Kindling

by Agnes H Hagadus

  Dallas continued to shadow the younger woman. She wanted to make it known Lucy was safe. At the same time, she wanted to make certain Lucy knew Dallas wasn’t a predator. That she respected all living creatures.

  “But just before I arrived last night, I stopped to top off my tank.” Lucy was tired of looking at the history. It wasn’t the history. It was the loss of life. “I received another greeting. A punch to my head and gut. Luckily, I had my pepper spray and not all of my coffee had spilled.”

  “I really wish I’d been there.” Lucy had darted back to the gate of the cemetery. She hadn’t stopped until she was leaning on one of the tall pines. “I’m not saying things would have been different with your reception, but I would have stood up for you.”

  Lucy’s expression was of disbelief. “I have no proof, but I helped out a young woman. I’d been staying at one of my favorite rest stops. I heard screaming. I had to rescue a young kid from the unwanted advances of a fellow truckdriver. In fact, I would have been here a day earlier, but made certain she made it home safely.”

  It could be a tall tale. It could be a way to gain her trust. Still, there was something in those soulful eyes Lucy, at least partially, trusted. This was a vacation. Shouldn’t she trust, at least a little?

  “That was kind of you. Sadly, not everyone is as protective as you are.” Lucy felt her cellphone vibrate. “Forgive me.” It was another text from her mother. As much as she wanted updates on her business, she needed to relax. As her mother had said.

  “I left my store in the care of my mother.” Lucy laughed. “She’s the one who told me to enjoy myself. Yet, she’s the one texting me every hour on the hour.” Dallas joined in the laughter. “Do you want to head to town? I don’t know the area, but we can maybe take in a movie or see if there’s a museum.”

  Dallas’ smile faded. It wasn’t because another woman was asking her out. In fact, she enjoyed being pursued as much as being the pursuer. It was the fact she knew a lot about Albany. It was a regular stop on her travels. In fact, the little lady Dina spent time in Albany.

  Still, Dallas wasn’t one to turn down an amazing young woman. “It just so happens I know a little about the city.” Azure eyes grew wide. “I spend a lot of time in The South, even if I am originally from Montana.”

  “If you are up for driving a small car, you can even be my chauffer.” Lucy was finally feeling nearly completely like her old self. She only hoped she didn’t regret placing herself on the line.

  “I’d be honored. Shall we?” Dallas offered Lucy her arm. When first they touched, it was as if electricity was flowing between them. Some would equate it to static electricity. Dallas wasn’t so certain.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  Melissa was enjoying her vacation so far. After all, no one had kidnapped anyone. There hadn’t been any violence, that she knew of. Best of all, she hadn’t had to cook or clean or any of the things she was accustomed to.

  Even with her eldest grandson spending a majority of his free time at the bed and breakfast, Melissa was always doing something. As was her husband. She was grateful she and Jarod could relax. In fact, her husband was asleep after having a midmorning delight.

  Sitting in the gazebo made Melissa wonder if she should install one in her own bed and breakfast. She’d have to discuss it with Adam, her grandson, who would one day take over the bed and breakfast.

  The noise caused Melissa to turn towards the back entrance of the gazebo. “I didn’t know anyone was in here.” The matriarch took in the tall figure. She was nearly the spitting image of her Sam. Even more so than the tall, dark and imposing Jessie. “If you’d like to be alone…”

  “Nonsense.” Melissa was beaming. “I love to get to know people. It’s why owning a bed and breakfast is perfect for me. I know your name is Kathy. But I don’t know much more.” When Kathy’s expression turned sour and her body stiffened, Melissa knew Kathy was like her daughter, at least in Sam’s darkest days.

  “I’m sorry. It’s the too friendly in me.” Melissa slowly stood. “I’ve been told by my daughter I’m too much at times.” She wanted to place a hand upon the stranger’s arm but figured it would not be for the best.

  Kathy relaxed a little. She knew she was being defensive. It was something she would probably work on until she was no longer breathing. It was the results of scars that still were visible upon each of her arms and legs.

  “I’m the one who should be sorry.” Kathy held out her hand. “My Sweet Candy has to remind me to be nice.” Kathy had an awkward smile. “I don’t trust easily. And I don’t react well to strangers, most of the time.”

  “The combination wasn’t a good one.” Melissa gladly took the offered hand. “I’m always attempting to get to know people. My daughter was a cop. She’s now into private investigations, but also private security. So maybe that’s where I get it from.”

  The fact Melissa knew someone in private investigations intrigued Kathy. After all, her plans were to make a change in careers. She’d been in the process of making the change over the past four or five months. “I’d love to be able to meet your daughter. Or at the very least, I’d love to speak with her. I’m thinking of leaving the fire department, permanently.”

  When Melissa remained respectfully silent, Kathy realized she wanted more information. “I was injured a few years back. Was lucky to walk again. So I became a teacher. But it’s not enough. I want to help people. I was thinking of becoming a fire inspector.”

  “That’s a noble profession.” Melissa’s mind was milling. Her Sam never took vacations. There had been a family vacation, but nothing where it was merely to relax. “And I know my daughter would love to assist you, in any way possible.”

  “I feel a trip to The North might be in order.” Kathy’s mind was spinning. Candy had never been far from home. There had been a few trips she’d made for business over the years. But for something that could both be for pleasure and for business…

  “Well, if you do, there will always be a place for you to lay your head.” Melissa would have to make some phone calls. Sam would be grateful for a distraction. After all she and her wife had been through…

  “Pardon me, ladies.” Jarod bowed his head. When he had awakened alone, he had been upset. But then he remembered who his wife was. She wasn’t one to stand still. She was so full of energy, even with her slight health issue.

  “No, pardon me.” Kathy also bowed. “I probably should find my wife. She wanted us to spend time with Thelma and Jessie. It was nice talking with you, Melissa.” Kathy winked. It wasn’t her norm and felt forced. Hastily, she made her way back toward the bed and breakfast.

  “Something transpired between you two.” Jarod didn’t wait for a response. Instead, he pulled his wife to his body and kissed the top of her head. “I have a feeling Samantha might not like what her mother is up to.”

  Melissa gently slapped her husband on the back. “Sam never likes anything I do, until I do it. Then she loves it. After all, where would she and Abby be if not for my support.” There was a twinkling in her eyes.

  More so, there was a plan. It was almost as sweet as if she was aiding two soulmates in becoming one. Perhaps with the young people at the bed and breakfast, she could indulge in her favorite pastime as well.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  Lunch had been a mix of healthy and not so healthy, but Allison had enjoyed every bite. The fried chicken was so different than she was accustomed to. Normally she wouldn’t add strawberries to her salad, but it had actually tasted very good.

  After hearing one of the owners mention the horses, Allison decided it would be a good way to walk off her lunch. Though there was a ranch not far from where she lived, she’d never taken the time to visit it.

  It didn’t have anything to do with the fact the cowgirl had spoken highly of the stables. Geraldine had already visited the horses and couldn’t stop speaking about them. There was a part of Allison that hoped she would bump into the cowgirl. />
  Even if she didn’t, Allison could enjoy the short walk to the stables. The trail was worn, though it seemed as if it hadn’t been used in years. Allison wondered when the last time the bed and breakfast had been lived upon.

  There wasn’t much information about the land or the buildings on the website. It did say it had been an active plantation, before The Civil War. That would mean slaves had probably worn the path she was walking.

  Allison sighed heavily. While she would joke she was a slave to the corporation, at least she was paid. It was barely a livable wage, hence why she worked as many hours of overtime as she was allowed. There were others who had two or three other jobs, just to make ends meet.

  The scent of manure caught Allison’s attention. At first, she wrinkled her nose. As she drew closer, there was actually something therapeutic about it. She couldn’t explain why. Nor would she attempt to.

  The sound of a voice only slightly familiar halted Allison in her tracks. Someone was already in the stables. She could turn tail and explore more of the property. Or she could do what she had intended with this vacation.

  Allison wanted some place friendly. Where she could actually feel comfortable around her peers. Still, she had to take a deep breath before she made an entrance into the stables. Once again she halted at the image that graced her.

  Geraldine was drenched in sweat. The heat in the stables was overwhelming. Allison hadn’t been prepared for it. She hadn’t been prepared for the sight of the amazing looking woman.

  It took a moment for Allison to recover. Instead of immediately making her presence known, she watched. It was obvious Geraldine knew how to handle horses. Though she was merely brushing them, it was with practiced hands.

  For a moment, Allison couldn’t help but fantasize. She could feel the hands rubbing across her body. Her nipples hardened. Her mouth went dry. She was having issues breathing. The heat nearly became oppressive.

  “Are you all right?” Geraldine couldn’t remember the young woman’s name. Whenever someone spoke it or she had said it, it was like Geraldine had been held captive and her mind couldn’t absorb the information.

  Allison hadn’t realized how sweaty she had become or how flushed. She had to swallow a few times. “I think I am. Not used to the heat, at least not this early in the year. We can still sometimes have snow in Michigan.”

  “I can’t say I know anything about snow.” Geraldine wiped the sweat from her neck forgetting that she normally kept her bandana on her neck. Hastily, she replaced the material. “It gets cold and there is some snow, but nothing like what I’ve seen on the television for The North.”

  “The snow can be fun.” Allison wasn’t feeling much cooler. Soon, she would need to acquire some kind of cool beverage. For now, she couldn’t quite bring herself to part ways with the cowgirl.

  “And the best part is coming in from the cold.” When Geraldine blushed, Allison had realized what it could mean. “I meant having a mug of hot chocolate by the heater or fireplace. Though snuggling can be fun as well. Depending on the person.”

  The blush grew. Geraldine didn’t know how to respond. Was the redhead flirting? Or was it babbling. The cowgirl could be guilty of saying something without thinking. Everyone could be guilty of that.

  Finally, Geraldine was able to respond. “Well, it’s not quite the same, but the nights can get quite cool. Especially if you are out on the range by yourself. Nothing like a cup of hot coffee and a fire. Sadly, never had anyone to snuggle up to.”

  It saddened Allison to think the cowgirl had no one. She wouldn’t allow that to happen while they were on vacation. “I’m sorry you’ve been isolated.” When Geraldine turned away, Allison knew she had to think of something. “I’ve never been on a horse. Do you think you could teach me?”

  Geraldine swallowed. While she had broken many a horse in her time, she’d never given riding lessons. After all, her father kept her as secluded as possible. She wondered why he even allowed her on the ranch, other than her mother’s constant begging.

  “While I grew up on a ranch and could ride before I could walk, I don’t know if I can teach you how to ride.” Geraldine couldn’t help kicking at the dirty hay. “I mean, I don’t think I’m the proper person to be doing such a thing.”

  “Why not?” Allison slowly closed the distance between them. She was still in the need of a cool drink. Perhaps that’s what she could suggest. It would give them more time together. “You can explain while we enjoy something cool to drink. I’m not big on lemonade or tea. How bout a pop?”

  “A what?” Geraldine removed her hat. She ran her fingers through sweaty dark strands. If she were smart, she would washup before accompanying the young woman anywhere.

  “Soda?” Geraldine smiled. “I keep forgetting that in certain areas it’s referred to as soda. In Michigan, it’s called pop. I usually drink something without caffeine. Under enough stress at work, don’t need the caffeine making my blood pressure rise. My one vice is coffee.” Allison couldn’t help the laughter.

  For the first time in her life, Allison felt a connection to someone. As nice as Rick could be, he didn’t understand her. He wouldn’t accept the fact she didn’t need a man to make her happy. What she needed was to accept herself and be around accepting people to make her happy.

  “Too hot for coffee.” Geraldine wanted so badly to turn the young woman down. Her mother’s voice was in the back of her mind. She was brave. She was intelligent. And she was worthy of happiness.

  “We could mosey to the kitchen. See if they have pop or iced coffee. We have this machine on the ranch which makes this amazing tasting iced coffee.” Geraldine placed her cowboy hat upon her head once again.

  “A bigger kryptonite than just plain coffee. My favorite coffee I’ve come across has this cinnamon flavor.” Allison slowly turned. She waited to see if Geraldine would follow her. “It’s different than the pumpkin spice ones they have during the fall.”

  “That sounds awesome. My mom makes hot chocolate during the winter. She either puts marshmallows or whipped cream on it. But always it’s topped with cinnamon.” Geraldine craved the concoction. It wasn’t for the flavor. It was because it was like home. Plus, it was a symbol of her mother’s love.

  “Hmm, I’ll have to try that some time.” Allison loved cinnamon. She wasn’t as big on hot chocolate, but with cinnamon… “All this talk of drinks has made me really thirsty. Hopefully we can find a quiet place to enjoy a cool beverage.”

  Geraldine wanted to pinch herself. It felt as if she were dreaming. The only problem? Once again, she wasn’t certain if the redhead realized her true nature. It was the only thing truly keeping her from fully enjoying herself.

  It was a quiet walk to the kitchen. There was a pop machine, along with the coffee that was never out. Each chose their own beverage before continuing their exploration of the grounds.

  Allison wasn’t certain how it happened. As they were walking through the peach trees, her hand slipped. Before she knew what was happening, her free hand was holding Geraldine’s free hand.

  As they made their way to the deepest part of the bed and breakfast, Allison began to tire. She was used to being on her feet, but she wasn’t used to walking through the thick grass of the fields. “I think I need to turn back. I don’t know why I’m so tired all of a sudden.”

  “I’m used to walking or riding. Our ranch is so big, you can spend a full day riding and not come to the end.” Geraldine knew that’s why most ranches had forgone the way of the horse and were using four wheelers and such.

  “I can’t even imagine.” Allison had to stop. She leaned against the nearest peach tree. “I used to think I was in great shape. I’m on my feet forty to sixty hours a week. But after this jaunt, I don’t think so.” Once again, Allison was laughing.

  The laughter was infectious. Geraldine was feeling so light and free. All she wanted was to pick up the redhead and carry her to the gazebo. The thought of holding her friend in anyway caused a b
it of panic.

  “Maybe it would be best if I retrieved one of the horses. That way you wouldn’t have to walk.” Geraldine didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, the panic overtook her. Before she realized it, she was running.

  Geraldine wasn’t watching where she was going. She ran directly into an unfamiliar petite blonde. Geraldine’s chin hurt, but other than that, she was fine. “I’m sorry. I should have watched where I was going.”

  “I’ve been run over by bigger than you.” Candy brushed herself off before helping up the young woman. “Your name is Geraldine, right?” The cowgirl nodded. “My name is Candy. You look like a deer running from gunfire. Care to talk about it?”

  “I’m supposed to retrieve a horse so that I can help…I forget her name. She’s a redhead from Michigan. She’s really nice. I feel bad for not knowing her name.” Geraldine stopped herself. She knew she was babbling.

  “Let’s walk to the stables. You can tell me why you are so terrified for Miss Allison.” If nothing else, Geraldine was grateful for the encounter as she had Allison’s name. “I promise I won’t bite.”

  “I’m not worried about you biting.” Geraldine backed away from the stranger. “There’s something different about me. I can’t lead Allison on. She deserves someone who can love her the way she should be.”

  “And what about friendship?” Part of Candy wanted to follow Geraldine, but she knew from history with Kathy that would be a mistake. She also knew from watching Thelma and Jessie fall in love. “Doesn’t everyone deserve friends?”

  Geraldine turned her back on Candy. While she made sense, Geraldine wasn’t ready to admit it. “Only if the person is worthy of friends themselves. And believe me, I’m not worthy of anyone. In any form, so yeah.”

  “I know someone who believed as you do.” Candy hesitantly approached the cowgirl. “I know someone who didn’t even know what a friend was. Didn’t know what emotions were. They were covered with outer scars. Blamed herself for her brother’s death, even though she was a child herself.”