“You’ll never know until you try.” Dallas saw the flashing of the headlights. “Daisy, I hate to tell you but I think Andy has followed us. But don’t worry. If I can just get us through the construction, I know a few backroads most don’t know a big rig can take.”
Though Dallas hated it, she cut off a car so that she could take the next exit. There was no way anyone could follow her, at least none that knew the area as well as she did. The likelihood of that was nearly none.
“Just sit back and relax. It isn’t long until a diner I know of. It’s just outside of Albany. Miss Dallas will treat you to a good meal, before making certain you make it home.” It would delay her arrival at the bed and breakfast but making certain someone was safe was more important. After all, Dallas loved to take care of people.
Chapter 3
Breakfast had been an unexpected event. Thelma was busy making certain lunch preparations were underway. She wasn’t certain how many to expect. There were at least four women who were preregistered. But they could arrive anywhere from lunch to right before bed.
“It’s not easy planning. One never knows when a stranger will just turn up.” Thelma turned at the unfamiliar voice. “Pardon me, once again, for intruding. I thought Jackeline had warned you I was coming for a vacation.”
Thelma wiped her hands on the towel. She was nearly finished in the kitchen. All the rooms were prepared, so it was a matter of playing the waiting game. There was Kathy and Candy to spend time with, but this stranger had caught her attention.
“I’ve always treated my customers as family.” Thelma didn’t ask before procuring two cups of coffee. On the table where she placed them was sugar, sweetener and creamer. “Of course, I’ve never actually had anyone stay in my home.”
“That is the trick.” Melissa took the unspoken invitation. She sat in the chair at the head of the table. “Sorry if this is your chair. It’s force of habit as the matriarch of my family. That said, you seem to have things under control.”
“Is that why you’re here?” Thelma took a tentative sip of her coffee. It was one of the few things she missed about living in the city. Or at the very least having a business next to her best friend. Candy’s bookstore/deli had the best coffee she’d ever had the pleasure of savoring.
“Actually, I’m on vacation, as I’ve said.” Melissa took a sip of her coffee. It rivaled her own. She was impressed. “It’s more than a vacation. It’s a honeymoon of sorts. While my kids sent me and Jarod on one, it wasn’t the one we would have chosen. I like simple. When Jackeline informed me this was your opening weekend, I couldn’t resist.”
Thelma drained the last of her coffee. She slowly rose and placed the cup in the extra-large dishwasher. “I think there’s more to it than that.” She turned to face the matriarch. “Especially after the way you reacted when you saw me and my friends.”
“I’m sorry about that.” Melissa finished her own drink. Part of her wanted another cup, but feared she’d overstepped. “I really had no idea you resembled my daughter-in-law or that your wife resembled my daughter. According to my Little Weed, I can be overbearing at times.”
The two women stood next to one another. Thelma couldn’t help but smile. There was a warmth to the woman. Something she never received from her own parents. “I think what you are is truthful. In fact, you remind me of Candy’s Aunt Irene. She can be a handful, at times, but everything she does comes from love.”
The sound of a doorbell caught both their attention. “I had an annoying machine installed. Every time the front door opens, it sets off a doorbell in key locations. The kitchen is one of them. It could be one of the others or it could be a new arrival.”
“Never keep them waiting.” Melissa waited until the owner of the bed and breakfast was on her way to the entrance. Waiting by the small desk that had been installed by the window next to the door was a petite redhead.
Melissa maintained her distance. She had wanted to speak more to Thelma. From what she had been introduced to the night before, Melissa wasn’t certain Thelma or her wife were ready for the pitfalls of owning a bed and breakfast.
“Welcome to Loweridge Bed and Breakfast.” Thelma put on her best smile. She was still recovering from her conversation with Melissa. Something more had been about to transpire. Time would tell. “Do you have a reservation?”
Allison placed her duffle bag on the floor. She hadn’t been able to sleep alone in the motel she’d chosen. It had taken a few cups of coffee and the windows open, but the redhead had made it safely to her destination.
“My name is Allison Montgomery. I made a reservation nearly two months ago. I haven’t traveled this far. Ever. Everything looks so different. The building is amazing. They don’t have anything like this in Michigan, where I’m from.”
The uncomfortable laugh embarrassed Allison even further. “I’m sorry. I work with the public. You’d think I’d know how to behave. It’s just I’ve never been away from home. I’ve never been somewhere…”
“Accepting?” Allison nodded her head. “The South can be unforgiving, but you’ll be safe on the grounds. If you choose to venture into Albany, we can provide an escort. If not an escort, can suggest some places of interest and safety.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Allison relaxed, not fully. This was still a strange new world she had ventured into. The woman standing near the foot of the stairs intrigued Allison. For some reason, her gut informed her the woman was a guest. She definitely wasn’t from The South.
Before Thelma could finish checking in her first official guest, the front door opened. A tall, lanky, dark-haired woman in a cowboy hat entered. She didn’t have any luggage, but that didn’t necessarily mean she wasn’t a guest.
“Welcome to the Loweridge Bed and Breakfast. I’ll be with you in a moment.” Thelma wondered where Jessie and Kathy were. Last she knew, they were in the stables. It seemed Jessie’s favorite place.
Dallas eyed the petite young thing at the desk. She was gorgeous, of that there was no doubt. When she had entered, the young woman had shrunk into herself. While breaking a filly was part of the fun, she was here for more than the usual fun. To not worry about having to impress. “Take care of the little lady. I’ll just wait here.”
Melissa continued to watch as Thelma played the expert host. She didn’t think her new friend was in need of the help Jackeline had thought she was. Yet, everyone could use a hand, now and then.
With that in mind, Melissa made her way over to the tall woman. Dallas’ height and build reminded her of her Sam. But the hair was brown and the eyes like melted chocolate. “If I may be so bold, my name is Melissa. I’m vacationing here.” She held out her hand.
Dallas eyed the proffered hand. There was something about the older woman that made her feel at ease. She hesitated a moment before taking Melissa’s hand. “My name is Dallas. This is an impromptu vacation. One that’s long overdue. I’m a truckdriver. I just wanted to be in one place longer than a night or two.”
“My first husband served in The Navy. I understand the constant moving. If it weren’t for my own bed and breakfast giving us stability, I might have gone insane.” Melissa wondered, if at times, she hadn’t gone a little insane. It was actually her children that had kept her going.
“I salute him.” Dallas brought her hand to her cowboy hat. She removed it and placed it over her heart for a moment. “I admire anyone who protects and serves. Doesn’t matter the level.”
Before their conversation could continue, a tall raven-haired woman entered through the back hallway. She was young. Dallas licked her lips. This was a woman right up her alley. She missed the conversation between the blonde behind the desk and the redhead.
Dallas didn’t miss the kiss that was shared by the one behind the desk and the tasty raven-haired woman. While disappointed, she would always respect the relationship others were attempting to forge.
After tearing herself, reluctantly, away from her wife, it was time to show their first off
icial guest to her room. “My name is Jessie.” She didn’t hesitate in picking up Allison’s duffle bag. “I’ll show you to your room. And give you a little more information about some of the activities we offer.”
Allison followed the young woman up the stairs. Jessie’s long strides ate up the real estate faster than her own shorter ones. Somehow she managed to keep up. “I’m a bit tired. I’ve driven a long way and didn’t sleep well last night. If there’s a tour, I’ll take it later. If that’s all right.”
Jessie paused at a door farthest from the stairs. Even though it was smaller than some of the others, it had an amazing view of the orchard. It also had a view of the gazebo. There was also the door to the outside world. It could mean a more private coming and going.
The door was held open for Allison. The room was a combination of hundreds of years ago and the modern world. It was somehow blended together elegantly. When she sat upon the bed, it was soft, yet firm. She could easily fall asleep.
“I can see how tired you are. So I’ll leave you with this.” Jessie had already placed the duffle bag upon the stand beside the dresser. On the table next to the window, Jessie left a folder. It had the services they offered, along with some of the friendlier places in Albany.
Jessie saluted before taking her leave. It left Allison alone. There was a part of her that wanted to just sleep. Instead, she chose to take a shower. It felt like she had layers of dirt upon her. Was that normal with traveling?
There was a window seat that overlooked the back of the bed and breakfast. It was an amazing view. She couldn’t wait until she explored the grounds. But for now, it was time to try and get some sleep.
Geraldine nervously stepped out of the car. She’d had to wait at the bus station for over an hour. No taxis would take her as far as she needed, at least not without an exorbitant fee. Luckily, she had remembered the bed and breakfast offered shuttle service.
The cowgirl was grateful when it had been a female driver. The dark skinned young woman had been pleasant, yet respected the fact Geraldine had been nervous. It was a whole new world Geraldine had entered.
Her first view of the bed and breakfast had been breathtaking. She’d seen movies with old plantations such as this in them. There were a few ranches that were magnificent where she came from, but nothing like the two-storied home.
“Do you want me to take your luggage in?” Penny knew Geraldine was different. It wasn’t merely the Adam’s apple that the young woman attempted to hide behind the bandana. It was a gentle soul that lay beneath the beating heart.
“If it’s all right to explore, I would like to see the grounds before checking in.” Geraldine wasn’t ready to meet more people. Yet, this was why she was on vacation, wasn’t it? To meet people who were understanding?
“Of course. I’ll let Miss Thelma or Miss Jessie know these are your bags. They will either keep them behind the desk or will take them to your room. The grounds are beautiful.” Penny made certain to smile sweetly. This was a skittish human being. Understandable in the times they were living.
The smile was tentative. Geraldine still wasn’t certain how to act. It was her mother, brothers, father and the few hired men she was around all day. The infrequent trips into town only made her fear strangers more.
“This was a mistake.” Geraldine muttered under her breath. As she made it to the side of the house, a vision caught her attention. It wasn’t the gazebo. It wasn’t the orchard. It was the form of a small redhead.
“Or not.” Brown eyes brightened when they took Geraldine in. The cowgirl stood statuesque. She managed a weak wave when the young woman waved at her. “At least you waved and didn’t turn away.”
Her mood grew dim as thoughts entered Geraldine’s mind. Ones such as until they see her up close…And what about when the questions arose? Geraldine hastily made her way away from the young woman.
Geraldine found herself sitting in the gazebo. She didn’t hear the footfalls. The knocking on the entrance to the gazebo startled her. Hastily, she wiped the few tears that had escaped away.
“I don’t mean to disturb you.” Melissa made her way into the gazebo. “I’m staying here, too. My name is Melissa.” When the young woman shrank away, Melissa made her way to the opposite side of the gazebo. “Are you all right, Dear?”
There was something in the woman’s voice. It reminded her of her own mother. Geraldine straightened. She managed to look Melissa in the eyes. Did she share everything? It was a gamble, either way.
“My name is Geraldine.” Her voice slipped. It happened when she was angry or nervous. Geraldine continued to train her voice so that it lost the little masculinity it still contained. At least, that’s how her father referred to it.
“I’m from Oklahoma. This is the first time I’ve traveled off my ranch, other than the occasional trip into town.” Geraldine hesitated. Why, already, was she about to inform the stranger of her identity?
“I can see why you’d be nervous. I was lucky. My first husband, may he rest in peace, was in The Navy. We traveled quite a bit. But I was even luckier because I had my family bed and breakfast to return to. To call a home base, of sorts.” Melissa hoped she was comforting, not terrifying the young woman.
“That would be nice. Having a place to call home. I don’t think I have that, outside of my mother.” Geraldine couldn’t keep her eyes on the friendly woman. “No one accepts me for who I am.”
Melissa cautiously made her way to her new friend. She hadn’t been certain before, but now she was. Geraldine was a beautiful young woman who had been born into the wrong body. Cautiously, she placed a hand on Geraldine’s arm.
“I don’t know the proprietors all that well. But we do have a friend in common. Someone I think you’d like to meet.” Melissa could feel the arm beneath her hand stiffen. “Her name is Jackeline. I believe you have something very important in common.”
It took a moment before Geraldine understood fully. She had never met anyone as direct as Melissa. It was good and bad, she supposed. “I look forward to meeting her.” Geraldine glanced around. “This is a big place. I guess I should get checked in so that I can explore it all.”
“I’ll introduce you to the proprietors.” Melissa glanced at her watch. “In fact, it’s nearly lunchtime. That means you can eat with the rest of us in the amazingly huge dining room, eat in town or you can dine alone. Your choice.”
There was a part of Geraldine that wanted to make the great escape. That didn’t mean eating in her room or in town. It meant running back to Oklahoma. But if she did that, what her father had said about her would be true. She couldn’t allow that.
“I think I’ll take a chance and dine with everyone.” Geraldine swallowed. She was terrified. Yet, she knew she had one person on her side. She supposed it would be enough. At least, she hoped it would be.
“If you’ll allow me to escort you, Geraldine.” Melissa stood. She held out her arm hoping her new friend would take the invitation. The matriarch relaxed when Geraldine arose and gently placed a hand on her arm.
The two made their way to the front of the bed and breakfast. Already, Melissa was accustomed to the noise as they entered. She never wanted anything like that. The intercom any potential guest could use was good enough.
Jessie was standing behind the counter. The raven-haired woman’s smile grew as she saw Melissa. Though an unexpected guest, Jessie already had been charmed by The Northerner. “Looks like you brought me a new friend, Miss Melissa.”
“I have at that, Miss Jessie.” It was something Melissa had, at first, been surprised by. Nearly all women were addressed as Miss. “Miss Geraldine was exploring the grounds when I came upon the gazebo. I think she’s ready to check-in.”
“Perfect timing.” Jessie hit a few buttons on the computer. She wasn’t as adept as navigating the program they’d chosen as her wife. “Lunch will be served over the next hour and a half. Bear with me while I make this darn machine work.”
Geraldine wanted to s
ay how she wasn’t very technical, either. While her father had a program to help keep track of financials of the ranch, she had been forbidden to even look at the books, written or on the computer.
Instead, Geraldine waited patiently. When Jessie asked for her identification, she turned an unnatural shade of red. Her hand was shaking as she retrieved her small wallet. A hand on her back steadied her nerves, if only slightly.
“I forgot you were from Oklahoma, Miss Geraldine.” Jessie winked at the young woman. She couldn’t even begin to understand what Geraldine had to endure on a daily basis. Jessie had to endure enough, merely being a strong, out, lesbian. But to have an identification that was unnatural to some could be dangerous, if not deadly.
The young cowgirl felt faint. Though her state id said Gerald upon it, Jessie had used her true name. In fact, it wasn’t long before she felt herself directed to the chair by the other front window. The voice barely penetrated asking if she was all right.
“I’m sorry.” It took a moment for Geraldine to be able to speak. “I thought for certain you would make a comment. I know this is a place of acceptance, but…” She couldn’t look either Melissa or Jessie in the eyes.
“But the world is an unforgiving one.” Melissa was kneeling next to the young woman. “My daughter was a SVU detective in New York City for over a year. The things she witnessed…”
Melissa shuddered at the thought. “Even in my accepting hometown of Middletown, there are those that are so judgmental. I’ve always raised my children and grandchildren to be accepting. I hope I’ve done well with them.”
Jessie watched the exchange. This was one of those moments she wasn’t entirely prepared for. Yes, she knew being accepting was extremely important. But what Melissa had shown was empathy. Even more so, she had attempted to inform Geraldine of her own beliefs.
“You’re a very kind person.” Geraldine’s coloring was slowly returning to normal. “You both are.” The young cowgirl cleared her throat. Without asking, Jessie retrieved one of the bottled waters kept in a minifridge behind the check-in desk.
Kindling Page 4
