Page 33 of A Winter Thaw

There were five long beats of silence, and Elaine and Audrey looked at each other and winced.

“When can you come home?” Michelle asked slowly.

“We’re not sure yet,” Audrey said. “There’s a snowstorm, and I guess the severe cold is affecting some regions too. It’s all a mess. But we’ll come home as soon as we can.”

“Okay.” Michelle’s voice, which a few moments earlier had sounded chipper and energetic, now sounded close to tears.

“How are things going there?” Elaine asked. “Is everything okay?”

“It is,” Michelle said slowly. “There are just a bunch of guest changeovers today. I was thinking I would have help cleaning all the rooms. I don’t know how I’m going to man the desk and do all the cleaning. But I will,” she added hurriedly. “I’ll figure it out, for sure. I’ll put a sign on the front desk asking people to call my cell phone if they arrive and I’m not there. It’ll be okay.”

“Oh, honey.” Audrey bit her lip. “I think we shouldn’t have come to this conference and left you there by yourself. That’s all too much for one person to handle.”

“No, it’s okay. You absolutely should have gone. The knowledge that you’re bringing back to help improve The Birchwood House is well worth any stress that came my way. Most of the time it’s all been good, even fun. The other day—well, it’s been fun sometimes. I can hang in here until you can come back.”

“I can agree that the knowledge is useful,” Elaine said, “but that doesn’t mean you needed to feel all this stress. We should have asked someone to come help run the hotel with you, or maybe just Audrey should have gone to the conference and I should have stayed home with you⁠—”

“Hush.” Michelle laughed. “I wanted you both to go and I liked proving I’m capable of running this place by myself—at least for a few days. Besides, there’s no way you could have predicted this storm. It came out of nowhere. I promise I’ll be okay, don’t worry. I’ll hold down the fort here until you can get a flight. No fretting, okay? Promise? I can see the worried looks on your faces from here.”

Audrey and Elaine laughed.

“Oh, fine,” Audrey said. “But call Harper and Penelope if you end up needing backup. Or any of our friends. Don’t feel like you have to handle everything totally alone.”

“Sounds good, but I’m sure I’ve got it. Love you guys. Have fun on your bonus vacation day!”

The three women said affectionate goodbyes and Audrey hung up.

“Oh, I feel so bad for her,” Audrey said, lying back down on her bed and staring at the ceiling. “I can’t imagine trying to change over all those rooms by myself. How many people are checking out today? Do you remember?”

“Don’t fret,” Elaine said, patting her knee. “That was a good suggestion about Harper and Penelope. Michelle will be okay. She’s a smart girl.”

“I know.” Audrey smiled.

“Come on,” Elaine said, grabbing Audrey’s hand and pulling her up to a sitting position. “Cheer up. Shep suggested that we make the best of it by exploring Boston and enjoying the sights on our bonus day here. What do you say? Should we venture out after breakfast and go for a winter walk? Then we could get a coffee and a pastry. What do you think about that?”

“Sounds great.” Audrey nodded. “You’re right. We’re here. We might as well bundle up, face the cold, and enjoy Boston.”

“That’s the spirit! I’ll get a head start on picking out my outfit while you take a shower, okay?”

“Sure. A hot shower sounds lovely even though I’m not really cold. Just knowing how cold it is outside makes me want to be warm.”

Elaine chuckled. “It’s not too cold, it’s snowing a little. But I know what you mean. I think I’m going to wear all my warmest clothes today. And hot coffee sounds wonderful.”

Audrey went into the bathroom to take a shower and Elaine got dressed into a warm pair of corduroy pants and a thick white sweater. She combed her hair carefully and then put on a cozy red hat.

There, she thought, turning back and forth in front of the full-length mirror in their room. I look like I’m ready for a fun day as a tourist.

Once Audrey was also dressed in warm clothes, the two of them went downstairs for a hearty breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes, fried eggs, and sausages. Then they bundled up in their coats, scarves, and mittens and set out along the streets of Boston.

Snowflakes were falling like miniature ballerinas wearing white tutus. Elaine lifted her face to the sky as they walked, enjoying the feeling of the cold on her face. It was biting but not unpleasant, since the rest of her was so warm.

“Boston is rather thrilling,” Audrey said, looking around eagerly. “I did want to tour more of the museums and historical sites. Now we get a chance.”

They enjoyed viewing the old buildings as they strolled. Before long they ducked inside a coffee shop for a couple of piping hot peppermint mochas and some raspberry Danishes.

It really is going to be a lovely day, Elaine thought as they sipped their coffees and paused outside a graveyard that held famous headstones. Audrey and I are here together, we’re safe and warm, and we get to explore Boston. I do miss Shep and Michelle terribly, but waiting one more day won’t be so bad.

“Cheers, Mom,” Audrey said, lifting her cup toward her mother. “To having a good day.”