Time for Surprises

by Mette Barfelt

  "I don't know."

  "How about you, Noah?"

  He shrugged. "Only if Sofie is going."

  "Why?" Miranda didn't get it. They'd always enjoyed playing tennis and usually looked forward to the sessions.

  "Will Sofie be in her room, playing, while I have to train?" Disgruntled, he looked at her.

  Ah, that again. Fear of not playing as much as his sister. She felt dejected. If Sofie stayed at home instead of training, she would have no chance to check what she was doing. She could turn off the internet access but didn't want to take such drastic steps. There was enough tension between them already, and she didn't want to make it worse.

  "Sofie isn't allowed to play more than you. She can make an extra effort at school instead. There's a lot she can prepare for in several subjects, what with exams coming up in a few weeks."

  "You can't stop me."

  "Sofie, that's enough." Vidar seldom meddled, but let Miranda take the fights. Puzzled, she looked at him. "Do as Mom says. You either train or study for your exams."

  "You're always bossing me around." Sofie got up resignedly, but went to her room to change. "I guess I'll practice then."

  Miranda finished in the kitchen and patiently waited for them. At long last, they were ready and could set off. Sofie's mood was so-so, but Noah seemed pleased.

  "You can walk home when the session is over. It's not far."

  "Aren't you even going to pick us up?" Sofie stared at her mother in disbelief.

  Miranda smiled encouragingly. "There are short distances here, so it will only take fifteen minutes to walk home. I won't have time to pick you up. I'm meeting Kitty and Patricia at the hotel. Great-grandma is babysitting her while Celine does aerobics."

  "It's unfair. I want to visit Great-grandma, too."

  "Some other time. It's nice for them to get to know each other. Patricia has no one but Celine. It's not easy being all alone in the world."

  Sofie seemed to consider this. "Maybe not."

  Miranda turned into the parking lot and went to find the coach and the other players. After greeting him, and ensuring they were in the right place and group, she drove off to the hotel with a clear conscience. Both Sofie and Noah needed to meet other teens and get new friends in the neighborhood.

  She parked and noticed Celine was about to lock her car. "Hello. Are you excited about meeting your new great-grandma, Patricia?"

  "And the dog. His name is King." The girl was wearing a pink princess dress made of tulle, with heart-shaped sequins all over. Her nails were the same shade, as were her lips. Miranda tried not to laugh. Celine most likely had difficulty saying no to her daughter's requests.

  "You've dressed up nicely."

  Celine rolled her eyes. "Making suggestions is no simple task. Patricia has her own opinions about most things."

  "Look at my pink ballerina shoes. Mom says Kitty also has them."

  "She's right. Kitty has many pairs in different colors."

  "Me too."

  Miranda didn't doubt it for a second. She turned to Celine. "Are you ready for your exercise?"

  "I'm a bit rusty. It's been a long time since I visited a gym."

  "You'll soon get the hang of it. I guess it's like riding a bike. Once you've learned how to do it, you never forget."

  "I'm counting on it. I hope Patricia won't be too much trouble for Kitty."

  They watched the five-year-old dancing along in the parking lot while singing loudly. "Patricia is a sweet girl who charms everyone," Miranda said. "It'll be fine. Don't you worry. Try to relax and enjoy your workout."

  Celine nodded. They took the elevator to the fourth floor, and Patricia rang the bell. Kitty met them like a true Great-grandma. She embraced Patricia in a big hug. Miranda was touched by the sight of them holding each other as if reunited after years of separation. This looked promising.

  "Finally, there you are," Kitty said to the girl. "I've been waiting for you all afternoon."

  Patricia brightened. "But Mom said I had to eat dinner first."

  King came rushing toward them, tail wagging.

  "Oh, how cute. Can I hold him?"

  "Sure. Just lift him up."

  Patricia was utterly in love with the tiny dog and cuddled it. She headed for the sofa but noticed the dining table. "Is all this jewelry?"

  Kitty laughed. "Jewelry and tools to make it. I'm told you like jewelry, too."

  Patricia showed her the little golden heart she was wearing. "I got this for my birthday."

  "Lovely. I can teach you a few tricks." She nodded in the direction of the table.

  "May I, Mom?" She and King were already sitting by the table.

  "Yes, if it's not too much for Kitty. But remember to behave yourself."

  "I promise."

  "Thank you for having her while I work out," Celine said. "I appreciate it."

  "It's my pleasure," said Kitty, straightening the big necklace hanging around her neck. "We'll have a blast together. Take all the time you need."

  ***

  Vidar had major problems. Not only was he miserable living in the town of Solvik, but he had the dullest job in the world. The single fun thing was his bike training, but even that didn't make up for the frustration he felt. He'd attempted to reconcile himself to the janitor's job that he'd been obliged to accept at the hotel. He'd tried to regard it as an essential job. He was the one keeping the wheels going, as Miranda had pointed out. But what deadly boring wheels. The truth was, anyone could do the job and make things run smoothly. You didn't need five years of economic studies to change light bulbs in the bathroom.

  He sighed, feeling his envy rising to new levels when he thought of the appealing position his wife had landed. Hotel manager! That would have been something. He felt anger still simmering inside. Ever since they learned about the will, he'd endeavored to accept the new life forced upon him. He hadn't succeeded yet and doubted he'd ever come to terms with small town living out here in the countryside.

  He didn't see much of Miranda, both in and outside the bedroom. Everything had strayed after he lost his job. He couldn't remember the last time they went to bed at the same time or did anything but sleep in the king-size bed. He recognized it was first and foremost his fault. Bitterness he should have managed to control and get rid of a long time ago, had replaced his good mood. Lots of men had wives in higher positions than themselves. How they dealt with it, he had no idea. If he'd had a prominent position himself, he wouldn't have minded if Miranda got the better job. Not at all. She deserved it. He hadn't complained when they lived in Oslo, and she earned more than him. Despite disliking it mightily, he hadn't once mentioned the inequality. And now he was stuck in a hopeless situation. Miranda's father must have hated him intensely; there was no other way to interpret it. Otherwise, Vidar would hardly have been fobbed off with the lousy job as guardian of the toilet paper.

  Vidar took the elevator up a few floors. The teens were training, and he didn't know where Miranda was. It didn't matter, he had far more exciting things on his mind right now. Life was, in fact, looking a bit brighter than it had in a long time. He'd gotten to know the home economist at the hotel, Olivia Dahle. She was a feisty little redhead with tiny freckles on her cute face. Her body had curves in all the right places, and she had neither a husband nor kids, as far as he knew. She'd flirted with him ever since the hotel opened, even though he hadn't encouraged her in the slightest. But she was persistent, and he was flattered. Naturally, Olivia had access to every room, and she'd tempted him with a tour of one of the suites. He didn't know what she had in mind, but he had enough imagination to picture all sorts of scenarios.

  When Vidar saw Olivia walking into one of the storage rooms, he had a spontaneous desire to surprise her. He ensured no one was watching. Then he quickly sneaked over to the door and slipped in. The room was relatively large and had shelves with bed linens and sheets.

  "Psst."

  "Vidar, you frightened me. What a wonderful surprise." Olivia
came toward him with open arms.

  "Is it?" He eyed her longingly.

  She snuggled up to him, and he dropped all plans of resisting her.

  "I've waited so long for this. We were going to the suite..."

  A few seconds later, their first innocent kiss became more intense. Vidar no longer remembered where he was, but suddenly they were lying on the floor, surrounded by comforters. Olivia was wearing a red top that he tore off. The red bra went the same way, and he nearly went crazy at the beautiful sight. He helped himself to the wonders, and Olivia followed suit.

  It was hot work, and they wriggled about on the floor. Pants and underwear disappeared into the air, landing somewhere. They rolled around, and his foot smashed into the door with a loud bang, but they continued without worrying about such trifles.

  Seconds later the door opened, and he stared into the eyes of Kitty and Patricia.

  "Good heavens! What are you doing in the laundry room, Vidar?" Appalled, Kitty looked at them. "Oh my, isn't that the housekeeper you're about to strangle? If you get up, she might be able to breathe."

  "Why don't they have any clothes on, Kitty?" Patricia glared at them, wide-eyed. "They're stark naked."

  Kitty touched her newly styled hair. "Take King with you and leave the room, and I'll join you in a minute. Wait for me outside."

  "Okay." Patricia obeyed, and Kitty remained standing there, as if she didn't know what to do. Vidar got up eventually, his family jewels hidden behind his hands. He frantically started looking for his clothes. He found his briefs on top of a broom, close to Kitty's head. Frowning, she stepped back and looked at him, disapprovingly. He hurriedly put them on and picked up his pants from a bucket.

  Olivia's red hair matched the color of her face perfectly. She'd put on most of her clothes by now but was immensely ashamed. She didn't say a word, and Vidar didn't speak either. Finally, they stood in front of Kitty like naughty kids.

  "Oh well, I think I'll let the hotel manager deal with this. Miranda knows best how to handle this situation." With that, she turned and left the room.

  Vidar was still as quiet as a clam, and his cheeks were a vivid scarlet, but Olivia had something to say.

  "This is all your fault, Vidar. If you'd just been more patient. The plan was to be in the suite, remember? No one would have found us there." Her voice was angry, and she almost yelled at him.

  He jerked, and it dawned on him what had happened. He'd been caught red-handed by his wife's grandma. How horrific! Miranda would be devastated. A million thoughts went through his mind. What would happen now? Would Miranda throw him out of the house? Or would she give him another chance? Was this the end of their seventeen-year-long marriage? He combed his curly hair with his hand. And what about the children? They were old enough to find out what had happened. How embarrassing. He felt himself blush again. He tried to massage his temples, to no avail. A headache came drifting. But what about his job? Would he lose that as well? At least he had a job now, even if he was exceedingly overqualified. But a janitor's job was better than nothing. Or was it? He wasn't so sure about that.

  Vidar squinted at Olivia, who was tearful. She'd calmed down, and sorrowfully stared at the floor. How beautiful she was, resembling a fairy queen. At that moment, he knew he didn't want to lose her. His heart started beating at the sight of her enticing body, and he felt tingles inside once more. He knew he had to finish what they'd started. But what about Olivia's job? She'd probably lose it. He knew Miranda would be merciless. And he could hardly beg her.

  Vidar went over to his mistress and looked into her forest-green eyes. "Olivia, I'm so sorry. You're right, it's my fault. I wasn't able to resist you any longer. You're too tempting."

  This brought a smile to her lips. "I wasn't any better myself."

  He embraced her, holding her for a long time. He kissed her long curly hair and clung to her. "We'll most likely lose our jobs, but I don't want to lose you too."

  "I feel the same about you, Vidar." She sniffed and dried a couple of tears with her fingertips.

  "Together, we'll manage everything."

  16

  Miranda packed her things away. She'd done quite a bit of paperwork while the children were in the sports hall. Time to quit for the day. She yawned and felt tired. She could do with more energy. Perhaps she should start exercising, too. Her thoughts went to Celine, who doubtlessly enjoyed what little time she had to do aerobics. Poor soul, she never had any alone time. It had to be tough to be the sole provider for a child. There was no one to share her joys and sorrows with. It was sad. But now Celine had a couple of nights off every week, to do what she liked the most. She truly deserved it, and Miranda decided to invite Patricia home during Celine's workouts if Kitty was unable to mind her for some reason.

  There was a knock on the door, and the very people she was thinking of entered. "There you are. Did you have a nice evening?" Miranda smiled at them but received some strange smiles in return.

  "I've seen a naked man," Patricia informed her excitedly.

  Miranda looked at her astounded. She couldn't fathom how Kitty could let her see something like that. What kind of babysitter did such a thing? "On TV?"

  "We haven't watched TV. We've designed jewelry. Look what I made!" The girl proudly presented a large necklace in true Kitty-style. "I made it all by myself."

  Miranda didn't doubt it. Patricia had an eye for details, just like Kitty. "It's beautiful."

  "I'm going to be a jewelry designer when I grow up," Patricia said, her eyes sparkling.

  Miranda smiled encouragingly. Wasn't it a clothes designer last week? Anyhow, the girl was creative, and that was the most important thing.

  "The man lay on top of the woman, and they fought." Patricia looked solemnly at her.

  "The naked man?" Miranda didn't understand and looked at Kitty for an explanation.

  "Patricia, sit on the sofa with King. He might want to jump around."

  Obediently she went to the sofa.

  Kitty waved Miranda over to the window. "I don't know how to tell you this..."

  "Tell me what?" She noticed the beads of sweat on her grandma's forehead and felt apprehensive.

  "Kitty, are you feeling unwell? Was it too much for you to babysit?" She thought of her youthful grandma. Miranda couldn't recall her ever being ill. Kitty had always been in good health. She was slender, but she was eighty-six years old.

  "Not at all. It's been a delight to spend time with Patricia this evening. We've become best friends."

  Miranda smiled. What a relief to hear, and precisely what she'd hoped for. "Then what's the problem? And what's with the naked man?" She spoke in a low voice, but Patricia was too busy playing with King to pay attention.

  Kitty cleared her throat. "You see, we were out walking the dog. On our way back, we heard a knock on the door to one of the storage rooms. I didn't think anyone was working at this hour, so I opened it. You know how my imagination runs away with me sometimes. I guess I got curious."

  Miranda nodded. She would have done the same herself if she'd heard noises from a room at an odd time. "And?"

  Kitty looked at her uneasily. "And there they were."

  "Who?" Her grandma was certainly taking her time getting to the point. What was with her tonight?

  "A couple making passionate love."

  Miranda gasped loudly. "Anyone we know?"

  "Eh... unfortunately. Vidar and the housekeeper."

  Miranda felt a cold chill running through her body. Her hands suddenly felt icy, and she pulled her jacket tighter. Then she slumped down onto her office chair to keep from passing out. Vidar and Olivia? How was that possible? A million thoughts were buzzing around in her head simultaneously, and she couldn't think clearly.

  "And Patricia saw it all?"

  Kitty nodded again. "I'm sorry, Miranda. We ended up in the middle of things. They were going at it, him on top of her."

  Miranda buried her head in her hands, at a loss for words. Poor child. What
would it do to her to witness something like that? How much did a five-year-old understand? Too much, she feared. And she couldn't do anything to improve the situation.

  "Would you like details?" Kitty put her arms around her.

  She shook her head decisively. "I've heard enough."

  "Thought as much."

  Kitty's cell phone beeped, and they both knew it was a message from Celine.

  "If you stay here with Patricia for a moment, I'll talk to Celine."

  "I think that's best."

  She hurried to the elevator and went down to the garage. Celine was locking her car. She seemed so content that Miranda almost lost courage. She didn't want to ruin her good mood. But time was limited, so she told her what had happened.

  Shocked, Celine looked at Miranda, then she embraced her, hugging her comfortingly.

  "Miranda, how awful. I have no words."

  She nodded. "I'm worried about Patricia and what she saw tonight."

  "I don't know how much she understands. She's never seen a naked man before, so she's probably most concerned about that. Anyway, there's nothing we can do. I don't think she recognized Vidar, and she doesn't know Olivia. Let's not make a big deal of it."

  Miranda looked at her, both impressed and relieved. "How sensible you are."

  They went to pick up Patricia.

  "Mom." The girl jumped up and ran over to her mother. "I saw a naked man!"

  "So I hear. You've had quite an exciting evening. And you have a new necklace, too?" Celine studied it thoroughly. "Lovely."

  "I made it myself." Patricia put on the jacket her mother handed to her. "Mom, you know what? The man fought with the woman."

  "I'm sure they were just playing a little."

  "He kissed her breasts, Mom. It was a funny game."

  Miranda had a coughing fit and went to the sink to get a glass of water. She took a gulp. That was more detail than she needed. She could most definitely do without it.

  Celine and Patricia said their goodbyes and left. "Only drunks and children tell the truth," Kitty said as she picked up King.