What a memory! Helga was a Norwegian. She was not particularly attractive, but she could make the figures of a spreadsheet do what was wanted, and when she was spread out on a sheet with me, we were everything we wanted.
There were two women working in my insurance agency office at the time, Amanda and Helga. Amanda was the receptionist, and it was she I did my best to keep my eyes off. She dressed well, and one of my great pleasures was watching her leave my desk and walk across my office to the door. There was something hypnotising about her wonderful bottom. It was a work of art, and the way she walked was a thing of beauty. I'd often call her in, on some useless errand, just to see her leave. She'd put one foot right in front of the other, which made her walk in a most seductive manner. I could imagine the nylon of her stocking thighs making beautiful whispers as she strolled back to the door. I think she knew.
Helga was my accountant and she was big. She looked me straight in the eye, probably just under six feet and a little on the heavy side. Her blond hair was a little unruly, and though she dressed with care, there was nothing about her that was flirtatious. She always wore skirts and a cardigan over another sweater or a blouse. She was very businesslike in manner.
Both women were in their thirties and married. Amanda had two younger ones, Helga's were in their teens or older. Each summer I have a pool party for the sales and office staff. The previous summer, they had arrived with children and husbands in tow, and the whole afternoon and evening had been great fun, with lots of activity and laughter. Amanda's husband was quiet but something of a salesman. Helga's husband was an ox of a man, probably six six and two hundred fifty pounds, but he was full of energy and spent as much time playing with the young people as sitting with the adults. The women seemed to have lots in common. My wife, Amy, got to know and like them all. Her only comment after they'd left was, "That Amanda is pretty." I let it go.
So one night in the following January when Amy and I were watching the news and the weather before falling into bed, the forecast was for heavy snow the following day and I told her I'd probably stay in town the next night. It's a forty-five minute drive into work at the best of times, and the snow... Well, there was no discussion. "Yup, Jimbo. You do that." She understood.
As soon as I got to the office, I phoned a hotel. Something mischievous made me order up one of the elegant suites on the top floor. The 'expense account' would pay for it. I figured I'd get a bottle of scotch and while away the evening with dirty pay-for-view movies.
It was about noon when Amanda came in and asked if she could leave early. Her children's school had been closed. There was no problem. I sent her on her way. I went into the other part of the office and asked Helga whether she'd like to go too. I figured there wouldn't be much action for the rest of the day, but she said she'd be happy to stay. She knew her girls were safe at home and besides, she was staying with a sister whose apartment was only eight blocks away on Fifth Avenue. The sister worked at the library and wouldn't be home until after nine, so she had nothing better to do but tidy up some files.
So we spent the afternoon quietly. I had a word or two with her as I got some paper from the supply cupboard, and she came in to check a few files with me. I must admit to thinking about her that afternoon, wondering how she and the ox did it. That would be a big event!
At four, I turned on the radio and the storm was turning out even worse than expected. It was getting dark and I thought we'd better close up. The phone hadn't rung for an hour. I called her. "Helga, it's time to quit. I'll close up shop here. You should leave now."
"O.K., Boss", was her reply. She usually called me 'Boss'. When I got out there she was still just putting on her coat. She never left a thing on her desk.
As we rode the elevator we talked about the storm, but when we got to the front door of the building, the wind and flying snow made us both stop. "You're sure you can manage eight blocks in that?" I asked. "There won't be a taxi out there, and the busses have long since stopped running."
She didn't answer at first, looking out through the glass. "I think I'll be all right," she said. "I'm a pretty strong lady." She smiled a gracious smile. "Thanks for your concern."
"Let me walk you part of the way. My hotel is on Third. It's not out of my way."
"How can I refuse?"
I offered my arm. She took it without hesitation and we pushed out into the storm.
It was hard going and the wind made it impossible to talk. The snow was thick and heavy on the sidewalks, and soon I was conscious that she was holding on tighter. A glance at the side of her face told me that she was feeling the cold. She was not properly dressed for the weather.
"Come on", I said. "Let's drop in here and get warm. I'll buy you a drink." There was no argument. She was cold.
I'd never been in the spot. It was exactly what the doctor ordered. The little bar was deliciously warm and comfortable, rather elegant and deserted. We found a booth about half way back.
"Thanks." was all she said as I encouraged her out of her coat. "Maybe I should keep it on for a while."
"The heat of the room will get to you faster without it."
"I think I'll keep it just the same. I can't believe it. I'm frozen in less than three blocks. My hands. My feet."
"I wonder if they make a hot rum toddy."
"Sounds marvellous."
The waiter arrived at that moment and he said they didn't but he would. "Nothing like that after an afternoon of cross-country skiing", and smiled. "Two?" We nodded.
We waited in silence, and for the first time I felt awkward. When I glanced at her, she too seemed a little uncomfortable. "I wish I could offer you another sweater or something."
She smiled her thanks, then looking away said, "It's been years since I've been in a bar alone with a man other than my husband, more than twenty."
I wasn't sure how to respond, but tried to make light of the remark with, "I occasionally meet clients as you must know. Please relax. I'm not dangerous."
"Oh, I am very comfortable here, Boss. It just put me in mind of my younger days", and she smiled a warm happy smile. " 'Those were the days, my friend'". She laughed softly.
"Call me Jim, please."
She looked at me and nodded. "I'll try."
The drinks arrived and we both took a sip of the hot liquor. It steamed up my nose and flowed down into my stomach like a burst of summer. "Oh, god, that's wonderful!" she whispered. Her hands were wrapped around the mug, and she spoke between sips. "I probably want another," and after a pause, "Jim." and she smiled.
I gave the high sign to the waiter, two fingers and he nodded.
"I haven't been that cold for a long time. I should know better than to wear a skirt in wintertime, but I just can't get a pair of slacks I like. Stupid."
Again silence came between us.
The waiter arrived with the drinks and I asked whether the weather was improving. "The weather channel says it will last past midnight", was his response. I asked if there was a restaurant. Yes,it was open and just through a door on the left. "By the way, if you folks are stuck in town, I know there is aleast one room left. Would you like me to ask the desk to put it aside for you?"
"No, I don't think so", I blurted out far too fast
"Oh. I bet your pardon." He bowed slightly and left.
Helga looked at me. She was blushing. I could see it even in the reduced light. I shrugged and laughed. "I guess we look pretty ordinary."
She said nothing. In a moment, she finished the first drink and took up the second. "This stuff does wonders to my disposition. I think I am regaining some of the feeling in my toes."
"Have dinner, Helga. You know that will be best. You haven't eaten since lunch. Two good belts of rum and you won't have the strength to get home. Dinner will be a good way to spend the time. Here it is just after five. I'll have you to your sister's door by nine."
"I'm not sure. Tell you what. I'll pay for my own, Boss, I mean, Jim."
