Double Mocha, Heavy On Your Phone Number

by June Kramin

He held his cheek. “Geez Louise. You sure take a guy seriously.”

  She shrugged. “I just do as I’m told.”

  “Have sex with me.”

  “You trying for the other cheek?”

  “Truce.” He held up his hand again. “There’s some battery-operated lamps upstairs. I’m going to go grab a few and check on Gramps. I’ll be right back.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “Yes.” He rubbed his cheek again. “I’m sure you will be.”

  Chapter Five

  Bix came back down after ten minutes. He held what looked like a camping lantern, but it ran off of a battery instead of oil. It seemed to be very bright, or else she had gotten used to it being so dark. He also had a small radio.

  “We should see what the storm is doing. It’s looking worse out there than before.”

  He went to sit down next to her on the couch, but hesitated half-way down. “Is it okay if I sit here?”

  “It’s your house.” She moved the blanket out of the way and wrapped herself in it again.

  “I promise you no more dirty pool.”

  “I’d appreciate that.”

  They listed to the forecast for a few minutes. There was no sign of the storm letting up for the next twenty-four hours. There were still eight to twelve inches expected before noon the following day and the winds were supposed to get up to thirty miles an hour through the following afternoon.

  Ellie flopped herself hard to the back of the couch and leaned her head back. “Fuck.”

  Bix made a tsking sound. “My, aren’t we the potty mouth. To think I apologized for saying shit when I knocked my shin.”

  “This isn’t funny, Bix. I’m not staying here another day.”

  “You’ve only been here a few hours. Company aside, it’s not a bad place to be stuck in a storm.”

  “I’m not staying here.” Ellie quickly stood.

  He followed her lead and stood up as well. “Don’t get irrational, Ellie or should I be addressing Noelle?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Is this you or the evil other you? You were calm a minute ago now you’re about to flip your lid.”

  “Can we can the Gemini bull shit?”

  “Ah-ha, so you are a Gemini. I knew it.” She wanted to slap him again to get the grin off his face.

  More frustrated with him than ever, she turned and headed for the stairs. He blocked her way. “Ellie, please. Stop. You can’t go anywhere. I’d give you the tractor to get home, but it’s still too dangerous. Just wait and see what happens tomorrow. Maybe we can get out of here by noon if the snow stops and if the plows have gone by. Please stay. I promise I’ll behave. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

  She flung the afghan off, suddenly feeling hot. “Damnit.” Ellie put her hands to her head.

  “You okay?” he asked, placing his hand on her cheek. She harshly brushed it away.

  “I said don’t touch me.”

  “Ellie, you’re burning up.”

  “I’m fine.” She swayed towards him. He caught her, but just enough to lessen the fall. He fell to the floor with her.

  Ellie didn’t know what time it was when she woke up. Looking around the dimly lit room with only a candle for light, she could tell she was in a room she hadn’t seen before. Her guess was Bix’s bedroom. Bastard. There was a wet washcloth on her forehead. She felt down and discovered her jeans had been removed, but her underwear was still on. Quietly she thanked all that was holy that she wasn’t wearing a thong that day.

  Her eyes finally adjusted to the darkness and she could see a figure asleep in a plush chair in the corner. “You bastard!” Ellie sat upright and whipped the wet washcloth at Bix.

  He woke with a start. “How are you doing?” He stood up and went over to the bed and sat next to her.

  “How am I doing? I’m half naked!”

  “And untouched, I might add.” He reached for her forehead and she smacked his hand away. “Come on. You were burning up and had me scared. Do you remember passing out?”

  “I passed out?”

  “Scared the shit out of me.” He reached for her again, slower this time, and she let him place his hand on her forehead. “Better, but you still feel warm.”

  “What time is it?”

  He leaned back and grabbed his cell phone to check the time. “Four twenty.”

  “In the morning?”

  “Yup.”

  “I’ve been asleep for seven hours?”

  “Yup.”

  “What have you been doing?”

  “Watching you mostly — and I don’t mean in a sexual way. You had a fitful sleep and sweat like nobody’s business. I couldn’t find where Gramps left the thermometer and I’m kinda glad. I think the number would have only scared me more. I couldn’t have gotten you to the hospital if I wanted to.”

  “Is it still snowing?”

  “Hasn’t stopped.”

  She sat back down on the bed, exhausted already.

  “I’m going to get you some water. You’re probably dehydrated.”

  “Thanks,” she said as she felt her cheeks flush. It was probably more from embarrassment than fever. She had been horrible to him and he was bending over backwards helping her.

  Bix returned in a few minutes with a plastic bottle of a sports drink and a glass. “I found a Powerade. Probably better for you than plain water. I brought a couple of Tylenol, too. They’re for kids, probably left here by one of my aunts, but they won’t hurt. Need help sitting up?”

  “I’m all right.” She sat up and scooted back. He offered her another pillow to lean on before handing her the glass of Powerade. She said, “Thanks,” again and took slow slips at first with the pills then downed what remained in a few gulps.

  “Give that a chance to settle and I’ll pour you another glass if you want.”

  “I think I’m good for now.” She gave him the empty glass, leaned back, and looked at him. It was the first time she really took notice of his amazing features. He was very handsome. She could see a deep caring and concern in his eyes where before she had seen only a flirting boy. Her guess was he was around thirty.

  “I’m sorry I removed your jeans without your permission, but I really thought you’d be more comfortable. I didn’t do it for personal gain.”

  “I’m sorry I got upset at you for it. We’re adults; I know your heart was in the right place.”

  “I promise as soon as I saw the little pink hearts, I looked away.”

  She didn’t want to, but she laughed. “I just thanked above that I wasn’t wearing a thong.”

  “Now, I would go in the other direction about that.”

  She laughed again and was grateful for the dark room to hide her blushing. “I’m sorry to put you out of your bed.”

  “There are other rooms upstairs; but I didn’t want you to wake up alone.”

  “You are quite the knight in shining armor, aren’t you?” She closed her eyes and laid herself back and scooted down just a little bit. She was still more tired than she cared to admit, but she didn’t want to fall back asleep.

  “Computer geek and hero extraordinaire. Man of your dreams, huh?”

  “Mmmm,” she moaned before losing the fight with sleep.

  Chapter Six

  Ellie woke up slowly, giving her eyes time to adjust to the light. She was surprised how bright it was in the bedroom. She looked to the right and noticed a large window high to the ceiling.

  Bix walked in with a wide smile on his face. “Good morning, sunshine.”

  “Good morning.” Ellie rubbed her eyes. When she finished, he was still smiling at her.

  “What?”

  “I’m just thinking how adorable our kids are gonna be.”

  She picked up a pillow and threw it at him. He caught it and held it on his lap. “You know, you’re starting to give me a complex.”

  “How so?”

  “I haven’t even known you for a day and you’ve fallen asleep on me three ti
mes.”

  “Maybe computer geeks bore me.”

  “Touché.” He sat on the bed by her again. “May I have the honor of feeling your forehead, ma’am?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You said that right before you passed out, too. How about if I say please?”

  She huffed and closed her eyes. “Knock yourself out.” He placed the back of his hand on her forehead. “Feels pretty good to me.” She opened her eyes. “And your temp is down.”

  She scooted over to the other side of the bed and was about to hop out, but remembered that she only had her underwear on.

  He laughed at her when she glared at him. “I’m sorry, but you’re too fun to rile up.”

  Bix stood and took a robe down from the back of his bedroom door and tossed it to her. “There’s no shower down here, but you’re welcome to use the one upstairs if you’d like. I’m sure you’d feel better after all that sweating last night.”

  She suddenly was very self-conscious about how she looked. Gah! I was rubbing my eyes! I bet I have mascara everywhere! She turned away from him and put on the robe, then ran her fingers under her eyes. He turned around so she could stand up and wrap herself in it.

  “I would like to shower. Thanks,” she said, once she had the tie secured.

  “I’ll walk you up.”

  Bix’s grandfather was sitting in front of the fire with a newspaper when they came walking by. Ellie flushed with embarrassment instantly.

  “Well good morning!” Gramps said, seeming very happy to see her. He held up the paper. “At least with this weather, I can catch up on the news. You sleep all right?”

  “I did. Thank you. Bix let me have the bed,” she blurted out, feeling like she had done something wrong.

  “Power went off and I didn’t want to stumble around looking for sheets to make up the guest bed, Gramps.”

  “I’m sure that fancy couch of yours is plenty comfortable enough.” Gramps returned his attention to his paper. Ellie thought he didn’t care or just didn’t think about it. She thought he would have gone straight to accusing them of having slept together. Different generation.

  “I saw the power had gone off. The clocks were all flashing. Funny they were able to get it going again. The storm is still raging pretty good.”

  “No chance of me getting out soon?” Ellie asked.

  “Not unless you have a flying carpet, my dear.” She let out a heavy sigh. “How was your fever last night?”

  She looked over to Bix. She didn’t want to have his grandpa fuss over her.

  “She was fine, Gramps,” Bix said as he winked at Ellie. She was grateful he read her facial expression. “I told you I’d keep an eye on your houseguest.”

  “Good to hear. I’ll go get breakfast started.”

  Bix led her to the bathroom. “There are a couple different shampoos and body washes and such under the sink. Help yourself. Towels are in the closet. The water heater is gas so there should be plenty of hot water. Take your time.”

  “Thanks. I hate to ask, but do you have — ”

  “There’s a spare tooth brush in the drawer.” Bix finished her sentence for her.

  She gave him a, “Thanks” and a nod before closing the door.

  She took a long shower and made it a little hotter than usual. She still felt a slight chill that she just couldn’t shake even though she no longer had a temperature. She was standing at the sink, combing out her hair when Bix knocked at the door, startling her.

  “Yes?” Ellie grasped the top of her towel as if it could drop at the mere sound of Bix’s voice.

  “It’s me. I have some clothes of my cousin’s here. Might be a little big, but they’re clean. I’ll leave them by the door.”

  “Thanks.” She loosened up the grip on the towel and waited a minute before she opened the door. After she looked both ways, she quickly picked up the pile and closed the door again.

  The jeans were a size too big, but they were a stretchy denim and comfortable. The lightweight flannel long sleeve shirt was warm and slightly fuzzy to the touch.

  She dried her hair as best as she could with the towel and was finally feeling refreshed. All that was missing was some eyeliner and mascara. Ellie kept an emergency stash in her purse at all times. She went out to the front room to retrieve it. As she passed the kitchen on her way, Bix called out to her. “Coffee?”

  “Yes, please. I’ll be right back.”

  While she was digging for her purse, she heard her phone beep. She saw a missed call from her boss. “Uh-oh.”

  “Uh-oh what?” Bix asked from right behind her, scaring her.

  She jumped at the sound of his voice.

  “Sorry I scared you.”

  “That’s okay.” She accepted the coffee he was offering her. “I never called Fred to tell him I made it home okay.”

  “Fred?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Uh huh. Fred.” She didn’t know why she didn’t say, My boss. “I really should call him. Excuse me.” She turned around and hit the speed dial number for Fred’s cell phone.

  Instead of leaving, Bix leaned on the doorjamb. She walked to the corner of the mudroom, as far as she could from him, which wasn’t far. It was only an eight-foot by eleven-foot room with no windows except for a small one in the door.

  Miss Kitty was rubbing herself along Ellie’s legs so she bent down to give her a quick pat. “Hi, Fred.” Ellie poured on the sweetness on a little too thick when he answered.

  She was cut off instantly by his questions. “Where are you? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. I didn’t make it home, but I’m okay.”

  “Where are you?”

  “I’m at a farmhouse. I went into a ditch and — ”

  “A ditch? You sure you’re okay?”

  “I didn’t roll. I just slid sideways enough to get good and stuck. I’m fine really.”

  “Damn you, girl. You had me scared to death. I was ready to report you missing in the storm. I told you to stay at my place.”

  He was talking loud enough for Bix to hear and Ellie smirked. She held the phone a little further away from her ear.

  “I know. I was stupid. I’m sorry for making you worry, but I’m fine. I won’t be able to get out of here today either by the looks of things.”

  “You’re already there and safe. Just stay put okay? No more stupid stunts. You’re officially off the schedule until the roads have been plowed. Capiche?” Damnit. Bix probably heard that.

  She sighed. “All right. I’ll call when I get home, Fred. Sorry I forgot to call last night.”

  “Take care of yourself, kitten.” Ah…may be redemption after all.

  “I will. I’ll call you.” She hit end. “I love you, too.”

  She turned around and saw that Bix had walked away. Show for nothing. She sighed and sipped her coffee. It was pre-ground, store bought, and tasted old, but it was better than nothing.

  Chapter Seven

  She returned to the bathroom and applied what make-up she had brought. It would have to do. It wasn’t like she cared what she looked like just for Bix anyway. Really.

  When she came back out, Bix’s grandfather set a plate down on the table and waved her over.

  “Come get it while it’s hot, young’un.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Newman.”

  “Mr. Newman? Call me Barry. Better yet, Gramps.”

  “All right. Gramps it is.” Ellie took her seat with a wide smile. “It looks wonderful.”

  “Nothing beats farm fresh eggs. They slow way down on the laying over winter, but it’s still enough to get me by.”

  She took a bite of the bacon. “This yours, too?” She could tell it was farm-packaged bacon and not store bought.

  “His name was Harvey.”

  She laughed and then coughed. Bix hopped off the chair and patted her on the back.

  “Sorry, little lady,” Gramps apologized.

  “That’s all right.” She took a sip of coffee. “My co
usins always wanted to know ‘who’ they were eating. I’m immune to that. I’m farm grown myself. You can’t shock me with much.”

  Gramps joined them at the table. “Megan’s clothes seem to fit you okay.”

  “Not bad, actually. I guess I’m lucky she left them here.”

  “Every time I have the kids over, something gets left. Megan is only fourteen. You sure are a tiny thing.”

  “My mom was only five feet. I was glad to have passed her up by the sixth grade, but then I quit growing.”

  She looked over to Bix who seemed to be enjoying watching them talk. Wanting to include him, she decided to spice up the conversation a little.

  “So what’s your take on your new roommate? You think you can train the city slicker on the finer points of farm life?”

  “I’m sure gonna have fun trying come spring time. I just hope he don’t cost me more in repairs on my equipment than he does in helping.”

  “Hey,” Bix protested. “The barn jumped out in front of me.”

  Ellie laughed. “Is that how your Bobcat experience went?”

  “Something like that.” Bix returned his attention back to his plate.

  “Boy always has his nose in that confounded contraption downstairs.”

  “That confounded contraption has helped me make a decent living thus far, Gramps.”

  “And made you move back in with an elder, too.”

  “You’ve more than enough room here for just yourself and don’t pretend you don’t enjoy my company, old man.” He looked at Ellie and winked. She smiled back.

  In the short amount of time she’d been there, the two of them fed off each other and she loved it. She missed the daily banter at the breakfast and dinner table with her older brothers. This past year alone had been hard on her. She never thought she’d be thankful for a storm of this magnitude coming so early in the season or especially for getting her car stuck in a ditch. Oddly though, she was very happy right now and as far as she was concerned, despite what she said, it could snow for another two days and she’d be okay with that.

  “In my day, we used cards to play solitaire not some blasted machine,” Gramps continued.

  “I’ll win you over yet. Before you know it you’ll be playing games and posting pictures on Facebook.”