She grabbed her purse and headed out the door. There were still some new patrons parking in the motel parking lot and crossing the street together. After spending the last 14 plus hours by herself, it felt good to be amongst the living again. Sarah followed the small group into the bar and smiled. There was a small band set up in the far corner next to the dartboard, playing some country song that she didn’t recognize. The walls were decorated with empty Jack Daniels bottles and old Nebraska license plates. It was what seemed to her, the typical small town bar, where everyone knew each other, and then the thought hit her- she was the new face in town. Nobody knows me. Her smile faded, and uneasiness set in.
Sarah attempted to shake off the feeling as she walked up to the bar. She was greeted with a quick nod by the old bartender. He was noticeably short, maybe 5 feet tall on a good day, had a salt and pepper beard and what looked to be a dirty polishing rag draped over his shoulder.
“What’ll it be?” He asked in a low voice.
“Vodka soda please?” Sarah replied as she sat down on the barstool. It wobbled to the left and back again. Damn it, she thought.Then her stomach growled, and reminded her she was starving.
“Can I see a menu too, please?”
“Sorry, just shut off the grill at 1 A.M.”
“Oh, ok. No problem. Just the vodka then.”
“You new in town?” The bartender asked, as he scooped the ice and dumped it into a short glass.
“Just got here an hour ago.” Sarah smiled and at the same time immediately regretted it.
“Real new. What brings you to Homewood?” He asked as he handed her the drink.
Sarah pushed the straw to the side and took a long swig before speaking.
“My aunt passed away recently, and it seems as though I have inherited her house.”
“Well I’m sorry to hear that. My condolences. Who was your aunt?”
“Elizabeth Bayard.” There was a brief moment of recollection in the bartender’s eyes- Sarah was quite sure of it- but then it was quickly gone.
“Never met her,” he said.
“No? But I thought everyone in small towns knew each other.” She smiled again as she said it.
The old bartender didn’t smile back. “Are you out here alone?”
“Yeah.”
“Hmm. Well just make sure you watch your back.” He whispered, as he pulled the dirty rag from his shoulder and swiped it quickly around the inside of a tumbler.
“Watch my back?”
The bartender stopped polishing the glass and leaned up against the bar. His face now comically close to Sarah.
“Absolutely. A young, pretty woman like you has to be careful when traveling alone in an unfamiliar town.”
“Oh. Well thank you for your concern, but don’t worry. I know how to take care of myself, been doing it my whole life.” Sarah again smiled at the bartender over her glass.
The old bartender shrugged and seemed to mutter something under his breath before turning and walking away. It had been a strange thing to say, but Sarah tried to not let it get to her. Instead, she focused on taking in the scene and enjoying her drink. The band was actually pretty good, and the music was starting to make her forget about how hungry she was. The lead singer, who was dressed all in black and wearing a big cowboy hat, seemed to be looking in Sarah’s direction as he sang about the pickup truck where he’d slept the night before. Sound’s familiar, she thought.
Sarah took another sip and started to realize just how exhausted her body was. Her mind however, was just the opposite. She was already formulating her plans for tomorrow, how to get to the house, when to speak with the attorney, grocery shopping, Emma, her next job, spare keys, etcetera. She was too lost in her thoughts and the twang of the music and didn’t notice the handsome guy standing next to her at the bar.
“Excuse me,” he started, “I couldn’t help but overhear you say your aunt was Elizabeth Bayard?”
Sarah was startled as she turned on her wobbly barstool, to find the handsome stranger in a white t-shirt and blue jeans standing next to her. For a split second, she thought she might lose her balance, but she steadied herself and instead found herself taking in the man’s rugged good looks. He was tall, with blue eyes and the shadow of a beard outlined his strong face. His lips were moving, but she was having a hard time following what he was saying. Caught up in the moment, she didn’t respond. She just couldn’t.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.” The man apologized.
Suddenly, the reality of the moment hit Sarah and she realized she had been staring- really staring. She blushed and attempted to cover.
“No, don’t be. It’s okay. I’m just a little out of it. Long drive. I…I’m sorry, how long have you been standing here?” Sarah asked the handsome stranger.
“Oh, not long. I really didn’t mean to startle you. I just wanted to tell you that I knew your aunt.”
Sarah’s face changed, as she nodded and motioned with her hand. “Please sit down.”
“Thanks,” the man said, and then pulled out the bar stool and sat down next to Sarah. “You said you had a long drive? Where did you drive in from?”
“Los Angeles.”
“Wow, that is a long drive. You drove straight through?”
“Yep.”
“Impressive,” he said. “I’m Nick.”
Sarah cautiously smiled back. “Sarah.”
Nick extended his hand, Sarah put her hand in his and shook it. It was a good firm handshake. There was a palpable spark between the two as their hands touched- they both felt it. Sarah pulled her hand away, embarrassed, but she had felt something else too. It had only been a flash, the feeling, but she was sure that it was a kiss that she had seen.
“So you knew my aunt?” She asked, changing the subject, and at the same time dissecting her vision.
“Yes I did.” Nick replied. “Fairly well. She was a nice lady. I did a lot of work for her over at her house.” He shifted in his seat. “I guess it’s your house now?”
“Yeah... my house…” Sarah trailed off as she took another sip from her glass. The ice had melted and Sarah found that the drink really wasn’t what she wanted anymore.
“You don’t seem too excited about it,” Nick said.
“I’m not sure how I feel about all of this. I mean, it’s just a lot to take in really. I never met my aunt. I know very little about her. And now she’s gone and I don’t have any family to fill me in, or tell me stories... or whatever… and, well… I’m hungry.” Sarah’s stomach growled right on cue to emphasize her last word.
“I’m sorry.” Nick looked down for a split second and then looking up with a smile, “I think I can help with that last part.”
He spun on his barstool and hopped to his feet- rounding the small L shaped bar quickly, as he raised his hand in the air and shouted for the bartender.
“Hey, Walt! Walt.”
The short bartender was standing behind the worn-out cash register at the end of the bar, totaling up some of the regulars’ tickets.
“What’s the matter, Nick?”
“We have a bit of a situation here, Walt.”
“What’s wrong?” Walt looked concerned.
“Well, my new friend over there is hungry.”
“The grill is off, Nick.”
“I know. And I know you’re trying to close up soon, but…any way you could fire up one of your famous cheeseburgers for her? It’d be a big favor. I’d owe you one.”
The expression on Walt’s face was far from happy, but he nodded. “I could probably turn the grill on for you. Do you remember where everything is?”
“Of course. Thanks Walt!” Nick popped behind the bar, grabbed a white apron from a hook on the wall and pushed his way through the kitchen door.
Sarah watched from a distance, definitely confused, but definitely curious. The bartender looked over at her and shook his head.
“He used to work here a few years ago. Helped me out on the we
ekends. I don’t normally let people just head into my kitchen.” He then turned to the kitchen door and pushed it open with his foot. “And don’t make a big mess in there either!” He warned.
Sarah could tell that the old bartender- Walt, his name was Walt, she reminded herself- was enjoying the little banter between the two. And he wasn’t the only one. The kitchen door swung open again and Nick stuck his head out.
“You like everything on it, Sarah?”
“That sounds great.” She smiled at him. This was the most fun she’d had in awhile.
●
Nick paused, watching Sarah devour her cheeseburger, debating on whether to continue his next thought. “You really don’t have any family?”
“No, it’s just me-” Sarah stopped, wondering if she should keep going and tell Nick about her parents, about Signal Hill, about all of it.
Why not? Her mind asked. At that moment, she realized that she felt oddly comfortable with him already. He had a nice smile, and he’d crafted quite the burger for her. She took in a deep breath and let it out.
“My parents were killed in a car accident when I was five.”
“I’m sorry...” Nick started, but Sarah kept going.
“I don’t have any siblings. I figured I might learn something about my family here.”
Nick nodded. “That makes sense. Maybe I can help there too. How long are you in town?”
“Indefinitely? I just lost my job, so I don’t really have anything to rush back to the city for. God, I must be depressing you.”
“No, not at all.” Nick stole a French fry from Sarah’s plate and took a bite. He looked to be pondering something important as he chewed.
“Indefinitely?” He asked. “So there’s no Mr. Sarah waiting back in California for you?”
Sarah laughed nervously. “No. No Mr. Sarah.” She smiled at that and then continued. “My job was my life, and I was damn good at it… but it made it rather difficult to maintain any sort of relationship. Well, except for Emma.”
“Who’s Emma?” Nick asked.
“She’s my best friend.” At this statement, Sarah realized that she hadn’t even called Emma yet to tell her that she’d made it. She pulled out her phone with the idea of texting her friend, but stopped and looked back at Nick. “Honestly, I’m feeling a little lost right now. I’m hoping this trip brings me some clarity.” Sarah, suddenly embarrassed by how much she had just shared, looked back down at her phone. “I’m sorry. I barely know you. I’m talking too much. I guess I’ve been driving alone for too many hours.” She gave her uncomfortable smile and tried to laugh it all off.
“Don’t apologize, Sarah.” Nick said her name with such familiarity, that Sarah was taken back. “To new beginnings....” Nick said and raised his glass.
“To new beginnings.” Sarah raised her glass as well.
●
As much as Sarah wanted to stay in the bar and talk with Nick all night, her body had told her it was time to get some sleep. She thought it better to end the night on a high note, rather than to fall asleep in her drink, in front of her new, hot friend. Nick was a perfect gentleman, and walked her out. He held the door open for Sarah as they exited the bar.
“Thanks, Nick,” Sarah said. “That’s me, across the way. It was really nice meeting you, maybe we can talk about my aunt again soon… when it’s not so late. I’d love to hear some stories about her.”
“Of course. I’d be happy to.” Nick looked at the Wagon Wheel Motel. “Let me walk you across the street. You shouldn’t walk alone.”
“You don’t have to...”
“I’m kind of old-fashioned like that.” Nick said, matter-of-factly.
“Thank you.” Sarah tried to hide her smile. She was surprised and impressed by his chivalry. It was not something she’d experienced before. Well, at least, not that she remembered anyway.
The two walked side by side, across the street and into the large, nearly empty parking lot of the Wagon Wheel. They seemed to be the last two out in the night. There are so many stars, Sarah thought, as she looked up at the visible Milky Way in the dark sky. She felt the smile form on her face. Why hide it?
“Sarah,” Nick interrupted her thoughts, if you don’t have plans yet for tomorrow… maybe we could meet for lunch or something?”
“Oh, thanks Nick, but I’m actually driving out to the house tomorrow.”
“Oh right. When are you heading over there?”
“First thing in the morning. I just couldn’t drive anymore tonight, and from the looks of the map, it seemed better to wait until the morning anyway. I didn’t want to get lost.”
“Yeah, the river roads can be confusing, especially if you haven’t been out there before.”
They climbed the steps to the second floor of the motel and stopped in front of her door. “Thanks again for walking me.” Sarah said as she fiddled in her purse for her key.
“No thanks necessary. Ya know, I’d be happy to take you out to the house tomorrow if you’d like? It’s pretty tucked away, and since I know my way around...” Nick trailed off and waited for her answer. He didn’t have to wait long.
“I’d like that.” Sarah said with a half-hidden smile.
“Great. Happy to help. I’ll meet you here in the morning, we can take my truck if you want. That way, I can still take you to lunch at some point?”
“Sounds like a plan. Say around 8?”
“I’ll be here. Good night, Sarah.”
“Good night, Nick.” Sarah turned the key on her door and went inside. She fought the urge to steal one last look at Nick as he walked away. It seemed like a great idea, but, she quickly closed the door behind her. Play it cool, girl. She leaned up against the closed door and let out a deep breath.
“Emma’s gonna love this.” She whispered to the empty room. She pulled her cell phone out of her purse and began texting her best friend.
Chapter 6
The Handyman & The House
It was exactly eight o’clock the next morning when Nick, while balancing two coffees in his left hand, knocked on Sarah’s motel room door. After a few seconds, Sarah was standing in the open doorway looking refreshed and put together. Nick was the one taken aback this time around, but after a short moment, he quickly found the words he’d been searching for.
“Good morning.”
“Morning, Nick.” Sarah flashed her best smile back at him. “Oh, coffee. Thank you!”
“You’re welcome.” Nick replied with a big dimpled grin. “Ready?”
“Yeah.” Sarah said and swung her bag over her shoulder. “Let’s do this.”
They walked across the still relatively empty parking lot of the Wagon Wheel to Nick’s truck, a new, silver F150. He opened the door for Sarah. There’s that chivalry again, Sarah thought, and then their eyes met for a moment and she felt herself blush. She turned to the window to hide it, but was sure that he’d seen. When Nick got in the driver’s side, Sarah’s stomach did a little flip. There was something intimate about being in a vehicle alone together, especially after just meeting. The bar had been loud and there were a lot of people and distractions there. But now, it was just the two of them, and Sarah was not good at dating, or flirting. Part of the reason she never dated. She was just bad at it.
They pulled out of the parking lot and headed down Green Street. Sarah noted the name on the street sign and then quietly took in the small town on the other side of her window. They passed the deserted buildings and Grand Stand of the county fairgrounds, a small white First Baptist Church, the Homewood Cemetery, a number of empty lots, and finally the Homewood High School, before turning right and heading out of town on Highway 4. It didn’t take them long before the small town was just a tiny speck in the rearview mirror.
At mile marker 19, Nick slowed and turned his truck off the highway and onto the narrow, gravel road. There was a crooked sign on the side of the rode that stated that Berry Crossing was 14 miles ahead.
Nick maneuvered his truck alon
g the dusty, twisting, dirt roads rather effortlessly. Sarah sipped on her coffee, as she tried to note the different intersections and turns as he made them. The road signs were few and far between, and at times it took all her effort to keep from bumping her head on the ceiling as the truck bounced over large ruts in the road.
“You were right. These roads are a little confusing. Thanks again for driving.”
“No worries. There used to be a few signs out here that made it easier, but they haven’t been replaced since the last storm.”
Sarah spotted a newspaper next to Nick’s metal thermos on the seat between them. She picked it up.
The headline read: The Search for Missing School Teacher Continues. There was a picture of a pretty, young woman with red hair under the headline.
“Wow, that’s terrible. Do you know her?”
Nick looked away from the road and realized what Sarah was reading.
“Emily…yeah.” His eyes crept back to the gravel road and he shook his head slowly from side to side. “Well, kinda anyway. She hasn’t lived here that long. We talked a couple of times at the bar. Third grade teacher. Her first teaching job. Nice girl. The whole thing is pretty crazy.”
“Yeah, I bet. In a small town like this, I can’t imagine. I’m sorry…” Sarah trailed off and a short heavy silence filled up the cab of the truck. Sarah liked the silence even less than their present conversation and quickly broke through. “How big is Homewood anyway?”
Peripheral Vision: A Supernatural Thriller Page 4
