The Elephant In The Room

What was the next big thing?

It was supposed to be a surprise. “I know,” Annebelle whispered into Henry’s ear. “You’re throwing a birthday party for me at a lodge at the lake.”

Henry gave her a startled look. “Where did you hear that?” It wasn’t true, but he didn’t want to disappoint her obvious excitement. Henry had to get to the bottom of this.

“I don’t want to be a princess about this, Henry. You know, looking uppity like this is my due. I want you to help me look flabbergasted when we get there, like I didn’t expect anything at all.” Annebelle shook Henry to make sure she had his attention. “Well? Don’t just sit there.”

Henry quit playing with an elephant logo he was sketching for the business meeting and nodded. “You still haven’t said who told you.”

“I’ll keep that a secret for now.” Annebelle held Henry’s face between her hands, studying his eyes. “There’s something you’re not telling me. What is it?”

Now was the time to set things straight. Henry just didn’t have the courage. “I’ll keep that a secret for now, too, as long as we’re not in a sharing mood.”

“Fine, Henry. Don’t help me. I’ll manage it all by myself.” A conspiratorial smile faltered and replaced the pout on her lips. “You know, Henry, I think we’re in love. We’re treating each other like man and wife. We’ve never had a fight before. I kind of like it. I wonder how it will turn out?”

“You’re getting too deep for me.” Henry untangled himself and reached for his cell phone. “I’ve got to call in a few troops for reinforcements. It’ll be boring. No. Don’t get up.” He went white as he saw the text message waiting for him. Henry had an elephant sized problem waiting at the lodge. Without another word he turned to leave.

“Don’t be late escorting me to the lodge, Henry. I’d never forgive you, if you tried playing one of your naughty tricks on me.”

Henry saluted and clicked his heels, about faced, and left Annabelle where she lay on her bed. She watched out the door of her one room fishing cabin as Henry’s jeep puffed smoke from the exhaust pipe. “Silly boy. I wonder what he’s going to give me for my birthday? A ring? Or shall I be oh so modern and give him his?”

Henry’s thoughts could not have been further away from proposing. He had a career to save. If his Elephant logo didn’t snatch the advertising campaign offered to Jefferies Industries out of thin air his life was over.

The lake shimmered with the lodge’s fiery reflection. Black smoke fought with the flames. Henry's heart stopped. “It’s a total loss. Anyone hurt?”

Steven Burkely shook his head no. “Everyone is out on the lake. I sent them to the island. The meeting’s canceled. You might as well go back to Annebelle. There’s nothing you can do here.”

“How’d it start?”

Steven looked uneasy. “We think the barbeque propane tank had a leak. The start-up flame was all it took. I’ll explain when the owner arrives.”

“So we’re at fault? We’ll have to pay for damages?” Henry’s heart sank.

Steven waved at an approaching white panel truck. “He’s here. Want to talk to him?”

“Might as well,” Henry squared his shoulders, feeling worse than down. He watched as a long legged blonde woman eased out of the driver’s seat.

“Daughter of the owner, Shiela Thomas. She’s our contact for this place.” Steven moved to greet her. The two hugged and kissed.

Henry’s unease grew ten fold as he watched them whisper, ignoring his presence. Snow flakes began falling through the maze of rising smoke. “Great. There’s nothing on the island but trees to hide under. What a disaster.”

The couple held hands as they approached Henry. “She says we saved them both money and work. Her father was going to have the place torn down after we left. There’s a fishing camp on the other side of the lake. She called and arranged for us to move over there. It's empty. Plenty of room. Sheila’s got bedding and food supplies. Go get Annebelle. We’ll meet you there.”

“Thanks,” Henry said to Steven and Sheila’s backsides. He’d become invisible to them once again. The relationship looked as serious as the one he and Annebelle’s might be.

“I saw smoke.” Annebelle was dressed and ready when Henry’s jeep arrived. “I’m packed.”

He explained as he carried her things to the jeep. Sheila bit her lip, “Then everything you planned goes up in smoke as well. I’m so sorry.” They were both silent as they made their way to the dock. The trip in the fishing boat to the other side of the lake was silent as well.

Shouts of laughter met them as they landed. “Come join the party,” Steven yelled, waving a glass of champagne above his head. “Sheila proposed to me. We’re getting married.”

Annebelle’s fingers tightened over the ring she had for Henry. It didn’t feel like the right time, not with the worried look on his face. “And the elephant in the room?” Henry asked Steven.

“I wanted to wait until you arrived or I would have called. Sheila is a friend of Mark Eden, the CEO of Jefferies Industries. She showed him your elephant logo. It tickled his fancy. Give the details later. It looks like we’re going to be snowed in.”

“Hey, Sheila, congratulations.” Annebelle gushed at seeing her friend.

“So this is the man you’ve been talking about? When are you two getting hitched? You showed me his ring.”

Annebelle seized the moment. “Make yourself my best birthday present ever, Henry. Marry me?” She asked as she flashed his ring.

“Trade you,” Henry pulled out hers. Snow fell like confetti at a double wedding ceremony as the two couples wound their way up to the new cabins. An early honeymoon wouldn’t be hard to take at all.