She didn’t quite smile, but it was better than the frown she’d been sporting. “Sounds good.” She looked at him from under her lashes. “Thanks.”
They climbed into the Suburban and headed back down Airport Way, past Lathrop High School where he and Raven had graduated. “Did you make the ten year reunion ?” he asked.
“Yeah, you didn’t miss much.” She glanced at him. “Same people doing the same stuff, just ten years older. You could have made it. They held it at the end of July. Isn’t fishing season over by then?”
“You were glad I didn’t attend.”
She was silent for a moment. “I was relieved, but I really didn’t think you would’ve made the effort.”
He’d wanted to. If things had been different. He’d been wishing for different all his life. He changed the subject. “Could we swing into Big Ray’s? I need a warmer coat.”
“As long as we make it fast.” She made the left hand turn on Cushman.
“Why do you need to hurry?” He glanced at his watch. It was just after eleven. “Fox isn’t out of school for another three or four hours, right? Or is it because you don’t want to spend any more time with me than you have to?”
She tightened her lips. “I have things to do.”
What did she have to do? Pottery? Work at the lodge? Just how busy was her life? He wanted to know. “Like what?”
She sent him an evil look. He threw his hands up. “I was just asking. Making conversation.”
“You know that for the last three days I have done nothing but play nursemaid. My life has been on hold. I need to get back to it.”
He gave up on conversation and looked out the window as they traveled down Cushman. She turned onto 2nd Avenue and pulled into Big Ray’s. He was glad to see it was still in business and that a big chain from the lower forty-eight hadn’t taken it over. “I’ll make this quick.” He opened the door and got out.
She opened hers. “I should get a new pair of gloves for Fox.”
They walked into the store together, but separated. He headed toward the large array of parkas, while Raven viewed the gloves and hats on the opposite side of the store.
“Aidan Harte! As I live and breathe, I never thought to see you again.” A big bear of a man slapped him on the back, knocking the air out of him.
Aidan looked up at him in confusion. “Uh…”
“You don’t remember? I’ve grown a bit since the last time you saw me.” The man spread his skillet size hands. “Remember junior year, you saved my sorry ass from getting pummeled by Sam Sagoonick.”
“Tiny Tom?” His brows rose in surprise. No way this…giant was Tiny.
“Yup.” Tiny shrugged as though a little embarrassed. “I got a growth spurt after high school. People call me Thomas now.” He reached out a hand for Aidan to shake. “Good to see you, man.”
“Yeah.” Aidan shook Thomas’ hand, his disappearing. “So, whatever happened to ‘Slay ’em Sam Sagoonick?”
“I married her.” He grinned. “We’ve got three rug rats, girls, just as tough and beautiful as their mother.”
“You married Sam?” Aidan didn’t know if he should pity him or respect him?
“Yup.” Thomas grinned. “Never a dull moment with her around.” His smile turned grim. “Hey, man, I was sorry to hear about your old man. My condolences.”
Aidan frowned. “Who told you about my dad?” Nobody in Chatanika had known Earl was dead, until he’d arrived. How had Tiny Tom known?
“I’m not sure.” He scratched his head. “I was hanging with the boys the other night at the Lonely Lady. Someone was talking about it.”
“Who?”
“Sorry, man. I had a few too many.” He elbowed Aidan. “You know what I mean? I have no clue who told me.”
“That’s all right.” Though it wasn’t. Who in Fairbanks would be talking about Earl?
“What about you?” Thomas asked, obviously trying to change the subject. “Married? Kids?”
“No and no.”
“Too bad. A woman tempers a man. Makes life more enjoyable. You know what I mean?”
He wished he did.
“What’d you do to the leg? Break it skiing?”
Raven came up to them, a pair of gloves in her hand. “Ready? Hi, Thomas.”
“Hey, Raven. Wow, seeing the two of you together is like old times.” Thomas nodded. “How’s your boy?”
Raven glanced from Aidan to Thomas and swallowed. “Good.”
“He like those footpads for the dogs? They working out?”