Winter Chill

by Joanne Fluke

  “You can go with us,” Midge offered. “Edith and I are going to stay until it gets rowdy.”

  “I’ll let you know.” Marian glanced at the clock and gathered up her things. “I’ve got to run now. Dan’s last class is out in ten minutes.”

  Marian walked out to the deserted parking lot and started the heater in the van. The elementary-school teachers were already gone, and high-school classes were in session for another five minutes. Marian had developed the habit of leaving a little early and warming the van before Dan came out. Cliff Heller always brought him to the parking lot and helped to get the wheelchair in the van. With the hydraulic lift Jim had installed, it was a simple matter to disembark at home.

  Crowds of happy students streamed out of the school, throwing snowballs and shouting. School was out for two weeks. No homework and no studying. Christmas vacation was here.

  Marian had a bad feeling about this particular Christmas vacation. It seemed Sally’s news was an omen of disappointments to come. She had been looking forward to the teachers’ party, the laughter and the noise, the good-natured ribbing and fellowship. She supposed she could go with Edith and Midge, but it wouldn’t be the same without Sally. They had been together at every teachers’ Christmas party for the past nine years.

  He was coming now. Marian backed the van out a little so Cliff would have a nice flat place to wheel Dan. Connie Bergstrom was with him, and she waved at Marian. Connie was a sweet girl, the best teacher’s aide Marian had ever had. They were a good-looking couple, Cliff and Connie. Laura loved to have them for baby-sitters. Marian wondered if she and Dan had ever looked that young and that in love.

  Dan looked tired as he waved at her. He must have had a hard day. Perhaps he’d want to take a nap until Ronnie and the guys arrived.

  Of course, she wouldn’t be able to relax until later. Marian’s shoulders slumped slightly in resignation. She had to clean up the house and buy some snacks for the poker party tonight. That meant dropping off Dan at home and going to the crowded supermarket for cheese and pretzels. They’d want pizza, too. She’d have to remember that.

  Marian yawned. Now that she thought about it, she was tired, too. It had been a hectic day. Her class had been rambunctious, but that was normal for a party day. Actually, the Christmas party had gone very well. Three mothers had shown up as chaperones, and they had all brought refreshments. Everyone had had a good time except Marian.

  She had managed to hide her sadness when they opened their presents. She had smiled and taken part in the games. But throughout the party, she had thought of Laura. Laura loved Christmas. Parties were no fun without her baby.

  The guys arrived at seven. Ronnie carried in two cases of beer and found room for them in the refrigerator.

  Gus Olson was already shuffling the cards when she went into the den. He had on a green eyeshade, and one of Ronnie’s awful cigars was clamped in his mouth.

  “Shall we deal you in, Marian? Dan says you’re a mean poker player.”

  Marian grinned. “Thanks, but I’ll pass. Edith just called. She wants me to come to the teachers’ party.”

  “It’ll do you good to go out.” Ronnie nodded sagely. “You want her to go, don’t you, Dan?”

  “Well . . . sure! Of course I do.”

  There was a hesitation in his voice, and Marian turned to look at him sharply.

  “I won’t go if you want me to stay here, honey. The party doesn’t really matter to me.”

  “No, you should go,” Jim Sorensen said. “If you leave, we don’t have to watch our language.”

  “Go ahead, Marian. I don’t mind. Just don’t kiss anyone under the mistletoe.”

  He was joking, but there was a warning in his voice. Marian heard it and knew what it meant. Drew would be at the party. Dan was still a little worried about Drew.

  “Are you sure?” Marian bent over his wheelchair and whispered softly in his ear. “Really, Dan. I don’t want to go if you’ll be upset.”

  Dan reached out and patted her on the fanny. He winked at the guys and spoke loud enough for them to hear.

  “Put on a pretty dress and get out of here, Marian. We’ve got poker to play. Just make sure you’re home by one so you can bail me out if I get short of money.”

  They were kidding back and forth as she went upstairs to dress. Their loud voices and laughter sounded good in the house. It was wonderful to see Dan having a good time, and she felt a surge of excitement as she thought about the party. Maybe it would be fun, after all.

  Marian drove up in back of the Elks Lodge and parked in the lot. Quite a few people were here. She recognized Edith’s yellow Honda and Harvey Woodruff’s green VW bug. She’d put in a token appearance and go right back home. It made her feel strange to go to a party without Dan.

  The parking lot was slippery, and Marian picked her way across the ruts of packed snow, a bit unsure of her footing in high heels. She had thought there’d be a place nearer to the entrance. The sounds of the traffic on the highway a block away were muted by the snow. It was falling again, in lazy, heavy, white flakes. The snowplows would be out tomorrow.

  As she opened the door, a blast of heated air and loud music rolled out to greet her. Harvey had hired Fred Norby’s band again this year, and they were even louder than she remembered. Fred seemed to make up for a lack of talent with sheer volume, but he knew every piece on request. The band wasn’t good, but they were fun. Fred could liven up any party after he’d downed a couple of drinks.

  “Nice job of decorations!” Marian shouted over the din. Edith rushed up, beaming. She was the head of the decoration committee, and Marian had to admit the Elks Lodge had never looked so festive. Branches of evergreen hung from the rafters, interspersed with strings of lights and Christmas ornaments. There was a red candle at each table, surrounded by pinecones and a sprig of holly. And in the center of the dance floor, an enormous bunch of mistletoe hung suspended from the center beam.

  “I think the lights make this big old place look much cozier.” Edith was shouting, too, trying to compete with Fred’s music. “I’m glad you came, Marian. Go up to the bar and get yourself some eggnog. It’s very good this year.”

  The eggnog was good. Marian walked from table to table, chatting. Everyone seemed glad to see her, replenishing her eggnog glass every time it was partially empty. Without quite meaning to, Marian was beginning to get a little tipsy. They must have made the eggnog a lot stronger this year.

  She was sitting with Edith and Midge when Harvey came to claim his yearly dance. Marian smiled and suffered through the ordeal. She was absolutely sure the principal’s story about being a dance teacher in his youth was pure fabrication. Harvey whirled her around the floor with no discernible rhythm until Marian thought she would surely slip and fall. At least Fred Norby was on her side. The number was short, and her duty was done for another year.

  “My turn.” Marian turned to find Drew standing behind her. “Come on, Marian. It’s the last chance I’ll have to dance with you.”

  The moment was sad, but Fred’s music sounded unusually mellow and Marian smiled as Drew led her in a slow waltz. Her head was spinning from the eggnog, and the bright little Christmas-tree lights seemed to dim, enclosing them in an intimate glow.

  “Kiss that pretty lady! You’re right under the mistletoe.” Fred spoke into the microphone. Several teachers nearby cheered him on, and Drew planted a quick kiss on her cheek. Even though the kiss was perfectly innocent, Marian was very glad when they started dancing again.

  “I’ll open for a nickel.” Ronnie grinned at Dan and winked. “Big spender, huh?”

  “I’m in.” Gus Olson tossed a nickel to the center of the table. “How about you, Dan? Is that a little smile I see?”

  “Just trying to fake you guys out.” Dan tossed in a nickel and laughed.

  “Sure . . . I know that expression.” Jim Sorensen leaned back in his chair and rubbed his blond beard. “Okay, I’m in, but the next cards had better be good. Louis
e’ll kill me if I lose too much tonight.”

  The bidding got all the way up to a dollar and a half before they folded. Dan flashed his four kings and raked in the pile of money.

  “Some guys have all the luck!” Gus grumbled, opening another beer. “It’s my deal, boys. And the luck’s about to change!”

  Dan grinned, but the words rang in his ears. Some guys have all the luck. Sure. Right now he’d trade places with anyone at this table. They didn’t know how lucky they were.

  Marian was thinking about heading home. The party was getting a little loud now, and she had a slight headache. She took three aspirins out of her purse and washed them down with the rest of her eggnog.

  “Here’s another glass, Marian.” Harvey came up to her table with a drink in hand. “I’ve been meaning to ask you. What do you think of moving grade six to junior high? Will it disrupt the system?”

  Marian almost groaned aloud. She’d be trapped for at least twenty minutes now, discussing the pros and cons of the proposed change. She picked up her glass and took a big swallow. Harvey always liked to talk education at these parties, and he had a habit of going on and on. It might be more interesting if she weren’t quite sober.

  “I’m not sure, Harvey.” Marian smiled sweetly. “What do you think?”

  Half an hour later, Marian managed to excuse herself to use the ladies’ room. She had worked her way through four glasses of eggnog, and her head was whirling. She wanted to leave for home now, but she wasn’t sure she could navigate the icy streets. It might be better to stay for a few minutes, until her head cleared.

  She sat down in front of the long mirror and stared at her reflection. She looked good tonight. The blue knit dress clung to her figure, and her hair was sleek and glossy. She wasn’t really beauty-queen material, but several men had been eyeing her all evening. It was a good thing Dan wasn’t here. He’d certainly be jealous tonight.

  Midge poked her head in the door. “So that’s where you’re hiding out! I must say I don’t blame you. We saw you sitting there, stuck with Harvey. I just wanted to tell you we’re leaving now. Edith wants to get home before her driveway’s snowed in.”

  “Is it that bad out there?” Marian stood up and patted her hair. “Maybe I’d better think about leaving, too.”

  “You won’t have any trouble.” Midge laughed. “You know Edith and her driveway. She worries if there’s half an inch of snow. Stay and enjoy yourself, Marian. I think this party’s doing you a world of good.”

  “Just the person I wanted to see.” Drew grabbed her arm as she walked across the dance floor. “How about another dance before Harvey catches me? He’s got Mary’s husband cornered right now, but I can tell he’s looking for a new target.”

  “Where were you when I needed you?” Marian asked, grinning. “You didn’t come to my rescue.”

  “Aw, come on, Marian . . . have a heart!” Drew glanced over his shoulder and winced. “And hurry up. He’s looking right at me.”

  Marian giggled slightly. She had half a notion to refuse, but Drew’s hand on her arm was compelling.

  “All right, but consider it your going-away present.” She laughed. “One rescue, all gift wrapped and tied with a pretty bow.”

  Marian stumbled slightly as they started to dance. She couldn’t seem to keep her balance.

  “I think you had one eggnog too many, Marian.” Drew looked down at her and grinned. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d swear you were smashed.”

  “Not me.” Marian shook her head. “I’m as sober as a lawyer. No. A judge. And I think I need another little drink.”

  “You’re going to have a hangover in the morning, Marian. Are you sure you want another drink?”

  “Assotively, possilutely.” Marian giggled again, her hand to her mouth. “I guess I am a little drunk. But I’m having so much fun!”

  “It’s your head, kid.” Drew pulled her off the dance floor and found a place for them at the bar. “Eggnog, right?”

  “I think the lady will switch to vodka now.” Marian perched on a stool and smiled regally. “Vodka on the rocks, with a twist of... something.”

  Drew raised his eyebrows, but he poured the drink. Marian took a sip and coughed. The vodka was harsh, but it felt like hot velvet in her throat. She felt loose and carefree, relaxed at last after a month of grueling tension. She could understand why people drank now; she had never really understood before. Everything was nice. There were no worries. This was turning out to be the best party of her life.

  “Hey, Dan? Wake up, buddy. It’s your turn to deal.”

  Dan gave a sheepish grin as he gathered in the cards and started to shuffle. He sure didn’t want the guys to start asking him what was on his mind. He’d have to pay more attention to the game from now on.

  As he shuffled, he imagined her dancing with Drew, their bodies pressed closely together. She’d probably had a couple of drinks by now. They always drank a lot at teachers’ parties. Drew would be holding her a little too close, but she wouldn’t mind. She’d be having a wonderful time, laughing up at him as she whirled around the floor.

  “Don’t you think they’re mixed up enough yet?”

  “Oh, yeah. Just trying to make sure there’re five aces in your hand, Gus.” Dan passed the deck over for the cut. He had to stop thinking about her. She was probably discussing teaching methods with Midge and Edith. His imagination was getting the best of him. Christ, he wished she’d get home soon!

  His hands were warm, and Marian cried out softly. For some strange reason her hair was wet. Vaguely, she remembered a silly snowball fight in the parking lot. They really should go home now. It must be dreadfully late. Or were they already home? No, the curtains were striped. Her house didn’t have striped curtains.

  At least she wasn’t drunk. Marian giggled softly. Look at how neatly she had solved that problem. Striped curtains, no striped curtains. She was not at home.

  Her dress was folded carefully over the couch so it wouldn’t wrinkle. That proved her sobriety. Had she folded it? She couldn’t remember taking it off.

  Marian opened her eyes wide and looked down at herself. She was wearing . . . nothing. That was funny. The best-dressed teacher at the party was wearing nothing.

  There was a sensation of heat and wetness. It felt wonderful. The fingers of her right hand moved down to stroke his hair. The delicious feeling seemed to last for hours, and then she was weightless, watching the curtains recede as she traveled through the doorway and down the hall. Another doorway. Count them. One. Two. It was almost like flying. And then there was a warm, soothing rocking as she sank down on the bed.

  A water bed. Her mind was working clearly now. She was on a heated water bed, and the sheets were warm and smooth. She turned to look at the floor and smiled happily. A pile of clothing was growing there. Shirt, pants, socks . . . She was tired of counting.

  “Mmmm, it’s just like swimming.” Her voice was filled with laughter. “This is the first time, you know. I’ve never been on a water bed before.”

  There was answering laughter, deeper, more resonant. She tried to sit up to smile at him, but it was difficult to keep her balance. Gentle waves lapped under her, and she was floating, hanging on to the only solid bulwark, arms tightening around his body, pulling him close.

  His body was smooth, heat generating under the surface of his skin. His tongue streaked like fire from one aching side to the other. She was caught in the cross fire. The heat was raging. Pleasure streaked through her body in a dizzying circle.

  “Don’t move.” She heard him through a foggy filter. “Just enjoy, honey.”

  She heard herself laugh. She was enjoying and she made a sound, a low moan of animal pleasure. The room was whirling and she was in the center, drowning in a whirlpool of sensation. Faster she raged, whirling and dipping in heart-stopping ecstasy, almost lost in the bursting of this unexpected delight.

  Her eyes opened wide and she looked up at him. The man she loved. Her husband. Wond
erful Dan. But it wasn’t Dan! Drew’s face had taken his place!

  Suddenly her thoughts turned cold, her mind icy with shock. She looked down to observe her flushed, heated body on the bed. Mind and body were separated fully. She felt nothing but disdain for the very sensations she had loved only a short moment before.

  Bad, she thought from her post as unwilling observer. Don’t. Now, don’t. Stop it. Why are you doing this? Wrong. No. No!

  Shame flew from her mind to her body. And then panic so deep, she pushed him back and opened her mouth to scream.

  “Marian! Jesus!”

  She was quiet now. Calm. “I can’t,” she stated flatly. “I have to go home. I can’t.”

  “Sure, Marian.” He was looking at her with something like fear. “I’ll take you back to the van.”

  She dressed calmly, efficiently, moving like an automaton. Her clear, rational mind gave the orders. And she felt nothing as she rode in silence to the cold parking lot, started the icy engine of the van, and drove off alone. She had not bothered to erase the fear on his face. It didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was Dan.

  CHAPTER 10

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to wait until Marian gets home?”

  “No, I’m fine.” Dan watched as Ronnie carried the last of the dirty dishes into the kitchen. “Thanks for cleaning up, Ronnie. And thanks for playing such lousy poker.”

  Ronnie laughed good-naturedly. “How much did you stick us for, Dan?”

  “Four dollars and thirty-five cents. That’s almost as much as teachers’ wages. Maybe I ought to quit working and move to Vegas.”

  Ronnie laughed. He’d heard this complaint about teachers’ salaries before. They were all underpaid. He made more working for the resorts in a week than Dan made in a whole month.

  “Well, I’ll get going then. See you in a couple of days, Dan.”

  It was twelve thirty, and Dan switched on the television. Kind Hearts and Coronets was running on the movie channel. He’d seen it before, but it was still good diversion until Marian got home. She ought to be here any minute now.