Untried Heart by Nicky Charles
“The plow driver is going to clear the rest of the driveway for us.” Ben called out as he approached.
“That’s nice of him.”
“And he says the power lines are down so I guess they didn’t turn off my electricity. Apparently, I won’t be condemned to living like a pioneer after all.”
“Good.” She glanced over Ben’s shoulder in time to catch Zeke giving her a jaunty salute. Was he responsible for the electricity? Had Michael sent Zeke to help her or was it the GA’s own idea? Inwardly, she frowned not sure she liked the idea of having someone checking up on her. Plus, he’d interrupted her kiss. Yes, she’d definitely have words with him the next time they met.
She followed Ben inside and then, after a short break for a warming cup of coffee, they went back out to brush the fresh snow from the truck. It didn’t take long after that for them to be on their way into town.
High piles of snow lined the road and all along the way there were people digging out their driveways. A lucky few had snow blowers; noisy machines that almost chewed through the snow and spewed it out in a white powdery stream.
“I think you need to get one of those, Ben.”
He made a face. “If I could afford one.”
Right. She frowned, his finances once again filling her thoughts. After he dropped her off at her place, she’d search out the gallery she’d seen. With any luck, the owner would be willing to display a few of Ben’s pieces. Artists didn’t make much unless they were well-known, she knew that, but every little bit helped.
“Here we are.” Ben pulled up to the curb and turned off the engine.
With a start, she realized they’d arrived at her apartment. The stately old building looked much finer bedecked with snow than it did the rest of the time, taking on an almost gingerbread house type of appearance with the snow being the frosting. The exterior stairs to her apartment had snow on each step and reminded her of a picture book illustration of clouds ascending to Heaven. How apropos!
“Well, thanks for the ride.” She placed her hand on the door handle and glanced at Ben.
“No problem.” He gave a nod, his gaze drifting over her face.
She hesitated not sure what the protocol was. They’d kissed three times now. Did he want to kiss her again? She hoped so. Maybe she should be bold and lean towards him? Just as she was about to do so, he cleared his throat.
“Eugenie.”
“Yes?”
His hands flexed on the steering wheel and he half turned towards her.
Her breath caught in her throat, warmth flooding her in anticipation but then he gave his head a barely perceptible shake and eased back in his seat.
“I have some errands to run today so by the time I get back it will be too late to get any work done.”
“Okay.” Disappointed, she opened the door and cool air immediately filled the small space. “I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
“Sure. If the buses aren’t running, I can come and pick you up.”
“Thanks.” She hesitated, not wanting to leave but knowing she had to. It was obvious Ben had had enough of her company.
Just as she was going to exit the truck, he reached across and brushed the back of his knuckles over her cheek. “I enjoyed roasting marshmallows with you last night. I hope we can do it again sometime.”
Shocked, she nodded and almost fell out of the truck.
Ben started the vehicle and through the windshield she could see him nodding toward the house. He wanted her to go inside before he left. The gentlemanly gesture had her smiling and she felt like she floated up the stairs, a warm bubble of happiness filling her. Ben cared for her, she was sure of it!
Chapter 11
Eugenie still felt as if she were floating on a cloud as she turned her key in the lock and entered her little apartment.
“Is that you under all those clothes, Eugenie?”
“Whaa…?” She spun around to face the overstuffed armchair in the corner of her living room. The TV was on some music station and Zeke was ensconced in her home. He’d made himself well and truly comfortable with a huge double-decker sandwich and a soft drink. She didn’t know she’d had that much food in the kitchen!
Surprise quickly turned to anger. “Zeke! What are you doing here? What if I’d invited Ben up? How would I have explained the presence of the snow plow man in my living room eating my food and watching my television?”
“No need to get your halo bent out of shape, Babe. If I’d heard him coming up those stairs with you I’d have simply disappeared.”
To demonstrate, both he and his meal vanished without even a whiff of the salami in his sandwich left behind. A second later the remote lifted and switched off the TV before settling back on the side table.
“Okay, very impressive. Now come back because you and I need to have words!” She unwrapped her scarf then pulled off her hat and mittens while she waited for him to reappear. Finally, he materialized back in the chair, his plate and drink in his hands. “Well? What have you got to say for yourself?”
“Umm… I got bored waiting for you and when I checked your fridge you had way too much food in there. I know you only keep it stocked to help maintain your cover so I thought I’d help you out. Can’t have it spoiling, right?”
“You know perfectly well I’m not talking about you eating my food. Why were you driving that snow plow? Where’s the human who should’ve been doing that job? And why are you spying on me? Did Michael send you?”
“Whoa! Too many questions. Let me see.” He laid his food on the side table. “I’ve always wanted to drive one of those things. He stopped off at a café to have a hot breakfast. I’m not. And he didn’t.” Zeke checked off his answers against his fingers.
“If you’re not spying on me, why are you here?”
“My other assignment is mostly night work and I’m at a loose end during the day so I thought I’d pop down to see if I could help out.” Zeke had taken a huge bite of sandwich and Eugenie had to struggle not to tell him to stop speaking with food in his mouth.
Eugenie took off her coat and hung it up by the door. “Well, I am glad you’re here, because I could do with some advice.”
“As long as you keep food like this in your kitchen, I’m your man.” He took another bite.
“Let me get a hot drink first; it’s really cold out there and I’m still not able to cope with such low temperatures.” She began to walk towards the kitchen when a steaming cup of coffee appeared on a table. Her gaze flicked from the cup to Zeke. “You’re showing off!”
“Yep.” He grinned unrepentantly.
Shaking her head, she picked up the mug and sat down on the couch. “Zeke, I’m not sure how to word this.”
“Just open your mouth and allow the words to flow. That’s usually the easiest way.”
She almost snorted her coffee through her nose as she laughed at him. However, it put her at ease and she decided to go ahead and ask.
“Have you ever kissed a human, Zeke?”
Zeke spluttered as he, too, almost choked on his drink. “Now, that’s a loaded question, Eugenie. Why do you want to know?”
“Because I’ve kissed Ben. Or rather, he’s kissed me. Three times. You interrupted the last one.” She slid a scowl his way at the memory.
“Sorry about that. I guess I need to work on my timing.” He shrugged. “Anyway, did you like it? The kiss, I mean, not the interruption.”
She gave him a frustrated look. “You’re not answering my question. I asked if you have ever kissed a human, not me. And what about sex? Have you had sex with a human?”
“Okay, okay, yes I’ve kissed a human. Yes, I liked it, but then it’s no different from kissing a fellow angel so no surprise there. As to sex. No, not with a human. Although, I wouldn’t say no. I’m guessing there’s not the same connection you get when making love with a fellow angel but I’m betting it’s just as good.”
Eugenie sighed and stared down at her feet. “I don’t know what to do,
“Tell me this, Babe. Does Michael know you’re playing tonsil hockey with your client?”
She looked up at his words. “Tonsil hockey? Is that some kind of modern slang?”
“Nah, it’s been around for ages. Well? Does he?”
“Yes.”
“And did you get a reprimand?”
“No.”
“Then you don’t have a problem. Do whatever comes naturally, and more importantly, enjoy yourself.”
“But… I’m a… I’ve never…” She could feel her face heating up. She knew Zeke was looking at her but she refused to meet his gaze.
“What? You’ve never?” Zeke’s eyebrows shot upwards. “Not even when you were alive?”
Eugenie shook her head, feeling miserable.
Zeke put his plate down and stood up to walk over to the couch. After sitting down next to her, he put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her gently to his side. “Oh Babe. If it feels right with Ben then let it happen. He seems like a nice guy and he’ll be good for you. You’ll understand his psyche better for being intimate.”
He put his hand over hers on her mug of coffee. “Drink up. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
She sipped at her drink and thought about Ben and his financial worries. Earlier she’d considered going to the gallery she’d seen in the hope they might want to display his carvings. But they wouldn’t agree to show anything sight unseen. She explained this to Zeke, whom she was fast coming to think of as a brother and friend.
“That’s one problem that’s easily solved. Just pop back to Ben’s place with your tablet, remain invisible, take some pictures then pop back here and trot off to the gallery.” His cheeky grin made her smile, making her feel so much better than she had a few minutes earlier. Then she remembered something and put down her mug.
“I’ve not mastered that being invisible and handling tangible things trick. What you did earlier, picking up the remote control while invisible and turning the television off, I’ve not learned to do that yet.
“No problem, Babe. I’ll let you in on a secret, not a lot of GAs can do the hovering between worlds trick. I’ve been working on it and you’re the only person who knows I can do it now. Once you get a few more centuries under your belt, you’ll be an expert. But for now, tell me what to take pics of and I’ll go do it for you.”
“Thank you, Zeke!” She hugged him, thinking what an amazing friend he was. “I’d be totally lost on this assignment without your help.”
Zeke laughed and stood up, brushing crumbs from his jeans. “Glad to be of help. I’ll get this little job done and then I’d better be on my way. Believe it or not I do have an assignment of my own, even though it’s not taking up my time night and day.
Sometime later, Eugenie paused outside the Maple Leaf Gallery she’d seen earlier in the week. The window displayed several paintings and sculptures, some still life and others more abstract. She cocked her head trying to determine what one of them might be depicting but soon gave up. Ben’s work was much more to her taste.
A woman was working on the displays, adding bits of fluffy cotton that looked like snow and some sprigs of holly. When she noticed Eugenie’s interest, she smiled and nodded towards the entrance. Taking a deep breath, Eugenie pushed open the door hoping she’d be able to convince the woman to accept some of Ben’s work.
As soon as she entered the gallery, she noticed the subtle scent of wood and paint. Soft music played in the background and spotlighting was carefully arranged to showcase each artistic piece to the best advantage.
“Hello.” The woman from the window greeted her. “I saw you looking at some of the pieces in the window. Are you interested in anything particular?”
Eugenie immediately noticed the woman was tall and perfectly coiffed with flawless makeup and long manicured nails. In comparison, she knew she probably looked a fright, her hair blown about by the wind. She was wearing Ben’s scarf, too, and it had definitely seen better days. But, she wasn’t here to impress the woman with her appearance. She was here to help Ben and so she pushed her own insecurities to the side. “Actually, I was wondering how an artist manages to get their work displayed here?”
The woman’s smile faltered. “I’m sorry but we have quite high standards as you can see.” She gestured about the room. “We don’t accept just anyone who stops in, though I’m sure your work is delightful in a primitive sort of way.”
Eugenie was sure she’d been insulted but pinned a smile on her face anyway. “It’s not my work, it’s my friend’s. He does amazing life-like carvings.”
“Well, I’d have to see a sample, naturally.” The woman sniffed.
“I have pictures,” Eugenie pulled her tablet out of her purse and flipped to the images Zeke had taken. “See?”
The woman glanced down and then did a double take. “Those are good.” She took the tablet from Eugenie’s hand and flipped through the images. “Very good.”
“He’s a local artist and he’s never displayed his work before. It’s mostly a hobby but—”
“This is exactly what I’m looking for.” The woman walked over to an elegant table set to one side and picked up a leaflet. “We’re trying something new this year for the holidays; having a show that features local artists. It’s very exclusive and we thoroughly vet the work to ensure it meets the standards our patrons have come to expect. From the look of these images, your friend certainly fits the bill.”
“I’m sure he does.” Eugenie nodded eagerly.
“Show him this leaflet and, if he’s interested, have him bring in a few pieces so I can see his actual work. Photos can be deceiving, as I’m sure you’re well aware.”
Eugenie felt her temper rise. The woman had implied the images of Ben’s work had been doctored. Reining in her ire, she agreed. “I’ll have him stop by sometime during the next few days.”
“Excellent. Have him ask for me, Daphne Standish.”
“I will.”
As she left the gallery, Eugenie was torn between excitement for Ben and strange sense of impending doom. There was something about Daphne Standish that set her teeth on edge.
Chapter 12
The next morning Ben was working in his shop when the door opened letting in a rush of cold air as well as a swirl of snow.
“Hello, Ben. Hello, Chip.”
Chip gave a low woof and thumped the floor with his tail as Eugenie entered the barn.
“‘Morning Eugenie.” Ben smiled at the woman who entered his makeshift workshop. Flakes of snow clung to the strands of hair that poked out from under the toque she wore. Some women might fuss about their appearance but he thought her dishevelled look was adorable and real.
“It’s certainly cold today.”
“Winter in Canada.” He watched as she shivered and brushed snow from her coat. “You mustn’t have lived here long.”
“Er...no. I travelled quite a bit after leaving England. Spent some time in warmer countries.” She pulled the hat from her head and handed it to him. “Here. Thanks for letting me borrow it.”
“Keep it. I have others.”
“Thanks.” She grinned at him. “I’m impressed with how quickly the roads were cleared and the buses running again.”
“We’re used to cleaning up after a big snowstorm.”
“Did you get your errands done yesterday?” She pulled off her gloves and took off her coat.
“Yeah.” He sighed heavily. “I managed to get an extension on some of the bills but I think I’m fighting a losing battle. Even with the furniture sales you managed to arrange, it will only be a short time before the bank forecloses.” He bent over the piece of wood he was sanding, not wanting her to see the despair he was feeling. Her opinion mattered to him. It was one of the reasons he didn’t have a hangover this morning. In the past, he’d ‘celebrated’ bad news by drinking himself into a stupor but last night, knowing he’d be seeing Eugenie in a few hours, he’d taken his frustration out on cho
“But I have good news! A local art gallery has all but agreed to display your carvings in a show.”
“Really?” He slowly straightened.
“Yes. Naturally you have to bring in a few pieces to be assessed first, but that’s normal procedure. I’m sure they’ll accept your work.”
He rubbed the back of his neck, not sure how he felt. It would be exciting to see his work in a show; it had been a dream of his years ago, but what were the chances the gallery owner would agree to include them? Was he up for more rejection? “I don’t know, Eugenie.”
“Ben, this could be your big break. People will see your work and love it and buy it and—”
Her enthusiasm made him smile. “Slow down there. Even if the gallery agrees—and that’s a big if—chances are I won’t sell anything. Maybe a piece or two at best. Hardly enough—”
She stepped forward and pressed her hand to his chest. “Ben, you have to try. You have to have faith. Please?”
He looked down at her face, so earnest, so full of life and hope. “Okay, for you, Eugenie. I’ll give it a try.”
She positively beamed at his words and raised up on her toes to press a quick kiss to his lips. “Thank you. I know you won’t be sorry. Right after lunch I’ll help you pick out a few carvings and we’ll take them into town.”
He nodded feeling a bit as if he was being steamrolled. Eugenie might appear to be a quiet little thing, but she had a strength of will he was only now starting to see.
Later that day, they drove into town and pulled up in front of a gallery. He’d vaguely noticed it before but it was one of those classy-looking establishments he’d never even consider entering. His ex had loved to shop at places like that though and it was the bills she’d brought home along with dubious works of art that had totally turned him off.