***
As Lenny closed the door to the bedroom to get dressed Luke helped himself to the fruit on the table.
“Lenny was right, that was inappropriate,” Luke rebuked Sway quietly.
“C’mon, you guys are constantly macking on each other and talking all cute and stuff. Just do it and get it over with. I don’t know what you’re waiting for.” Sway grabbed an apple off the platter and examined it. “I mean, I know Lenny’s special and blah, blah, blah but it’s been…a while now. You’ve never waited with any other girl before.” He took a bite. “I don’t get it.”
“It’s not about that.” Luke said, his mouth curving up slightly on the side. “I love her. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sway tried to ask around his mouthful, losing chunks of apple in the process.
“She’s the only one I want to be with ever again. I never want to be without her.”
“You’re talking code, dude. You’re gonna have to explain to me.” Sway's eyes went wide in exasperation.
“I don’t want to have sex just because it seems like it’s time. I’ve done that, it doesn’t mean anything. Not this time. She’s the only one I ever want to be with in that way, for the rest of my life.” Luke poured the hot coffee into an empty cup on the tray.
Sway choked on his apple as he finally understood what Luke was saying. He gasped for air as he tried to ask a question but couldn’t get around the chunk of apple lodged in his throat.
Luke laughed at him and looked out the window at the London landscape. “Yep.” He confirmed Sway’s fears. “I’m gonna marry her.” He smiled to himself and brought the coffee cup to his lips, “I just have to figure out when and how to ask her.”
Chapter 16
A Drop In The Ocean
It was as it had always been for Duke. Growing up the youngest of five kids, his siblings had left home long before he was born. He had been his parents ‘surprise’ baby. Raised like an only child on the backside of the Ozarks, Duke had few friends and kept to himself. He enjoyed people and he wasn’t shy by any means. He just didn’t need people. And that’s where he found himself again. Alone. His third long drive in as many days.
He passed by the local tavern a couple of times and considered pulling into the parking lot. Maybe just feel the warmth of the neon for a few minutes, it didn’t mean he’d have to go inside. He’d shake off the feeling and continue driving.
The drive was always the same. Long. Lonely. Unchanging. He never saw anything he hadn’t seen a thousand times before. He passed all the same little cabins and ‘no trespassing’ signs that had always been there. Now, it was starting to snow. Not regular snow. Big, thick, lazy snow. The kind that would pile into slush on the ground, quickly making driving conditions more treacherous. Duke turned the wipers on and peered into the gray.
Up ahead he could almost make out a car pulled over on the side of the road. It’s hazards were on but the falling snow was so think it was almost unnoticeable. Duke pulled in behind the small compact car, this was no place to have car trouble. It was a blind turn and with the weather it was a tragedy waiting to happen.
The plates on the little Ford said California. Figures, out of towners always think they can drive in the snow, Duke thought to himself. He set his brake and turned his own hazards on and got out of the old Bronco.
As he approached the driver’s side of the car he saw a woman talking on her cellphone. He tapped on the window, startling her. The windows were foggy and starting to frost on the corners from the cold. The woman held up her finger for Duke to wait and she slowly stepped out of the car.
She was tall, Duke observed, for a woman. She was probably close to six feet because she was nearly eye level with him. She had raven black hair that easily reached her waist but was twisted into a loose braid that came over one shoulder. Her almond shaped eyes were a beautiful chestnut brown. She was stunning, to say the least. But her physical appearance isn’t what caught Duke’s eye first. It was the .45 pointed at his chest.
Duke raised his hands slightly. He wasn’t sure if she was being overly cautious or if she was going to rob him.
“I’m waiting for a tow truck, you would do best to get back into your vehicle and be on your way.” She spoke with authority and held the weapon like an experienced professional. Duke didn’t want to argue. But it was in his nature.
“Nice Sig,” He complimented her. He kept his hands raised. “I just thought I might be able to help.” He looked back up the road. “It’s a blind turn, someone might not see you.”
“I’ll be just fine.” She spoke assuredly but Duke saw her swallow just a little too hard.
“I’m in no mood to cause you any trouble, ma’am.” Duke thought he’d try one more time. He had a soft spot for stubborn women with guns...apparently. “Did you call the Highway Patrol?”
He could see her mind working quickly behind those dark eyes. She nodded but didn’t answer.
“You can call and confirm with them who I am. I live just a mile up the road, I help them pull cars out of ditches all the time. I’d be glad to help you now, 'cause who knows when the tow truck will make it up here in this snow.”
“Do you have ID?” The woman asked, raising an eyebrow.
Duke fished his license out of his back pocket and handed it to her. She gave him a hard look and then got back in her car and on the phone. She spoke for a few minutes to what Duke assumed was the local dispatch. She gave him a sideways glance out the window and nodded to whoever was on the phone. When she stepped back out of the car she had holstered her weapon somewhere Duke couldn’t be sure but at least it wasn’t pointed directly at him.
“How far can you tow me?” She asked, handing back his ID.
“As far as you need,” Duke replied.
“I’ll need to get the car repaired in town, is there a mechanic’s shop?”
“Yeah,” Duke was headed to the Bronco to get his tow cables. “You staying in town or do you need a lift back up here?”
“I’ll rent something and drive back up, thank you.” She was definitely not a friendly lady, Duke thought. But his thoughts changed quickly when he saw her getting a bundle of blankets out of the backseat of her car.
It was a child, maybe four years old, all tucked and rolled inside numerous blankets and afghans.
“Can we wait in your truck?” She asked, her lips making a hard line on her face. No wonder she had been so quick to suspicion. She had precious cargo.
“Absolutely.” Duke dropped his tow cables and helped her and the child into the warmth of the still running Bronco. He made sure they were buckled safely inside and then he maneuvered the Bronco to the front of her tiny car. Duke jumped out and quickly connected the tow cables, rigging everything securely.
When he got back into the truck he tried to give her a reassuring smile.
“We’re all set.” He put the Bronco in gear and started slowly back down the mountain, paying extra close attention to his driving. He’d never transported kids before. He wasn’t sure what would be an acceptable rate of speed. She still had that .45 somewhere and he really didn’t need her pointing it at him while he drove.
“Are we going sledding, Mom?” A little voice from the middle seat asked sweetly.
“Mom’s car broke so we’ll have to go sledding tomorrow.” The woman explained gently. Her tone was so different with her child that Duke had to look over to see if it was the same woman. Her face had softened as she looked at her son and Duke was caught off guard by her sweet smile.
She looked up at him and they had eye contact briefly before Duke turned his gaze back to the road. What the hell was that? He reprimanded himself. Keep your eyes on the road, Duke. She has a gun.
“Who are you?” The child asked Duke bluntly. He couldn’t help but smile at the forthright question.
“His name is Mr. Dukane and he’s giving us a ride to the place where we can get our car fixed.” She explained to the
boy.
Duke had never been called Mr. Dukane before. He’d been Duke for as long as he could remember. She had gotten that off his ID.
“Actually, you can call me Duke. It’s what everyone else calls me.” He said with a grin to the boy. His eye caught hers again and he decided to wink. She's going to shoot me.
“What’s your name?” Duke asked the boy, deciding not to steal anymore glances at the exotic beauty to his right.
“I’m Tyler and I’m four.” Tyler said proudly.
“Pleased to meet you, Tyler.” Duke said and then asked, “What’s your mom’s name?”
“Mom.” Tyler responded making Duke chuckle.
“My name is Natalie.” She replied with her own soft laugh.
“Yeah, Natalie.” Tyler confirmed. “Is this your truck?” He inquired next.
“Yep, it sure is.” Duke confirmed. He was liking how easy it was to talk to Tyler, way easier than talking to Tyler’s mom.
“It sure is big.” Tyler said trying to peer over the dash. Then, “Do you go sledding, Duke?”
“Sometimes,” Duke said with a small laugh. “But I stand up on my sled.”
“That’s not allowed.” Tyler reported, “You could get hurt.”
“That’s true.” Duke agreed, “Sometimes I do get hurt.”
The conversation continued on like this for another thirty minutes as Duke carefully drove through the ever increasing storm. Tyler, obviously tired, snuggled up against his mother and the cab fell quiet again.
“Thank you.” Natalie said, breaking the silence.
“Not a problem.” Duke responded, “I’m just glad you didn’t shoot me up there.” He grinned at her impulsively.
She smiled a little. It was a lovely smile.
“I couldn’t take any chances.” Natalie explained as she stroked her son’s hair. “He’s all I have.”
Duke wondered what she meant. He didn’t want to cross the boundaries of the social norm but he’d never been good at following those rules anyway.
“Where’s Tyler’s father?” Duke blurted. It sounded awful as it spilled out of him but he couldn’t take it back now. Maybe she would just shoot him after all.
“He died in Afghanistan three years ago.” She answered with a touch of regret in her voice.
“Army?” Duke asked.
“Marine,” Natalie corrected. That explained the Sig.
“I’m sorry,” was all Duke could think of to say.
“He was a good dad.” Natalie continued, “Tyler won’t ever remember him, but I’ve never seen a man love his child the way Mark loved Tyler.”
“So, it’s just you two against the world then.” Duke said as a statement more than a question.
“We do okay on our own.” Natalie's quietly defended.
“I have no doubt.” Duke agreed. “I’ve never had a gun pulled on me for offering to help with a tow.” He gave her a sideways grin.
“Sorry about that.” She attempted to apologize but Duke stopped her.
“Don’t you dare.” He said sternly. “More women should do exactly what you did.”
She turned her head to hide her smile but Duke saw it reflect on the window.
“So, you live around here?” She changed the subject and Duke let her.
“Yeah, I live in this ugly lodge up in the mountains.”
She chuckled at his description and he felt warmth creep into his cheeks. He liked making her laugh.
“So…” Duke didn’t want to come across as a creeper but he wanted to know if he should be aware of any other men in her life before he proceeded with his train of thought. “Do you have a boyfriend or fiancé or anything?”
“Ha!” Natalie laughed again. “That was real subtle.” She was smiling openly now.
“I’m not good with women.” Duke muttered, embarrassed at his actions. He knew he had just blown it.
“No.” Natalie snickered. “The answer to your question is no, there is no one like that in my life.” She looked down at her sleeping child. “I don’t have time for any of that. Most guys aren’t looking for a package deal anyhow.”
Duke considered her words, not totally sure what she meant. Guys didn’t like her because she came with a kid? That was shallow. And stupid.
“Why are you in Wyoming?” He decide to ask instead.
“We needed to get away and Tyler had never seen snow before. My dad owns a cabin in the mountains. I haven’t been up here since I was a little girl, I don’t even know if the cabin is livable.” She confessed at the end.
“Well, if you were looking for snow, you came to the right place.” Duke said, pulling into the parking lot of the best mechanic in town. “Who’s your dad?” He asked thoughtfully, he knew pretty much everyone in the area.
“Colonel Henry Clay.”
Duke whistled under his breath. “I know that cabin. That’s a sweet piece of property. Has he had anyone taking care of it?”
“I’m not sure,” Natalie responded. “Dad passed away last year and left the cabin to me. I thought now would be a good time to check it out.” She rolled her eyes at herself. “Smart, in the middle of winter.”
Duke had parked the Bronco and now he leaned back in his seat and rubbed his short beard thoughtfully.
“Well, it’s still early enough in the day. Let me go in and get Earl started on your car and then I’ll drive you up there and take a look over it myself.” He saw her hesitate and quickly added. “If you don’t mind, that is. I’m a pretty good handy-man.”
He saw her mind working swiftly. She was as smart as she was beautiful. If she thought he was still a threat she would turn him down, but Duke didn't see it going that way. Besides, if he tried anything, she could just shoot him.
“Thanks, Shawn.” She smiled, the warmth of it making Duke blush under his beard again, “I’d really appreciate that.”
Duke grinned and jumped out of the truck. He jogged into Earl’s, unable to hide his delight. No one had called him by his first name in a long time. He liked the way it sounded. It made his heart beat just a tad bit differently.
***
The rest of the European tour was a blur for Lenny, it went entirely too fast. In every city, Luke had something he wanted to share with her. He was excited and energetic, showing her all the little shops and non-touristy attractions that were his favorite. She giggled at his antics and thrill for the adventure.
They hardly spent any time with the other band members anymore, they were nearly always alone. Lenny couldn’t tell if it bothered the guys, they hadn’t said anything. She only half cared. The days were flying by and she wasn’t going to miss a single second with Luke.
Her attitude became one of passionate desperation. She absorbed every word, every smile, and every kiss. She tried to memorize the lines in his hands and how the calluses on his fingertips felt against her cheek when he would touch her face.
And before Lenny could be satisfied, the tour was done. They were on a plane bound Stateside, decompressing and relaxing. They talked of the successful shows, the fantastic reviews, the sold out performances. Carl was more at ease than Lenny had ever seen him. He pulled his ball cap down low over his eyes and fell fast asleep.
Ever diligent, Luke was already discussing the next album. Where should they record? Who should they go with for a producer? What kind of vibe should they try to capture? It was all very interesting and Lenny tried to keep up with as much of the lingo as she could. She had a pressing in her heart that she was trying to ignore. Luke still hadn’t talked about ‘them’ and she was afraid it was because he didn’t know how.
She could broach the subject. After all, it was on her mind. What if he changed? What if he shut down and pulled away and got cold? Lenny didn’t think she could bear it if Luke started to treat her differently. She felt foolish for feeling that way. She’d never been in love before, she had no idea what to do with it. Especially in circumstances like this, where her reality and her ideal were complete opposites.
She thought about telling Luke that she loved him. He hadn’t said it since his outburst at Ashton. That was okay because Lenny didn’t really want to have to say “I love you, too.” She just wanted to say it. Without requirement or expectation. So he would know there were no stipulations. She simply loved him. But the timing always seemed off, and she didn’t want it to come out forced or trite.
Of course, the next fear was that he didn’t feel the same. Based on the things he said, how he acted and treated her, Lenny knew in her heart he loved her. She’d known since the first moment they kissed. But rock stars fall in love all the time, she reminded herself. That’s how they make such great music.
***
Sway saw the small interaction between Lenny and Luke. It was subtle but perfect. The guys were thrilled with Lenny’s presence in their lives. They didn’t care that Luke had taken to spending every waking moment with her. She was good to him and he deserved that.
When Luke had told Sway he was planning on marrying the girl, Sway had been stunned at first. But as he considered their relationship, it fit. Sway had never been in love. Sure, he’d made a lot of what looked like love. But he’d never felt for one person the way Luke obviously felt for Lenny. And they hadn’t even slept together. It blew Sway’s mind. And yet, as he watched them together, it made perfect sense.
***
Harrison and Blake were arguing not so quietly about what they think should’ve happened on their favorite daytime soap opera. It kind of distracted Lenny from her fear of flying closer to good-bye. She quietly laughed at their antics and felt a lump rise in her throat. She would miss them. All of them. Not just Luke. She would miss Blake and Harrison's petty arguments and ridiculous capers. She would miss Sway asking her to help him with his flyaways and split ends. She would miss Mike’s dry humor and his ability to anticipate the next step. She would miss Carl’s crankiness and ranch foreman mentality.
Learn to Fly Page 28
