“AS THE WIND BLOWS”© Copyright 2006 by Kathy Priebe
Part 7
(Continued)
She didn't feel as Brad place his hand on her shoulder for some small measure of comfort. All she could do was stand there and gape. And she didn't realize she was crying until he pressed a handkerchief into her hand.
"Here Honey."
"All of it...gone." She absently wiped her eyes.
"Not all of it." He pointed out the stone shed that was still standing.
She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "At least we're still alive."
Brad's admiration for her went up a notch and he watched as she walked through the rubble picking her steps with care.
"Well," she looked around as she spotted things worth keeping. "Shouldn't you be getting back to work?" She didn't want to monopolize his time any more than she already had besides, she really wanted some alone time. She didn't want to break down in front of him.
"Are you going to be all right?"
Can this guy read her mind or what? She pulled her lips up into what she hoped resembled a smile. "I'll be fine. Really. I'm going to start going through this stuff. I want to lock up the bigger things that are salvageable in the shed."
"Do you have a ride back to the main land?
"Yes. I've got a ride with one of the rescue workers."
"Okay then." He looked like he was going to say something more but didn't, just stood there looking at her.
"Yes?" She could of swore that he was a little miffed by her having another ride back.
"Well, I'll look up your property when I get back to the office."
"Do you have a pen and paper?" She walked over to him suddenly not wanting him to leave yet, but knowing that it was probably best. At least she could give him her phone number and where she was staying with her mom.
Brad looked down at the small, neat handing writing. "I'll call as soon as I find out anything."
"Okay." She started to turn away.
"Mira?"
She turned back.
He reached out, cupped her chin and dropped a light kiss on her unsuspecting lips. Then he turned and left.
Her hand flew to her lips and she smiled as she watched him walk away.
*
"Are you sure Dave?" Brad couldn't believe it. There had to be some kind of mix up.
"There is no such policy in our data banks."
"Can you check with corporate?"
The branch manager looked at the growing stack of policy folders sitting on his desk and looked back at Brad. "In my spare time, Gable! She isn't the only policy holder we have, you know. If she has even has a policy!"
"She has one."
Dave's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "What makes you so sure?"
"She too responsible not too."
The manager sighed and pushed his hand through his hair. "I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks Dave."
"Don't hold your breath Gable.” He’s seen it before. Another one looking for a free ride. “Now, get back to work!"
Brad walked over to his desk, sat down and stared at the legal pad full of notes that he had to go through. He couldn't get the sight of her eyes lighting up when he dropped that kiss on her lips. He knew when he called with this latest bit of news, the light would go out. He didn't want to tell her but it would be better coming from him then his boss.
He got up and grabbed his pad. “I have some follow up calls I have to make Dave. I’ll be back.” It wasn’t exactly a lie.
"Brad! This is a nice surprise!" Daffodil stepped aside to let the young man in. "Watch out for my oxygen hose. Don't want you tripping."
"Okay Mrs. Monteque." He came into the room stepping over the hose. "Is Mira here?"
"Call me Daffodil. She's in the shower. Worked hard all morning going through our trash on that island." Daffodil pointed Brad in the direction of the small table. "Have a seat lad. I heard you were hard at work all morning too. You know, I told her not to worry herself about what's left. The insurance should be enough to cover it. I don't have long to live, so she don't need much."
"Well Daff..." The sight of Mira coming out of the shower with nothing more than a towel wrapped around her, drove all thought from Brad's mind.
"Mom, who you talking...,to? Oh my!" Her hand grasped the front of the towel more tightly. "You could of told me mother!" She looked over at Brad, "I..., I'm so sorry." She grabbed her clothes off the chair by the door where she was standing and dashed back into the bathroom.
Mira leaned against the closed door and sighed. "Nothing like making a fool of yourself girl." She chided herself as she dressed and quickly ran a brush through her hair.
Daffodil just smiled.
...To be continued....
