Fran sat drinking her fruit juice for a while deep in thought before she left Lyons. As Fran had arranged with Jessica that she would pick her up from the shopping mall at 5 pm, she made her way back to the shops. The sun had lightened and dried out her hair so she treated herself to a trim in the hairdressers which cost her $2.50.
When Fran got back to Jessica's she packed her trainers into her holdall, showered and changed into a dress and sandals. As Fran walked into the living room Jessica said “You look nice?” just as the door bell rang. “That will be my daughter Stephanie and her husband Richard” Jessica added as she went to the door.
“Hello mother, how are you today?” Stephanie gave Jessica a hug “and this must be Fran” she said extending her arms.
“Hi Stephanie, Joe said you will be putting me up. That’s so kind, I hope I won’t be too much trouble” Fran said avoiding a hug, and then she turned to Richard “Hi Richard.”
“Hi, you look very pretty; Joe sure does know how to pick ‘em.” He could tell Fran was embarrassed so he picked up her holdall, turned towards the car and said to no one in particular “come on we had better go otherwise we will never get a table.” Fran followed carrying her rucksack and purse.
Stephanie was a few years older than Fran but she dressed very fashionable, her dark hair was done in the latest style. Richard had short hair and glasses and appeared to be a few years older than Stephanie and although dressed casual was smart. Fran sat in the back of their Buick and Richard drove them to a Mexican restaurant called Casa Lupe, which was in the country in a small place called Hamilton City. The restaurant was packed but they didn’t have to wait long for a table. As they were seated at a table for four Fran noticed that nearly every table had seated a family with children. She just sat down and Joe walked in and as Fran saw him at the door her heart skipped a beat.
"Hi guys, it looks as though you were lucky to get a table" he said as he sat down. He kissed Fran on the cheek again, "you're looking good" he remarked, and added “has anyone ordered yet, I’m famished.”
Fran blushed, "can someone advise me on what to order?" she asked.
It was a good meal and they had wine with it and it was an enjoyable evening. Fran went with Joe in his Chevy to Richard and Stephanie's house after they left the restaurant. As they drove he gave her an update on his life, stressing that he was not in a relationship at that time.
"How about you Fran, is there a man in your life at the moment? How was your stay in Florida, did you meet anyone there? I spoke with Nina on the 'phone and she sounded very nice" he commented.
"So many questions Joe. No I'm not in a relationship and yes I made some good friends in Florida, but I don't want to talk about it right now" Fran said irritably as she sat fiddling with her watch strap.
"Okay, another day" he said as he pulled up outside a large single storey wooden home, set under trees on the edge of a canyon.
Stephanie and Richard had a fantastic home which was built on the edge of Butte Creek Canyon with the creek flowing below their property at the back of the house. They had an acre of ground which went from the other side of the creek to the road at the front of their house. Their house was made from two mobile homes joined together so that they had two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two living rooms. The house was full of antiques and there was a fireplace in one of the living rooms, and an old boiler which Richard told Fran was worth $5,000 in the other living room. As Fran looked around the kitchen she saw all the gadgets imaginable; a dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, dust vacuum, coffee percolator, split level cooker, toaster and electric can opener. They even had a gadget for blowing the leaves off their decking. They showed Fran to her room which was a lovely bedroom with its own bathroom. The four of them chatted for a while over coffee and then Joe left for the ranch.
Fran unpacked and realised she still hadn't given Joe his presents. As she put her personal things in the wardrobe and drawers she was surprised to find a shotgun by the bed. As she got undressed and climbed into bed she couldn't stop looking at the gun, and made a mental note to ask Richard about it in the morning.
**********
Fran had breakfast late Saturday morning, but it was a lovely day so Stephanie had set it up on the veranda, which overlooked the river in the canyon. Richard and Stephanie joined her and as Richard sat down, Fran asked "Richard, why is there a shotgun by my bed and is it loaded?"
Richard didn't look surprised "I thought you might ask" he said. "Because I am a dentist and keep drugs in the house I could possibly get broken into by junkies. So you will notice that I have guns all over the house. Yes it's loaded, but if you are unhappy with it next to the bed then I will move it."
"It's okay, I was in the Army before my last job so I am comfortable with guns” Fran replied.
“One night, earlier in the year, I heard a noise and thought it was a burglar, so I went out and shot something that moved in the dark" Richard added, and then started to laugh "it turned out to be a skunk and I couldn’t get rid of the smell on the veranda for weeks!" They all laughed.
After breakfast the three of them went to a flea market in Paradise where Stephanie bought a pot stand and a coca cola bottle opener to add to her bottle opener collection. They then looked in an antique shop and called in the home of Richard's son, but unfortunately he was not at home, only the girl he lived with who Fran thought seemed very nice. When they got back to Stephanie and Richard’s house their neighbours, Robert and Corinne, came over and they had drinks and chatted on the veranda. Robert was an undertaker, but you wouldn’t think so to look at him in his yard clothes with his big round rosy face, fair hair and hat. His wife was a very attractive blonde, but she had a very pale face, and Fran couldn't help think that she must resemble one of the corpses he sees every day! They had only been married a few years, both of them being divorced, and as they had been in their house only two years they were still working on it. Robert had been using a digger which he told Fran was normally used for digging graves!
After drinks Richard and Stephanie took Fran to the ranch. On the way Richard stopped the car and they got out and watched two bi-planes spray rice seed on the flooded fields. Fran was amazed because they flew so low, and then one of the planes flew under the telegraph wires. "That will be Joe" Richard stated. "With crop dusting the lower the airplane flies the less chance the seeds or chemicals will drift away from the crops and there is a higher probability that the field will be covered evenly. It's dangerous flying, but Joe is pretty experienced; he was taught by his father." Fran was amazed and couldn't think of anything to say.
The ranch house was in the middle of the rice fields and it looked like it was on an island because the fields had been flooded. At that time of the year there were lots of mosquitoes and rice bugs because of the water. Fran noticed that there was a great deal of farm equipment and cars scattered around the ranch and a fuel pump between the house and the barn. As they pulled up in Richard's car Fran saw Jessica standing outside, then a tall, slim woman of about the same age appeared from the doorway with two young girls by her side.
"Hi, I'm Fran" she said extending her hand ready for a shake.
"Hi Fran. I'm Joe's mum, Nancy." She said as she took Fran's hand, but instead of shaking it she pulled her in close and gave her a hug. "This is Melissa and Marcia" she said introducing the two girls. "Joe is just spraying the rice seeds and will be home as soon as he lands and puts the plane in the hangar" she added as she looked to the rear of the ranch house, indicating a small airstrip and hangar in the distance.
"And I'm Larry" said a small friendly looking older man "Joe's father" he said as he also hugged Fran. "You are even prettier than Joe said, and he is right about your eyes."
Fran blushed and said smiling "Hi Larry, I can see where Joe gets his charm from." Fran stepped into the very spacious ranch house “Thank you for asking me to dinner” she said smiling at Nancy.
“I’m pleased you could come. I’ve heard all about you from the
family so I thought it was time we met. Make yourself at home while Jessica and I prepare the meal.” She showed Fran into the living area and then disappeared into the kitchen.
Fran sat on the floor and played with Marcia for a while with her Barbie doll. Larry sat by them on the couch with Melissa and he was a funny character, telling lots of jokes which made the girls giggle. Soon Joe walked in, immediately going up to his mother in the kitchen.
"Is dinner ready mother, I'm starving" he said.
"Yes, as soon as you have cleaned yourself up" she replied.
"Hi Dad, Fran, Jessica, Stephanie, Richard and girls" he said as he walked through the living area on his way to the bathroom.
They had a lovely meal, which Fran thought was nothing like an English meal, even eating strange vegetables like hickama which they ate raw and tasted a bit like a sweet carrot. They were not drinkers so they only had a few glasses of wine and water with the meal. To Fran's disbelief no tea or coffee was provided. After the meal Joe took Fran outside onto the veranda while everyone else stayed in the house.
"So now you've met most of my family" Joe said and he moved close to Fran as they sat on a wooden bench.
"Yes, and I've also seen some of your daredevil flying" Fran said laughing. "I've got some presents for you" and she lifted her rucksack off the deck.
"I wondered why you were carrying that thing around!" Joe exclaimed.
"Well, my purse was too small so I had to bring the presents in this" Fran said as she pulled out the gifts and handed them to Joe.
He opened the wrapping "Hey thanks Fran. Cigars and a great bolo tie" he exclaimed and as he went to give her a kiss on the cheek she turned and so his lips met hers. Joe couldn't resist holding the kiss on her lips, and she responded by not pulling away. Then Joe put his arms around her and their kiss became deeper and more intense.
Fran pulled away gasping "Joe, I didn't expect that, although I can't deny I have been thinking about it" she said looking into his brown eyes.
"Fran I am still attracted to you and I can tell you feel the same" he said searching her face for a response.
"I'm so glad I came" she said in a quiet gentle voice.
They sat for a while holding hands and talking more intimately than they had been previously. Then they joined the family back in the house and later Richard and Stephanie took Fran home.
**********
The following morning was Sunday and Joe and his family were taking the girls to see their mother, Sara. Joe didn't want Fran to meet Sara yet, so Stephanie and Richard took Fran to a market in Roseville. As it was about 40 miles away they stopped for breakfast on route and Fran insisted on paying. It was a big market covering acres of ground and they spent hours looking around. Fran couldn't stop thinking about Joe and going over what happened on the ranch veranda the night before. She couldn't resist buying Joe a belt because she so wanted to please him. They got back early evening and Richard barbecued some steak, but it started to rain so they had to eat it inside.
**********
The next day being Monday meant that Richard and Stephanie had to work. Fran found out that Stephanie was in fact Richard's receptionist and being a well organised person she gave Fran a key to the house before they went to bed. Fran could get up when she liked so she lazed in bed and about 10 am got up, had breakfast and went for a walk. When she got back she heard the 'phone ringing; she ran into the house and snatched the phone off the wall.
"Hi, is that you Fran, it's Joe" came a familiar voice.
"Hi Joe. I'm so pleased you rang. I miss you so much; how was your sister?"
"Not good. Everyone was in tears. The girls didn't want to leave her" he said choking back the words. "Hey, I have a few hours off and I've got a surprise for you" he said excitedly. "Just wear your jeans, trainers and a cool blouse" he added.
Joe picked her up in the Chevy and soon they were heading in the direction of the ranch. As he passed the ranch and took the next track off the main road Fran asked "Are you going to tell me what we will be doing?"
"I'm taking you up in a plane" he answered with a devilish smile on his face.
"Oh my God Joe, that's brilliant." She was so excited she was soon out of the truck when he pulled up next to the hangar. Joe helped Fran into the rear seat of a yellow Stearman bi-plane. "This plane is gorgeous, is it old, it looks it?" Asked Fran as Joe climbed into the plane and started his instrument checks.
"Yes, it's my father's plane. He bought it not long after the war and used it for crop dusting for many years before he bought the single-seater plane that I now use" Joe explained. "He only lets me fly it occasionally because it is his baby, so he must like you to let me take you up in it" he added.
Soon they were flying at 120 mph and the rice fields looked like lakes below them. They flew over roads, trees, fences, silos, sheds, barns, ranch houses, power lines and utility poles. Then Joe flew the plane lower and he pointed out the power lines that went across the field not far ahead. The plane closed in on them at roughly 200 feet per second, and then as they passed under the wires Fran ducked her head and screamed out from the shock. Joe pulled up short of some trees, pointed the nose up at the sky, then rolled the bi-plane over on its left wing and dived back down at the field. He levelled out, and to Fran they seemed to be inches above the ground, and then he went under the power line again. This time Fran cursed "Joe you bastard!" she shouted.
Joe laughed, "I thought you liked a bit of excitement!" Joe landed the plane back at the hangar and Fran was glad to get back on the ground.
"Wow that was brilliant until you frightened the hell out of me going under the wires" Fran said as she gave Joe a friendly punch on the arm. He took the punch and then grabbed her arm and pulled her into him. His adrenaline was high and he gave her a passionate kiss which she responded to with all her body. They held the kiss for a while and then Fran pulled away. "Don't think you can take advantage because you got me on a high" she said "I think you should take me for a beer after that to calm me down."
"Okay, anything you say ma'am" Joe responded bowing.
They drove to a bar in Chico where they had a sandwich and a beer. After they had finished eating and Fran was drinking the last of her beer, Joe said "I'll take you back to Stephanie and Richard's now. I have some spare time and they won't be home from work for a few hours."
"What are you implying?" Fran said as she smiled and felt a sensual tension through her body.
When they arrived back at the Canyon as Fran was unlocking the front door Joe put his arms around her from behind. "Where's your room?" he asked.
Fran closed the door behind him and took his hand, pulling him in the direction of her bedroom. They entered the room and Fran started undressing, throwing her clothes onto the floor. Joe did the same and in no time they were on her bed kissing each other's bodies. The memories came back to Fran of the last time they had made love just over ten years ago and she felt just as passionate now as she had then. He was a caring lover, understanding the needs of a woman, and she enjoyed every minute of their union.
After they reached the climax of their love making they lay in the bed; "I will get us a drink" Fran said as she got off the bed and slipped on her underwear.
As she returned with two cool glasses of water Joe asked "Why is this shotgun by the bed" and Fran gave him the explanation given to her by Richard. Not long after Joe had to leave. "Hopefully I will see you tomorrow. I don't think we have much on at the ranch" he said as he gave Fran a kiss.
Richard and Stephanie came home about 6 pm; they cooked chicken for tea and the three of them chatted and drank cinnamon and orange tea.
**********
The next morning after Stephanie and Richard had left for work the ‘phone rang.
It was Joe “I'll be able to pick you up at eleven, so have a good breakfast because you may not have time for lunch” he said and so that was just what Fran did. After breakfast she sat in the gazebo, which was erected half way down the bank to
the river, whilst she anxiously awaited Joe’s arrival.
Joe picked Fran up in the Chevy and drove the long drive to the Oroville Dam, telling Fran on the way how important the Dam and irrigation was to them.
The Oroville Dam was 770 feet high and had been built out of local rocks and earth, and Joe explained that the Oroville Dam was very important to the community because it controlled the high water flow of the Feather River. He said that in 1964 Marysville and Yuba City would have been flooded but for the unfinished Oroville Dam controlling the water. The Oroville Dam and the Shasta Dam was part of California’s State Water Project which provided water supplies for agriculture, cities, industry, recreation, water quality improvement, fish and wildlife protection and hydro electric power, and of course flood control. The Project originates in north eastern California and flows down the Sacramento and Feather Rivers, through the Napa Valley County, through Southern San Francisco Bay area, through the San Joaquin Valley and on to split between the Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego Counties and Los Angeles Basin and coastal areas of the Ventura County – a total of nearly 600 miles.
Along the way the water is used to irrigate the farmlands and to Joe and his parents this was a very important aspect, because without this water control they would not have a rice farm. After her visit Fran realised that California did not grow because of the gold rush but because of irrigation. Before irrigation the land was too dry to grow anything and they should be thankful that Roosevelt declared that damming and irrigation should be carried out to change the whole face of California. Now the main industry in California was farming and in fact the San Joaquin Valley grows 40% of the USA’s food.
Fran listened to Joe with interest as she looked at the beautiful scenery along the way. When they drove across the Dam the view was breathtaking. Fran looked at Joe "Oh, it's so beautiful here; I wished we brought a picnic."
The English Woman Page 8
