“Trudie and I are old friends,” Kristen said. “Are you and Trudie old friends, Don?”
Don glanced over at Trudie. He considered Kristen’s question. “I hope Trudie and I will soon be old friends. Certainly good friends, anyway.”
Kristen’s eyebrows lifted.
Trudie tensed up, alive with new attraction.
Don smiled.
Zack, seeing Trudie was taken, now focused on Kristen. He smiled, revealing very white teeth. Trudie thought, he’s had his teeth whitened. She also thought, From the look in his eye, he’d like to sink those white teeth into Kristen’s gorgeous neck.
“Zack and I have some business to take care of. But afterwards, in 30 minutes or so, we’d love to have you join us.”
Trudie hesitated.
Kristen didn’t. “We’d love to. For dessert?”
“Yes. Good. Meanwhile,” Don said, “I’ll send you over two more glasses of wine.”
After they were gone, Kristen sat staring at Trudie, as if she didn’t quite know her old friend as well as she thought she did.
Trudie ignored her and kept eating.
“Well, Don is awfully easy to look at, isn’t he, Trudie?”
Trudie looked up. “We just met a few days ago. We’ve never been out. I don’t know anything about him, except that he’s partial owner of the new tech company where the underwear factory used to be.”
“This town has certainly changed since I was here last. Trudie, darling, he really likes you. I saw it in his eyes. If you have something going with him this weekend, don’t let me get in the way.”
“We don’t have anything going... at least not yet. Anyway, you and I have a lot to do this weekend, and every weekend until this Christmas show is over.”
Kristen took out her laptop and they began brainstorming logistics and a budget for the show. As always, Trudie was impressed with Kristen’s ability to nail down details and come up with solutions. She was all action and focus, asking questions, making notes and thinking a problem through from the beginning to its logical end.
Thirty minutes later, Don reappeared and invited them over. The ladies reached for their wine glasses and joined the two men at their corner booth. They ordered dessert and coffee and drifted into easy conversation about the weather, their professions and, oddly enough, old Christmas movies.
It was Kristen who finally brought up the Christmas show, its background, some history and Mrs. Childs’ condition. Trudie saw compassion on Don’s face, as he listened quietly, without moving.
Zack stared into his phone, checking his messages, glancing up occasionally with a vacant smile, obviously preoccupied and not particularly interested in what Kristen was saying.
“I want to be a part of this,” Don said, abruptly. “What can I do?”
Trudie looked at Kristen, who stared back at her, indicating with her eyes that she should respond.
Trudie spoke up. “Well... Don. What did you have in mind?”
“I have nothing in mind. I just think it’s a thoughtful and wonderful thing to do and I’d like to get involved in some way. Do you need some financial backing?”
“Yes,” Kristen said. “We have a kind of working wobbly budget, but we figure it will cost between four and seven thousand dollars, including advertising, sets, costumes and the rental space.”
Zack laid his phone aside. “I’m sorry, I have to leave. Some business things have just come up. It’s been a real pleasure, ladies.”
Trudie slid out of the booth and let Zack up. He made his apologies, told Don he’d be in touch in the morning, and then he retreated.
Trudie sat back down, aware that Don was deep in thought.
“Make the budget ten thousand,” Don said, emphatically. “Ten thousand is an easy round number that most people can grab on to. I’ll contact some business people around town and see what I can do. Who do you have doing promo?”
“An old classmate of ours, Ray Howard. He lives in town.”
“Good, good. Publicity will cost the most, I think. But I think once you get this out people will jump at it.”
Kristen sat up, energized by his generosity. “Yes, I’m sure the whole town will get behind it. Our high school Christmas show used to be one of the biggest events of the year. People loved it.”
“Yeah, it’s a fantastic idea,” Don said, rubbing his hands together. “And it will be an honor for me to be a part of it.”
Trudie looked at Don in admiration. Kristen sat back, smiling, sipping her coffee.
“That’s awfully nice of you, Don,” Trudie said. “I’m sure many of our classmates will donate as well. We’ve had a huge response so far.”
“That’s so cool,” Don said. “I’ll help raise what I can and you all can continue raising money on your end. Things always cost more than you think and, it seems to me, we want to do this right. I’m assuming this is all a big secret.”
“Yes,” Kristen said. “It’s going to be a big surprise, so we’ll have to target the publicity carefully.”
“What did you say your former teacher’s name is?”
“Mrs. Childs,” Trudie said. “Mrs. Myrna Childs.”
Don flashed a broad grin, while forking a piece of the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. “Eat up, ladies, there’s more tiramisu and lemon cream cake. Did you know that I can play a mean tenor sax? Well, of course you didn’t know. I once played a solo in our high school Christmas show. I played Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.”
Trudie and Kristen laughed, and Don looked at them in mock offense. “Hey, don’t laugh. I wasn’t bad. There were two guys behind me dressed as reindeer dancing around. One guy was kinda fat and the other guy was huge and clumsy. They were football players, so you can imagine what kind of a dance they were doing.”
The girls laughed harder, holding their stomachs.
Don laughed too. “It wasn’t as bad as it sounds. The crowd loved it. We got a standing ovation. Hey, do you think you can find a spot for me in the show? Maybe we can find a couple of reindeer outfits?”
The girls doubled over, laughing, drawing the curious eyes of diners nearby.
Outside in the parking lot, Don told them he’d be out of town for over a week, on business trips to New York and California. He said he’d stay in touch with his assistant, and if they needed to reach him they could reach him through her. They exchanged numbers and goodbyes. He shook Kristen’s hand and drew Trudie in close, kissing her cheek. “I’m excited, ladies. I mean, I am really excited. I’ll start putting this into motion. As soon as I get back, I’ll be able to jump in with both feet.”
In the car on route to buy the Christmas tree, Kristen turned to Trudie. “If you’re not interested in that guy, then let me know, because he’s a winner.”
“And you’re married.”
“Doesn’t mean I can’t flirt.”
Trudie turned, sharply. “Not with him!”
“Ha, ha! So you are struck, sister girl?”
Trudie grinned. “Yes... you could say that. I am struck. I like him very much.”
“I say we put him, and his two reindeer, in the show. What do you think?”
Trudie laughed again, seeing the performance clearly in her mind. “Oh, yes. That’s a definite yes. I definitely want him around.”
NINE
Trudie came slowly down the stairs, one hand on the rail, the other making a fist against a deep yawn. She was still in pajamas and bathrobe, wearing her white terry slippers. She heard Kristen’s perky voice coming from the kitchen. Oh, that’s right, Trudie thought, Kristen is always perky in the morning, but perky even after wine at dinner, and a bottle of champagne while they decorated the tree and ate cookies?
Trudie shuffled into the kitchen, still nursing a slight headache. She’d never been much of a drinker and last night she’d drunk more than she had in years.
Kristen was leaning back against the counter, makeup on and fully dressed, cell phone to her ear, coffee mug beside her. She waved, looking vibrant and refres
hed. Trudie managed a half-hearted greeting as she trudged to the coffee pot. She poured a mug full and left the kitchen for the living room.
Kristen had already switched on the Christmas tree lights, and the stately Fraser fir stood in gleaming elegance near the picture window. Its gold and red globes reflected the white lights, instantly lifting Trudie’s lethargic state. Kristen’s Tiffany snowflake ornament glittered and beckoned, so Trudie stepped over and touched it. How thoughtful Kristen is, she thought. And so fun to be with... just not in the morning.
Trudie slumped down into the recliner and took a generous gulp of coffee. Her eyes closed in grateful satisfaction as the warm liquid warmed her chest.
Minutes later, Kristen bustled in with her usual eager restlessness. “Good morning, Trudie. A little snow fell last night. It’s so beautiful. I took a run/walk around the neighborhood.”
Trudie’s eyes opened in astonishment. “How long have you been up?”
“Six-thirty.”
“It’s after eight. How much sleep did you get? We went to bed after one in the morning,” Trudie said.
“If I sleep five hours, that’s a good night. You know I never did sleep very much. Oh, and I love the four poster bed and the rose color scheme, and that gorgeous and warm down quilt. When did you have the house redecorated? It looks fantastic.”
“Just after Dad died.”
Trudie yawned again, barely able to take in Kristen’s rapid fire conversation.
Kristen stepped over to the tree, fingering the snowflake ornament. “So I talked to Alexander and he’s second in his class in math. I’m so proud of him. He stinks in English, go figure. But he loves science and math and he says he wants to be an aeronautical engineer. Wow! That surprises me. I also spoke with Alan. He said it’s snowing like crazy in Chicago and he hopes his flight isn’t delayed or cancelled. He sends you a hello.”
Trudie nodded, massaging her forehead.
Kristen turned, ready eyes sparkling. “So, what time can we go see Mrs. Childs? Also, I called Ray and he said we should meet him for breakfast at Rusty’s. Now I know it’s Saturday, but Ray said the high school is open and we can go over and take a look around. Oh, and he said he emailed you the proposal he’s going to send to Dragon Lady. He said we could go over the whole thing during breakfast.”
Trudie’s blurry vision struggled to focus. She felt Kristen’s relentless energy fill the room like buzzing bees. She had boundless energy, and she had to be busy doing something, accomplishing something, talking about something, thinking about something or preparing something, every minute of every day.
Mary Ann had always been the buffer. She balanced the three of them. Her energy was measured, easy and light.
Trudie held up her hand. “I just need to wake up, Kristen. Last night was a lot of fun, but I feel like I’ve been kicked in the head. I just need a little recovery time.”
Kristen nodded several times. “No worries. I’ve got some letters to dictate anyway. You get yourself together and let me know when you’re ready to move.”
At 10 o’clock they met Ray at Rusty’s. Kristen and Ray hugged and caught up while Trudie drank more coffee and checked her phone. To her surprise, she had texts from both Jon Ketch and Don Rawlings.
While Ray and Kristen chattered and laughed, Trudie read the texts, Jon’s first.
Hola Hot Girl: I’m anxious for your first kiss. Make it a slobbery one! A Christmas Carol script is done and I’ve decided not to cast you as the First Ghost. You’ll be too busy. Ray sent me the list of alumni coming. I’ve already got the play cast. 45 minutes, tops, for the play. Flying in on the 21st. Look out! Call for extra security!
Trudie chuckled, scrolling to Don’s text.
Great fun last night. Still excited. Called some local people. Tell Ray to get me promo ASAP. Need something tangible to show. See you!
Trudie slumped a little. She’d hoped for something a little more personable from Don. Was he hiding something? Maybe he was married or engaged. Maybe he had a girlfriend? Why would a handsome single man like that not have a girlfriend?
Over breakfast, Kristen examined Ray’s proposal and made some insightful suggestions. They rewrote it on her laptop, while Trudie answered emails and texts from old friends, who had questions about the show and the accommodations. Then she called Julie to see if the three of them could visit Mrs. Childs that morning.
A little before noon, Ray, Kristen and Trudie entered Mrs. Childs’ house. They found her sitting in the living room in a deep comfortable chair by the fire, and covered by a quilted blanket. Although she had a bad cold, she expanded in happiness and health when she saw them before her. As they took her hand and kissed her cheek, her pallid face took on vibrant color.
Kristen was nervously effusive around her old teacher, something only Trudie noticed because she knew Kristen so well. Kristen had difficulty editing her feelings and emotions, and Trudie had noted the mild shock and sudden concern on Kristen’s face when she saw Mrs. Childs’ thin frame and drawn cheeks. Trudie even thought she saw the start of tears, but Kristen quickly recovered, presenting a radiant smile and the aqua Tiffany’s box with white ribbon.
Mrs. Childs held it, noticeably moved. She shook it and gave Kristen a kindly smile. “Can I open this now or do I have to wait until Christmas?”
“Now, of course,” Kristen said, with amused authority.
Very carefully, Mrs. Childs removed the ribbon and lifted the lid. When she parted the tissue, her weak eyes opened in surprise. “Oh, my... look at those. Greek theatre masks. Just look at them,” she said, happily. “I just love them!”
Kristen helped her put them on, while Julie brought a mirror and held it up. Mrs. Childs stared, turning her head, glowing with appreciation. She took Kristen’s hand and kissed it. “Thank you, Kristen. So thoughtful and so appropriate.”
Then Ray was all hand patting and gossip, filling Mrs. Childs in on the latest high school news and information about former students. Trudie was impressed by his ability to give details about their classmates without divulging any plans for the Christmas show.
After Julie brought glasses of eggnog, they toasted the Christmas season. And then Mrs. Childs’ eyes narrowed on Kristen.
“I bet you are a good attorney, Kristen. You always loved to argue with me, over the smallest little things.”
Kristen made a little gesture with her glass. “I was only offering suggestions, Mrs. Childs.”
“No, Kristen, you were arguing. Not that I always minded. Sometimes I liked your suggestions.”
“Which suggestions did you like? Do you remember?”
“Of course I remember. I still have my brain, you know. You once made the suggestion that you, Mary Ann and Trudie should sing Jingle Bells like the Andrews Sisters did. You had me listen to the record three times. I said, none of the people in this town will know who the Andrews Sisters were. They were popular back in the 1940’s. But you insisted, saying, ‘What is education for, Mrs. Childs? Aren’t we supposed to enlighten, inform and instruct?’ Well, what could I say to that?”
Kristen lowered her head in pretend embarrassment. “Was I that obnoxious?”
“Yes, Kristen, you were. And the way you flirted with the guys. Oh, my...”
Ray spoke up. “She still does flirt, Mrs. Childs. She was flirting with our waiter this morning at Rusty’s. He was about 19 years old.”
Kristen slapped him in the arm. “I did not!”
“Yes, you did,” Trudie said. “He blushed when you told him the girls in New York City would fall all over him.”
“So they would,” Kristen defended. “He was handsome. Did you see those beautiful eyes, his thick neck and his long, curly, reddish-blond hair?”
Mrs. Childs laughed, her whole body shaking. “Okay, I rest my case,” she said. And then she suddenly broke into a painful hacking cough. She bent forward, her hand covering her mouth, her face pinched in pain, flushing scarlet. Julie stepped in and held her, offering a tissue. Mrs
. Childs took it, covering her mouth. Finally, the attack gradually subsided.
“I’ll be glad when she gets over that cold,” Julie said, troubled.
The three former students looked on, concerned and distressed.
They left the house fifteen minutes later, silent and cheerless. Ray drove away in his car, promising to meet them at 3 p.m. to take a tour of the high school auditorium. In the meantime, he had errands to do.
Trudie took the long way back to the house to let the emotion settle and to show Kristen the new housing divisions, the farm-to-table market, and the brand new Quad movie theatre.
Kristen sat quietly, with the expression of someone who has just discovered a sadness she had no idea was inside her.
“Are you okay, Kristen?”
Kristen sat with folded arms, staring out the window at the gray overcast day. Snow flurries drifted over the rolling, white fields.
“I hated seeing Mrs. Childs like that. I just hated it. She was so strong. Strong and filled with life. That’s one thing I always loved about her. People shouldn’t have to gradually shrivel up like that. She was so dignified.”
“She’s still dignified, Kristen. You can see it in her eyes.”
“She was so embarrassed, coughing like that in front of us. She never showed us weakness. Always strength. That’s another thing I learned from her. Always show strength, even when you’re scared to death. Even when you know you’re losing... an old lover...a legal case... a marriage.”
Trudie glanced over. “Are you losing your marriage, Kristen?”
Kristen didn’t look at her friend. Her voice was quiet; she spoke at a near whisper. “I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe... because I screwed up. I wish I were a better person, Trudie. I wish I were good and true like you always were.”
Trudie braked at a red light, her eyes flitting about, seeking an answer. “Kristen... don’t go there. I’m no one to admire. I’m just trying to figure it all out just like everybody else is.”
“But you were always solid and honest. I loved that about you. I hung around you hoping some of that would rub off on me.”
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