Jenna walked past Sam and Halie without looking at either of them and plopped herself on the sofa near April. "Hey, April," she said, slapping her on the knee.
"Hi, Jenna," April said, her eyes darting to Corrine.
Sam watched April and Corrine exchange silent glances and raised shoulders. Jenna was visibly drunk.
"So, Sam," Jenna began, "what brings you out of seclusion? I heard you were incognito for a while but I see you're on the hunt again."
Sam was stunned by the comment flung at her. Their evening at April and Corrine's had gone so well until that point where her past stepped in uninvited and collided with her present. Sam glanced around the room at the faces of shocked disbelief staring back at her. She grappled for a tactful response, but found none. "On the hunt? What the heck's that supposed to mean?"
"I think you know," Jenna said with a wink directed at Halie.
Sam's insides recoiled. She envisioned grabbing Jenna by the front of her shirt and dragging her outside. "I don't believe you. You don't know what you're talking about, and you're way out of line. Why'd you even bother stopping by?"
"I don't know. Saw your truck in the driveway. I guess the draw of seeing how my ex-lover was, the one who dumped me for no good reason, got the better of me." Jenna looked to Halie for a reaction.
"Jenna!" April said and started toward her.
"That's okay," Sam said. "That was a long time ago, and I had my reasons."
"Try three years ago, and I'd still love to know what those reasons were."
"This isn't the time or the place."
"I heard you've broken lots of hearts since we split up."
Anger lurked under the surface as Sam attempted to remain civil. This was definitely not how she expected the evening would turn out. "You're way out of line. First of all, I did explain to you why I didn't think we were a good match, and I'm not doing it again. Second, whoever I dated since we broke up shouldn't be any concern of yours, and thirdly, I haven't dated anyone in at least the last two years. What the heck's gotten into you anyway?"
Jenna didn't answer. As soon as Sam asked the question a little gray and white kitty sprang out from under the sofa. She darted across the living room floor and snuck under the dining room table before curling into a ball.
"Oh!" Halie spurted out. "I didn't see that little one earlier. She's so cute."
Sam recognized Halie's attempt to take advantage of the diversion and change the direction of the conversation, for which she was appreciative.
"Oh, thanks," Corrine said, piggybacking off Halie. "That's Lula-bell. She was a stray. Two months ago I found her standing in front of our back door, scratching at it, and soaking wet from the rain. I set out a bowl of milk and a few squares of cheddar cheese. Every day after that she stopped by for food until April caved in and let me keep her. She was such a scrawny little thing. She's still tiny, but much stronger now."
"I can see that," Halie said, "and she sure is fast."
"Yeah," April replied. "Especially when you're trying to catch her after she's done something wrong."
"Kind of like you," Corrine added.
"Nice. Pick on me already why don't you?" April said. She took a cracker with cheese off the platter, the distraction over.
"Listen, Sam," Jenna said. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's gotten into me. I've been a complete ass. I was out of line. I think it's best if I get going."
Corrine stood up. "That's probably a good idea, but I'm driving you home."
"No need."
"You can stop by tomorrow to get your car, or April and I'll drop it off, but you're not driving."
"I'm fine," Jenna countered.
"Not from where I'm standing. Come on, let's go." Corrine escorted Jenna to the door.
Sam, April, and Halie all sat looking at each other in silence.
"Jenna lives pretty close," April started. "Corrine won't be long. Twenty minutes tops. Why don't I show you some pictures of the house when we first bought it? Then you'll be able to better appreciate all the work we did to it. Corrine always gets mad at me when I try to show these pictures, but I'm proud of what we did and I think it's interesting."
"I'd love to see them," Halie said. "Did Sam help?"
"Oh yeah," April said standing. "I've got a few beauties of her in here you might enjoy."
When Corrine returned, April packed up the pictures. Corrine apologized about Jenna's interruption, and the four of them picked up their conversation where they'd left off.
A SHORT WHILE later, Corrine excused herself and went into the kitchen.
Halie followed carrying the empty snack tray, paper plates, and napkins.
"Is everything okay?" Corrine asked, taking the tray from Halie. "You look like you've got something on your mind. Did Jenna rattle you?"
"Well, she didn't exactly put my mind at ease."
"Don't worry about her. She can be a bit much sometimes, and she tends to exaggerate. Deep down she's not a bad person. You just caught her on a tough day. She told me that she'd had a fight with her girlfriend, so I guess she was blowing off some steam."
"I suppose." Halie's mind was still churning. She only half listened to what Corrine was saying.
"What else is bugging you? If it's about Sam, don't be shy. April and I have been friends with her for a long time. If there's something you want to ask me, feel free. I won't tell Sam if you're worried about that. I want her to be happy, and she looks happier now than she has in a long time. I have to think it's because of you."
"I wish I knew if that were true. Sometimes I think she's happy, other times I don't know. She's holding back though and I'm not sure why."
"Sam's not one to let people into her life too easily, but she's one of the kindest, most warm-hearted people I know. She's unique. We love her to death."
"I've been seeing why," Halie said. "She has a way of grabbing onto your heart, before you even know she's there."
"And from what I can see, you seem to have gotten a hold of hers as well."
Halie's eyes widened. "You think?"
"It's written all over her face. It's all over both of you. If she's holding back, it's not because she doesn't like you. It has to be for another reason. She's been through a tough patch the last couple of years. That could be why. I wouldn't worry about it though. I'm sure she'll come around."
"I hope you're right."
From the other room, April and Sam yelled, "What are you two doing in there? We're getting hungry!"
"They sound like they're in a better mood already," Corrine whispered to Halie. "Hold your horses you two," she yelled. "Dinner'll be ready in a few minutes."
"With all the snacks they ate, I find it hard to believe they're that hungry," Halie said. "So how long have you and April been together if you don't mind me asking?"
"I don't mind at all. Ten wonderful years."
"That's nice. Have you lived here all that time?"
"Most of it. We rented an apartment for a year first. The people next door were so loud though. We couldn't stand it."
"How are your neighbors now?"
"They're great. We always say hello to each other. I think they'd be there to help us if we needed it, and I know we'd be there for them."
"Who'd be there for who?" April asked, poking her head into the kitchen.
"Don't be so nosy. What are you doing in here?" Corrine asked. "If you were planning on coming into the kitchen anyway, why all the yelling two seconds ago?"
"I hadn't planned on it, but then I thought I'd see if I could help," April said.
"Good idea. You can set the dining room table."
Once the table was set, Corrine carried a steaming bowl of homemade pasta into the dining room, and Halie followed carrying warm, crisp garlic bread and a plate of fresh ground parmesan cheese.
"More wine, anyone?" April asked.
"I'd love another glass, thank you," Halie responded.
"Water for me, thanks," Sam said. "I have to drive home."
"Always doing the right thing," April said. "That's my Sam."
Halie stole glances throughout dinner at Sam. She tried to remain with the conversation, but her thoughts kept drifting. She pictured herself in the living room of Sam's cabin. It was dark. The glow of the fireplace flickered across Sam's lean body. Soft music played in the background. Sam approached her from behind, wrapped her arms around her and gently pressed their bodies together. She kissed the side of Halie's neck and slid her hands over Halie's thighs.
Halie spun around. Their eyes met. She sensed Sam's want, which matched the intensity of her own. "Are you sure?" she heard herself ask. "Because if you start, you better not stop."
"I've never been so sure of anything in my life," she heard Sam say, and then Sam tilted her head and kissed her on the lips.
Halie tuned in again when Corrine retold the story of how she and April first met.
"I'd just joined this gay outdoor bicycling club, one that April was a member of too, but I didn't know it at the time. Every time I went on a ride with the group, she wasn't there and vice-versa. It must've been two months before we both went at the same time. That day, when I rode up to the group on my bike, they were waiting for a couple more people to show before starting out.
That's when I saw this beautiful woman standing next to her bike. We felt an instant attraction to each other, or at least I did. Love at first sight. I know that sounds cliché, but it's true. I was too nervous to go over and talk to her then, and since I wasn't in the greatest of shape yet like most everyone else, I kept falling behind. I couldn't catch up to talk to her even after I'd worked up the nerve. But then, for some reason, about half-way through the trip, she slowed down and rode with me." Corrine glanced at April before continuing. "We rode and talked and laughed, and at the end of the ride she asked me for my phone number. We met for coffee the following weekend, and the rest is history."
"That's so sweet," Halie said, "I love a good romance."
"So do I. How could I resist her? I think she knew it too."
"I'm sure she did," Halie replied, knowing exactly how Corrine felt. "Do you have family that lives near you?"
"Yeah, both of ours do. My parents are pretty close, about an hour away in Idaho Falls. April's are within driving distance too, about five hours from here in Salt Lake City."
"Do they approve of your relationship?"
"Spoken like a true journalist," Corrine said. "Unfortunately, my parents barely talk to me anymore and don't visit because of April. April's parents accept us, but I'm sure they'd rather their daughter were straight too, if given a choice."
"That's too bad," Halie said. "I know what you mean though by 'if given a choice.'"
"Yeah, but having said that, I also believe that if something happened to me or I really needed them, they'd be there, especially my mom. Most mothers will do anything to protect their children if they're in trouble, no matter how old they are. I truly believe that," Corrine said.
"I do too, thankfully," Halie said. "What about your family, Sam? I don't remember you mentioning them. Do they live in the area too?"
"My dad died when I was thirteen--"
"I'm sorry," Halie said.
"That's okay. It's been a long time. My mom lives in New Jersey, which is where I grew up. We used to live up north in the mountains, but when my Uncle passed, he left her his shore house and she moved in there. She loves the ocean. My mom's great. She's totally accepting of my lifestyle and she loves Jake. Then I've got three older brothers. One's divorced with two girls, Jessie and Katelynn, one's married, and the other's single. We don't see each other much anymore, but we all get along."
"Sounds like a nice family," Halie said. "Three older brothers, huh? That couldn't have been easy."
"I did a pretty good job holding my own with them. Plus, they taught me a lot once I got older."
"What about your family, Halie?" Corrine asked.
"My parents live on the outskirts of Boston, not far from my apartment in the city. I think they're more like April's parents. They're accepting of my lifestyle to an extent, but I get the feeling they'd be happier if I found a nice guy, got married, and gave them a grandchild or two. I've got a younger sister, an older brother, and two nephews too."
"Halie's planning on giving her nephews a poster size close-up of that bear that left her scratched up too," Sam said.
"And a great story to go with it," April added.
"Kid all you want, but I got the shot of a lifetime with that one."
As the evening rolled on and they'd finished coffee and cake, Sam stood to leave. "I hope you don't mind, but I'm petering-out over here. I think we're gonna get going."
April and Corrine escorted them to the door. Halie thanked them for their hospitality, and they all exchanged hugs. "Don't be such a stranger, Sam, okay?" April pleaded.
"I won't, I promise."
"That's what you said the last time."
Chapter Sixteen
SAM HAD WANTED very much to invite Halie home with her after their dinner with April and Corrine the night before, but she didn't trust herself. She cared too much about Halie, and she was having trouble remaining only friends with her. But she also found she missed her terribly when they were apart, and kept rethinking the 'friends only' idea. They weren't even together and she could have lost her the other day, and she'd have been as devastated as if they had been a couple. The thought shook her.
Instead, the next morning, she called and invited Halie for a scenic drive. She picked her up from the lodge without telling her where they were going.
"Do you make a habit of kidnapping people on your day off?" Halie asked.
"Not usually, but for you I made an exception," Sam replied.
Halie glanced into the back seat. Jake sat with his head out the window and his ears and jowls flapping in the breeze. "Jake knows where we're going doesn't he?"
"Yeah, he knows, but you'll have to wait and trust me. That's the Gros Ventre River on your right. This part of it runs along the southeastern border of Grand Teton. On the other side, for as far as you can see, is the National Elk Refuge."
"I don't see any elk."
"They mostly stay in the mountains in the summer and migrate down for the winter before the snow gets too deep and they have trouble finding food."
"I'd go where the food is too."
"No doubt," Sam replied before receiving a gentle slap on the leg from Halie. They drove past picturesque mountains and wide-open expanses of grassland. Sam slowed the Expedition once they reached a property separated from the road by a four-foot-high, white wooden fence. The property was flat and level, the lawn green and well kept. Set back about a half-acre sat a sprawling ranch house.
Halie looked past Sam to the ranch house. "It's breathtaking here. This is the house you want, isn't it?"
"Yeah, this is it. The house listed a year ago, but was pulled off the market before it sold. Corrine went to the Realtor's open house. She said the owner withdrew the property because she got sick and decided not to sell."
"How big's the property?"
"Almost ten acres." Sam had never shown the place to anyone else before, but she was excited to show it to Halie.
"Ten acres? That's got to cost a small fortune around here."
"Everyone needs a dream," Sam said as she stepped on the gas pedal. "One day I'll own that house." Sam hadn't told Halie she had enough money to afford the house or that she didn't need to work. Neither was important to her. Her father had left her the rights to a patent on a product he created for the ski industry. She'd been collecting royalties on it for years. Other than spending money on having her mom's shore home remodeled, since her mom insisted she didn't want a new one, she invested all the remaining money.
Halie shook her head, "If you say so. What? Aren't we turning around now?"
"Nope. The surprise isn't over yet," Sam taunted. She continued north, making a left into the next property and stopping near the stables.
"Oh, no you don't. I see where this is leading. No way, I am not getting on a horse."
"Sure you are," Sam said with confidence. She placed her Stetson on her head and let Jake out the side door.
Jake bolted off toward the cow barn. Minutes later he had Sam's friend Charlie following him. Charlie Tynes was an older gentleman, skin weathered by the elements.
"Hey, Sam, I thought that was you pulling in. I see Jake's doing a lot better."
"Yeah, he's doing real well."
"You here to take Coco for a ride?"
Halie, who at first remained seated in the Expedition with the door swung open, stepped out when Charlie joined them.
"Halie, this is Charlie Tynes, owner of Tynes Sunshine Ranch. Charlie, this is Halie Walker. Halie's a photojournalist from Boston."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Walker. You came to the right place for picture taking that's for sure."
"Nice to meet you too, sir."
"No need to be so formal. You can call me Charlie. Even my help don't call me sir no more."
"Yes, sir--I mean, Charlie," she said before addressing Sam. "Is Coco your horse?"
"Yeah. Did I forget to mention that?" Sam asked rhetorically.
Halie's expression was one of confusion.
Charlie took off his straw hat, rubbed what little hair remained on his head, and set the hat back on. His fingers were thin and bony, and the veins on his hand stood out prominently.
"Halie's never ridden before. She's a little nervous," Sam confessed for her.
"You takin' her out on Coco?"
Sam nodded.
Charlie brandished a genuine, though part toothless, tobacco stained smile at Halie. "Don't you worry yourself none about it. Sam's an excellent rider and Coco's a sweetheart. They'll take good care of ya." Then to Sam he said, "Go on in. Enjoy your ride. I've got a ton of work to do yet. One of my ranch hands quit this week and I haven't found a replacement yet. You don't know anyone who's looking for work, do you Sam?"
"No, but I'll keep an ear out."
"Appreciate it." Then to Halie he added, "Enjoy your stay, young lady."
Halie waved goodbye as Charlie left. Standing defiant, right hand on her waist and eyebrows raised, she stared at Sam.
Love Another Day Page 11
