A Fragmented Journey (The New York Journey Book 1)

by Gracie Guy

  “Kara, what’s wrong?” He saw her wipe her cheek again before turning around.

  “John, there’s nothing in the barn for you to check.”

  Her statement was confusing. “What do you mean?

  “She looked at him from across the kitchen. “I mean the horses are gone. And soon, I will be too.”

  “What? Is that why you’re crying?”

  She sat back down, motioning for him to return to his chair. “I thought about winter and all the driving I do back and forth to Albany. In the past if the weather prevented me from coming home, Dan always took care of the animals.” He watched her eyes dart around the room with her pause. “I can’t do that now. They depend on me.”

  Still confused, he pushed her to continue. “So you got rid of the horses?”

  “No.” She shook her head adamantly. “Absolutely not. I moved them to a friend’s barn just south of Albany.”

  Worried about triggering an attack from the dogs, John slowly slid his hands across the table and placed them on Kara’s. His libido went into overdrive at the softness of her skin. But the trembling he encountered made him rein in his lust.

  “Are you telling me that you’ve decided to move?” She locked him with a tear-filled gaze and a very slight nod. “Why are you so upset?”

  “I’m…I’m not sure.” She pulled her hands out from under his and wiped her cheeks dry from a new crop of tears. “I feel like I’m quitting. But, I’m a little afraid of spending the winter here, alone.” John gave her a moment to collect her thoughts. “So I’m selling the house. In case you didn’t notice, there isn’t much in here—most of it’s on the porch. The moving pod will be here in a few days.”

  “Have you made arrangements for a place to stay?”

  “Yeah, renting one for six months while I look for one to buy.”

  “Where is it?” He waited to see if she’d respond.

  “Valatie. About twenty miles southeast of Albany.”

  “So that’s why your truck needed a bath.” He watched as her face loosened up to smile.

  “Yep.” She stood, stretching her arms over her head, causing he shirt to play peek-a-boo with her taut belly.

  John hoped it would be covered back up quickly so he could stay focused on what she was saying.

  “Onward and upward. The boys and I are heading in a new direction.”

  “If you’re looking for something new, there’s always Search and Rescue. You have a pretty tight bond with these dogs. And you even have horses for the real rural searches. I’ll bet you can learn how to track real easily.”

  He watched her brush off his suggestion with her hands. “I don’t know. They’re old and I’m out of shape. But I’ll think about it.”

  John grinned as he stood, extending his right hand to her. “Ya know Kara, I think moving is a good thing for you. You can’t change what happened and there isn’t much point in you sticking around to look at the reminders every day.”

  “I know John.” She laughed lightly. “Believe me, I’ve spent hours analyzing Dan’s death, our marriage, and my future. Somebody came forward and offered me a good dollar for the place. And now the church thrift shop in town is the recipient of a lot of expensive outdoor clothing for men.”

  He stood with his hand on the door handle, reluctant to leave, but knowing he should. This woman was fragile and needed a safe and warm hug. But with how his body was already responding to her, he didn’t dare be the person to give it to her.

  “I’m heading out. If you have any more weird interactions, or anything else happens, call me.” He held his right hand out to shake hers but had to struggle not to wrap his arms around her when the heat of her hand sent sparks throughout his body.

  “Thanks. I will.”

  He took in her proffered smile, wishing he knew her better. “Lock this door behind me.” Then, he tipped his head in acknowledgement before pulling it closed and walking to his Jeep.

  Chapter Nineteen

  In the course of three days, Kara had managed to pack up all of her belongings, made arrangements with the bank to lease the house for six months, and sell Dan’s truck and boat. It’s amazing how time really can fly when you want it to! With a certified check for over twenty-eight thousand dollars in her purse, she and the dogs were headed south to open a new account at the branch of Kinderhook Trust and Surety Bank where Whip’s aunt worked, and sign the lease on their new—albeit temporary—home.

  The trip to Columbia County seemed much shorter this time. You already feel like this place is home, don’t cha? She gave the dogs each a rawhide treat to enjoy while she was in the bank. Thirty minutes later, they were pulling in the driveway of an ancient ranch-style house with a roof so new the tiny stones on the architectural shingles sparkled in the sun.

  “Hey. Listen to me!” She gave the dogs her customary lecture on obedience. “Stay where I can see you.” She tapped each one on the nose to get their attention. “Got it?” As soon as she gave them the full opening, they exploded from the truck to check out the yard, stuffing their noses in all manner of places, luxuriating in the plethora of smells they found. Grabbing her purse and the house key, Kara gave the driver’s side door of her truck a shove and approached the house.

  The tumblers in the new lockset turned easily for her. Stepping into the living room, she did a quick assessment of how much elbow grease and paint would have to be applied. She was pleased to find the kitchen filled with sunshine, the windows facing an open pasture full of dairy cows. Dozens and dozens of bovine ladies with their heads in the grass, sporting the telltale pattern of the Holstein breed, the colors both black and red mixed with white.

  She stared at the pasture a moment, wishing it were her horses she was seeing. “Get it together woman!” Kara found she was prone to self-admonishment. “Figure out what to get at the store.” Placing one foot in front of the other, she paced off the rooms, writing down figures for the dimensions. Turning around in each space, she envisioned colors—lemon yellow in the kitchen, a soft tangerine in the dining area, sage in the living room, eggplant for the office and pure white in her bedroom. Smiling about her choices, she left the house, locking the door behind her. Just as she reached the truck, the dogs came crashing up, whining to get in.

  She looked at the map on her phone for a few minutes while the truck idled quietly. Nearly a week had passed since she’d left the horses at Laurie’s place and she really missed them. But, seeing them would take her south another fifteen minutes. Then the hour to play with each horse, not to mention visiting with their gracious host. No. Go get the painting supplies. Maybe you can run over there afterward. But Kara knew her best bet for paint choices was to head north toward Albany. There were at least six of the big-box stores and two or three serious paint supply locations. “Just a few more days baby girls.” The dogs whined while she gave a shout-out to the mares.

  A crimson glow bathed the mountaintops by Saranac Lake when she turned off the Northway several hours later. She’d made the trip so many times in the past three weeks, she was sure the truck didn’t need her to steer. But rather than let exhaustion consume her, Kara felt herself smile. “You’re starting a new life girl!” As usual, her self-chats made the dogs sit up to listen. “Go you!”

  She really was excited, and a bit nervous. She could handle the new house, new neighbors, and all that stuff. But what about Mark? Does he fit into this anywhere? The friendly whistle from her phone scared her. “Shit.” She waited for the message to pop up in the blue-tooth screen on her dash.

  First the print showed up, then, the automaton woman who reminded Kara of a character from a Ray Bradbury story spoke to her. “A new text message from Mark Shelton.” The screen flashed. Read Ignore. Responding to a text while driving was a pain in the ass. The automaton frequently failed to recognize what she was saying and she ended up pulling over to type her own words. She opted to Ignore it, tapping the spot on the screen. But, she thought about it, and Mark, for the fifteen minutes
it took to get home. Even though many days had passed since she last saw him, his kiss still lingered on her lonely lips.

  Once in her driveway, Kara delayed unloading the paint supplies. Instead, she grabbed her phone to read the text from Mark.

  Hey girl.  Did you turn into a Popsicle up there at the North Pole?

  She found herself grinning from his pet greeting and happy face. Man this guy is adorable. Then it dawned on her—she was supposed to call him earlier in the week. She’d been so absorbed in packing her belongings, and getting rid of most of Danny’s, now the week was nearly over. “Go in and call him. Now!”

  But she didn’t. Instead she and the dogs padded around the house, checking the windows to make sure everything was still locked. She changed into fleece pants and a sweatshirt, put on the tea water to boil, and then poured herself a bowl of Cheerios. Sitting at the kitchen table, she wolfed down the oat circles before they could sog, a bad habit she’d developed as a child. Then she held the bowl in both hands, unceremoniously draining it of the sugary milk at the bottom.

  Kara knew she was putting off the phone call to Mark. But, she didn’t know why. When she closed her eyes she could feel his lips, smell his cologne, and hear the sweet huskiness of his Okie drawl. You don’t want to tell him about the move. Right? That was certainly accurate. She didn’t want him to think it had anything to do with him. Isn’t it? She stared at the empty bowl—it was one of the few dishes she hadn’t packed this week. No, you’re doing this for you. You hate being up here in these frigging woods by yourself. Work is too far away, and you miss the few friends you have left. She felt a slight pang of guilt. Robin was here. Robin had packed up her kids and moved north to live near Kara after her own husband died. You should go see her tomorrow. But right now, call him!

  He answered his phone after the second ring. “Hey girl.”

  “Hi. How are ya?” She tried to control the nervous tremble in her voice.

  “I’m just as right as rain. You?”

  “I’m…I’m good.” Why are you stuttering? “Sorry I didn’t call you earlier. This week has been a bear for me.”

  “Are you still prepping for winter up there?”

  “Nah. I’ve been helping a friend pack up her house to move.” It isn’t a complete lie. You have to be your own best friend before you can be someone else’s, right?

  “That’s pretty sweet of you.”

  Kara found herself having trouble concentrating. The warmth of his voice, its cadence took her mind on a slow dance to their time in Manhattan.

  “Girl, are you there?”

  “Uhm, sorry. What?”

  “I asked you if you thought you’d make Dallas next week.”

  “Oh. Doubtful.” She carried her cereal bowl to the sink. “I’ve had so much time off lately I don’t have much material prepped.”

  “That’s too bad. Mid-November is a beautiful time to be in the southwest.”

  “I’ll talk to my boss tomorrow. When do you start set up?”

  “Show opens Thursday, noonish. It’s an odd one ’cause it runs through Saturday. I think they open the last day to the general public instead of just government folks.”

  “I’ll call you Monday morning and let you know.” I have to get off the phone before I tell him about the house. “The dogs and I are whupped. Gotta hit the hay.”

  “I know. I can hear it in your voice. G’nite beautiful.”

  “Good night, Mark.”

  She shut off the lights and climbed into bed, listening to his voice play over and over in her mind. Mmmm, I could get used to that voice. I wonder how much sweeter it gets when we’re doing the Wild Thing! Within minutes she fell asleep, wearing a sweet smile, with him on her mind.

  Chapter Twenty

  When Kara woke up early Thursday morning, she felt like she had just spoken to Mark. Admit it. You’re thinking about him more and more. As her feet hit the bare hardwood floor, she instantly regretted rolling up the rug in preparation for moving. Jeez, where are the moving genies now? This floor is frickin’ freezing without a rug!

  Discomfort made her move quickly, pulling on jeans, socks and a long sleeve cotton T-shirt. No shower, nothing fancy, just very serviceable and very me. The moving company was supposed to deliver the storage container this morning and since she wanted to see Robin before they arrived, she decided to forgo coffee and mooch off her friend instead.

  Heading out the door, she whistled for the dogs. They happily piled in the truck, always thrilled to take another drive. But this time, when Kara reached her destination, she left them in it, sulking.

  “Get over it.” She rubbed their heads while giving them a few treats. “You know Robin’s afraid of you two. Give me an hour.”

  When she looked at the side door leading into the kitchen, she saw Robin standing on the stoop, wearing baggy flannel pajamas, a fleece vest and moccasins, her right index finger on her lips, her left hand motioning for Kara to come in.

  “Shhh. The kids are still asleep. No school today.”

  “Oh, flip. I didn’t know I was bothering you.” She gave Robin a quick hug. “I figured you’d be putting them on the bus soon.”

  “Nope. We’re all home today.” She pulled out an oak chair, indicating for Kara to sit. “What’s up with you? Haven’t seen you in like days.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.” Kara gratefully accepted a mug of coffee. “So I told you about my plan to sell the house.” Robin nodded as she took a long swallow from her own cup. “Well it’s a done deal, moving pod is coming today, and the closing is a week from Monday.” She watched nervously as Robin’s eyes sprung wide with surprise. “What do ya think?”

  “Well I don’t know if I should cry or clap. Go you!”

  “I know it’s all moving kinda quick. But the realty lady my mom knows came to give me a quick assessment and she ended up offering to buy it. And she’s talking a lot of money.”

  “Sshh…”

  Kara ducked her head, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Sorry. It’s just so damn exciting.”

  “Okay, so seriously, where are you going to live?”

  “Got it all covered. The horses are at Laurie’s farm in Chatham and I’m gonna be renting a place near Valatie until I find a something to buy. All I have left to do is pack the pod thing.”

  She watched as Robin blinked at her a few times. “I guess it’s been longer than a few days since I saw you last.”

  “I thought about calling you ’cause I knew you’d want to help. But I needed to get through most of this myself.”

  “No worries. The kids and I will be over later to load up stuff for you. Okay?”

  Kara stood to leave, hugging her friend. “Yes, that would be wonderful.” She stepped out onto the stoop, then poked her head back in the door, surprising Robin. “Thanks for the coffee.” Her friend chuckled back with a no problem but Kara could hear the emotion in her voice. She knew this move would be tough on both of them.

  When she got home, she made her own pot of coffee. For the next half hour, she browsed through websites for real estate agencies in Southern Rensselaer and Northern Columbia County, bookmarking anything promising. The sale of this house made it quite easy for her to put a hefty down payment on the next place. But, with the six month lease on the rental, there was no reason for her to rush and make a bad decision. By time the moving company arrived, she’d already picked out eight potential places.

  A middle-aged man climbed down out of the cab of the truck holding the storage container. Watching him limp a few steps, Kara felt badly she didn’t get to the truck in time to save him the climb. Despite his off-kilter gait, he smiled broadly.

  “G’morning ma’am. I’m Charlie.” He tipped his company cap to Kara before outstretching his right hand. “Where would you like me to leave this box?”

  Kara gave him a firm handshake in return. “As close to the porch as you can get it.”

  “And when will you be ready for it to be picked up?”

&
nbsp; “Tomorrow, ’round lunch time. And it’s supposed to be delivered to Valatie on Saturday morning.”

  “Right, right. Yeah, I probably won’t be the return driver but the account’s got all the info on where it’s going.”

  “Thanks so much. Would you like a refill on your coffee?”

  “No thanks. I’m just gonna drop this thing and scoot on out of your yard. Good luck on your move.” He offered Kara his hand one more time, then limped back to the cab, slowly climbing up the steel steps and sitting down on the large padded seat.

  As promised, Robin and the kids arrived to help Kara. Though in truth, the kids were making her a little nervous. If Robin failed to keep them fully engaged in the project, they bolted for the barn or woods. After four hours of their game, since she and Robin were able to move the larger pieces of furniture, Kara gave up and suggested all of them hit the diner in town for a late lunch, effectively ending the packing.

  After gorging themselves on hamburgers, French fries and shakes, Kara stood, shaking her head silently, by Robin’s car while she cajoled her kids into their seatbelts. I am definitely raising dogs, instead. When her friend turned around, she could see tears starting to well in Robin’s eyes.

  “When are you leaving?”

  “Sometime tomorrow. The pod is supposed to be picked up by noon.”

  “Is the new place ready for you to stay there?”

  “Not completely. Besides, my furniture will be in the pod and it’s not promised for delivery until Saturday morning.” She held up her hand in protest when she saw Robin’s lips purse. “I’ve made reservations for two nights at the Schodack Comfort Inn. It’s right off the highway at Exit 10 and it’s pet friendly.”

  “I don’t know, Kar.” Robin shook her head forlornly. “I just don’t want to live up here if you’re leaving.” Kara reached out to hug her friend, triggering sobs from her. “Up here, in this freakin’ little town, snow up to my ass all winter and no you, or your horses.”

  Kara started to laugh as she pushed her friend back a step. “Hey. You could move, too!” She watched a smile cross Robin’s face. “Think about it.” They hugged again, this time laughing instead of crying. Both of them climbed into their vehicles, leaving the parking lot in opposite directions.