Celia walked back to the kitchen where she turned in her apron and headband. She tapped the kitchen manager on the shoulder. “I won’t be back.”
“I didn’t think you would be,” the manager sneered.
“For two bucks an hour plus tips, you know what you can do with this job, don’t you?”
Celia held out her hand. “You owe me six dollars. Pay up.”
The manager whipped out six one-dollar bills and slapped them into Celia’s hand. She pocketed the money, a gleeful look on her face. She rejoined Ruby, who was paying her check.
“What did Birch say?”
“He said he thought it was a wonderful opportunity for me and to do it. He wished us both luck. He’s going skiing to Vermont this weekend with Sunny, Harry, and their therapist. I forget her name.”
“Libby.”
“Yes, Libby. Birch loves to ski. He said he was going to teach me someday. I don’t think I’d make a good snow bunny. I like warm weather, sunshine, and sand. I’m all yours, Ruby,” Celia babbled, her opaque eyes glittering.
Ruby felt her stomach crunch into a knot. “Then let’s get on with it.”
“Was that Celia?”
“Yep. Ruby offered her the job as spokesperson for The Chicken Palaces. Big bucks and a super bonus at the end of the year. She’s pretty excited. Traveling first-class is something she’ll enjoy. I told her about our trip, and she was really enthusiastic about it.”
“Then why the strain?” Sunny asked.
“We used to have this wonderful, carefree, easygoing relationship. I think it disappeared the moment we got off the plane. Sage acted weird from the moment he met us. Mom didn’t take to Celia at all. I could tell. Everyone kind of stood back and . . . hell, I don’t know what they were doing. Assessing us, I guess. I picked up on it and Celia did, too. I shrugged it off, and she didn’t. She reacted, and then I reacted. Things got out of hand. To this day I can’t believe I belted her around. Anger, frustration, rejection by my family for making a poor choice in their eyes. It got to me. I don’t know if we can get back to where we were. Celia might have the right idea about putting space between us to see how we really feel. Personally, I think it’s a mistake.”
“I just want to know one thing. Why did you trench in like that with the purse strings? You’re so generous it’s ridiculous. Come on, Birch, making Celia work at waitressing and subbing, that’s not like you.”
“It is when I get the idea in my head that my wife is more interested in my money than she is in me. By the way, that idea is still with me. I think that’s part of the problem.”
Sunny’s voice was gentle when she said, “Do you still love her, Birch?”
“I don’t know. Jesus, I hate the word divorce as much as I hate the act. That would be the alternative. You don’t stay with someone you don’t love.”
Sunny’s voice turned jittery. “Maybe this weekend isn’t such a good idea. It might give Celia ideas later on. I’m not saying she will think . . . I just know how bitter and angry I felt with Tyler.”
“Celia’s okay with the trip. She knows Libby is going. She said she hopes we all have a good time. Celia does have some good points.”
“If you have second thoughts, it’s okay with me and Harry.”
“No way. They have a dogsled run. You guys could do that. They have all kinds of stuff for disabled people. It’s going to be a great weekend. Uncle Daniel told me we could take off Monday and Tuesday if we wanted to stay on. I’d like to. You and Harry are going to be tired from the trip and the excitement, so we’ll lose one day until you regroup. I say we go for it.”
“Okay.”
“Did . . . ah, did Libby say anything about the trip?”
“She said she was looking forward to it and last night she went to the mall and bought a new ski outfit. She picked up outfits for me and Harry, too. We are going to shine, big brother. You have to pay her back, Birch. The bank hasn’t transferred my money yet. Six hundred and forty-two dollars. She might need the money, so will you make out the check today?”
“I’ll take care of it, Sunny.”
“You know what, Birch. I love you.”
Birch swallowed hard. “You know what, Sunny. I love you, too.”
Sunny beamed her pleasure, her eyes moist with happiness.
10
“Oh, Birch, this is beautiful! How did you find this place? I always wanted to come to Vermont, especially in the autumn to see the change of leaves. Were you here before?” Sunny cried, her voice ringing with excitement.
“Uncle Simon brought Sage and me up here one weekend when we were in college. He loved it. That was the year Sage blew out his knee on the slopes. He swore he’d never go skiing again. What do you think, Harry?”
“I’ve never been in snow before. I lived in Florida and never left the state. I can’t wait to touch it and feel it. I want to make a snowball. Seeing snow in movies and television isn’t the same. Are you sure we’ll fit in here?” His voice was so frazzled, the three of them clustered around, patting him on the back.
“Damn straight we belong here,” Sunny said.
“Don’t ever let me hear you say anything like that again,” Libby said.
“You absolutely belong here,” Birch said. “You are going to be catered to like never before. Libby and I made sure the activities are things you’ll enjoy. The food’s wonderful. There are fireplaces in the lobby and in every room. They have a wine cellar Dad would have been proud of. We’ll meet up for breakfast and dinner. Lunch is kind of picnic style in the dining room. You guys can handle it.”
The ever-practical Sunny said, “This must have cost a fortune.”
“It depends on what you call a fortune. To me it was nothing if it gives you and Harry pleasure. I wanted to do it, Sunny. I owe you big time.” Birch leaned over and whispered, “Having money means you can do good things for other people, like opening ski lodges before the season officially begins. You, Harry, and Libby are other people. Don’t spoil our time here by equating everything with money.”
“I see stars in Libby’s eyes. I don’t think she’s ever had a vacation like this. I’m very grateful for her and Harry. You’re right, it’s nice to do things for other people who truly appreciate it. God, I hope we have a storm while we’re here.”
“Me too,” Birch grinned. “Okay, let’s settle in and make some plans. We’ll meet here in the lobby in one hour.”
“This is so nice of you, Birch. Sunny and Harry are like little kids when it comes to an outing. I don’t think you could have done anything for them that would be better than this. It’s hard to believe Harry has never seen snow. I want to thank you for all of us.” Heat radiated up Birch’s arm when Libby placed her hand on top of his.
“Okay, here’s your key. Libby, your room is next to Sunny’s on the ground floor, with a connecting door the way you requested. My room is on the far side of yours. Your bags will be right behind you.”
Libby smiled and waved. Birch felt the urge to stamp his feet and burst into song. He remembered Sage heckling him about not being able to carry a tune. He clamped his lips shut and headed for the elevator.
Birch was the first one to return to the lobby, where a hostess handed him a cup of steaming tea. He threw his ski jacket over a bright plaid sofa and stared at the fire. He made a mental note to come back after the holidays if his uncles could spare him. Later on he’d take his charges to Hawaii. Sunny would love the ocean. He wondered what Libby looked like in a bathing suit.
“Mulling the problems of the world?” Libby asked.
“Kind of. I was making a mental note to myself to come back here. I thought about taking Sunny and Harry to Hawaii after the new year. You’re invited of course. Have you ever been there?”
“It’s on my list of places to visit someday. Maybe when I’m old and on a pension I’ll go with some senior group. You know, a someday thing to keep you on your toes.”
“We’re ready,” Sunny said, her voice full of j
oy and expectation. “Harry is about to explode, so let’s get on with it. What’s first?”
“You two are going for a sleigh ride. Real horses wearing real bells in a real sleigh with a real lap robe and a real thermos full of the hot toddies. After that you’re going sledding on real sleds with a steering mechanism. You have backup in front of you, on the sides, and behind you. Depending on how well you do, there is every possibility you can snowmobile tomorrow. With backup, of course.”
“Honest. Oh, Birch, this is so wonderful. Isn’t it wonderful, Harry?”
“I think I’m in shock,” the soft-spoken Harry said. “You guys have to be the best people in the whole world. Your whole family is aces. I include you in the family, Libby.”
“I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me,” Libby said.
“What are you two going to do?” Sunny asked.
Birch waved his tickets. “We’re hitting the slopes. We’ll meet here around six and make an early evening of it. Tomorrow is jam-packed.”
“Let’s go, Harry. Don’t break any bones, Birch. I forgot whatever first aid I knew.”
“Don’t worry, I remember everything,” Harry said.
“Harry’s so smart he could be a doctor. If not a doctor, at least a nurse. He took every course there is. We’re all safe with Harry.” The love and loyalty in his sister’s voice stunned Birch. Would someone ever say wonderful things like that about him?
“A penny for your thoughts, Mr.Thornton,” Libby teased.
“I was wondering if anyone would ever say nice things like that about me.”
Libby stopped in mid-stride. “Doesn’t your wife say things like that?”
“No.” Birch’s voice was as cold as the air that blasted them when he held the door open for Libby.
“I hope I don’t embarrass you, Birch. I haven’t skied in a very long time.”
“We’re going to take it easy today. I want to see what you got before I subject you to the intermediate course.”
“Oh ye of little faith. There is every possibility I might ski rings around you.”
A worried look crossed Birch’s face. Was she holding out on him? “Do you think so?”
“No, but it sounded good.”
Birch laughed.
Settled in the ski lift, Birch asked, “Are you warm enough?”
“Toasty.”
“I like your outfit. It matches your eyes. I really appreciate you taking the time to buy Sunny and Harry outfits. I love their excitement. Both of them make me feel so good. It’s really strange how my life seems more complete when I’m around those two. I hesitate to use the word inspiration, but I can’t think of one that’s better. I gave Sunny the check to give you.”
“She gave it to me. Thanks. The salesgirl guaranteed I would get at least one compliment. I got three.”
“Three’s good,” Birch said. For some reason he felt flustered. He heaved a sigh of relief when it was time to slide from the lift.
“You go first. I’ll be right behind you. See you at the bottom.”
“I’m nervous.”
“Don’t be. Shift your mind into neutral and go from there. When you fly you’re one with the plane. Skiing is the same. Go!”
At the bottom, Libby ripped off her goggles and grinned. “That was so . . . so wonderful! I’m ready to go again. God, I forgot how exhilarating skiing can be. How about you?”
Birch wanted to say he was so intent on watching her he hadn’t had time to enjoy the run. He nodded. “Tomorrow our legs will let us know what we did today.”
“Who cares? That’s why they make liniment. I brought two bottles.” Libby tilted her head to stare at the sun. “I bet we can make two more runs. Are you game?”
“You bet.”
Birch watched his destiny settle into the lift chair, his heart in his eyes. He jerked his head to the side to stare at the blinding white snow. He wondered how a poet would put into words what he was feeling.
Libby smiled as Birch settled into the lift seat. Suddenly the late afternoon became brighter, warmer. Their shoulders touched. Then their knees touched. Warmth coursed through Birch. “I’m starving,” he blurted.
“I was just thinking the same thing. Right now I think I could eat anything.”
“Do you believe people can live on love?” Birch blurted. Jesus, did I just say that?
Libby tilted her head to the side. She appeared to be seriously considering the question. “Maybe in the beginning. Eventually one needs to chew. I think. Then there’s the matter of water. One can live for a long time with just water. Of course you lose weight and become malnourished or is that undernourished? If you’re looking for a one-word answer, mine would have to be no. What’s your opinion?”
“I don’t have one. Opinion that is. I don’t even know why I asked the question.”
“Maybe it had something to do with Sunny and Harry. Although, I have to tell you, they both eat a lot.”
“I was thinking I wanted to kiss you, and those words came out.”
“Oh.”
“Get ready. Go!”
They were off the lift, face-to-face. “I wasn’t going to do it. I meant I was thinking about it.”
“Oh.”
“What would you have done if I had kissed you?”
Libby dug her poles into the snow with force. “I would have kissed you back.” In a flash the poles were uprooted and she was skiing down the hill like a pro. His eyes almost popping from his head, Birch gave a mighty surge forward.
They frolicked, they teased, they flirted as they swerved around trees and clumps of evergreens off the ski run. They reached the bottom of the run at exactly the same time; Libby swerving to the left, Birch to the right.
“That was very good,” Birch said.
“For a girl is what you really mean?”
Birch grinned. “You’re almost as good as I am.”
“Tomorrow I’ll strut my stuff. You up to the ‘big’ one?”
“Oh, yeah. I think I’ve had it for the day, though.”
“Me too. It was a long trip. I just want a hot bath and half a cow for dinner. I would be willing to settle for a whole chicken. How about you?”
“Lots of mashed potatoes, lots of gravy, lots of rare beef or well-done chicken. No fish. A big as in big, gooey dessert. Lots of coffee, the last one laced with brandy and then bed. Up at the crack of dawn, a big breakfast, eggs, bacon, pancakes, toast, juice, and lots and lots of coffee.”
Libby groaned. “Toast, grapefruit, and coffee. If we eat your menu, we’ll be too stuffed to ski.”
“I dream a lot,” Birch laughed.
“About what?”
“This and that. Things. You.”
“Oh.”
“Do you dream?”
“Sure.”
“What’s in your dreams?”
“Things. Places. Sunny and Harry running a race. You.”
“This isn’t good, is it?”
“No it isn’t.”
“Something’s happening.”
“Only if we allow it. We need to disallow it. Is there such a word?”
“It doesn’t matter. I know what you mean.”
“Friends?”
“Absolutely.”
Libby smiled as she reached for his hand. “What do you suppose that rich, gooey, big as in big, dessert will be?”
“Warm berry pie with soft ice cream, hot chocolate sauce, warm butterscotch syrup with whipped cream and slivered nuts. A cherry on top. My mother always put mine in a soup bowl. Everyone else got a regulation dessert dish.” Birch guffawed.
They were still holding hands when they reached the lodge.
“Here they come. Here they come. Look, Harry, they’re holding hands. I hope they had as good a time as we did.”
Harry laughed aloud. The smile stayed on his face as Sunny expounded on the afternoon activities.
“It was great. The best. We even ran into a snow squall. Harry kept opening his mouth
and swallowing the snow. We weren’t the least bit cold. It was so . . . I don’t know the words. What was it, Harry?”
“Intoxicating and invigorating.”
“Yeah, yeah. I think it was one of the best days of my life. We’re starving, how about you guys?”
“I was chewing the doorknob as we came in,” Birch joked. “Let’s split up, shower, change, and meet down here for a drink before dinner. The dining room has its own sofas and fireplace. We’ll have a really nice evening. If we aren’t too tired after dinner, we can watch a video.”
“You and Libby watch a video; Harry and I are going to bed after dinner. We want to get up early to make sure we don’t miss anything. Thanks again for giving us a great day,” Sunny said as she blew a kiss in Birch and Libby’s direction.
Birch clapped Harry on the back. “See you later.”
Monday afternoon, three days after their arrival, Sunny and Harry watched the desk clerk post a snow advisory in huge block letters on a bulletin board behind the desk. “It’s so early in the year for this much snow. I was reading the local paper last night and the article said they hadn’t had this much snow, this early, since 1933,” Harry said.
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