Whirlwind Romance

by Kris Bryant

  “Eat this.” She hands me a paper plate with a greasy piece of pizza on it. Maddox leans over me to graciously take Hunter’s offering, but I put my hand up between his mouth and the delicious smelling slice.

  “That’s mine, boy. You can have my crusts.”

  “I already fed him his food.”

  We learned a long time ago, the hard way, to not feed him greasy food. It makes for a very uncomfortable and unpredictable car ride the next day. He looks at me guiltily, his sad brown eyes bouncing back and forth between me and the pizza. I tear off the crust before I’m done and feed it to him.

  “You know how to play me, Maddox.” He licks my face. I’m sure the crumbs he finds are a bonus.

  “Can I just say how incredible today was?” Where in the hell does she get her energy? I’m trying to figure out how to take a sip of Coke without actually sitting up in bed and she’s pacing the floor in front of me. “How many tornadoes did we see total today? Like four, right? That’s crazy. I can’t wait to watch the video.” I can’t wait to go back to sleep. “I wonder if anybody else got video? You should jump online and check.” That gives me an idea. I can make casual inquiries about Kate to the group. Maybe I can get more information about her. I reach out for my laptop and fire it up, logging into our community website. It’s littered with our colleagues’ posts of seeing today’s tornadoes. Some have even uploaded their videos already and I’m anxious to show Hunter some of them.

  “Oh, look. Here’s the video from Cedar Rapids. Gage must have uploaded it.” Hunter plops down next to me. We laugh because we can tell it’s his first time filming one. I have to look away for a moment because it’s so shaky and I’m starting to get nauseous. Hunter and I always use a tripod or monopod for this very reason. Seeing a tornado in person is terrifying and beautiful and it’s hard to keep a steady hand with winds and destruction so close. Eventually you learn tricks on how to keep your balance. Criticism aside, it’s a wonderful tornado.

  “Listen to how stupid excited they are,” Hunter says. I can’t help but smile when I hear Kate’s animated voice. Even thrilled, her voice is raspy and sexy. I wish I would have been able to engage her more in conversation.

  “Maybe we should give them a few pointers on how to shoot,” I say.

  “Definitely. You know it’s just a matter of time before everybody else out there gives them crap about it.” I find Gage’s user name and send him a quick note congratulating him on getting the video, then mentioning a tripod. To my surprise, he instant messages me almost immediately.

  Yeah. Some of the guys have already teased me about it.

  Well, be proud because you are the only one who got it.

  We chat for a little bit longer and I’m tempted to ask about Kate, but I decide to message a few other people who might know her and would be more discreet. I know one of the top dogs in the Meteorology department at OSU so I shoot Clive Lawrence an e-mail about their new team. I ask about Kate in a very vague, roundabout way. Even if he calls me on it, I know he will keep our conversation to himself. Before I’m done reviewing some of the tornado footage from today, I get a response back from Clive.

  Tristan,

  So are you ever going to work for us here at OSU? Ha. Yes, our department decided to send out more chasers to give our meteorology students the opportunity to see what it’s like out there. We picked six of our top students to participate. Kate Brighten is very smart, but keeps to herself. She doesn’t talk a lot unless it’s about weather. I think she has a younger brother who attends OSU, but don’t hold me to it. If you get a chance to pick her brain, do it. Her ideas and theories are exceptional and that’s why she’s our number one. I hope we can talk her into staying after graduation.

  Clive continues on about chasing this season, but I’m re-reading the part about Kate. I’m glad she’s not just quiet around me. I wish he would have given more information, but I squirrel away what he’s given me. The rest is up to me to gather.

  Chapter Five

  We’re headed down to the much appreciated continental breakfast when we notice Gage and Kate are checking out of the hotel very early. Gage is shaking and his face is void of all natural color.

  “What’s going on?” Hunter asks.

  “We have to get back to Stillwater. Angie was in a car wreck late last night,” Gage says. I dig around in my memory and realize Angie is his girlfriend.

  “Oh, no. Is she all right?” I ask. Judging from his appearance, I’m guessing no.

  “She’s in Intensive Care so I need to get back home,” he says. He runs his hand through his already unkempt hair. “Some guy ran a red light and T-boned the car. Thankfully, it was the passenger side and nobody else was in the car, but it still bounced her around pretty hard.”

  “Good luck and let us know how she’s doing,” Hunter says.

  “Thanks. I will,” Gage says.

  I can’t believe it’s not quite seven in the morning and Kate looks stunning. Her hair is pulled back in a long braid and I’m almost certain she doesn’t have an ounce of makeup on. She is wearing a fitted T-shirt and khaki pants, the first practical storm chasing outfit I’ve seen her in. And now she has to turn around and go home for who knows how long.

  “I have an idea,” I say. Everybody stops and looks at me. I guess I said that out loud.

  “Since this is Kate’s first season, she’s more than welcome to chase with us until you are able to head back out again, Gage. We could meet up somewhere when you are back in action.” My palms are sweating. I hope everybody takes it as a goodwill gesture and not some sinister plot to get Kate alone in a car in the middle of nowhere. I push that lustful thought back and put on my serious educator face. “She would be responsible for her own hotel room and food. Trust me, you don’t want to be in a room with the three of us.” I finally turn my attention to Kate. She stares at me for a full ten seconds before saying anything. I realize I’m holding my breath. I exhale and listen.

  “If you and Hunter don’t mind. I think that’s a great idea.”

  I manage not to look at Hunter or grin, which is a major feat.

  “That’s a great idea. More eyes to the skies,” Hunter says. Phew. She’s not upset. “Since you’ve already checked out, we can either put your bag in our room or out in the car.”

  “Wow. Thanks, you guys. That’s a really nice offer,” Gage says. He helps Kate sort out her luggage from his.

  “Do keep us posted on Angie,” I say. Gage surprises me by hugging us all before he quickly leaves the lobby.

  “Did he just get the call?” Hunter asks.

  “No, he missed the call early in the morning and heard the voice mail when he woke up. He called me and we were down here in ten minutes,” Kate says. So she really does look this good in the morning.

  “I hope she’s okay,” I say. I’m excited about being close to Kate for at least a few days, but the circumstances are terrible.

  “We were on our way to breakfast. Have you eaten yet?” Hunter asks Kate.

  “Food sounds great,” she says. We grab an open table, set our stuff down, and head for the buffet. I remind myself to not be gluttonous and try to eat somewhat healthily. It’s hard when you really want to face dive the scrambled eggs and bacon. I grab a plain waffle, some fruit, and a yogurt. I’m jealous of Hunter’s food. She has all the good stuff piled high. She lifts her eyebrow at me and smiles. I frown at her and she hip bumps me. I made the right choice because Kate has almost the exact same thing on her plate.

  “So tell us about yourself, Kate,” Hunter says as she sits down. I notice Kate stiffen at the question.

  “Not much to tell. I’m twenty-four years old, single, and working on my master’s degree at OSU.” That’s all she gives us.

  “What do you like to do when you aren’t nose deep in textbooks? Do you have any hobbies? Do you have any pets?” I ask. I’m hoping she’ll open up more. If she doesn’t, it’s going to be a very uncomfortable week or however long she is with us.
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br />   “I like to water ski, snow ski. I read a lot,” she says. That perks my interest.

  “What do you like to read?”

  “Usually autobiographies, and every so often, I read fiction,” she says. Not impressive. I couldn’t think of anything more boring to read. I read to escape. I can barely keep up with my own life, let alone read about somebody else’s. Smutty romance novels work for me. Especially long hours when I’m the passenger out on the road. I will pick up a historical book, but it has to be about an era, not about one specific person.

  “Well, if you feel like branching out, we have a ton of audio books we can listen to,” I say. Hunter laughs. She likes it quiet. An audio book is quiet compared to me. They put me to sleep. Great. That’s probably been her plan all along.

  Chapter Six

  “So, Hunter, is your boyfriend good with all the time you’re apart during the storm season?” Kate asks. This is our second day together and Kate seems to be warming up to us. Hunter is driving so I have the freedom to look around. I like watching Kate when she isn’t paying attention. She’s always observing and writing things in her notebook. I wonder if she’s writing about the weather or creating poetry or sketching cats. I just don’t know where to start with her. She has to know I’m interested. According to Hunter, I practically threw myself at her during our dinner a few weeks ago. Was she offended? Excited? She’s in the car with us now so either she thinks I’m harmless or she’s just used to all of the attention. She’s beautiful. The more I’m around her, the closer I want to get.

  “Well, he’s the drummer in a band and he tours a lot so he doesn’t mind when I hit the road.” Despite the stereotype, Hunter’s boyfriend is perfect for her. Very much a gentleman and loves her dearly. I’m just waiting for her to show up with a big, fat diamond ring on her left hand one day. “It just works. After being cooped up with him all winter, I’m ready for time apart.”

  “Oh, stop. You two are so cute, it’s ridiculous,” I say. She smiles at me. Hunter tries to act tough, but she’s a softie when it comes to him.

  “Tris, what’s your story? Why haven’t you found Ms. Right?” she asks. She obviously remembers Hunter’s reference from our dinner the other night. I want to close my eyes and disappear because that’s a hard question.

  “Well, maybe I’m just not long term relationship material.” I shrug like it’s no big deal, but it hurts sometimes. I long for the closeness of a partner. I do miss the touching and the sharing and simple things like good morning kisses and sweet words of encouragement that only a lover can say. How do I convey that without sounding desperate? “It’s tough being away from your partner for months at a time, especially during the spring when you’re done with the cold weather and want to go out and have fun again. I just haven’t connected with any woman yet. Plus, most women glaze over when you start talking about the science of weather, or how exciting it can be when the barometric pressure changes, or when two fronts collide.”

  “Maybe you aren’t meeting the right women,” Kate says. “There are a lot of smart, educated women who do care about science and math and who aren’t intimidated by another intelligent woman.” Christ, she’s diplomatic.

  “What about you? Are you seeing somebody special?” I ask. I turn the tables and I know it’s not nice, but I can’t help myself. I have to strike at the opening she created in our conversation.

  “No, nobody special. I’ve really been putting a lot of energy in school and getting the funds to complete my Masters degree. It takes just as much time and effort to do that as it takes to actually get the degree.”

  “Speaking of which, Tris, have you heard anything back from Williams?” Hunter asks. “Sorry, Kate. We’ve just been waiting to hear back about a grant and we’re starting to get nervous because if we don’t get it, we don’t do this next year. Tris is lucky, she teaches classes in the fall. But I need to find something else if we didn’t get it.”

  Kate looks at me in surprise.

  “I’m not a Neanderthal, you know,” I say. She laughs and touches my shoulder. Her fingers are warm and soft and I almost frown when she leans back in the seat, her touch suddenly gone.

  “I know. I’m sorry I seem so surprised. You’re just super relaxed out here and I’m trying to picture you teaching.”

  “I do clean up well. I even know how to walk in heels.” I put my feet on the dashboard to show off my extremely practical steel toe Red Wing boots. “These are not a fashion statement. These are almost a necessity when chasing.” I know I should be offended on some level, but I’m not. I’m just happy she has taken notice of me at all.

  “No, no, no. Don’t take it like that. You’re very calm and it’s just refreshing to be around you, both of you. My only other experience with a storm chaser is Gage and he is very anxious and excited,” she says.

  “Tristan is actually the smartest person I know,” Hunter says. Now the conversation becomes uncomfortable. I don’t like compliments.

  “Stop. I’m not. You’re just as smart. Plus, you work with tons of smarties just in our department alone,” I say. I’m trying to deflect. I know Hunter thinks she’s helping me by building me up, but right now I’m finding it very annoying. I want to impress Kate on my own.

  “Well, you’re smarter than any of them and you’re tons of fun. Besides, you get me and nobody else does,” Hunter says.

  “Thanks.” I avoid Kate’s gaze in the mirror on purpose. I want this conversation to turn back to her. I want to know more about why she’s single and what she’s looking for.

  “Kate, have you ever had a serious relationship?” I ask.

  “Well, my last relationship was about a year long. I just don’t have the time for anything serious right now. I work, I go to school, I go home and sleep. I don’t even have time for a pet. And I would love a pup like Maddox or even a few kitties.” Very vague. Perhaps I need a different approach.

  “The last woman I dated worked in the math department. She’s very smart, but we didn’t have a lot in common. She didn’t know how to laugh or have a good time,” I say.

  Hunter laughs. “C’mon, Tris. She was horrible. She was what? Thirty-five going on eighty? And we won’t even talk about Julie.” I look at Hunter, surprised she would bring up her name, especially in front of somebody I’m interested in.

  “So you like older women?” Kate asks, thankfully not wanting more of an explanation about Julie. Maybe she didn’t hear Hunter.

  “I seem to have more in common with women who are older.” I try to be careful with my words, but it sounds bad no matter what. I decide to elaborate. “I haven’t really met anybody younger. It’s against school policy to date our students even though a few of them are pretty cute.” I try humor, but that doesn’t seem to work. Hunter comes to my rescue.

  “Tris is one of the youngest teachers at the school. She’s right. It’s hard for her to meet women her age. The choices are gay bars, both of them in town, and online dating. Who wants to do that?” Hunter says.

  “Then why are you here in the Midwest?” Kate says. “I mean, isn’t most of the action on the East or West Coast?” And there you have it. She’s straight. Why else would she say that if she wasn’t batting for the other team? Suddenly, I don’t want to talk about this anymore.

  “I’ve lived in the Midwest my whole life. My family and my friends are all in Oklahoma. Where are you from?”

  “We moved around a lot, but ended up in Oklahoma when I was in high school,” she says.

  “Where did you live before?” I ask.

  “Ladies, I don’t mean to interrupt, but we have some questionable clouds around us. Can somebody please check Doppler and tell me what’s going on?” Hunter asks. Shitty timing. I refresh the laptop and study the yellow and red on the screen.

  “It looks like there is something brewing,” I say. Kate is looking at Doppler as well. “Does that look like a wall cloud?” I point to the cloud to our right and we all look. The gray cloud is lowering. It isn�
��t rotating, but we all keep our eyes on it.

  “How far out is the rain?” Hunter asks.

  “Maybe fifteen minutes or so. Plenty of time to set up in case that drops,” I say. Hunter pulls over and we get out of the car. She has the video camera on a tripod and Kate and I have handheld cameras. Nobody is talking and I smile. Silence might just be a superstition for a chaser. We all hold our breath and quietly pray. I sneak a peek at Kate. She looks so serious. Even though she is young, she has an old soul. I work with a lot of young people, but Kate is different. I feel like she’s been through something serious in her life already. Maybe she was hurt by somebody. My mind is always thinking of other people’s stories, good and bad.

  She’s wearing jeans and a tight button down shirt with her sleeves rolled to her elbows. She looks beautiful. Her hair is blowing loose from her hair tie and she constantly shakes her head to keep it from getting in her face. She turns to me and for just a few moments, we stare at each other. I’m sure the look I’m giving her is raw with need. I can’t tell if she recognizes the look, but she doesn’t look away. She slowly smiles at me. My heart beats faster.

  “There it is,” Hunter says.