“Oh, Callie. Did you need something or were youjust looking for me for Indie?” she asks, her matronly smile back on her face. Her protectiveness of Duke has disappeared now with Indie.
“I wanted to talk about something with you and ran into her. So, Indie and Duke?” I ask, distractedly. I shouldn’t be prying into his business. In fact, I should just walk away. If I want to know something about Duke’s past, he deserves to tell me. “I shouldn’t have asked. It’s none of my business.”
“It’s fine, dear. Everyone in town already knows, you may as well too. About a year ago, Indie just packed her stuff up, after ten years married, and a few more before that dating. I mean, you never know what’s happening in someone’s marriage, but no one saw it coming.” She sits in one of the dining chairs, ready to tell her story. I sit opposite her. “I think, least of all, Duke. He was blindsided. It was rough seeing how broken up he was. Gave her damn near everything in the divorce. Except that old bar.”
She seems upset about all of this, but I didn’t get the impression before that she and Duke were close.
“No one has seen a single woman catch Duke’s eye since. He was perfectly faithful during their marriage and now I’m so worried he will just be alone. Indie is getting remarried, of course, only seven months after the divorce. I suspect she was here to ask about booking my rooms for the wedding party.”
I sit, stunned. Only seven months. Remarried. Duke all alone. But Duke isn’t alone. His lack of aloneness was quite apparent earlier when I was grinding on his lap, something large and commanding between us. I blush and hide my face.
I seem to be the opposite of Indie the same way Duke and Cash are opposites. I don’t want to be some rebound tour, a new girl in town. Like a fun new plaything not privy to all their dirty deeds.
“Mrs. Cox, first, I want to extend my room another week, if it’s available?” I tell her, regaining control of the conversation.
“Of course, Callie. As far as I’m concerned, the little corner room is yours, as long as you want it.”
“Second, I’m thinking of hanging around for a bit. I need to find some work, at least something part-time. And I’ll need to find an apartment. You seem to be up to date on all the news around town, so I was hoping you might have heard something,” I tell her candidly. It’s lovely here but if I’m staying, I need something of my own.
“I think I know of a few places hiring. I know Pete at the feed store is looking for a cashier, if that’s something you might be interested in. Or Mable’s?” Dani’s face flashes behind my eyes, the dirty look she gave me over my lunch with Cash.
“I don’t think waitressing is a good option for me. Pete’s it is.”
“I’ll just call over to his wife and let her know. She will take care of it.” She reaches over and pats my hand. “I can see you’re a good person, Callie. And Cash really seems smitten with you. I think Inspiration will be good for you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Cox.” I clutch her fingers.
“Call me Lizzie, dear, everyone does.”
Monday morning is another warm, sunny day. I will admit, the weather in Montana in the spring is proving to be rather unpredictable. May is right on the horizon and it’s warm enough for a t-shirt but I still need long pants, and I decide to break out my boots today. I can’t pass for a cowgirl, or even pretend to be one, but I did have boots packed amongst my stuff in my car.
I squeal with pleasure; I get my car back today. Finally, I get to feel freedom again. Being trapped is one of my biggest fears, especially after Roger. I need the independence of coming and going.
Hey, Cowboy. I have to pick up my car today from Mick’s. Afterwards, I’ll meet you for lunch. Where to?
Cowboy Cash
How are you getting to Mick’s?
Walking?
Cowboy Cash
Nope, not when you can have a cowboy in a pickup truck at your beck and call. I’ll be there in 20.
Okay, bossy pants.
I guess I’m getting a ride. Swiping a little lip gloss across my full bottom lip, I smooth down my hair. I’ve put a bit of effort into my look today since after lunch I was planning to head over to Pete’s Farm Supply to see about a job.
I thump down the stairs and find Lizzie behind the desk.
“Hey, I’m going to pick up my car. I’m going to head over to Pete’s after lunch.”
“Great, I spoke to Vickie, and she let Pete know to expect you. I suspect it will all work out.” She gives me a wink.
Cash throws the door open with a flourish before I can head outside to meet him. Today he has a crisp white hat on his head, a white t-shirt I can see his undershirt through, his standard tight jeans, a shiny belt buckle, again with a bull rider but a different one than last time, and his old, scuffed boots. His arms look strong, shown off by his t-shirt, and I sort of want to bite one.
“Good morning, Aunt Lizzie!” he singsongs as he blowsinto the room like a tornado. Wrapping an arm around my shoulder and pulling me close, he smells the top of my head, sighs, and says, “Good morning, darlin’. You ready?”
