Read Online The Snowfly by Joseph Heywood - Free Book Online Page A

I was also having second thoughts about college. I had been busting my ass for four years and it was not at all clear where this was going to take me, and I naturally began to wonder why the hell I had endured it. I had completed the basic J-school courses, which were heavy on writing, English literature, poly sci, and history, all of which required a lot of tedious reading. I also decided early on to learn Russian and was in my fourth year with the language. The Cold War was on, and it was real to all of us. As far as the world was concerned, there were only two major countries, the Soviet Union and the U.S. It made sense that if I wanted to travel as a journalist, I ought to speak Russian. But it was a grueling routine: sleep, school, Nash, work, study. Balanced, it wasn’t. And there were days when the point of all the effort eluded me.
    One night I joined Spruce in her car after work. She was chain-­smoking, which was unusual.
    I was getting to know her pretty well and I liked being able to read her moods.
    â€œProblem?”
    She glanced at me then looked straight ahead. “I don’t think we should be doin’ this,” she said. “Anymore.”
    I thought she was joking. “Sitting in the car together?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œBecause I don’t think it’s best.”
    I was amused as much as anything.
    â€œBest for what?”
    â€œYou ask too many questions, Bowie. I think it would just be best if we don’t.”
    She was nervous and tight. “What’s going on, Spruce?”
    â€œ Him, ” she whispered.
    I had to think. “Your husband?”
    â€œRight.” She rolled down her window, tossed the butt, and lit another. “He’s crazy.”
    I suddenly had no further curiosity. “Okay.” When I reached for the door handle, she caught my arm and pulled me back.
    â€œHe’s real jealous.”
    â€œOf me?” I felt queasy.
    â€œHe doesn’t even know you exist.”
    This was good news in an otherwise bleak moment.
    I didn’t have a lot of experience with married women. There was Lilly, but she was about all, and Spruce seemed at least as happy as my sister. I’d never heard anything but respect for her man in Spruce’s voice.
    â€œHe thinks I’m foolin’ around. Somebody told ’im that every night I sit in my car with a man. I think maybe it was Rick.”
    â€œFistrip?”
    â€œYeah, he’s been hustlin’ me and I haven’t given him the time of day and I think he’s seen us and he’s jealous.”
    â€œFistrip? What is that guy’s problem? We haven’t done anything,” I said.
    â€œFacts don’t matter to jealous men, Bowie.”
    I felt uneasy again and quickly said, “It’s not like we sit together every night.” Panic can make us nitpickers. I hated riding the guilty seat when I was totally innocent.
    â€œDon’t worry,” she said. “He doesn’t know your name. I said you were just a friend, but he’s always been real jealous. He scares me when he gets like this. He was a sniper in the Army and you know what they’re like.”
    I said, “I don’t want to be the source of a problem for you. If this is misinterpreted, then that’s easy enough to fix.”
    She looked at me. “You don’t understand. I like talkin’ with you. I love sittin’ here with you. You always listen to what I’ve got to say, as if you’re really interested in me, and part of me would surely like to do more than just talk.”
    Full panic set in. I opened the door. “I’ll just get out. I’m sorry about this.”
    She grabbed my arm again. “I’m real sorry. I wish there was somewhere else we could go.”
    It took a few seconds for her words to sink in. I looked back at her, but she was fumbling with the key. It was time for me to