Page 44 of Snow Blind
"I brought goodies and gifts for your team," she said, smiling. "The holiday gathering is today, correct?"
"Yes, I didn't realize I’d mentioned it to you," he said, taking the basket.
Helen was provided a visitor’s pass, and he escorted her to the break room where the team was gathered. She waved to everyone as he made the introductions. Her eyes scanned the room for the one woman who thought there would be an opportunity to become her husband's work wife and eventual side piece. Helen found her in less than ten seconds. She was the one woman scowling at her.
"Everyone, this is my wife Helen," Mustang announced. "I have no idea what is in this heavy basket, so I will leave it up to her. Honey, do I need to do anything to help with...what is this?"
"I made a couple dozen of your Mama’s famous peanut butter cookies," she said, lifting out the platter of cupcakes. "These are cupcakes with holiday sprinkles."
The small group gathered around as the wicker basket began to get unloaded. "Let's see, I have holiday gifts from us to your team. This one is for James, who loves to fish."
Helen began passing out the gifts in clear cellphone bags with red and green ribbons. In each bag was a personalized mug which matched the personalized mug mat, which came with a pack of cocoa, mini marshmallows, a holiday season tea bag, and a peppermint.
"It's not much, but Jay has told me so much about each of you, I wanted to do a little something for his work family," Helen said as her watch beeped.
She looked at her husband, who was looking at her with so much love and pride in his eyes that Helen felt emotional. The team all fawned over the gifts as he moved to stand closer to her.
"This is nice; thank you," he said, offering a kiss to her temple. He’d laughed at the kid Jeffrey's comment about how often he kissed his wife, but he wasn't ashamed.
Helen's watch beeped again, "Honey, I have to get to the airport. Daddy's plane will be landing soon. The steaks are marinating, but don't forget to pick up some beer."
Mustang was scowling, "And why am I not having wine with my steak, wife?"
"Because my Daddy prefers beer," she said. "We are playing nice, remember?"
"No, he can have beer, and I will have a full-bodied red," he said, laughing. “You might want to stop at a convenience store for him to pick up a six.”
Helen provided a quick kiss to his cheek, wished everyone a happy holiday, and was off to the airport. On top of everything else in her life, she now had to spend the weekend with her overly emotional father who hated the holidays. Maybe this year, she could offer him a bit of seasonal cheer.
Chapter 13-Hazard
Darnell Nelson, atthe ripe age of 64, looked like he stepped out of the pages ofGentleman's Quarterly,showing how a man should age gracefully. At six foot two, the grey in his hair was spread evenly, and not patchy, giving him a refined look. The long wool coat, accented at the neck with a coordinating scarf stated he was a man of means. An overnight case, like the ones used by airline pilots, he dragged behind him coming out the main terminal of the airport. His daughter had told him to come to the curb.
Helen pulled up, rolling down the window. "Hey Daddy, put your case in the back and hop in."
Darnell at least expected her to get out of the vehicle to give him an embrace, versus picking him up on the curb as if he were the trick for the night. At this point, though, he was so happy to see his daughter, he didn't care. He followed her instructions, climbing into the passenger seat, offering a wide smile.
