Crave by Violet Vaughn Page B

have it melted by noon.
    As I lift up the hatchback of my car, I hear a rumble. Looking toward the mountains, I see an avalanche. Common this time of year, it’s an amazing thing to watch. Snow tumbles down in a wave that rolls and takes everything in its path along for the ride. People die in avalanches. Not a lot, but we lose at least one every year in Colorado. Usually it’s someone who didn’t take the right precautions. Right now all I see is the beauty.
    Next stop, party store. I know it’s silly, but I look forward to a kid-style birthday party for Blaine. Most people our age go out to some bar, but Blaine would rather spend it with his two favorite kids. I’m happy to oblige.
    Looking at all the decorations, I’m overwhelmed. Blue. Blue is his favorite color. And trains, definitely trains. A smile creeps on my face as I recall the night we met. I find party hats, cups, napkins, and a tacky banner. I decide what balloons we need. The hiss of helium catches my attention. An older man fills red balloons. I should bring the kids to get them. They’ll love watching the clerk.
    I try to sort out a birthday present. Blaine is not a things guy. I know doing something special together would make him happy. I shift the Saab into reverse and back out of the parking space. But what? With a firm grip, I push into first gear. I hear water splash as I drive through a puddle onto the main road. Romantic dinner? No. Too much pressure for what happens afterward. Besides, that would be what I want for a gift. I giggle to myself. I know. I should take him winter camping. He’ll be surprised and will love every minute. I’m sure Clara and Tim will lend us what we need. I do my best thinking in this car.

Chapter 19

    A fabulous day of spring skiing cut short, I don’t mind. I have a party to attend. I look at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. I dare say I have a slight tan. I push at the skin on my nose to see if it goes white from sunburn. Nope, tan. Even wearing the heaviest protective sunscreen I can find, I manage to get sun. The altitude makes the rays here much stronger than at lower elevations. I look like a Breck local with my goggle face. How does one do makeup to accent? I snort at myself and grab my backpack.
    The drive to Tim and Clara’s is quick, but beautiful today. While the roads are slushy from the spring thaw, the mountains are still pearly white teeth cutting into the crisp, blue sky. I pull into the driveway and notice the heavy front door is open, leaving only the clear glass storm door closed with sunlight streaming in. Loaded up with bags, I hit the doorbell using my elbow. I see Blaine sitting on the floor in an odd position. Each foot is placed down on a magazine. His hands rest either side of him, on kid chairs. Benjamin works intently on one foot while Jenny works on a hand. Oh my, he’s getting his nails done. Jenny jumps up at the sound of the bell and lets me in.
    I’m hit by the smell of acetate. “Well, what have we here?” Benjamin is busy using one of every nail polish color on Blaine’s toes. I’m sure the nails are painted, too. Jenny is a little more fashion conscious, painting his fingernails with glitter blue. I’m positive he has no idea how hard that will be to remove. “Primping for the party?”
    Blaine looks up at me with a slightly pleading look.
    “I guess it was a better idea ten minutes ago.” I snicker.
    “Very funny. What do you think?” He holds the completed hand up for me to see.
    “Sparkly. It looks good.” I pause. “On you.” I laugh and walk into the kitchen to drop the bags.
    In a slightly exaggerated voice I say, “Oh, darn it. I forgot to get ice cream for dessert tonight.”
    Knowing it’s his cue, Blaine answers, “I can go get some.”
    “Would you? Thanks, Blaine, you’re a doll.” In a quieter voice I add, “Literally.”
    “You’re having a little too much fun with this, Casey.” Blaine has a mock-warning tone. Yes, I do believe I