Moving On (7 page)

“Really, Nick. It’s all right.”

“Oh, I get it. You want to have some of the rocks from the field.”

“Yes.” She turned to him after she pulled into the first open spot on Center Street. Before an apology could skirt across her lips, she looked around and noticed the street and parking lot were full of vehicles. “What’s happening?” She forced a smile.

“Why don’t you come in and see?”

“I don’t think I should.”

“I promise no barking beasts, at least not with four legs.” She saw his brown eyes sparkle. The furrows on his face were soft and inviting. Instantly Anna felt if she could place her palms on each side of his face and trace his lips with her fingers, everything would be all right in her world. But of course she wouldn’t trespass into his space.

“Anna, let’s get a move on. Time’s a-wasting.”

She blew out a breath. “I’m not sure.”

He hopped out and hurried around to her door; opened it, grasped her hand, and pulled her to her feet. He gently pushed against the small of her spine, propelling her forward. She welcomed the heat radiating from his touch. It seemed like such a very long time since someone cared to push her toward life. His breath fanned the back of her neck. The steel double doors opened and country music filled the air.

Nick pulled her onto the dance floor and into a fast waltz. Her feet followed his measured steps. He felt the tension ease out of her body as she looked around. She even leaned her head back in response to a spin, exposing a wonderful, slender white neck. He quelled an urge to lean forward and kiss the column down to her seductively exposed collarbones. He felt himself react, again. Maybe he was the beast she spoke of.

Keeping track of his left lower limb became a non-issue while he focused on another part of his anatomy to avoid embarrassing himself in front of his neighbors.

The music ended. He kept his hand firmly around her waist as he guided her to the makeshift bar. “Beer?”

“Yes.” She hesitated as if searching for a word. “Draft?”

He handed her the dew-covered glass which she brought to her lips. He clung to his bottle and tipped it evenly, watching her through half-closed eyes. She was an enigma. Her face had shown shadows of solemnity as well as a joy of life.

He wanted to know her, but at the same time, not know her. Her pain both called to and repelled him. He didn’t want to complicate his life. Everything was fine the way it was. Besides, maybe he would be leaving soon, which wouldn’t be fair, or maybe he’d be the pegged-leg yokel staying in this town.

When he looked around, he saw his neighbors. Laurie had a bandana around her bald head. Hank’s right leg created a ridge in the dance dust on the floor. With a gulp, he reminded himself a dance did not mean a lifetime commitment. He led her to the community table of singles. Ruth Anne was crooking her finger at him and smiling broadly.

“Anna, we have a job to do,” he said.

She looked at him as if he had two heads.

“All the single, unattached residents have to dance with the other singles so everyone has a good time,” he whispered in her ear. Then he gestured toward the table. “Everyone, meet Anna. Anna, everyone.”

Men and women nodded, lifted hands in acknowledgement. “Hi, Anna.”

“Hello, everyone.” She waved.

Before she could put her glass on the table, a round, short man reached her side, squeezed her hand, and led her through the polka.

Out of the blur of fast-stepping tunes, Nick held on to a smiling, blue-haired woman and watched Anna dance.

After everyone at the table had a spin with either him or Anna, Nick held his hand out to her and led her back to the dance floor. The line was forming as the music began. They positioned themselves behind others and he methodically showed Anna the sequence of steps. He sensed when her body and the music blended together in movement.

Anna was no stranger to music; she seemed to like moving to the beat, but the dance steps were probably new to her. He’d bet with each repetition, the stomps, kicks and grapevines became less complicated. He noticed she watched the red boots and skirt of the woman in front of her. Anna mimicked the swing of the woman’s hips and suggestive shimmy of her shoulder.

He grinned when she glanced at him. She smiled back, keeping up with the line.

During the next set, they held on to each other and swung in unison. Sometimes her eyes sparkled with excitement, other times she bit her lip in concentration. She fit comfortably into him. Her hair shimmered like an aura around her head. Her body seemed to be bathed in a floral scent. Nick thought of nameless dreams, reluctant to see the magic end.

When they stopped at the bar this time, they each had a glass of ice-cold water. She brushed the back of her sleeve across her mouth. He wished he could trace the vagrant drops with his thumb again. But if he did that here this evening, by morning everyone would know he felt more than neighborly.

She laughed. “You seem to be my thirst-quenching hero.”

“Water and hydration are specialties of mine,” he teased.

He felt the end of his stump throb. “I’m ready to sit out the next set. You?”

“Sure. I’d like to watch the moves. I seem to have missed this phase of dance.”

They sat side by side, she watching the steps of the various dances, he smiling at those who waved at him. Nick tried to keep his mind on the music rather than the anticipation of Anna’s jeans-clad thigh bumping against his as she practiced the steps under the table.

The disc jockey took a break and the room settled into a quiet hum.

She gestured around. “Tell me about this.”

“We’re a small community, and we have widowers, widows, and other singles living alone, so as a community we come out to dance. You might say we’re the dance ambassadors.”

Nick sensed the effervescence leave her posture. “Did I say something wrong?” he asked.

“No.” Anna shook her head. For once, her stomach did not recoil at the word ‘widow.’ She was in the company of other widows, even though they didn’t know it. None appeared to feel guilty about enjoying life.

She tore a serviette into a million little pieces to repress the urge to share her experience. She didn’t want to taint their fledgling friendship. She scooped up the remnants of her destruction and stood. “I’d like to try these new steps again before I call it a night. What about you?”

“I’ve had a long day. I’ll sit here and visit for a bit. You go ahead. Line dancing is great because you don’t need a partner. You can just get on the dance floor and let loose.” She saw him rubbing his left knee.

“Yes, I will.” Anna wished she had a Stetson, boots, and a ruffled skirt. She’d abandoned her suit jacket long ago while she learned the slip and slide steps. Her brown-eyed temporary dancing ambassador caught her eye and smiled before he turned back to the group at the table.

When the dance ended, Nick walked Anna to her car but didn’t get in.

“No ride?” she asked.

“I’m fine. The Fergusons are going to drop me off on their way home.”

Relieved because she didn’t want to be afraid of his dog again tonight, Anna sighed, “Thanks, Nick for a great time.”

He gave the front fender a pat. “You’re welcome. Drive carefully.”

Later, Anna cuddled under the covers and searched the corners of her heart. It was time for her to plan who she was going to be, without her past with Murray and the life they had planned. Thinking of the people she had surrounded herself with since his death, most were strong, supportive women. She missed the male view on life. Perhaps she was drawn to Nick for that very reason. He made her feel as she hadn’t felt in months, feelings she had thought had been buried with Murray.

She drifted off on a twirl and a kick, slap, and stomp.

Chapter 6

The persistent caw of the crows and a knocking at her door finally registered. Anna rubbed her eyes and stretched, jumped out of bed, slid into her slippers, and grabbed her robe. “I’m coming.”

Perhaps Margaret needed something. Or maybe it was George come to inspect the house. Anna flipped the dead bolt and swung the door open. Then shrieked.

The beast had found her and was panting on her deck with only a thin mesh door between them. She heard a low call. “Molly, sit. Stay. Good girl.”

Nick stepped into view. “Morning! Molly and I were out for a ride and she promised to be on her best behavior. She wants to be your friend. Any chance you would come out on the deck?” He bowed, scraping his bicycle helmet in mock chivalry.

“I don’t know if I can. I’m shaking like a leaf just standing here imagining her bolting through the screen door.”

“You could desensitize in stages.”

She pulled her robe tighter around her and took in his loose-fitting riding clothes. The automatic coffeemaker bubbled in the background. “Coffee’s almost ready. Would you like a cup?”

“Absolutely, but first, Molly and I need a large drink of water. Although I ride and she runs, she thinks she has a harder time during our workouts. Don’t you, Molly?” He scratched behind her ears.

Nick slid through the door with a crooked grin. “It’s a beautiful morning.” He looked around. “Wow, this place gleams. You’ve worked very hard.”

“It’s been fun working on a house that’s all mine.”

She reached into the cupboard for a wicker tray where she quickly placed two mugs of steaming coffee and two fresh cinnamon rolls on plates. Then added cream and sugar, a large glass of water for Nick and a bowl of fresh water for the four-legged intruder. She moved toward the front room.

“Will you trust me? We could go out into the morning sun. Margaret tells me you have your coffee out there. I promise Molly won’t come toward you. She’ll obey my commands.”

“Isn’t it just like a guy to have to fix things? What’s wrong with one little neurosis?”

“The little ones sometimes hide bigger ones.” He held his hands out for the tray. “I’ll take that.”

“The biggest problem I have right now is a need to brush my teeth and run a comb through my hair. So you take the things onto the deck and I’ll join you in a bit.” She pushed the tray toward him.

Little neuroses hide bigger ones, ha! Little does he know! I’m not afraid of anything else. Give me a mouse and I’ll chase it out the door, give me a snake and it can cross my path.
She vigorously angled the brush over her teeth and scrubbed away her sleep breath. She plucked her curls with a pick comb, rinsed her face with cold water, tightened her belt around her waist and marched to the door.

Anna skidded through the door Nick held open, slid along the outside wall and practically jumped into the chair, pulling her legs up under her robe. To Anna’s chagrin, Molly’s head rested between her paws. The water bowl was empty.

“You’ll have to be on your best behavior, Molly. You make Anna nervous.”

As Nick crooned to his dog, Anna monitored them both. When he stood and joined her at the table, she calmed a little.

The morning sun brought a tinge of pink to Anna’s cheeks and wrapped around her curls as she looked out at her garden. Nick heard her sigh.

“Is there something you would like to talk about?” he asked.

She continued to stare at the tiny plants in her garden. “I was thinking I’m almost twenty-nine, planting a garden for the first time and still afraid of dogs. I should have planted many gardens by this time in my life and conquered this childish fear.”

The resolve he had formed during his morning bicycle ride about the benefits of a platonic relationship—a female friend, someone he would be comfortable just to hang around with—was in jeopardy.

“Perhaps,” he said. He watched her bring the coffee cup to her lips. Her throat worked as she swallowed and then her tongue licked the cinnamon sugar from her lips.

When she turned, she squinted against the sun. Her chin jutted forward. He waited, wondering if she would express more deep and unexpected truths. She appeared lost in her thoughts.

Suddenly, she looked at him, smiled and said huskily, “I feel so comfortable around you. It’s like I’ve known you for a long time.”

The bit of song he remembered from his childhood leaped into his brain.
I am who I am, I’m Nick the army man.
He and his grandfather had changed the Popeye tune so long ago. It was his second nature to help people feel safe.

He sipped his coffee. “I’ve heard a similar statement expressed by visitors. It might have something to do with small towns or in particular, this town. When people come here it’s usually for a vacation away from their other lives.” He looked toward the Lambs’ backyard and wondered when either Herman or Margaret would peer over the fence. He wanted more moments with just Anna. “I didn’t finish telling you about the dance club.”

“That was so much fun. Do they have line dancing every time?”

“No. We alternate between country, old time and ballroom. They also hold family dances and occasionally modern dances for the teenagers.”

“Amazing.”

“We’re a town of dancing fools.” He glanced at his watch. “We have to get a move on. I promised Elmer I’d help him get ready for his yard sale.”

“Today!”

“No, tomorrow.” He clipped Molly’s lead to her collar. “Why so excited?”

“I won’t miss it. Today I have to wait for George from the hardware store. He said he’d drop by either in the morning or afternoon.” Anna jumped up. “I can’t follow a man dressed like this.”

Molly raised her head. Her tail thumped against the deck. Anna’s mouth dropped open. Nick motioned to the dog to stay and smiled at her obedience. “Good girl.” He moved to open the door. “Is there anything in particular you’re looking for at a garage sale?”

“Yes, but it will take too long to explain. Is there a specific place most people post their sale signs?”

“Check the power pole at the post office. You’ll find everything you need to know.”

As Anna picked up the tray and slid past Nick through the open door, he chuckled. “Come on, Molly. We can take a hint.” With a wave, he turned the corner and was out of sight.

Anna tucked her hair under a baseball cap. In her mind she already had a list of questions about the house. The roof? The foundation? The insulation? The wiring? The heating system? Her chest tightened but she was familiar with the signs of anxiety. She did not need to be worried until she had all of her information.

Hoeing weeds would definitely occupy her time. Anna wandered into her garden.

Finally, mid-afternoon she heard someone whistling a tune and then a beautiful piece of wood appeared edging past the house, just before George appeared.

“Where would you like me to drop this?”

“Hello, George.” She pointed to the edge of the bushes. “I’ve made room in my garden shed. It will be out of the elements and after you tell me about my house, I’ll decide where to put it.”

“You know it can’t stand on its end for too long.” He seemed passionate about his supplies.

“It won’t. I have a pattern I’ll begin to work on soon.” She pushed open the door to a shed with neatly arranged shelves, gardening tools hung on the wall, and a dirt free floor. “I appreciate quality wood as much as you do.”

He stood it against the wall. “Okay, then. Time to look around.”

He tucked her ladder under his arm and carried it to the deck. “I’ll get up on the roof and you can come up so you know what I’m talking about.”

“All the way up? Who will watch the ladder? Isn’t that a safety regulation?”

“I’ve been up on roofs all my life.”

“Well, not my roof. Don’t move a muscle. I’ll see if Herman can come over.” She ran next door and knocked.

Herman called, “Hold your horses.” He came to the door, carrying a glass of water. “Hi, Annie. I see George’s truck out front.”

“Yes, he’s here but he wants to go onto my roof and me to come with him.” She craned her neck toward her house to make certain George wasn’t climbing the ladder.

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of heights?”

“No, but I would like someone on the ground in case we need help. Can you come over and use my cell phone to call for help, if we need it?”

“Sure. I’ll bring my portable, it has the emergency numbers on speed dial.” He opened the door, phone in hand, and they crossed to her deck.

“Hi, George.” Herman waved. “You take care of this girl up there now.”

George mumbled and touched his finger to his cap. He had his feet on the rung and his hands on the rail. “You coming?” he asked Anna.

She waited for him to place his foot over the ladder and onto the roof before she climbed to the top, copying his movement and stepping onto the roof safely. She looked around. “Wow, the view is spectacular.”

“We’re not here to stare at the water. We’re here to see if there’s any place water will come into your house.” George scanned the shingles on the periphery and bent down for a closer inspection around the chimney. “You’re one lucky lady. This roof has ten to twelve years left in her.”

Anna grinned.

“We still have a lot to look at. Don’t grin too fast,” George said. “I’ll hold the ladder and you go on down. I’ll follow. I’m a lot more experienced.”

Anna eased her foot over the edge onto the rung and climbed down. “Did you hear that, Herman? The roof is in good shape.” She did a little slip, slide and kick step.

“It’s my heart, Annie, not my ears.”

When George pulled the ladder from the side of the house, Margaret called over, “I’m sure I’ve lost a couple of pounds just watching you two up there. You’re done, aren’t you?”

“Here, yes, but we have a lot more house to look at. Come along, Anne.”

Annie? Anne? What is it with my name and the way people remember it?
“I’m coming,” she said aloud. “Thanks, Herman. Sorry Margaret, I didn’t know you were home.”

“I was having a little cat nap.”

Anna nodded. “I’d better get a move on. George means business.”

She found him crawling on the grass checking out the foundation under the front room windows. “George, I’m here. See anything?” She got on her hands and knees and looked at the gray cement.

“Nah, I thought maybe this may have been an old veranda closed in. They can cause a lot of trouble with the foundation but this looks solid. I’ll be able to see better from the inside.”

“Okay.” She crossed her fingers for luck behind her back.

On each wall of the house, he ran his fingers under windows and around door frames. He held a flashlight to cracks in the foundation. His method was similar to doctors she accompanied when they examined a patient, observing color and texture and finally, thumping on certain places and listening for faults.

Toward the end of his examination, George inspected the windows that faced the lake.

“I would like to spend most of my time in this room,” Anna explained. “I thought I could set up a bench and do my miniature construction. I would need it to be warm in the cold weather.”

George slipped a measuring tape from his belt and calculated the length, width and depth. His pursed lips caused her to worry. “Do you have time for a coffee or cold coke?”

“Why don’t you make us some coffee? It will take me a minute to gather my thoughts and then we’ll talk.” He pulled out a chair and took out a scratch pad and began to write as if time could steal his thoughts.

This couldn’t be as bad as the day she tried everything to save Murray. Nothing could be that bad again. She would make rational decisions, but she was feeling so comfortable in this community. Anna scooped grounds into the filter, poured in water and turned on the coffeemaker. She sliced up cheese and added two kinds of crackers to a platter. She wouldn’t make decisions until she had all of the information.

She glanced at George. Sometimes he had his head in his hands, sometimes he was pressing numbers on a calculator, and sometimes he smiled.

Finally, the coffeemaker stopped dripping. Anna poured two mugs, placed sugar and cream on the tray, and carried everything to the kitchen table. “Doctor, what is your diagnosis? Is the patient going to live or die?” she asked.

George reached for a mug and blew across the hot surface. “Depends how much money and time you can give to rehabilitation.”

“I’ve got the time and I have access to some funds.”

“Good news or bad news first?”

“Bad news.” She gripped her coffee mug for warmth.

“Rough calculation.” He stared at his paper. “Without my pricing book for reference.” He scratched another figure. “But knowing my supplies and suppliers, give or take a couple of hundred here or there.” He gulped a mouthful of coffee. “I’d say we can do what you need for under ten thousand dollars.”

“Now the good news.”

A slow smile crept across his lips. “This old cottage is in very good shape. The foundation and bones are good. The heating, electrical, and plumbing seem to be well maintained. What you need to do is add another electrical upgrade for your modern equipment and Internet. You will need some insulation and new windows at least along the north wall. We can do that all from the inside and preserve the integrity of the outside skin. I’d say you have a pretty good deal here.”