She Only Speaks to Butterflies

by Appleyard, Sandy

Lee turned around suddenly, almost like he could sense someone was watching. When he saw the strange look in Sherry’s eyes his face dropped. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Sherry. I shoulda brought her right home. She just come over to me while I was mowin’ the lawn. I figured you wasn’t far behind. I didn’t mean to make ya worry.”

  Sherry broke out of her reverie with his apologetic tone. “Oh, no, that’s okay.” Her hands were in front of her, waving away his guilt. “She never wonders away like this. She knows better.”

  Lee looked at Denise with a warm, yet cautious glance, not quite admonishing her. “If ya ever want to come and visit, yer welcome to, but ya gotta ask yer momma first. K?”

  Denise pursed her lips, staring at the ground, and walked toward her mom. Sherry looked down at her. “We better get back and let gramma and grampa know yer safe. They’re lookin’ all over for ya.”

  “Again, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean no harm.” Lee rose to open the gate for Denise.

  “No need to apologize. It’s not yer fault,” Sherry smiled. “I’ll see ya later.”

  As Sherry walked away, she wanted so badly to turn around so she could ask Lee if she spoke to him, and offer an explanation if she didn’t. But something inside told her that Lee was a perceptive human being and didn’t need explanation.

  Chapter 13

  “Oh darlin’ aren’t you a sight for sore eyes!” Kenny gushed as Sherry walked down the stairs. “It’s amazin’ how ya get more and more beautiful with age, just like yer momma.”

  Sherry turned to her mom, who was fastening her drop earrings in place. “Momma, how’d we get so darn lucky?”

  Gertrude slipped her arm around Kenny’s waist. “God is good.”

  “That he is,” Kenny whispered, chastely kissing his wife on the lips.

  One glance at the clock and Sherry gasped. “Geez, we better get goin’. We’re supposed to be at the dance in ten minutes.”

  “No worries, darlin’, we’re all ready aren’t we?” Kenny asked, swinging around to see Denise coloring, all dressed in a frilly pink chiffon dress.

  “Get yer pretty shoes on, love. We’re ready to go dancin’.” He called to her.

  To Sherry’s surprise, both Martha and Jenny Martin’s car were parked in the lot at the lodge. “Oh boy, should be an interestin’ night with both of ‘em here.”

  “I’m sure it’ll all work out,” Gertrude assured, pulling her seat belt off. “Maybe Reverend Telly’s cleared ‘em all up in confession.”

  “Let’s hope,” Sherry sighed. “This dance is supposed to be for charity.”

  “Worst case we can bet who wins the next scrap,” Kenny joked, receiving an elbow in the ribs from his wife.

  Sherry ignored the comment, looking over at Denise. “At least Luke’ll be here to play with ya, darlin’.”

  “Speak of the devil,” Gertrude murmured, spotting Martha and Luke coming toward them.

  “Hey y’all,” Martha welcomed. “Don’t worry, ain’t gonna be no show tonight.” Her tone was apologetic yet comical, like she was sorry but she couldn’t stop laughing despite her mistake.

  “You two work things out?” Sherry watched Luke grab Denise’s hand as they ran into the lodge.

  Martha waved. “Yeah. She apologized first. Wan’t so bad,” she smirked. “I don’t know what sparked that, had that been me I’d a clocked her one back on the first chance.”

  Sherry grinned. “Ah well, it don’t matter now. I’m glad you’re here anyway. I was beginnin’ to think I’d have to cut the night short on account of Denise bein’ bored.”

  “Henry’ll take her for a sleepover with Luke when they get tired if ya like,” Martha offered. “You and I are on clean-up duty anyhow.”

  “Thanks,” Sherry said. “We oughta get in there. Lord knows what the kids are gettin’ into.”

  White and powder blue streamers were twisted neatly and hung in a big ‘x’ pattern on the ceiling. Hung in the centre was a large, mirrored disco ball. White and blue balloons were taped sparingly on the walls and each table was covered with a white, thin plastic table cloth.

  Leon, standing by the bar in the corner, waved Sherry over. “We got a truck load of food in the fridge back there that needs to get organized before the herd arrives.”

  After twenty minutes, the place was organized and ready for the guests to arrive. The disc jockey started the music, and the lights were dimmed as the disco ball began to flash colored light in flecks across the walls, ceiling and floor. Sherry got so busy serving food and drinks that she didn’t notice how fast the place filled. As she served a third vodka and orange juice to Reggie Maxwell, there was a tap on her shoulder.

  “Who let the hens into the henhouse?” Sarah called over the music. At first Sherry furrowed her brow, and then Sarah looked over at Martha and Jenny conversing by Ned and Kate.

  “Apparently they made amends,” Sherry said as the song changed, and she lowered her voice. “They look pretty cozy now.”

  “Better keep Martha on a leash with the hooch, that’s where we got to worry,” Sarah warned.

  Sherry recalled the night she and Martha went out to the bar and Martha gave the bartender some trouble. “Don’t worry. I’ll warn Leon.”

  Sarah watched Reggie Maxwell walk away after grabbing a plate of food. “You think the ol’ drunk would put on a decent hat for an event like this instead of wearing that old red hunter’s cap thing.”

  “He’s superstitious, wearin’ it for luck,” Sherry speculated.

  Sarah popped a jalapeno appetizer onto her tongue, looking toward the door. Lee Givens walked in by himself, wearing a dashing three-piece suit and tie. She wiggled her eyebrows. “Looky looky. I’ll bet he’s happy to see Jenny here,” she scoffed. “Maybe that’s why she made up with Martha, didn’t want to miss an opportunity.”

  “Ah, hush.” Sherry was agitated. “She ain’t got no interest in him.”

  Sarah looked down at Sherry as if through bifocals. “Seems someone else does,” she teased.

  Ignoring the remark, Sherry walked away. “I’m gonna go be social.”

  Denise and Luke were hiding under a table, having a pretend picnic with stuffed animals and plastic cutlery. Sherry waved at them as Lee crouched down to their level. She stopped and observed.

  “How y’all doin’ down there tonight?” Lee asked. Both kids glanced up at him as if he was a giant. When Denise recognized the face in the semi-darkness, warmth emanated from her eyes, like he was a long-lost friend.

  “You want a cupcake?” Luke asked, offering Lee an empty plastic plate with an imaginary treat.

  “Why, thank you, young man.” Lee took the plate and pretended to eat the treat. “Absolutely delicious. Did you make it yerself?” he asked with feigned curiosity. Luke nodded with an ear-to-ear smile.

  Lee smiled back and suddenly noticed Sherry standing there. “I’ll have to get the recipe later, but for now I need to go say hello to this pretty lady.”

  Luke blushed and Denise giggled.

  “How ya’ll doin’ tonight?” Lee said. “Nice to see ya again.”

  Sherry beamed. “You too.”

  “Looks like a decent turnout.” He looked around as the song changed to a slow ballad. Looking up at Sherry he slowly extended his hand to her. “Care to dance?”

  Sherry’s face reddened as she cleared her throat. “Um…okay.” She hesitated. It would be the first time she danced with a man other than Kenny and Leon since Chris died.

  He gently reached for her hand and led her to the middle of the dance floor, where half a dozen other couples had congregated. Lee’s hand was large, warm and strong, and his fingers gripped hers just enough so they didn’t lose contact.

  When they reached a spot closest to the middle of the floor, he placed one hand on her waist, his touch just barely there, the other hand he used to envelope her hand in between his shoulder and neck on his chest. Sherry rested her other hand on his shoulder, her arm curled around his upper bicep. She leaned her body in
to his just enough so that they only touched with each step.

  They began dancing as Sherry watched the others mingle around them, wondering what kind of rumors would be spread around town. So far she suspected Reggie Maxwell causing a riff or two, seeing as he was now drinking his fourth screwdriver. She made a mental note to have him cut off once they finished the dance.

  “So I hear town hall meetin’ attendees are a fun bunch,” Lee commented conversationally. “Ned tells me there’s a brawl at just about every one.” Lee’s breath was minty; his aftershave was mild and woody.

  “That’s right. We’re passionate people ‘round here.”

  “You go to a lot of ‘em I take it?”

  “As many as I can. Martha drags me with her to most of ‘em.” Sherry looked up at Lee with interest. “So have you guys found out anymore about the fires?”

  “Naw. We’re still lookin’ into the stolen car and Sheriff Douglas hasn’t had much to say about any callers lately.” Lee was disappointed. “Unfortunately it’ll prolly take another fire for us to figure out who’s causin’ ‘em. Arsonists, like all trouble-makers, make a mistake at some point.”

  Sherry glanced downward and changed the subject. “So butterflies, huh. I saw yer tattoo the other day,” She confessed.

  “Yeah,” Lee was embarrassed. His cheeks colored as he looked away from Sherry. “I s’pose it’s odd for a grown man to share the same interests as an eight-year-old.”

  “It’s not odd. I think it’s endearin’ personally. The tattoo is beautiful. Better ‘n some I’ve seen; skulls ‘n crossbones and stuff like that.”

  Lee looked back at her, smiling bashfully. He changed the subject. “So ya know how to fix stuff, do ya.”

  “Bein’ on my own I kinda had to learn. Ned or Tim come ‘round now and again, but mostly I can fix leaky faucets, loose bolts on just about anything, and the like.”

  Lee was impressed. “How long’ve ya been on your own?”

  “A coupla years. You?”

  “Same.”

  The song was about to end. Sherry expected the genre to change, but to her surprise, another slow ballad followed. Lee smirked and shrugged, holding her a little closer, dancing to match the rhythm of the song. She didn’t protest. As they continued dancing, Sherry wondered if it was safe to venture into his past, but she was fearful she’d have to reciprocate and wasn’t sure she was ready, or if he was ready for that matter.

  She felt a gentle vibration and grinned, realizing Lee was humming the tune softly in her ear. It was comforting to her, like a warm mug of cocoa on a cold, blustery day. Instinctively her eyes closed as she gently tightened her grip on his shoulder. Surprisingly, Sherry allowed herself to lean closer. Lee’s hand slowly travelled to the small of her back, reminding her of how Chris used to dance with her. The warmth radiated up her back and as she felt herself relax she drew in a deep breath. Sherry’s eyes reopened as she recognized the chorus. The song was a country ballad called ‘Butterfly Kisses’.

  His feet slipped further and further with each verse as he picked up the rhythm of the tune. Sherry didn’t waver as his hand now sat full against her back. The swing in his step grew deeper, causing her to lean flat against his body, following his lead. Their movements were natural. Sherry’s eyes closed as she eased into step with him, drinking in the comforting sensation of being in a strong man’s arms again.

  Lee’s hands absently dropped, sliding down to her waist. They were suddenly in a full embrace. At first Sherry was taken by surprise. His head burrowed into her neck, the way a father would comfort a crying child. She mechanically wrapped her arms around his neck, reciprocating. Is he crying? Her brow furrowed. His warm breath whispered on the crook of her neck. He seemed a million miles away.

  He tightened his grip of her slightly and then loosened it, as though concluding the embrace. When his steely blue eyes reached hers he looked at her as though he’d known her all his life. The gaze made Sherry uncomfortable at first. It wasn’t sexual at all, more like he was trying to climb inside her mind through her eyes and read her thoughts. After a beat, his cheek was on hers again, as though he was satisfied with the non-verbal exchange.

  She swallowed, wondering what was running through his mind. The man was definitely mysterious. Lee seemed like a deep, caring and whole-hearted man and suddenly it hit her why Denise was so drawn to him. As they finished the dance, she realized that throughout that whole song the man was trying to speak to her. Unlike most people, however, Lee seemed to be able to communicate without speaking, almost telepathically, which explained why her little seven-year-old, absent the ability to speak, felt close after as little as one encounter with him. Sherry had never met anyone like that before.

  As the final beat of the song was chimed, Lee leaned in and gave Sherry a soft, innocent kiss on the cheek as thanks. “My pleasure.” She patted his cheek gently.

  A stampede of disco dancers nearly crushed the two together as a popular Bee Gees song began pounding out of the speakers beside them. Lee looked at her remorsefully, shouting over the music. “I’m not much for fast dancing. Do ya mind if I sit this one out?”

  Sherry laced her hand in his, leading him off the dance floor. “I need to go talk to Leon. Can you excuse me?”

  They found a clear spot by the tables. “Thank you again for the dance.” Lee bowed, lowering the first quarter his body in a gallant manner.

  “Maybe we can dance again later,” she suggested.

  “I’d like that.”

  She released his hand as he watched her walk away, towards the bar where Leon stood, waiting for her. As Lee turned away from her, Alan approached with Ned. “How y’all doin’ tonight?” Ned extended his hand to shake Lee’s.

  “Doin’ just fine, thanks.” He faced Alan. “Ryan and Dale comin’ out tonight? I think I heard Ryan say that he was.”

  “Ryan was comin’ out after cleanin’ up the pumper. Not sure about Dale though.”

  Ned’s attention was suddenly diverted as two young bodies ran past. The old farmer proudly scooped Denise up. “Where’re ya headed to, little lady?” he asked, tickling her ribs. “Does your momma know yer runnin’ off with this young man?”

  Wiggling her way out of Ned’s arms, Denise ran to catch Luke. “Precious little thing, ain’t she?” Ned gushed. “We just love her to bits.”

  All three men observed the children running around the disco dancers and giggled, shaking their heads. “Never could understand where they get all the energy,” Alan commented as his wife Nellie suddenly approached from the food table.

  “Can I steal my husband away for a dance?” She hooked her arm through his.

  “Evenin’, Nellie.”

  “Evenin’ boys,” Nellie said to both Ned and Lee as the couple headed onto the dance floor. The song instantly changed to a waltz.

  Lee was suddenly aware that he and Ned were alone and instantly felt his palms start to sweat. The old farmer was gazing at Denise as she and Luke circled around some of the couples on the dance floor.

  “She wandered off the other day and came to visit me outta the blue,” Lee explained conversationally. “I felt so bad when her momma found her. I didn’t have the heart to scold the little thing. She’s sweeter ‘n fresh apple pie, that one.” He tilted his head at Denise.

  “That she is,” Ned agreed. His smile receded suddenly and he leaned closer to Lee, making him feel slightly uncomfortable. If Ned picked up on the hesitation, he didn’t show it. “Her and her momma’s been through a tough time an’ all. I pray for ‘em every day that the little one’ll speak again.”

  “She don’t speak, huh,” Lee commented. “I wondered. I thought she was awful quiet for a seven-year-old.”

  “She ain’t spoken a word since her daddy died two years ago.” There was a trace of warning in Ned’s tone.

  Lee swallowed, shaking his head in disbelief. “Poor little thing. Her momma’s awful strong though, you can tell right away.”

  “Sherry? Oh yeah,
she’s tougher ‘n nails.” He looked at the fireman directly, speaking as though he was winning an argument. “The good Lord’s lookin’ down on her all the time.” His eyes darkened. “You’d be wise to remember that.”

  Tilting his chin downward like he’d just been punished, Lee said respectfully, “Yes, sir.”

  Interrupting their intense exchange, Kate walked over with two plates of food in tow. She handed a fruit and cheese platter to Ned. “You best be eatin’ or yer blood sugar’s gonna get low,” she advised. Kate spoke behind her free hand to Lee. “He gets grumpy when his sugar’s low.”

  The food table was swarming with people filling up their paper plates. Sherry and Leon were standing behind the table, helping serve. The lineup was growing by the minute as the hour struck eight o’clock. It seemed like once the waltz was over the guests appetites were whetted. Sherry looked up for a flash and caught Lee’s glance. The look on her face said ‘please rescue me’. He capitulated.

  “Excuse me,” he said to the old couple as he walked away.

  “How y’all doin’ over here?” Lee asked Sherry as she rearranged some of the empty platters. A couple of the platters were empty, so she replaced them with full ones from behind the table. “Need a hand with anything?” Lee asked.

  “Naw, that’s okay. Thanks,” she said as he took the pile of platters that had accumulated and set them by the garbage bin beside the table.

  He wanted badly to get to know Sherry more but didn’t have a clue how to break the ice without seeming desperate. After all, he knew little about the woman, aside from how beautiful she was and the fact that she was a single mother. He wasn’t even sure if she was interested in dating.

  “Listen. I wondered if I could take you and Denise for a tour of the fire station next weekend.”

  Hesitating, Sherry emptied a container of chip dip into a bowl. Lee was about to retract the invitation when her face brightened. “Sure, but on one condition.”

  He was intrigued.

  “I’m comin’ over this week to start fixin’ the stuff on your to-do list.”

  “Sounds like a fair exchange.” He frowned, trying to hide his delight. Suddenly the music changed to another slow ballad. Both froze and looked at each other.