As promised, here's part 2. Thanks for the comments and emails. They're much appreciated.
Right Down the Line
part two
I hadn't been at work twenty minutes when who should show up in my lane but Cliff. He had two chocolate coated long johns and a pint of milk. He looked as though he'd been up for some time.
When he reached me he was smiling. "Good morning Elaine, you look lovely."
I scoffed, "You need glasses. Wearing a hat left my hair a mess and the snow melting on my face caused my makeup to run. You look like you've been up for a while. Did you start early? Is that breakfast?"
"I've been out plowing since five. I plow the dealership's lot, the credit union and Napa Auto Parts. I could do more but most everybody has someone already. And yes, this is my breakfast. I need an energy boost. You don't approve?"
I grinned, "Whatever floats your boat, Cliff. Be safe."
He smiled, "I'll call later."
I responded as he walked to the door, "You'd better."
Knowing the dealership was only open until one on Saturdays I felt confident that Cliff would call when his day was finished. By the time my shift was done the wind had picked up, the temperature had dropped, and another three inches of snow lay on the ground. My walk home was not as pleasant as my walk to work. Snowflakes that had melted on my cheeks on the way to work now felt like ice crystals and stung to the point I had to pull the scarf up over my nose. Thankfully I'd worn my higher boots and wool mittens.
Trudging through the snow I shuddered as the city grader went by knowing there would be pile of snow to shovel at the end of the driveway. I suddenly became aware that a vehicle had stopped at the curb. Looking to my left, Cliff was out of the truck opening the door before I made it the three feet between the sidewalk and curb. With my mitten covered hand in his he gently helped me inside the truck, quickly scurried to the driver's side and jumped in.
The warmth of the cab was welcoming. I had worn a dress to work and though I'd worn nylons my legs were still cold. I leaned forward rubbing my hands together by the dash vent, the heat pouring out felt marvelous. Cliff turned toward me.
"I was hoping I would catch you on the way home. We closed at eleven thirty. No customers and there's more snow on the way. It didn't make sense keeping the place open. I plowed a driveway on the way here and I have several more to do this afternoon. My phone has been ringing most of the morning."
"Thanks for picking me up." I answered. "I thought it would have stopped by now, the wind has a bite to it. If I had realized it would be this cold, I would have worn pants. It's good that you have more work. Isn't it?"
He chuckled, "Yep, every extra penny I can earn is an extra penny I can put toward paying off my equipment. What are your plans for this afternoon?"
I thought a moment, "Nothing other than a load of laundry."
As we neared the house my earlier concern was evident. Across the driveway was a mound of snow 2 feet high and as deep as well as the 8" covering the driveway. I suddenly knew what my afternoon would entail. To my pleasant surprise Cliff slowed at one side of the driveway and stopped. I watched as he took the plow control in hand and made the blade into an inverted V, then dropped the blade and cut into the snow. It took him three passes before it was clear enough to pull into the drive.
He was going to get out, I stopped him. "It's okay, I can get to the house. Thank you, you saved me a lot of work. I'll change and start on the driveway so we aren't shoveling a foot by the time it's done."
He looked at me, "If you don't have plans why don't you come with me. You can be my wingman and run the plow. I'll finish your drive while you change. Whadaya think? Wanna come along?"
There was no question in my mind, of course I wanted to come along. Laundry could wait.
"Gimme five and I'll be ready. Daddy will appreciate you clearing our driveway."
I was running through the house to my room with Mom right behind. The more I explained what was going on the wider her grin became. She turned and dashed away. By the time I was back into the hallway grabbing dry winter clothes she was waiting with a brown paper bag.
In kind of a giggle she said, "Sandwiches. He has to be hungry. The way to man's heart is through his stomach honey. Go and have lots of fun. Wow, who would have thought plowing snow would be a date?"
Cliff had just finished with the driveway when I walked out. Getting in he stared for a minute. I wondered why.
"Um. You might want to lose the coat, I keep it pretty warm while I'm plowing. Toss It in the backseat. First stop is Alberts. What's in the bag?"
I smiled, Mama had foreseen something I hadn't. "Sandwiches. Mom thought you might be hungry. I think they're chicken leftovers from last night. Do you want one now?"
"Let's do Alberts first. We can stop at the Kwik Trip for a pop to go along with the sandwiches. And maybe some chips."
At the convenience store he handed me a twenty-dollar bill, told me what he wanted, said to get what I wanted and began to top off the gas tank. He had left the pump area and was parking out front of the store as I was walking out. When I got inside he leaned toward me and whispered. "Gotta pee, be right back."
We had a sandwich, chips and a drink sitting in the parking lot. The phone rang three times while we ate. Two wanted him to plow, he explained that we would get there but no promise what time since there were several ahead of them. By the time we finished the second driveway he didn't need to tell me what to do unless it was something unusual. I operated the plow while he operated the truck. It was half past 6 when we finished the last driveway. I had gone to the house for payment while he knocked the packed snow from the plow.
