Under the Moonlight collection

by MaryAnn Kempher

  Just then the doorbell rang, and Katherine gave her hair a shake and walked out. When she opened the door, she laughed.

  “Are you kidding me? Who are you supposed to be, Elton John?”

  Michael wore tight silk shorts with leg warmers and an even tighter sleeveless shirt.

  “Didn’t I tell you it’s retro night at the rink? Seventies and ’80s. I'm a cool dude, or at least radical for sure.”

  Katherine laughed. “No, you didn't tell me, but no problem. I have a neon shirt and a banana clip here somewhere.”

  “Really?” he sounded excited.

  “No, not really,” Katherine said, a little surprised that Michael couldn’t tell she’d been joking. Scott would have known. She walked to Amy’s room.

  “Hey, come out and meet Michael.”

  When Amy did, she looked him up and down and then turned to Katherine for an explanation.

  “It’s retro night at the rink.”

  “Hi, Amy,” said Michael, holding out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  Amy shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, too, Michael. Katherine, can I have a word with you before you leave?” She took Katherine’s arm and pulled her into Katherine’s bedroom.“That’s Michael?”

  “Yes.”

  “Very good-looking, but…” Amy gave Katherine a meaningful look, hoping she’d understand what she was getting at without her having to come out and say it.

  “Look, Amy, I have to go.”

  Amy held the door for them as they left. “Okay, you crazy kids,” she said, “you two behave yourselves.”

  ***

  Katherine wrinkled her nose as they entered the roller rink building. Smells like dirty feet in here. She struggled to put her skates on and lace them up. Finally ready, she shuffled her way toward the entrance to the rink. She was a little rusty. Michael taught her how to skate forward and tried to teach her how to skate backward, too, but it was hopeless.

  “This is fun, isn’t it?” he said loudly as he skated backward.

  “Yeah, it is. This was a great idea.”

  “Hey,” said Michael. “I've always wanted to go sky-diving. Think you’d want to try it with me?”

  “Who, me? Jump out of a plane? Absolutely, but you first.”

  Michael stopped by the railing to talk to some people he knew, and Katherine spun around the rink, slowly at first and then with more confidence. She didn’t mind being ignored for a little while; she didn't expect him to be joined at her hip. It did kind of bother her when she lost her balance and landed hard on her butt and he still didn't skate over to her.

  A few minutes later he caught up to her. “Sorry. Those guys are crazy. They’re regulars here, too. Thursday nights have more adults than kids. I saw you fall. You gonna live?”

  “I'm fine. I may not be able to sit for a week, but I'm fine.”

  Later, they skated together for a while and then skated on their own again. The announcer called for couples skate, but Katherine didn’t see Michael anywhere, so she sat down. It had been about two hours when she suggested they call it a night.

  “Do you want to go see a show?” asked Michael.

  Katherine thought for a moment, but decided against it. She was tired and her butt hurt. “That’d be great, Michael, but maybe another time.”

  ***

  Michael walked Katherine to the front door of her building. She turned around before going in to say one last goodbye. This was their second date and she wondered if he’d kiss her tonight. She already knew a fiery romance between them was unlikely - call it intuition - but she’d still like to feel he was attracted to her. Michael kissed her cheek and said he’d call the following week.

  Chapter Thirty

  On most school nights, Scott and Katherine arrived a few minutes early to talk and see how each other’s day had gone. On this particular Friday night, they were both unusually quiet. Katherine wanted to know if he’d slept with Verna, but, of course, she couldn’t ask. The conversation before and after class was uncomfortable, both of them unable to say what was really on their minds. They wished each other a nice weekend and went their separate ways.

  ***

  Saturday, Scott wondered if he should call Verna, maybe take her out again, but he was conflicted. He wasn’t sure what he wanted now that he could date guilt-free. He and Verna barely knew each other, but she’d already dropped a few hints that she’d rather he didn’t spend any more time with Katherine than was necessary. He’d explained that they were taking a class together and that even if they hadn’t been, they were only friends. At her first objection, perhaps he should have run in the other direction and never called her again, but he liked her. She was nice. It didn’t seem like they had a lot in common, but he enjoyed her company. Saturday night he called Katherine.

  “Hey, you up for company?”

  “Who’s coming?” she teased.

  “Oh, you’re hilarious. Why aren't you working the comedy clubs?”

  “Because paperwork is my passion.”

  “I was wondering if you have any plans tonight. I thought we could have an anti-Valentine’s Day party. I could pick up some Chinese, some ice cream. A real party. Have to keep it down for the neighbors, though.”

  “Valentine’s Day is over two months away, Scott.”

  “So?”

  “You’re not going out with Venus again?”

  “Verna, and no,” he said, half laughing.

  “Good. I mean, you don’t want to rush things.”

  “You should talk. You’re dating that Michael guy and you probably have the other guy, Jack, panting after you, too.”

  They were both aware that it almost seemed as if they were fighting, but what about?

  “Sounds like a party to me,” said Katherine, changing the subject back to Scott’s coming over. “Bring a movie. You’ve got tons.”

  “You still have the one I loaned you weeks ago.”

  “I'm starting my own collection and you have such good taste.”

  Forty-five minutes later, Scott and Katherine sat on Katherine’s couch, Chinese food containers sitting on their bellies. Twenty minutes later they were holding those same bellies.

  “It wasn’t the egg foo young or the egg rolls,” said Scott. “The last pint of beef and vegetables was what put me over the edge.”

  “And don't forget the ice cream. Couldn’t have helped.”

  “Oh yeah.”

  An hour into the slasher movie they’d been watching (they'd decided a slasher movie was the opposite of a romantic movie), Scott looked at Katherine and saw that she’d fallen asleep next to him, her head resting on his shoulder. He gently brushed hair from her eyes, laid her down and placed a light blanket over her. Katherine stirred, her eyes half-opened.

  “Are you leaving?” she whispered.

  “It’s getting late.”

  “You could stay here. On the couch, I mean.”

  He looked intently at Katherine. He saw nothing but sleepy eyes. “No, I want my bed. Besides, this”—he pointed to himself—“is not a pleasant sight in the morning.”

  “Suit yourself.”

  Reluctantly she stood up and locked the door behind him and went to bed.

  ***

  Sunday morning Amy commented on the mess that was still in the living room from Scott and Katherine’s anti-Valentine’s Day party.

  “Looks like you and Scott porked out big time last night. You two make a cute chubby couple.”

  Katherine laughed. “There is no me and Scott. We’re just friends. I’m dating Michael.”

  “Well, for two people who are only friends, you sure spend a lot of time together. Almost any day of the week you’re either out somewhere with him, or home and he's here. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for you. I’ve planned at least two wedding showers for people who were just friends.”

  Katherine stood. “Think what you want. Now, I've got a ton of laundry to do.”

  ***

  Katherine dumped a full
laundry basket onto her couch and turned on the television. As she started folding, there was a knock at the door. She opened the door and there stood Verna.

  “Hi, it’s Katherine, right?” she said, smiling. “I’m Verna. Scott asked me to pop up and get back the movie you borrowed from him. We want to watch it together.”

  Katherine opened the door wide.

  “Sure, come in. I’m surprised Scott didn’t come get it.”

  “Oh, Scott’s here. He’s downstairs.”

  Katherine looked toward the window. “Scott’s downstairs? Why didn’t he come up?”

  “I guess he didn’t feel like it. He told me to tell you hi, though.”

  Verna still stood by the door.

  “You can sit down if you like, Verna.”

  Verna looked at the cluttered couch with distaste.

  She pushed the laundry aside and sat down. Katherine sat on the floor next to the television and a pile of DVD containers.

  “I think it got mixed up with mine,” she said.

  Verna stood. “Do you mind if I use your bathroom?”

  “Sure, go ahead. It’s through my bedroom.”

  Verna came back a few minutes later, and Katherine handed her the DVD. “Thanks.”

  “Tell Scott I said hi,” said Katherine.

  “I’ll be sure to do that.”

  Sure you will.

  After Verna was gone, Katherine went to the window and looked down. She saw Scott parked below and tapped on her window, but he didn’t hear her. When Verna jumped into the jeep, she looked up and saw Katherine; she leaned over and quickly kissed Scott. Katherine watched until she couldn’t see them anymore.

  ***

  “Did you tell Katherine I said hi?” Scott asked without looking at her.

  Verna rummaged through her purse. “Sure did.”

  “Did she say hi back?”

  “No, she wasn’t alone, and I think I caught her in the middle of something, if you know what I mean.”

  “Oh.”

  When they got back to Scott’s apartment, Scott put the movie in and sat next to Verna on the couch.

  “Before you start,” said Verna, “there’s something I wanted to run by you. My boss has a timeshare in Italy. He’s not going to use it this year, so I thought we might. What do you think?”

  “When?”

  “Oh, later this year.”

  Scott didn’t want to be rude, but he was surprised that after barely knowing each other a month, Verna would suggest something like a future vacation together. He was still taking their relationship date by date.

  “Well, ah, how about you bring it up again closer to the date.”

  Verna shrugged. “Okay.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Katherine wondered where all the time had gone. How could it possibly be a week before Christmas already? She stopped by Scott’s apartment, and he told her he was planning to drive up to Carson on Christmas Eve. She asked what time he was leaving.

  “Sometime that afternoon.”

  “Can you stop by my place before you leave? I got you a gift.”

  “I didn’t know we were exchanging gifts.”

  Katherine felt embarrassed. Is two months long enough to be exchanging gifts? “Oh, you don’t have to buy me anything,” she blurted. “It’s only a little something.”

  Scott gave her a “don’t be a dork” look. He’d bought her a gift, one he was sure couldn’t be misconstrued. He’d even asked the saleslady what kind of gift to give a woman you’re just friends with.

  “I'm joking,” he said, smiling. “I’ve already been to the dollar store and everything.”

  Katherine punched his arm. “You're such a jerk.” She stood up. “I’m gonna go.”

  “I'll stop by tomorrow before I head up,” said Scott. “How does one o’clock sound? Will you be home or at work?”

  “One o’clock is fine. We have the day off.”

  ***

  Katherine was thankful for the three-day weekend. Before Scott arrived, she had last-minute shopping to do, and it seemed that everyone else in Reno had the same idea. Standing outside Sears, she tried to decide where to join the crowd of people streaming by; she felt as if she were jumping into some raging rapids, sure she’d be swept away if she wasn’t careful. When the crowd thinned, Katherine saw a face she recognized. It took her a moment before she realized who it was. She walked over.

  “Detective Nolan, right?” Katherine noticed that he was dressed much more nicely than the first time she’d met him. No rumpled suit, just jeans and a T-shirt. He didn’t have movie-star good looks, but he had a nice face and a calm demeanor that appealed to her. Nolan held out his hand.

  “It’s nice to see you again, Ms. O’Brian, under much more pleasant circumstances.”

  “Yes, it is. Are you Christmas shopping?”

  “My wife thinks I am, but really I’m just using work to escape visiting in-laws, one toddler and a honey-do list that would put Santa’s list to shame.”

  Katherine smiled and laughed. “That sounds wonderful.”

  His cell phone rang. “Sorry, duty calls.”

  Katherine mouthed goodbye and walked away.

  ***

  When she got home, Scott was sitting on her front steps. He jumped up and opened the door for her.

  “Right on time,” she said.

  “I like to be punctual when there are presents involved.”

  Upstairs, Scott immediately plopped down on the couch as Katherine took her coat off and checked the answering machine. Scott’s eyes traveled over her body. She was wearing tights with a sweater that barely covered her very nice backside. He reluctantly looked away and did his best to push the less-than-innocent thoughts from his mind. He looked at Katherine’s Christmas tree, which stood next to the window that overlooked the street. She’d draped red and silver tinsel from top to bottom. Red, white, and silver balls hung from each branch, and multicolored lights blinked on and off, giving the room a warm glow.

  “You face is looking better,” said Scott.

  “Ah, thanks?”

  “From your fall. The bruising is almost gone.”

  Katherine laughed, reaching up and touching her face.

  “Oh yeah. Thankfully I heal pretty quickly.”

  “So what’s up for New Year’s, little lady? You and I going to paint this town red?”

  “I like how you assume I don’t have plans.”

  “Do you?”

  “No. You?”

  “Regrettably, no. I don’t seem to spend a lot of time with anyone but you and Will, my chubby supervisor. You’re not going to abandon me, are you? I don’t think Will’s much of a partier.”

  “What happened to Vinnie?”

  “Verna. She’s out of town. She had plans she’d made before we met.” He’d told Verna he’d probably spend New Year’s Eve with Katherine, and she hadn’t said much about it. What choice did she have? She did ask him not to kiss anyone at midnight, though, especially Katherine.

  “Well, I’m not exactly beating them off with a stick,” said Katherine.

  “What about Michael?

  “He didn’t even suggest we get together. He probably already had plans.”

  “So,” said Scott. “Just one more night of class and we’re done. The semester just flew by. Just have to give our presentation next Friday. I can’t wait to see you up front, doing the oral presentation. That should be worth a chuckle or two.”

  “Ha ha. Just don’t forget the slides, Einstein.”

  Katherine moved the table in front of the couch out of the way, and they both sat on the floor. She took a gift from under the tree and handed it to him. “Here, open your present.”

  Scott worked at finding a crease to pull. “Do you think you have enough tape on this little box?”

  “It’s not my fault. I have wrapping issues.”

  Scott was surprised to see that it was his favorite cologne. “Thanks.”

  “I know it’s kind o
f boring, but I’m no better at picking out gifts than I am at wrapping them.”

  “No, this is good. I was almost out. Okay, my turn.” He took a small box from inside his jacket and handed it to her. She tore the wrapping off and found a small blown-glass daisy inside. For a moment, she was speechless.

  “This is beautiful. How did you know?

  “I asked Amy what you might like.”

  She turned the figurine over, admiring its delicate beauty, then looked at Scott. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  They stood and Katherine opened her arms. As they hugged, she looked up into Scott’s eyes. Neither spoke.

  “Well, I’d better get going,” said Scott. “Might snow, and I still have to drive to Carson.” He leaned down and his lips softly touched hers. “Bye,” he said, and walked out the door.

  Katherine felt almost dizzy.

  Just after he left, Amy walked in. “Saw Scott on the way up. He hardly said hello when he passed me, and you’re looking very flushed. You didn’t sleep together, did you?”

  “No! Jeez, Amy! Just a kiss - more like a peck, and then he left.”

  “Men. Who knows what the frick’s going on in their minds. And they say we’re confusing.”

  “Obviously, he and I have chemistry, but he’s dating Verna.”

  “What about Michael?”

  Katherine shrugged. “Well, it’s not like we’re serious or anything. We haven’t even kissed.”

  Christmas morning, Amy and Katherine sat together on the couch, both staring at the tree and thinking similar thoughts. This was their first Christmas without either parent. They exchanged a few gifts, but the day was somber.

  ***

  Scott lay on the couch while his brother Alex sat in a recliner nearby. Everyone else had gone to bed. They were half watching a Christmas movie. Alex had been telling him about a new woman in his life, and asking about Scott’s love life naturally followed.

  “You know Mom's a little worried about you,” said Alex.