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Fiction:
Hidden Hearts
Denise Agnew
“No can do, Andrea.
I’ve got lots of work to do. Things piled
up over Christmas,” Tiffany Kent said into
the phone as snow drifted passed the windows
of her office in Blaircroft Museum in
Denver. “Besides, this weather looks like
it might turn into a blizzard.”
A blast of wind swirled
the white stuff around in the air. She sank
into the chair behind her desk.
“Don’t say no again this
year,” Andrea Blayne said, a plea in her
voice. |
“You are one stubborn woman, you
know that?” Tiffany asked. Then she chuckled. “New
Year’s Eve is no big deal to me. Every year I climb
into my flannel PJs, pop open a bottle of sparkling
apple cider, and give myself a toast while I watch
the ball drop in Times Square. I’m comfortable and
there are no wild parties to wade through.”
Andrea’s sigh echoed over the
phone line. “Exactly. That’s just what I mean.
You’re always alone. Don’t you ever get bored with
the same old scenario?”
“No. Maybe when I’m ninety-five
I’ll be tired of the same state of affairs, but
right now I’m comfortable.”
“Comfortable.” Andrea made the word sound
contemptible. “Loneliness is comfortable.”
“Oh, come on. It doesn’t follow that because I’m
alone I’m lonely.”
“Uh-huh.” Andrea didn’t sound convinced. “And if
you weren’t such a good friend, I would strangle
you. When was the last time you were here?”
“You know how long.” Tiffany frowned and listened
to the small clock on her desk tick away.
Andrea and her family came to Denver several times a year, but
Tiffany didn’t venture to little Clydeswell, Colorado. Ever.
The
museum was quiet. Almost too quiet. Most of the employees of the
museum took vacation during Christmas and New Years and that left a
rag tag staff. Still, she enjoyed the calm and tried to persuade
herself she didn’t mind that year after year everyone expected her
to work during the holidays.
“Come
have a great time with us. You won’t be disappointed.” Andrea’s
voice took on a mischievous bent. “Besides, I’ve got someone I want
you to meet.”
“No,
no, no.” Tiffany groaned. More snow flew by the window, and she
mentally urged the storm to continue. “Not another hunter with a
voice like Elmer Fudd. I’m not doing it.”
“Everyone misses you.”
“Right. After ten years most of them don’t remember me.”
“Wouldn’t recognize you, either. You’ve changed so much.”
“All
the better.”
“Okay, let’s put it this way. If you don’t peel your butt away from
that desk for a change and party a little, I’m going to drive
through this storm and kick your butt. How does that sound?”
“Menacing.”
A
huge sigh came over the line. “Besides, you have to come to
Clydeswell this year. There’s this guy who is dying to meet
you.”
“It
won’t work.”
“What
if it’s something he wants more than anything in the world?”
Tiffany screwed up her face and caught a glimpse of herself in the
glass front bookcase near her desk. Her long red hair stuck up in
several places, and her face looked pale. She doubted any guy would
be too enthralled with the picture she presented right now.
(I
Wanna Read More)
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