Enchanted Encounter (Get Your Kiss On Route 66 #3)

by Teresa Ives Lilly

  Lee ran a hand through his hair. “Sure, I’ll take a look.” He followed her out to the car and while she fussed with the scarf she had the dog wrapped in, Lee admired the vehicle.

  “Just like Elvis’ car?”

  The girl stood straight, the dog in her arms and stomped her foot. “I don’t know why everyone says that. Yes, I suppose it’s like Elvis’ car. I like it because it’s pink. When I saw it, I just had to have it.”

  Lee whistled. “Must have cost your Daddy a pretty penny.”

  “What makes you think my Daddy paid for it?”

  Lee leaned closer and scrutinized her face. Lovely, flawless. Not the face of a young woman who'd ever done a single day's work in her life. This little lady had never experienced a moment of worry or struggle.

  “I’m right though.”

  The woman shrugged. “Yes.”

  Lee slapped his leg and laughed.

  “Are you going to look at the dog?”

  Lee could tell her voice was tinged with anger and embarrassment. No one had probably ever spoken to her that way before. But, this wasn’t her pampered nest. This was the real world. If she thought she could go traipsing about, in a brand new pink Cadillac and continue to be treated as a royal princess, she had another thing coming.

  Best thing to happen to her, Lord. Lee thought. And, I think it’s time this girl learns a few lesson in life. Is that why you brought her here today, Lord? I know you had to do a work in me through someone else, am I the person she needs?

  Lee took the dog from her arms and went into the motel office, set the dog on the counter and examined it. From what he could tell, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the dog. It might be breathing a bit heavy from exhaustion and heat. However, this diagnosis did not suit Lee’s thoughts.

  The girl had followed him and stood near the door, anxiety in her eyes.

  “Hmm, the dog’s a boy, by the way and he doesn’t look very good. I think we better get him right to the veterinarian in town. He’s a friend of mine, even helped me get this job.” Lee’s eyes were dancing with delight when he noticed the look of agitation fill hers.

  “Can’t I leave him with you? You could take him to your friend.”

  Lee dropped his hands and stepped away from the dog. “Sorry, no. I don’t want to be responsible for him. If the vet thinks he’ll need care, I can’t afford it. I’m only a motel clerk, after all.”

  ~

  Violet blushed at his statement. She couldn’t blame him for his sarcasm, she had basically said the same words to him earlier. Sometimes she didn’t understand herself. She wasn’t the type of girl who wanted to appear rude or condescending, but some people brought out the worst in her. She assumed it was born into her. Her mother and father both acted that way, but Violet often found herself regretting the words that came from her mouth.

  If only I could find a way to stop behaving so boorish. I’ve promised to stop acting that way time and time again, but I always do it again. There’s no way to make up for it all now.

  “I’m sorry if I sounded rude. I’m not used to this kind of thing happening. I’m not sure what to do, and that’s made me act impolite.”

  She watched as a change came over his countenance. He smiled. “I can go to the Vet with you. Introduce you. Make sure the dog’s cared for properly.”

  Violet felt a weight lifting. “Would you? Can you leave now?” She glanced around. There didn’t seem to be very many guests, as she could see at least ten sets of room keys hanging behind the counter.

  “I can put up the back in ten minutes sign. It might take longer, but I don’t think I’ll lose any customers over it. Besides, I wouldn’t pass up the chance to ride in your Cadillac, even if it is pink.”

  *

  A small smile spread across Violets face. This man was so different than the boys she had known all her life. He was kind and courteous, and even wearing a slightly stained motel employee shirt with his name embroidered on the pocket, he carried himself as elegantly as any of the wealthy men she knew.

  Her hand shook slightly, unsure whether to trust him or not, but she held out the keys. “Would you like to drive? I can hold the dog.”

  *

  Maybe I’ve misjudged her. The thought ran through his mind as he steered the Cadillac and turned off on a side road, heading toward the veterinarian’s office. She doesn’t seem as bad as I thought. Still, a little lesson won’t hurt her. Might teach her to use her manners up front. That can’t be a bad thing. Right, Lord?

  Lee didn’t think God would give him an answer about this situation immediately, so he decided to keep up the charade until he got a clear indication of whether he was doing the right thing or not. Surely, a day to teach a stuck up debutante a meaningful lesson in life couldn’t hurt her. “So, you’re headed to California?” His voice was tinged with bitterness.

  She glanced at him curiously. “Yes, my friend, Gloria is having a soiree.”

  Lee cocked his head sideways and glared at her. The sarcasm in his words was strong. “Isn’t that just a fancy way of saying, party?”

  He watched the pink hue rise in her cheeks and she nodded. “Yes, I suppose it is. That’s just what my family always call them.”

  Lee huffed. “I’m sure it’s fine for your crowd.”

  “What do you mean, my crowd? You don’t know anything about my crowd, or my friends.” Her voice lifted in agitation.

  “I’ve seen a lot of debutantes in my life. It’s the way they talk.”

  She lifted a hand and smothered a giggle.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I’m sorry, but I was wondering where a motel employee would have had a chance to see a lot of debutante. This town and the Wigwam Motel are not the type of place we debutantes frequent.” Once again, the words were spoken in a snobbish tone.

  Lee clenched his hands on the steering wheel, but didn’t answer for a few moments. Finally, in a gruff voice he said, “Guess you’re right. I haven’t met many debutantes since I got this job.”

  Just then he turned the wheel, pulled the car into a driveway in front of a small building with a sign that read, Holbrook Veterinary. He switched off the key and turned to face her. “I’ll go in first, get the paper work started. Take your time bringing the dog.”

  Lee hopped out of the car and made a beeline for the front door. Before he stepped into the office he glanced back and noted the shocked look on her face. More than likely, no man had ever left her alone in a car before without opening the door.

  Lesson one.

  Chapter 3

  Violet sat in the car fuming. She couldn’t believe he’d left her out here alone. No man had ever done that before.

  He is surely no gentleman. His good looks don’t make up for his rude behavior.

  She finally slipped open the door, lifted the dog and turned toward the veterinarian’s office. She walked slowly so as not to jar the dog. She pushed the door open with her hip and stepped in. Her eyes locked on Lee’s face. He was leaning across the counter, in a quiet conversation with the receptionist.

  The girl’s head popped up. “Okay, Lee.” She stood and moved away from the desk. She disappeared into one of the rooms, Violet assumed it was an examination room.

  Violet glared at Lee, and he gave a small shrug.

  “Guess I should’ve opened the car door for you. I’m usually more of a gentleman.”

  Violet didn’t answer. She stepped across the room and wedged herself between Lee and the desk. “Is the doctor going to see this little one?”

  “Yep, I was just telling Tammy all about it. She’ll call us when the doctor can see us.”

  Tammy? So, he’s on first name basis with the girl. Must be a girlfriend of his. “She looks like a lovely girl.”

  Lee gave an odd stare. “Who?”

  “Tammy.”

  “Sure, she’s a great kid. Been working for her dad here ever since I can remember.”

  “Oh, then she’s not your…” Violet fel
t her cheeks grow hot.

  “Not my what?”

  Violet turned and stomped across the room. She sat on a hard bench with the dog on her lap. She bent over and lifted a copy of a Life magazine dated May 28. On the cover was a picture from the movie The King and I.

  Lee sat beside her. “Did you see that one?” He nodded at the cover.

  “Yes. I loved it.”

  “Hmm, a lot of silly dancing and singing,” Lee stated.

  Violet shook her head in disbelief, but what did she expect. A motel employee in a no name town like Holbrook couldn’t understand the cultural value of the most magical musical ever made.

  Just then the examination room door opened and Tammy stepped out. “The doctor will see you now.”

  Lee bent over and took the dog from Violet’s lap. She set the magazine down and stood. They walked into the examination room together.

  The veterinarian was about fifty years old, graying slightly, but his eyes were a joyful green color. He immediately set to work giving the dog an examination. Violet watched with a worried expression.

  After several minutes the doctor looked up. He locked eyes with Lee. “Miss Beauchamp, could I speak with Lee privately?”

  Violet gulped. The dog must be hurt badly. She nodded and slipped out of the room..

  *

  “What’s this all about, Lee? Tammy told me you wanted me to say this dog is hurt, even if it's not. The poor thing is exhausted, a bit dehydrated, but a few hours of rest and lots of cold water should fix him right up.”

  “I know. I could tell, but you see, that girl out there, she’s a high society debutante, headed out to California.”

  The doctor looked interested. “Yes?”

  “She’s in a hurry to get there, wants to meet some rich guy, name of Robert L. Pendegast. It seems, people like me aren’t good enough for her. She’s a snob and I want to teach her a small lesson before she heads out.”

  The doctor’s head nodded up and down. “So, I take it she’s never met him or seen him?”

  “Nope.”

  “Well, Lee. I don’t mind keeping the dog here for the weekend. It’s Friday. I can keep him until Monday morning. But I’m not sure I can condone you doing anything to hurt the girl.”

  Lee stepped across the room and shook the doctor’s hand.

  “You know me better than that. Haven’t I always been a gentleman?”

  “Yes, but this doesn’t sound like such a good idea. She’s out of her element here.”

  “I know. I’ll go easy on her, but it won’t hurt for her to learn a bit of humility.”

  The doctor nodded. “I guess this town is the place for high society snobs to learn humility.” He laughed.

  Lee nodded. “So, we’ll see you bright and early Monday morning.”

  ~

  “…No, Lee hasn’t always lived here, in fact…”

  Lee clapped his hands together and both girls looked up at him. “Telling all my secrets, Tammy?”

  The girl giggled. “No, Lee.”

  “All right then.” He stepped closer to Violet, glad he had come out when he did. If Tammy had finished the conversation, his plan wouldn’t work.

  “Is the dog going to be okay?” Lee felt a tinge of guilt when he saw the true apprehension in her eyes. She might be a snob, Lord. But she cares about the dog. I guess that makes her a bit more human than I thought.

  “Doc says we can pick him up Monday morning. He’s pretty bad off. Needs rest, water and some more tests.”

  “I have to leave tomorrow. Can I just pay the bill now?” Violet asked the other girl.

  Tammy’s eyes turned to Lee.

  Lee cleared his throat. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, I can’t stay here. I want to pay the bill so I can get back on the road.”

  “What about the dog?”

  “If he’ll be fine by Monday, then everything’ll work out.”

  “Umm, but he doesn’t belong to us. He needs to be picked up on Monday.”

  Violet’s eyes opened wide. “I don’t own him, either. I’m sure the doctor can find him a good home.”

  Lee shook his head. “You don’t seem to understand. If you leave that dog here and don’t come back for him, the doctor may have to put him to sleep.”

  “What? That’s cruel. I can't stay here until Monday. Won't you take him?”

  Lee knew that was coming. He stood straight. “No. I work all day long. I don’t have time for a dog. Besides, I’m leaving town in a few days.”

  “Are you sure there’s nothing else I can do?” She turned to face Tammy. “I think it’s the cutest dog, but really, I know nothing about caring for animals.”

  Tammy’s head shifted back and forth between Violet and Lee. “I think you better do what Lee says.” She finally stated.

  Violet gave a heavy sigh. “All right.”

  She and Lee walked out of the veterinarian’s office. This time Lee opened the Cadillac door for her. She slid in and he moved around to the other side, got in and started the engine.

  “Is the Wigwam Motel the best place around?”

  Lee backed the car up and pulled out on the road. “No, lots of nice places, the Painted Desert Inn is pretty nice. Do you have enough cash?”

  “Cash? No. I have traveler’s checks.”

  Lee whistled. “Probably won’t do you any good in Holbrook. Everyone around here wants cash.”

  “Even the Wigwam Motel?”

  “Yep, even the Wigwam.”

  Violet rested her head back. “I guess I’ll have to sleep in my car. I don’t have enough cash to even pay for a fill up.” She closed her eyes, feeling more tired than she’d ever felt in her life.

  Lee drove along in silence for a bit then said, “You could work at the Wigwam for the weekend. I can pay you enough to cover the cost of a room and get a few meals. I think you can use traveler’s checks to pay for gas when you're ready to leave.”

  Violet’s eyes popped open, her face contorted in disgust. “Work?! I’ve never worked a day in my life. And what would I do at the Wigwam?”

  “Oh, you know. Clean a few rooms, make beds, sweep the floors. You can’t sleep in your car. The desert air gets too cold at night. It’s not safe. I wouldn’t want your Daddy to be upset.” He emphasized the word, Daddy.

  Violet’s eyes lit up. “Daddy! Yes, I can call Daddy. He can get me some cash. There is a bank in Holbrook, isn’t there?”

  “Too late in the day. Bank closes on Fridays early.”

  “Can I at least take a short nap before I start?” Her voice was etched with fatigue.

  “Sure, and later tonight I’ll take you down to Joe and Aggie’s Cafe. They have the best Mexican food around.”

  Violet turned her head slightly so Lee couldn’t see the tear that escaped and rolled down her cheek. All she could say was, “I can hardly wait.”

  Chapter 4

  Violet stepped into the wigwam with trepidation. The room seemed almost circular inside. There was a bed covered with an Indian blanket and several pieces of hand-made hickory furniture. Upon further inspection there was also a sink, toilet, and shower.

  The room felt a bit claustrophobic but she was so weary it didn't matter. She placed her small traveling case on the floor and fell across the bed. It took only seconds for her to fall asleep.

  Her rest was disturbed with dreams in which she was walking along the shore in Long Beach, California with her friends, when suddenly a handsome, well dressed man approached. When he was close enough so she could see his face, Violet realized it was Lee, pretending to be a rich gentleman.

  She was awakened by the pounding on the door. She rolled over and lifted her head and called out, “Yes?”

  “Nap time’s over, sleeping beauty.” Lee’s voice was audible through the thin door. “Your job awaits. I’ve left a housekeepers uniform outside the door.”

  Violet moaned. It was bad enough she had to sleep in a wigwam, but to dress in a uniform and perform menial l
abor was almost more than she could bear. For a moment she contemplated slipping away, but the memory of the small dog’s panting breaths stopped her.

  ~

  Lord, have I taken this thing too far? Lee’s head was bent in prayer. She’s a beautiful woman, but a snob. I don’t see how a lesson in humility could hurt her. I had to learn…

  The bell on the office door jangled and pulled his attention away from his prayer. A smile spread across his face. “Wow, a debutante housekeeper. Now that’s something I have definitely never seen before.” He watched her clench her hands and decided not to taunt her any further. “But, I’ve never seen such a lovely housekeeper before, either.”

  Violet stood with her hands on her hips. “Okay, I’m here. What do I need to do?”

  Lee stood. “I’ll walk you through the process for the first room, then you’ll be on your own.”

  Violet rolled her neck, stretching it and asked, “Who normally does the rooms?”

  “We have two regulars. One of them called in sick yesterday. I wasn’t too concerned because we only have a few guests. We have fifteen wigwams numbered one to sixteen. There’s not a thirteen. The other girl already took care of numbers one to seven. You can do eight to sixteen. It’s only seven rooms.”

  “Seven?” Her voice shrieked. She held out her perfectly manicured fingers. “I can’t clean seven rooms. It will ruin my hands.”

  Lee chuckled. “Good thing I keep a box of latex gloves around.” He bent behind the desk, grabbed a box and tossed it on the counter.

  Violet stepped closer and wrinkled her nose. The box looked about a hundred years old, covered in dust. “I’m not sure those are any better.”

  Lee reached in and pulled out a pair. “They’re clean. Now slip them on and let’s get started.”

  ~

  Lee showed her where to get the utility cart with cleaning supplies, sheets and towels, then led her to wigwam number eight. He opened the door, stepped in and switched on the light, Violet followed him. Once her eyes adjusted to the dim room, she looked around, appalled. The bed sheets were tossed on the floor, wet towels hung off the back of the wicker chair, there were about six beer cans on the desk, one on it’s side with the beer slowly leaking out, and dripping off the desk. There was a day old newspaper strewn across the room.