Lethally Green

by Amber Boffin

  Richard Miller replied with a sigh, “Yes, and you gobbled them too! All those years… We heard about your life in England, what an achievement! Your dad was so proud of you, wasn’t he?”

  Richard nudged Ms. Miller with his elbow. She nodded and sat there, still staring at Maggie.

  Richard asked, “Are you back for good?”

  “Yes, I am, I love it here. It’s so nice to be back…”

  Sue Miller interrupted. “I didn’t remember you were a photo-grapher. Were you not working in a health company?”

  Catherine pulled the front flaps of her cardigan over each other, crossing her arms, and looked at Maggie with a challenging, icy stare. Maggie had first thought that the table had turned once they recognized her, and she could have talked herself into the job. Now, looking at Catherine, her confidence vanished. She felt twenty-four again, faced with bluffing her way to prove she could do the job, even without the years of experience.

  “You’re right. I’m a biologist, but I’ve always been a keen amateur photographer, and it’s always been my dream to become a professional photographer here in the highlands.”

  Maggie felt a sense of relief at having told them the truth; she couldn’t pretend to the Millers. Before she could carry on talking, Catherine straightened and looked across the table at her mother.

  “Well, that settles it, I want a professional photographer.”

  Matt put his arm around his wife-to-be, seeming already attuned to her ways, and laughed. “Honey, you don’t mean that exactly. You’ve always told me that even though I’m a vet, I could’ve been a professional craftsman. Give Maggie a chance. At least look at her photo-book.”

  Catherine appeared to melt under his embrace and deep voice as she huddled up closer to him.

  Ms. Miller added, “Matt, you’re right, and Maggie didn’t tell you yet, but we only pay for the prints if we like them, nothing to lose.”

  Catherine looked at Maggie, cradling her mug with both hands. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t judge without seeing your work, but you see, I really want the best I can get for the big day.”

  Maggie replied, “Of course, Catherine, and right you are. It is your special day.”

  Maggie opened the folder on the table and slid it toward Catherine and Matt. Matt smiled at a close-up of a red squirrel.

  “This one is not from here, the ears are different.”

  “Yes, a European one.”

  “I like it, very sharp. Not easy to capture.”

  “I had to climb the tree!” Maggie smiled remembering the moment.

  Catherine flicked through the photos of animals, stopping to observe a picture of a horse.

  “Oh, that’s a friend’s horse, a friendly animal.”

  Catherine replied, “A beautiful animal, a Friesian horse. I like horses. Your animal pictures are very good. But where’re your wedding pics?”

  Maggie cleared her throat. “I did take some, but it’s been a while, those are recent pictures. I love photographing wildlife. It is a way to relax for me.”

  “I find it hard to judge on this basis. I’d really need to see other pictures. And I’ve already got someone.”

  “You see, Maggie, I told you, when she’s made up her mind…” added Ms. Miller.

  “Yes, indeed, just like her mother. But don’t despair, if you do have more pics, send them along to me, and we’ll see what we can do,” said Richard.

  Maggie recognized in those words the kind-hearted man always looking to make everyone happy. She now felt it would be harder than she had hoped to establish herself as a photographer. The conversation moved onto reminiscences of the past and the joyful summer camps held at the lodge. Now and then the discussion was interrupted by a profound sigh coming from the Great Dane lying across all the feet under the table.

  Leaving their home, Maggie thought of Richard, and a glimmer of hope for the wedding assignment lingered on. Catherine had shown affection toward her father, holding on to his arm as they escorted Maggie out of the house. Perhaps he could convince her. Or perhaps Matt would. He seemed to like her photographs. Maybe he needed pictures for his veterinary practice.

  Maggie sighed as she sat in her truck, ready to go. She thought,Amy is coming on Friday. Another reason why it’s better that this doesn’t work out. I can’t cancel the weekend now after all those years… Maybe she’ll have ideas.

  Chapter Two

  Maggie held the Horizon Cafe door open for Amy. She looked at her friend with appreciation, her impeccable straight mane of hair framing her slim face. Amy’s large tortoiseshell-style glasses gave her a serious appearance, her forensic expert look. Her large hazel eyes sparkled as the light of the candles reflected in them as they entered. A mix of coffee and baking smells hit their senses, together with country music coming from the back of the restaurant.

  Maggie smiled at Amy. “I told you it’d be lively up here. And this smell of apple pie, what about that?”

  “Mmm, it does smell nice. I can’t believe it, there’s even a band playing. Of course it has to be country music…not your favourite, I believe?” Amy slipped off her jacket, looking toward the four musicians drumming the rhythm with their boots.

  Maggie scanned the room for a good table, far enough from the sound that they could talk but with a view on the lake that glimmered in the moonlight. She grabbed her friend by the arm, gently guiding her to the last table next to the window. She sat down opposite Amy, pulling herself closer to the wooden table, all the while checking the place for familiar faces.

  “Are you expecting anyone?” asked Amy.

  “No, not particularly, but I thought an old acquaintance from school might be here. You know. Denis. He’s now the local dentist.”

  “I see,the Denis? The one I had to fend off for you with all sorts of excuses… You still owe me for that, by the way. He was keen, that’s for sure, poor guy.”

  “Yes, that one. We were very young, my first boyfriend at high school. He still wanted the relationship at university—he didn’t get that it was over. Not my fault, I was clear.”

  “It didn’t work, though, did it, your communication. It was only after I spoke to him at length that he stopped calling you. A sweet guy.”

  “Yes, just as a friend, but you even agreed with me he was boring.”

  “Only from the call, though. I’ve never met him in person. I’d be curious to see him. It’ll be a shock for him to see you here, and I won’t be here to protect you from him now.” Amy laughed.

  “I shouldn’t have told you. You’ll never stop teasing me now. I don’t want to hurt him. I did like him a lot at the time. So please be nice if we see him. Anyway, the coast is clear for now.” Maggie peered into the orange candleholder. She checked her pockets for her father’s old lighter and lit the candle.

  “Very romantic, my dear. Denis would love it, you in the candlelight…”

  “I love candles. When I went to Amsterdam, they had them all over in restaurants, bars, but also at home. It makes the atmosphere really cozy with dimmed lights. I always have some on at home in the evening,” replied Maggie, deliberately ignoring her sarcasm.

  Maggie felt slightly annoyed by her friend’s teasing but couldn’t pinpoint the reason. They had always poked fun at each other, and Maggie rarely took offence.

  “You look a bit upset. I didn’t mean to hurt you. That’s not a good start for our first get-together in years.” Amy leaned toward her, looking at her with her large puppy-brown eyes.

  “Of course you didn’t and I’m not upset. I’m actually looking forward to seeing him and having you meet him…”

  A larger-than-life figure dressed in a red knitted cardigan adorned with a flurry of white edelweiss flowers interrupted the pair. A plump, rosy-cheeked face beamed down on them.

  “Good evening, girls. How’re you doing, Maggie?”

  Rubbing her reddened hands against a frilly apron, Heidi smiled at Maggie then at Amy.

  “Great, Heidi. What about you?” Seeing
Heidi smile in response, Maggie gestured at the room filled with diners and added, “Good to see you’re as busy as ever. I tried your pretzels the other day. Amy, you have to take some back home for your boys, they are delicious.”

  Heidi’s cheeks turned pink as she flapped her hand out toward Maggie.

  “She’s such a sweetie pie. I’ll bake them again for you then. Our menu is on the chalkboard over there. Do you want me to bring it to you?”

  “Yes please, any specials tonight? Amy can’t wait to taste your stew, isn’t that true? What’s the name again, the beef in broth one…”

  Maggie winked at Amy, who smiled broadly, showing a perfect line of large teeth to Heidi and nodding.

  “Tonight, I have a wiener schnitzel with a potato salad. Not thetafelspitz, I’m afraid. I only do that on Sundays.”

  “I warned you, Amy, you have to keep room for dessert. Herapfelstrudel, a cinnamon apple dessert, is really nice. Do you have any tonight?”

  “Yes. So what can I get you to drink?”

  Maggie felt so excited and happy to see her friend that she grabb-ed her hand. “Shall we celebrate—bubbles? Any recommendation, Heidi?”

  Heidi flickered her pencil on her pad, looking at the ceiling for a moment, and then with a wiggle of her large hips said, “I still have a bottle of Sekt left, a nice sparkling Austrian wine. But if you prefer, I also have Prosecco.”

  “Sekt, I like the sound of it,” said Maggie.

  “Okay, let’s do it. But you’re driving. You know I get tipsy after a glass,” replied Amy.

  As Heidi walked away to get the drinks, Amy looked around and said, “It’s very cozy here, with all the paintings and photos on the walls. I like the colourful cushions on the chairs. They’re so comfy. Does Heidi have any kids?”

  “Yes, I think so. I never asked. She’d be a nice mum, but not good for the waistline.” Maggie laughed.

  “That’s for sure. So tell me more about your plans. A photographer, hey, I’m happy you’re finally taking it up seriously. You know I got your eagle and fox pictures enlarged for Mike for his bedroom.”

  “Really, that’s so sweet of him.”

  “By the way, my department at the forensics lab is looking for a photographer in Toronto, but not really your type of pictures, I think… It’s not always pics of dead bodies in reality.”

  “I’d hope so, but you’re right. I was thinking more of happy pictures of animals or people…alive. Like the one I took of a beaver this week. Oh, I’ve got to show you that, there was something strange about it. Anyway, I already blew my first wedding assignment. I only had pictures of animals to show a bride-to-be…”

  Maggie watched Amy’s lips curl up at one corner, exactly as she remembered when Amy was about to lecture her. As Amy opened her mouth, a frog call from under the table stopped her short.

  Feeling the stare on her back, Maggie swivelled around. A woman probably intent on having a totally speechless dinner with her husband appeared offended by the sound. Maggie cast her an apologetic smile, then glanced down at her phone and noticed the Millers’ number.

  “I must have forgotten something at their place. Nothing important.”

  “At whose place?” asked Amy.

  “The Millers. It’s their daughter who is getting married to-morrow.”

  “Well, pick it up then, come on!”

  “No point, the daughter already has a photographer. Anyway, here comes Heidi with the drinks.”

  Maggie shook her head as she put her phone on the table. “I’d rather celebrate with you our long-lasting friendship than attend a wedding.” Maggie turned toward Heidi, who was standing next to the table, busy opening the bottle. “Do you know, Heidi, Amy and I have known each other for…what is it now…twenty-five years?”

  “That’s very special. To celebrate, the drinks are on the house.”

  “No, no, I didn’t say this for you to invite us…”

  “I insist…”

  “Only if you join us for a drink then.”

  “After your dinner, when it’s a little quieter; for now you must have lots of catching up to do,” replied Heidi as she swiftly moved away to attend another guest signalling her.

  Amy glanced sideways at Maggie’s phone, as if it were alive. As soon as Maggie picked it up to put it away, Amy held her hand out, nearly capsizing her glass.

  “Don’t, I feel there’s a message, check it.”

  “Come on, don’t be ridiculous. I thought you’d stopped with your premonitions when you were wrong about your son winning his hockey game. He was so upset afterward when he lost.”

  “I can’t help it. And he’s over it now. If there is a message, I’m only asking you to listen to it. What’s the harm in that?”

  “Okay, fine.”

  Maggie felt a twinge of exasperation. She didn’t like letting herself be influenced by irrational impulses, and yet deep down she believed that her friend had a gift. Amy had, after all, saved her life when she told her not go to university one day, following a dream. A fire broke out in the lab Maggie would have been working in. Fortunately, no one was in the room when it happened.

  After listening to the message, her heart beating faster, she announced, “This is crazy…how did you know?”

  Amy looked at her, her left eyebrow reaching new heights on her forehead.

  “Their photographer is sick. They want me to do the job!”

  “That’s great. I told ya I had a hunch. Better call back then, eh…”

  “Oh, but that’s not right, you’ve come all the way to see me, and we’d planned to have a great walk in the park tomorrow. Unless…”

  Maggie felt torn, because she valued friendship over any work. Before she could carry on, Amy finished her sentence.

  “Unless I join you as your assistant. Someone needs to carry your bag and help you with the lenses. It’ll be a lot of fun. I love weddings.”

  Maggie clapped her hands with pleasure and excitement at the idea. Standing up suddenly, toppling her chair backward nearly falling on the table behind her. With a flick of her hand, Amy sent Maggie off to make her call before it was too late.

  Maggie returned after a short while, weaving along the tables, eager to share the news with her friend. Amy craned above the other heads, trying to read her features, as she always used to. For a moment Maggie thought of pretending it hadn’t worked out but was too happy to do so.

  “It worked! And you’re hired.”

  The pair chatted and giggled through the night, sharing anecdotes and plotting the day ahead over a delicious dinner, culminating with Heidi’sapfelstrudel. With the effect of the sparkling wine dwindling, Amy’s look darkened as she said, “It’s all well and good, but I’ve got nothing to wear for the wedding. I can’t come in jeans. You better go on your own.”

  Maggie’s chest tightened; she wanted her friend to be there by her side. And yet how could clothing be an issue? If only Amy could be like her, not too bothered with fashion, and be a similar size. She looked at her friend, tall and slim, always looking perfect. It would not be a simple task to convince her that her jeans would be fine; she would have to think of something else over what was left of the night. The wedding was only a few hours away now.

  Chapter Three

  Today was the big day, not only for the bride and groom but also for Maggie to prove her photographer’s skills. She packed her Billingham bag with all her photo equipment, checking several times she hadn’t forgotten anything. It was still dark, but she could already hear the robin singing in the tree.

  A tomboy, Maggie chose her outfits so that she could move without concern of revealing too much. She slipped on her blue tailored trousers together with a white blouse, colourful flowers flowing down the side of each arm and around the collar. She laughed as she imagined Amy questioning her choices. Her wardrobe had always been a source of contention.

  This thought reminded her of finding something to wear for Amy. Opening the bedroom closet, she flicked through he
r mother’s outfits, and under a plastic wrapping a yellow dress stood out. Maggie would have loved to fit in it, but she had always been plumper than her mother. Hearing movement in the guest room, Maggie grabbed the dress, nearly tripping on it, and ran out to greet Amy.

  They bumped into each other in the corridor.

  “Ow, is that how you wake up your guests in the morning?”

  Maggie reached out with her hand to rub her friend’s arm, oblivious to her own pain, adrenaline rushing in her veins from the excitement. “Sorry, are you okay? It’s just that I’ve found it.”

  “What?” Amy looked at her, perplexed, rubbing her eyes and scratching her head.

  Maggie shoved the dress into her arms, ignoring her friend’s sleepy look. “You’re coming with me today.” Not getting a satis-factory reaction, Maggie insisted, “The dress, it will fit you, I’m sure. For the wedding.”

  “But, yellow. Not my colour…and it’s cold outside, it’s an evening dress, not for the day.”

  “Don’t worry, jeans are fine for the day, you won’t be on the pictures. And it’ll be warm in the evening with the huge fire at the lodge. Come on…please…” It dawned on Maggie that she had forgotten how to approach Amy in the morning: never before a coffee. “I’ve got some coffee ready, then I’ll tell you about my plan.”

  Amy, dragging her feet, followed Maggie to the kitchen. Two warmed up pretzels and a cup of coffee lay on the table.

  Maggie laughed. “Heidi baked them for us. She’s so nice. I think I’ve found a new mum!”

  Maggie could see Amy warming up to her proposal as she tore a bit of pretzel and tasted it. Amy’s sleepy features were progressively replaced by a side smile as she sipped the coffee, staring at the dress Maggie had carefully placed on the chair next to her.

  Maggie waited a little longer for the coffee to take effect, then, picking up her own mug, sat opposite Amy at the kitchen wooden table. “Look, I know it isn’t ideal. But there’ll be no one you know up here, and the dress will fit you. Pleaaaaseeee! I can’t do this job without you. It was your fault I listened to the voice mail and called them back.”