Long Shot

by D. Jackson Leigh

  “Only one person ever called me that.” MG’s voice was low and soft. Tory waited patiently, watching a mixture of emotions play across her aunt’s expressive face in the morning sunlight. “We were so young. Lori was so pretty. I wanted to spend every minute with her. Just thinking about her made my heart sing. We’d meet at a pond on the back part of her daddy’s property every day. I’d fish and she’d talk. God, that woman could talk the paint off the side of a barn.”

  MG smiled. “She loved flowers. I’d walk for hours, picking wildflowers for her.” She chuckled. “One night, I even snuck into Mrs. Henderson’s yard and cut every single rose off her prized bush and gave them to Lori the next day at the pond. The grocery-store crowd buzzed for weeks about whatever could have happened to Mrs. Henderson’s roses. But Lori never told anyone.”

  She fell silent, clearly gathering those memories like the flowers and holding them close.

  “You were in love,” Tory prodded.

  MG nodded. “At first, we didn’t know what it was. Then, one day, I borrowed Papa’s old truck and we drove to the shore. We spent the day walking on the beach, enjoying the sun, wading in the surf. When we sat on an outcropping of rocks, I took a chance and kissed her.” MG shook her head. “It was the sweetest kiss I’ve ever experienced. Even after all these years, and a long list of women since.”

  Tory flashed back to Chincoteague, Leah in her arms, their lips caressing, tongues dancing. “What did she do?”

  “She kissed me back. We were both scared to death when we finally realized what it was between us.” MG looked back at Tory. “You have to understand that we didn’t know there were other women like us. But even though we were terrified, we couldn’t stop those feelings once we unleashed them. We declared our love for each other that day and continued to meet at the pond. Once, I took her dancing at this little roadside diner out on the highway. I think it’s still there. The sign said Edwina’s Place, even though neither of the women who owned it was named Edwina. Anyway, after the supper hour each night, they locked the front door and opened the back door and it became a private women’s bar. We danced our shoes off that night. Lori got grounded for two weeks because we got in so late, and I got a whipping from Papa. But it was worth it to us.”

  Her eyes watery again, MG blinked and a single tear trailed down the side of her face. “We were so naïve and scared that it took months of kissing and fumbling before we finally made love on a blanket beside the pond. We were still lying there naked, wrapped in each other’s arms, when we heard Lori’s mother coming down the trail, calling her. We didn’t have time to get dressed, so we jumped in the pond just as she showed up. She was appalled that we were naked in broad daylight and ordered Lori to the house. I always wondered if her mother didn’t realize there was more than skinny-dipping going on.”

  She wiped the tear away and cleared her throat. “I went back to the pond every day for the next three weeks, but Lori never came again. I finally worked up the nerve and went to her house one afternoon. I could hear Lori arguing with her mother. I almost left right then, but knocked on the door before I knew what I was doing. Lori came to the door and stepped out onto the porch. Her eyes were red. She had been crying. I asked her to come to the pond with me so we could talk, but she refused. She told me she was going to marry Earl Montgomery the next month and couldn’t go fishing anymore. I was devastated. I hung around until the day of the wedding and stood across the street from the church. When she arrived, she got out of the car and looked right at me. Then she walked into the church, and I drove to the bus station. I bought a ticket to Richmond where I signed up for the army.”

  “Her granddaughter is the friend who went to Chincoteague with me,” Tory said. “Mrs. Montgomery still lives in Cherokee Falls, you know.”

  “I know exactly where she lives. I always have. I know how many kids she had, when her parents died, and where she goes to church.”

  “Then you’re aware that Earl Montgomery died some years ago. Haven’t you wanted to contact her?”

  MG looked up, her gaze strong and steady. “Every day of my life since the moment I saw her walk into that church.”

  “Then why haven’t you?” Tory asked, puzzled.

  “She probably doesn’t even remember me.”

  “She does. I can bring her here.”

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  MG struggled to her feet and used her cane to hobble toward the window, then changed her mind and abruptly limped back. Her voice was hard. “Look at me. She remembers a strong, athletic nineteen-year-old. I’m an old cripple now. I’ve got more artificial joints in me than real ones. Some days, I can’t get out of bed, much less shower and dress without help.” She held up her hands. “Do you think she’d want these gnarled old paws to touch her?”

  “She’s not young either, MG. Her body is healthy, but her mind is going.”

  MG’s brow wrinkled with concern. “Alzheimer’s?”

  “Dementia. She bounces from the past to the present so fast it makes your head spin. She’s been calling me ‘Willie’ for a month. It wasn’t until she showed me a picture of you two that I realized why. You’re one of the few memories she’s managed to cling to. Don’t you think that says something about how she still feels about you?”

  MG shifted her feet, obviously wavering.

  “She needs you, MG. She needs Greyson Estates. Her mind has gotten too bad for her to live alone any longer. Her granddaughter, Leah, is staying with her temporarily while she searches for a facility where she’s sure her grandmother can be happy and well cared for.”

  “What if she doesn’t recognize me, Tory?”

  “Whether she realizes who you are or not, you’ll know that she’s living out her last years comfortable and safe.”

  MG nodded and returned to her seat. “Getting old is hell. Yes. Okay. You’re right. It’d kill me to think she was alone in one of those places that would lock her in her room for twenty-four hours a day or let her wander off and get hurt.”

  “Excellent. I’ll talk to Leah about coming out to see the facility.”

  The decision made, MG was eager to hear more. “Now tell me how you met Lori, and everything about this granddaughter who obviously has your attention.”

  Tory laughed. “Well, it all started with a foundered pony and a wounded leprechaun.”

  Chapter Twenty

  When Margaret came by and offered to take Gram with her to the beauty shop for a trim and fresh gossip, Leah gratefully accepted so she could have some time for herself. The trouble was, now that she had that time, what would she do with it?

  Her first impulse was to call Tory. She missed those green eyes, her smile, that long, beautiful body. She had indulged herself several times lately by opening up the photo of Tory on the Chincoteague ferry and staring at it. But she was a little miffed that Tory hadn’t called about when they could go out to her aunt’s care facility. So she decided to visit Long Shot instead.

  When she parked next to Creek Barn, she waved at Jessica, who was schooling a group of youngsters in the outdoor ring, then headed toward one of the two pastures located behind the barn where she could see Long Shot alone next to the fence.

  The little mare had been dozing in the sun, but pricked her ears forward as Leah approached and stopped at the fence a few feet away. “Hey, girl, how’s it going here for you? I see you’re in the big pasture now. How come you’re not hanging out with the rest of the horses?”

  “I’m afraid she doesn’t get along with the young bully who’s been boss mare in this pasture since Summer has been in the paddock recuperating from an injury.”

  Leah wheeled to find Skyler standing behind her, Oakley sunglasses temporarily slipped down her nose while she typed a quick text message on her cell phone. “Jess texted me that you were here.” She clicked the cell phone shut and slid the sunglasses up to cover her eyes again. “She’s picked that up from the kids and drives me crazy sometimes sending messages.�
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  Leah liked Skyler. She was an interesting mixture of intimidation and charm, a big, sexy prowling puma that Jessica had turned into a purring pussycat. It was so cute.

  She considered for a moment what type of animal Tory brought to mind. A German shepherd, perhaps. That’s it. A sleek, handsome guard dog. She certainly had Skyler’s same physical presence, but instead of giving off an aura of danger, Tory made her feel safe and protected.

  Leah shook off her thoughts. “I had a moment and dropped by to see how Long Shot’s doing.”

  “Haven’t you talked to Tory?”

  Leah scowled at the reminder that Tory hadn’t called and shaded her eyes against the sun as she gazed up at Skyler. “Not for about a week. I guess she’s been busy.”

  Skyler shifted to stand with her back against the fence so Leah could turn away from the sun. “Yeah, she came out the other day to check on Summer, and she was really backed up with work.”

  “She accepts too many appointments. She needs to grow a little backbone and learn to say no.” Leah was surprised at the irritation in her own voice. But, damn it, a week had gone by without even an e-mail. She had thought they parted on good terms for the first time.

  Skyler nodded, appearing to carefully consider what Leah had said. “That may be true. On the other hand, she didn’t have any trouble saying no last week to that artist who wanted to ride with her over to your place.”

  “What artist?”

  “The same one Tory brought to the cookout. You didn’t meet her? Looks sort of like that actress, Amy Irving. Dark blond hair. Real pretty. She made some great sketches of Tory and Long Shot.”

  “Tory brought her by to see Long Shot?” She didn’t like the idea of sharing their horse with some artist woman.

  Skyler nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, she did. I think the artist has her eye on my buddy.”

  Leah propped her elbows on the fence. She was beginning to catch on to Skyler’s not-too-subtle game. “You don’t say?”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty obvious. I don’t know that Tory is all that interested, though.”

  Leah could easily see where Skyler was leading, but she couldn’t stop herself. “Why do you say that?”

  “Seems she’s hung up on some Texas firecracker who can’t see what a prize she’s passing up. She’s just going to get her heart broken.”

  It irritated Leah that Skyler thought she was using Tory. “Like you and Jessica hurt her?”

  Skyler pulled her sunglasses down her nose again, her eyes as dark as a thundercloud. “Tory’s one of the few really good people in this world, Leah. But she’s had too much pain in her life. Yes. I’ve been personally responsible for some of it, but I don’t want my best friend to hurt anymore.”

  The hair on the back of Leah’s neck bristled. The dangerous puma was back, her growl a soft but unmistakable warning. She looked away, fixing her gaze on Long Shot. It was obvious that Tory had confided to Skyler about what went on at Chincoteague. That meant Jessica knew, too. Damn it. She had to finish this business with Gram and get the hell out of town.

  “Tory and I are just friends. I haven’t even talked to her but once since we got back from Chincoteague,” she said. “I’ve been expecting her to call because she was going to take me out to look at her aunt’s facility for Gram.”

  Skyler slid her sunglasses back in place and nodded. “I’m guessing that you’re taking off as soon as your grandmother is situated?”

  Leah looked back at Skyler. Was that it? Was that why Tory hadn’t called? She didn’t want to seal the deal that would mean Leah could leave? She pushed down the joy that sprang unbidden from her heart. Damn it. She needed to go before she got in deeper.

  “Yes, I’m leaving,” she said. “I care about Tory, but I can’t stay here. I’m just a few steps away from the story I’ve been working toward for the past ten years. You know what that’s like, don’t you? Did you let anything get in your way when you won your gold medal?”

  Skyler stepped away from the fence and straightened to her full, intimidating height. Leah could see her own reflection in the Oakleys as Skyler gazed down at her, a slow smile spreading across her handsome face.

  “You think that medal is the grand prize in my life? You are so wrong. I wake up every morning and wrap my arms around the one single accomplishment that makes my life worth living. I’d give up a hundred gold medals to keep Jess in my life.”

  Skyler turned and began to walk away without waiting for a response. Suddenly, she stopped and turned back to Leah. “Oh, I almost forgot. Tory says Long Shot is pregnant. She’s not happy about it, but it’s too far along to stop.”

  Having delivered her messages, she intercepted Jessica, who was heading their way, and pulled her toward the barn.

  “I was just coming to see Leah,” Jessica protested as Skyler guided her into the barn office.

  “I think she needs some alone time to mull things over,” Skyler said, flopping down onto the old leather couch and pulling Jessica with her.

  “Alone time?”

  Skyler nodded. “But I could use some together time. You can sit right here and give me a kiss of appreciation.”

  Jessica promptly tucked herself against Skyler’s side and kissed her soundly. When she pulled back, she stroked Skyler’s smooth cheek. “Do I get to ask what I’m rewarding you for, other than being the sexiest thing in riding breeches and handy around the farm?”

  Skyler was smug. “I just took care of that sensitive talk you were planning to have with your friend out there.”

  “You had a sensitive talk? With Leah?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “About Tory?”

  “Yep.”

  Jessica looked doubtful, like she wanted to bolt back outside to administer emergency damage control. “How’d it go?”

  “I surprised myself. You should be proud of me. You should kiss me again.”

  Jessica laughed. “A kiss is all you want?”

  “Just until the kids clear out for the day. Then you’ve got some serious thanking to do.”

  *

  Long Shot was pregnant. Leah’s mind whirled around this new information. Weren’t foals born in the spring rather than the fall? She’d have to Google that. What were the chances that Long Shot’s baby would have a club foot or, worse, be horribly crippled? She’d look that up, too.

  Damn it. Why didn’t Tory call and tell her? She could have answered all Leah’s questions. Was she too busy with that artist to even make a phone call? She felt kind of sick at the thought.

  Leah slipped through the gate and stood just inside the fence. She and Long Shot stared at each other for a long moment, then the little mare surprised her by walking over and standing next to her.

  Long Shot’s musky horse smell was a comforting reminder of the simpler days of her childhood when she and Nighty explored winding trails on endless summer afternoons. She loved that smell. Leah reached out a tentative hand and scratched Long Shot’s withers, the same spot another horse would nibble to convey affection. Long Shot dropped her head to rub her forehead against Leah’s knee, and the bond was complete.

  They were a pair. Two wild, independent hearts that somehow had become lost.

  With a foal on the way, Long Shot knew she wanted the security of a herd, but still she resisted. Likewise, Leah honestly didn’t know anymore what she wanted. She had thought she knew. That is, until she met Tory. You think that medal is the grand prize in my life? Was she resisting, too?

  Sometimes all you need to find peace is to feel another heart beating along with yours. Leah shook her head. She had slept next to more than a few women and never felt that way. Beating along with yours. Except when she had lain in Tory’s arms, sated and safe, like all of her was in one place for the first time.

  No. That wasn’t in her plan. Tory had the artist. Stick to the plan. Find Gram a home. Find a new job. Get the hell out of Cherokee fucking Falls.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  “Wow
. This place looks like something you’d see in a movie. I had no idea these existed in Cherokee Falls. Being an art teacher must pay really well.”

  When Bridgette called to offer dinner on Friday night at her newly acquired home, Tory readily accepted.

  She had expected one of the small houses being renovated near the college campus or a quaint apartment in a subdivided Victorian mansion downtown. She had not anticipated this roomy loft unit, carved into the corner of a former tobacco warehouse.

  The walls were mostly brick with burnished wood beams and an occasional exposed water pipe or electrical conduit suspended sixteen feet overhead. A huge bedroom and master bath were delineated by eight-foot-tall, smoky-glass-cube walls. Windows, framed in wood that still smelled faintly of curing tobacco, reached almost from floor to ceiling to illuminate the interior in natural daylight.

  “It has a mortgage, not a lease,” Bridgette explained. “Well, at least it will. I’m renting it this month until we can get the paperwork together to close the mortgage. I was storing my furniture with a moving company here, so they delivered it right away and Cheryl had me unpacked in almost a day.”

  “Huh. I wondered how you moved in so fast. You know, I’ve never really understood the concept of buying an apartment. How can you buy something when you don’t own the land under it?”

  Bridgette took the box of Chinese takeout Tory held and moved over to the kitchen area. “Think of it like a thirty-year lease where the monthly payment can’t go up.”

  “That makes sense. Also, you get to deduct the interest on your taxes.”

  “Exactly.”

  “But when you rent, you can just load up your stuff and hit the road. A mortgage means you have to find a buyer or keep making the payments.”