Let it Snow Page 8

"Exactly." He chuckled.

  "Well, maybe tonight at the dance you'll have to draw some attention to yourselves." Judy said glancing from one to the other.

  He laughed, "Judy, I hate to tell you this, but my job is the main reason there's been nothing between Heather and me. She can't get past the fact that I don't care if I’m rich or not. I just want to be happy and make others the same."

  "Aw…." Lori turned her head to stare at him. "Don’t fret, no one thinks much of hairdressers either."

  "I hadn't thought of that. But they should. You spend hours a day trying to make people look beautiful so they can go out and impress others. I've never understood the concept of people who help other people not getting their just rewards." Mark smiled.

  "I think we do get our just rewards." Lori announced.

  "What do you mean dear?"

  "Well, think about it. Mark goes out and helps someone build a fence, and Mark can stand there and feel proud that he helped build it and that the person is happy that he came by to help. That's the kind of rewards we get. When I fix a person's hair, I see how beautiful they can look, and I'm proud that I can say, yeah, she does look beautiful, doesn't she? It's that feeling of doing for others. That's the kind of rewards that Mark and I both get. The satisfaction that we pleased someone." Lori said and they were both staring at her. "I'll admit the tips aren't bad when we do it either. But we don't make millions from it."

  "What? You don't think so?" Lori asked.

  "I couldn't have put it better," Mark mused, his eyes going all over her as he said it.

  "Well, it's true. When I come home from a day's work, I’m tired, and my feet hurt, but I'm also happy with myself. I know I brightened some ladies' day and maybe even her husband too. I send an awful lot of Cinderella's out there. Sometimes I feel as good as a fairy-godmother." She chuckled. "You feel good inside. And that's better than money."

  Mark was staring again and she couldn't quite figure him out.

  Judy seemed to study them both.

  "We better get a move on, if we want a prime seat." Judy told them.

  They piled into Mark's truck and hurried down to the main street of town. A crowd was already building. And of course, they had to stop to talk to a half dozen people on the way to their perfect spot.

  Mark helped make Judy comfortable and he sat between them one the curb.

  Lori spotted Frances on the other side and waved. She got up and came over to see her, "I'm glad you came. It's supposed to be real nice this year." Frances was telling them.

  "Mark, it's good to see you again." Frances put her hand on his shoulder. "I've got to get back, my kids are with some friends, and I've got to keep an eye on them. Good to see you guys."

  Mark smiled, "Always a pleasure Frances."

  "You charmer." She smiled.

  The parade started off with a big fancy car that presented the Mayor, and Heather sitting on the back seat, waving and smiling. Heather was in a beautiful gown and everyone ooh and awed over it.

  Lori shot Mark a quick glance but his attention was a couple of cars down. The vet's car was next, and a WWII vet waving and smiling.

  Then the floats came barreling down, with clowns on the sides and balloons going wild in the air. An old time favorite TV western star was featured in one car and everyone gasped, they hadn't expected to see him.

  A vendor passed and Mark got them some cotton candy.

  "Oh, but we just ate." Lorie remarked.

  Mark shrugged, "It doesn't matter, you can't watch a parade without some cotton candy."

  She laughed, when he practically stuffed it in her mouth, and handed Judy some too.

  The bands came next from different schools in the area, some were good, Lori noted. One of the baton twirlers was excellent and everyone clapped for her and someone hollered, "That's my girl."

  Then a truck pulling a wagon of hay and a lot of kids came rolling slowly by. And there was Lucy and Mike waving and grinning.

  "Hi Uncle Mark, Lori…. high Aunt Judy." They included her too because they knew her so well."

  Judy threw them kisses, Lori and Mark waved and laughed.

  Lori leaned toward Mark, "They'll be keyed up tonight with excitement, won't they."

  The Christmas floats were beautiful and everyone was amazed. Mark kept a straight face though.

  "Did you help with those?" Lori asked.

  "One of them…" He smiled.

  She was wearing a ball cap and he pushed it down on her face.

  She laughed.

  It was a long parade and had several beautiful floats, but the last one had the one everyone was waiting for. The last one had Santa Claus. And there was a Mrs. Clause with him. Everyone held on to their children as they wanted to run and greet him. Instead they waved and smiled.

  As the crowds started breaking up, Mark ran into his mother. "Well, Mark, I see you made it to the parade. I thought you were coming with Amy."

  "Now why would I mother. She's got a husband and kids to tend to. Judy wanted to come so I brought her and her niece."

  "Oh, yes, well. Nice to see you Judy."

  She barely glanced at Lori though.

  Lori wasn't put out. She could see a lot of pain in her expression and she felt sorry for the woman. Sorry that she wasn't more friendly with her son.

  Then they ran into Heather.

  "Mark, Lori, how nice to see you both. And Judy you came too. I'm so glad. What did you think of it?" Heather asked Judy.

  "It was lovelier than any I've seen." Judy chuckled.

  "Now Judy, I'd love to see you at the dance, you haven't been in years, and you should come." Heather insisted.

  "Well, I hadn't thought about that…"

  "Oh, do try." Heather looked at Mark again. "Thanks for all your help this year Mark. We couldn't have gotten it all together without you." She smiled. "See you two at the dance."

  Mark nodded and wrapped his arm around Lori.

  Nice touch!

  He guided them through the crowd to the truck and helped Lori and Judy in.

  When he pulled up in front of Judy's house she glanced over at Mark. "Well, I hadn't planned on going to the dance, but maybe I will…it has been a while. And I do love to dance."

  "Great, I'll pick you both up at six-thirty, then." Mark grinned at her.

  "Well, I've got to go in there and see if I have anything decent to wear."

  Judy got out and Lori started to. But Mark pulled her by the hand. "Thanks for being there with me today…."

  "We both were." Lori smiled. "Heather seemed to really take note of you today."

  "Lori…I think your aunt's blown this Heather thing up to be more than it is. Heather is a nice lady, and I've known her all my life, but…she doesn't have a bit of interest in me. And you might as well know that now. But we come from opposite ends of the pole here."

  Lori stared at him. "She's very nice, and very pretty. I wouldn't put myself down around her. You’re a good man Mark Sutton. And I think deep down, she knows that."

  When he was quiet she asked, "Can you dance?"

  "Yeah, pretty much, why?"

  "So can I. Let's show her how good we are tonight. Sometimes, being a showoff, is good." She smiled. "Although, I may not be the right person to make her jealous Mark. I'm no Cinderella and that's for sure. I don't have dresses like the one she had on just now. In that regard I can't make her jealous at all. Maybe you need to find someone that is a bit more sophisticated. I mean let's face it, we were just talking about it before the parade. I haven't impressed her enough to make her jealous. I am no matter what just a hairdresser."

  "You have absolutely no idea how beautiful you are, do you?" He murmured.

  "Me?" She gasped.

  "You!" he sighed. He grabbed her by the back of the head and swung her around so he could kiss her hard on the mouth. She couldn't stop the moan in her throat at how forceful he was. And how gallant.

  Lori grabbed at his chest to hang on she was so surprised.

/>   When he pulled away, he smiled, "I'll be back early. I'll get you a dress for tonight."

  "Oh but…" She shook her head.

  "Don't you fret; you'll knock her socks off." He said beaming from ear-to-ear.

  She opened her door, and looked back. "You don't have to do that. I'll wear what I have…."

  "Let me take care of this. You're doing this for me, aren’t you?"

  "Well, yes, but…."

  "Then I'll take care of it. What are you a size four or six?"

  "Six." She answered before thinking.

  "Good, see you in a bit."

  "Oh but…"

  "What size shoes?"

  "Seven." She answered automatically.

  He smiled and waved. He put the truck in gear and she closed the door. He sped away.

  Whatever was he thinking?

  Chapter Thirteen

  Lori did Judy's hair and had her looking like a royal queen, putting it in an updo. She looked gorgeous and even Judy was shocked at how nice she looked.

  When Judy came out in her ivory silk and lace dress Lori gasped at how beautiful she looked. "Oh auntie…you are beautiful."

  "You really think so?"

  "Oh my…. yes."

  "You don't think it's a bit much?"

  "No, I love it. You'll be the bell of the ball tonight."

  "I sincerely doubt that dear, but I do love the way you did my hair."

  "Really, well, I can do that any time you want me to."

  "That's sweet of you dear, but you don't have to."

  "Why not, I love doing hair and you know it. So now, what are you wearing?"

  "I picked out an ivory colored dress of silk and lace."

  "Sounds promising. I think you are going to knock some socks off tonight." Lori giggled.

  "I'm too old for that."

  "You are never too old for that."

  "Now, what are you wearing?" Her aunt asked.

  "I don't really know…Mark said he'd bring me something to wear. I really didn't know it was this fancy or I'd have bought something special for it." Lori explained.

  "I should have told you. We hold it at the Veteran's Hall, because that's the only place big enough to hold everyone. But of course, the Mayor sees to the decorating and band so it's quite the ball, if you know what I mean. But it's been so long since I've been out I feel kind of funny myself."

  "You don't look it. You are gorgeous."

  At five that afternoon, the doorbell rang and a special messenger had brought her a dress. There was a note pinned on it. "Please wear this dress, for me tonight."

  Lori felt strange, a man picking out her dress, but she unfurled it from its bag and gasped.

  "Oh my…." She looked at her Aunt. "Isn't it lovely?"

  "Yes darling, it is…Mark picked this out for you?"

  "I don't know where he got it, but yes." Lori gasped again. "I've never worn anything so elegant in all my life."

  "Then it's time you did." Judy beamed at her. "And it's red!"

  "What's wrong with red, dear?"

  "Nothing, but…well, it does cause attention. I rarely wear red."

  "You've got the right coloring for red dear. I know it's going to be perfect for you."

  Lori shrugged. "I've got to get my bath."

  "Hurry dear, we don't have much time."

  "Alright." She kissed her aunt's cheek.

  Despite the rush, Lori took a bath and relaxed for a few minutes. She didn't understand Mark. Just when he was making progress with Heather he seemed to back away, and now this, to impress Heather too?

  She threw all caution to the wind and after her bath, she put her make up on, and inspected herself. Okay, so she was playing Cinderella tonight, but she wouldn’t lose her glass slipper and the prince wouldn't come running after her wanting to marry either, she giggled. No, tonight she would have fun, and maybe get Heather and Mark together too!

  So why did that thought suddenly not appeal to her?

  Mark had been so wonderful to her ever since she came, she hated to lose his friendship, she told herself. And when a man falls in love, he forgets his friends.

  So maybe she should consider this just a good deed and not fret so much. She would accomplish that. She should feel proud. So why did it niggle in the back of her mind.

  Mark was the Cinderella, she wasn't. He'd lose his slipper and Heather would follow him to the ends of the earth to find him and tell him how much she loved him.

  Mark was a good guy, he deserved Heather, but the thought of losing his friendship bothered Lori more than she wanted to admit. Like her aunt, she had come to depend on Mark for so many things. Like a ride to work on snowy days. Like helping with babysitting. Like going to special functions. If he married Heather, all of that would have to stop. And that thought bothered her.

  A tear fell down her cheek. I'll have to learn to drive! It was impossible to think she could depend on him to take her aunt to the doctor and her to work when it snowed. No, it was time to bite the bullet and stand on her own two feet. But driving? Dear God, it scared her no end.

  Had Mark suddenly become more than a friend? Did she have feelings for him? She wasn't sure she should examine those feelings. When she broke up with her boyfriend in New York, she hadn't felt any regret or sadness. Probably because the relationship had become so stale in the first place. But losing Mark, even if he wasn't her boyfriend bothered her.

  After all, he wanted Heather. And yet his kisses said something entirely different. And despite all her better intentions, Lori return his kisses too! Dear God, how could she have been so blind? She was in love with Mark!

  In all fairness though, she'd never been truly in love with anyone. So how could she have known?

  The question in her mind was would she do anything about it?

  The doorbell rang and she was still in her robe. Quickly she picked up the gorgeous dress and after staring at hit for the longest, she finally slipped it on.

  It fit so perfectly, it seemed made for her. She gasped when she looked in the mirror. She'd never seen herself this way. Well, tonight would be the ultimate test, tonight Mark would get his Heather, she'd lose the best friend she ever had and she should be happy for him, but looking at herself in the mirror, she knew deep down she wasn't.

  When she finally came out of her room, Mark and Judy were in the kitchen having coffee.

  She walked in and Mark's face lit up like sunshine. He was such a nice man. And she was crazy about him and couldn’t do a thing about it.

  "I knew it was a pretty dress, but…Wow!" Mark's eyes glittered into hers.

  For a second she grabbed the compliment to her heart and held it dear. Then she put on a smile and blushed to her toes. "Thanks, it's a beautiful dress."

  "It isn't the dress that so beautiful." Judy chuckled. "It's you dear."

  Lori saw Judy in her lovely silk and lace ivory and made her stand up, "Look at you, Auntie. Your gorgeous, isn't she Mark?"

  "Absolutely. I'm escorting the two prettiest girls in town." He beamed looking from one to the other.

  "He's a charmer, isn't he?" Judy cackled.

  "Yes, and look at you?" Lori beamed staring at Mark's tux. "Aren't you the gentleman. You'll knock Heather's socks off tonight."

  "Will I?" He stared at her.

  Lori snickered, "We all clean up well, don't we?"

  "Absolutely." Mark agreed.

  ***

  The Vet Hall was huge, and it was just one big long room. Able to accommodate the entire town if necessary. But it was Heather running things, she was the official hostess every year. When Lori saw her, her heart sank, she was gorgeous in a stunning blue velvet dress that accented her curves. No wonder Mark had trouble getting Heather's attention, she was not only rich, but the prettiest girl in town.

  Heather greeted them and had their wraps taken by a maid and butler.

  "I'm so glad you could all come. And look at you Judy, why, you look fabulous."

  "Thank you, Heather.
And that gown is really something."

  Heather looked down at herself, "Oh thank you, but all of you look splendid."

  "Make yourselves to home, I'm hosting this, so I've got to meet and greet everyone, but there's plenty of appetizers and punch."

  Mark led them over to the punch table and poured both a cup.

  People were already dancing to the music and they turned to watch.

  "It's glorious, isn't it?" Judy chimed with a smile.

  "Heather usually does things up pretty fancy." Mark informed them.

  "I haven't been to one of these in years. But I'm impressed." Judy smiled.

  Just then Sam Mullins walked up to Judy and eyed her closely. "Girl, you look beautiful." Sam said, his eyes going over Judy like cotton candy at the fair.

  "Now Sam, you old charmer, you look right nice yourself tonight. How have you been."

  "None of that small talk for us, I want to dance, shall we?" He offered his arm to her.

  Judy took his arm with a smile and they went onto the dancefloor.

  Lori and Mark stared.

  "Wow, I'm so happy for her. Now if she'll just open her heart to it…"

  "What a little romantic you are?" Mark chuckled.

  Lori blushed, "Well, anyone can see that he has eyes for her, and how right they are for each other."

  "Boy you take right after Judy. A little match-maker." He smiled. "How about we join them. Care to dance…?"

  "Of course," she smiled and glided right into his arms.

  Her dress floated about the room and she felt like she was on a cloud. Mark stared right into her eyes and she wondered what he was thinking.

  They danced several dances in a row and finally he walked her outside for a breath of fresh air as the hall was crowded now.

  "I want to thank you for the dress…is it a rental as I want to see it gets returned as soon as possible." She asked.

  "No…it's not a rental."

  "Then where on earth did you get it?" She asked.

  "Don't worry, it's not returnable."

  "Oh, but, I can't pay for this kind of dress right now." She began.

  "You don't have to, I paid for it."

  "You, but where…."

  "I know a seamstress in town. She made it for you."