by Debra Holt
Annie’s interest was not feigned as she took in the buildings along the tree-lined street. Some of the stone dwellings she could tell were quite old by their ornate architecture. The town was larger than she first assumed it would be. Down the side streets she caught glimpses of quiet neighborhoods with houses with nicely manicured lawns and more tall trees. She could imagine that when the spring came, the trees would be quite huge with their leaves covering the branches that were now, for the most part, just beginning to see fresh shoots of green.
There were a good many pickups and small SUVs parked along the main street of the town, and men in jeans and cowboy boots and hats were visible, underscoring the fact this was a town in the heart of ranch country. A rather grand-looking limestone structure sat in the center of the town square. As they slowed to pass in front of it, Truitt caught her intent gaze.
“That’s our county courthouse. Most every county seat has a fair-sized courthouse that sort of anchors the heart of the town. Some can be quite ornate and grand. Many have been in books and movies.”
“I like that. It’s sort of the heartbeat of the town. I like historical buildings. Too often the new architecture tends to lose the beauty of the area. Plus, the stories that go along with such places… I imagine you could write a book just about those.”
Turning down one of the side streets, Truitt pulled into a parking space that was almost directly in front of a two-story red brick building. Its tall, smoked-glass windows and landscaping indicated that it was definitely a newer fixture in the town. The signage identified it as the Tremayne Family Medical Complex. Annie’s eyes were fixed on the sign as she slid from the truck and met Truitt’s as he rounded the front of the vehicle.
He noted the silent question and raised eyebrow she fixed on him as her gaze swung to him from the sign. “My family believes in giving back.” His reply was brief and held only a matter-of-fact tone, nothing boastful. His hand went to her elbow automatically and Annie didn’t say anything else. As they entered the reception area, her eyes lit on Aunt Sal and Jessie, already seated and waiting on them.
“I hope you haven’t been waiting too long,” Annie said as she crossed to meet them.
“We just arrived a couple of minutes ago. We saved you a seat.” The woman patted the empty chair next to her. “Truitt, you go check Annie in with the receptionist.”
Annie didn’t have time to protest that she could do that herself. He was already halfway across the room. She slid into the chair with a smile and a quick hug for Jessie. “Have you been having fun?”
Jessie’s reply came with a swift nod of her head. “We had lunch at the drugstore. They have a long counter with stools that go round and round, and we even had chocolate milkshakes.”
Annie caught the older woman’s grin.
“We did have grilled chicken sandwiches to go along with those milkshakes.”
“It sounds fun.” Annie was glad to see Jessie was smiling and having a good time for a little while at least. She hadn’t seen the girl so carefree in a long time. She’d have to break the news sooner or later that their San Antonio plans had hit a snag. But not today.
“They’ll call you into the back shortly.” Truitt rejoined them. He clearly wasn’t comfortable in the surroundings and wanted to be out of the clinic.
“Thank you for bringing me to town. I know you have other things to do now.”
“Yes, I’ll leave you ladies and see you back at the ranch later.” He crossed the room and was out the door without a backward glance. Annie experienced a slice of disappointment at his departure, but she turned her attention to the stack of magazines next to her, pretending an interest in the latest horticulture publication.
A few minutes later, she sat on an exam table while the doctor filled in some notes on his laptop. “I’m pleased with your progress, Annie. I can see that Aunt Sal has been a good nurse for you. Another three or four days, and you should be able to resume most of your normal activity. The thing to guard against with this strain of flu is the danger of relapse. It can be far worse than the initial bout.”
“Three or four days? I should be able to travel then, correct? Jessie and I really need to be on our way. We’ve imposed on the Tremaynes longer than we should.”
Doctor Cuesta swung his gaze from the screen to Annie. “I can’t imagine that Sallie Lomax actually gave you that impression.”
“Oh no!” Annie was swift to correct that impression. “She and her nephew have both been very wonderful hosts, but it’s time for us to continue our journey.”
“Well, we would certainly hope you’d like our community enough to stay a while longer or at least return for visits when possible. San Antonio is a nice place to visit and all, but our small community has a lot to offer.”
“It looks like a lovely place, just from the little I’ve seen, and people are very friendly.” She chose her words carefully, finding herself falling back into the habit of saying only enough and not too much.
“You need to give it another four days, and then, once you arrive in San Antonio, I want you to make an appointment with the doctor I have written on this paper for you. I went to school with him and he’s very good. He’ll do a follow-up.”
Annie took the paper and thanked him for his care. He stood and walked with her down the hallway toward the exit. She paused in front of a painting hanging on the wall. It was of a man, woman, and three children and an infant. The plaque underneath the painting read: The Tremayne Family. Thomas Sr., Kathryn, Thomas Jr., Truitt, Trey, Victoria, and Tyler. Together forever in loving memory. Annie turned questioning eyes on the physician.
“I assume that Aunt Sal has told you of their family tragedy,” the man responded, a somber expression replacing the smile on his face. “It was such a terrible thing, losing such a wonderful family. Aunt Sal and Truitt and his surviving siblings donated the funds for this medical facility in their loved ones’ memory. We all owe them a great deal.”
Annie wanted to ask more questions, but she only nodded her head and walked on. She filed away her curiosity for a later time. She soon found out that the inhabitants of Faris weren’t the only ones who owed a great deal to the Tremayne family. When the lady behind the desk at the checkout counter handed her the bill for her treatment, she almost needed a chair to collapse in. The amount was certainly far more than she had left in her funds but the amount due had been zeroed out and marked paid in full. There could be only one explanation. She waited until the three of them were outside the building before she turned to look at Aunt Sal.
“I don’t know why you did such a generous thing for us, and I have no idea when I can repay you, but mark my words—I shall repay every dime you and your nephew have spent on Jessie and me since we arrived on your doorstep.” She hoped the earnestness of her words was underscored by the look of gratitude she gave the woman at the same time. Annie had never known people like them—kind and without a personal agenda.
“I would say nonsense, but I think that would just rile up your blood pressure and you aren’t on the mended list quite yet. I know you want to pay your way. We’ll get into all of that in due time.” Aunt Sal moved on and Annie and Jessie were expected to follow. The trio was soon walking along the sidewalk toward the center of town. It was a lovely afternoon, with sunny skies and a light breeze. The temperature had been forecast to be in the low seventies, higher than normal for the season. The weatherman had hit the mark.
As they walked along, Annie was struck by the number of friendly nods and hellos passed their way. Of course, everyone knew Aunt Sal. If they had curiosity about her two companions, two strangers in their midst, they made no overt gestures of curiosity. They were friendly and welcoming. Annie couldn’t help thinking how nice it might have been to have grown up in such an atmosphere. She wished Jessie could experience such a place in her young years. Sadness descended and tinged the afternoon for a few moments. It lightened again when they stopped in front of a white stone-faced building with colorful
artwork displayed on easels in the large window.
“Welcome to The Gallery.” Aunt Sal beamed with pride as she produced a key from her pocket and unlocked the large wooden door. She stepped through the doorway and held the door to allow Annie and Jessie to enter. The ceilings were high and hammered bronze-colored tiles covered the ceiling. The walls were stark white, and lighting was strategically placed to show off the various paintings and artwork throughout the large space broken by half walls into three distinct gallery spaces. Polished wood flooring reflected the lighting.
Annie walked along, taking in the paintings, most of which were landscapes. “Are all these yours?”
“The ones in this area are mine. The second area is a mixture of two area artists and the third area is still being designed for another artist and sculptor to bring in his work.”
Annie stopped suddenly. Her eyes fixed on the signature in the bottom corner of the large landscape in front of her. A light dawned on her at that moment, and she turned to face the woman. “You’re Salinda Gale. I’ve loved your work for years.”
“Guilty. My full name is Salinda Gale Lomax. I just dropped the last name for my painting. Don’t really know why I did that at the time, but it does afford me a little privacy that way. I’m very glad that you like my paintings. It makes the idea I have even more perfect. And I like to think it is a definite sign. You’re a fan of my work and landed on my doorstep just when I need some help.”
Annie looked at the woman, wondering what was coming next. She was still trying to get over the fact that her hostess, who she had believed was simply an unassuming ranch woman, was instead a famous landscape artist and was looking at her in that moment as though she had acquired a marvelous idea…and it involved Annie.
“Jessie, there are some lovely porcelain dolls on display in the cases in the next room if you would like to take a look at them. Your sister and I have some business to discuss.”
The child didn’t hesitate and was off in a flash.
“Let me show you the rest,” Aunt Sal said, drawing Annie along with a hand at her back. “As you can see, The Gallery still has some space we’re filling. We hope to have our grand opening in two weeks during the Founder’s Fest which is a huge, annual event in this town and the whole tri-county area, as a matter of fact. We’ll have over thirty thousand people visiting our town during that time. I’m pleased to have a place for my work to be displayed, but it’s really a space for up and coming artists in the area to have a showcase to launch their careers.”
“Your name and work will draw them in the door and then expose them to the other artists and their work at the same time.” Annie understood what the woman hoped to accomplish.
“Exactly. I want the grand opening and private, invitation-only pre-party to be a hit. To that end, I think you would be perfect to help me.”
“Me? How? Why in the world would you say that?”
“You said you wanted a position in event planning. You have a natural grace and people personality about you. I need someone with your skills. The logistics of getting The Gallery open and acquiring the artists and their work is keeping me busy enough. I really need someone who can handle the opening event and party for me, plus, be a second set of hands in the shop during festival week. Once the grand opening is done, then you’ll have quite a nice event to add to your resume. The invitation-only reception will have a guest list with some of the most important and influential people from this area of the state…particularly San Antonio, where you want to work. It’s a win-win situation for all of us. The pay is quite nice, too.” Annie was shocked at the figure the woman named…quite nice was an understatement.
Before she had learned of the loss of her job offer in San Antonio, Aunt Sal’s offer would have been easier to turn down. But Annie knew it was now a lifeline in a situation that she needed to consider. The money from such a job would provide much-needed funds, especially with the car repairs and her medical bills. It would certainly give her enough to pay back the Tremaynes for all they had done for them and leave a nice amount to help get them a better start in San Antonio. Annie felt torn. Did she dare take the chance? Could they afford to stay longer? Would it be just as easy to get lost in a small town as a large city?
Not only were she and Jessie on guard against whatever their step aunt and uncle might do once they were located if Annie hadn’t put up safeguards against them, but Annie knew there was something else to be on guard about since arriving in Faris, Texas. It involved feelings that could be detrimental to all their plans. Even that had complications due to the fact she felt worse each moment she held the lie in place as to who they really were and why they had really ended up in Texas. It was all a house of cards and lies that weighed on her each day. She realized Aunt Sal was watching her carefully.
“You’re being incredibly generous. It would be a really interesting position I’m sure, but…”
“Three weeks and you and Jessie will leave here with extra funds to help you get settled in the city along with some good contacts for you. Plus, you’ll be helping me out more than you know. And who knows? Many things could change in that time.”
Annie was afraid of that last statement. It held the truth in it that she feared. However, she did owe the woman…and her nephew. They had taken her and Jessie into their home, nursed her back to health, looked after Jessie. Now there was something she could do for Aunt Sal. Maybe it was a false sense of security in the fact she hadn’t seen anyone following them in a long while, or maybe it was something more personal than that, but she hesitated and then was more than a little shocked when she found herself agreeing to take the position. What would three more weeks hurt?
Chapter Five
The deal wasn’t that simple as Annie soon found out. If there was another issue that was nonnegotiable in this new business arrangement, it was the living arrangements. Aunt Sal would not entertain anything that had Jessie and Annie leaving the ranch.
“It makes no sense for you two to leave and try to find a temporary place for less than a month. Why, most landlords wouldn’t even consider less than a six-month lease, and the places that might are places you wouldn’t have Jessie anyplace around. Besides, it makes it more convenient for you and me to work together on plans.”
Annie ventured a glance toward the end of the dining table where Truitt had sat through the latest “discussion” between the two women in his usual stance of silence, his gaze staying within the area of his plate. She wished he would give some indication of what his thoughts were on the subject. They had returned to the ranch, and Aunt Sal had made the announcement almost the moment they stepped inside, bringing Truitt’s steps to a halt on the front porch. His eyes had briefly shot to Annie’s before they moved on to his aunt.
He had not said a word for most of dinner, only gave a slight nod of his head, and took another swallow from his tea glass. What had she expected? That he would throw open his arms and welcome them both to stay as long as they liked? Right. If anything, he would probably be even more relieved than she when they did finally leave the ranch.
Annie could find no ally in her argument against staying on the ranch and especially not from Jessie. Her sister was definitely on the opposing side given the huge grin that had not left her face since leaving the art gallery. She needed to have a talk with Jessie and the sooner, the better. In the meantime, she would once again smile and thank Aunt Sal and her nephew for their kindness.
“We’ll see if you consider it so kind once the tourists hit town. Things tend to go fairly nonstop around here for those ten days.” Aunt Sal shook her head as she passed the potatoes to Jessie. “But it’s fun, too. There’s a carnival for the youngsters. Nightly dances at the pavilion next to the river. Parades and art shows and concerts. You name it, we have it. Not to mention there’s a rodeo, and you’ll get to finally meet the rest of the family. They put the rodeo on for the town.”
“Oh, it sounds like so much fun!” Jessie couldn’t contain herself
any longer. “We can go to the carnival, can’t we? And to the parade?” She looked at Annie with the glow of anticipation lighting her face.
Annie hated to always be the one to keep both feet planted on the ground. However, she needed to do so for caution’s sake. “Jessie don’t forget I’ll be very busy working at The Gallery. We’ll have to see how much time we have for other things.”
Aunt Sal looked like she was about to speak up, but her eyes caught her nephew’s and she closed her mouth.
Jessie’s smile dimmed several watts, and she picked up her fork and began slowly eating the remainder of the food on her plate in silence.
Annie felt the familiar tug inside her as she looked upon the bent head of the little girl. It wasn’t fair that Jessie had to miss out on so many of the things that made childhood fun. Yet, it was for her own good, her own safety. Even as she told herself all these things, she felt herself relenting…if only a bit. Before she could say anything, Truitt pushed his chair back from the table and stood.
“When you’re finished with your dinner, Jessie, come down to the barn and we’ll see about holding one of those puppies this evening.” He reached for the hat he had hooked on the back of his chair and pulled it on. “Maybe you can persuade your sister to come along, too.” He ignored the fact that three pairs of female eyes followed his retreating back until the door closed behind him.
“Isn’t that super?!” Jessie responded, her mood suddenly bright again at the prospect of finally getting her hands on one of the furry babies. “You’ll come along, won’t you, Annie? You’ve got to see how cute they are.”
“Yes, it’s something.” Annie felt her own bit of thrill inside her at the prospect of going to the barn…to see the puppies, of course.
“It certainly is something indeed,” Aunt Sal replied with a most pleased curve of a smile on her face as she turned her attention back to the table. “This has been a very good day all the way around.”