When The Runway Went South

by Lois Kasznia

  "Sure, ma'am. You got my number." Caleb smiled as he ended the call.

  After four solid hours later of complete boredom, Ally ended the photo shoot. Hans had been upset with her because she didn't "strike" the right pose. Well, of course not. Ally's mind reeled about Caleb's phone call. It almost sounded threatening and why would Dottie give him her number? She waited until she got home before she returned Caleb's call.

  "Mr. Strait? Ally Duncan. Is this a good time for you?" Ally asked cautiously.

  "Name is Caleb, ma'am. Mr. Strait belonged to my daddy and this is a good of time as any."

  "Caleb." Ally liked the way Caleb spoke.

  "I've got a lot of money invested into my herds. The previous owners threw loud parties, which disturbed them. I'd appreciate it if you let me know in advance so I can move the herds to another pasture," explained Caleb.

  "I don't plan on having any parties, Mr., I mean Caleb. You see, that's what I'm trying to avoid. I look forward to peace and quiet."

  "We'll see. And second of all, don't go throwing any garbage over the fence to the pastures. My animals will eat it and get sick and I can't have that." Caleb remained firm.

  Angry at his Mr. Eligible Bachelor attitude, Ally kept her temper in check. What an ego. Who could put up with a man like him, even though she loved his accent? "You can rest assured I am a responsible, civilized person who doesn't throw loud parties and knows to put her trash in the proper receptacle. Anything else?" Ally's voice reeked with sarcasm.

  "I do carry a gun and I'm not afraid to use it." Caleb left a veiled threat, hoping to scare her off.

  "Well, that makes two of us and I'm not a ma'am. My name is Ally."

  "Yes, ma'am. Bye."

  Caleb smiled knowing he had gotten the last word in. He glanced down at the magazine cover featuring Ally. Her beauty left him breathless. Her long, blonde hair tumbled down her shoulders and her dark blue eyes were seductive, inviting lustful thoughts. Her creamy complexion invited a man to want to caress her skin all over. Caleb sighed, then smiled. Ally had called him back.

  "You…" sputtered Ally. She sat there for a while thinking about what Caleb had implied. When she moved in, what would he do if she were to throw a wild party just to get him? No, better yet she would just ignore him. Ally reached for Dottie's card and dialed her number.

  "Dottie? Ally Duncan."

  "Hello, Ally. What can I do for you?" asked Dottie.

  "I just received a call from Caleb Strait. He said you gave him my number."

  "Oh Lord," murmured Dottie shaking her head. "I really didn't think he would call. Caleb is very particular about his neighbors. He used to own that land and I'm afraid he hasn't come around to the fact it's not his anymore."

  "Apparently the previous owners were heathens?" Ally came right to the point.

  "They were not nice people at all. The neighborhood celebrated when they left." Dottie sighed.

  "Would you please tell Mr. Strait I am a law abiding citizen and I will be sure not to have any contact with him or his cows!"

  "Ally, just ignore him. It’s the best thing to do. I'll talk to him."

  "Thanks." Ally felt relieved.

  "Did you find someone to buy your condo?"

  "Someone is looking at it right now. I know it will go fast." Ally hoped she sounded confident.

  "But our closing is set in ten days," stated Dottie, her voice laced with concern.

  "I'll be there. Oh, and let Mr. Duncan know that a moving truck will be coming that day so he can move his herd to another pasture."

  "Like I said, Ally. I'll talk to him," repeated Dottie.

  Ally then called Kat to recount her conversation with Caleb. "Do you believe it?"

  "Ally, let it go. You have too many other things to worry about right now; such as hiring a mover, change of address. Get your mind off of Caleb," advised Kat.

  "I will. I just don't like starting off on the wrong foot with an egotistical neighbor. You're right as usual, Kat. That's why I love you. As a matter of fact, I'm having a showing right now." Ally appreciated the way Kat could always calm her down..

  "When are you moving in again?"

  "Two weeks from today. I can't wait. Hold on, I have another call." Ally switched to take it. Ally then switched back to Kat. She smiled at the good news from the realtor. "It's been sold! Someone made a bid on it and they are paying the asking price. They want it as soon as possible."

  "What did I tell you? It's a sign of good luck," said Kat.

  "Texas, here I come." Ally would not let Caleb Strait ruin her life.

  Chapter Three

  "This is a big house," commented Kat as they walked through the empty rooms. The closing had gone smoothly and Ally felt ready to handle the influx of items which needed to be taken care of. Ally had scheduled the phone service and the locksmith. Her gas and electric had also been turned on. The house sparkled because she had had a professional come in and clean up after she learned about the previous owners. The only snag in the plans was when Ally learned the moving truck had broken down and wouldn't arrive until the next day. Not that she had that much furniture. All of it could fit inside the master bedroom, even her kitchen table and chairs.

  "I'm exhausted," yawned Ally as she looked around. "That three day drive from New York was exhausting. I'm so tired I could sleep on the floor."

  "Do you want to stay at my place until the furniture arrives?" asked Kat.

  "No, I'll be ok. I have Tank here to protect me, right boy?" The Rottweiler's stubby tail wagged as Ally spoke to him. "Tank loves car rides, so during the three day drive, he and I bonded."

  "He didn't trust me at first since I have cats," explained Kat."I know he can smell them on me. Keep Tank away from my cats," Kat laughed. "Tell you what; I have an air mattress at home I can bring over so at least you have somewhere to sleep. Then we'll stop by a grocery store and pick up some staples."

  "Let's order a pizza, too. I'm starved." Ally set up Tank's pillow and bowl of water as she instructed him of his boundaries. As he settled in, his big brown eyes looked at her mournfully. "I'll be right back, boy." He placed his head between his paws and pouted.

  Just as Ally opened the door to go out, Caleb Strait stood on her porch poised to knock on her door.

  "Caleb?" He had to be the most handsome man she had ever seen and she had seen a few while modeling. Caleb could only be described as solid, rugged around six foot five, beautiful green eyes and his bushy, sandy hair defied odds as it barely stayed put in his cowboy hat.

  "You said y'all were moving in today. Where's the truck?" He looked her over. "You look nothing like your pictures. Better off without the makeup."

  Ally chose to ignore his comment. "The truck broke down so it's coming tomorrow around eight in the morning." Batting her eyelashes, Ally continued, "I hope it's not a problem.

  "How long will it take?" asked Caleb.

  "Not long. I don't have too much as it is, why?" asked Ally, concerned.

  "Do you know how long it takes to move a herd from pasture to pasture?"Caleb put his hands on his hips.

  "I have no idea. Caleb, it will be painless.” Ally flipped her hands in disgust. "I bet your herd won't even hear a thing."

  "I can't take that chance." He tipped his hat towards Ally and Kat. "Ma'am. I have work to do." He turned on his heel and walked towards his horse and left.

  "Not all people in Texas are like that, honestly," explained Kat. "Even if they are gorgeous."

  "If it weren't for that southern drawl, he acts like he's from the East coast." Ally rolled her eyes. "Let's go."

  The shopping process took longer than the women expected. They did not come home until eight in the evening loaded with groceries and, of course, pizza. Kat had supplied the beer and paper plates. Poor Tank had been out of his mind and couldn't have been happier to see Ally. Since a fence surrounded her property, Ally felt comfortable letting him out alone to explore. Looking over to the ranch, she didn't see any signs of cattle n
or Caleb, so Tank went out and explored his new home.

  Both Kat and Ally began writing down plans on how Ally could help with the business. "How about I prepare the food and we can make it over here," suggested Kat. "Let's just say, I have a party of twenty-five and they wanted roasted chicken sandwiches. My oven isn’t big enough to cook them all at once, where you have the ability to do so. We can then load the dinners into my car, since I have a van and deliver them."

  "That's a good idea. Also, if I run into any additional recipes, I'll share them with you." Ally jotted down some notes.

  "Ally, what about the shopping and storage?" Kat eyed Ally's kitchen.

  "That's easy," commented Ally. "I have this huge fridge now and I'll just get another one to store what we need. Kat, you can always make meals here."

  "But I like my own kitchen. It’s got my rhythm to it." Kat clicked her fingers.

  Ally shrugged. "Whatever you want. Look at the time. It's almost midnight." Her face paled. "Ohmigod! Tank." Ally ran into the backyard and saw no sign of him. Frantic, she called out his name. "Tank? Come here, boy. Tank? Where are you?" Ally started to panic. She ran back in the house and told Kat, "He's not out there. Where did he go? The yard is fenced in; how could he get out? I can't see anything because it's dark out there."

  "Ally, calm down. We'll find him. Look, I have a flashlight in my car we can use." Kat ran to the car, but Ally did not wait for her sister. She ran into the back yard and stumbled into a hole. Kat approached with the flashlight and both were stunned at what they found. Tank had literally dug a hole underneath the fence and appeared to be somewhere on Caleb's property.

  "Oh no! Caleb is going to kill me." Ally shook her head.

  "Tank probably smelled the livestock and went after it," mused Kat. She turned and looked back at Ally. "What do you want to do? It's kind of late to knock on his door to let him know. Tank wouldn't attack the animals, would he?"

  "I don't know. He's never been around cattle before and you know how spoiled he is. Oh, Kat. He's probably gone for good." Ally tried to remain calm. "Even the microchip has my New York address on it. I didn't even think to change it yet."

  "Maybe he'll find his way home, Ally." Kat gently led Ally back into the house.

  "Now I'm afraid to stay alone without Tank. Would you stay with me tonight?" asked Ally.

  "The air mattress is not big enough for the two of us. Ally, just calm down, I don't want you to spend the night with me in case Tank comes back."

  Before sitting back down, Ally opened the front door hoping to see Tank. She did. Tank stood there, attached to a leash being held by none other than Caleb Strait. Tank and Caleb looked like old buddies with Tank gazing adoringly at Caleb and wagging his tail at the sight of Ally.

  "I believe he belongs to you?" Caleb sensed Ally's distress and decided to go easy on her.

  "Oh Caleb, I am so sorry. I had no idea he would do something like this. I swear it won't happen again." Ally got on her knees to address Tank. "You're locked up for life buddy, but am I ever glad to see you." Tank look bored as Ally hugged him.

  "Just how did he get loose? The fence is still up," inquired Caleb. "He got into the barn and raised a ruckus with my hens. He woke me up out of a sound sleep." Caleb yawned and scratched his chin.

  "He dug a hole underneath the fence. I fell into it and almost broke my ankle," explained Ally.

  "What are you going to do about it? I can’t have him doing this. You haven't even moved in yet and look what’s happened?" Frustration started to build in Caleb's voice.

  "Like I said, I'm sorry. I won't let him out without a leash until I figure out what to do. I promise." Ally stood firm.

  "Maybe you should call one of those invisible fence places first thing tomorrow morning and get one installed along the fence," suggested Kat trying to break the tension between Caleb and Ally.

  "At least someone has a head on her shoulders," commented Caleb. He started to walk towards his truck. He then turned around to Ally. "If he's your security system, I'd call Ranger American in the morning. That mutt doesn't have a mean bone in his body." With that, Caleb got into his truck and sped off.

  "He's not a mutt, he's a pedigree," answered Ally, but her words fell on deaf ears. Caleb looked even more handsome with the stubble in his beard. Ally shook her head to stop looking anymore.

  Caleb drove off, the image of Ally looking so pathetic just burned into his mind. Her blonde hair had been tousled like she had just come out of bed; her big blue eyes with a hint of tears in them and those legs of hers; long and lean, just the way he liked them. He knew she'd be the death of him. Caleb shook his head in defeat.

  Chapter Four

  Ally's moving truck arrived at eight in the morning ,but they were missing their local back up crew to help them. If they didn't show up soon, Ally and Kat would be the crew. While the men waited outside, Ally made a pot of coffee and brought it to them. The locksmith had shown up, and after a hassle about the price, the new locks were installed and he left. Ally and Tank had gone out earlier for a morning run, exploring her new property. Other than Caleb behind her, the nearest neighbor lived over a mile away. Now that she lived in a gated community where everyone had their own locked gate, Ally figured she couldn't knock on her neighbor's door for a cup of sugar. Oh, well. It suited her perfectly since she needed to get her life together with her second career. She went back inside and gave Tank a bone and locked him in her bedroom. Content with his treat, Tank didn’t even notice Ally had gone. Going back into the kitchen, Ally sat on the floor and used her phone, while she looked up invisible fences for Tank. It would cost an arm and a leg based on the acreage. Regardless, she made an appointment for tomorrow for them to install it.

  "We're starting anyway, ma'am. They still haven't shown up, but I have to have the truck back tonight. Fortunately, there isn’t much." The captain of the moving crew appeared frustrated. "Just can't find good help these days."

  "I know. I have a big house to fill," said Ally.

  "I'll say. Is it just you here? No mister, no children?"

  "I think that's a very personal question."

  "Sorry." He grinned at Ally lasciviously because he knew darn well her situation. "I bet you can afford ten homes like this."

  "This one will do. Let's go." Ally turned her attention to the truck to see where her help would be needed. Kat showed up around ten and helped Ally unload the boxes for the kitchen while Ally had the crew set up her bedroom, her massive wardrobe and the television. They were done by noon and Ally couldn't have been happier to see them go. Here Caleb had thought she would create a ruckus and she hadn't. Score: Ally one and Caleb one, only because he had gone easy on Tank.

  "You were right about the furniture, Ally. You don't have any. The kitchen table you have is too tiny. You need a dining room set." Kat walked to the master bedroom and peeked in. "The room just dwarfs your bedroom set. Oh boy. Visa? Here comes Ally Duncan." Kat turned around and grinned at Ally.

  Ally crossed her arms and glared at her sister. "Very funny, Kat. This will be a blast to redecorate, I mean look at the possibilities. I can't wait to start. Here is my list of everything I need to do." Ally showed Kat an Excel spread sheet, noting the events and times of all the appointments. "This afternoon, the Verizon man is coming for the phone, television and Internet service and the new washer and dryer will be installed." Ally stopped in mid-sentence. "Kat? Do you smell gas?"

  "I do, when I put away the pans underneath the range, I smelled it." They both went to the stove and the smell appeared stronger than before.

  "I have the gas company's number on my phone." Ally dialed the number and only to be told that an agent would be out within the hour, since it sounded like a leak.

  "Go ahead and put other things away,” suggested Kat. "Let's open some windows in the kitchen for some fresh air.”

  "Kat, its cold out there, it's only forty degrees." Ally shivered.

  "Do you want to pass out? Trust me." Kat totally i
gnored her sister and opened the windows. Ally shrugged and went back to unpacking.

  They worked steadily until the gas agent arrived. As Ally led him to the kitchen, he glanced around at all of the boxes. "You just moved in?" He smiled at Ally.

  Duh. "Today. Here it is." She led him to the gas range. He pulled out a meter and held it to the range. The alarm sounded loudly in the vacant house.

  "Yup, you have a leak. Your gas is going off. I can’t fix this because it has nothing to do with your gas line. It's with the appliance, so you'll have to fix it yourself." He smiled at her in glee.

  "Why wasn't this caught during the home inspection?" Ally shook her head in frustration.

  "Don't rightly know, ma'am. It should have. Like I said, you'll have to fix it yourself." The agent stood his ground.