SUNDAY

LACHLAN

I’m getting used to Jessie’s early morning refrigerator raids; she’s eating for two now and it’s always an adventure to see what’s become her newest craving. Problem is, I end up eating with her and I’ve gained ten pounds in the last two months. Who knew peanut butter, baloney and pickle sandwiches actually didn’t taste so bad?

We were both exhausted when we came home from our wedding reception, but that didn’t stop us from making sure our marriage was properly consummated. I got the bonus of watching a fun little striptease as Jess undressed in front of me, wiggling her hips and shaking her bum as she slipped out of her dress to reveal a white lace thong and matching bra. It made for a delightful visual with her growing belly but to be honest, I was interested in seeing her naked and she didn’t protest when I grabbed her and pulled her into bed.

“I love you, Mrs. Curry.”

It felt a little funny to call her that, but it also sounded real nice. Jess giggled and wrapped her legs around mine, running her hands through my hair and down over my back. “I’m going to have to get used to being called that … Mrs. Lachlan Curry.”

I liked the sound of that even better; I guess because it sounded a bit old fashioned. Women these days don’t often go around using their husband’s names much anymore. “Or how about Mr. and Mrs. Lachlan Curry? Or just Lachlan and Jessie Curry?”

“Jessie Curry … Jessie Dalton-Curry … Mrs. Jessie Curry.” She whispered the names as she nibbled on my ear. “If you only knew how many times I’ve written out all the possible combinations, just to see how they’d look.”

Her remark surprised me and made me feel good at the same time. I can remember how the sheilas in school would do that; write a bloke’s name all over their notebooks when they fancied a lad. Kind of nice to see that my modern world wife could be just as silly and romantic as those girls were back then.

I took her chin in my hand and kissed the tip of her nose. “Do you have any idea how happy you made me today?” I felt the tears welling up in my eyes, but at that moment I wasn’t a bit ashamed. “This is all I’ve ever really wanted.”

“I thought that was supposed to be my line.” Jessie’s eyes filled with tears to match mine and she hugged me close. “You’re the one who’s made me happy, Lachlan Curry. You’re the one I’ve waited my entire life for.”

There wasn’t much more to do or say at that point other than to show my wife how much I adored her. 

JESSIE

The sound of thunder and a flash of lightning startled me out of a peaceful dream. My sleeping patterns are a bit screwy since I’ve entered into my second trimester and I knew it was probably useless to try to go back to sleep. Should I use it as a good excuse to get up and venture into the kitchen to give in to my craving for Spanish olives? Or should I snuggle in closer to Lachlan and see if he’d like to wake up and once again consummate our marriage?

I hate to admit it, but the olives won out.

Another crack of thunder and a brilliant flash of light as I edged out of bed, surprising me as I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the dresser mirror. I suddenly remembered a scene from an old horror movie and fought to shake off the creepy feeling settling at the base of my spine. Glancing over at Lachlan, I was comforted by his soft snoring and reminded that I was just being silly; I love this old house and I’m really excited how the yard and interior changes are shaping up; but every so often I get this crazy feeling that something or someone is watching me. Maybe Lachlan’s right, it’s simply because I’ve never lived in a house this old before, but the feeling never quite goes away.

Squaring my shoulders, I heeded the siren call of the refrigerator. As I stepped out into the hallway, Kahlua appeared at my feet from out of nowhere, greeting me with a flick of his tail and a soft meow. He likes to go up to the cupola off the third floor to sit on the broad window sills and bask in the sun during the day, but I’ve yet to discover his night time hiding place; this house has so many nooks and crannies, I imagine he’s having the time of his life exploring them all. Happy to have his company as he followed me into the kitchen, I rewarded him with a slice of chicken left over from the day before.

The olives tasted even better than my craving had remembered and I think I actually hummed in pleasure as I chewed, leaning against the kitchen counter and starring absently out the window. The rain was falling harder now and as I reached into the jar for another olive, I was shocked to see something dart across the lawn near the old Monkey Puzzle tree. Remembering that Badger had claimed to see a homeless person camping out under the tree the night before, I felt the tingling sensation in my spine again. What if he really did see something and hadn’t just been silly drunk and imagining things?

I wasn’t aware that I had been holding my breath, but when I felt a hand come down on my shoulder I let out a yell.

“Hey, it’s only me.” The sound of Lachlan’s voice brought me back to earth.

 “My God, you nearly scared me to death!” My heart was pounding so hard I had to grab onto his arm for support. I told him about what I had just seen.

“It’s probably only a deer.” He slipped his arm around my waist and I leaned into him, suddenly needing his warmth and relieved to hear his explanation. “They’re all over the place this time of year. It drives the hunters crazy because they have to wait ‘til November before they can go after any of ‘em.”

I nuzzled my nose into the hollow of his neck. “You really think so?”

“More likely than not.” As he slid his hand over my belly to give it a tender pat, Kahlua jumped up on the counter and nudged him with his nose. “Hey mate, where ya been hiding? Find any nice fat crickets?”

As Lachlan was giving Kahlua’s chin a scratch, I saw something dart across the yard again.

“Did you see that?”

“See what?”

“That thing … deer … just ran across the lawn back over by the tree.”

“He’s probably looking for a place to get out of the rain. How’s about you bring your olives and we go back to bed?”

I still wasn’t convinced that what I saw was actually a deer, but at two in the morning and pouring rain, I wasn’t about to go outside to investigate. Besides, my husband just asked me to come back to bed; it sounded like a much nicer invitation.

TERRY

My heart slowed to normal and I pushed back a thick wave of Eva’s dark hair, watching her calm and the flush recede from her lovely face. She smiled and I kissed her, still havin’ a hard time believing that she was there with me. I rolled from her heated body and to my side, unwilling to take my eyes from her; almost sure she’d disappear if I did. When she spoke it was so softly, looking at me with as much wonder as I had for her.

“I have danced all my life,” she sighed. “Danced professionally since I was eighteen-years-old. And all that time, I have waited for the reason to stop. You … are the reason.”

I blinked, disbelieving. “Eva, love … when you dance, you’re amazing. So beautiful and I can tell how much love you have for it. How can you even think of not dancing?”

“I have found a new love, Terry.”

This made me nervous. Not because I didn’t wanna be her love, not because I don’t love her just as much, maybe more … but because it felt like a sacrifice on her part, the kinda sacrifice we might both end up payin’ for down the road. “Sweetheart, you don’t gotta stop dancin’, ya know.”

“Ah, but I do. I can no longer find the passion for it, all my passion has moved to you, to our life, together.”

I sat up and ran a hand through my hair and poor Eva, not knowin’ why, quickly gripped the sheets to cover herself. She too sat up and sighed.

“If you do not want me, you must be honest. I will leave. I will not bind you to something–”

I dove for her, pushing her back down on the bed, kissing her hard, hoping I could connect her to me forever. “That isn’t it, Eva! Bloody hell, that isn’t it at all.” I sighed and she relaxed into my embrace. “You gotta forgive me, darlin’. It’s just … I’m not so good at accepting things when they seem too good to be true.”

“Does that mean that they cannot be true?”

I melted, realizing that somehow Eva had replaced Doctor General Murphy as my shrink. There’s a solid center about her observations and her words, about her energy and her strength. “No, love. I suppose that doesn’t mean it can’t be true. But we got lots to figure out.”

Eva shrugged, ran a fingertip down my chest then settled her hand over my heart. “Your life is changing, Terry. So is mine. We will find our way. I can teach. Perhaps take a studio space in New York?”

I had so much to say, so much to ask her; if she’d been thinking about this a while … if she felt teaching would fulfill her currently buried need to dance … if she was sure I was the man she’d go so far for. But instead of my mouth talkin’, my growling stomach shifted our train of thought. We chuckled and I shrugged. “Hungry?”

“Yes,” she said, stretching her arms high, exposing perfect breasts, sweet nipples I could still taste on my lips. “But I am too tired to dress and go downstairs.” Her grin was delightful and I realized that at least when this woman manipulated, she knew it and owned up to it.

“Alrighty then,” I stole another kiss and looked around for discarded clothing. “I’ll just pop down to the breakfast room and bring back a tray.” I slid into wrinkled trousers … commando … and pulled the wilted shirt from last night’s wedding onto my arms.

“Do not dress too much,” she teased as I buttoned the shirt and bobbed my brows.

Slipping out the door I took the Do not Disturb sign and hung it on the outside knob. Three rooms away the door was opened and I skirted the cleaning cart to passed.

“Terry!”

I turned to see the crazy maid, Clari charging out at me.

“Terry!” Her arms wrapped around my neck and she hopped excitedly. “I just knew you’d be here. A family wedding? No way you’d miss something this family celebrates!”

She hugged tighter and I cautiously looked toward my room. I loosened her arms and tugged her a bit further down the hall, talking quietly and focusing on her face. “Uh … Clari … love … um … I’m not alone, darlin’.”

“Oh,” her arms dropped as did her smile. “Oh … well duh … of course not. Sorry.”

Couldn’t help but feel kinda bad. I leaned against the wall and grinned. “How are ya, love?”

She shrugged. “Fine, fine. Work all the time.”

“You don’t work all the time, Clari.” I watched her run a hand down her uniform skirt; she seemed to shrink a bit. One of her combat boots slithered to hide behind a shapely calf and her eyes lowered. “Ya know,” I leaned in, spoke softly. “You are a beautiful girl … great in the love makin’ department. A real catch.”

Another unattractive shrug.

“Love … if ya soften a bit, maybe dress just a little more conservative … not a whole lot, mind ya, not so much as to lose your edge or anything … but if you just try, I know you won’t be scarin’ off the men you should be meeting.”

“I didn’t scare you,” she grinned.

“I don’t scare easily.”

Just that moment Roberts trotted up the steps and glance into the open room. “This room done?” he asked then his brows shot up. “Thorne? Hey, morning.”

“G’day. Hey, this is Clari. Clari, this is Richie Roberts. I gotta get some tucker. Why don’t you two just … get to know each other?” I left, but turned back once to see Roberts striking up a nice convo with Clari. If all she needs is to get laid, Roberts is the bloke. If she needs more … she just might need to chuck the combat boots. Either way, I could smell Danish and bacon and I was on a mission. Me and Eva can’t keep rootin’ like we have been without some nourishment, that was bloody sure.

MONDAY

RILEY

Still raining and I laid in bed, listening to the water swish along our roofs and through the down spouts, amazed that the typical wet, fall weather had waited until after the wedding. It was a wonderful affair and I was so excited about it. But this morning, I wasn’t so happy. In fact, I didn’t even want to get out of bed. Today, we say goodbye to Natalie and the twins.

Her house in Maine is ready and even though Jack wouldn’t be there for another ten days, she was adamant about getting in and setting up housekeeping. Guess I really couldn’t blame her. Since they married, Jack and Nat really haven’t had a home of their own. Before that … well, before that … poor Natalie was living with us, recovering from an attempted suicide and trying to find her way. Leave it to the good Captain to plot the course. They’re happy, in love and now a complete family. I suppose it was time for them to leave. I hate when people leave.

There hadn’t been that much to pack up; baby furniture, personal things that belonged to Nat’s grandmother, a dining room set, china, crystal. Most of it would have fit into a small U-haul but we were glad she wouldn’t be making the drive with two active babies and a trailer in tow. The movers had picked up everything the night before and now it was down to a few suitcases, Chelsea and Catherine in their baby seats and Nat behind the wheel. John tried to talk her out of leaving until the weather cleared, but Nat has a stubborn streak even he couldn’t break through.

That was odd. John and Nat have always been so close. She was his sweetheart and he was her hero. Jealousy never entered the picture; after all, we had all existed in a strange swapping kind of lifestyle together. We had made our final choices when we walked away from that life … but we’re human. Love is love and even without sex, it prevails. I had my unique relationship with Terry and John had his with Nat. Not one of us would break our commitments to the one we chose to have and to hold, ‘til death do us part, but not one of us could ever stop loving. I’m thrilled for Terry, having found and won Eva … and John is confident that Nat is safe in Jack’s care. Life moves on. So … why can’t we let Natalie start the engine?

Claudia and Antony carried the babies and strapped them into the car seats. Kim and Emily loaded the suitcases in the trunks, and the newlyweds gave Nat hugs before she settled behind the wheel and closed the door.

My son was already crying, trying to climb in with the girls and refusing to let go of Chelsea’s hand. Funny, Chelsea is Nathan’s personal tormentor, but he wasn’t willing to release her, that was obvious. Finally John had to pick him up and hold him, trying to comfort him but even in his daddy’s arms, Nathan struggled to get close to the girls.

“You sure about driving in this shit?” Dino grunted from under his big golf umbrella as he leaned in to kiss her cheek.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Nat grinned.

“This is nasty bloody shit to be drivin’ in, darlin’,” Terry sighed. “You stop often for breaks and watch the road carefully.”

“I will.”

“Stop in Conway, just across the state line in New Hampshire for the night,” my husband passed a AAA map and triptic into the window and squeezed her hand as she accepted them. “There’s a Super 8 on 112, I made the reservation for you.”

“And call!” I handed her a bag of fresh brownies. “Call every time you stop so we know you’re safe!”

“Oh goodie. Brownies. Just what I need, kids on a sugar high,” she laughed.

“The brownies are for you.”

Cory and Daisy leaned into the window, bestowing kisses. “Drive carefully.”

“Here,” Ben grinned and reached into the car, handing her, of all things, a compass. “So you can find your way back.” He reached back and placed a tender, big palm on each baby’s head. “Be good for your mama.”

And it went on and on. Zack offering to pop in later in the month to see the house. Andy opening the door to give her a massive hug. Hando offering a grunt and a Starbuck’s gift card. “’Nough to get ya to Maine.”

By the time she actually started the engine we were all in tears. I … absolutely … positively … hate … when people leave.

“Come back and see us!” I shouted as she drove from our lot. “Call!”

TUESDAY

JOHN

Election Day. Four-thirty AM and I was at the City Office building with Sheriff Mike, Richie and Cory with his video camera in hand. We were sipping coffee from paper cups and waiting while four Vermont election officials examined the machines. The polls open at six AM; that gave us an hour an a half for the verdict. If the two voting machines proved to be un-tampered with, we’d bring the voters to the lounge to cast their ballots. If not, we were all ready and set up in the main lobby for a more cumbersome write-in balloting process. At exactly five-forty-five the announcement came.

“Both machines are corrupted,” said the burley man with a scowl.

Well hell; none of us were really surprised. The machines were confiscated, loaded onto a truck in the pouring rain and taken away as evidence. Sheriff Mike and three of his men accompanied the election officials to make the arrest. As Mickey Slade was the last person alone with the machines, having had to sign for them and using his own vehicles to bring them to the City Office building, the warrant for his arrest was already in Mike’s hand. Frank Water seemed cleared of the charges of tampering with government property, but Slade’s arrest was sure to have an impact on Water’s flunky-follower personality. Only time would tell. Wouldn’t be a bit surprised if Slade implicates Water in the whole thing, criminals don’t like sliding down to hell alone.

I’d be spending my day at the polls along with three state police who were standing guard all around the lobby. Now … our only concern was voter turnout. The rain was fucking nasty; it was cold and dreary and could easily make a lot of Stowe folks just want to blow it all off.
 
At eight I got a call from Nat, she and the girls were heading back on the road for the final leg of their drive to Maine. She said the weather had broken; only a little drizzle and that was a relief to hear.

At nine AM we’d barely had thirty voters show up. Then, the local radio station announced the arrest of Mickey Slade and you’d have thought we were giving away free money. People stood in the rain to get in, the lines were so long. At seven PM, it was over. The officials arrived to assist local election personnel to do the counting. All we could do now was wait and see.

BEN

Don’t like this feeling much. Never worried much about bein’ liked before. People like me. But do they trust me? And bigger than that … should they trust me? Nine at night and the rain ain’t stopped all day again, just poured and poured like a waterfall. I was down in the pub with Tracy when most all the family started to drift in. We were kinda quiet, just sippin’ beer or whisky and not sayin’ nothin’ about the election.

Ten o’clock and Biebe started to look kinda antsy. He paced and checked his cell phone a lot. Monica brought down a tray of sandwiches and we watched some west coast baseball game. At eleven, I was about to just give it all up; take Tracy to bed and find me some comfort that way. If I was gonna win, I’d sure as hell know by now, right? Time to start thinkin’ ‘bout what I was gonna do next, since sheriffin’ din’t look like it was in this gambler’s cards.

Eleven-fifteen the Mayor came in followed by like a hundred other folks. Told ya they liked me … but were they there to make me feel better for losin’? The old man took the television remote from Daisy and turned off the game. No one complained. We were all quiet as hell when he asked for a beer and turned to face the crowd. A crowd so big there weren’t nearly ‘nough chairs for them all. He raised his glass and looked me square in the eye.

“Here’s to the new sheriff of Stowe. To you, Sheriff Ben Wade.”

Don’t think anyone left ‘til almost dawn and John sure spent a hell of a lot of money givin’ away free rounds on the house. And he shook my hand.

“Congratulations, Ben. Proud of you, buddy. You’ll do good. Don’t you worry.”

I leaned close so no one else would hear me. “Got be sure and get your ass elected mayor in May, John. Need you at my side.”

“That gonna make me part of your crew, Wade?” his eyes sparkled, Biebe was kinda drunk.

“Yeah. Just call me … boss.”

WEDNESDAY

ENID DALTON

I wanted to spend the day with my daughter before heading back to Florida the following morning. I’m happy to report that I’ve been having a wonderful visit, even if the rain is making my old bones ache.

This is such a pretty little town and I have to admit that my adorable new son-in-law has completely won me over. Not an easy feat let me tell you. As a teenager, Jessie developed a taste for strappingly handsome young men and to my horror; they gravitated to her like flies to sugar. All waspish, athletic types who had more brawn than brains; you know the type. Then in her twenties, she went though what I refer to as the ‘hairy sensitive artist’ phase; intelligent men with a propensity for long hair and beards, several with a fair number of tattoos. Oy vey. She never wanted for boyfriends, but thank God she had enough sense not to get pregnant before she did.

So there we were, sitting around this big old farm-style kitchen table; Jessie, myself, and her landscape architect of all people, a very nice, rather ruggedly handsome looking young man by the name of Matthew Reese. Lachlan had gone into town to pick up supplies from the hardware store, and Jessie and Matthew were showing me the plans they had drawn up for the back and front yards.

“And the gazebo will go over here where we’ve planted a nice grouping of three Japanese Maples and the hot tub will go over in this big cleared out area over here.” Matthew pointed a surprisingly well manicured finger towards the lower left of the drawing, his voice pleasantly deep as he explained why they were waiting until next near to start the major work. “Winters in Vermont are nothing like the winters you have in Florida, Mrs. Dalton.”

Such a polite young man! “I’m hoping to come back around Christmastime to help Jessie with the baby,” I confided. “I would really love to see a Vermont autumn just once before I die.”

Jessie rolled her eyes and smiled. “Ma, you’re welcomed anytime, you know that. If you want to visit us in the autumn, all you have to do is call and let us know what time your plane is coming in. We have plenty of room and the guys will be finished with the second floor soon. You can sleep in the room Lachlan and I are using here on the first floor.”

I was pleased to hear my daughter’s response. “Oh honey, you know that I don’t want to be a bother.”

Jessie laughed and leaned in to give me a hug. “Oh ma, knock it off. You’re not a bother.”

Lachlan returned from the hardware store and he brought that sweet boy Jeff Mitchell back with him. “Look who I ran into over at Starbuck’s.”

Everyone exchanged their hellos as Lachlan leaned down to kiss my daughter. He then came over and kissed me on the cheek as well. “How are my two best girls?”

“Did you mention Starbucks?” I asked as I smacked him playfully on the tush. “Don’t tell me you didn’t bring any coffee back for your dear old mother-in-law.”

“Enid, I’d never forget about you.” He smiled impishly and reached into one of the bags and handed me a pound of Starbucks’ Vanilla Almond, my favorite.

“Hey Enid, in the mood to share?” Jeff came over and kissed my cheek as well, grinning and giving me a teasing wink as he pulled away. “I love a sheila who likes her coffee.”

“A little later, mate.” Lachlan grabbed his friend’s arm motioned with his head towards the stairway. “I wanted to show you that wall up on the third floor. I could be mistaken, but I think there might be something behind it besides rafters. Wanna take a look?”

Both men grinned as they excused themselves, looking like little boys off to experience some sort of grand adventure. I noticed a funny expression on Matt’s face as he watched them leave. Perhaps he felt a bit left out.

Jessie noticed his expression too, but her response threw me for a loop. “Matt, why don’t you just ask Jeff out for a drink? You’ve been watching him with puppy-dog eyes since the first day you started working here and I have a pretty strong suspicion he’d probably say yes.”

Matt’s cheeks grew a bright red and he looked terribly embarrassed. I tried my best to keep my composure; after all, my hairdresser back home is a homosexual, but he’s also a wonderful person. I didn’t want Matt to think I was stuffy and old fashioned.

He glanced over at me a little uncertainly and then back to Jessie. “Is it that obvious?”

Jessie placed her hand over his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You forget that I come from California, silly. It makes no difference to me whatsoever. You’re my friend and I think the world of you; I also think the world of Jeff. I wouldn’t have suggested it if I didn’t think it might be a nice idea.”

His eyes lit up. “Do you really think he’d be interested?”

Jessie smiled. “Well, let’s just say I’ve noticed him checking you out when he thought that no one was looking.”

“He barely speaks to me.”

“Well, you barely speak to him. Maybe you’re both just a little bit shy. Jeff broke up with his partner right before he came to Vermont and I know for a fact that he’s not seeing anyone right now. You should give it a go. I’ll betcha he accepts.”

“Maybe I should take this opportunity to make a pot of coffee.” I got up from the table and went into the kitchen, anything to look busy and unaffected by this interesting revelation. A few minutes later, Lachlan and Jeff came back downstairs, clomping on the steps like a pair of rambunctious elephants.

“Hey Matt, why don’t you take Jeff out by the shed and show him that broken water spigot you were telling me about?” Jessie gave him a gentle nudge with her foot. “Looks like the rain’s stopped for a bit and we need to make sure it’s not going to cause a problem somewhere down the line.”

“Hey, sounds right up my alley.” Jeff headed for the door without a second thought and Matt, still looking a little dazed, got up to follow after him. Lachlan was about to follow too when Jessie grabbed him by the arm.

“Hey babe, I need you to help me with something upstairs first. Mom, we’ll be right back.”

Lachlan frowned. “Can’t it wait?”

Jessie batted her long lashes and gave him a sexy little pout and I watched him just melt.

“Oh, okay. Show me the way.”

As they headed upstairs, I took a peek out the window at Jeff and Matt. They were standing near the shed and from the looks on both of their faces, they were having a very pleasant conversation. Ah, lamour.

Have I mentioned how much I adore Vermont?

JEFF MITCHELL

Bloody hell. Matt just asked me to join him for a round of drinks later this afternoon.

What do you take me for? Of course I accepted.

I think I’m really beginning to like Vermont.

THURSDAY

MAXI

A small stream runs through our expanded property, cutting the vineyard right in half and currently rising with a shitty attitude from all the bloody rain. Valerie was off at school and Pullo and I have been watching the rising water for hours. Our land is a bit lower on the mountain than the Inn but still pretty high up. I was hoping something like this wasn’t going to present a problem but we were both pretty sure it was going to be more than just a problem.

I stood under a big black umbrella and Pullo stood in the rain. The stream had swelled into a veritable river and I was bloody concerned about how far it would go. It was only yards from some of the newly planted seedlings and we could be looking at a big loss if it didn’t stop.

“Anyone ever warn you about this?” I asked and Pullo shrugged.

“It wasn’t on my land, I suppose no one expected it to be important enough to mention.”

I shot a glare then noticed the yellow rain coat and hat trotting our way. Guess school was out. Valerie ran up, all grins and wrapped her arms around Pullo then my waist.

“Stay back, sweetheart,” Pullo warned and we continued our talk. “Maybe it’s like the Nile? Leaves minerals behind after it recedes?”

“More like takes away all the topsoil. Is this rain worse than normal?”

“I have no idea. Could be from all those hurricanes down south. Valerie!” he shouted. “Stay away from the water.”

“We’re likely to lose at least two rows of seedlings, mate,” I groaned. “Maybe more if this bloody rain doesn’t stop. Who knows how long it’ll take for the stream to go back to normal after that.”

“Valerie!” Pullo was at a run.

It all happened so fast I couldn’t believe it. Like any kid, she wasn’t listening, wasn’t paying attention. She leaned over and reached for something soaring down the rapid rush of water and fell right in. Pullo charged along the shore, calling for her to grab something to hold on to. I jumped in. It wasn’t deeper than my thighs, but it was moving fast. What couldn’t move fast was me on my feet. Watching her slither further away I simply dropped to my gut and let the water take me along. I pushed when I could get a foothold and spit mud and stones every time I opened my mouth.

My heart was racing. My knee cracked on a rock and again I stood, sloshed ahead, splashing water and making better distance. Finally I caught her foot but it was swept away so fast I couldn’t catch it again. I ran. Valerie screamed. Pullo raced to get past her and try to catch her, calling for her to try to move closer to the edge. Another sprint. I was freezing but my blood was racing hot as fire. This time my fingers got a good grip on the hem of her jeans and I shouted, holding tight until I could drag her back against the rushing water. Tight in my arms I pushed with every muscle I had to get us out of the water.

Muddy and finally safe, I pressed her close to my chest then I got mad as bloody hell. I held her shoulders at arms length and shouted. “Don’t you bloody listen? Jesus, Valerie! We could’ve lost you! We told you to stay the hell away from the water!”

She cried and tried to snuggle but my gut was shaking. I hugged her for a moment then pushed her into Pullo’s waiting arms. Let her father do the yelling. I left to get the car parked some fifty yards away. Didn’t feel my heart rate calm until I slid the keys in the ignition.

“Bloody hell,” I gasped to the dashboard, switching the heater to full blast and driving carefully in the mud. “We could’ve lost her!”

Later that night after dinner, she apologized to me. Poor little thing didn’t need to be doing that, it was most likely me who owed her and apology.

“I’m sorry, Maxi. I’m very sorry I scared you and daddy and I want to thank you for saving me.” Then she kissed my cheek and went off to bed.

Pullo stood at the doorway and grinned. “If you think she had a crush on you before …”

“Bloody hell,” I groaned.

FRIDAY

EMILY

To: emily.carreras@1876ManorHouse.com
From: TrumpEntHR@Trump.net

Dear Ms Carreras,

Thank you for submitting your resume to Trump Enterprises, Inc. Our Human Resources Department would like to schedule an interview with you during the week of September 29, 2008. Please respond to this e-mail by September 22, 2008, 5pm EDT to set up your appointment.

Sincerely,
Blake Worthington III
Assistant Personnel Manager
Trump Enterprises, Inc.

I sat back on my bed and stared at my laptop in disbelief; three weeks ago, I had e-mailed my resume to the ten top companies in New York, not having any idea if they’d even have the chance of being reviewed, and none other than Trump Enterprises was the first to respond. My heart jumped at the realization that I had made it to step one with one of the most famous companies on the entire planet; they were actually requesting an interview!

Then a wave of guilt came over me; Kim had been fired from the very same company. Was I being insensitive to seriously consider responding to this e-mail? Kim once told me how his getting fired had left him feeling as if he’d been sucked into an empty void; he found out right afterward that his fashion model fiancée had been cheating on him and had been near the lowest point of his life when he came to Stowe soon afterwards. Would I be rubbing salt into some old wounds?

But then again, what would Kim do if the situations were reversed? True, he seems happy here at the Inn, but he’s told me enough times that opportunity only knocks once and it’s a fool who doesn’t seize the moment. Besides, New York isn’t really all that far away. If I did get the job, and that’s a big IF, I could easily come home on the weekends. It wouldn’t be like commuting from the West coast, and people do this kind of thing all the time. It is doable. Besides, my wanting to further my career doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be with Kim. I just want to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way; I’ve paid a lot of money for my college degree, and I don’t think anything is wrong with wanting to put it to good use.

But I don’t think I’ll say anything to Kim just yet. After all, it’s just an interview. Chances are that I won’t make it beyond the first appointment, anyways, but it would be a great chance to get my feet wet and experience an interview with a Fortune 500 company. This way, I’ll know what to expect with any others that come my way.

I’m sure Kim will understand.

KIM

I want to do something really nice for Emmie. I was thinking of buying her a pair of diamond earrings and taking her into Burlington for the weekend, but the rain put an end to the tail end of that idea. Then I thought that it might be fun to fix her a home cooked meal. Yeah, don’t laugh; I’m a pretty damn good cook. Not like Chris or Andy, but I do know how to make a really sweet Chicken Teriyaki and a bonzer dinner salad.

I snuck out during my lunch break and purchased the earrings at a little antique jewelry shop in town. I won’t say how much they cost, but I can almost imagine Emmie’s face when she opens the package. I have to laugh at myself sometimes when I realize just how much she means to me; who’d have thought that Kim Barrett, AKA to my employees as Mr. Cocky Bastard would ever again allow himself to fall in love again?

I’m crazy about this woman; she’s not only beautiful but smart and funny, and she puts up with me for some unknown reason. I was so afraid that she was serious when she started talking about looking for another job, but after that first meeting with that head hunter from New York, she hasn’t mentioned any more about it. Maybe these earrings will be what I need to let her see that I’m serious about my feelings for her. I know she sometimes thinks I’m insufferable, but I can’t imagine a day without her.

Maybe we should start thinking about moving into a larger apartment together?

SATURDAY

CORY

With the election out of the way and my next project not starting for another month when the leaves change, all I had on my plate was the edit and submission. Ben Wade turned out to be an exciting subject and the mess with Slade and Water only added to the intriguing quality of the piece. Chances are, it’ll never been seen outside of Vermont public television, but I was proud of it all the same.

Did I say I didn’t have much on my plate? There’s one other thing high on my priority list … and that’s figuring out exactly what’s up with Daisy. We’ve been together three years but for some reason, we feel like strangers lately. Yeah, we still do just fine and dandy in the bedroom, but everything else is just a little out of whack. She seems fine with my new look at least, it’s just that most things that come outta my mouth kinda get her back up lately. Time for a little TLC and refocus.

Saturday afternoon and it was still raining. Me and Daisy ain’t ever seen this much rain in our whole California born and bred lives. It’s funny what rain does to people. Makes them all walk around under umbrellas with their heads down. They don’t smile too much and they sure don’t seem to wanna be friendly. Makes me wonder what happens when it snows around here. Granted, tourism probably adds a bit of drama to it all, and it’s not like I ain’t seen snow before. We in sunny LA like to go visit the snow occasionally; take a drive up to Tahoe and gawk at people who like that sorta thing. Most times we’d just race from restaurant to club or stay in the car. It’s fuckin’ cold up there. Now we were facing actually living in a place like that. Stowe has been named the Tahoe of the east. Ah well, life is about adventures, right? But was Daisy having an adventure too?

“Come on, we’re going for a walk.”

“What?” Daisy gave me one of those looks. She’d just finished painting and drying her pretty toenails and there I was, asking her to shove those feet into galoshes. I grabbed the umbrella and bobbed my brows.

“Come on, let’s go.”

“Where?” she grumbled, pulling a heavy wool sweater over her tee shirt and taking one of my hats. One of my nice, vintage hats! I almost said something but what the hell, at least she was game.

We walked outside and followed the path out toward the gazebo. The rain was falling straight down but not so heavy it made it really bad or soaked us to the bone. There was no wind either, so I figured I had a good plan.

“Is this supposed to be Singin’ in the Rain romantic or something? ‘Cause it ain’t working, I’m freezing my ass off.” I could even hear the shiver in her voice.

“But it’s such a nice ass,” I growled, tugging her close as we stepped up onto the gazebo. Under the roof it was dry so I sat on the wood floor facing the Inn and pulled her down beside me.

“Okay, so we took a walk in the rain. Can we go back now?’

“Nope,” I pulled the zip-lock baggie out of my pocket and shook it for her to see. Immediately Daisy’s eyes shot to the Inn. “We’re watching the doors; no one’s taking a stroll in this crappy weather. It’s the best place we’re gonna find, Dais,” I said as I rolled a joint.

“You know, we live under the same roof with the new town sheriff and the next mayor. This won’t bode so good if we get busted tokin’ a fatty.”

I chuckled and lit up, drew in real deep and held it. I handed it over. She took it but kept talking.

“Wasn’t Roberts some kinda drug cop? And what about Thorne? I’m thinking this ain’t such a good idea.”

“You see anyone watchin’?” I asked, releasing the smoke and feeling the pleasant buzz. She shrugged, finally took a hit. “Besides, I’ve heard rumors that Biebe’s been known to get high. Not lately, but what the hell. It ain’t like he’s the kinda dude to say but I never inhaled, right?” She laughed and I took another drag.

She snuggled close and I figured best get on with it.

“Daisy … are you happy?”

“Sure. Why not?”

“I dunno. You just kinda seem … I dunno, distant lately. Are you really happy here in Vermont?”

She shrugged and sucked weed, held it and slowly released the blue smoke. “Happy enough. I like your family. Like my job. The Inn … well, the Inn’s a little weird though.”

“I know we need to start looking for a place of our own, babe.” I relit the stogie and took a deep drag. Coughed until my eyes streamed and Daisy started giggling. “Good shit, huh?”

“Where’d you get this?”

“I ain’t tellin’.” I stole a kiss and looked down into her blue eyes. “Daisy, are you still happy with me?”

She didn’t answer so I kept going.

“Because if you ain’t, just tell me what to do. You wanna go back to LA, we can do that. You want me to grow my hair, I can do that too. I’ll never get my ass into the dangerous shit again, I promise. Whatever you want, I’ll do. Honest.”

“How fuckin’ stoned are you?” she sighed. “Of course I still want you, you idiot. I love you. Neither of us wanna go back to LA. You can look any way you wanna look.” She shrugged, leaned back and eyed me up and down. “The haircut is kinda growing on me.” And again she giggled.

“Maybe I can bleach it white?” For some reason that was hysterical and we were rolling on the floor. Maybe smoking a joint wasn’t gonna get us on the same page again. Hell, I could hardly remember the last thing I said … but I know it was important. Daisy was off that night and if I had my way, I’d feed her junk food for the munchies, keep lighting joints and love her until the cows come home. Do cows really come home?

“Hey!”

Talk about rude awakening! We both turned to see Riley behind us. God dammit! I swear I jumped out of my skin and couldn’t breathe for a moment. I was watching the Inn, never thinking anyone in their right mind would be out walking near the fuckin’ pond!

“How dare you!” she gasped.

I leapt to my feet. “Oh fuck, Riles. I’m so sorry. Daisy had nothing to do with it, I swear.”

My eyes shot all around, looking for John and sorta expecting to be spending the night in jail. Then Riles stomped around the gazebo, up the steps and plopped her little ass down next to Daisy. We blinked. “Huh?”

Riley took the roach and lighter from Daisy and lit up. “How dare you have this and never tell me! Don’t you know how to share?” Her smile was maddening and it took several raging heartbeats for me to catch on that we weren’t facing the music. I sat and groaned, finally breathing like normal again.

“Sorry. Won’t ever happen again.”

Daisy giggled and Riley giggled and I leaned back looking at the Inn, wondering if granddad was watching. I shrugged. Nobody’s perfect.

“So,” Riles asked with a pixy grin. “What are we talking about?”

“Cory wants to dye his hair white,” Daisy snorted but I had gotten kinda sobered by the whole thing.

“We gonna be okay doin’ this here, Riles?”

She nodded, took another drag. “Our only problem would be Terry and he’s preoccupied with Eva. You got more of this stuff?”

I rolled another joint.

SUNDAY

THE RAIN CLOUDS