To the right, a motel, built to resemble a wild west town, stood ready for business. A large neon sign, in the form of a cowboy with a ten-gallon hat, boots, and flashy belt buckle, announced that the Big Texan Steak Ranch was open for breakfast.
Texas flags whipped in the wind while children scampered on a giant boot, almost as tall as the western-themed yellow and blue building. Harden's smile became downright cheeky as white Christmas lights, strung along the façade, blinked on just before they entered the restaurant.
A bar area, dimly lit and full of people, greeted them. To her left, she spied a giant rocking chair, about twelve feet high, while to her right, a stuffed bear on hind legs menaced customers. Noble said something to the hostess at the check-in station, and she ushered the group into a large dining hall. Balconies surrounded them on three sides, just like an old-fashioned saloon. Booths, filled with happy diners, lined the walls while tables, covered in fake cow hide, filled the main floor. A platform took prominence, front and center, behind which they could see a grill where chefs cooked the meals. A long table, single chair, and trash can occupied the stage.
Kiki looked around the room, soaking in its details. Countless Texas license plates had been embedded in the wood floor, while mounted long horns and taxidermied animal heads lined the balcony, peering at them with hollow stares. Floral hurricane lamps with crystal drops hung over the booths and a too-large-to-be-real long horn skull dominated the wall above the grill. Numerous, antique pistol stuck to wooden plaques graced the walls as well, along with brick-a-brack one would expect to see on an old Victorian porch. An old cowboy who resembled Santa Clause strolled the restaurant, strumming his guitar and crooning Johnny Cash songs.
What are we in for?
Once seated, a waitress came by asking, "Y'all up for the 72-ounce challenge?"
"This one is," the ranch owner said, jerking his head towards James. "Just out of the military and hun-gry!" he added.
Her former beau gave the waitress a goofy smile.
"Well, thank ya fir yer service. We appreciate all yer sacrifices."
"You're welcome," he replied, warmth filling his voice.
"Okie-dokie then, what'll the rest of ya have?"
Noble held his hand up.
"Allow me. I'll order for everyone."
Hank smiled at Peg, Jim shrugged in a good-natured way, and Kiki dreaded what might follow.
The restaurant, filled to capacity, became loud. Hank monopolized Peg, while Harden played master of ceremonies at their end of the table. With their soft drinks delivered, the aroma of sizzling steaks activated everyone's appetite.
At last, their meals came. Everyone received a thick, juicy steak, loaded baked potato, and salad. Everyone except James. Kiki ignored the crackling public address system and whatever words followed, wondering why Jim didn't receive his dinner. But then, the place grew strangely quiet.
A female voice repeated, "We've got a hero here tonight, just back from his military service. Please give a loud round of applause to our next 72-ounce challenger!"
The crowd roared back to life and two girls, dressed like Dale Evans, pulled Jim from the table. He flashed The Grin, glanced around the room, and went willingly. They led him up a short flight of steps to the left of the platform and pulled the chair out for him. A waitress ran on stage with the biggest shrimp cocktail Kiki had ever seen. One of the attractive cowgirls leaned over James and whispered something in his ear. He feigned shock for the other diners, then gave everyone a thumbs-up. The crowd howled their approval.
"What's going on?" Kiki asked Harden.
"Jim's getting a Texas-sized meal. How's your steak, by the way?"
She hadn't touched her dinner, engrossed with the stage show. She shot Noble a worried look.
"Don't worry, Little Lady. See, he's enjoying the attention."
She glanced back at the dais, where Jim hammed it up, causing the crowd to cheer. She looked up at the balconies, noting for the first time that they too were filled with diners. She next scanned the room, observing red flocked wallpaper that added to the saloon vibe and an enormous, mounted stag's head. The hardwood floor, wagon wheel chandeliers, and red and white checked napkins all contributed to the ambiance.
She took a bite of a delicious yeast roll, then a chunk of steak.
"Yummy," she mouthed to Harden.
Another wave of shouts drew her attention back to the rostrum. Jim had polished off the shrimp, and now a waitress handed him a large salad. He'd plowed through about half the greens when a massive baked potato, almost the size of a football, arrived, along with rolls and a steak as big as a large pot roast. For the first time, she noticed a big digital clock ticking down like a scoreboard. He had fifty-two minutes remaining.
Her own meal tasted delicious. However, it became harder to enjoy, the greener Jim turned on stage. She watched him butter another roll and cram it into his mouth.
"What's the trash can for?" she asked.
Harden smirked.
"If he pukes, he loses. He has to eat the entire meal, fat and all, in under an hour to win."
Kiki's jaw dropped.
"If he succeeds, what will he receive?" she asked, suspicious.
"He doesn't have to pay for the meal."
"But we're your guests tonight."
"Yep. It's a win/win for me. I don't have to share you at dinner. If I'm really lucky, he gets sick and stays in the Big Texan Motel tonight."
"You're terrible!"
"Either way, it's church for you in the morning, Little Lady."
She shook her head and scooted her chair away from the scoundrel. Poor Jim. Peg and Hank seemed so engrossed in each other, they took no notice of the drama playing out on stage.
Fifteen minutes remained on the clock when James reached the saturation point. He shook his head at one of the cowgirls. She asked if he were sure and he nodded gingerly as if too much movement might send him over the edge. A female voice announced that he'd waved the white flag while a waitress rushed forward with a foam container and doggy bag. Customers cheered. At least he didn't make use of the trash can.
"If only I didn't drink that root beer, I might have finished," he proclaimed upon reaching the table.
Harden gave him a hearty slap on the back as way of congratulations. Kiki shot the rancher an angry look while Jim choked back some acid reflux. Her former beau pushed the doggie bag towards Harden.
"Got any pets that can eat that?"
"Sure. Thanks. My ranch manager has a dog. He'll eat good tonight. Anyone up for dessert? They've got a mean brownie Sunday with butterscotch and—"
Jim's hand flew to his mouth and he ran from the table.
Oh no.
She and Noble waited in the bar area for their fifth member while Hank and Peg debated what to buy at the fudge counter.
"You had to push it with the dessert talk, didn't you?" Kiki accused.
Noble feigned an innocent expression and she let it drop. She had no desire to make a scene in front of Hank. The younger couple seemed to be hitting it off, and she wouldn't interfere with that for the world.
At last, James appeared, pale but smiling.
"Are you all right, Jim?" she asked.
"Yeah, Babe. Just a little indigestion. I'm fine now. Say, Lou, thanks for bringing us here. It's been great."
A wave of pride rolled over Kiki at Jim's behavior. The guy had a lot going for him.
Chapter 13
-Lessons-
James proved a good sport when informed about rising early for church. He seemed eager to experience all this part of Texas had to offer. Hank returned to Lubbock that morning, departing about the same time they left for Booker. Kiki watched as the brothers hugged, Peg nowhere in sight. She wondered if the girl had a chance with the handsome, charming Harden boy.
Noble did the talking during the drive, drawing their attention to points of interest, explaining where each road they crossed went and recounting funny anecdotes. Again, Jim sat in t
he back of the pickup.
Once at the church, the group from the ranch packed out two pews. She ended up squished between James and Harden. Neither man had room to keep both arms at their sides, so she had the uncomfortable privilege of living with them constantly shifting their appendages over her shoulders throughout the sermon. She got the idea Noble enjoyed the charade.
James drew a lot of attention when he stood to introduce himself as a visitor, per the preacher's request. She guessed word would travel fast around the Panhandle that a handsome, available male stayed at the Bar H.
The minister, still in his series about love, chose 1 John 4:18 as the day's theme scripture. You couldn't make this stuff up. Here she sat, sandwiched between her two love interests, listening to a sermon about love!
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear," the minister boomed from the pulpit. He continued, "The idea of love does scare some people. How many of you out there are single? Go on, let me see a show of hands."
James and Noble rearranged their tangled arms in order to raise their hands, along with most of the cowboys from the ranch. Kiki didn't bother.
"Scaredy-cats!" the pastor joked. "Seriously, did you know that the most common phrase in the Bible is 'Fear Not'? The Lord does not want us to be bound by fear. He desires that we place our trust in Him, instead. How are we to do this? We must know Him to trust Him. Right? Makes sense, doesn't it? But how do we come to know an all-powerful God?" He held up his Bible for the congregation to see. "He's given us His word. It's a love letter to us. Study His word, People. Learn to trust Him. Allow His perfect love to cast out your fears. Let us pray."
After church, they made a pit stop at the diner, but James passed on any food. In sympathy, Kiki chose only a smoothie. She worried the odors from cooking burgers and fries might bother Jim, but he seemed fine.
"Beatrice, why don't you show us what you've been up to in the shed later today?" Harden suggested once on their way home. "You could give us a lesson in Asian Art and an update on your overall progress. I'm sure James is interested in your work."
"Yes, that's a fine idea," Jim concurred.
She knew him well enough to detect some insincerity, but it didn't matter. Noble tried to yank his chain and the Navy man wasn't about to bite.
Back at the ranch, Kiki said, "Give me an hour to get ready, then meet me in the warehouse."
Jim walked her to her door.
"Why did he call you Beatrice?" he whispered.
"It's my name, James."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. Now give me some space, okay?"
By the time the others arrived in the metal framed building, she'd placed several objects on display. Glad to see Peg and Nash had gotten wind of the talk, she smiled at the girl and asked everyone to take a seat. Kiki had changed into work attire, garments that would be considered professional in Los Angeles.
"Let me start by asking you all a question. When you think of Asian art, what first comes to mind?"
Jim's hand shot up and she nodded in his direction. He shot an admiring glance up and down her small frame, a twinkle in his eye, before speaking.
"Blue and white porcelain," he eventually volunteered.
"Yes, that's what most people think of, and there are certainly plenty of clay pieces in the Harden Collection. But there's much more to Asian art than just blue and white vases. For instance, take a good look at this metal urn."
She pointed to a two foot tall, ornate object that looked like brass. It resembled a vase with a lid.
"Anyone care to take a stab at where and when this was made?"
"China," Nash suggested and the others agreed.
"Ming," Harden added with a chuckle.
"Good guesses. This piece proved a bit tricky. The high relief figures shown on the cartouche are mythological characters, and that would lead you to believe its origins were Chinese. The Japanese preferred pictures of everyday life and common people on their art objects. But, if you attempt to lift this, you'll find it extremely heavy. In fact, it's made of iron with inlays of different materials, including gold. That's a big clue as to where it came from. On the base is a pressed label."
She pointed with a thin wooden stylus at the marking, too small to see from their seats.
"I'm familiar with this maker. While we don't trust marks alone, they can corroborate other details, helping us narrow down an object's age and origin. When the feudal period ended in Japan, sword makers turned to producing decorative items with their skills instead of swords for Ninjas."
The men laughed.
"It's true. Komai made this vase in Japan during the Meiji, or Enlightened Rule, probably around the 1870s. He put his sword making skills to good use, crafting all these beautiful details. This piece alone is worth about $100,000."
The small crowd gasped, and Kiki enjoyed their startled expressions.
She added with a smile, "The Harden Collection has its mate, and the two together would sell for at least $300,000."
She glanced at Noble. His face filled with pride whenever she mentioned the Harden Collection. His giddy grin told her he hadn't expected the value of his treasures.
"If the item came from Japan, why are the images the ones favored by the Chinese?" Noble asked.
"Because Komai may have produced the piece for export to China." She continued, "Now based upon what you've just learned, what can you tell me about this piece?"
She lifted a smaller vase, struggling with its heavy weight. She strolled passed her students, allowing each a look at the object.
"It seems to weigh a lot and that fisherman carved on the front is an everyday subject. So, I'd bet it was Japanese and also from the Maygee dynasty," Peg said in a shy voice.
"That's right! Very good, Peg. You're a quick learner."
The housekeeper beamed.
"How about this?" Kiki asked, lifting her palm towards a grotesque statue.
"That critter's pretty fierce," Noble said, eyeing the three foot tall monster.
"Yes, he is. He's a cross between a dog and a dragon, meant to guard a tomb against evil spirits. Known as Earth Spirits, this one's details suggest he looked after a wealthy individual. To determine whether it’s a reproduction or an original, I checked the color of the clay on the underside. The clay is the correct color for a region known during the Tang Dynasty for producing ceramics. The rust and green glazing, as well as the fangs and mouth, lead me to believe this piece is legitimate seventh century. There's two, here in the warehouse, and they're in perfect condition.
"Lastly, let's look at these two ceramic objects. Any ideas when they were made?"
She first put forth a tall, multi-colored vase with a narrow neck and rounded bottom. The neck and base contained a purple design while the inside appeared robin's egg blue. Intricate gold handles protruded from each side of the neck, and a landscape scene appeared on the broader middle.
Next, Kiki held up a shallow vessel, the size of a large soup bowl, decorated inside and out with a repeating vine and flower pattern. The piece appeared to be the stereotypical blue and white porcelain James had mentioned at the beginning of her talk.
At first, no one ventured a guess. Then, James raised his hand. She detected a sheepish look on his face.
"The bowl is Ming, probably 1400s based upon the color of the clay. Note how the blue under glaze hasn't bled, which means it's no earlier, but the design and slight fuzziness of the lines indicates Xuande porcelain, some of the most desired of the Ming Dynasty. Also, the shape of the bowl leads me to believe it's original," he concluded.
Everyone stared at Jim. He shrugged, then flashed The Grin at Kiki, which she met with an eyebrow raised towards the ceiling.
"Apparently, Mr. Crimshaw has been doing some research," she commented with a droll tone. "The value? What about the vase? Care to expound, James?"
He gave a bashful shake of his head and pretended to be embarrassed.
"The Ming bowl could bring over $200,000
at auction. The beautiful vase came from China, during the Republic Period, 1912 to 1949. The maker copied earlier porcelain from the Chien-lung period, down to the mark on the bottom. Again, the color of the clay enlightens us as to its true origins. But, because of its size and ornate decoration, this piece could still easily bring $50,000. I hope you all enjoyed your lesson."
The small group broke into applause and their instructor giggled. Noble rose and greeted her with a hug.
"Your enthusiasm is infectious, Kiki. You're a real expert in this stuff."
"I need to have a word with you alone, regarding this stuff," she said between laughs.
"Everyone, why don't y'all head up to the big house. Peggy, ask Mrs. Briggs to bring out some leftovers from the party and brew some coffee. Miss Tam and I will be right there," he added with a nod to Jim.
When the others cleared out, she said, "We've made a discovery that I need to tell you about."
Harden pulled a chair out and hoisted one leg over its back, as if mounting a horse. He sat down and gestured for her to join him. His eyes glinted with humor, pride, and something she hadn't seen before.
Amusement?
Kiki sat down slowly, across from the rancher, and held his gaze. The rich flecks in his eyes glowed green and gold against bright blue irises. The way he stared gave her spine a shiver as she felt the heat of a blush creep up her neck, towards her face.
"I'm quite proud of you, Beatrice," he said, at last, shifting his eyes over the details of her face.
"What for?"
He kept studying her features.
"You’re a real art expert, for starters."
"Well, what did you think I was?" she asked, exasperated. She felt some sort of male chauvinist comment coming her way.
"And a good communicator," he said, ignoring her question. "And," he added, pausing for effect, "you wear a suit like nobody's business."
Tongue-tied, Kiki remained silent. What was it about this cowboy that bound her in knots? She'd never had any problem handling clients and business associates before. In fact, she'd become an expert at sidestepping passes at Wood and Associates.
A Lone Star Romance: Book 2 in The Only Love Series Page 14
