Winter Hearts

by A. E. Radley

  I remember watching a war movie on TV with Ashley one time. I didn’t really care for the movie. It was loud, and the sounds of bullets and bombs reminded me too much of fireworks. But, seeing a hundred pounds of tumbling basset hound, jowls and ears flailing, rolling toward an unsuspecting Cassie, reminded me of something one of the characters in the movie said—you never hear the shot that hits you.

  One second Cassie was bent on her knee, driving a plastic yellow stake into the ground with a rubber hammer, the next she was a tangle of arms and ears and Santa Claus cord. They came to rest just before hitting the mailbox, Cassie on her stomach and Elvis upside down on Cassie’s back.

  For a moment, no one moved. Then Elvis started struggling to get up, quickly discovering he was tied to Cassie by the cord. He began to bark at the same time as I heard Ashley scream. She dropped the inflatable Santa head that she’d been laying out and ran towards Cassie and Elvis, calling for Daisy to come join her. Daisy ran off the front porch where she’d been playing, stopping long enough to drop the kitten down on the grass before sprinting off to go assist Ashley in untangling Cassie and Elvis.

  I was thinking about going to see what I could do to help when the kitten suddenly appeared next to me. I smelled him before I actually saw him, my nose twitching at the odor.

  It slanted one eye at me and then mewled, “Dog.”

  “My name is Moose,” I growled back. “If you’re going to be staying here, you better get used to it.”

  The kitten turned fully toward me then, pausing to run a slow paw across his whisker pad before narrowing his beady little green eyes. They reminded me of the pistachios that Peyton likes to eat. “I can only assume that you were named by a human with an obvious ignorance in biology.” The kitten tilted his head and then smirked. “Or perhaps the name was meant to be ironic. If so, then I say bravo.”

  I felt like there was a short joke in there somewhere. If it wasn’t for the fact that I knew it would upset Ashley, I’d have tossed him out the back door three days ago.

  “Look, here Fluffy…”

  “My name is Ragnar Silver Storm of the Iron Forge clan.”

  I muffled a growl. Cats could be so pretentious. “Really, because it sure sounded like Daisy has been calling you Fluffy.”

  The kitten snorted derisively. “I will never respond to such an appellation.”

  “Well—”

  “There you are Fluffy,” Daisy interrupted, scooping the kitten up in her arms. “You were so good to sit there. Do you want a treat?”

  “A treat?” the kitten meowed back at her. “Oh, yes please.”

  I snorted. “Ha, looks like you’ll answer to Fluffy if there’s a treat involved.”

  The kitten, now draped over Daisy’s shoulder, glared down at me. “Scoff all you like, dog. You’ve had your moment in the sun, but now it’s my turn to shine.”

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  “Don’t you remember? I believe it was your own human who said it the other night…you’re getting awfully old.” The kitten smiled, a disturbing sight. “And you know what happens when dogs get old.”

  I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. The little shit was right. I had heard Ashley say it…that I was getting old. What had she meant by that?

  Elvis came huffing up beside me, probably more out of breath from walking up the hill than rolling down it. He stood beside me and we watched Daisy carry the kitten inside the house.

  “Cats are such assholes,” he said. “I still can’t believe they brought one into your house.”

  “Yeah,” I muttered back. “You okay?” I asked, cocking my head to look at him.

  “Yeah.” He shook his ears, the movement causing a tuft of grass to fall out from his jowls. “Cassie said she didn’t need any help with Santa Claus after all.”

  I nodded, only half listening, my thoughts stuck on what he’d said earlier. Was it my house? I mean, it was Peyton’s house, and me and Ashley had just moved in. What if they decided that Daisy needed a younger pet? Would Ashley get rid of me, even after all that we’d been through together?

  I had a lot to think about.

  “I always said that Elvis was going to be death of me, but this wasn’t quite what I had in mind.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Cassie waved a paper towel under the stream of water flowing from the kitchen faucet and then squeezed it in her fist. She pushed a long lock of blonde hair behind one ear before twisting her elbow to look at the backside of her arm. “Other than the third-degree grass burn, I think I’ll live,” she said, gingerly wiping the wet paper towel over the long scrape that marked her forearm. Little bits of grass mingled with drops of blood as she drew the paper towel back and ran it back under the water.

  Leaning against the kitchen island, Ashley shook her head. “My goodness, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Elvis move so fast. Bless his heart.”

  “Oh, I’ve seen him move faster than this,” Cassie laughed and then dabbed at her arm again. “Remember…I told you about that time we were walking downtown and a hot dog cart knocked over right in front of us?”

  “Oh, my word,” Ashley grinned. “Well, I say we leave Santa and his reindeer until Peyton gets back from her mother’s house.”

  “I second that thought,” Cassie said with a nod. She stared at the running water for a long moment before reaching to turn it off. She turned to face Ashley, a thoughtful expression on her face. “You know, I’m really happy for the two of you. I’m glad that you’ve been able to find someone like Peyton…you know, who loves you and is there for you.”

  Momentarily taken aback by the sudden change in mood, Ashley pushed away from the island. “Thank you…but I don’t like that tone in your voice.” She crossed her arms. “I recognize it and you need to cheer up. There’s someone out there for you.”

  “Maybe,” Cassie said, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “But there’s only so many lesbians in Ridgeview, you know. I’ve either dated or am friends with—or both—every one within a thirty mile radius.”

  “Oh, don’t be ridiculous. And who says you’re confined to Ridgeview? Atlanta is not that far down the interstate—”

  “No.” Cassie shook her head. “I can’t leave Dad right now. He depends me on me too much.”

  Trying to stay positive, Ashley held back a frown. Unlike the relationship with her own parents, Cassie was close with her father. She’d been pulling double-duty over the past several months, balancing her job as a teacher with her father’s growing dependence due to a series of health issues. Ashley knew that it had been hard on Cassie, and mentally kicked herself for not picking up how much of a toll it was all putting on the other woman.

  Some friend you are. “Well…we just need to work on finding you someone.” She pursed her lips and thought. “What about Melanie? Surely, she knows someone in the area that hasn’t yet hit Cassie Wright’s little black book. Or maybe…I can’t think of her name, the girl that Melanie is dating?”

  Cassie gave her arm one last wipe and then gathered up the paper towels. She stepped across the kitchen and dropped them into the trash can. “Katie,” she said, shaking her head. “And it’s was dating—they broke up last week”

  “What? Why am I just now finding this out?”

  “I just found out myself last night. I was just about to tell you when Elvis took me out.

  “Wow, I thought they were perfect together. What happened?”

  Cassie shrugged. “Katie apparently thought she was perfect with someone else. Melanie caught her cheating.” Her voice took on a conspiratorial tone. “Apparently,” she drew out the word, “she was having a thing with the IT girl at work…who is just barely out of college.”

  At a loss for words, Ashley repeated, “Wow.”

  “I know, right? Melanie is devastated. She went on for hours about being traded in for a younger model.” Shaking her head, she continued, “I guess you just never know.”

&nb
sp; “I guess not,” Ashley mused. Hearing the dogs bark from the yard, she glanced down at her watch. “Tell you what—let’s go pick up Santa before the dogs decide to run off with him, and then we’ll get lunch started. Like I said, Peyton can help later. She loves to decorate for Christmas.”

  CHAPTER 4

  “I can’t believe you were able to get reservations to this place. Cassie said that she heard they were booked up past New Year’s.”

  Peyton smiled at Ashley. “Well, I know how badly you’ve been wanting to try this place out. One of the owners is involved in a rescue and we’ve been giving them free or nearly free care at the clinic. It wasn’t that hard to get,” she lied. In fact, it had been nearly impossible. The web she’d weaved to get the reservations would have impressed Machiavelli.

  Ashley smiled and placed her hand across the table, her eyes lighting up. “This is a fabulous surprise. I really needed it, especially after the day I’ve had.”

  Peyton grinned. “Let me guess…the freshmen?”

  “They’re going to be the death of me. I think I’d have an easier time teaching poetry to Moose.”

  “Hopefully you’ll survive the next—what is it? Four days, five?”

  “Shut your mouth,” Ashley laughed. “You know it’s two days, if I don’t count the weekend. Don’t wish any more time on me. That’s one of the few perks of being a teacher.”

  A waiter suddenly appeared with menus that he placed on the table. “Good evening,” the man said, folding his hands in front of him like a praying mantis. “Our specials this evening include Chilean sea bass in a lemon butter sauce and bacon wrapped scallops, paired with an herb crusted filet.”

  Peyton opened the menu, trying not to show the horror she felt as her eyes fell on the prices. Her first car had cost only a little more than the sea bass. But, it was worth it, Peyton decided, placing the menu back onto the table. She wanted nothing more than to make this night special for Ashley, and if it meant taking out a loan to cover a parmesan-crusted baked potato, so be it. She smiled back at the waiter. “Thank you. Give us a few minutes to look it over.”

  “Very good, madam. May I bring you the wine list while you’re perusing the menu? We have a very nice California Chablis.”

  “Oh no,” Ashley started to say. “I don’t think…”

  Peyton broke in. “No, that’s fine. Please bring us the list.”

  He nodded and walked off as Ashley touched Peyton’s arm. “Are you sure? These prices are so…”

  “Don’t worry about the prices. I just want you to relax. A nice glass of wine might help you forget the all the stress of wrapping up the semester.”

  Ashley smiled and squeezed Peyton’s arm. “You’re sweet. But believe me, there’s not that much wine.”

  Still smiling, Ashley settled back in her chair and began to look at her menu while Peyton enjoyed the view from across the table. Ashley really was a beautiful woman, with the candlelight picking up the golden highlights in her hair. Peyton ran her hand down her pants leg, passing over the box containing the ring in her pocket as she tried to get rid of the wetness in her palms. She wanted this moment to be perfect. Just the two of them, enjoying a lovely meal together, with no kids, no animals, no interruptions. She took a deep breath. It felt like showtime. Leaning forward, she captured Ashley’s hand and brought it to her lips. Peyton brushed a kiss across her knuckles and smiled.

  “Ashley, I…”

  “Here is the wine list you asked for, madam. The cabernet is also quite nice, a personal favorite of mine. Or perhaps I can interest you in a pinot noir that most of our customers enjoy.”

  Damn it. Quickly scanning the wine list, she pointed to one at random and then handed him back the leather bound folder. “This one will be fine.”

  Truthfully, Peyton didn’t know much about wine. She’d never strayed farther than a light beer when it came to drinking, so it was all Greek to her. She truly didn’t know the difference between a pinot and a cabernet. Nor did she much care.

  “Excellent choice, madam. And have you made a decision yet about dinner?”

  Would this guy never leave? She was about to ask him to give them a few more minutes when Ashley spoke up

  “I believe I’ll have the sea bass. That sounds quite nice.”

  “Yeah, me too,” Peyton said. Anything to get rid of this guy for a few minutes. She’d been practicing her speech and knew exactly what she wanted to say—Ashley, when I came back home and we reconnected after so many years, I thought I was really lucky. But then, I realized it wasn’t just luck. It was fate. You’re the only one I’ve ever really loved or will ever love. I want you in my life forever. Please say you’ll marry me.

  She had it all figured out. Knew exactly when to touch Ashley’s hand and when to gaze into her eyes. It would be perfect. Now all she had to do was get a chance to say it.

  “And your sides?” the waiter asked, pencil poised over the pad in his hand.

  Ashley opened her mouth to speak, but Peyton broke in, hoping to move this along. “Baked potatoes and salads. Ranch dressing on one and vinaigrette on the other.” She handed her menu over, trying to keep a pleasant smile on her face.

  “Wonderful,” the waiter said, nodding approvingly at them. “I’ll have this right out to you. And I’ll bring your wine.”

  “Oh goodness,” Ashley said as he walked away. “You think there will be butter and sour cream on that? He didn’t ask. I’ve been trying to cut back a little. Holiday weight gain and all.”

  Still semi-distracted, Peyton said, “I know. That’s why I got you the vinaigrette.”

  “Oh? So you agree that I need to lose weight?”

  “What?” Peyton shook her head. “Don’t be silly. Of course not. You’re perfect to me.” She leaned in closer. “As a matter of fact…”

  “Here’s your wine, ladies,” the waiter said, magically reappearing with a bottle. He made a little show of uncorking it and offering the cork to Peyton to sniff. Peyton shook her head and sat back in her chair, beginning to get a little irritated. “Would you like to taste it first, madam?”

  “No.” She waved a dismissive hand at the waiter. “Just leave it. Please.”

  He gave a curt nod. “In that case, I’ll have your dinners right out.”

  “Perfect to you,” Ashley said, a frown suddenly creasing her brow. “What does that mean? Has someone else said something?”

  “What?” Way to go, Peyton. Don’t blow this... “No, of course not. Look, honey, I have something I need to say to you.” She reached once again for Ashley’s hand.

  “Miss Baldwin? Is that you?” came a small voice from beside the table. Peyton looked over to see a young girl of about twenty, standing by the table with a big smile on her face.

  “I almost didn’t recognize you at first. Do you remember me?”

  “Of course I do.” Ashley faced brightened. “How are you…Monica?”

  “Just fine,” the girl chirped. “I’m at the University of Georgia now, you know. Just home for Christmas. It’s so good to see you. You were always my favorite teacher!”

  “Oh, that’s so sweet, Monica. It’s wonderful to see you too.

  “Well, I won’t disturb you and your friend. I can see you’re having dinner. Merry Christmas, Miss Baldwin.”

  Ashley waved as the girl walked away. “Merry Christmas to you too, Monica.” She looked back to Peyton, her smile fading.

  There was an awkward little silence, finally broken by the waiter bringing their food. He fussed a little over everything before leaving them alone. Ashley looked at the baked potato with a frown. “Butter and sour cream.”

  Peyton felt her stomach turn into a knot. This was not going the way she’d planned. At the rate she was going, she’d be good to get Ashley to go home with her, let alone accept a marriage proposal.

  “I think it looks good,” she said softly. “Just like you.” Ashley smiled a little distantly. Peyton saw her opening. “Ashley, I have something I need to say.
”

  “Yes?” she asked, looking expectantly up from a bite of sea bass.

  Peyton took a deep breath and started again. “When I first came back home and we reconnected, I thought I was really lucky. But then…

  “Is everything okay?” the waiter said, popping up again.

  Peyton sighed, but Ashley beamed at him. “Everything’s wonderful. Thanks.”

  The waiter nodded and walked away. Peyton huffed out an exasperated breath. “Jeez, this guy. He’s not giving us a moment’s peace.”

  Ashley took another bite of fish. “Oh, honey, he’s just trying to do his job.”

  “Well, he’s either damn good at it or just awful. I can’t decide which.”

  Ashley gave her a look of concern. “Is everything okay? You seem distracted tonight.”

  The ring in Peyton’s pocket began to feel heavy. “Everything’s fine. I just wanted us to have a nice evening.”

  “We are having a nice evening.”

  “Yeah, well…”

  Maybe this wasn’t going to work out so well after all. It was obvious that there would be too many interruptions to ask her tonight. Maybe they just needed to be alone to do this. Feeling a little disgruntled and out of sorts at her plan falling through, Peyton took a big sip of her wine, wishing it were something stronger.

  Just then, the waiter showed up again and smiled at them. “Did you save room for dessert?” he asked brightly, and imagining how much this fruitless dinner was already going to cost, Peyton could hardly keep the snarl from her voice.

  “No,” she said coldly. “Believe me, nobody at this table needs any dessert.”

  The waiter left and from across the table came an icy, quiet voice. “Thanks for saying so. I’ll start my diet in the morning.”

  CHAPTER 5

  “Now is really not the best time to talk, Mom. I’m kind of busy.”

  “Mmhmm, is that why you didn’t answer your cell phone? How busy could you be? I thought your office closed at five?”