed and opened his arms. “Can you honestly imagine that?”

  Alma screwed up her face, as if squinting hard enough might help her imagination. But memories of his efforts to explore her own research, the knowledgeable discussion he’d conducted with her colleagues, the thoughtfulness of adding sugar to her coffee when she’d only mentioned her tastes once and weeks ago at that. “Hmm. I suppose not.” But then again, she couldn’t quite picture him anywhere.

  Dirk returned to his computer while Alma waited for the coffee to brew. She studied him, frowning. Her contemplation inconclusive, her mind turned to the way her heart had skipped the night before when she’d sighted him across the crowd, the overwhelming strength she’d felt as she took his arm, and his breath against her cheek when he’d kissed her. She decided she didn’t need to figure him out. After all, he wasn’t an orca she was studying, as much as his adamantine exterior reminded her of the powerful creature. She delivered the flavorful hot liquid to the table and returned to the task at hand.

  * * *

  “Any more?” Dirk had guzzled two mugs of coffee and submitted several digital assessments.

  “Nope. I think I’m working on the last one now,” Alma announced, typing away fervently.

  He closed his laptop and watched her for a moment. A sliver of dark hair had wriggled free of the braid and dangled down along her cheek. He felt a sudden desire to brush it behind her ear. The impulse brought a smile to his lips. Instead of interrupting her, he moved to the white sofa a few feet away and lounged back, taking in the photos on the wall around the mounted television. There were a handful of unfamiliar people and a few beautiful ocean sunsets
, but most frames were filled with black and white apparitions from the deep.

  Alma snapped her computer shut triumphantly and turned to face her companion, but quickly stifled her exclamation. Dirk was snuggled against the couch cushions, his hands stuffed in his hoodie pocket and head leaned over against his shoulder, eyes closed and chest rising steadily. She smiled at his innocent posture.

  * * *

  Dirk opened his eyes, disoriented at first. But before he could embarrass himself with an abrupt reaction, he noticed the pictures. The images of Alma’s life calmed him and he took a deep breath. The fact that he’d dozed off didn’t surprise him; he’d hardly slept last night after nursing weeklong jet lag from his travels, but the fact that he felt comfortable enough in her company to lackadaisically drift off astounded him.

  She sat at the opposite end of the couch, her legs curled under her and a book in hand. The smile that lit her face when she noticed he was awake sent a pleasant tingle all the way to his toes.

  “Sorry,” he mumbled, sitting up and rubbing sleep from his face.

  “It’s okay. We had a little bit of a late night.”

  “A little,” he laughed, then motioned to the book. “New?”

  She shrugged. “Kind of. I’ve read it before, but…” A shy expression crept over her. “I keep coming back to it.”

  While she spoke, Dirk realized the paperback was faded and worn, yet she held it with delicate care. “’Orca’s Song’,” he read out loud, then smiled warmly. “I can’t imagine why you like it,” he added sarcastically. “May I?”

  Hesitantly, she handed it over. He scanned the pages, his expression softening. “Cool,” he muttered quietly. “Folk tales fascinate me.” He handed the book back and looked at his watch. “Wow!”

  “You nap like the dead,” Alma commented. The snowy day outside had faded to dusk while he slept.

  “Apparently. I’m sorry. I’ll get out of your hair.” He started to get up, limbs stiff with slumber.

  “Would you like to stay for dinner?” Alma offered quickly.

  Dirk hesitated only a second before agreeing. “What do you have in mind?”

  “There’s a delicious pizza joint down the block that delivers.”

  “Sounds great!” He resumed his seat on the couch while she ordered. “First name basis, eh?”

  Alma laughed. “You caught me. I may order from them a little too often.”

  Clearly her familiarity with the restaurant earned her VIP status because the intercom rang within fifteen minutes. Alma paid and carried the box to the kitchen counter, where Dirk met her. She handed him a plate and let him dish up his own meal.

  “Beer?” she offered.

  The proposal nearly made him stagger. He simply couldn’t imagine her with a beer in hand.

  She grinned at his bewilderment. “I have a few surprises up my sleeve, too.”

  His chuckle filled the room although it was low and quiet. “You sure do, professor.”

  Alma tossed him a craft beer, took one for herself and joined him with a slice of pizza.

  “New York or Chicago?”

  The question confounded Dirk. His unusual expression of perplexity made her laugh.

  “New York or Chicago style pizza?”

  “Oh! Chicago, hands down!”

  “Boo! New York all the way!”

  While they argued the complexities of pizza, the day faded entirely and snow continued to fall in sheets.

  “We’ll clearly have to agree to disagree,” Alma insisted.

  Dirk threw his hands in the air humorously. “Clearly!” He was full, but reluctant to leave. This woman filled him with energy he hadn’t felt in years. “Have you seen ‘Dunkirk’?”

  “The movie? No. But I find the story remarkable.”

  “I happen to have a copy downloaded to my computer, if you care to watch it.”

  “Really?! I have Apple TV. Can you play it on the television?”

  “Yeah!” He connected the devices and relaxed on the couch.

  Alma put the remainder of the pizza in the fridge, retrieved another beer for them both and sat down. After a few minutes, she scooted closer to him. Dirk smiled to himself and took the initiative to meet her in the middle. Their legs touched where they’d propped them on the low coffee table. Eventually, Dirk placed his warm palm on her thigh and she took his hand, entwining her fingers with his.

  * * *

  “What a heart-warming story,” Alma exclaimed as the credits rolled.

  Dirk nodded agreement as he stood and collected his computer. “I better head home.”

  Alma almost invited him to stay, but something told her he wouldn’t accept.

  “Lighthouse tomorrow?” he asked. Now that he knew just how close to the coffee shop she lived, he didn’t wonder at her loyalty to the establishment.

  “I’ll see you there,” she agreed sleepily.

  Chapter 5

  Dirk was starting to wonder if she’d stood him up late the next morning. Two cups of coffee in and he’d nearly finished the novel he’d brought along. Snow was still drifting to the streets. The National Weather Service had advised Boston residents to stay home if they didn’t have absolutely necessary business. But New Englander’s are historically stubborn and few heeded the warning, including Dirk and his fellow café patrons.

  “I’m sorry I’m late.” Alma’s face was flushed and snowflakes were melting in her hair. She unwound a thick blue knit scarf from her neck before shedding her coat.

  “I don’t think you can be late when we never set a time,” Dirk comforted. “Have a seat. I’ll get your coffee.”

  By the time he returned she was less flustered. Her hair fell in waves, curled by the braid she’d wrapped it in the previous day. The wind had tousled it and Dirk ached to reach over and smooth it. He settled for passing her a mug.

  “Again, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting,” Alma apologized. “I received an exciting phone call this morning.”

  His curious expression begged an explanation.

  “A previous classmate of mine has asked me to join her next week at Woods Hole. She’s been tracking a female blue whale and she and her calf are expected off the coast of Nantucket in the next couple weeks. Do you know what that means?”

  Dirk smiled at her excitement and shook his head.

  “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to study a blue whale! The largest animal ever! And she has a calf!”

  “That’s incredible, Alma! Congratulations! When do you leave?”

  “I’m going to fly to Falmouth Friday after classes and stay until the following weekend. Stacy has arranged a cottage near the Institute for me to use throughout the week. It’s spring break, so Miles can’t object.”

  “That’s great!”

  “I’m ecstatic!”

  Dirk laughed. “I gathered!”

  “Do you have any business trips planned this week?”

  “Nothing planned, but sometimes things come up unexpectedly.”

  “Have you ever been to Woods Hole?”

  “Can’t say I have. Is this your first trip?”

  “No. I visited Stacy there when I first moved to Boston. She’s a member of the marine biology department at the Oceanographic Institution. We completed our undergrad and graduate degrees together before she moved to the Scripps Institution for her doctorate. Woods Hole is…it’s like the mecca of marine sciences.”

  “Sounds right up your alley.”

  “You should come visit while I’m there.” The suggestion seemed to shock Alma nearly as much as it did Dirk. “I mean, if you want to.”

  He considered it, then nodded. “I’d like that.”

  Alma smiled in relief.

  “Do you think you’ll have classes tomorrow?” Dirk asked, changing the subject.

  They stared out the windows at the snow packed city.

  “I don’t know. Probably not. Do you have to go to the office when there’s this much snow?”

  He shrugge
d. He’d submitted his report on the reconnaissance he’d completed Friday, but his supervisor had requested a face-to-face conference at his earliest convenience. Depending on the weather, the ‘earliest convenience’ may not be until midweek.

  “What are your plans this afternoon?”

  Dirk motioned around the quiet café. “Nothing concrete. You?”

  “Nothing, really. I was thinking about spending the rest of the snowy day holed up in my apartment watching movies.”

  “That sounds very relaxing.”

  “Your movie suggestion yesterday was spot on. Do you have any more recommendations?”

  “Sure.” He studied her for a long moment, taking in her vibrant complexion, brilliant gray eyes, and gentle smile. “I could show you some current blockbusters, if you’d like.”

  The grin that spread over her face borderlined on seductive. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  The idea that she’d manipulated him into that response surprised him. It was rare for anyone to beguile him and the fact that this woman had managed to steer him to her own will both intrigued and unsettled him. Yet, when he thought about it later, he found that he didn’t mind a little clever seduction from the woman he found so alluring.

  Two hours later, they found themselves in the exact same position as the day before, side by side on the couch, hands entwined, watching ‘Hidden Figures’. Alma’s phone rang and when she hung up, a wide grin was on her lips.

  “’Boston University will not hold classes tomorrow, Monday, March twelfth, due to weather conditions’,” she repeated triumphantly.

  “Nice!” Dirk was genuinely happy for her, but also harbored a secret delight knowing she’d be in his company even longer.

  As the second film began, he casually draped an arm over her shoulders. Smiling to herself, Alma snuggled closer and placed a hand on his knee.

  ‘Hmm,’ Dirk thought in surprise. ‘I could get used to this.’ The idea railroaded him. He’d never once considered the notion that a woman in his proximity would ever have a lasting role in his future. The fact that he’d only known this particular woman for a few weeks and she already felt so natural to him gave him an unsettling, yet oddly gratifying sensation. Still, he was quick to quell the sentiment.