Texas Rainbow

by Caroline Clemmons

  He watched her drive away, tempted to follow her and make sure she was all right.

  You are such a sad case. Man, just shoot me now.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Ellie was practically floating as she drove into the Gas Up, Chow Down. Even though the gauge registered only half empty, with a little fumbling she filled the tank using her debit card as she’d seen Penny do. She pulled to the front of the store and went inside.

  Nancy Colgate was on duty. She smiled. “May I help you?”

  “I’m Ellie St. Eaves. I’m renting the former barber shop and plan to open a vintage clothing shop and live above the store. I wonder if you’d consider working for me?” Did that sound too abrupt?

  “Me?” Nancy gaped at her. “Why would you ask me?”

  “Um, I asked around about hiring someone and was told you’re dependable. I believe I can pay you more than you make here.”

  Nancy perked up at that. “When would you need help?”

  “Right away, nine am until six pm with an hour off for lunch. The store won’t open until ten, but I hope to have online orders which we could fill before opening. If not, there’s always stock to check and straighten and rotate. Before the store officially opens, I wonder if you would be willing to help me spruce up the apartment upstairs where I’ll live.”

  She had to stop to wait on a customer but when he’d gone, Nancy asked, “What would you pay?”

  Ellie named an amount. “You’d have a day off plus we’ll be closed on Sundays unless there’s a festival or some unusual reason to open. Then we’d only open at one.”

  “That sounds nice, but how can a vintage store have enough customers to stay in business? If I quit here, I might not be able to get this job back if you fail.”

  Ellie knew she sounded as if she was boasting, but she told the truth. “I won’t fail. Although it takes at least three years for most businesses to show a profit, I have money to last several years. You don’t have to answer today. I thought you might like the better hours, though.”

  “Yes, I have a son who needs supervision in the evenings. If you’re sure you can pay me that salary, I’ll give my notice.”

  “If your son needs a job, I can use his help painting the apartment and getting the store ready to open and other odd jobs this summer. In the fall, perhaps he could come by and help part time.”

  Ellie saw tears form in Nancy’s eyes. “I’ll tell him. There aren’t many jobs for young people.”

  Ellie had seen help wanted signs in town. Maybe working fast food wasn’t cool enough for Bobby and his friends.

  Ellie wrote her number on a sheet of her notepad and handed it to Nancy. “You know where the barber shop was, right? 302 Main.”

  She nodded. “I knew Mr. Norris. Nice man. He used to stop by for a big drink and a couple of chili-cheese dogs two or three times a week.”

  That explained some of the plastic drink ware—and possibly his heart attack. “As soon as you’re available, please let me know. I can start on the apartment tomorrow but won’t have access to downstairs for a couple of weeks longer. Workmen are doing major remodeling there to provide a dressing room, a restroom fit for female customers, stock storage, and a mail area.”

  “I’ll tell my boss tonight and give notice at my second job too. Thank you, Miss St. Eaves.”

  “Please call me Ellie. I’m sure we’ll become good friends.”

  On the way to the ranch, Ellie considered all she had to do and purchase. She had a list that was almost overwhelming. First thing, she had to launder all the linens so she could sleep in her apartment.

  What a change that would be from the ranch yet she was eager to be on her own in town. She had grown to be good friends with Penny and Sally, but she was a private person. Perhaps that’s why she’d always felt a little lonely in her former life. Plus, she really did want to live in town rather than on a ranch.

  She’d divided her life into BF and AF—before her fall and after her fall. She had to admit that AF was more exciting in spite of not having lots of money. She also had to admit a major part of AF’s attraction was Bart Knight.

  Perhaps another thing was the challenge of having to earn her own way. Thank heavens for Penny’s grant. Otherwise, Ellie would be working at a place like the Gas Up, Chow Down or the American Motel. Certainly not that she looked down on anyone who worked that type job, but who wouldn’t prefer being her own boss?

  Back at the ranch house, she showed off her new-to-her car. Penny and Sally made appropriate noises. When Jake and Howard came in, she couldn’t wait to show it to them.

  Jake walked around the car. “Only three years old, that’s great. There are a lot of miles left in this car.”

  “I won’t drive it much since I’ll be living upstairs from my shop.”

  Jake raked his fingers through his hair. “Penny said you were thinking of hiring Nancy Colgate.”

  “I already have. She’s giving notice tonight on one job and I guess in the morning at the other one.”

  Howard looked at his son. “She the widow of Lex Colgate?”

  Jake nodded. “Yeah, and he didn’t have life insurance. Nancy’s been really down since then. Penny gave her an application for the foundation but said she doubted Nancy even looked at it.”

  Ellie said, “I told her what I’d pay her and she seemed pleased. I have no idea what sort of situation she has at home. Do you know if she owns her house?”

  Howard said, “They live in the house that had belonged to Lex’s parents. She should only have taxes and insurance unless she’s had to mortgage the place. Hope to hell the house is insured.”

  “If she doesn’t have to pay rent or house payments, perhaps she can get by on what I can pay her.”

  Sally came to the door. “Supper’s ready.”

  Howard let out a whoop. “Yee Haw, I’m starved half to death.”

  Ellie laughed at the older Knight. He was always starving and must have a great metabolism to prevent him being overweight. They went into the house and settled at the kitchen table amid delicious aromas.

  Over dinner, Ellie listened to the comfortable chatter around her. Sally’s fried chicken was the best she’d ever eaten. So were the potato salad, pickled beets, and asparagus. In fact, she’d never dined better than that with this family and never had such pleasant dinner conversation.

  Jake looked at Ellie. “So what’s new with you today other than buying a car and hiring an assistant?”

  “Other than? I thought those two added up to a lot. Tomorrow I’m going to start cleaning the apartment.”

  Sally looked at her. “Would you like some help?”

  Ellie shook her head. “You’ve helped so much already. Nancy Colgate is going to be helping me and I think her son will too.”

  Jake glanced at Penny before he spoke. “You know he’s in with some bad friends don’t you? Are you sure he’s trustworthy?”

  “Bart warned me that he’s in with a rough crowd. I thought maybe a job might help him break away from those so-called friends.”

  Howard broke open his biscuit and dabbed on some butter. “You might just be right about that, Ellie. Idle hands and all that.”

  Ellie smiled at Howard. “That’s what I was hoping. One thing about a small town is there’s not a lot to do in the summer if you don’t have a job. I know that’s no excuse but I do know kids need to work and have a sense of purpose.”

  Jake shook his head. “I sure hope you’re not disappointed. A recent experience soured me on hiring kids. If it hadn’t been for Penny I would have lost my two best horses.”

  Penny touched her husband’s hand. “But that was just one bad kid. You can’t tar all teens with the same brush.”

  “If you say so, Sweetheart.” Jake shrugged. “I guess he deserves the benefit of the doubt.”

  Ellie picked up her piece of chicken since everyone else was doing the same. “That’s what he’ll get. I don’t mean I’m going to be careless but I hope I can count on hi
m for some of the heavy work.”

  Jake laid down his knife. “I can give you a list of handymen who are trustworthy. I get that you want to do this yourself but there are some things even Wonder Woman needs help with.”

  Ellie looked up and grinned. “I know who Wonder Woman is because she and other cartoons are mentioned in the book on history Penny loaned me. I thank you for the comparison.”

  Howard looked up. “I think that would fit all three of the woman here today.”

  Sitting beside him, Sally chuckled. “Don’t worry, you don’t have to butter me up. There’s plenty of cobbler for dessert.”

  Everyone, including Howard, laughed but he reached over and grabbed Sally’s hand. “Who said I was buttering you up? I was stating a fact. What kind of cobbler? ”

  Sally pulled her hand away and slapped at his. “Sometimes you can be a lot of trouble.”

  Howard’s mouth gaped and he raised his hands. “What did I say wrong?”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Ellie left the ranch early and stopped by Walmart to stock up on cleaning supplies and odds and ends. She arrived at her apartment and started carrying in her carload of purchases. She was surprised to see Nancy and Bobby drive into the parking lot. They both exited their car, Nancy walking briskly and Bobby dragging his heels.

  Nancy took one of the bags from Ellie. “We can help you with these. Bobby, grab the heavy stuff and bring it upstairs.”

  “I’m so glad you’re here but I admit I’m surprised.”

  Nancy grimaced. “When I gave I notice at the motel they fired me, which is perfect. Fortunately, Mr. Avidi is a nice man. When he learned I had an opportunity for a better job, he released me without me having to work out my notice.”

  “That is kind. I’m sure you’re a good employee.” Ellie set down her purse and bags.

  Nancy did the same. “I never missed a day of work and was never late. Many times I worked overtime without charging extra. But, he was always very good to me.”

  Bobby struggled in carrying a large box. “This only looks like supplies. I think it’s really rocks.”

  Ellie laughed at his grumbling. “Sally gave me the box and I loaded stuff into it at the store. I didn’t want things rolling around in the trunk.”

  Bobby wiped his forehead. “There’s no room for anything to roll anywhere. I don’t know how you got so much into your car?”

  Ellie smiled at him. “I’m an expert shopper.”

  Nancy peered around the kitchen. “This is a cute arrangement.”

  Ellie squealed. “Oh my goodness, there’s a dishwasher where the water heater used to be. I don’t recall anything being mentioned about a dishwasher.”

  Nancy reached for piece of paper taped to the front. “There’s a note here for you.” She passed the paper to Ellie.

  Ellie smiled. “I can’t believe it. This is a housewarming gift from Sally and Penny at the ranch. What a nice thing to do.”

  Nancy started unloading groceries and cleaning supplies. “It certainly is. That’s the top brand. Do you plan to cook a lot?”

  “Probably not. I only know how to make very simple things. I’m better at making reservations than making meals.”

  Bobby grimaced. “Wish I were. Mom made me learn to cook.”

  Ellie smiled at him. “Everyone should know how to cook. Maybe you can give me some pointers.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “I have a very limited menu. Mostly I open cans and boxes. I’m great at ordering pizza delivered.”

  “From that Italian place in the next block? I had pizza from there a few days ago and it was great.”

  He brightened and appeared to relax slightly. “Yeah that’s my favorite place. There’s another one across town but their pizza’s not as good.”

  Nancy asked, “What do you want us to do first?”

  “Each of you can take one of those pails. Bobby, I’d like for you to sweep then mop the floors. Nancy, I wonder if you could start on the kitchen. Wipe down the cupboard shelves and the inside of the refrigerator. I’ll start carting bedding down to the car to go to the laundromat.”

  Bobby looked back at the stairs. “Maybe I should carry stuff down before I mop. The stairs are pretty steep.”

  Nancy frowned. “Didn’t I see a washer and dryer downstairs when we came in?”

  Ellie pulled linens from drawers and shelves. “Yes, but there’s so much to launder and I didn’t want to be in the workman’s way. I decided it’s easier to use a commercial place this time. Bobby, I think you’re right. Thanks for your suggestion.”

  He stared at her as if surprised. “You’re welcome.”

  Ellie had purchased several laundry baskets, probably more than she’d need normally but she didn’t know how else to transport the linens. With Bobby’s help she piled bedding and towels into the baskets. As each one was filled he carried it to her car and returned with more of her purchases.

  Nancy said, “At the laundromat three blocks south and one west on Elm Street, they have a service where you can drop off the laundry. They’ll even fold it for you at no extra charge. They’ll do your laundry when the machines are not busy so you’d have to leave it until tomorrow.”

  “Sockdollager, that’s a real timesaver. Thanks for telling me about that feature.” Ellie would have to spend another night at the ranch, not that she minded, except she was eager to be on her own in her new apartment.

  Nancy was busy cleaning out the kitchen shelves. “You want to wash all the dishes right?”

  Ellie had finished stripping the bed. “Imagine how happy I was to see the dishwasher. Washing all the dishes, cutlery, and pots and pans by hand would be a job. Rhatz, I didn’t bring any dishwasher detergent because I didn’t know I’d need it.”

  “There’s a brand-new container by the sink. I’m sure your friends sent it with the dishwasher.”

  Ellie stood with her hands on her hips and stared at the windows. “Do you know anything about cleaning window shades?”

  “All I would do is dust and wipe them with a damp cloth. Those windows could use a cleaning, too.”

  “Isn’t that the truth? Most of the grime is on the inside. I can handle that but I’m not up to tackling the outside. I’ll find out who the other two-story businesses use to clean their windows.”

  Bobby came back into the apartment. He wore an odd expression. “Sheriff Knight’s on his way. Are you in trouble?”

  Elaine laughed. “I certainly hope not. He owns the building so I guess he’s coming to check on his new tenant. He’s also a friend. I’m staying with his brother and sister-in-law at the ranch.”

  Bobby swallowed hard. “Wow.”

  She heard Bart’s tread on the stairs. Seconds later he stepped into the apartment. “How did you like your housewarming gift?” He nodded to Nancy. “Nice to see you, Nancy. You too, Bobby.”

  Ellie beamed at him. “Hello, Sheriff. I was so surprised and excited to see the dishwasher. I was also happy that Nancy and Bobby could start right away.”

  Bart leaned against the counter and crossed his ankles. “I saw Bobby loading stuff into your car. Looked like some heavy baskets. Glad you were able to help, Bobby.”

  The teen nodded then looked at the floor. Obviously, he didn’t know how he was supposed to act in a social situation with the sheriff.

  Ellie laughed. “You think you were glad, I was elated. Bobby was kind enough to volunteer carrying the heavy baskets so I wouldn’t have to negotiate the stairs with them. I thought using the washer and dryer downstairs would get in the workman’s way. I certainly don’t want to slow progress.”

  “Did you approve of the way the water heater was moved?”

  She laid a hand on her cheek. “Oh, my goodness, I was so excited by the dish washer that I didn’t look.”

  He cupped her elbow and guided her to the bedroom. Nancy and Bobby continued working in the living room and kitchen.

  Bart gestured to a narrow door that had old-fashioned round ventilation holes
instead of a grill like the one at the ranch. “They didn’t paint the wall because I told them you planned to paint the entire apartment. Other than that, what do you think?”

  She opened the door to peer inside the compartment. “This looks as if it’s always been like this. Please thank them for me. And, thank you.” She pulled him to her and planted her lips on his.

  He responded and wrapped her in his arms for a passionate kiss. When he broke the kiss, he kept his arms around her and nuzzled her hair. “I’m glad you approve because I don’t know where else we could move it unless it’s the attic. That would be a major job.”

  “This is wonderful.” And she didn’t mean only the water heater.

  He dipped his head for a quick kiss then released her. “You’ve been busy in here. I see where those baskets Bobby carried originated.”

  They strolled back into the kitchen. “Say, do you know someone who cleans outside windows?”

  “Sure do but don’t worry about it. We hire a couple of men to do all the outside windows on second and third floors four times a year and they’re due to come by this month. They’ll also clean the first floor windows when the remodeling is done. After that, the downstairs windows are up to you.”

  His hands on the broom, Bobby stared wide-eyed at the sheriff. “You own other buildings too?”

  “My brother and cousin and I own several real estate investments together. I own one thing by myself.” Bart gestured toward the front windows. “The new apartments you can see from the front window and that’s where I live now.”

  Nancy smiled at him. “I’ve heard those are really nice.”

  Apparently her remark pleased Bart because a wide smile creased his face. “Except for university I’ve never lived anywhere but the ranch. Apartment life is a new experience but so far one I enjoy.”

  Ellie confided, “Penny, Sally, and I shopped for Bart’s apartment supplies. We did a lovely job if I do say so myself.”

  “You did, and I’m grateful.”

  Ellie smiled at him. “Say, Mr. Landlord, who would I see about getting a ceiling fan in each room? I suspect I can cut down on air-conditioning costs with fans.”