The more I think about it, the more I wonder if maybe she did know that she was trespassing. I can’t figure out why else she would run. Not unless she worried that I would hurt her. But who could hurt such a gorgeous creature. And such a talented one. As the mystery woman remains inside my memory, I rise, and I take Digger back to the stable. Billy comes out of the house, and rests his index fingers in his belt, loops, in a stance that I always take as contemplative.
“Do you mind if I borrow your truck?" I ask him.
“Not at all." He tosses me the keys from his pocket. He doesn’t ask what I need it for or where I’m going. There is a mutual trust between us. He also doesn’t press me further on the issues from earlier. I forgotten how respectful the man can be.
Hands on the steering wheel, I begin a trek through our small town, looking for what, I don’t know, but it soothes me. The carpets roll up in this town by six o’clock in the evening, except for on the waterfront. There’s an ice cream truck parked close to the marina. The truck gets parked and I find myself walking over to order an ice cream, even though I’m still full from dinner.
Most of the boats are moored for the night. A handful of sailors are sitting on the pier, or sitting right on their boats. I’m halfway through my ice cream cone when I swear I can hear somebody calling my name. Straining my ears, I see Buddy Wilson calling me. And that’s when I realize the real reason why my conscience brought me here.
“Levi Paxton." Buddy calls. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you here since you were just a boy and your dad used to bring you here with your brother."
“That sounds about right." I stick out my hand to shake his. “You still got your old boat here?"
“No, I bought myself a new one a couple of years ago. Sort of an early retirement present to myself."
“The store is closed down? I hadn’t heard."
He waves. “It’s not closed. I’m running an antique shop next to it, but I’ve got a new girl running the studio for me. My eyes aren’t what they used to be."
“Who is running the studio for you? I haven’t heard about anybody knew coming around."
“That’s because you’ve been holed up at Billy's ranch. Sorry to hear about your dad, by the way."
It’s my turn to wave. “Don’t mention it. It was a long time coming."
“All the same. It can’t be easy on you or your brother. But your dad, he never took up what he loved, like I did. That’s what you’ve got to do in life, Levi. The old saying, you know, find something that you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life, it’s true. And anything that you do outside of that stands to make you miserable. Then you find yourself drinking away your sorrows. It’s as simple as that."
“There’s more to it than that, I’m afraid."
“I know it. You should come around tomorrow and go for a sail with me. I don’t get company very often. It sure would be nice to catch up with you, Levi. Word is that your brother is getting married?"
Talk about news travelling fast. “That’s right. No dates been set or anything, mind, but she’s got a ring on her finger."
“She a nice girl?"
“She doesn’t put up with Nash‘s shit, I can tell you that." I say with a good natured chuckle.
“That's sometimes all a man needs, son. You come on by the marina here tomorrow and go for a ride with me, or come see the antique shop. Find yourself a nice wedding gift for your brother."
“I’ll do that.”
As I shake old Buddy's hand goodbye, I realize that I still have to go back to Billy‘s ranch and face the music.
Chapter 3
Levi
Piper, Billy, Jade and Crystal; the whole gang are sitting inside the resort house, playing a game of cards when I arrive. They’re all laughing, and having a good time, which relieves me. Nobody seems set on rehashing the evening. I pass the keys to Billy, who also seems unfazed. It wouldn’t be the first time that I’ve borrowed his truck. I’ve used it a hundred times to go run errands for the ranch. and I think that I’m home free, but as I walk out the front door, I can hear footsteps behind me.
“Levi, wait up." I hear my brother Nash say.
I roll my eyes but I keep walking.
He catches up to me. “Where are you headed?"
“To be honest with you, I hadn’t quite figured that one out yet. I’m expected back at Shelly's place, but Billy also offered for me to stay here. I sure as hell don’t want to go home.”
“Do you want to talk?” He asks, this time without the judgmental expression on his face, and without the snark in his voice.
