Balefire

by Barrett

“And who knows, I might have a phone message when I get back.” She laughed and then she grimaced. She pulled shorts on over her suit, grabbed a towel and her keys, and closed the door behind her, leaving her phone on the counter.

  Chapter Forty

  THE TOASTER POPPED, and Silke juggled the two pieces to the plate. On one piece she applied a generous layer of Cheez Whiz and on the other slice, she slathered chunky peanut butter. She cut the sandwich in half and wrapped it in a paper towel, finished the last of her coffee, and rinsed her cup. The cooler contained juice, water, a ham sandwich, and some grapes. Time to get to work.

  The sun was just barely up in the neighborhood quiet. Dew covered the grass in the back, making it look even longer. She’d neglected it and would probably need to hire one of the neighbor kids to cut it. One more thing on the to-do list.

  Without distractions, she’d made good progress on the project and hoped to fit the pieces together by the end of the week.

  She stopped when she got to the studio and realized she’d been humming. That was something new. The temper tantrums and crying jags had diminished considerably. In spite of occasional naps, she’d managed to sleep through the nights and awaken before dawn feeling rested. The door rolled up easily with its usual clanketty creaks. Note to self. Ask Roger to help grease the tracks on the door.

  The air was cool and damp and one small ray of sunlight shone on the top section of what was looking more and more like a lighthouse. The shingled effect, accentuated by the shadows, gave a realistic illusion. She folded her arms and felt a tiny glow of pride at realizing her vision. Now, if only the client was equally impressed.

  Just as she tied her protective leather apron, her cell phone on the workbench vibrated. The display showed Phillip’s name along with an icon for a missed message.

  She picked up the phone and called Phillip. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, dear sister. I figured it wouldn’t be too early for you.”

  She hoisted up onto the workbench and leaned back. “You’re right. With this hot weather I want to get an early start whenever I can. But what are you doing up so early? I thought lawyers and bankers had better hours than the working stiffs.”

  He laughed heartily. “The ones with their names on the door do. If you recall, I am the father of two young sons—hellions, you might say—when it comes to getting up for school. We start early and tag-team them. Fortunately they’re not good at telling time.”

  Her shoulders shook with laughter as she imagined the chaos. She and Phillip had been much the same way when they were little. “Poor Phillip. I had no idea how hard your life is.”

  “So, enough of that,” Phillip said. “I have all the papers ready and sent Rachel a message to stop by the office at the end of the week. We can refinance and get a good rate. As soon as she signs, I’ll stop by for your signature.”

  Tight coils inside began to loosen. Silke sighed with enormous relief. She didn’t really expect any more resistance, but she also didn’t trust Rachel not to throw a wrench into the plans just because she could. No, she needed to see the signed release before she could completely relax.

  “That’s wonderful news. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

  “Don’t think about it, this deal is a win-win for everyone,” Phillip said. “Rachel gets out of a huge pot of hot water, you get some financial security, and we get an excellent investment. I have to run, I’ll call you later.”

  Silke pressed the phone to her chest. She regretted the years that she and Phillip had lost touch because of their schedules and personal lives. Her family had always been there for her no matter what. She blinked and rubbed a tear away. The light had shifted, and she gazed at a project and the small table laden with tools. A hazy idea formed for something special she could create for Phillip and his family—her family.

  The phone in her hand reminded her that she had a message. As she listened to Kirin’s message, she felt the tiny spot below her ribs warm. She laughed as Kirin stumbled through her message. That was so unlike her.

  Not quite understanding she replayed the message. A weekend getaway, that was certainly possible. The project was nearly complete and Phillip said the papers were ready. Why not?

  After several minutes of sitting and pondering, she not only couldn’t find anything to prevent her from going, but found the idea of spending the weekend with Kirin very appealing. She donned her safety goggles and picked up a small V-shaped gouge. As she deepened the detailed carving around the faux window frames, she replayed their last trip back from Sturgeon Bay. It marked one of the first occasions she had relaxed and even laughed for months.

  Mid-cut she stopped. Her only joy in the past several months had been the times she had spent with Kirin.

  She retrieved the cell phone and called Kirin’s number. It went straight to voice mail. “I just got your message. I’m sorry I didn’t check sooner, but I’d really like to go with you. I need a break and I feel like we haven’t talked in a long time. I hope you’re okay. Give me a call when you can.” Grinning, she changed the setting so she would hear the phone ring, which it did immediately. “Kirin?”

  “Sorry, it’s Diane. Didn’t mean to disappoint you.”

  “I’m not,” Silke said. “I’m thrilled it’s you. What a wonderful surprise.”

  “Mark had to go up to Cancun to pick up a shipment from California and you know how bored I get when he’s gone,” Diane said.

  “What on earth did you order?” Silke took off the goggles and pulled a bottle of water from the cooler then perched on one of the steps.

  “We ordered some new appliances for the condos and all new dishes for the restaurant. While he’s there, he’s going to buy some new wines.”

  “I hope he has someone to help him with all that stuff.” Silke smiled as she thought about Mark on a shopping spree.

  “Do you remember last year we talked about getting a used barge?”

  “Of course. I thought you had completely lost your mind until you explained the cost of shipping.”

  “We finally found one that was just the right size, and Mark found some longshoremen to handle it.” Silke could hear the smile in Diane’s voice. “They took it up last week, and he flew up to meet them. Once everything is loaded, he’ll fly back.”

  “Sounds exciting. I suppose that helps when you need construction materials.”

  “Absolutely. That’s the costliest item to ship. And every time there’s a storm, we need more material,” Diane said. “Speaking of storms. How’s your writer friend?”

  Silke felt herself blushing. “I think she’s been pretty busy since we got back.”

  Diane paused. “Is there anything else you’d like to say about her?”

  “Like what?”

  “Well, wasn’t she writing a fantastic article about the storm? What ever happened with that?” Her voice held just a hint of merriment.

  “Oh, my God. I’ll bet that’s why she called,” Silke said. “Yes, she did finish the article, and it’s amazing. Maybe she’s heard from her publisher.”

  “If you talk to her, please thank her again for the piece she did on the resort. Mark and I both appreciate it, and the guests have been very complimentary. We’ve had a lot more traffic to the web site, too.” Diane paused again. “When are you coming back here? I miss you.”

  Silke related a Cliffs Notes version of the Rachel saga. She was careful to point out how Phillip handled everything perfectly. She went on to brag about the completion of her new project. “I think I should have everything wrapped up by mid-September. When I have a firmer idea, I’ll let you know, but I’m looking forward to coming back and seeing you. I have a notebook full of ideas for some drawings and a few other ideas I want to work on.”

  “I’m so happy to hear that. You sound wonderful and it sounds like your life is moving in a new direction,” Diane said.

  “It is. I really believe it is,” Silke said with a smile.

  “Can’t w
ait to see you. Big hugs from both of us.”

  Silke leaned back against the window frame and gazed up at the skylight. Large branches laden with oak leaves filtered the hot sun, making each leaf look shiny and new.

  “New leaves. Good metaphor.”

  KIRIN PUNCHED REPLY on the message from Silke.

  “Hello?” Silke answered in a breathless voice.

  “Did I catch you at a bad time?” Kirin asked.

  “No, I was hoping you’d call. It’s just that I was lying on the floor making an adjustment on the fitting.” Silke’s giggle suggested nervousness. “How’re you doing?”

  “Pretty well. It’s been busy around here, but no more deadlines for a while, and I’m looking forward to taking a break,” Kirin said. “So, it sounds from your voice mail you are up for going?”

  “Yes, and it couldn’t have come at a better time,” Silke said. “I’m ninety percent sure I can get out of town in two weeks and I really need it. I feel like I’ve been running in circles, and when I got your message, all I could think about was pine trees, lakes, and loons.”

  Kirin smiled at the enthusiasm in Silke’s voice. “That’s great, I feel the same way. I love the lakefront, but there’s something about going up north that really feels like an escape. When I was little, all we could think about was daily adventures, swimming, and eating great food.” She had to laugh because that was what she still remembered. “I’d love to catch up, maybe get some dinner, or take a walk . . . if you have any time you can carve out.”

  Silke chuckled. “Nice pun, and yes, I’d really like to get together. Phillip is supposed to get back to me about a time to sign papers. As soon as he does I’ll let you know.”

  “That’s great. In the meantime, I’ll let my mom know so she can relax.”

  Kirin felt like an idiot, sitting in her chair, staring at her cell phone, and grinning like a Cheshire cat. Her brain slipped into hyper-drive as she thought about what would make the perfect evening for two women overdosed on adrenaline. She booted up her computer and slipped easily into one of her favorite pastimes—research. Within minutes, she had a solid plan for the perfect outing.

  WAITING FIVE DAYS had been torture. Kirin spent the morning getting the car washed, doing laundry, and ordering a picnic supper. Silke thought she’d be ready by four o’clock.

  Feeling slightly frustrated, Kirin turned off the iron and hung up the third outfit. She had eliminated the first two for totally irrational reasons. She eyed the Kelly green polo shirt one more time. It looked nice with the white slacks . . . better with the navy blue.

  Enough. Silke probably wouldn’t notice anyway and she couldn’t waste any more time. Her shorts and tee shirt landed in the laundry basket, and she turned on the shower.

  Within forty-five minutes, she was exiting the expressway onto east Locust. Silke had suggested she swing through the alley first in case she was still in her studio. At exactly four-thirty she stopped the car in front of the open door. She could see Silke kneeling beside one of the pieces, completely focused on some detail. As she got out of the car, she thought to slam the door so she wouldn’t startle Silke by just appearing behind her like a ghost.

  It worked. Silke leaned back on her heels and pushed up her goggles. She shook her head and laughed. Her long hair came unfastened and fell across her shoulders.

  “I can’t believe it’s this late. I really did plan to quit over an hour ago.” Silke pulled the bandana from her neck to wipe her face.

  The image of a working artist transfixed Kirin. Silke’s exposed skin glistened with perspiration as she knelt in the sawdust and glowed with pink highlights from the deflected sunlight above. Her posture was strong and sensuous at the same time. She rested her forearms on the large sculpture, accentuating the well-defined muscles in her arms and shoulders.

  “We don’t have a schedule. Go ahead and finish what you’re doing,” Kirin said. “I’d love to watch your process.”

  “I’m really done with this part and certainly ready for a shower.” Silke stood and stretched, then looked at Kirin. “I’m glad to see you. It feels like a long time. I won’t hug you until I’m presentable.”

  “You look fine. I never realized that this kind of work was so physically demanding. I mean, it’s not for wimps . . .” Kirin felt her face warm with embarrassment.

  “It’s okay. You’re right, the bigger the project, the greater the stamina. That’s for sure.”

  “Are you nearly finished with it?” Kirin shoved her hands into her pockets.

  Silke stood back and nodded. “I think so. I need to work on some of the details for the top section . . . and then a few coats of marine varnish. It’ll look better when it’s anchored in the cement base and the lamp is attached.” She cocked her head and gave it a satisfied grin.

  “I hope I’ll get to see it once it’s installed.” Kirin edged closer for a better view.

  Silke’s expression brightened even more, her green eyes fairly twinkled. “I can’t wait to show you.”

  Kirin’s breath caught, and she held it. In one nanosecond, Silke Dyson became the most alluring woman she had ever seen. The part of her brain that allowed her to function as a relatively normal human being seemed to have locked. Say something, anything, you look like an idiot.

  Silke saved the moment by switching off her work light and putting her tools away. “Let’s go up to the house, and I’ll take a quick shower. I can hardly wait to see what you have planned for tonight.” She pulled down the bay door and locked it.

  Kirin mutely followed Silke to the house as Silke commented on how dry the weather had been and how her flowers were suffering. As the sound of the shower echoed down the stairs, Kirin exhaled and slumped into a chair. Perspiration had dampened the back of her shirt. That was awkward. She shook her head and glanced around. The house was strangely quiet except for the sound of water running and Silke humming.

  She drummed two fingers on the kitchen table as a parade of unwelcome worries crowded into her consciousness. Staying busy had kept her from thinking about Nathan’s comments. It was silly to have poured so much hope into one magazine article, but she had, and now her flagship of hope was languishing in the ether.

  She pushed her hair back from her forehead and blew out a tense breath. More than once she had been tempted to call Silke, if for no other reason than to share her anxiety. But it wasn’t fair to add any more to Silke’s plate. Between the project and the breakup . . .

  “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” Silke said as she trotted into the kitchen followed by the refreshing scent of soap and an herbal shampoo.

  Kirin stood up. “No. You’re incredibly fast. I’m not sure how you accomplished that.”

  “At least it’s safe to give you a hug now.” Silke raised her arms.

  Kirin slipped into the comfortable embrace she’d secretly craved. “I’m glad. I missed you.”

  Silke’s damp hair fell across Kirin’s arm, their cheeks brushed closer, and Kirin felt Silke’s fingers on the back of her neck. She wanted to freeze this moment forever.

  Silke laughed. “I didn’t realize how much I missed holding you.”

  Kirin squeezed her eyes shut. “I know. Me, too.”

  Silke put her hands on Kirin shoulders. They trembled as she slid her palms down to Kirin’s elbows. “Okay. I guess we should get going?”

  “Yes.” Kirin cleared her throat and stepped back. “I have a fun surprise planned.” She hoped she sounded more excited than awkward. All she wanted to do was spend the entire evening standing in Silke Dyson’s kitchen holding her tightly.

  “Do you think I’ll need a jacket?” Silke fussed with her hair and straightened the soft, scoop-neck tee shirt.

  “Good idea, you might.” Kirin jammed her hands in her pocket and gripped her car keys.

  Silke led the way out the back to Kirin’s car in the alley.

  “So where are you taking me?” Silke buckled her seat belt.

  Kirin sta
rted the car. “The first stop is Sendik’s to pick up our order and then will head over to the lakefront.”

  Silke draped her arm across the back of Kirin’s seat. “That sounds perfect. I feel as though I’ve been in the studio forever and that summer has passed me by. You know, it almost seems sinful to live this close to Lake Michigan and not take advantage of it.”

  “I know what you mean. I feel the same way, but I have no excuse. I can take my work outside.”

  “That’s true.” Silke nodded. “I’ve been dying to ask you what’s going on with your publisher and that great article you wrote. I was sure there would be something in the Sunday supplement book section.”

  Kirin’s chest ached from the imagined weight pressing on it. She turned into Sendik’s parking lot. “I guess it’s kind of in limbo right now. Long story. I’ll be right back.”