The Best Thanksgiving, Ever

Harry lived alone. He was fifty one and owned his own home. He was just under six feet tall, a full head of light brown hair and had a nice physique. Harry had never married, not because he never found the right woman, in fact he found several women with whom he could have shared his life. But, Harry could never close the deal. Somewhere between the second and sixth date, the object of his affection became less enchanted with him. Harry thought he might know why. He was a talker. Not an orator, mind you. No, just an incessant talker. He'd talk about almost anything. He didn't feel the least bit uncomfortable rambling on, even when faced with a topic he knew little about. He just kept on talking. He had begun to notice, over the last several years, that people occasionally avoided him. Well, he thought, maybe he was just imagining it. Why would they avoid him, when he was so pleasant? Everyone loves someone with a sunny disposition. He was the guy who burst into a room, and said, in a just-a-bit-too-loud voice, "Good Morning, Everyone! Isn't it a gorgeous day?" And then, he'd approach the most unhappy looking person in the room and try to engage them in a conversation. He merely wanted to change their mood and leave them feeling better. One of Harry's favorite places was the gym. Nothing made him happier than an intense workout. He loved to walk in and see the different weight machines, all lined in rows. The best part was, you got to meet a different person at every station, sometime two new friends! You see, the position of "Harry's Best Friend" was currently open and Harry was conducting interviews. The more energy he put into his routine, the more ebullient he felt. He would be bursting with enthusiasm and couldn't contain it. Harry wanted to share his good mood with anyone who would listen. He would go from station to station, sharing his wit and good cheer. Some men engaged in a short conversation, then moved onto another machine. Some smiled politely, but tried to ignore him. Some left and went to the free weight room or to the showers. But, Harry always felt that he had improved their day. He was an incurable optimist, waiting and watching to meet a potential best friend. Joe was the consummate gym rat. At fifty six, he had a remarkably muscular build. He had been a Green Beret in Nam and wasn't about to let a few years change his body. In fact, Joe didn't like to change anything about his life. But, sometimes his life changed,anyway. After the war, he had a difficult time settling into a routine. You see, he had a routine, but it involved killing people and that just didn't work, stateside. He tried to join the FBI, but although he aced the written exam, he didn't do as well on the psychological testing. He applied to the local police department and went to the police academy. However, after a few weeks, he knew it wasn't going to work. The way the academy solved problems was sophomoric. They believed in Molly-coddling, instead of taking a straight forward approach and using a little more of the night stick! That's why this country was in the state it was in, in the late '60's. And then there was the paperwork- file this, triplicate that- no, this was definitely not for him! So, he left the academy and went hunting with his uncle and cousin, Paul, up in Montana. He hunted for three months, long after his relatives went back to work. He stayed in his uncle's cabin and sometimes Paul would come up on weekends. That was some of the best time in his life. He lived off the land, he had solitude and was able to slowly adjust to being back in the USA. Paul was a perfect companion, because he rarely spoke. Paul was an accountant and would bring his troublesome accounts with him. When he wasn't tracking, he was in one of the two small bedrooms, calculating. But, Joe knew he had to get back and start fitting into society. When he returned, he took a job in construction. He had intended to go back to college, but he found he liked the work. He liked hauling materials, using his hands, seeing the results and best of all, the was not a lot of idle chatter. When his job was done, he'd go to the bar and down a few. Life continued that way for seven or eight years, until his company was bought by a rich young snipe with smooth hands. Hands that had never hoisted bricks or held a hammer. A twenty four year old, five foot six, skinny, entitled runt, whose father had bought him the company for a graduation present. Joe went home that night and never returned. He started doing odd jobs for neighbors and within a year owned his own contracting company. The kid had actually done him a favor, though Joe would never tell him that. After another year, Joe was married. He really didn't know how it happened. He saw Linda at the bar. She was petite, so pretty, only twenty-one and had the cutest was of speaking. He completely fell for her after one hour. He didn't mind her chatting and he couldn't take his eyes off of her pouty mouth. He went home that night and vowed to make her his own. He spent every spare moment he could with her and then asked he to be his wife, after only six weeks. Linda said yes, but her mother said they had to have a proper wedding, so they were married exactly one year from the day they met. Linda presented him with a baby boy, eleven months after the wedding. They called him Adam and he was perfect! A sweet baby, a clever toddler, a good athlete, an excellent student, he won a scholarship to Yale and moved to Connecticut. Joe's heart was broken. He still had Linda, but if he was to be truthful, her cute way of talking was now relentless babble. Oh, he still admired her trim figure and she had lost none of her beauty, but Lord, could she be annoying. She was always begging him to talk to her, share his day with her. What could possibly be interesting about overseeing a crew of guys adding a bedroom and bath, to a thirty year old split level. Or updating a kitchen, for a weird old broad. Did she really want to hear how the drop-in stove she chose was on back order? Probably not, who would? So, he usually just shrugged his shoulders and continued reading the paper. Still, she pleaded with him to "share". He realized he hated the word "share". Maybe that was his problem. He didn't share. He didn't play well with others, either. "I must have been a terror in kindergarten", he realized. Harry and Joe walked into the gym, only a few minutes apart. Unfortunately for Joe, this was the day Harry vowed to make a best friend. The first person he laid eyes on, was Joe. Joe's routine was written in stone. He worked different body parts on different days and today was a pec day. He walked directly to the pec deck and started working. Harry positioned himself on the lat pull down, to the right of Joe. After a few reps, Harry tried to started up a conversation. He was chattering for a good ten minutes before Joe even noticed Harry was talking. Joe would get into a zone and was impervious to anything other than his goal. But, Harry's prattle had invaded Joe's zone. This was not good. Joe had a mission and it didn't involve Harry. Joe tried tuning Harry out, but that was just not possible. When Harry felt he was being ignored, he simply upped the volume. Joe was not amused. He finished his reps and moved to the opposite side of the room. So did Harry. Joe forced himself to dig deeper and continue. He had a routine, damn it! Nothing interferes with his routine. When Linda was in labor with Adam and called the gym to have Joe take her to the hospital, Joe finish his routine, first. Now, he wasn't about to let some chatterbox derail him. Harry thought he was making headway. As soon as Joe finished with his last station, Harry held out his hand and introduced himself. Joe shook his hand and mumbled something, then went to the shower room. Harry wasn't exactly sure what Joe had said, but he thought it was something along the lines of "I'm happy to meet you". He was sure Joe would be his new best friend. He was ecstatic! Finally, he his efforts would pay off. They could go to the bar, catch a movie, even go to dinner, from time to time. Ah, life was good, or at least, getting better. Joe was adding more hot water to his shower. He was unusually irritated. He had just wanted to enjoy his workout in peace and Harry happened! Lord, that man didn't even flinch, when Joe told him "I'd happily beat you"! Harry must be an idiot, Joe thought. Hopefully, he would never run into Harry, again. Well, Joe's hopes were dashed, the following day. After an excellent start in the free weight room, Joe went down the hall and into the room with the crunch machine. It was an abs day and that always put a smile on his face. Harry spotted Joe's smile and misinterpreted it. He was sure Joe had seen Harry come into the room, thus the smile was for Harry. It wasn't. Harry half ran to Joe, stopping just short of stomping on Joe's feet. Joe was startled by the movement and it left his mouth agape, with an incredulous look on his face. Harry thought Joe was happy to see him. "I know, it's a pleasant surprise to see you again, too." Harry sang, patting Joe on his buzzed head. "I got here late today and I was afraid I'd missed you!" Joe was astounded. How could anyone be such a blockhead? Joe didn't know what to do, since Harry hadn't taken the hint, yesterday. He figured he had two choices; ignore him or kill him. Although the latter was more appealing, he chose the former. He knew his patience would be sorely tried, but decided to incorporate it into his discipline. If he could live with Linda and her interminable babble, he could survive Harry. And so it went, for the next few months. Harry magically appearing, regardless of when Joe came to the gym. Harry taking nonstop as Joe disregarded everything Harry said. He wasn't mean to Harry, he wasn't even impolite. Joe just didn't see Harry. He didn't exist, in Joe's world. As for Harry, he was content to have Joe's ear. Harry felt as though, while Joe may not have been an interesting friend, he was the best friend Harry had. All went well, until one unfortunate day. Joe had awakened to Linda sobbing. He was alarmed and asked her what was wrong. She said she was so lonely and so unhappy. She had seen a movie about a couple who had been happily married for thirty years and when she compared her relationship with Joe to the one on the screen, she realized that Linda and Joe's marriage was hollow. They never talked, never shared anything. Her life was empty, she said and started crying, again. Joe was flummoxed. He didn't know what to do, let alone, say. He didn't do tears. Actually, it was the first time he had ever seen Linda cry. He felt badly, knowing he was at the center of her sadness. He patted her on the back, but she flew out of the room. "Why", he thought, "What am I supposed to do? How can I fix this?" Thoughts ran around his head, all day at work. His crew knew Joe to be a man of few words, but this day he seemed morose. They gave him his space and said nothing. All of them were good at that. As he approached the gym, he saw Harry standing by hie BMW. Joe was surprised Harry drove such an expensive car. Joe had never thought that much about Harry, his car, where he lived or actually, anything about Harry. Joe never gave Harry a thought. Joe spent his time blocking out Harry's very existence. Once in the gym, Harry started his usual stalking of Joe, along with his unceasing palaver. Because of his annoyance with Linda, Joe's mood had not improved and Harry was making it so much worse. Joe was entertaining himself with the different methods of killing Joe, when an idea popped into his head. He needed time to think this one through. He looked at Harry and said, "I've got to go to the head. Stay right here, OK?" Stunned, Harry nodded he would. Harry couldn't even talk! These were the first words Joe had said to him, since the first day they had met an Harry wasn't really sure what Joe had said that day. Harry didn't move an inch and protected Joe's seat against all poachers. Joe took his time in the dressing room, pacing back and forth, cultivating a plan. Once he had a better grasp of things, he returned to his cable rows ( it was a lats and biceps day). Harry blathered something about "saving his seat", but Joe interrupted Harry, by asking him to dinner for the following night. Harry was astounded and beyond ecstatic. He knew things had been going well between them, but this? An invitation to see his house AND share a meal. Joe thought Harry was going to turn him down, from the look on Harry's face. Then as Harry's face broke out in a huge smile, Joe was afraid he was going to kiss him. But, with amazing self control, Harry calmed himself down and accepted the invitation. They exchanged phone numbers and Joe gave Harry his address. Harry nearly floated out of the gym. He spent the rest of the evening trying to think of an appropriate "bread and butter" gift. Surely, he couldn't go to Joe's house empty handed. As for Joe, he had some arrangement to make. This plan had to be carefully executed, if he wanted to eradicate a few of the problems in his life. Two to be exact! Perhaps that was a poor choice of words, he chuckled to himself. By the time Joe got home, Linda seemed to be in a better mood. She really lit up, when Joe told her he had invited Harry for dinner. They hadn't had anyone in for dinner, since Adam had gone to Yale and that was more than five years ago. Linda missed Adam so much. She was heart-broken when he went away to college and just as sad when he decided to get a masters, afterwards. She had loved being a mom and was never happier than when Adam's friends would pop in and raid the refrigerator. She always knew they'd stay for dinner. Linda was a very good cook, nothing fancy, just good home cooking. That was one of the few times Joe would talk to her, after dinner. "Great dinner", he would say or "that's one of my favorites", on a special night, when he wasn't too tired. And now, after such a miserable night, she was thrilled to be able to plan a dinner for company. Linda asked all sorts of questions about Harry, for which she received one-word answers from Joe. She tried to stop, but she was so excited, she couldn't help herself. Just as Joe thought hi s head would blow off, she left to polish the good silver. Joe was going to stop her and tell her not to go to so much trouble, but she had left the room, mercifully. He wasn't about to bring her back for another inquisition. When Joe answered the door, the next evening, Harry was standing in the doorway, with a kegerator. Joe was bewildered. What was Harry's beer dispenser doing on Joe'd front porch? "I overheard a guy at the gym saying her had a brew with you and I thought this might be something you would use. I didn't think it was appropriate to bring flowers to a guy and I know you watch your weight like a hawk, so no candy. But BEER, well, that's another story." Joe was stunned. Harry had brought a brand new kegerator to thank him for dinner. Lord, what would he give him for a kidney - Las Vegas? This was way out of whack! Not surprisingly, Joe was speechless. Just then Linda came to the door. "Joe, is this the "Harry" you've been talking about?" Harry was euphoric! He had found just the right gift. He could tell because Harry had the same look on his face, as the first time Joe had met him! But, who was this woman? Whomever she was, Joe had talked to her about him. Harry was on top of the world! Joe made the introductions and Harry realized how little he really knew about Joe. He didn't even know he was married. He was shocked. Joe's wife looked so much younger than Joe. When Harry said he thought Linda was Joe's daughter, Linda's face turned bright red, making here seem younger, still. Joe was his usual taciturn self, but this time no one noticed. Harry and Linda were lost in talk. At first, Harry tried to pull Joe into the conversation, but it was simply too difficult. It was so much easier with Linda. For her part, Linda listened to Harry with rapt attention. By the end of the night, Joe couldn't help but notice Harry and Linda were getting along extremely well. The next few days, Joe went to the gym before work, making sure he avoided Harry. Linda showed Joe the thank you card Harry had sent them. It was four pages long. The fourth day Joe worked out at his usual time, after work. Harry ran up to him in a panic. "Hey, buddy! Where have you been? I thought you had gotten hurt or worse, that you were avoiding me", screamed Harry. "Nope." That was Joe's response. That and a shrug of his shoulders. But inwardly, he smiled. The mouse was taking the bait. Back at home, Linda kept repeating how much she enjoyed having Harry over to the house. She waited for Joe to say he'd invite him over again, but he never did. Finally, Linda asked Joe if he could ask Harry back for dinner. Joe acquiesced and did so the next day, at the gym. This time, Joe told Harry, no big gifts. Harry would have promised anything. He threw his arm around Joe and gave him a hug, something he immediately thought better of. To Harry's surprise, Joe didn't deck him. Joe shivered silently, though. He didn't like PDE's, especially between men! This time, Harry brought a bottle of Dom Peringnon. Joe looked at him in amazement. "I told you, Harry, no big gifts!" Said a dumbfounded Joe. "Joe, it's a bottle of bubbly, it's not big", Harry said, with a quizzical look. Harry didn't ever have to worry about money and he wanted to show how he valued his two new friends. Harry's whole world had changed. He truly didn't think he could ever do enough for Joe or Linda. And so, the three of them fell into a routine. Once or twice a week, Harry would come over for dinner. Harry and Linda would talk and Joe would read his spy novel or watching the weather on his laptop. He had learned early in life to ignore the mindless yakking of the people in his life and this was no different. He wasn't afraid of missing brilliant repartee, not from Harry and Linda. Besides, they wouldn't miss him. As the summer turned into Autumn, Joe finalized his plan. After one of the "Harry" dinners, Joe proposed they think about taking a trip, together. Linda squealed with delight and it was all Harry could do to stay seated. Again he thought, how could he be so lucky? In just four months he had practically become part of this family! Why, he had even spoken with Adam, on the phone. He was like Adam's long lost uncle, that he still had yet to meet. And Linda had blossomed in the last four months. She loved the nights Harry came over. She had a bright spot in her life, now. Something to look forward to, twice a week. And now, this? Joe and Linda hadn't gone on vacation since Adam had left. She couldn't even speak- a first for Linda! Joe said he had been thinking about the happy times he had in Montana, before he met Linda. He had always wanted to take her to the little cabin, where he had stayed, so near Glacier National Park. He would make all the arrangements, if they wanted. Both said "yes", at the same time. It was decided, Montana was a go! Within a few days, the plans were complete. The three of them would take Amtrak and Paul would pick them up and take them to the cabin. Paul had stayed there for the last few weeks and would leaving and happy to take them. Joe and Paul had corresponded, via snail mail, all these years and both were glad for the opportunity to see each other again. Joe asked Paul if he needed a firm date. Joe wasn't able to nail down an exact day, because of problems at work. Paul said he was flexible and a few days one way or another would not make a difference. Linda and Harry were like little kids, always asking when the trip would be, but not wanting to irritate Joe. Although, both noticed Joe had seemed so much happier, the last few weeks. For his part, Joe has details to take care of. One night at dinner, Joe told Linda he had to go to Washington, DC, for an overnight, with a group of other contractors, regarding some pending legislation. He said it would help all the small contractors. When Linda suggested he take Harry with him, Joe's head snapped up from his plate and Harry said he'd be proud to stand next to Joe and fight for the working man! Joe quivered a little, but kept his composure. He explained that it would be a lot of waiting around, shop talk and besides, Joe needed Harry to look after Linda. Harry said he understood. Linda talked about what they would cook for Thanksgiving dinner, excited that Adam would be coming home and she would be setting the table for four this year. Joe went back to reading his book. The next day, Joe gave Linda a quick kiss on the cheek and was out the driveway for DC. Only, Joe wasn't going to Washington. Joe was going, with his supplies, to the cabin in Montana. When Paul picked Joe up at the airport, Joe explained most of his plan to Paul. Of course, he couldn't divulge everything. But, Paul was never one to ask questions, anyway. It was nice being with Paul, again. He was a low key, quiet man. And God, it was great to hear the silence! After making all the arrangements in the cabin, Joe and Paul spent a quiet, but enjoyable night reading. The next day, Paul took Joe back to Glacier International Airport and Joe flew home. He reflected on his now deceased uncle and the years since he had seen Paul. Time really does fly, he thought. He should be enjoying life more. And now, he was taking the steps to make that happen. Joe kept an eye on the weather. For his plan to be effective, timing was everything. There could be no mistakes. One Monday morning, Joe said to Linda, "Would Wednesday be OK leave for Montana?" "Oh, yes,yes! I've peen packed for a week! Are you going to call Harry?" she asked, excitedly. "No need. I'll see him at the gym. I always see him at the gym!" he moaned. "I think you like your time at the gym, more than your time with me!" she shouted, startling them both. Linda had never raised her voice, for anything. Joe stared at her for a minute. "I'm taking you to Montana, aren't I?" "Linda instantly recoiled. " I'm so sorry, Joe. I don't know what came over me. I can't wait to go, maybe I'm just a bit emotional." She said, her confusion audible. "No problem. See you later." Joe smiled to himself, as he got into his car. A few more days and, assuming his plan worked, he wouldn't have to listen to this gibberish ever again! Harry was equally as ecstatic as Linda. He rattled off his usual gibberish in double time. Joe was pretty sure his head was going to explode. He didn't know how anyone could talk that much. Harry had said more in the last fifteen minutes, than Joe had said in his entire life. Harry must use twenty thousand word a day. Joe used eight. He used to use fifteen, but that was before Adam had left. Wednesday morning, Harry jumped up the steps of Linda and Joe's house and rapped on the door, repeatedly. Linda ran to the front door and the two of them bounced up and down, laughing and squeezing, as if they were four years old. Joe heard them, probably most of the neighborhood heard them, and took a deep breath. Gradually, he regained his composure and joined them in the living room. They grabbed their bags, lock the house and drive to the train station. Walking to the track, Joe tells Linda that he can't take the same train. He had gotten a call this morning, while linda and harry were jumping up and down and he had an emergency at work. He would be on the first train, after he fixed the problem. It shouldn't take long. "I can't believe our bad luck," said Linda "that an emergency would happen, today!" "We'll, better today, than after we got to Montana. Then I'd have to come home." Joe reasoned. "This way, I'll fix the problem and join you with an easy mind." Don't worry, Joe. I'll be there to take care of Linda." Harry said, wanting to reassure both Linda and Joe. "I have the copy of the itinerary that you gave me and even the picture of Paul. Just hurry up! We don't want you to miss the fun!" "Oh, trust me, Harry, I have no intention of missing the fun." Soon he was back at the house, enjoying the quiet. He turned on the television and watched the national weather, a smile slowly spreading across his face. The following day, Linda came out of her room and looked out the window. She squealed for Harry, who came tearing out of his bedroom. "Look Harry! Look at the snow. Isn't it beautiful?" Harry looked outside in wonder. How could he be so lucky, to be on a vacation with his two best friends? Even though Joe wasn't with them, yet, soon he would be joining them and the three of them can enjoy this beauty, together. Both he and Linda talked about how perfect the cabin was and so well equipped . They had all the food they could want, champagne, Satellite TV, board games, even a generator, in case the weather turned unfavorable. Harry and Linda were having the time of their lives. They talked about what loneliness they had felt. They commiserated with each other, about the emptiness that came along for the ride. Clearly, both of them were grateful to Joe, for bringing them together. Yes, life was better, much better. Late that morning, Joe called. He said while the problem at work took a bit longer than he had thought it would, he was going to get Amtrak in morning. He would be joining them, soon. Linda and Joe would be glad to see him, they told each other, though secretly, Linda was a little concerned about being in such tight quarters with Joe. He always got annoyed when she and Harry talked too much and according to Joe, that was always. Linda had so much fun with Harry. She felt young and pretty when he was around, the way Joe used to make her feel. As for Harry, he too worried, worried about disappointing Joe. Harry had told him just last week that he was trying to limit his gabbing. He really did try and was successful around Joe. But, when Harry and Linda got together, he just couldn't help himself. She was just so damn interesting. And she was adorable, she made him feel happy and accepted and- wait- stop! He better check some of those feelings at the door! Watch yourself,Harry! Nothing inappropriate. This is Joe's wife, here! And Joe is your best friend. But, so is Linda. While both Linda and Joe contemplated Joe's arrival, the snow kept accumulating. Soon, when Harry looked outside, he could no longer see the benches that were at right angles to the cabin. They had been covered with snow, with no end in sight. But, that was normal for these parts, he rationalized. Still, he better turn on the TV, to check on the expected amounts. Both Linda and Harry were shocked. They were in the middle of a blizzard and the forecast was for another day of snow. Another day! Would Joe even make it here, they both wondered. Unmentioned was the thought they each had; do I want him to? Joe sat in front of the national weather forecast. Yes, his plan was coming together. Life was good! He called the cabin, but the land line was down. So, he called Linda's cell phone. Linda answered and gave him the snow tally, as Harry had notched a stick with inches. Twenty five, so far, but the snow was accumulating at a faster rate. She told him she was worried for his safety. Joe mentioned he had checked in with Amtrak and they told him it was unlikely that the train would be able to get him there. He also said, since Paul was no longer in the area, he was pretty sure no one else would risk the trip to the cabin, even if Amtrak was running. Harry asked to speak to Joe. "You know I will take care of Linda. We don't want you worry about us or take any chances getting here. This blizzard is something no one saw coming and we have everything we need to get through it," Harry was going to continue talking, but Joe interrupted. "Well, I'll get there ASAP. I don't know how long the cell phones will work, towers go down, so don't be upset if you don't hear from me." Having said that, Joe ended the call. Joe was relieved he had a few days of solitude. Of course, he still had a lot to do. First on his list was closing the sale of his business. Oh yes, Joe's life was changing. Back in the cabin, Linda mentioned to Harry how ironic this situation was. "I had hoped to explore this area, since I have never traveled outside of my own state. And now, here we are, unable to take even one step outside." "Oh, no," said Harry, "You've never traveled? That's crazy! I know, let's go to Ireland for our next trip! You would love it. Ireland is just beautiful and the Irish are so warm and friendly. Why, they'll walk right up and start a conversation with you, a complete strange. Before you know it, you're walking into the pub and buying him a pint. I love Ireland." " Oh, it sounds perfect, but Joe hates flying, that's why we never go anywhere." Cried Linda. "And Joe couldn't handle someone he didn't know striking up a chat with him. You know Joe, he'd just walk away. No, it will never happen." That was the very first moment of displeasure, since they had arrived in the little cabin and it was due to Joe. Both thought in silence for a moment, a relatively new experience for them both. But, the ever-cheerful Harry broke the lull. "We'll, that shouldn't stop us from going. You have a lot to see, I love to travel and I can't think of anyone I'd rather see the world with. Do you think Joe would allow us to take a trip together, separate rooms, of course!" The mere mention of impropriety had him blushing. Before Harry could say anything else, Linda said, "I don't think Joe would care. Truthfully, I don't even think he'd notice I was gone. But, I don't have the money for a trip like that. My job doesn't pay that well and although I've put some money away, I send much of what I make to Adam. Adam is such a good Boy. He says he doesn't need it and is putting it in a savings account for me, but I want him to have a little nest egg, in case of an emergency." "Well, I have more money than I can ever spend, so money isn't the problem." Harry spoke softly, "but I didn't know you and Joe were having problems. I can't tell you how sad I am to hear you say this." "We have never really had problems, Harry. Over the years, Joe has cut off more and more of the outside world. He never had many friends and the few that he had either died or moved away. Then, after Adam left, he all but stopped talking to me. I suggested he see someone about depression, but as the words were coming out of my mouth, I knew that was going nowhere. Adam doesn't see it, because Joe is the same when they talk on the phone, or on the rare occasions that he comes home. But, as Adam said, Joe never did talk much. Joe just wants to come home, eat, read and go to bed. I could be there or not, it wouldn't matter to him." She looked at the floor, not wanting to meet his eyes. She didn't know what he thought of her, now. These were thoughts she had never admitted before, not even to herself. But they were true. For the second time, the room fell quiet. But this time, Harry was at a total loss for words. Both of them were processing Linda's declaration. The next few days were great days for Joe. He did exactly as he pleased. He joined the guys for a cold one, after work. He'd come home and do whatever he felt like doing. The sale of his business was a fate accompli. He was ready to complete the plan. He had bought a jeep and it was packed and ready to go! He hoped his new life was beginning and the thought brought a smile to his lips. By the time he reached Montana, the blizzard was just a memory. Montana knew how to handle the snow and most of the roads were clean. But, Joe was glad for the jeep. The cabin was in a remote area,maven for Montana. Still, Joe had no trouble reaching his destination, by four in the morning. He parked the jeep far enough away, so the tires wouldn't be heard, crunching the snow. Joe walked the rest of the way and took out his key. Quietly, Joe opened the door and walked over to the first bedroom, quietly peeking into the room. Empty! A broad smile claimed Joe's face. He crept around and just as quietly opened the remaining bedroom's door. Linda was not moving and the pallor on Harry's face made Joe want to "high-five" himself. Actually, it was quiet an eerie scene. "It's not what you think", Harry screamed, jumping out of bed. Joe notice, with disappointment, that Harry was fully dressed. By this time, Linda was wide awake and beet red. She looked like she might have a stroke, which was the last thing Joe wanted. That would ruin everything. He knew he had to calm them down, regardless of how much he was enjoying this drama. "Stop! Calm down. Relax, if I was going to shoot you, I would have done it, already." Linda and Harry looked at each other, guiltily. Linda started to talk, but just started crying. Joe hated crying and threw his hands up in the air, which made Linda cry harder. Harry put his arm around her and looked up at Joe. "Now, see what you have done! You have upset Linda, whose biggest crime has been to love you! Yes, it might look bad that we were in the same bed, but nothing happened. Linda and I have been doing a lot of talking," I bet you have, thought Joe. "and we have come to a conclusion. Now, we don't want to hurt you and this was certainly never planned, but we think we enjoy each others company, more than you enjoy ours. Could we be right about this?" Joe couldn't believe what a moron Harry was. He was going to have to pull this out of him. "Harry, do you love Linda?" Harry swallowed hard. He looked at Joe and his pupils dilated. He looked at Linda, whose hand he was still holding, then back at Joe. Linda had stopped crying, but tears were still racing down her cheeks. She scrutinized his face. Harry said in a small voice, "Actually, yes, I suppose I do. I hadn't identified it, yet, but that's exactly it!" Looking down at Linda, Harry spoke to her, only. "I love you, Linda. I don't want our time together to end. I want to take you to all the places I've been, I want you to be with me, not just for this trip, but for all the trips you want to take!" Looking back at Joe, Harry knew he had betrayed his best friend. Then Joe looked at Linda. "Do you love him, too?" Joe asked, in a non threatening tone. " I do, God help me, I do. Please Joe, we didn't plan this. We didn't even talk to each other about it. I don't think we even knew it, until this moment!" Then Harry and Linda continued blathering on, begging his forgiveness, pleading with him to understand. Although this was the perfect outcome of his plan, Joe didn't anticipate the clamor. He was pretty sure his head was truly going to explode, this time. "Enough!" Joe screamed! Both Linda and Harry looked frightened, sure Joe was going to hurt them. "Just stop talking! If this is what the two of you want, I won't stop you. Pack up, we'll go back and you two can be together, forever" Joe stated, working hard not to burst with joy. You can have the house and I'll make other arrangements." He said, looking at Linda. "Joe, that's not necessary. I live in my family's estate. Linda will want for nothing. Keep the house." Joe had thought that Linda would want it, but now he'd sell the house. He was proud of himself, that his plan had worked and that he didn't even have to kill anyone. Soon, he would be living here. He had already paid Paul for the cabin, where he had been so content, before. Paul would visit him, occasionally. Adam would to, he was sure. But mostly, he would be alone. He would have peace and mainly, in quiet! This was going to be the best Thanksgiving ever, for everyone.