Ch.10, Pt. 4: In the afternoon Lawrence arrived…
In the afternoon Lawrence arrived with a bottle of brandy decorated with a bow. “Merry Christmas,” he said with a shy smile. To dispell the awkwardness of meeting outside of work, Katherine gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, treating him as any other friend at this time of year. Taking Lawrence’s winter jacket, she noticed with approval his thick white turtleneck and gray wool slacks. They made a nice change from his usual casual shirts and pants, and somehow made him look young and vulnerable, as if he had taken some care getting dressed for the visit.
“And this is Noodle,” she said as the puppy was busy sniffing Lawrence’s legs.
“Let’s have a look at you, boy,” Lawrence said crouching down to his level. Noodle investigated his face while Lawrence made low murmurs which got the dog’s tail wagging. “That’s a fine dog,” he said getting up.
“I think so,” Katherine said softly. “Come in. Would you like to see the house first?” She led him into the kitchen where a pot of cider was simmering on the woodstove, now safely operational, and a plate of sweet squares looked tempting on the counter. The table was cleared off except for a cardboard puzzle box with a picture on it of two wolves in the snow.
“I’ve told you about Rick, the man I’m seeing, right?” asked Katherine. Lawrence nodded. “He’s been doing all this work for me. So we’ve finished the kitchen,” she said as they moved into the living room, “and we’ve got halfway through with the living room. We still have to paint it, but we’re taking a Christmas break. I wanted it liveable. And on through here is the part we haven’t touched yet. Here’s the old front door, which I’d like to start using, except that it’s just not as convenient as the side door.”
They drifted through the old parlour, Katherine again conscious that she wasn’t using the whole house. Except for the nights that she and Rick had slept there while the bedroom floor was being refinished, they didn’t use the parlour. Last night had been the first time for a meal in the dining room. The evergreen and pinecones remained in the centre of the table she had recently bought at a junk and antiques store.
“So this is the first floor,” said Katherine leading the way upstairs, “and here I’ve got the bathroom, my bedroom and a guest room.” She stood aside at each doorway to let Lawrence peek in.
“Very nice,” he commented. “I love the simplicity of the bathroom. What a great old tub.”
“Isn’t it?” Katherine said happily. “The house is really turning out well, I think.” Lawrence looked around politely, and then she tried to put her guest at ease. “Now. Ready to tackle that puzzle?”
“Give me a drink, and I’m there,” said Lawrence rubbing his hands.
“Some music?” asked Katherine back in the kitchen. “My CDs, or CMIS?”
Lawrence glanced at his wristwatch. “Let’s listen to see-miss. I want to hear Joe’s Christmas program. And see if Roland misses it up,” he said with emphasis.
“Very good pun,” said Katherine with a smile. “Is Roland the operator today?”
Lawrence nodded with satisfaction. “The newest in has the worst shift.”
“That’s how it goes,” Katherine agreed.
They were contentedly sipping on eggnogs and building the picture, starting with the wolves’ eyes, with Joe’s pre-recorded Christmas selections playing in the background, when the phone rang.
“I wonder if I might speak with Katherine Glee, please,” said a female voice. After Katherine identified herself, the voice continued, “Hello. My name is Miriam Thompson. I’m Clara Lodge’s sister. I’m sorry to call on Christmas Day, but…”
“Oh no,” whispered Katherine, starting to breathe quickly. Lawrence looked up at her sharply.
“Harry had a heart attack.”
Katherine sank onto a chair. “Is he…”
“The funeral is tomorrow. Clara wanted you to know.”
“Of course. When did – it happen?”
Lawrence froze, holding a puzzle piece in mid air.
“Late last week. Clara didn’t want to spoil everybody’s Christmas, so she held off telling people as long as possible. But she thought you might want to know about the funeral, and we have to have it tomorrow.”
“Yes, I’ll be there.” Katherine grabbed a piece of paper and pen. “Where is it, and when?”
Lawrence put down the puzzle piece.
After getting the details, she asked “How is Clara? Is there anything I can do?”
“She’s getting better. She’s had a few days to get over the shock. We’re staying with her. But she’s not up to calling everybody, and so I am.”
“Of course. I understand. I’ll let you go then. Thanks for calling.” Slowly, she hung up the phone and turned to Lawrence who was looking anxious and uncomfortable.