by Davis, SJ
“I wish I could see your work,” she said. “You must have dozens of canvases stacked up by now.”
“I had no idea you were interested!” Odin shook his head. “Forgive me, I have been remiss. You’ll come for dinner tonight…I’ll give you a tour of my home and let you see what I’ve been working on.”
She smiled, suddenly shy. “I’d like that, but I can’t. Jake’s coming up to help me with some things I need to finish up around the camp. Alex is supposed to visit for the weekend and I want to surprise him.”
Odin frowned. “Monday, then. After he’s gone.”
“Are you sure it won’t be too much of a nuisance? I hate to put you out.”
“Not at all, Selene. As I said before, I’ve been remiss. I should’ve invited you to visit me long before now.” He strapped his backpack on. “There then, now that that’s settled are you ready to go?”
“Sure.”
She walked beside him letting Odin lead when the path became too narrow. After the days they’d spent together trekking through the wilderness, she felt she was finally in good enough shape to keep pace with his long strides.
“You told me when we first met that your father named you for one of the Norse gods. I’m familiar with the Romans and the Greeks, but I know nothing of the Norse. What does your name mean? Who’s Odin?”
“In ancient legend, he’s an unparalleled warlord and the highest of the gods - the equivalent of Jupiter of the Romans and Zeus of the Greeks…with a little bit of Mars and Ares thrown in.”
She smiled. “Your father had great expectations for you, I take it.”
Odin laughed. “Better hopes for me than my twin. My brother’s named Loki for the Trickster God, a name he took to heart. To my father’s chagrin, it’s led him down a road of deceit and debauchery. My family often wonders if his name was not to blame for his actions.” He took a turn and they emerged onto the Foss Mountain Road. “What of your siblings. Did your mother finally have her way and give birth to an Aquaria or Scorpio?”
“Unfortunately, I’m an only child.” She reached for his hand again as she scrambled over a blow-down across the trail. “We had a Shepard named Fenrir once, though.”
Odin chuckled. “Unlike you, your mother certainly knew of the Norse legends. Fenrir is the legendary wolf that kills Odin in the final battle of Ragnarok. I’m glad you no longer have that dog. I’d hate to meet the same fate.” He whistled and Zephyr appeared at his side, tail wagging.
“You don’t have to worry about that with this one. He’s more likely to lick you to death than bite you. One tangle with him and you’ll drown in drool.” She frowned. “Speaking of which, there aren’t any around here, are there? Wolves? Or coyotes?”
Odin shrugged. “There may be coyotes. I’ve heard they’re quite common south of the mountains. Why?”
“I thought I heard one the other night. It sounded like it was over by your place, actually, but it could have been my imagination.”
He shook his head. “I haven’t heard it. Are you sure it wasn’t a hawk?”
“It could have been, but it sounded more like a howl. Almost human.”
“A howl,” he repeated thoughtfully. “The wind sometimes sounds like that when it picks up. Perhaps that’s what you heard.”
Lena shrugged. “Perhaps.”
They walked along in silence with only the crunch of sticks underfoot to accompany them.
“May I ask you a personal question, Selene?” he said when the quiet had stretched to minutes.
“Sure.”
“Your husband…he’s a good man?”
The question caught her off-guard. “Alex? Of course.”
“And you love him.”
She hesitated, her emotions mixed. The longer she was away from him, the less she thought about him. Their separation had fostered a spirit of independence in her that she’d forgotten she possessed during their years of marriage. “Yes,” she answered finally.
Odin turned to face her. “I know this is none of my business, Selene, but have you ever been unfaithful?”
“Of course not!” she exclaimed. “Why would you ask such a question?”
He shrugged. “I was merely curious. It seems a rarity, these days, to see a married couple that’s truly happy, truly in love. Marriage seems to me to be about duty, not passion. Having children, raising a family, accruing assets. That sort of thing. Not true love.” He resumed his pace leaving her standing in the road.
“That’s one way to look at it,” she said when she’d caught up. “I take it you’ve never been married yourself?”
He glanced at her with a half-smile. “Not in the exact definition of the word, Selene. There’ve been women I’ve spent my time and affection on, of course, but I’ve never said the words ‘until death do us part’.”
“That’s too bad.”
Odin laughed. “Why? I like my life the way it is, unencumbered by the restrictions that marriage would require.”
“You haven’t found the right woman, yet,” she said.
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “I’m still young. Forty-one. Perhaps there’s yet hope for me.” His hand moved to her cheek. He took a step closer.
Lena felt her stomach lurch. Sweat trickled down her forehead as she stared into the depths of his gray eyes. The thud of her heart resounded in her ears. His hand moved to her face, cupping her chin as he brushed her hair from her forehead. Without another word, he kissed her - a chaste touch of his lips against hers that left her weak - then he pulled away and began to walk.
Lena put her finger to her lips. His mouth had been soft and gentle against hers, his eyes, wide and questioning. Sweat ran down her neck; deer flies swooped in for the kill, but still she stood there, square in the middle of Foss Mountain Road. Ahead of her, Odin continued walking. Slowly, she followed after him as he disappeared over the crest of the hill. Her lips burned where he’d touched them; her heart refused to slow.
Odin Andreassen had crossed the line of “good friend”.
Chapter 20.
“What are your plans for the day, Selene?”
Odin floated on his back 30 yards from the dock as Lena dropped her towel and dipped her toes into the lake. They’d just completed a twelve mile hike without another mention of Alex. The kiss of the day before might never have occurred from his casual demeanor. Lena wasn’t sure whether she was disappointed or relieved.
“I’m going into Greenville to check in with Janie Janson and then I might drive down to Dexter to pick up some plumbing supplies,” she said.
“Plumbing supplies? What kind of supplies do you need for an outhouse?”
“Actually, it’s not for the outhouse. I ordered a composting toilet to use inside the camp. I got a message yesterday afternoon that it’s in.”
“I have one of them myself,” he said. “It works very well.”
There was nothing like talk of outhouses and composting toilets to kill off potential lust. Lena put the indiscretion from her mind and relaxed, falling into the easy banter that had been the norm between them until the day before. “It’s not too stinky?”
Odin smiled. “Not at all. If you’d like, I’ll help you pick it up.”
“Really? I was going to ask Jake if I could borrow his truck, but he’s already promised to come over and set it up for me. There’s only so much help you can ask for before your friends start to think you’re taking advantage them.”
“I have some things to do in town anyway,” he said. “I’ll plan to go later and meet you there. What time’s good for you?”
Lena made a quick calculation. “Is two okay?”
“Perfect. Why don’t you meet me in front of Reny’s? I’ll follow you to the plumbing supply store and we’ll pick up your special order.”
“Great. Thanks.” She pulled herself onto the dock and toweled dry. When she looked up, Odin was watching her. She averted her eyes, self-conscious again. Wrapping the towel tightly around her body, she stood and slipp
ed on her sandals. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to take off. I’ll leave the door open for you. There’s fresh fruit in the refrigerator, if you’d like.”
“Thank you,” he said, pulling himself onto the dock by her feet. “I may take you up on that.” He smiled and her heart lurched.
“See you later?” she stammered.
“Two o’clock. Reny’s. Don’t worry, Selene…I’ll be there.”
***
In Greenville, Lena checked in with Jane Janson for the second time that week. There was still no word from Annie. Disappointed, she turned back onto route 15, backtracking toward Dexter, an hour’s drive south. As she pulled into the small town on the shores of Lake Wassookeag, she checked her watch. It was only one-thirty. As usual, she was early. She sighed as she cruised into town.
Almost past the Grocery Barn, with barely a glance at the parking lot, she pressed the brake surprised when her eye caught sight of a black Forerunner parked at the far end. Putting on her blinker she turned in, parking in a spot directly in front of the door of the supermarket. Inside, she could see Odin at the checkout register. He was talking animatedly with the cashier, a young girl with long blonde hair and a tan that looked as though it originated from a spray bottle. The girl seemed to be flirting unabashedly; from across the store, her body language was unmistakable. Lena pushed through the door, caught Odin’s eye, and waved. For a moment, she thought he was angry; then his frown was replaced by an easy smile. He said a few words to the cashier and hurried over as the girl turned to glare.
“You’re early!” he said. “I’m just finishing my shopping.”
The cashier’s eyes narrowed as they focused on her. Lena smiled and she looked away as she resumed bagging Odin’s groceries.
“I’m sorry,” Lena said. “I know we were going to meet in front of Reny’s, but I got here early and noticed your truck out front. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” She raised her eyebrows as she nodded toward the blonde.
Odin laughed. “No, of course not.” He held up a finger. “One minute. Wait for me.”
“Okay. I’m parked right out front.”
She returned to her Jeep and watched as Odin and the girl completed their transaction. When he’d received his change, he grabbed the bags and headed out. The girl behind the register watched him leave. Once again, Lena had the distinct impression that she’d interrupted something between them. A moment later, he reached her Jeep and placed his bags on the ground.
“She seems quite taken by you,” she said with a nod toward the storefront.
“Who?” he asked, cocking his head.
“The cashier.”
He laughed. “Nonsense. She’s a child.”
Lena raised her eyebrows. “A child? I think not, Odin.”
He dismissed her with a wave of one hand. “I’m twice her age and not interested. Let’s go find the plumbing store, yes? It is close by?”
She let it go. He was right; the girl was too young for him. A man like Odin needed someone with more maturity. Someone like me. She shook the thought and answered his question. “It’s just a mile out of town. If you follow me, we’ll be there in less than five minutes. Again, only if you’re sure.”
“Stop it,” he said, placing his hand on her shoulder. “I’m very happy to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask. It’s okay.”
Lena waited for him to release her. His hand remained on her shoulder, burning through the fabric of her blouse and branding her skin. Her breath caught in her throat as he tilted her chin with a finger. “Okay?” he said again.
“Yes,” she whispered.
He didn’t kiss her, nor did he touch her again. Two hours later, they were back on Breakneck Ridge unloading the boxes containing the new toilet onto her front porch. “Where will you put it,” he asked.
“Jake framed in a room off the back of the cabin. It’s not a real bathroom, but it’s better than running across the meadow to the outhouse in the middle of the night.”
“That’s true,” Odin said. “He’s a handy friend to have, your man, Jake.”
“Yes, he is. I’m lucky.”
She fumbled with the boxes while he watched, an amused smile on his face. The more he smiled, the more she fumbled and the more she fumbled, the less she got done.
“Are you sure you don’t want help setting this up?” he asked finally.
“No. Jake said he’d be happy to.” She retrieved a utility knife, slit the box length-wise, and carved the cardboard into pieces small enough for her woodstove. “He’s probably on his way right now.”
Odin rose to his feet and stretched. “Of course. I forgot you’d asked him to help you this afternoon. You’ll probably want to skip our walk tomorrow with Alex on the way but we have a date for dinner on Monday, yes? Six o’clock at my cabin?”
“Six o’clock, it is. I’ll see you then.”
Lena watched him back from the driveway, with a sigh. Odin Andreassen was entirely too charming for his own good. Five minutes later, Jake pulled in next to the Jeep and joined her on the porch.
“I saw your neighbor on the way in,” he said.
“Odin helped me pick up the toilet at the plumbing supply place,” she answered.
“That was nice of him. I stopped to talk for a minute and he seems a decent sort. Do you see much of each other?”
Lena frowned. It was a casual question, but it stunk of Alex. “Not much, no,” she said. “Where’s Pam? I thought maybe you’d bring her with you.”
“She had to work. Lenny finally gave up on Annie and hired her to tend bar.”
Lena felt a stab of dismay but hid it behind a smile. “Good for her. She’ll make great money there.”
Jake shrugged and pulled the instructions from the box. He opened them to the first page, put the toilet together, then went to work on the shower. Lena looked it over eagerly. The composting toilet was self-explanatory: open the trap, use it, dump in a cup of peat moss and turn the crank a few times. A pipe vented out the roof, carrying the odor away, while a box at the end of the container accumulated the composted waste. The shower, on the other hand, looked more complex. “How does it work?” she asked, eyeing his contraption skeptically.
“It’s really simple,” he said. “This tube attaches to the tubing that already goes to your hand pump. I’ll re-prime it for you so the whole length fills up with water. When you lift the handle the water begins to flow, just the way it does when you want water inside. Before you take a shower, turn this knob and it will allow the water to fill up that black bag overhead. The sun heats the bag of water, and voila! You turn this handle, gravity lets it drop, and you have a warm- water shower. Afterwards, make sure that the bag is full so it has a chance to heat up in the sun again.”
“Jake, you’re a genius!” Lena wasn’t sure which she was happier with, the toilet or the shower. Washing up in the lake was all right, but nothing beat warm water, and it was a long drive into town to use the bathroom at her dad’s place.
“That’s the good news,” he said. “Now comes the bad.”
“Is it bad enough to require a beer?” she joked.
“Better bring a couple.”
She met him on the dock with a six-pack. “Alright, here’s the beer. Now, shoot.”
“Alex called me this afternoon,” he said. “He tried to get in touch with you but you were out of range.”
“Nothing’s wrong, is it?” she asked frowning.
“Relax, he’s fine.” Jake swallowed half the beer and reached for another. “He just won’t be able to make it up this weekend, is all. I told him I was on my way here and I’d relay the message. By the way, he said to tell you to check your email once in a while. He said, and I quote, ‘she had to have that goddamn satellite laptop. It cost me a fucking fortune and she never even turns it on.’ Unquote.”
Lena shook her head. “What happened? Did he say why he can’t come?”
“He has a book-signing thing he forgot about in New York. He said to tell
you that he’s sorry but it’s important and he can’t blow it off. He’ll come up next weekend instead.”
“Shit,” Lena said. “He’s always got a book-signing thing!” She trailed her toes in the water blinking back tears. “I can’t believe he’s not coming. I’ve only seen him once since I got here.”
Jake put an arm around her shoulder. “That was the deal, wasn’t it?”
She shrugged. “I guess so. But back when we decided to buy this place he hadn’t signed this new agreement. Now that he’s working with the new publishing company it seems like he has twice the obligations he had with his old one. On top of that, he’s got the filming thing in Alaska. It’s scheduled to start in mid-August.”
“He was already committed to that before you signed the P&S,” Jake said. “You knew what you were in for.”
“I know,” she sighed. “The film work isn’t the real problem… it’s only for a couple of weeks. It’s the rest of it, Jake. The book-signings, conferences, and meetings… you know, the publicity stuff. I thought for sure he’d be able to spend at least a week or two up here.”
“You could go home instead,” he suggested.
“I don’t want to go back to Connecticut,” she said. “I love it here. I’ve been waiting a long time to come back.”
“Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be, Lena, have you thought of that? Maybe Alex needs you at home to help smooth his transition.”
She dipped her feet in the pond, sending tiny wavelets in a widening ring. “He’s a big boy. He doesn’t need me to help smooth anything.”
Jake shrugged. He leaned back on one elbow and swallowed half his beer. “There’s always next summer. Once Alex gets everything taken care of, he can come up with you and write, just like you’d planned.”
“Maybe,” she said, “but right now it doesn’t seem like he’s too interested in that.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to go home for a while? Just a couple of weeks until he leaves for Alaska?”
Lena squared her shoulders and shook her head. “No. I’m staying. There’s absolutely nothing I can do back in Connecticut to help Alex “transition”. This is my home. It’s where I belong. I’ll just have to hold out until he visits next weekend, that’s all.” She picked at a splinter in the boards and sent it sailing across the dock. “It’s only one more week. I can handle it.”