Electricity and Oil a Strange Mix

Electricity and Oil - A Strange Mixture BATTRATT

As I turned off the Pine Lake Valley Expressway, a familiar feeling of calmness set in. Two kilometers further, brought me to an unmarked gravel lane among the Birch and Alder trees. The leaves, rich in autumn colours, would soon be gone.

The lane dead ended at a steep cliff, overlooking Pine Lake. A short driveway on one side led to my modest log home. The circular paved driveway on the other side served a rambling ranch bungalow.

The sprawling abode had been vacant for the entire three years I had lived here, and in all that time I had seen no sign of life. That is until the last month and a half, when there was constant activity. A never-ending presence of contractor trucks, painter's vans and delivery vehicles assaulted the senses.

Today, a single SUV occupied the driveway. I hoped the absence of chaos meant the serenity I had cherished, was being restored.

I felt immense pride as I got out of my 4 x 4 pickup and looked at the decal on the door. The lettering 'White Stag Electrical Services', was superimposed on the image of a 10-point buck. The company I started six months ago was off to a great start,

My name is Dominick Griffin, age 29. With my week over, I mellowed out with a Beatles LP on the turntable, cold lager in hand and feet up on the coffee table. It was the best part of my week.

My mellow mood lasted about five minutes, when it was interrupted by the doorbell. At first, I considered not answering, but quickly gave in.

A distraught woman in a food stained bib apron and head scarf, waited at the door as I opened it.

"Apologies for disturbing you. I am in desperate need of an electrician."

"I think I might know one." I smiled, hiding my annoyance. "How can I help?"

Extending her hand, she spoke. "I'm your new neighbour, Madeleine Miller. I am expecting 30 to 40 people in two hours for a housewarming open house, and my range is not working. Could you possibly have a look?"

"I'm Dom. Dominick Griffin. Happy to help. Lead the way."

I picked up my tool belt at my truck and followed her. Tantalizing aromas greeted us at the main entry. We proceeded through a very impressive living space to the kitchen, where multiple appetizers in varying stages of preparation were evident on the countertops and island.

From there, she led me to the main electrical panel in the pantry. "I found the breaker tripped and reset it, but the range still doesn't work."

"Wow!" I said looking at the ancient panel. "I've never seen one of these before."

Upon further examination, I said, "I see the problem. Look here." Pointing to the breaker, I showed her singe marks around the switch, which indicated there had been arcing.

"Can anything be done to restore power to the range?" she asked, now exhibiting deep despair.

After a moment of consideration, I said. "If I pull out the hot tub breaker, I can reuse it for the range. You should be back in business shortly."

Ten minutes later, she confirmed that it was operational once again.

After thanking me profusely, I said, "I will pick up a breaker on Monday and install it in the evening. Simple job."

As I was departing, she said, "Please come by tonight, anytime after 7:00PM. I'll give you a personal guided tour."

"I wouldn't want to impose."

"Nonsense. You are the hero of the day. You are most welcome."

When I finished dinner, I had no intention of returning to Madeleine's that evening. A little after eight, I relented and rang her doorbell. An extremely attractive young woman answered the door. She was tall and athletically built, with olive skin, large brown eyes and auburn hair.

"Hi I'm Dom Griffin."

"Oh! The savior." She gushed. "Please come in. I'm Cassie."

She led me to the bar set up just inside the entry and stayed with me making pleasant conversation.

The party was in full swing, the room buzzing of conversation and laughter. A young man played an acoustic guitar by the fireplace and happy people mingled throughout the festive room.

"So, Cassie, where is our host?"

"Mom is over there." She said discreetly pointing to a woman, laughing and sharing a warm moment with a couple near the buffet.

Awestruck, I couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful woman before me. I would not have recognized her as the distraught lady I had met earlier.

Madeleine was more full figured than Cassie, but she had similar height, smile, skin tone and eyes. The short hair style was also noticeably alike, but it was a striking silvery colour. There was no mistaking the mother daughter connection.

As Madeleine and the couple shared a laugh, Cassie said, "It's so great to see Mads enjoying herself. She is showing signs of coming back to her old self."

"Mads? As in angry?" I questioned.

"No, as in wild and crazy." Cassie said. "Since my dad died almost three years ago, she hasn't seemed to find any joy in life."

"So sorry to hear that. Is she living here alone?"

"Yes."

"Seems like a big place for one person."

"This was my dad's childhood home. My grandparents retired to the Caribbean just before my dad's fatal heart attack. Mads and my dad had a renovation planned. This was to be their retirement home. I am so glad to see her moving forward with their shared dream."

Cassie was beckoned by a woman nearby and she excused herself, leaving me to do some people watching. In truth it was Madeleine I wanted to watch.

Up to that point, I don't think she had noticed me, but now she flashed me a smile and moved in my direction. Midway, she was intercepted by a slightly inebriated chubby man who rudely attempted to embrace her.

I moved forward as he continued his assault, and said, "There you are Madeleine. I have to be going soon, but you did promise me a private guided tour."

"I did promise a tour." Pushing the disgusting lothario away, she said. "You understand, don't you Richard?"

Richard wasn't getting the message, so I moved between them and gave her a light embrace. Only when the boorish man's wife approached, did he back off.

Looping her arm through mine, she led me away saying, "You have been my hero now twice in one day. I am going to like having you for a neighbour."

"You don't look like a perpetual damsel in distress, Madeleine."

"I'm definitely not. Call me Maddie please."

"Not Mads or Mad?" I asked.

Laughing, she replied, "I saw you talking to Cassie. What else did she blab?"

"Discretion prevents me from telling all. How about that tour?"

Maddie kept her arm looped through mine for the entire tour. She showed me every part of her residence except for one room with a closed door. We passed it with no comment by her.

The house was decorated and furnished to perfection, with an abundance of artwork expertly displayed throughout. Concluding the tour, we returned to the party in the great room. One particular painting caught my eye.

When I stopped to examine it more closely, I noted the artist's signature. "You have an 'Adler,'" I gushed.

The pressure of her grip on my arm increased noticeably as she spoke, "I have several. Are you an art aficionado?"

"Oh, most certainly not. In fact, I don't own any originals, but if I did, my first choice would be an Adler."

"What is it about that artist that appeals to you?"

"Several months ago, when I did some work at the Gibson estate, I met with Mr. Gibson in his office. On the wall behind his desk, he had the most incredible piece of art that I have ever seen. Something about it moved me like nothing before."

"To illicit that reaction in someone, is the most special payoff for any artist. I should get back to my guests. I look forward to talking art with you another time."

As she bade me goodbye at the door, I asked. "Will Monday after dinner work for replacing your breaker?"

"Only if you let me make you dinner as thanks for your hero services. I can almost guarantee that no rescuing will be required. Is 6:30 okay?"

"I accept." Cassie waved goodbye from across the room, and I retreated to my log home.

On Monday evening, Maddie greeted me as I arrived with a bottle of Borolo in one hand and my tool belt in the other.

"Let me take care of the electrical first, and then I'd love a glass of wine. I need about 20 minutes."

Maddie handed me a generous sized glass of wine when I returned. "All done." I said.

"How much do I owe you?"

"We need to talk about that." I began. "Dinner is payment enough for the labour. We were incredibly fortunate that my supplier found this one in his surplus pile and he gave it to me, so there is no charge for the part.

Your panel has been obsolete for some time now. I recommend that you have it replaced with a state of the art one. The good news is that I checked your wiring, and it is in really good shape."

"Can I hire you to take care of that?"

"Happy to. It's a two-day job. Everything I need should be in stock. I will have a lull after I finish up a project on Wednesday of this week. I will get you a quote tomorrow."

"A quote is not necessary. Just invoice me and all is good. Bring your wine and sit with me at the island while I make dinner."

While cooking, she asked me a lot of questions about my childhood and how I came to choose my vocation. Nothing invasive. Maddie seemed okay to talk about her daughter, Cassie, and the renovations to the house, but otherwise would not offer much to enlighten me about her private life.

After dinner, Maddie topped up our glasses and led me to a pair of Adirondack chairs on the patio. While watching the sun setting beyond the lake, she finally opened up a tiny bit about her marriage.

I learned that Mark, her husband, had been her college professor. He was twelve years her senior, and they had one child, Cassie. The way she spoke of him left no doubt that he was the love of her life. When the conversation lagged, I took that as a cue to withdraw.

Maddie embraced me lightly at the door. "I am around most everyday, so let me know when you want to start."

"Does Thursday first thing work for you?"

"Anytime after 8:00 AM. I'll have coffee on."

"See you then."

Aside from spending a few minutes together for coffee to start each day and the quick sandwich she made me for lunch, she was no where to be seen while I worked.

When I finished up early afternoon on Friday, she was still absent.

She sent a text while I was preparing dinner later.

'Great job. Thanks. Everything working fantastic. Come for BBQ Saturday 5:00?'

'I look forward to it. I'll bring the wine.'

'Don't knock. Just come to the patio '

I observed another car in the driveway as I walked over to Maddie's a few minutes after 5:00. As directed, I skirted the house and went straight to the patio, where I found Cassie organizing dinner plates and utensils near the BBQ.

"Welcome," she spoke. "Nice to see you again."

"Likewise," I replied, handing her the wine.

At that moment, Maddie arrived carrying a tray loaded with burgers. She looked amazing in her colourful sundress and sandals.

She smiled at me and asked, "Has Cassie been spilling any more family secrets?"

"As before, discretion prevents me from answering."

The evening was pleasant, and the food was great. Maddie insisted that Cassie and I stay on the patio and relax as she cleaned up.

"I appreciate all the assistance you have given my mom. She is reemerging. She even went back to her painting this week. It always seems to make her so happy when she is working."

"I didn't even know she is an artist. That explains the great taste she has in art."

A few minutes later, Maddie came back with a bottle of brandy and three glasses.

"Not for me." Cassie said rising. "I'm off. Don't like to drive after dark."

"I'll walk you out. Will you stay for a brandy, Dom?"

I nodded as mom and daughter made their way out.

When Maddie returned a few minutes later, she was carrying a small canvas stretched over a wooden frame.

"This is for you," she said, handing me the 18" x 18" painting.

I was instantly struck by the beauty of the work. As I looked at it more closely, the artist's signature jumped out at me. It was an Adler.

"Wow, I don't know what to say. This is amazing."

"This painting was the conceptual inspiration for the one you liked so much at the Gibson estate. When you described the impact it had on you, I knew you had to have this."

"How did it come into your possession?"

Maddie gave me the warmest smile and said, "I painted it."

"I don't understand." I reacted in surprise.

"I'm Adler." She clarified, leaving me speechless.

"Adler is my maiden name. I have painted since my early teens. I wasn't very good in those days, but with Mark as my professor, I found my style. Actually, he was not a full fledged professor, but rather a visiting teacher. He had his own gallery and promoted my works passionately. We were married a year after I graduated."

"Tell me about this one."

"It started out as departure from my usual style. It was far from being complete when Harvey Gibson saw me working on it at the gallery. He commissioned me on the spot to do the piece you saw in his office. I left this one unfinished until you expressed your feelings about the other one.

You are responsible for my passion being reignited. I finished it this week while you replaced my electrical panel. It was a no brainer that you should have this."

After another sunset, I made my way home with my prized original piece of art.

The next two weeks were hectic. I worked twelve-hour days with no days off. A little while after I got home on Friday, my cel chimed. It was a text from Maddie.

'Haven't received your invoice. Bring to a BBQ tomorrow at 5:00'

'Sounds good See you then'

It was spitting rain as I made my way to Maddie's. I passed Cassie's car as I walked toward her door at the appointed time. Madeleine answered looking amazing as always. I apologized for coming empty handed.

"No problem, as long as you brought the invoice. There is always lots of wine here." She said leading me to the kitchen. "Change of plan because of weather. Cassie is making linguini and clam sauce. You'll love it, she's a great cook."

Cassie waved from the cooking station.

When I settled at the breakfast bar, Maddie offered a glass of wine.

"Trade you for an invoice."

As she scanned the invoice, she said. "This can't be right. It's not enough."

"Good neighbour rate." I responded. "I charged you my cost. The rest is offset by all the great meals you fatten me up with, not to mention the invaluable painting you gave me. Transaction closed."

"We'll see about that." Maddie spoke raising her glass. Cassie joined as our glasses clinked.

Cassie's culinary skills did indeed match her mother's.

I helped Maddie clear after dinner and Cassie left for the living room.

While Maddie finished up, I joined Cassie. A fire had been lit and there were two glasses of brandy waiting on the coffee table. Cassie had her sweater on and bag in hand.

"You're not leaving so soon, are you?"

"I think you see what's happening here, don't you?"

"Huh?"

"By the puzzled look, I going to guess you don't." she went on.

"Without my blessing, Mads is trying to set us up. While I think you are a great guy, I can plainly see that you are much more interested in her. For that you have my blessing. See you soon." And she left.

When Maddie came in, she sat beside me on the sofa and said, "Did Cassie leave? You two didn't have a fight, did you?"

"No fighting." I said. "She thinks you are setting her and I up."

"Well kind of. You are both single and seem to get along well. Are you not interested in her?"

"There is someone else who has caught my eye." I said.

"Enough said. I won't meddle in your love life."

After a few moments of silence, I asked. "Will you show me your studio?"

"It's a real mess I'm afraid. I'd like to say that it's not always like that, but it is. Since you sent me back down the creative road, I have about six projects on the go all at once."

"I'd really like to see it. I won't pass judgement."

Maddie added brandy to our glasses and offered her hand as she led me to the back portion of the house. She stopped at the closed door of the room we had bypassed on the tour the night of the open house.

As if steeling herself, she opened the door, turned on the lights and led me in.

I had never been in an art studio before, so I couldn't say if it was good or bad. It was certainly chaotic. There were six easels, with various sized canvases resting on them. There was a rack on the far wall that contained countless unframed finished pieces of work.

She came up behind me as I shuffled through the collection and spoke. "Tell me about the woman you are interested in."

"Before I tell you about her, I have a question."

"Okay. Go ahead."

I turned fully to face her so that I could look into her eyes. "Would it be okay if I kissed you?"

She seemed to freeze, and I thought she would ask me to leave.

"Am I the woman you are interested in?"

"From the first moment I saw you at the open house."

"But there is such an age difference."

"It wouldn't be the first time for you. It would just be the other way around this time. For me, since my mid teens, mature women have always been appealing to me. Much more so than women my own age."

Maddie remained silent.

"I'm afraid I have offended you and that was not my intention. I will go now."

"Perhaps that's best. I'll walk you out."

She escorted me to the door in silence. Her mood was not the happy and carefree one I had seen the last few weeks, but neither did it seem angry.

She closed the door saying, "Good night, Dom." I walked home feeling like I had lost an encounter with an 18-wheeler.

Two days later, I texted Maddie:

'So sorry for my behavior the other night. I will leave you alone, I promise,'

The next Saturday morning I got a text from Maddie:

'Dom, please come by about four today.'

I didn't know if that was good or bad, but a least there was a chance to resolve it and ease my misery.

The hours passed slowly, and by 2:30, the knot in my stomach convinced me I was developing an ulcer. That feeling only seemed to intensify as I walked to Maddie's front entrance.

She must have been watching for me, because the door swung open before I knocked.

Maddie directed me to her office off the foyer and motioned me to sit in the chair in front of her desk instead of the sofa and armchair near the fireplace. As I sat, she moved toward the chair behind her desk.

I was beginning to feel like I had been summoned to the principal's office. At this point, few words had been spoken by either of us.

"Maddie..." I started, but was instantly silenced by Maddie's hand raised as a stop sign.

Finally, she began to speak. "Dom. Please do not talk until I am finished.

I believe that your advances were out of affection for me and that you would not purposefully make me uncomfortable. Despite that, I did feel very uncomfortable. I admit that it took me by surprise. When I looked back at our interactions since meeting, I was oblivious to any signs you projected.

You must understand that Mark was the only man in my life. There was no one before that I ever considered being with. That didn't change when he died suddenly. There were plenty of suitors, but I had no temptation to pursue any romantic involvement.

As Cassie noted, I have been able to find some joy in life again. Renovating and moving into Mark's childhood home was always his dream for us. In a way it keeps him close to me.

Until you came along, I thought I would never paint again. As Cassie pointed out to me yesterday, that is three times you came to my rescue.

Yes, I did seek my daughter's council. You have a fan in her, by the way. Cassie reinforced what I already knew. My life with you in it is better than without. I value your friendship, but I'm scared to step out beyond that. Can we be neighbours and good friends?"