Warming Trend by Karin Kallmaker Page A

when that huge crevasse opened a while back it was such a big deal?”
    “Sure. Nature made studying the stratigraphy of the glacier easy. When we need to, we open it up with explosives. That takes time, money and know-how. My father did that. He was very good at small charges to encourage natural sheeting and big charges for avalanche control on the ice fields above populated areas.”
    “Kind of like those demolitions people who can cave-in a building in place.”
    “Yeah experts at things that go boom .”
    Eve traced the slow rise of a shimmering eerie green as it arched over the other lights. The yellows had changed from lemon to buttercup. The tip of her nose was getting numb. “How about the hot chocolate now?”
    “Cold already?”
    A quick glance across Tonk’s expansive back revealed an indulgent smile. Ani didn’t look like she felt the cold at all. “Yes, ’fraid so. Most people would be.”
    “True. Don’t worry, I’m not some macho idiot who thinks cold like this is mind over matter. My genes go back a thousand years in Siberia. I’ll feel it, just not quite as fast.”
    “It’s a mild night, actually. I’m a bit of a wimp,” Eve admitted. She poured steaming cocoa into the Thermos lid. “I forgot to bring mugs. We’ll have to share.”
    “Not a problem.” Ani took the cup and sipped with an appreciative noise. “And nobody who lives in Fairbanks is a wimp. Juneau, a mere twenty below for a record freeze when that’s our average winter temp I think that makes them the wimps.”
    “Hey,” Eve said in mock outrage. “I was born in Juneau. Don’t you dare say that proves your point, either.”
    “I wouldn’t, not when you can make hot chocolate that tastes like this.”
    “It’s the dash of Irish cream.” They finished the hot chocolate over the next little while, remarking on the change in the lights as sunrise grew nearer. The pink and red tones went fuchsia, then winked out, while the greens did a slow fade into the lightening dawn sky.
    Tawny yellows were all that was left when Eve said, “My rear end is going numb.” She startled the sleeping Tonk by getting up. She had to laugh at herself. “My thighs went to sleep.”
    Tonk joined her in jumping up and down, finding it a great game. This is glamorous, Eve thought, as she lurched from side to side in an attempt to wake up her nerves. The pins and needles started and she couldn’t help but giggle.
    She was vigorously rubbing the insides of her thighs when Ani said, “Do you need help with that?”
    “Keep your distance,” Eve warned, but her attempt at a stern front was undercut by a gasping laugh. “Don’t you dare.”
    “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
    Eve surprised herself by impulsively asking, “Are you getting over someone?”
    Ani looked surprised. “No.”
    “Good.” Eve vigorously rubbed her thighs.
    “Why do you ask?”
    “Been there, done that, that’s all.” Ani still looked inquiring. “My last girlfriend, not quite two years ago, left me for her ex, who had broken up with the woman my ex got dumped for.”
    “Ouch.” Ani waved a hand at Eve. “You’re kind of fun to watch. A sort of modern dance.”
    “At least I’m warming up.”
    Tonk, ready to play, let out a bellow when Ani got up. “Is it a twist like this?”
    Ani’s contortions were comic and Eve truly hoped she didn’t look that clumsy. As soon as her thigh muscles cooperated she turned her own gyrations into a bona fide Twist, the only dance she knew. Ani caught on right away and they moved closer together.
    “Come on, baby,” Ani sang in a soft, clear tone, “and go like this.” She held out her hand and Eve didn’t hesitate, twirling in close, then spinning back to where she’d started.
    This is crazy, she thought, dancing on a glacier at three o’clock in the morning. Crazy and alive. All work, no play, had made Eve a dull girl.
    Tonk’s hard nudge into Eve’s hip brought her back to the present and she sighed and