"Not everyone can find love right out of the gate like you and Ray."
She blushed. “He and I were high school sweethearts. It's as simple as that."
I wished I could believe love could find me that easy. Living for fifty-two years had taught me something—you're either lucky in love or you aren't. I learned a long time ago that I wasn't.” I grimaced. “Thanks, Gloria.” I picked up the baskets and headed for my car, making a decision I'd put off for far too long.
The summer night air danced on me, making me feel refreshed and alive. Once I loaded the laundry into my car, I ran back inside. Usually Gloria's last customer, I wasn't surprised to see the lights flash off and the door open. She stood on the stoop with the keys in her hands.
She jumped when she saw me and put a hand to her chest. “Cameron, you scared me.” Jabbing her fist at my arm in a playful manner, she giggled. “Did I forget something of yours? I can check the dryers if you like."
"No, it's not that,” I said through a smile. “I came back to tell you you're right."
She cocked her head to the side, awaiting my explanation.
"I'm going to travel for a few weeks. It's what I need.” I nodded, as if trying to reassure myself. I grabbed the door and held it open for her. After she locked up the laundromat, I led her to her beat up car. Seeing that she was set to go, I stepped back and started in the direction of my own vehicle.
Her pudgy fingers slipped out the window and gripped my arm and tugged me back.
"Where will you go?” she asked, curiosity playing in her hazel eyes.
I laughed, if only to stall. “I guess I hadn't thought that far."
"Cameron, you're hopeless.” She chuckled.
I shrugged, knowing that she spoke the truth.
"If you should want to go to Montana or Idaho, I know some people out there who would love to have you. They'd treat you like part of the family if I sent along some of my world famous sugar cookies for them.” A smile blossomed on her face. “I even got this flyer in the mail today for the cabin rentals there."
As she dug in her purse, I wondered if I should be considering this. She shoved a small flyer in my face, and I stared at the beautiful pictures of cabins out in the middle of nowhere.
Montana. I'd always wanted to see the Big Sky state.
The next half hour we spent working out details, while she slipped in directions to her family's home. While driving home, the dumbest smile spread across my face. I looked in the rearview mirror and choked on the crazy expression. I'd never seen the twinkle in my brown eyes look so bright. “Yep. I need this vacation more than I know."
Further confirmation of my impromptu plan came in the form of my answering machine. My ex-wife planned on coming this weekend to get some of her things that she knew, without a doubt, were in my trailer, even though she'd never set foot in my home.
"Ha!” I said to the message. “I won't be here when you arrive."
Feeling the fire light my butt, I started throwing suitcases around, and carelessly tossed clothes inside them. The sooner I got out of here, the better. In a half hour I had everything packed and out in my car.
I planned on getting a good night's rest and then starting on my way early in the morning, but the second my head touched the pillow, I felt a surge of electricity go through me. No way am I getting any sleep. I jumped to my feet, grabbed a quick breakfast bagel with cream cheese, and locked up my home.
Fifteen minutes after midnight, I headed out of town.
I stopped at the first gas station, filled up and grabbed the strongest caffeinated drink they had. The college kid at the cash register eyed me, but handed my debit card back to me with the receipt.
"Have a good night,” I said, walking to the door.
"You too, mister."
I'd never been a spontaneous person, and now that I tried it on for size, I rather liked it. The fizzle continued through the night, the miles passing so fast that the thought to turn back didn't arrive until two state crossings later, and by that time, I just didn't care. Damn, gotta love spontaneity.
* * * *
I yawned and shook my head to clear the cobwebs. I'd driven for three days, taking the nights off at local motels. The monotony of the road filled me with exhaustion, and I kept stopping myself from nodding off. I was in Montana, and in three or so hours I would arrive at Gloria's brother's house. Coming without those sugar cookies, I wondered how happy they would be to see me. The laundress told me it was no big deal, but that I should've waited at least a day to begin the journey.
Already I was falling in love with the Montana scenery. The sky held no bounds. The mountains hugged the horizons, making me feel like I was enclosed in a piece of heaven. Yes, you needed this vacation. I chuckled.
Clean air permeated my car and lungs. I'd opened all my windows the second I crossed the state line. Even though the breeze nipped my arms with a chill, I didn't care. Summertime came differently in Montana than what I was used to. Gloria had warned me earlier, and now I realized the truthfulness behind her words.
I eased off the gas when I entered the next town. The slower pace lulled me to relaxation, and sleep soon found me. My eyes shut until I heard a piercing scream. My foot slammed on the brakes when I noticed the black bundle in the middle of my lane. A pounding heart reclaimed its spot in my chest.
I pulled my car to the side of the road and stepped out. The slow moving traffic continued as if nothing happened. I searched for the female capable of that kind of banshee cry.
A young woman stood on the opposite side of the street, tears streaming down her face, as she gathered a rambunctious, black cat into her arms. She kept petting him. She whispered words into his ears in a way that suggested that she thought they were the only two living things on this earth. She smiled through her tears when the cat nuzzled her face, easing my concern. I walked back to my car door.
"Celeste!"
A passing truck honked as I swung my car door open, which nearly got torn off by the angry driver. I looked across the street. Big blue eyes stared back at me, and I smiled and waved. The serious expression on the tall woman's flawless, ivory face didn't crumble.
"Celeste!” We both turned our heads to the woman running toward her. I assumed they were mother and daughter due to the resemblance. “I've called you several times. Have you been off chasing this cat again?"
My heart threatened to stop beating when the young lady pointed at me. “That man could have run over Shadow. I don't think he even watched the road.” Her defensive voice broke. “If I wouldn't have been here, my cat would be dead.” Her eyes began tearing again, and I felt waves of guilt.
I crossed the street after the few cars left a wide opening.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to cause trouble.” I pushed a hand through my sweaty hair and sighed. “Your cat must've darted out in front of me because I didn't see him at first."
"That cat loves to play out in the street. He's too frisky.” The mother shot her daughter a knowing stare, but then offered her hand to me. “I'm Tamara and this is my daughter Celeste. I'm sorry if we've inconvenienced you."
Celeste looked at me and nodded. “Sometimes I create more problems than any one person should.” Her jaw clenched, and her focus went to the sidewalk. “I'm sorry,” she whispered.
I grimaced at how I'd made her more upset. “I'm sorry, too. But hey, all's well that end's well.” When she glanced up, I smiled. She blushed and looked away. “I'm sure you don't cause as many problems as you think, maybe just break too many hearts is all."
Tamara's lips curled up in a smile, and she mouthed thank you to me.
Celeste sighed. “I do though."
"That's not true, sweetheart.” Tamara touched her shoulders, but Celeste only shrugged, her eyes captivated with the ground. The cat leaped out of her arms and pranced away from us.
She bounded after him. “Shadow, come here."
Tamara touched my arm and guided me down the sidewalk from them.
"I'm worried about your daughter. She seems very upset.” I watched Celeste soothe the black cat that strained to get out of her arms once again. It amazed me that a grown woman had such a bond with an animal.
"It's been rough for her lately. My son disappeared a year ago, and it's broken Celeste's heart. That cat is the one thing that keeps her connected to reality. Otherwise she'd drift off into her daydreams, never to return."
Damn it, Jeremy! Somehow your plan worked out and I'm here with your family.
"Shouldn't she be married or in college or something?” I asked, the boldness pushing my hostility to the side. I couldn't fall victim to Jeremy's scheme. One quick conversation and I was out of there.
To my relief, Tamara smiled, though it held a note of sadness. “Celeste is really shy, and doesn't feel comfortable in social situations. Her father and I can coax her out every once in awhile, but that's about it. We're seeing about getting her to agree to visit her favorite aunt in the east."
I nodded, knowing that I had to get back on the road.
"I'm taking Shadow home,” Celeste whispered, walking past us. She didn't look up from the cat. Her beautiful, long, chocolate brown hair spilled over her face, the waves bouncing with each movement.
I watched her for some time. She had a tall, elegant body, one that most dancers would be proud to possess. Her posture never crumbled. Her steps were soft and steady as if she walked on a cloud. Though she never once looked up from the cat, she was able to dodge the few pedestrians with ease. When I realized it probably looked like I was gawking, I turned back to Tamara.
"She sure must love that cat.” I smiled.
Tamara's warm laugh eased my discomfort. “Too much I would say."
Her blue eyes saw through me, making me wonder how awful I looked from my endless traveling. I pretended to study all the small town life around me as she finished her evaluation. A soft laugh broke me out of my acting.
"So, do I pass?” I joked, folding my arms over my chest.
Her eyes gleamed, and she looked across the street. “How long have you been traveling?"
"How do you know I'm not a resident here?"
"I'm just psychic, or,” she said, pointing to my car, “I can read that North Carolina license plate.” She took a step in front of me. “I hope you have a nice stay here, Mister—"
"Oh, I'm sorry.” I extended my hand to her. “Cameron, Cameron West."
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. West.” She held my palm for a long moment, her eyes searching my face. “How long are you staying? A family friend of ours owns a hotel on the outskirts of town, who would probably give you a discount."
"I should get back on the road.” The sooner I got away from this situation, the better. After meeting Celeste, I could wholeheartedly confirm to her brother that he had the wrong man. “But thanks for the offer. I hope your daughter gets better, and that nothing ever happens to that cat."
Tamara nodded. “Me too."
Discomfort crawled over my skin, and I hurried across the street. When I looked back, Tamara waved at me, her own sorrow painting her face. She hugged her shoulders and turned to walk the way she'd come.
A red light indicated the car was out of gas. I groaned.
"I need to get out of here,” I pleaded to the car.
After strapping on my seatbelt, I drove to the nearest gas station. My nerves continued to pester me as I paid, and I made my way to the restroom. The second I noticed it was empty, I splashed cold water and my face and sighed.
"It's probably just a different Celeste."
Staring at my reflection while washing my hands, I cringed. My bloodshot eyes looked tired and wired all at the same time. I wetted down my light brown hair, the water making it look more red than usual. Running my fingernails over my face, a thick scratching sound reached my ears. I needed to shave, bad.
"Hot date?” someone asked behind me.
I stared behind me in the mirror, but no one was there.
"Do you see what I mean about my sister?"
I forgot my appearance and spun around. Jeremy leaned against the wall, and I searched the mirror again. My mouth dropped open when I couldn't find anyone but myself in the glass.
"Vampires don't have reflections,” Jeremy whispered, coming up behind me.
"Vampires also aren't supposed to be out in the daytime. I've seen you twice now when the sun's been up. Explain that one, genius.” I would've felt some satisfaction, if not for the nagging in my brain.
"I've been told we can find ways around sunlight nowadays.” Jeremy smiled, his youthful face looking like a male supermodel's compared to mine. His proposition echoed in my ears. Looking in the mirror one last time, I felt intimidated at the prospect of what he wanted me to do, and anger coursed through my veins. I shouldn't be dealing with this at my age! For a fifty-two-year-old woman, I would be more than a catch, but not for his baby sister.
"Did you bring me here?” I barked.
"Hey, I was just as surprised that your travel plans brought you here."
"Your sister isn't my type,” I said, ignoring his explanation. “I try to avoid beautiful women that are lost within themselves. Her cat will keep her out of trouble. After all, that animal gets an affection that no human could coax from her."
He nodded, his dark blue eyes holding mine. “That's why she needs you."
"Did you not hear me? I don't have a shot in the dark."
"I think you'll find that someone wants you here.” He handed me a few paper towels.
I dried my hands and threw them into the trash can. When I circled back around, Jeremy was gone. Instead of being surprised, I groaned my frustration and left the rest room. I returned to my car and tried to form a plan in my mind.
My engine, however, had other ideas. It wouldn't turn over, and I slammed my fists on the steering wheel. Jeremy! My car never had a problem before today. I cursed the boy through my rage.
A knock on my window disrupted my thought. I pushed the button so the glass slid down.
"Is there a problem here?” a big guy asked, his gut hanging well over his pants.
"I think someone's messed with my car."
"Pop the hood,” he said, a big grin covering his face. His black mustache matched the ring of hair encircling his balding head. He stepped to the front of my car while I hurried to join him. “You always think people are out to get you?"
"Lately I have, I guess,” I admitted with a chuckle.
I knew enough about cars to spot the cut tube sticking up wasn't a good sign.
"I'll call one of my guys to come pick up your car, tow it back to my shop."
I hadn't noticed the constant shaking of my head until he said something.
"If I have the part, we could get it changed in an hour or so."
"How much will it cost?” I lifted my eyes and searched for Jeremy.
"Well, let's take this one step at a time, friend.” He smiled. “I'm Paul."
"Cameron West,” I said, still looking for Jeremy.
"Listen, there's no sense in you having to stress yourself out about this.” Paul guided me back to the driver side of the car, and he pulled out his cell phone. “My wife won't mind me bringing a weary customer home for dinner. How ‘bout it?"
My head was spinning. What did he say?
"I shouldn't have taken this trip,” I whispered.
"Mr. West, I assure you everything will be fine."
A few minutes later, I rode in his Chevy truck, driving away from my car as it was towed in the opposite direction. Paul chatted on his cell phone to various people. His boisterous laugh and loud voice made me sit back in the seat, annoyed at little things that wouldn't usually bother me.
We pulled up in front of a yellow house with a brown roof. The huge oak tree in the front yard shaded it against the summer heat, though I found the temperatures more preferable than my home. I heard a beep and pul
led out my cell phone.
"Take your time out here if you want, Cameron. I'll just be inside."
I nodded my thanks to the unusually nice man. If not for meeting Jeremy, I would have thought Paul had messed with my car to get my business. People are nice here in Montana. I smiled and opened my cell phone.
I'd missed a few calls from Gloria and one from an unknown number.
"Last new message,” the automated voice said after I heard Gloria's cheerful voice.
"Don't leave this home the same way you find it,” a scratchy, raspy voice warned in slow words. The whisper continued. “No one is what they seem. Beware of people who seem too good to be true."
"My good hell!” I was tired of playing games. The temptation to steal this truck played with my conscience. Instead, I stayed put and stared at the features in the newer vehicle.
The numbers on the clock dragged on, nervousness edging into my body with each passing second. I didn't want to deal with another mystery tonight, and after that phone call, I wondered what nightmare I would walk into.
A knock on my window startled me. Without waiting for a response, the door opened and a head appeared. I gulped loudly, but the woman only stared at me. My nerves fired up more.
"Celeste?"
"It is,” she answered as if she really thought I couldn't identify her. “We're ready to eat. In fact, we've been ready for the ten minutes you've sat out here in your car.” She stood up, and I hurried to get out of the truck. Her black hoodie and blue jeans gave her the perfect girl-next-door appeal. The beautiful long hair I had admired before was pulled up into a ponytail.
"Listen, Mr. West, I'm sorry,” she began when I walked alongside her on the sidewalk. “I shouldn't have blamed you for something that didn't even happen. My cat's fine, so there's no reason for me to have been rude to you."
At the door, she turned to me. Her lush, deep crimson lips looked kissable in every way possible, and I hated myself for even thinking that. “I'm just glad this coincidence with you and our family has given me the opportunity to give you a heartfelt apology. Do you accept it?"
"Of course,” I said with a smile.
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