by Vicki Green
“You’re allowed to be sick, Mable. Do I need to get Doc Grayson out here?” I’m concerned. She’s always been part of my family and does way too much for me.
She looks up as she dunks the tea bag in the water. “Oh, no! Don’t be silly, boy. I’ll be fine. Probably just a cold with the weather changin’ is all.” Her voice sounds a little croaky.
I remove my cowboy hat, rubbing my hand over my head then put it back on. Concern overwhelms me. “Okay. If you’re sure. You get any worse, you let me know. I’ll even take you into town, if need be.” I walk out to her front porch and grab the small bell sitting on the wooden table by her rockin’ chair and take it back inside. “Here. You ring this if you need me. At least I can hear that. Don’t know why I never got us cell phones or intercoms or somethin’.”
She laughs then coughs. “Ha, your pa never wanted to let the “outside world” into his farm. Said technology was for the birds and that true farmin’ didn’t have that shit.” I laugh along with her. I remember that like it was yesterday. I miss him.
“Guess that’s why I never thought to do it.” I start walkin’ out the front door again but turn my head. “You just take it easy. Let me know if you need anythin’.”
“There’s pies in the fridge! You have Sadie heat ‘em up for y’all!” She shouts as I close the door.
I shake my head as I make my way across the yard, headin’ to the barn. Always thinkin’ of others, never herself. Selfless. By the time I get down to the new construction, I see the walls are halfway painted. The guys must really want a day off. I chuckle. I grab a brush and a can of paint and start on the wall closest to the barn entrance and start paintin’. By the time we’re done, the entire barn will need a fresh coat of paint too. Isn’t that always the way?
The sun is beatin’ down but we’re almost done. Gonna definitely have to take a shower before I start grillin’. I’ve gotten the wall painted and am around the other side helpin’ to finish the last wall when I hear voices around the corner.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea anymore.” Sadie’s voice is low but clear.
“Aw, c’mon. It’ll be fun. I promise,” Jag replies.
What the hell? I walk to the side lookin’ around and see that she’s all flustered, pulling her arm out of his hold and tryin’ to walk away from him. “Everything okay over here?” I all but growl, lookin’ straight at him. His head turns to me, giving me a smirk, then nods and walks passed me. I look at Sadie. Her eyes are wide, like she’s been caught doing somethin’ wrong, then she relaxes, smiles and walks towards the house. I’m not sure what’s going on but I don’t like the feelin’ I’m gettin’.
I try to shake it off, take a shower and remind myself to be proud of the job we’ve done. Once I’ve finished I head downstairs and out to the deck. I love the smell of a charcoal grill. The burning coal scent when the wind blows just right and the coolness of the late afternoon. I go back into the kitchen, get the steaks out, tenderize and season them, then shuck the corn that was grown in my own garden, slab butter on them and wrap them in foil. Walking into the large pantry, I find the small cooler and then take it to the freezer and fill it with ice. I bring out some beers from the fridge and place them in there. Normally, I wouldn’t encourage drinking, but it wouldn’t be much of a celebration without a few.
“I can make a salad,” Sadie’s sweet voice flows in my ears as I turn around. “I can use the lettuce I picked from the garden yesterday, some tomatoes and cucumbers.” She smiles and I nod my go ahead. I take a deep breath looking at her tight fitting jeans, showin’ her amazing bottom, the pink and white stripped flannel long sleeve shirt, showin’ her curves and small waist. She’s tied back her long brown hair into a ponytail over her shoulder, and she put on some light makeup. Of course, I don’t think she needs any makeup but damn, she’s beautiful.
We work well together. She’s sittin’ at the table dicin’ up tomatoes and cucumbers, while I cut up some potatoes sittin’ next to her. “So, um, you saw me and Jag earlier.” I almost cut my finger with the knife. Her eyebrows lower and she frowns. “It wasn’t anything. Really.”
I clear my throat, anger envelopes me. “It’s none of my business, Sadie.” I want it to be my business, want to beat the shit outta him for even lookin’ at her, thinkin’ he has a chance with her. But she’s not mine. Not really.
“Well, I just wanted you to know.” I look down, slicin’ the potato that I’m holdin’ so tightly its juice runs over my fingers. “Memphis,” she speaks softly. My eyes snap up and then follow her hand as it lays over mine on the potato. “He doesn’t mean anything to me.” I look at her. Her eyes soft, kind, starin’ deep into my soul. “You mean something to me.” My smile can’t get any bigger, my heart relieved and touched by her words. She removes her hand and starts cuttin’ her cucumber again. “So, I feel like I’ve been away from the “real” world for so long. But I have to admit, I love the country. It’s really growing on me.” She smiles, lighting up her face. She’s so beautiful it makes me catch my breath, feelin’ like I need oxygen instantly.
I loosen my grip on the potato and finish slicin’ it then take another one and begin again. “I’m sorry you’ve had no touch with the outside world. I know your pa took a lot of your stuff away. That’s doesn’t sit well with me.” She stops, knife in air, and her eyes widen. “Would you, uh, like to use my computer? I don’t mind.”
Her face looks like it’s glowing in happiness. “Really? Oh, my God! I would love to email my best friend. Tina is really the only one that understands me. I miss her.”
“Sure. Why don’t you finish up and then go email your friend. It’s in my office to the right of the front door. Help yourself. Sometimes the internet here can be kind of sketchy, being in a valley but it may be okay to use now.”
“That would be great! Do I have time?”
I chuckle. “Make the time. I have more of these to wrap up before I start grillin’.”
She adds vigor to her cuttin’ and soon she has the salad ready in no time. I startle when she walks back from putting it in the fridge and feel her soft lips on my cheek when passing by. I look up and see her almost bouncin’ as she walks out of the kitchen. I should have offered that sooner but I think the timin’ is right. She seems to be slowly changin’, slowin’ down and gettin’ back on track. Maybe I am helping after all. I hope so.
Sadie
I can’t believe he offered me his computer. I feel like I’m on cloud nine when I walk into his office. Before I make my way to his desk, which is freaking huge and looks old, distinguished, I walk around the area. Bookshelves line one big wall. Tons of books of all sorts and I’m imagining most of them are probably his parents. They seem to be sorted in genre, shelves of animal books, how to, about, and knowing your horse, cow, chicken, birds. I step to the next one, and it seems to be filled with romance books, all different kinds and authors. I could get lost in those. Shaking my head, I walk over to the desk and power up his desktop computer. It doesn’t take long and seems like it’s a fairly new model. It looks like the signal is at a good strength, so I pull up the internet, tapping my fingers until I get to my email site. I’m excited and type in my email address and password. Smiling when I see a reply from Tina, I open it up first. I scroll all the way down, wanting to read from the beginning since we’ve talked a couple of times.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Saddddddiiiiieeeeeee! So good to hear from you, girl! I’ve been missing you so much! How’s it going? Wait! You don’t have to answer that, I can only imagine. No! Yes, you have to answer that. I’m dying to know!
I laugh remembering how excited she was and how happy I was to see it. I skip over my response already knowing what I wrote.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Oh, my God! Jag sounds like a hottie! I need a picture! Hey, I know you’re being punished but try to be good so you can come hom
e. I miss you like mad! Party, huh? Well, at least you’ll get some action while you’re there. Be safe! You better tell me everything that happens the day after. Pinky swear!
I can’t stop my laughter. I love her! I hit reply and get ready to spill my guts. I need to tell someone and what a better person to tell.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Tina! I miss you too, so much! I’m doing ok, actually better than ok, now. So, this guy, Memphis (yes, I know. Named after a city…weird), he is more than HOT and is the keeper of my punishment here in nowhere land. First I have to tell you, it’s beautiful here. I mean, I never thought I would like the country, away from everything, but there’s mountains mostly surrounding us. The land is gorgeous and okay, there are horses, cows and chickens. I was really weirded out by having to milk the cows. Now, (don’t laugh) I think I’ve made friends with Bessie, one of the cows, and I really like her.
Now, back to Mr. Hottie. Memphis. He’s muscular, has these dreamy brown bedroom eyes, a jaw with scruff to die for and okay, he keeps his hair shaved really close but I’m finding I really love it. He kissed me the other night and Oh. My. God! Can he kiss! I won’t tell you how magical his hands are. I’ll let you use your imagination. ;)
I feel kinda weird sneaking out and going to this party tonight now. I can feel myself changing, Tina. I’m not sure I want to be the “wild girl” anymore. Maybe this country life is getting to me, making me see things differently. I know Memphis is making me feel like I can have a better life. And when it’s time to come home, even though I really want to see you, I don’t know if I want to go. I don’t want to see Daddy or get back into that horrible life again.
Hey, I gotta go. Memphis is being so nice in letting me use his computer, so I promise I will email back again tomorrow.
Love ya, girl!
I read back through and then hit send. There! I feel better getting to tell my bestie about Memphis. I wish I had a way to take a picture of him to send her. She would die! When I get back to the kitchen, I see everything’s been cleaned up and look out on the deck. All the guys are out there, Mac, Dallis and Jag sitting around drinking beers and Memphis is manning the grill. I stop and just look at him. So rugged, so hot and so muscular. I watch the muscles in his arm flexing as he flips the food and feel the wetness already pooling down below. My stomach seems to have tingles and butterflies. That has to mean something, right? I walk through the open back door and all heads turn my way, making me slightly uncomfortable as I sit down on the picnic table’s bench and give a small smile.
“I was starting to get worried.” Memphis smiles looking at me with such caring in his eyes.
“Oh, sorry! I guess time got away from me.” I smile back.
“Here, would you like a beer?” Jag pulls a beer from the cooler and sets it in front of me. I look at Memphis and he gives me a wink and nod.
“Okay, uh, sure. But only one.” I twist off the cap and take a drink. Damn, that’s good. I haven’t had any alcohol for a while.
We actually have a nice time talking about all things “farm” and the food was out of this world. Memphis can really grill, that’s for sure. The steaks were so tender you could cut them with a fork, corn on the cob, chicken, my salad, and potatoes cooked on the grill wrapped in foil with some kind of seasoning, butter and onions. It was probably the best meal I’ve ever eaten, except I love Mable’s home cooking too.
“Where is Mable, Memphis? Feels weird eating without her.” I take the last bite of my potatoes and take a drink of water I’d gotten after I had finished my beer.
“She’s not feeling too well today. I’m gonna take over a plate to her in a few minutes,” he answers, looking really concerned.
I pick up my plate and pull my leg over the bench seat, grabbing my water glass. “I’d be happy to take it over. Want me to make it up?” I start to turn to walk into the kitchen.
“That would be right nice of ya. I’m sure she would love a little woman time. Thank you.” I give him a smile and shrug my shoulders, like it’s nothing. I really have grown fond of Mable and hope she’s okay.
I put a little of everything next to her steak and chicken, wrapping foil over the plate. I take it out the front door with me, hoping it still be warm by the time I get there. It seems by early evening it gets so much cooler than it did when I first got here. I can’t believe I’ve only been here for such a short time but suddenly my heart beats faster thinking that I don’t want to leave. I shake off the feelings as I get to her front door, knocking quietly.
“Come in, Memphis. You know you don’t need to knock,” her voice seems strange. Groggy from sleep and hoarse.
I open the door and peek my head inside. I walk into a small entryway, closing the door behind me. Pictures align the walls on either side. Some look really old, a little yellowed from aging while others look newer. Memphis when he was young and a woman and man that were most likely his parents. They look happy in all the pictures, smiling, with their arms around each other. Happy memories from a happy home.
“I don’t know why you always knock, not like we’re not family or anything,” her voice croaks.
I smile and tear myself away from the pictures, hoping to look at them more later. I hear coughing as I round the corner, walking into the living room. The furniture looks old but in really good shape. She’s sitting on the couch. The TV is on across from her but the volume seems to be really low. She has a book in her lap, turned over face down. The room looks cozy, lived in and filled with a ton of memories. I envy her.
“Sorry, Mable. It’s just me.”
Her head turns and she smiles. “Oh, dear! I’m so glad you’re visiting! I was getting rather lonely but not feeling up to coming to the house.”
Feelings soar through me. Thoughts of my mom enter my head. “Well, I was worried about you and brought you some dinner.” I set the covered plate down on the coffee table in front of her and walk into her kitchen. It’s small, not what I expected with her cooking and baking but I guess she has the main house for that. I open a couple of drawers until I find the utensils and pick up a fork and knife, then see a stack of napkins. I take a couple of those and walk back into the living room. She’s already sitting up, uncovered the plate, and smiles at me when I hand her the utensils. I walk over to the big oversized recliner in the corner and sit down. “How are you feeling? Your cough doesn’t sound very good.” My brows lower and worry stirs within me. I’ve gotten to feel so comfortable with her in such a short time. She reminds me so much of my mother.
She takes a bite of her steak, closing her eyes, like she’s savoring the taste. I don’t blame her. It really is wondrous. She opens her eyes and smiles at me. “Thank you. This is delicious. Memphis has outdone himself.” I nod eagerly, smiling back. She begins to cough and sets her fork down, covering her mouth with her napkin. I get up quickly, walk into the kitchen and find her glasses, pouring her some water from the faucet and take it to her.
“Have you seen a doctor?” She shakes her head, still coughing. “Mable. You really should. You have me worried. You sound horrible.” She raises her hand and I walk back over and sit down. When she finally stops, she looks at me, her eyes watery from her spell. “Oh, you’re so sweet. I’ll be fine. Just a cold from the changing of the weather. No worries.” She takes another bite of food and then looks at me again after she swallows. “So, dear. How are things?”
I wring my hands in my lap but smile. “Good. Great actually. The barn extension is done. I milked Bessie and some of the cows this morning. I’m finding I really like it.”
She lays her napkin down on her lap. “No, I mean with Memphis.” I sigh. I knew what she was after. I’m just not sure I want to tell her. They’re so close. “If you’re worried I’ll say somethin’ to him, don’t. I would never betray your trust. I’ll understand if you’re not comfortable enough to talk.”
I sit up straighter and smile. “No! It’s okay. Actually, you remind me
so much of my mother. I miss not having her to talk to. I just didn’t want to bore you or talk about my stuff, if you didn’t want me to.” She smiles again, then takes another bite.
“Oh, dear. You can talk to me about anything and I’m honored that you feel like you can and that I remind you of your mother. Please, go ahead.” She continues to eat, and I’m glad to see she at least has an appetite.
I take a deep breath. “Well, I dunno. I just…. Oh, Mable. I think I’m falling in love with him. How can I feel that way after only knowing him a few days? Is that wrong? Am I completely crazy?”
She laughs which makes her cough and I feel bad. “No, dear. You’re not crazy. I can see how any woman would fall in love with him, so easily. You have to remember, I helped raise him, although, his pa did most of the raisin’. I was just there for moral support and a woman’s touch. You could be falling in love or just so smitten that you’re headed that way. Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between the two. Then again, when you know, you’ll know.”
I let out a sigh. “But, how will I know? I mean…. He’s all I think about, his face is in my head all the time. I miss him when I’m not around him and I…. uh….” I look down at my wringing hands and sigh again. “This is kind of embarrassing.”
She laughs and I look up at her again. “Dear. We’re both women, even though I’m more like your grandma’s age. Don’t be embarrassed. I was once a woman in love, still am.” She winks and I relax, a little.
