Texas Rainbow

by Caroline Clemmons

  “Where is that tablet you gave me? Oh, here it is with the guidelines on the desk Bart used. Heavens, I’m almost too excited to sit still but I do want to finish the necessary steps.”

  Penny looked up from her desk. “I could loan you some money until you have a grant.”

  Ellie couldn’t help excitement at the offer. “You would do that?” Reality deflated her. “Oh, but I have no idea how much I need to get started. I suppose I’d better get cracking on this form. Besides, I already owe you for that dress and the jacket that are the berries.”

  Penny tilted her head. “If you change your mind, just let me know.”

  “You’re very generous. I’m so glad you found me.” She smiled, recalling the assurance Penny had given her that she wasn’t lost because the Knights had found her.

  “I am too. Do you need help with the forms? I can’t fill them out for you because that would be cheating, but I can answer questions. I can also direct you to people who can help like a website designer and rental agent, that sort of thing.”

  “Not until I have money.” She bent her head over the forms. No matter how difficult, she simply had to get that plan made.

  Bart came in carrying two boxes. “Don’t let me interrupt. I have to get some of my stuff from here.”

  Ellie picked up her tablet and carried it and a pen to where he stood. “How much is the lease on a furnished apartment in your building?”

  He paused and faced her. When he named the amount, she about fainted.

  “Per month?”

  He loaded books into one box. “Yes, plus there are fees for electricity and gas and telephone and water and cable television. If you open a shop downtown, perhaps you could walk to work. At least you can walk in good weather, but eventually you’ll need a car and that means insurance and upkeep and gasoline. There’s free parking at the apartments.”

  Refusing to be daunted, she wrote as fast as he spoke. “Now, tell me what each of those is likely to cost.”

  “Since I haven’t lived there yet, I can only guess at the utilities but I do know about the cable and phone.” He explained each one of those.

  “I thought you used one of those cell things”

  He moved across the room to another desk and began emptying drawers. “I do, but having a land line in your home is a good idea in case of an emergency.”

  Following him, she wrote cell phone followed by old phone on her list. “How much a month do you think the owner of Margaret’s pays for rent?”

  Holding a stapler, he paused and met her gaze. “Now that I can tell you because Jake, Caleb, and I own that building.”

  Once again, she was awestruck by the amount. She filed away knowledge he and Jake were real estate investors with someone else. “Things are so expensive now. I thought the Depression lowered prices.”

  “Ellie, that was a long time ago. There’s another space in that block two doors from Margaret’s that’s coming up empty. The barber shop’s owner died and his heirs are closing the business. It’s the same size as the other shop and even has a very small apartment upstairs where the barber lived. That could be rented or you could use it as your apartment.”

  “How small is the place?”

  He glanced around the study. “The whole apartment is maybe twice as large as this room. The shop would need major remodeling but that’s a great location.”

  She couldn’t help being optimistic. “I fell in love with your apartment but I have to be logical. The barber’s apartment sounds more practical and eliminates the need for a car.”

  He shook his head. “Not entirely. There’s no place to buy groceries except the Gas Up, Chow Down or the drug store.”

  She couldn’t prevent her mouth dropping open. “You can buy food at the drug store? Horsefeathers. Never mind, I’ll find out later. How much would the rent on the barber shop be?”

  “Same as the other one. Rent’s set by the square foot. We didn’t charge Otto extra for his apartment because he was already living there when we bought the building. That’s the deal he had with the prior owner plus he took care of all the upkeep there himself. We try to be fair to tenants.”

  “You mean if something goes wrong with the shop, you make the repairs?”

  He grimaced and shut the drawer. “Depends. If it’s structural, that’s our problem. If it’s neglect, that’s the renter’s.” He left the boxes. “Come over here and sit down. I’ll help you with the numbers that I know.”

  “Thank you, Bart. You’re the cat’s meow.”

  His blue eyes twinkled. “I thought I was the gnat’s elbows.”

  She sent him a flirty smile. “That, too.” She pushed the forms his way and offered him her pen.

  He waved it off and picked up a pencil. “Better use this until you know the real amounts. A lot of this will be an estimate.”

  “I’m grateful for your help.” She leaned in close and whispered, “Really grateful.”

  His eyes darkened but he shook his head. “Nice to know, but we’d better stick to business.”

  She gave him a flirty pout. “Aww, maybe I can change your mind later.”

  He wriggled in his chair and wrote quickly. “One thing I didn’t think of before is that you have no former record of utilities so you’ll be required to put down a large deposit for each one. You’ll also need a social security card.”

  “Where did Penny get hers?” Ellie glanced over her shoulder at Penny, who had turned to look at them with an alarmed expression. She shook her head as she made a cutting motion with her hand across her throat. Ellie widened her eyes at Penny and turned back to Bart.

  He was solemn. “I can’t know. Might have been illegal and I’d have to arrest someone if I knew that for sure.”

  Better change the subject. “How did you get interested in buying your apartment complex?”

  He whispered, “Smart woman.” In his normal voice, he said, “I’d been thinking of moving into town when I saw those apartments were looking really nice and were central to everything. I saw the name of the builder and called him. He was excited and we started negotiations.”

  “You mean it took a long time to reach an agreement?”

  “Yep. He knew I wanted them and I knew he wanted me to have them. We waltzed around one another with offers and counter-offers and counter-counter-offers for a couple of weeks. I have to admit he got my price up as much as he lowered his.”

  She laid her hand on his wrist. “That’s great because that means you both came out feeling good. They’re lovely, or at least yours is, and the complex is attractive.”

  “I’m glad you like it. I hope you’ll add your shopping flair to Penny’s and Sally’s tomorrow and get me the stuff I need to live there.”

  She leaned so her face was near his. “Oh, don’t worry. We’ll be happy to spend your money.”

  He grinned at her. “I imagine you’re good at that, aren’t you? Good thing I don’t have to rely on my sheriff’s pay.”

  “Sure is.” She moved her hand slowly up his muscled arm.

  Their lips were almost touching. Penny had her back to them, so Ellie leaned in and kissed Bart. My stars. Good thing she was sitting down because her gams wouldn’t have supported her.

  He pulled away to meet her gaze. “Wow. You’re some kisser.” He pulled her toward him and molded his lips to hers. When he broke the kiss, his breath was ragged.

  She was gasping for air, too. “You’re way better than the gnat’s elbows, Sheriff.”

  He kissed her neck. “I can’t think of a word impressive enough to describe that kiss.”

  “There are a lot more of them where that one came from, Mr. Lawman.”

  He resumed kissing her neck and ear. “Good to know. I’ll definitely keep that in mind.”

  From behind them, Jake said, “Sorry if I’m interrupting anything.”

  To his credit, Bart didn’t jump but she did. Instead, he kept his arms around her and looked at his brother. “Then why did you?”

>   Jake’s eyes twinkled. “Sally sent me to tell you supper is ready.” He turned and took Penny’s hand. Together, they left the study.

  Ellie stood. “Guess I got you in trouble.”

  Bart grinned and his eyes danced with mischief. “Oh, no, darlin’, that was no trouble at all.” He leaned down for a quick kiss. “Shall we go to the kitchen?”

  Chapter Ten

  Inhaling the moist spring air, Ellie carried packages to Penny’s huge car. “Isn’t it great the rain didn’t show as predicted? Good thing we brought your SUV, too.” No one had told her what the initials stood for so she decided it was simply-unbelievable-vehicle because it was so large. How could anyone park the thing?

  “We’re still running short on space.” Penny shook her head at Ellie. “Watching you shop is amazing. The only reason Sally and I are needed is to help carry packages.”

  “Applesauce. You know we’ve all contributed ideas. Sally especially knew what Bart needed for the kitchen.”

  Sally climbed into the vehicle. “Let’s take this load to his apartment before we buy another thing. At least we can make up his bed now. My mother used to say that’s the first thing you should do when you’re moving so when you’re tired the bed will be ready and you can go to sleep.”

  Ellie climbed into what was left of the front seat she had to share with Sally. “His bedroom will look amazing. I’m sorry you wouldn’t buy that ugly children’s spread to put on top of his real one as a joke.”

  Penny giggled. “I was tempted but I hate to waste money. Now I’m not sure we’ll ever get all this stuff up the stairs.”

  Ellie asked, “Is there an elevator?”

  Penny nodded. “There is. If there weren’t, I’d insist he move these boxes and bags himself.”

  Sally wriggled forward to give Ellie more room. “Saying this front seats three people comfortably is joking.”

  Ellie fastened herself in. “At least there are three seat belts. I’d hate to get in trouble with Bart.”

  Penny drove them to the apartment. “There’s his car. Great, he has a hand cart.”

  He spotted them and paused beside his pickup.

  Penny pulled in beside him and climbed out. “Glad to see you. I’m happy you have help to move boxes.”

  His face split in a wide smile. “Do I see a big-screen TV riding on packages in there?”

  Ellie walked toward him carrying several bags. “Penny and Sally said you wouldn’t be happy without one. The one they chose is huge. Sally and I had to ride wedged together in the front so there’d be room for that thing.”

  He rubbed his hands together. “Your suffering is sincerely appreciated. Jake and I will carry the TV. You ladies take light things. We’ll get the rest.”

  Sally asked, “Have you put away any of our earlier load yet?”

  He grimaced. “Not much, I had to go in to work for a little while. Now Jake’s arrived to help.”

  Jake came out of the building. “Hello, ladies. I just ordered a couple of giant deluxe pizzas. You make it by the grocery store?”

  Penny took his arm. “We have beverages, paper plates, cups, and paper towels. We also have real dishes and silverware in boxes.”

  Jake kissed his wife’s cheek. “Go on up while Bart and I lug some of the heavy stuff.”

  The three women went inside. Boxes were stacked neatly in one corner.

  Ellie wandered to the master bedroom. “His clothes are hung up nicely. Sally, you trained him well.”

  Sally came to check. “I’d be upset if he hadn’t put those away properly. He takes most of his clothes to the cleaners and it’d be a shame if they’d become wrinkled.”

  Ellie peered into the closet. “A tux? How many sheriffs own a tux?”

  Sally chuckled. “Remember he has a double life. He’s sheriff, but he’s also on the boards of the bank, several foundations, and numerous charitable organizations.”

  Ellie could picture the handsome sheriff in a tux and looked forward to seeing that happen. “Ooh, I’ll bet he looks the berries all decked out in a tux.”

  “All the boys do. You haven’t met Caleb, their cousin, but I expect you will today. He’ll be along to help.”

  Ellie scrunched her face. “Don’t you think it’s odd they do the heavy lifting themselves when they could hire someone?”

  Penny came in carrying the sheets. “Remember that Bart is an elected official. He can’t look as if he thinks he’s better than others. Of course, he doesn’t, but he has always to remain aware of public perception. He likes being sheriff and wants to continue in the job.”

  Sally patted Ellie’s shoulder. “Besides, the boys were raised to do things themselves and are used to working hard. They’ve grown up working on the ranch just like the hired hands, and that includes Caleb.”

  A man Ellie hadn’t seen came to the door. He looked so much like Bart and Jake that he had to be a close relative. “Did I hear my name?”

  Sally hugged him. “Ellie, this is Caleb Knight, bank president and cousin to Jake and Bart. Caleb, this is Eleanore St. Eaves.”

  Caleb nodded to her. “Surprised at your arrival but pleased to meet you.”

  Ellie met his blue-eyed gaze so like his cousins’. “You’ve heard about me then?”

  “I have. I hope you’re getting settled. I understand you want to open a women’s dress shop.”

  “So far I’m still filling out forms and investigating what’s required. Do you have advice?”

  He held up a hand palm outward. “Not yet. From what Bart tells me, you’re well on your way to applying for a grant from Penny’s foundation.”

  “I’m working toward that goal. Has my mind going in circles—as if I were zozzled but I haven’t had a drop of hooch since I arrived.”

  He rolled his eyes. “He also mentioned you use terms we’re not familiar with but I get the drift. I wish you well.”

  From the living room, Bart called, “Hey, Cuz, you helping or flirting?”

  Caleb gave a slight bow and a mischievous grin. “Excuse me, ladies. I believe I’m being gently reminded that my services are required to help mount the television screen.”

  Sally removed the plastic cover from the mattress. “Surely there was a spread on this bed when the apartment was being shown.”

  Penny opened the mattress pad. “I don’t think this one was ever shown because Bart wanted it.”

  Ellie helped spread the mattress cover and marveled at the quilted softness. They added gray sheets in a grade of cotton that felt almost like silk. Matching blankets and a maroon spread piped in gray made the bed look masculine and inviting.

  Sally put cases on the pillows. “He said he didn’t want shams or a bunch of throw pillows because he didn’t want to mess with them every day.”

  When the bed was made, the three of them paused to admire their work.

  Sally sighed. “Looks good enough to crawl into, doesn’t it? After shopping I could be easily persuaded to take a nap.”

  Jake leaned around the door jamb. “Pizza is here.”

  They gathered around the dining table since the breakfast set seated only four. The men had beer while the women each had a soft drink. Ellie loved the sense of not only kinship but friendship these people shared.

  She leaned in and inhaled the spicy scent. Examining the label on the box from a local place, she learned they also served Italian dishes. “Pizza is tasty. I’ve had Italian food, but not this.”

  Sally wiped her hands with a paper towel. “They serve nice meals. We should go there sometime soon.”

  After they’d eaten, Penny brought out a box of large trash bags and pulled a black bag from the box. She gathered the rubbish from their indoor picnic.

  As far as Ellie understood, each of the Knight men was extremely wealthy—probably a multi-millionaire. Ellie tried to imagine some of her former friends working when they could afford to hire others. No chance that would ever have happened. Not that it would have occurred to her either.

&nb
sp; Already she’d changed some of her opinions and habits. The longer she was here, the more she wondered if she wasn’t better off even without her wealth. Too bad she couldn’t have her former fortune and these friends.

  She rose to look out the front windows. She spotted the barber pole and the windows of the apartment upstairs from the shop. How she wanted that building.

  Bart appeared at her elbow. “Daydreaming?”

  She looked up at him. “Caught me. I know I shouldn’t count my chickens before they hatch but I would love that shop.”

  He placed his hand at her waist. “Let me get moved in and I’ll take you to look at the place. That’ll give you a chance to check out the apartment above, too.”

  “Sheriff, you have a deal.”

  Caleb called from the front door, “Hey, Cuz, now who’s goofing off?”

  “Yeah, yeah. I get the message.” After a gentle squeeze, Bart dropped his hand from her waist and strode toward the exit.

  Jake appeared with the hand cart loaded with boxes of dishes and more groceries. “This should keep you ladies occupied for a while. We’re going back to work but we’ll be by this evening about six.”

  Ellie, Penny, and Sally discussed where things should go then got busy. Sure it was a job, but unpacking things for the kitchen was fun. There was plenty of space and each of them took a box at a time.

  Who would Bart be entertaining? He’d have everything he needed to invite friends for dinner. She couldn’t help hoping there wasn’t a woman who’d be staying for breakfast.

  Ellie mentally scolded herself. The sheriff might be a scrumptious sheik, but he wasn’t hers. For the first time in a long time—not counting the ninety-seven years she’d lost—she wanted a particular man.

  Bart was a flirt, but that didn’t mean anything. She had no idea how he really felt about her. Only time would tell that. Still, no harm in a girl hoping.

  Penny nudged her. “You look lost in thought.”

  Rhatz, caught daydreaming. “Lost in confusion would be more accurate. The questions on those forms have my head spinning. I can hardly wait to get them completed but then I’ll agonize that my answers won’t be right or good enough.