"Tribal housing," Arnie said, repeating their joke from earlier.
Professor Stone pointed the camera at the house. "Will it ever be finished?"
"It is finished," Arnie said in a tone to convey, isn't it obvious? Everyone except Professor Stone laughed.
Two little boys played out front, both wearing jeans and boots. They were chasing each other through the mud and jumping around on various detritus in the front yard. There were a couple of wood pallets, an ATV, and several tires. One of the boys made the mistake of jumping on a cardboard box, which promptly collapsed. The other boy ran into the house. Professor Stone caught it all on camera.
The boy on the ground stayed there, crying with his mouth wide open, the tears falling fast.
"Hey, Junior," Arnie called.
He cried louder.
"Should we do something?" Professor Stone asked.
"His grandma is inside," Arnie said. "She'll be out in a minute."
Arnie continued down the road. "If we go a little farther, there's a great view of the mountain all majestic with snow."
"This light is incredible," Professor Stone said. She got her last shot, and they finally headed back to the house to start the interviews.
Ester pulled her hat down, trying to keep her ears covered.
"You got one of them big Indian heads, too?" Theo asked.
"It's like the hat is trying to escape," Ester said.
"I had someone make this for me," Theo said. "I had her make it extra big."
Ester stumbled in the gravel and Theo grabbed her arm to make sure she didn't fall. He held on longer than he had to, and she smiled while she kept her eyes on the ground.
12
They kicked off their muddy shoes at the door. Arnie held the door open for Katie and couldn't help eyeing her butt as she went inside. He'd anticipated someone bookish and self-important with fixed ideas about the rez. From the moment she’d arrived, she'd charmed them all. She learned everyone's name, even the dogs’, asked intelligent questions and listened carefully to each response with genuine interest. He'd been half-dreading this event and now he wanted it to continue.
After the brisk air outside, the heavy heat in Mike's front room was oppressive. he ignored Jody's frown when he cracked the front windows to let in fresh air.
Across the room, Katie directed Theo, pointing to where she wanted the camera. He admired her confident manner. This was what the UIC needed, someone with a fresh point of view, who could articulate their message to the community.
He'd worried Grandma would gripe about the camera and he'd had to coax her to agree to the interview. Earlier, when he picked her up, she told him she'd had enough of these people. In Grandma terms, these people referred to anyone who caused her grief. This included but was not limited to family, doctors, the neighbors, and the tribal council who she blamed for everything from the wait at the health clinic to the channel selection on her television. They were all fair game.
But Katie had her charmed from the minute they met, complimenting her great-grandchildren and raving about the beauty of the reservation. Grandma approved.
Katie sat off-camera while she asked questions. With her snug jeans and long-sleeved T-shirt, she could pass for one of her students.
Mom sidled over to where he stood. "Something going on?" She flicked her eyes at Katie.
"I'm not sure I'd tell you if there were," Arnie said. Mom's favorite pastime was commenting on his dating life. She used to tease him by referring to his girlfriends as Cindy Lou and Sandy Sue. She would recognize that Katie, with her soft curves and warm yet competent manner, was the kind of woman he would find attractive. He liked her leadership, too. Since she'd arrived, she'd been like a scout leader, upbeat and patient, always keeping things moving forward.
"You haven't had a friend in a long time," Mom said. She used the word friend like he was a kid. Arnie resisted the urge to point out she knew nothing about his friends.
"I want the center to succeed, Mom. This is what we need. Someone who can make something we can use." He lowered his voice. "It's frustrating to see them tossing around ideas without accomplishing anything."
"Not everyone solves problems the same way," Mom said.
"So, you're lecturing me personally and professionally?"
Mom laughed. "No lecture. She's nice. You work hard. You should have fun, too."
As if on cue, Katie glanced up at him, something extra behind that smile. Fun sounded nice, but only if he could avoid complications.
After Grandma's interview, Katie had Theo move the camera. She brought together Mom, Mike, and Jody on the couch.
Ester stayed glued to Katie's side, her eyes wide as she scribbled notes. If she wanted to do filmmaking, this was the way to learn. The little boys tumbled into the middle of the interview, oblivious to the camera. Katie convinced them to say a few words before they ran off again.
A short time later, she wrapped up the interview and directed Theo to pack up the gear. Katie waved him over.
"You get what you needed?" he asked.
"This was great." She nodded at the room. "It always like this?"
Arnie studied his brother's place, trying to see what she would see: never-ending commotion. A half-dozen rigs had been up and down the road that afternoon. A cousin came to take Grandma home, but she wanted to stay for dinner. The cousin left and returned with his family and a foil-wrapped baking dish. Jody's cousin had a place not far away, and she had come up to see what the film crew was all about. Grandma had been one of eight kids and then had five of her own. She had twelve grandkids and four great-grandkids. Mom had twenty-two first cousins. The family was close whether they lived on rez or not. Even the smallest family gathering would turn into a mob scene, with kids running around and someone navigating an elder to a comfortable spot.
"Seems normal when you're used to it," he said. "Too crazy for you?"
"Not at all. This couldn't have gone better. Thanks for having me." One of the kids ran over and hid behind her before squealing and dashing for the couch. She broke into a delighted smile. He was surprised by the tug of loneliness in his chest. Mom was right, he hadn't had a friend in a long time. This might be a place where he could land. The moment stretched out between them but he couldn't decide what to say.
"Looks like my team has wrapped up," she said. Ester and Theo carried Katie's equipment outside.
"That's funny, I was thinking it was my team," Arnie said. He laughed.
She laughed, too. "I want to hit the road before it gets dark, but can you tell me what Crooked Rock plans to do? I need a strategy for your film."
When he'd first talked to her, he was unsure about the film idea himself, but she asked the right questions and was anxious to hear his vision for what the center needed. She insisted she could help make something to help them.
"We're in a standoff with the city over a piece of property. No word from city officials and we want an answer before we make plans."
She took out her phone and tapped in a note. "You're in a tussle with the city? How did that come about?"
Arnie explained the plans to purchase the building, and how—at least for now—the deal was off.
"Great conflict," Katie said.
Theo and Ester returned from outside and joined them.
"Ester might have insights. We have a friend on the inside making inquiries for us. We've talked about everything from a protest to a lawsuit. Anything to get them to talk to us."
"A protest?" Ester said, the look in her eyes saying no.
"Yeah. You know, storm city hall with signs and chants."
"That would be great on film," Katie said. "How soon could you put something together?"
Ester gulped and stared at him. "Linda would hate that."
"We need to do something," he said, even though Ester was right. He and Linda had a history with protests. Not some of their best memories. "I'll call Linda on Monday and see about getting something going."
"Gre
at," Katie said. To her helpers, she said, "Am I packed up?"
"Yes, ma'am," Theo said. He waved his notebook at Arnie. "If you don't mind, I'd like to talk to you for one of my writing assignments."
Arnie had made it through the day without getting interviewed for Katie's movie; he wanted to continue the trend. "What would that involve?"
"I want to write one of my daily topic pieces about tribal leadership, on versus off the reservation."
"That's a great idea," Katie said. "For both of you. Theo is a great writer."
Theo reacted with surprise. "Huh, how come you never tell me that?"
"I said you were a great writer. You're terrible at turning in assignments."
"She tells the truth," Theo said. "But I'm working on it."
Arnie tried to reconcile Theo, the smooth talker, with the reserved Ester whom Linda referred to as her favorite brain.
"Turns out that's my favorite subject," Arnie said. "If you're interested in tribal leadership, I have all kinds of information you could check out."
Theo held up his hands. "One thing at a time."
"I hear you," Arnie said. "But we need more leaders. I'm always recruiting."
Theo laughed. "I'm not your man."
Katie rubbed her hand on Arnie's back, a gesture that became more thrilling the longer her hand lingered. "I'm charging out of here while the sun still shines. You two shouldn't linger. Weather forecast predicts nasty weather ahead."
"Thanks, Prof," Theo said.
Arnie walked her to her car to say goodbye. "Feel free to call me if you need any follow-up. I want you to have all the information you need." It sounded a little more come-on-y than he’d intended.
"I will," she said.
Ester stood at one of the front windows and watched Arnie walk out with Professor Stone.
"Those two are acting all chummy," she whispered to Theo.
"That's how she is," Theo said.
Activity at the house notched up again. As Professor Stone's car headed down the narrow dirt driveway, two more trucks turned up their way. The red of Professor Stone's brake lights flashed several times, but both drivers pulled into the mud until she passed by. Arnie waited outside for them to arrive. This time it was a couple Arnie's age with a toddler and a baby. The other truck contained two teenagers and an indeterminate number of dogs.
"I've never seen him like this," Ester said.
"Like what?" Theo said.
"All warm and fuzzy. It's weird."
Arnie picked up the toddler and swung him around. The kid squealed. The woman pulled a giant bowl covered with plastic wrap out of the back and Arnie urged them all toward the house.
When he was back inside, Arnie said, "You're not in a hurry, are you?" He handed the toddler to another relative. Ester had long lost track of how they were all related.
Arnie said, "Everyone will insist you stay for dinner. Theo can get the information for his school piece."
Ester waited for Theo. Even though it wasn't her job, she worried about him getting back on time, but the laughter and warm connection of kin was hard to resist.
"Nothing fancy," Jody called from the kitchen. "Elk burgers with the family's secret barbecue sauce. You've got to be hungry, and it's a long drive back."
Even Grandma weighed in, waggling her fingers at them. "You kids need to eat."
"I don't think we can say no to an elder," Theo said.
"Your mama taught you well," Arnie said.
"We'll stay, thank you," Ester said, pleased by the invitation. "Can I help?"
Grandma said, "Get the big one out chopping firewood."
Theo laughed. "I have plenty of experience. Show me where to go."
Ester thought it would be nice to watch Theo chop firewood. The work would heat him up so he’d be forced to strip to his T-shirt. His big arms would arc overhead, axe in hand, then swing through the air. Her imagination ditched the shirt entirely, and she pictured him shirtless, rolling giant circles of wood around the yard. A pleasant warmth came to her face.
"She's kidding," Uncle Mike said. "We've got plenty of firewood."
"Not plenty," Grandma said, but Uncle Mike guided her away and someone stuck a baby in her arms.
The sky had faded to dark blue. The far-off mountains disappeared in the darkness. Inside, the house was warm and bright. In short order, Jody and the cousins had the counter lined with food and a stack of plates ready to be filled. They fixed plates for the elders first and then the kids. Ester and Theo made their own plates and squeezed in with the adults at the big table.
Ester was afraid the meal might be awkward, but they eased in with the family, trading stories about hunting and talking about the center and Arnie's career. Theo quizzed Arnie about his work on Council compared to his trips to the city and time with the center. Ester was impressed with his thoughtful questions and follow-up responses. Arnie must have been, too, because he asked, "What are your plans when you're done? Where do you want to end up?"
Theo had cleaned his plate and Arnie's mom pointed at it, her face aghast, like he had violated a family rule.
"Mom wants you to get more," Arnie translated.
Theo laughed. "I got that. I have a mom, too. To answer your question, the plan is to get the AA degree. That's all I can deal with right now."
"Think about a four-year and keep in touch, I'm serious. We need our people working for our people. I can find scholarships or make introductions. If I can help, I will," Arnie said.
"Your energy is inspiring," Theo said, getting up for another serving. "I'll keep it in mind."
The talk turned to the filmmaking and interviews. Arnie asked, "What did you think, Ester?"
This wasn't the best time but she couldn't hide her concerns. "I'm learning a lot. Professor Stone is great at what she does. It helps me re-think how I approach my subjects. But I'm, uh...uneasy with a manufactured set piece like a protest. I don't think that sells what we're about."
Arnie didn't hesitate before he said, "I think an outsider perspective is what the center needs. She sees things we can't see ourselves." He wasn't seeking her input; he had already decided.
Ester returned to her meal. Theo was already halfway through his second helping. A starving student knew how to capitalize on a home-cooked meal. When they finished, they cleared their plates.
Theo and Arnie exchanged one of those guy combination handshake-shoulder hugs. "This reminds me of how I grew up," Theo said.
"You're always welcome," Arnie said. "I'm serious about helping. Don't disappear."
Arnie gave Ester a surprisingly familial hug, too, but she didn't mind. It was a good day.
13
The sky was dark when they pulled out. Ester was full of food and sank back in a contented swoon. The forecast said the storm wouldn't arrive until long after they were home. The drive was smooth. A light rain fell but there were few cars and the road stayed clear. Ester didn't mind the lack of conversation. Theo put the radio on a classic country-western station and the strumming guitars and crooning voices made a perfect soundtrack for the day. Ester wished it didn't have to end. She closed her eyes and dozed off.
She awoke when the car came to a stop. Her heart twisted at the thought of saying good bye, but when she opened her eyes, they were in the bright lights of a gas station.
"I need coffee," Theo said. "You want something?"
"No thanks. How far are we?"
"Over halfway. Sorry, I know we're close but I'm feeling sleepy, too. I have a long night."
Ester sat up and rubbed her eyes. "I should have stayed awake with you."
"You're fine. I'm going to get the tank topped off while we're here."
Ester waited in the car while Theo got out and talked to the attendant. She couldn't hear the conversation but their tones changed. Theo opened the car door and got out his phone and headed into the mini-mart. She thought about following him but the car was warm and outside the wind gusted. A banner at the gas station had come loose and
flapped back and forth.
Theo returned to the car. "There's a problem before we get back into town. There's ice on the road. A semi jackknifed, and the road is blocked. No info about how long it will take to clear."
"Is there a back road?"
"I asked. The guy said he wouldn't advise it. He said it's not a great road in ideal driving circumstances. He's lived here for years and he wouldn't do it at night in this weather if he didn't have to."
"What about Frenzy's?"
"I called. They can deal without me if I can't get there. I've worked there long enough, they know I'll show up if I can. I have many shortcomings but flaking out about work is not one of them."
"What should we do?" Ester said. She tried to picture them showing up at Mike's again. They could sleep on the couch or even curl up on the floor. At least they'd be warm. A electric thrill shot through her at the thought of sleeping under the same roof as Theo.
"He said there's a little motel about fifteen minutes down the road. I was thinking we drive that far and see if we can get more news. The other option is going back to your friends. We could be back there in a little over an hour."
"I don't know them that well," Ester said, even though she'd been thinking the same thing.
"Yeah," Theo agreed. "Plus we could get back there and then find out people are getting through and have to come all the way back, or depending on how the storm goes we could get stuck there."
"Let's keep going," Ester said.
Theo got back on the highway. The rain had turned to snow, but nothing stuck. They headed for the motel. Ester tried not to think about what it meant if they had to stay there. Would they get separate rooms? They were both broke. She did a mental check of her finances. She had an emergency stash, it wasn't like she was on the verge of crisis but she hated to throw away money on a motel room. She stared into the dark highway in front of them and willed the road to be fine. Meanwhile, her heart beat a little faster, not certain whether it was about getting home or not getting home. By the time they found the motel, Ester's stomach was a hard knot.
Lovesick Braves Page 9
