Song of the Red Rocks: Present

by Clay, Verna

  When she entered the office through an entry decorated with orange gingerbread trim, she immediately felt welcomed. A full-figured, salt-and-pepper haired woman stood behind the countertop and cheerily asked, "How can I help you, ma'am?" She smoothed a hand over her topknot and smiled warmly.

  Sunny couldn't help but return her smile. "I'm looking for a room for several days. I'm not exactly sure how long."

  The woman's smile widened and she tapped her chin. Her faded blue eyes twinkled. "Well, my daughter just finished cleaning the pink room. I think it will be perfect for you."

  Sunny had read somewhere that pink created a calming influence on criminals and the insane. She inwardly chuckled. Maybe the color was just what she needed. "I love pink. I'll take it."

  The proprietress stretched out her hand. "My name is Angelica. Welcome to Bell Rock Motel. I came to the area as a young girl with my mother and father, and never left. As soon as we saw the red rocks, we knew we were home."

  Sunny shook Angelica's hand and then the kindly woman handed her a form.

  Angelica said, "Just fill this out, show me your driver's license, and you're all set."

  Sunny reached into a pretty green vase filled with colorful plastic, flower-topped pens, answered the questions on the form, and reached into her wallet for her driver's license. Would she be recognized? Her license listed her as Sunny Jones—she'd reverted to her maiden name after her divorce—and the picture had been taken while she was purposely free of makeup and her black hair pulled tightly back. Angelica barely glanced at the photo before handing it back to her. Breathing a sigh of relief, Sunny returned it to her wallet and pulled out cash to pay for her room, but Angelica said, "No, dear. You can pay when you leave."

  The "pink" room turned out to be really pink—pink walls with fuchsia trim, frilly pink bedspread with frou-frou pillows in multiple shades of pink, white shower curtain with large pink and purple butterflies, pink telephone, and even a small round table painted pink with two chairs upholstered in a fabric of swirling rose shades. For some people the room would have been gaudy, but Sunny found it to be quite charming.

  After she unpacked her belongings into an antique cherry wood chest with an old television sitting atop it, she headed for the bathroom and the hot bubble bath she had promised herself. She did her best thinking while immersed in hot water. In fact, several of her hit songs had been written in that manner.

  She soaked and thought about cranky Mr. Jason Grant. Her attorney had previously told her the man had gone through a nasty divorce, but that was no excuse for his awful behavior. Into the room she said aloud, "That doesn't excuse you. I went through a nasty divorce myself, but I don't treat people like dirt." After she'd lambasted Mr. Grant in her mind, thinking of how she would tell him off the next time they met, she finally closed her eyes and relaxed.

  6: Friend and Guide

  The next day Sunny dressed and thought about her call with Adam the previous evening. After her bubble bath, she had searched real estate listings for property abutting Mr. Grant's land and, voila, there had been five acres with an expensive home built atop a hill that overlooked his property. Surveying the terrain using satellite view via the internet revealed that the house for sale was only about a mile from his property line—easy walking distance. She'd called her attorney on his personal line and he'd answered with, "I'm guessing you saw the property?"

  "I did and I want it yesterday. Contact the real estate agent and accept their asking price with the condition that they won't reveal my identity to anyone."

  "You do know that will only postpone the inevitable. Property records are open to the public."

  "I know, but at least it'll delay the tabloids for awhile, and since I changed my married name back to my maiden one, I won't be discovered immediately."

  "Okay, Sunny. I'm on it. And by the way, where are you staying?"

  "At the Bell Rock Motel. It's quaint and darling and seems more like a bed and breakfast. I've got the pink room."

  "Oh-kay. I'll call you tomorrow."

  She'd hung up feeling vindicated. So take that, Mr. Grant.

  Sunny's musings about the previous day were interrupted when her ringtone for Adam sounded.

  "Hi, Adam, what's up?"

  "Everything is a go. The sellers and realtor are more than happy to keep your identity under wraps. I also talked to the president of the title and escrow company and he assured me your secret is safe with them. And, he accelerated the closing date for two weeks."

  Sunny thanked Adam and disconnected.

  Since everything was moving smoothly she was now free to explore Sedona. Her internet research had been informative with incredible pictures, but photos could never do justice to the beauty surrounding her. Before leaving her room she took particular care in donning her disguise and smiled at her reflection in the tiny bathroom mirror. I don't even recognize myself.

  At the front desk, Angelica was checking in a new guest. She lifted her head and gave Sunny a brilliant smile before returning her attention to an elderly gentleman. He said, "Fifty-two years ago my wife and I spent our honeymoon here." His voice cracked and he quickly swiped a hand across his eyes. "She passed away last year."

  The kindly Angelica replied, "I'm sorry to hear that Mr. Parker, but I know you'll find comfort in revisiting your memories. My dear husband also went to his heavenly home before me and I know how you're feeling."

  Mr. Parker smiled at Angelica. "Thank you for speaking so honestly. Most folks offer condolences that make me feel worse."

  When the door closed behind the sorrowful man, Angelica said, "I gave him the green room. It seems to help the bereaved."

  Sunny thought about that and asked, "Why did you give me the pink room?"

  The lovely lady smiled widely. "I gave you the pink room because it calms distraught nerves."

  Sunny blinked. "You knew I was distraught?"

  The proprietress' sweet smile hinted at secrets. "Of course, dear." She tapped her heart. "I was born with the most amazing perception."

  Sunny frowned and couldn't resist asking. "Sooo…what else do you perceive about me?"

  Angelica's eyes twinkled. "Are you testing me?"

  Sunny nodded.

  "Well, dear girl, for one thing you're wearing a disguise. And for another, you have a beautiful singing voice."

  Sunny's mouth gaped. Then she thought a moment. "You could have looked my name up on the internet."

  "And discovered that you are Sunny Sundance instead of Sunny Jones?"

  Sunny waited for her to continue.

  Angelica said, "But I didn't. I just recognized my favorite singer…with a little help from my intuition."

  Sunny couldn't help but grin. She had met quite a few characters in her life, but no one quite like this lady.

  Angelica said, "If you'd like some recommendations on where to explore, I'd be happy to help out."

  Again, Sunny was astonished by the woman's perception. "I'd love that."

  Angelica circled the counter, but before she could speak, Sunny implored, "Please don't reveal my identity. I'm trying to stay out of the public eye. I really can't deal with reporters and photographers right now."

  The kind woman patted Sunny's hand. "I wouldn't think of it." She cocked her head and said, "If you want, I could go with you as your tour guide today."

  Normally, Sunny tended to be a loner, but the thought of this sweet lady accompanying her was appealing. Without hesitation she said, "I'd like that very much, but what about your motel?"

  "Oh, that's not a problem. I'll just ask my daughter to take over. She's cleaning the blue room right now." As soon as the words were uttered, a lovely black-haired woman with just a sprinkling of gray entered the office. She extended her hand. "Hello, I'm Mariah, Angelica's daughter.

  Immediately, Sunny liked the woman whose pretty blue eyes were so similar to her mother's. She replied, "It's a pleasure meeting you, Mariah. Please call me Sunny."

  Mariah asked,
"Are you enjoying the pink room? It's my favorite."

  Sunny grinned and glanced at Angelica, who winked at her. "I love it! It has such a calming influence."

  The women laughed and chatted a few minutes longer, and then Angelica and Sunny headed toward Sunny's car parked in front of her room. A wave of happiness washed over Sunny as she drove toward Sedona with her new friend. She said, "There's so much to see, maybe we can get together again."

  "It would be my pleasure, dear. You just name the day and I'll make arrangements with my daughter and granddaughter to cover for me."

  "I didn't realize your granddaughter also worked at the motel. It must be wonderful working with your family. Do you all live nearby?"

  "Yes. And it certainly is wonderful working together. We've always been very close."

  Sunny waited for her to say more, but when she didn't, Sunny said, "I've got some business to take care of with my attorney, but after I talk to him, I'll let you know when I'm free."

  While they drove Angelica said, "The Village of Oak Creek was called Big Park by the pioneers and it's only seven miles from Sedona."

  Sunny replied, "It's a lovely town with incredible views of the monoliths."

  A few minutes later, Angelica said, "If you turn on Chapel Road we can visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross first."

  They reached the turnoff and Sunny followed the road past beautiful homes to a parking lot atop a hill. From the parking lot, a circular ramp led upward to the chapel. As they walked up the ramp, Angelica said, "Back in the 1930s the chapel was envisioned by a local woman named Marguerite Brunswig Staude, who was a sculptor and rancher. At first she wanted to build the chapel in Budapest, but World War II ended that dream. Eventually, she decided to build in her own back yard, so to speak. The building opened in the mid 1950s."

  They reached the lovely chapel which amazingly jutted out of a mountain butte probably two hundred feet off the ground. It was as if Mother Earth had grown her own manmade structure. Sunny turned in a circle. Behind the chapel the red mountain continued upward and in front of it, sweeping views of Sedona's striated red mountains which encompassed a valley of lush greenery, stretched for miles. Above, the blue sky promised another glorious day.

  Sunny and Angelica stepped inside the edifice. Unexpectedly, Sunny felt like weeping, but not with sorrow. The feeling was something deep, something divine; as if human souls could touch the divine soul upon entering this holy place, if they wanted to.

  Angelica continued forward into the small chapel and sat on a front pew. Sunny brushed away a tear and surveyed the beautiful banners hanging on either side of the room, each emblazoned with loving words from Christ. She continued up the center aisle until she reached the pew behind Angelica. Her friend had bowed her head in prayer. Sunny sat behind her and moved her gaze to the hundreds of candles lighting both sides of the altar. She watched a young man light another one. Sunny also bowed her head and offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the woman whose inspiration and tenacity had created such an incredible place of worship. When she lifted her head, Angelica was no longer in front of her; she had moved to sit beside her. Sunny whispered, "I don't think I've ever felt so moved."

  Angelica patted her hand. "I know what you mean. This chapel transcends worries and cares, war and hatred, sorrow and loss. It's a comfort to anyone in need."

  Sunny pondered her words and replied, "You have just spoken what's in my heart."

  "Then your heart is very wise, Sunny, and it will guide you well."

  They stayed several minutes longer and then reluctantly left the Chapel.

  Angelica directed Sunny to their next stop, Schnebly Road. Pulling to the edge of the road, she parked and listened to her friend relate the history of the founding of Sedona. Although Sunny had already read web pages citing the history, Angelica was a fabulous storyteller and Sunny felt thrust back in time. Angelica said, "The town of Sedona was named after the wife of T. C. Schnebly in 1902. In 1901 he had purchased 80 acres and built a lovely home not far from what is now the tourist center. There was already a small settlement when Mr. Schnebly and family arrived, and, in fact, for a hundred years the land had been sparsely populated by families drawn to its beauty. But, in 1902, locals complained to T.C. that the mail service was too slow, so he filed an application to establish a post office. There was a glitch, however, when the government said the name chosen for the post office, Schnebly Station, wouldn't fit on the cancellation stamp. That's when he decided to name the station Sedona."

  Sunny said, "Sometimes I try to imagine what it would have been like to live here before there was a town."

  "It was very isolated and wild and…" Angelica's voice faded and Sunny glanced at her. Her friend shrugged and said, "Why don't we get a bite to eat? There's a wonderful bakery not far from here that serves soup, sandwiches, and pasta." She winked. "And the best pastries I've ever tasted."

  Sunny's stomach growled. "Lunch is on me. Let's go."

  The bakery was located in a mall near the tourist center and a multitude of businesses, ranging from art and photography studios to jewelry and clothing shops, invited visitors to wander and spend money. There were even informative plaques citing the history of the area displayed throughout the complex.

  Angelica pointed and said, "There's a Starbucks in that direction—a wonderful innovation."

  Sunny laughed. "I absolutely agree."

  "But the bakery is this way."

  A few steps farther and they entered a restaurant with outstanding views of red rocks jutting thousands of feet above the ground. The wonderful smell of freshly baked bread greeted them and Sunny couldn't remember the last time she'd eaten out anonymously with a girlfriend. It was thrilling to be an unknown person. For years her world had revolved around her career. Business lunches with attorneys or journalists; her manager or publicist, had become the norm. But now, lunching with Angelica, completely unknown, was the closest thing to fun she had experienced in a long, long time.

  They chose to eat on the patio and when the waiter delivered their food, Sunny knew this restaurant would become one of her favorites. After a few bites of delicious penne pasta with freshly baked Italian bread, Sunny chanced a question. "Angelica, you said you've lived in the area since you were a child, where did you live before moving here?"

  Her friend smiled, swallowed a bite of sandwich, and replied, "Mostly in Ireland and then on the East Coast of America."

  Sunny's eyes widened slightly. "That sounds exciting."

  Angelica's smile now hinted of secrets. "It was." She didn't elaborate, which Sunny thought odd. Instead, she pointed out the window and said, "That's Snoopy Rock."

  After lunch, Sunny followed her friend's directions and drove to West Sedona. She laughed when Angelica pointed to a McDonald's with teal arches.

  Sunny asked, "Why aren't they yellow?"

  "Because city regulations require businesses to use colors that complement the naturalness of Sedona. I guess golden arches aren't considered natural." She grinned. "Anyway, the teal ones have become quite the tourist attraction."

  Sunny continued driving westward until they reached the outskirts of town. She thought about Dr. Matthews' journal and the places he'd written about. "Have you ever been to Montezuma's Well or Montezuma's Castle?"

  "Yes, many times. I absolutely adore those places. We can go there another time, if you'd like?"

  "I'd love to. Also, Fort Verde. That is if you have the time."

  Angelica laughed. "My dear, time is the only thing everyone has in common."

  Sunny smiled sheepishly. "I suppose I'm acting silly, but I've been pursuing my career for so long I've forgotten what it's like to roam free."

  Although Angelica didn't respond, the look she cast Sunny was ripe with compassion. Again, Sunny found herself confused by Angelica. For all outward appearances she seemed to be a sweet grandmother happily managing a motel, and yet there was something puzzling about her. Sunny said, "Angelica, you're a mystery."

&n
bsp; Angelica laughed loudly and made a strange remark. "Perhaps someday I'll reveal my story."

  7: Bad News

  Jason returned from grocery shopping and noticed that the FOR SALE sign at the entrance to the Eversley property now had a large "sold" banner across it. He suddenly had a bad feeling. The property had been overpriced and on the market for nearly two years. His real estate agent confided that the owners had received fair offers, but remained firm on their asking price.

  As soon as he entered his house, he dumped his bag of groceries on the kitchen counter and scrolled through the contacts on his iPhone for a phone number. His realtor answered on the first ring. "Hello, Sedona and Village of Oak Creek Real Estate, this is Candice Weatherton. How may I help you?"

  The babyish voice of Candice had always grated on Jason's nerves, but she was a mover and a shaker in the world of property sales. "Hi Candice. Jason Grant here."

  "Well, heelllooo," she cooed. "Long time no hear. Are you looking to buy another property? We could talk over dinner. I've just discovered this awesome restaurant and–"

  Jason ground his jaw but kept his voice light. "I'm not ready to purchase anything yet, but you'll be the first to know when I am." Before she could continue cooing in her baby voice, he said, "I noticed the Eversley property has been sold. Can you tell me who bought it?"

  Candice suddenly became all business. "No. I can't. I was curious myself so I called the title company but they wouldn't disclose anything, which is strange."

  Jason inhaled long and deep. His bad feeling had just gotten worse. He thanked Candice and hastily, but politely, ended the call before she could continue flirting with him.

  Two weeks later, the FOR SALE sign was gone and Jason debated whether to drive up the long entrance to the top of the hill to see if his new neighbor had moved in, but something kept him from doing so. Maybe it was pride. If his neighbor was Sunny Sundance, he didn't want to see gloating in her eyes.