by Elisa Leigh
My next stop is the fire department. I’ve been going by here and the police department once a week for a couple months with something sweet to show my appreciation for all they do.
“Abby is here.” Two of the guys yell from the firetruck they are washing, letting the other guys know.
Ben, one of the two men, opens my door. “Hey, Abby. I was hoping you’d be stopping by today. I’ve missed you.” He says warmly and kisses me on my cheek.
I try and laugh it off, but he makes me feel weird. “You mean you’ve missed my treats?”
He winks and helps me carry in the boxes I have for them.
“I think I’ve been in withdrawals, Abby. One whole week without your apple turnovers is a week too long.” One of the other guys tells me clutching his stomach.
“You are all a bunch of big babies, you know that?” I say doing my best to look stern. I fail epically though when they immediately stiffen up and start flexing their muscles. I can’t help but laugh at these man-children.
“What are these knuckleheads up to now Ms. Abby?” Fire Chief Warren asks in a surly tone. He doesn’t fool me one bit, I see how he is with his wife when they are out around town. He’s got a hard shell and an ooey-gooey inside. Just the kind of man I picture myself with some day. Sounds a lot like Leland. I push that thought straight out of my head. He isn’t interested in anything to do with me, except my recipe that is. The whole thing sounds stupid.
“They are fine Chief Warren. Boys being boys I suppose. Anyway, how are you and Ms. Darla?”
He gets a sappy look on his face. “My Darla is doing just fine. You should go visit her sometime at her pottery shop, she’d love to see you.”
“I might go do that. Now I’m going to get out of here, but you boys take care. Make sure you leave at least one cinnamon roll for the chief here.” I tell them all sternly before walking back to my car.
“Wait up Abby,” Ben says approaching me quickly. I pretend not to hear him and keep walking, but he catches up to me. We walk in silence until we get to my car. I try and open my door, but he closes it before I can get in, so I am unable to open the door. “I thought we could grab dinner this weekend. I know this great Portuguese restaurant about a half hour from here.”
Ben might be a decent looking guy, but he has called and texted me several times, asking me out. I don’t know how he even got my number. I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something off about him. “I’m sorry Ben, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I say worried I might upset him.
His demeanor completely changes, and I watch as he tries to get himself together but fails. “Do you already have plans?” He asks, sounding angry.
How do I put this, so he doesn’t get even more upset? “I just don’t see you and I together like that. Ben, I’m not the girl for you. I don’t want to lead you to believe we could be anything more than just friends. Please stop calling and texting me.”
His frown deepens. “Is there something wrong with me? Am I not rich enough for you or something?”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask, getting a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Ben places his arms on either side of me, caging me in against my car. “People talk Abby. I figured you were too shy to go out with me, but that isn’t the case is it?” He leans down, his face a couple inches from mine and whispers. “When I heard someone else was interested and going after what I wanted, I knew I needed to make my move. I won’t be getting sloppy seconds. You’re mine Abby, you just don’t know it yet.”
I need to get the heck out of here, now. “I literally have no idea what you are talking about. I think it best you leave.” I say, doing my best to be strong when I feel anything but.
“Yo, Ben?” The guy that was with him earlier hollers from the truck.
“This isn’t fucking over Abby.” Ben sneers and walks away, kicking a trash can that he passes. That just went from like zero to one hundred, super freaking fast. I hop in my car and pull out of the firehouse, needing to get away. I’m so pissed I drive for hours, replaying everything that he said. I end up driving out of town and through the country roads.
I’m in the middle of singing with RaeLynn about what Queens Don’t do when my car begins to slow down rapidly. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. What is happening? I pull to the side of the road, worried my car is going to finally bite the big one. Yeah, I’m out of gas. How did I not realize I was out of gas?
Of course, when I was having a wonderful day, this would follow that uncomfortable encounter with Ben. It doesn’t help that the sun is about to go down and my cell phone battery is almost dead. Of course, it is. I lean my head against my horn, and it honks long and loud. That felt good! I sit up and push against my horn again, this time screaming out my frustration. It’s loud and obnoxious. There’s this peace that settles over me. I keep honking until someone knocks on my window and scares the crap out of me.
Four
Leland
Every day I go into Hal’s is the same. I’ve managed to get to Hal’s before she has, which is a miracle seeing as how I live over twenty minutes from town and she usually gets there by six-thirty. I even sit at the counter waiting for Abigail to come in. I try talking to her, but she doesn’t give me more than one-word answers. I can’t even eat my cinnamon roll because Layla refuses to sell me one. I should just chalk it up to a lesson learned, but I can’t. For the first time I’ve found someone worth fighting to keep.
I’m on my way back from picking up some feed for the chickens when I see a car parked on the side of the road. I pull up behind the vehicle to see if I can help them. That’s when I notice it’s Abigail’s car. Not only is it her car, but she’s in there, blasting her horn and yelling for all she’s worth. She doesn’t even notice when I walk up. I stand there for a few seconds before I knock on her window to get her attention and end up scaring the shit out of her.
She rolls the window down with the crank on the door, God her car is old. “Hello, Leland.” She huffs, clutching her chest.
“What’s going on Abigail? You alright?” I ask leaning my forearms on her door.
She mumbles something, but I can’t hear what she has to say. “What was that?” I say laughing at how cute she is.
“Don’t laugh at me!”
“I’m sorry beautiful, you just looked so cute. I really didn’t hear what you said.”
“I ran out of gas.”
“Did you call for help, a tow, something?”
She shakes her head no. “I can’t afford a tow, and my phone is about to die. I sent Layla a text message, but she’s working so she probably won’t get it for a while. I didn’t want to waste whatever battery I had left on a phone call when chances are the phone would have died.”
I stop laughing as I listen to her, more than aware what could have happened if I hadn’t come along tonight and she didn’t get any help. I push away from the car and stand straight. “So, what was your plan, just wait for her to text you back? Abigail that could have taken hours!” I shout at her.
She steps out of her car and stands toe to toe with me. “You don’t think I know that? What else would you have me do? I was trying to be smart with the resources I had.”
“You could have gotten hurt.” I say gently, rubbing the pad of my thumb across her cheek. I love the feel of her soft skin against mine. She sinks into my touch as if it’s second nature to her.
“I would have managed. That’s what I do Leland. It’s what I’ve always done.” She whispers. Her fight is dwindling, the walls around her stubborn heart dropping.
“My ranch is right up the road. I’m going to get some gas, so you can make it back to town.”
She looks down at her feet and lets out a large sigh, her shoulders slumping. It kills me to see her this way. Taking a breath, she looks up with a tired smile on her face. “Thank you, Leland. I would really appreciate that.”
I nod and step back as she opens her car door and sits back down ready to close it aga
in. “I am not leaving you out here in the dark, Beautiful. Get your shit, and let’s go.” Staring at me for a minute, as if she’s weighing her options, she eventually rolls up her window and grabs her things. I lead her to the passenger side of my truck. When I open the door, she stares up at it and snorts, then turns to me. “That’s not happening cowboy. How do you think I’m going to make it up there?”
I lift her up, and she squeals until I place her into the seat and pull the seat belt out for her, buckling her in. I laugh at her sour face and crossed arms. “There wasn’t another way beautiful. I had to do it.”
I drive in silence for the few minutes it takes to get back to the ranch. The sun has fully set, and everyone has gone home, except for the hands that live on property. Walking in the door, the scent of pot roast hits us. “That smells incredible.” She moans clutching at her stomach. “Give me your phone, and I’ll charge it.” I tell her holding out my hand. “Can I get you some water, or maybe something stronger?”
“Do you have a Coke?” She asks, handing me her phone.
“I’ll see what we have.”
“Which way is your bathroom?” She asks, fidgeting with her hands at her sides.
“This way Beautiful.” I grab her hand, lacing my fingers with hers. I’m surprised when she doesn’t pull away but holds my hand back. There isn’t some zap of electricity, but more of an awareness that I’m holding the most precious creature in my universe. The moment our hands touch a purpose takes root inside me. This is the woman I am meant to spend the rest of my life with. She’ll be signing my last name and holding our babies. She’s everything and starting now I’m going to make sure she feels the same way. I lead her to the bathroom and place a kiss on top of her head, leaving her to do her business.
Instead of gassing up her car myself, I text one of my ranch hands to see if he wouldn’t mind doing it for me. I’m somewhat surprised when he agrees so quickly. Sam is onto something. These are good men, and I need to treat them that way.
I plug her phone in to charge and busy myself plating our dinner. When she comes into the kitchen, she looks at the plates and back at me. “I figured you might be hungry. Would you like to share a meal with me?”
“Leland, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I really appreciate you helping me out, but I think it’s time that I go.”
“Come on Beautiful, I’ve already made our plates. We’ll eat, and by the time we’re done your car should be ready to go. Just give me thirty minutes. I promise not to ask you to give up your secrets.” I’m essentially on my knees begging this woman for another chance. For Abigail, I’ll stay down here ‘til she’s ready.
“Did you find me a Coke?” She asks, and I can tell the fight in her is waning.
I grin and hold up the can. “I wasn't sure how you took it. Would you like it with ice?”
“Yes please.”
“Could you grab our plates and bring them to the table and I’ll get you a glass?”
She nods and does as I ask. When I place her drink down as well as a basket of freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven, she inhales and moans again, a smile gracing her beautiful face. I sit down across from her.
“When did you have time to make all of this?” Abigail asks gesturing toward the table.
“Oh, I didn’t do this. Are you kidding? I can barely fry an egg. Donna did all of this. I would probably be living off hot dogs and boxed macaroni and cheese if it weren’t for her.”
“Who’s Donna?”
Is that a hint of jealousy I hear? “She’s, well I’m not sure what you would call her. She cleans my house, cooks for me, does the grocery shopping. She’s my house manager, I guess for a lack of a better word.”
Five
Abigail
“Well, she makes a mean pot roast. This is so good, almost as good as my Nana made it. Makes me miss her.”
“When did she pass?”
“A few years ago. She raised me, so it was more than just losing a grandparent.”
“That’s what it was like for me when my Granddad passed away several years ago. He raised me when my mom couldn’t.”
I reach out across the table and grab his hand in mine. “I’m sorry for your loss Leland. I know it’s hard.” When I go to pull back, he holds onto my hand, stroking my knuckles with his thumb.
“Thank you Beautiful.”
Why does he keep calling me that? I just need to get out of here before I do something stupid and start hoping for things that won’t happen. I focus on eating the amazing meal his Donna prepared for him. I know there’s probably nothing going on between them, but it still burns to know there’s a woman taking care of him. Why the hell do I care? Because he’s the kind of man, I always pictured myself falling for.
Besides how handsome he is, his commanding personality and take-charge attitude is a huge turn on. At first, it pissed me off because I thought he was a jerk, but the more time I spend with him, the more I realize that’s who he is. He owns a ranch, he has to be in charge of everything, I doubt he can just turn it off. He’s been persistent all week, trying to get me to talk to him, helping me carry in my delivery to the diner. God, what am I doing? Am I talking myself in or out of falling for the guy?
“What were you doing all the way out here this late in the day?”
“I feel kind of stupid. I got upset over something that happened earlier, so I drove off needing time to clear my head. I lost track of time and wasn’t paying attention to my gas gauge. I was so caught up in my head I didn’t realize I needed gas until my car just slowed down. I was aware enough to get it pulled over, and out of the way of traffic, so I’m thankful for that.”
“Not to scare you, but I’d be more worried about wildlife than oncoming vehicles. These roads are pretty quiet, especially late in the day and into the night.”
My phone rings, interrupting our conversation. I get up and see that someone is calling me from a local number I don’t recognize.
“Hello?”
“Abby, it’s Hal. Where are you?” He asks, sounding concerned.
“I’m at Leland Kennison’s place. I ran out of gas near his ranch, and he saw me on the side of the road. Hal what is wrong, you sound upset.”
“Abby, I need you to go home. Something has happened. Hand the phone to Leland.” The hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“What’s going on Hal? I’m a big girl, just tell-”
“Honey hand the phone to Leland. Listen to the old timer.”
I do as he says and hand the phone to Leland who is already standing beside me.
“Hello. You’re fucking kidding me. Shit, okay. Yeah, we’ll be there in about twenty minutes. Hey, Hal, thanks for letting us know man. I will.” He says before hanging up and putting my phone in his pocket.
“What’s going on Leland? And give me back my phone.”
“Beautiful, we need to get you to your house. Come on.”
I stand my ground, placing my hands on my hips and square off with the tough cowboy. “Leland, stop. Tell me what is going on before I freak out and think the worst.”
He walks to me and looks me in my eyes. “There was a fire at your apartment. They don’t know much yet, but they are close to getting it put out.”
“You’re not kidding, are you?” I ask, my lip trembling, imagining the worst-case scenario.
“I wish I were Abigail, God I wish this were some sick joke. We need to get to town and see what the damage is.”
He grabs my hand, and I let him lead me out of his house and back to his truck. I see my car parked next to his truck and I wonder how he got it here. The thought is fleeting though, I need to get home. I don’t even mind when he sets me in the passenger seat of his jacked-up truck and buckles my seat belt for me, again without asking me first.
I’m in a daze while he drives, thinking about Mrs. Scott, the woman who let me rent the studio above her garage. Is this somehow my fault? Did I leave the oven on? I don’t think so. I’m diligent about
making sure everything is turned off because I can’t afford that high of an electric bill. I focus on Leland who looks tense beside me, his hands gripping the steering wheel, his eyes focused on the road.
“Are you okay?” He finally asks after long minutes of silence.
I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know. There are too many unanswered questions. The most important one being if I have a home to go back to tonight, or if it’s completely gone.”
“No, what’s most important is that you weren’t there when it happened. There’s no getting another you.” He growls, his hand reaching over and squeezing mine tight.
I smile at him, happy to have his strength by my side. “You’re right. Thanks for driving me, Leland.”
“Like I’d let you go by yourself.” He scoffs, more to himself than to me, making me giggle.
Although something terrible has happened, it’s not the first time I’ve had to deal with a difficult situation. This is life, and I’m sure it won’t be the last time I’m in the path of hardship. It is the first time that I’ve had someone to lean on, someone strong enough to shoulder some of this and I have to say, it feels good.
We get to the intersection where I turn to go home, but we are unable to pass to drive down my street and get to my apartment. The police have the road blocked off, so Leland parks his truck on the side of the road. There are so many emergency vehicles surrounding the house and lining the street that I can’t even see around them to know what’s going on. I’m about to hop out when he squeezes my thigh and tells me to wait.
Leland walks around and opens my door, but when I turn to hop out, he slides between my thighs, resting his hands on my shoulders. “Look at me, Abigail. Whatever we see here tonight I need you to know that everything is going to be okay. Maybe not right now, but eventually. You need to know I see you. I see how hard you work and the obstacles you’ve had to get through. I’ve seen your will to be a person you are proud of. I have no doubt you will overcome this. You need to know, I’m going to be standing right beside you while you do it.”
