Lunch in the Park

By Jennifer C Thorson

Dragons may not be real, but Kate still had to fight them. Kate had always taught her niece that when a dragon comes along, you slay it yourself. She rescued herself, Priscilla, her students, her friends, and everyone else who loved and depended on her on a daily basis.

When a yellow Labrador bounded into her picnic in the park, Kate's life got even more complicated. She almost forgot that you don't always have to do the rescuing alone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer C Thorson
• Release date: Feb 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301658374

Jennifer C Thorson

Birth doula, occasional blogger, and maid of all work at my home in Maryland where I live with my family and a minor menagerie.

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Acknowledgments

I am forever grateful to those who helped me get this little story out into the big wide world. Among them are my husband, Rich Renomeron, my sister Stephanie Thorson, my friends Mary Frances Bruce, Abi Cheeseman, Vicki Cheeseman, Andrew Delfino, Christine Doran, Bernard Kelly, Justine Levine, Pam Morse, Christian Paolino, Kierstie Whitehead, and Becky Wolsk. All provided encouragement and advice which made Lunch in the Park a better story than it would otherwise have been.

And to Alice Bradley who provided the solution that was in front of my nose the whole time.

And an extra round of thanks to my editor Christine Doran, who is not only the queen of em-dashes and commas, but also a reader with a keen eye for story, and very good friend. Any remaining plot holes, orphan quotation marks or dangling participles are the fault of the author.

Kate

The mirror over Kate’s dresser was huge. Her mother had used it to watch herself when she was rehearsing. Kate used it to keep track of her to-do list. On Thursday evening, when her apartment was finally quiet, Kate removed the notes that said Dentist for Priscilla, STEM conf in Jan?, and rough draft for City Council mtg. This last one she shredded into tiny bits before she scattered the pieces into the wastebasket like snow. The remaining items included a note that said Katherine! I have my own room at the gallery! The opening is the 25th. Please come! Lins in a dramatic scrawl; the business card of one Jeffrey Stewart, CPA, with a handwritten phone number on the back; the receipt from the library with the due date highlighted in green; and in the top right-hand corner, the only permanent fixture, a five-year-old picture of Kate’s sister on a hospital bed holding a tiny baby, surrounded by Kate and their parents.

Kate plucked the business card from the mirror and turned it over in her hand several times, just as she’d done the previous five evenings. This night, instead of frowning and sticking the card back into the mirror’s frame, she picked up her phone and sent a text.

20:58 Hi, it’s Kate, from the park. My niece played with your dog on Saturday?

21:02 Hey! What’s up?

21:06 I thought I’d come hear the band tomorrow night. Where are you playing?

21:08 Awesome! Hanlyn’s on 19th. We play at 8. Come at 7 and I’ll buy you a drink.

21:13 Sounds good. See you at 7.

Getting out the door on Friday night was trickier than Kate had anticipated, and she was late to Hanlyn's, an unremarkable bar about twelve blocks from her apartment. Jeff was fidgeting with sound equipment. Kate spotted his head of sandy blond hair easily. He caught sight of her as she pushed through the crowd and hopped off the stage to meet her.

I’m sorry I’m late, she said, tucking her hair behind her ear. Are you busy?

No, we’re all set up. I’m just burning nervous energy. Come on, I’ll buy you that drink. They found two stools together at the bar, Jeff got the bartender’s attention, and they ordered. We don’t play in public very often, but the manager here is good to us: calls us anytime he’s got an open spot. That’s him over there by the stairs.

Kate turned to follow Jeff’s gesture. Russell! She leapt off her barstool as the manager turned.

Katie! What are you doing here? he asked as they shared a warm hug. He looked over Kate’s shoulder where Jeff was hovering just outside the conversation. Wait, are you here with Jeff? Kate nodded. Jeff! You idiot! You didn’t tell me the girl you had coming was Katie Morris. I would have saved her a table down front. He turned back to Kate. What are you drinking? Come on over and pick your poison.

We’ve already ordered, Russell, thanks. I had no idea you were here. How are you?

Good. I’m really good; good job, somebody to love, no complaints except that you’re going to be stuck at the bar when you should be down front. How are you? What are you up to?

I’m still teaching at Wilson. I’m doing well, except for that thing about being stuck at the bar, Kate said with a grin.

Their drinks came and Jeff told the bartender to put it on his tab. Russell waved to the bartender. Scott, after this she drinks on the house. Her money is no good here. He looked back at Kate. How’s your dad? How’s that baby?

Dad’s great, still teaching. You know how he is, Kate said. He’ll probably drop in harness. The baby is five now. Kate dug out her phone and found a picture of Priscilla.

Russell took the phone to get a closer look at the picture of the grinning girl with deep brown eyes, then shook his head. It’s a helluva thing, Katie. You forget how long ago that was. Seems like yesterday. She looks just like you. How is T doing?

Kate shrugged. She’s T. Still just the same. Russ took a last look at Priscilla’s picture and handed the phone back to Kate.

Yeah, tell her I said hello, would you?

Kate's smile flickered. I’ll do that.

"Hey, I gotta go. Enjoy the show and if you need anything come find me, okay?

Thanks, Russell.

Turning to the bartender, Russell said, Scott! Anything she wants, she gets, remember? The bartender nodded, and Russell disappeared into the crowd.

So, said Jeff who had been maintaining a respectful but curious distance. I guess you know Russell.

Oh, yeah, for ages. He was my sister’s best friend since middle school. I haven’t seen him in four years though. Funny that I’d run into him here.

Jeff looked at his watch. I have to go get ready. Can you stick around after the set?

Yeah, of course. Break a leg. Kate smiled at Jeff as he left and then settled onto a barstool. Scott the bartender immediately placed a full bowl of peanuts and a spare napkin in front of her. Kate stirred her drink and tried to remember the last time she’d been at a bar or listened to live music. She gave up when Russell came out on stage to introduce the band. Jeff was playing bass. There were two others. The drummer, half hidden in the shadows, was all muscle and sinew under a mop of shaggy brown hair. The lead singer was a guitar player transported from the fifties, complete with black slicked-back hair. He looked older than the others, probably nearing forty. Kate felt sure that he was not just the lead singer, but also the leader of the group. Jeff was better looking, but the lead singer was compelling and charismatic. He also had a great voice, though Kate noticed that Jeff’s work on back-up vocals was pretty good too.

The band was unpolished, but fun, probably as good as a bar like Hanlyn’s could be expected to hire. The set lasted about an hour. Most of the songs were covers, but there were a few that Kate had never heard which she thought might be original.

As the band was packing up, Russell found Kate still at the bar. Do you need anything, Katie? You doing okay?

I’m great, Russell. Scott here has been very attentive.

No, I mean you and Priscilla. Are you guys okay?

Kate gave Russell another hug. We’re great, Russell, really. My dad helps and Priscilla is the smartest and the sweetest and the best little girl you could ask for.

Russell smiled. Tell your dad I said hello. He saved me, you know?

Tell him yourself. The phone number hasn’t changed. He’d love to hear from you.

Yeah, maybe I will. But tell him anyway, okay?

Kate looked at Russell more carefully. I will, she said. But think about it.

Damn, you look like your mother. Russell shook his head. Jeff should be done soon. They’re just getting stuff in the van. The lead singer is a Unitarian minister, and he borrows the church van to haul their equipment. I make them park in the alley so people don’t think I’m hosting a revival in here. He paused, unsure if he should continue. Listen, Jeff is a good guy, okay, no worries about him, but he does tend to come in here with a different woman every time, so . . .

Kate laughed. Thanks, big brother, but this is just a night out.

Jeff reappeared just as Russell nodded and slipped away. Thanks for staying. What did you think?

It was good. I really liked that song about the toad. Was that an original?

Yeah, Charlie, the drummer, wrote that for his kids. The college kids all cheer because they think it’s ironic, but Charlie tears up every time we play it. Jeff paused to look around the room.

You want to go somewhere quieter? Maybe get coffee?

Actually, I should start home. It’s been a long day.

Oh, sure. Can I get you a cab or something?

No thanks. I was just going to walk. I’m four blocks over and eight blocks down.

Hey, I’m just two blocks from here. You could come with me, we’ll leash up the dog and I’ll walk you home.

Kate hesitated. Russell’s warning may have been overprotective, but she was sure it was also entirely true.

Jeff grinned. I promise to be on my best behavior. And Hondo needs the exercise.

Russell had also said Jeff was a good guy, and given how infrequently she went out on dates, let alone dates with men with gorgeous green eyes, Kate didn’t see any harm in extending this one by a few minutes. She answered Jeff’s grin with her own. A walk home with you and Hondo sounds really nice.

They walked most of the way to Jeff’s condo in a comfortable silence, enjoying the quiet and fresh air. Jeff’s apartment was on a street filled with club-goers, the men sweating through their shirts, the women walking barefoot and carrying their shoes on the way to their next stop. I never drive on Saturday nights unless I have to. It’s impossible to get a parking spot after seven, but it’s pretty quiet the rest of the time.

At Jeff’s front door Hondo spun in circles. Jeff laughed and wrestled the dog into a sit long enough to get his leash on. It wasn’t until the big yellow Lab was leashed and they were headed toward Kate’s that Jeff started the conversation again.

So, you told Russell that you were teaching. What do you teach?

I teach math at Wilson Middle School, and I’m the math coordinator for the school.

So you're the boss? How long have you been there?

I'm not the boss, I'm middle management. It was my first job out of college. There’s a math teacher—Lucy—who has been at Wilson for twenty years but other than that the school had a really high turnover rate until about five years ago, so apart from Lucy I’ve been there the longest. She threatened to quit when the principal appointed me. They gave her an achievement award and a bonus to make her stay. She never argues with me, but I’m pretty sure she keeps a voodoo doll in her desk. Every time I have a meeting with her I get a nasty headache afterward. I’m sure it’s not a coincidence.

Jeff laughed. I have a client like that. Is your family is nearby? Your parents and your sister and niece?

Kate couldn’t tell if Jeff was casually curious or if he was digging for information. It didn’t matter, of course. The answer was the same.

My dad lives in Frederick in the house I grew up in. Kate paused. And Priscilla lives with me. She always has. That’s why you’ve seen us at the park together. We go almost every Saturday. My sister, Theresa, lives in Arizona right now.

Oh.

Jeff seemed not to know what to say next so Kate filled the gap. You said your brother lives in Philadelphia?

Yeah, he and his wife went to school there.

Kate kept asking questions until she had heard all about Jeff’s nephew who had named Hondo after a favorite book, his parents in Pittsburgh, his sister and her partner in Ohio, and his freelance work as an accountant for several small non-profit organizations. By the time Jeff had finished describing the local charity that kept all of its receipts in shoe boxes under the receptionist’s desk, the awkwardness of Kate’s revelation had faded somewhat, in part because of the stream of chatter and in part because Hondo kept distracting them both by scampering all over the sidewalk trying to smell every smell on the ten-block walk.

So, this is me, she said as they reached a small, gracefully aging apartment building. Most of the lights in the building were out except for one room on the corner. Thank you for the walk, Hondo. She bent over to rub the dog’s ears, then straightened and offered her hand to Jeff.

And thank you. I had a really nice time.

Jeff leaned in and gave Kate a friendly kiss on the cheek, which surprised her. Me too. I’ve got an appointment tomorrow, so Hondo and I won’t be able to join your picnic this time, but I’ll get in touch later in the week?

Yeah, that would be great, Kate said, though she was sure later in the week was code for never. She unlocked the building’s front door to head inside, turning only once to watch Jeff and Hondo as they walked away. Then she walked upstairs to her apartment. The babysitter was asleep on the couch. Kate leaned over and stroked the teen’s hair away from her face. Trinny, time to head home.

Trinny sat up and smiled at Kate. Did you have a good time?

Yeah, I did. Kate handed her a few folded bills. Here’s for tonight.

You don't have to pay me.

I know, but this week I can manage it. Come on, I’ll watch you across the hall. I’m late, your mom will be sitting up waiting for you.

Trinny took the money. You mean waiting for you. She kept asking me why you were going out on a Friday night. Trinny grinned. She said there’s never any committee meetings on Fridays.

She’s right, there’s not. I was just out with friends, Trinny. I am allowed to do that, aren’t I? Kate asked playfully.

Fine with me. My mom was hoping you had a date. Can you help me with algebra on Sunday? I have a test next week.

Absolutely. Kate watched Trinny walk down the hall to the three-bedroom apartment on the corner of the building, then closed and locked her own door.

Priscilla was asleep in her tiny, colorful bedroom. She stirred but didn’t wake when Kate kissed her cheek and smoothed her blanket. Kate closed the window shade against the streetlights and the next morning’s sunrise, then went into her own slightly larger bedroom next door. Light from a passing car splashed across her mirror, briefly illuminating Jeff’s business card. Kate plucked the card from the frame and considered dropping it into the wastebasket, but then she thought of Jeff’s smile and the surprising kiss on the cheek when he said goodnight, and she tucked the card back into its place. With a small grin on her face she climbed into bed. The neighbor on the other side of her wall always left the radio on, so Kate drifted off to sleep with muffled jazz as a lullaby.

Priscilla

The next morning, Priscilla scampered into Kate’s bedroom. "Aunt Kate! Aunt Kate! Can we get ready to go to the park now?

Kate pointed at her alarm clock without opening her eyes. Pris, what number is the little hand pointing to?

Six, Aunt Kate.

And what day is today?

Saturday. Park day. Maybe we'll see Hondo again.

Priscilla Katherine, Kate's eyes were still shut. When are you allowed to wake me up on Saturdays?

Priscilla fidgeted on the bed. When the little hand is on the eight. But it’s important, Aunt Kate.

Kate opened her eyes, propped herself up on one elbow and tucked her hair behind her right ear. Pris, go get your breakfast and watch the fish movie until the little hand is on the eight.

Priscilla crawled up on Kate’s bed and cuddled up next to Kate. But I already had breakfast and I don’t want to watch the fish movie. I want to go to the park and play with Hondo.

Kate settled back into her pillow and stroked Priscilla’s hair. Pris, sweetie, it’s a big park, and I’m sure Mr. Jeff has a lot of things to do. We might not see him today. Did you put your bowl in the sink?

Yes.

Did you put your spoon in the sink?

Yes.

Did you put the milk back in the refrigerator?

Um…yes.

Are you sure?

Yes, Aunt Kate, just don’t come into the living room for a while, okay? Priscilla wriggled out of bed and headed for the door.

At eight, Priscilla returned, wearing a long dress and a plastic tiara, and holding a foam sword. Aunt Kate, will you come play dragons with me?

Kate groaned as she sat up. Am I a good dragon or a bad dragon?

You're a good dragon who is being held prisoner by a bad witch who is stealing your scales and selling them.

Oh dear, Kate said seriously, that sounds uncomfortable. I hope there's a princess who can save me.

I'm here to save you, good dragon. Come with me and we can escape the bad witch. Priscilla took Kate's hand and led her into the living room, where pillows were scattered across the floor. This is the lake of fire. We have to walk on the rocks or we'll die.

They hopped from pillow to pillow until they reached the couch. Now we just have to make it to the door, Priscilla pointed at the kitchen, and we'll be safe.

Kate looked at the large stuffed bear sitting in front of the kitchen. Is that bear here to help us?

No! That's the witch. We have to be very quiet or she'll wake up and turn us both to stone.

Kate nodded and together the dragon and the princess tiptoed toward the door. They had almost escaped when the floor creaked.

Oh no! Priscilla cried. The bad witch is awake! You'll never beat me, bad witch! She held her sword in front of her, then felled the witch with a mighty blow. Quick, dragon! Breathe fire on her!

Kate blew on the bear, and the she and Priscilla jumped over the threshold into the kitchen.

We did it! We escaped the castle!

Thank you, kind Princess, for rescuing me. Now that the bad witch is dead, can we clean up the castle?

Okay, Priscilla sighed.

Tell you what. I'll pick up the pillows that go in the living room and you can pick up your pillows and the bad witch and put them back in your room.

Then will you read me a book?

Sure.

Kate had just put the last of the pillows away when her phone rang. She smiled at the caller ID and then answered. Good morning, Lins.

Katherine! Walter just told me he's putting all of the paintings I sent him in the show. I'm going to have my own room! The opening is in two weeks.

Yeah, I got your note.

Pretty please tell me you'll come! I'm going to be sitting in my room full of paintings all by myself and I need someone to keep me from eating all night. Tod is doing the catering. You know you love Tod. Please?

You're not going to be sitting in a room all by yourself. When has one of Walter's openings been anything but packed? Plus, he wouldn't give you a room if people didn't want your stuff. He's not running a charity.

But you'll come?

Of course I'll come. I even got a sitter.

Oh, and I have just the dress for you. I'll bring it to work on Monday. You'll look gorgeous in it.

Lins . . .

Nope, it's settled. If we're going to sit alone in a room full of my paintings drinking champagne and eating dessert, then we're going to look fabulous doing it. See you on Monday! Bye!

Kate shook her head as she hung up the phone. Priscilla appeared with a book and handed it to Kate. One book became two and then three. Finally, Kate followed Priscilla back into her bedroom.

Pris, it looks like your closet exploded. What happened?

I couldn't find my sword.

I'm going to take a shower. You put your closet back together.

And then can we go to the park?

Yes, after your room is clean.

After her shower, Kate found Priscilla sitting on her bed drawing a dragon. The room was not noticeably cleaner.

Can we go to the park now, Aunt Kate?

I told you to clean your room.

I did. See. She pointed to the closet. I put the sword away.

Kate sat in the rocking chair and directed the cleaning operation. When she declared it finished Priscilla asked, NOW can we go to the park?

Come on, let's go pack a lunch.

When they were finally on their way, Priscilla danced all over the sidewalk, out in front at full speed and then back tugging at Kate’s arms to hurry her along until they reached their tree. The day was warm, but the air crackled in a way which warned that summer was ending. Kate and Priscilla laid out their blanket and, because Priscilla would not sit still, played catch. When that was done, Priscilla still didn’t want to eat so they gathered acorns to make a fairy garden in the roots of the tree. Finally, Kate insisted. If we don’t eat now we’ll be late for Miss Julia. Priscilla ate in silence, her eyes scanning the park.

They might not come today, Pris.

I think they will, Priscilla replied between bites of sandwich. Kate shrugged and bit into her own sandwich.

Jeff did not come. Kate had known he would not, but she couldn't help feeling a small sliver of the same disappointment Priscilla expressed when they finally packed up and headed back for Priscilla's piano lesson.

Popcorn

Kate had just finished Wednesday’s dinner dishes when Jeff texted her.

8:30 You want to be really cliché and do dinner and a movie on Saturday? We could see Vienna Spring.

8:33 Sounds nice, but I’m having dinner with my Dad on Saturday.

8:34 Friday?

8:37 Maybe, but I’m busy until 8, so it would have to be just the movie, and I can't commit until I find a babysitter.

8:40 I’ll pick you up?

8:45 I’ll just meet you there. I might have to take P somewhere first.

8:47 Okay, I’ll check listings and get back to you.

Kate was waiting outside the theater tapping furiously on her phone’s tiny keyboard when Jeff arrived.

Something important?

Kate shook her head. I’ve been going back and forth with the Principal about something all afternoon. But I’m going to stop now because I am not working tonight. She snapped her phone shut and smiled at Jeff, who took the opportunity to kiss her on the cheek.

Good, because if you were texting during the movie they’d kick you out. Last time I was here they sent an usher in after some guy.

I promise my phone will stay in my pocket, on silent. I am not one of those people who always has their phone out. If I didn’t have to worry about Priscilla I’d turn it off completely.

That’s settled then. Can I buy you a popcorn?

Actually, there’s this great ice-cream shop around the corner. Maybe we could get a cone after the movie? I’m not a fan of movie popcorn. It smells funny when you chew it.

Jeff accepted the suggestion, and they went to their seats. During the too-loud commercials, Kate leaned over to Jeff. So they really kicked somebody out for texting?

Yeah. It was pretty blatant. The guy had his phone open and was typing away for a long time. He was even laughing at the conversation. The usher came in and asked him to be quiet and he stopped until the usher left--and then he started up again, so they brought in two ushers and escorted him out. The guy wasn’t going to leave but the ushers pointed to a uniformed cop standing in the corner with his hand on his gun and he left. I think they refunded his ticket though, and then told him he shouldn’t come back.

Kate insisted on buying the ice cream after the movie and they ate as they walked to Jeff’s place to