Heaven's Loss (Hell Yeah!)

by Sable Hunter

  The thought made her heart ache.

  Seren wondered what he was doing. Undoubtedly, he was at work. She wondered if he missed her, then immediately recalled how he couldn’t miss her – he wouldn’t even remember she existed.

  “May I help you?”

  The unexpected voice caused Seren to jump. “Oh, hello.” She turned to see a woman she knew to be Avery McCoy coming around the corner of the building. “I…was wondering if you had any job openings. I need to work.” She needed more than that – but a job would be a good start.

  “Well, I might.” Avery narrowed her gaze. “I’m Avery McCoy, proprietor. What’s your name?”

  “Uh, Seren Whitewing.”

  “Sara?”

  “No, Seren.” She pronounced her name more clearly.

  “Do you have any restaurant experience?”

  “Uh.” She felt inclined to say she had waitressing experience, it felt like she did. There were images in her head of carrying heavy trays and washing dishes in a large vat of hot water. Perhaps Gregori had built this scenario into the human profile he’d foisted upon her. Nevertheless, Seren found she couldn’t – no, she wouldn’t – lie about it. “The only work experience I’ve had has been…as a bodyguard.”

  A delighted laugh burst from Avery’s lips. “How wonderful!” She looked Seren up and down. “Dynamite comes in small packages. Would you consider working for a romance author? Sometimes I have fans who become a little excitable. Last year a tiny eighty-year old lady tackled me for a hug and we both fell into a swimming pool. Do you have any references?”

  “Not that I can give you.”

  “Ah, I see.” Avery grinned. “You must have worked for some big names.”

  “The biggest.” Seren glanced up at the heavens and hoped the ‘big name’ didn’t send down a lightning bolt on her head.

  “For now, waitressing should be no trouble at all for you. Why don’t we give it a try?”

  A feeling of relief washed over Seren. “Oh, thank you. Thank you.” Impulsively, she stepped up for a hug. Of course, Avery wasn’t a stranger to her like she was to Avery. To give the woman credit, she didn’t hesitate, and Seren felt comforted by the simple gesture of friendship.

  “Where are you staying?” Avery asked as she opened the front door of Hardbodies to invite Seren inside.

  “Nowhere at the moment,” Seren confessed. “I’m a little down on my luck.”

  “Well, as long as you’re with us, there’s a little trailer out in the back. Our bartender used to live in it before she married her rodeo cowboy, Josh.”

  Beggars couldn’t be choosers. “That sounds perfect. Thank you.” Seren followed Avery into the club where she could see two other women already at work. A beautiful redhead was setting things up behind the counter bar and a middle-age lady was busy taking down chairs from the tops of tables.

  “Emma! Doris! Meet Seren. She’s going to be waiting tables this afternoon.”

  The one called Doris came hustling over to greet her. “Excellent. Since Celine quit to work at that bar in Houston, we’ve been short-handed.”

  Seren felt lucky she’d showed up at the right place at the right time. “I’ll work hard for you, I promise.”

  “Did you say Seren?” A husky female voice behind her caused Seren to turn around.

  “Seren, this is our bartender, Emma. She’s the one who lived in the trailer I was telling you about.”

  “Hello, Emma.” She held out her hand, then noticed the white cane the redhead held. Emma was blind. This surprised Seren. Adjusting her tactic, she reached to touch Emma’s arm in greeting. “I’m so glad to meet you.”

  “Me too.” She smiled at Seren. “I like your voice. You sound trustworthy.”

  Seren laughed. “Well, I hope so. I am.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you tonight while you learn the ropes.”

  Avery pointed to the back. “Let me show Seren the trailer and let her get settled in. We’ll indoctrinate her in about an hour.”

  “Sounds good.” Doris gave Avery a jaunty salute, then returned to finish with the chairs.

  “I’ll find her an apron and an order pad,” Emma offered.

  “Thanks, you two,” Avery muttered as she led Seren across the dance floor to the hall that led by the kitchen entrance and the bathrooms. “So, what’s your story?”

  The question brought a smile to Seren’s lips. Guardian angel aka Watcher falls in love with her charge and gets demoted. Probably not the wisest thing to say. Seren remembered when Canyon had been convinced she was a mental case, she didn’t want her new boss to have the same impression. “I recently separated from my boyfriend. Now, I’m trying to start over in a new place.” All true.

  “I understand. Age old tale.” Avery sighed. “Keep your chin up, though. I make a living writing happy endings to stories like that.”

  “You do?” She smiled at the thought. “I’ll have to read some of your work soon for inspiration,” Seren muttered as she passed by a door with a glass window. For a moment she saw her reflection and the sight of her hair caused her to pause. The image was dark, but Seren was startled to find her hair was straight now, not curly. In a bit of a panic, she picked up a strand and held it up so she could see. “What?” Her hair wasn’t the same at all.

  “What’s wrong?” Avery asked, stopping to see what might be the problem.

  “I’m having a bad hair day, I guess,” Seren said softly, a bit of unease building in her stomach.

  “Been there too many times to count,” Avery said as they walked across the drive to where a small trailer was parked next to a storage building. “This isn’t much, but its clean. And free.” She gave Seren a big smile.

  “Two very important factors,” she agreed wholeheartedly. Seren had never considered money or making money before. Even the jobs Canyon performed seemed more like a calling than a necessity. Now, she realized how dependent mankind was on this fragile economic system. Gone were the days when she could speak her needs and have them instantly met.

  Once Avery unlocked the door, they stepped inside and Seren looked around. “This will do nicely.” She didn’t need much room and she didn’t need luxury.

  “It’s hooked up to all the utilities. The thermostat is next to the bathroom. You’ll be warm, for sure.” Walking to the front of the trailer, Avery continued to bring things to Seren’s attention. “There’s an adequate kitchen, but you’re welcome to take your meals inside the club. Our menu isn’t extensive, but you’re welcome to eat your fill.”

  Seren felt a knot form in her throat. “This is amazing. I can honestly say that a few hours ago, I didn’t know what I would do.”

  “Some things are meant to be,” Avery said breezily, then laughed. “Dang, I sound like a romance author, don’t I?”

  “I’m not sure. I’ve never read a romance novel.”

  Avery looked aghast at Seren’s admission. “Well, we’ll have to remedy that. I’ll bring you an assortment for your midnight pleasure.” She gave Seren a saucy wink. “Okay.” Putting her hands on her hips, Avery turned in a circle. “Make a list of what you need. Towels, etc. I’m sure between us all, we can outfit you in whatever you might need.”

  Seren was taken aback by Avery’s generosity. “I’m touched. Thank you.”

  “Oh, you’ll do your part, don’t doubt it. Wait until you see the rowdy crowd of cowboys and bikers you’ll be serving tonight.”

  Seren swallowed nervously. “I…look forward to it. A new adventure.”

  “Okay.” Avery headed out. “Get settled. Catch your breath, then come in and get your feet wet.”

  “Will do,” Seren assured her, going with Avery to the door. “See you in a bit.”

  As soon as she was alone, she took a deep breath. The events of the last few hours were overwhelming. The silence surrounding her seemed thick and suffocating. Moving to a straight back chair, she sat down heavily, a hand on her chest. Seren felt like her heart had been ripped out.
How would she survive without Canyon? Again, she wondered why Gregori chose to leave her so close to him. As before, she concluded this was another test. Yet, she couldn’t believe the high angel would be deliberately cruel. Fair, yes. Justice would be served – but this was different, this was ongoing temptation. Was she strong enough to stay away from him?

  Seren thought about praying for strength and guidance, but for the first time in her existence, she felt the effort might be futile. A chill ran over her body at the thought. Sitting still, she became aware of other discomforts. “First things first.” She needed to use the bathroom. Rising to take care of the necessary task, Seren sought out the small facilities. Head down, she went straight to the toilet to do her business. After finishing, she walked to the sink to wash her hands and caught sight of herself in the mirror. What she saw shocked her. Seren could barely recognize herself. Vanity had never been an issue for her, the emotion was alien for a watcher.

  Not so for a human.

  Trembling, she raised a hand to touch her face. She was…different. Faded. Her features not as fine. Her skin not as clear. Her eyes not as blue. The inner glow she used to see shining from her face was gone. Moving her gaze down her form, she could see her body had changed also. Her breasts were smaller, but everything else seemed a little bigger. The tattoo on her ankle had even disappeared. “Dang it. I’m afraid to say this is the last straw, I’m sure there’s more to come.” Oh well, looks weren’t that important to her anyway. She’d never love anyone but Canyon and he was permanently out of her reach.

  After freshening up, she changed clothes, wondering if there would be a uniform for her to wear. When she’d accomplished all she could, Seren went to see what else this most unusual day held in store.

  * * *

  Finishing a TV dinner, Canyon stared at the wall. He was used to being alone. He could count on one hand the nights he’d shared with anyone since Kim left – and two of those had been with Bull Redford. So…why did tonight seem different? Why did he sit here expecting to hear footsteps or a voice calling his name?

  “Damn, I must be losing it,” he muttered as he stood to throw away the aluminum container and put his fork in the dishwasher.

  For a second or two, he considered watching some television. “Nah, I need some fresh air.” Grabbing his hat, he strode out the back door and took the path leading to his shop. He lacked so little on the Stallion. Just a few hours and he’d be done. Determined to finish, Canyon flipped on the overhead light, donned his gear, and went to work.

  As he perfected the details of the horse’s mane and tail, Canyon let his mind wander to what lay ahead for him. Not much. He had the power lifting contest to look forward to – big effing deal. He’d do it for Jacob, but the prospect held little appeal for him. Now, if Joseph contacted him about the Wilderness Rescue thing, that might be exciting.

  “Knock. Knock.”

  The unexpected greeting caused him to drop a piece of spiral cable he’d been using as part of the horse’s tail. “Dammit.” He didn’t have to glance up to know who his visitor was – no one came calling but Bull. “Redford, how’s your hammer hanging?”

  “Low, Brady. Mighty low.” Used to making himself at home, he came in and sat on an overturned barrel.

  “What’s wrong?” He placed aside the mini arc-welder and came to sit next to his friend.

  “My prostate exam came back funky.” He laughed wryly. “Wouldn’t that be just my luck to find the love of my life, get impotent, then die of cancer?” For a brief moment, Bull forgot about Canyon’s son. When he saw the look of despair on his friend’s face, he felt immediately contrite. “Hey, I’m sorry. Cancer is never a laughing matter.”

  Canyon recovered quickly, showing his obvious concern for his friend. “Yea, especially when it’s you or someone you love. I’m sorry, man. When will you know for sure?”

  “A day or two.” He took off his hat and looked at the floor. “I didn’t tell Isabella. I didn’t know how.” He sighed, a long exhale of breath. “I found out the day after we came back from our last hunting trip. Haven’t had a moment’s peace since.”

  An edgy, uneasy feeling plagued Canyon. “I haven’t either really. Seems like something’s amiss, but I don’t know what.”

  Bull chuckled. “Probably because you missed that big buck. Remember? Hell, you didn’t even get a shot off.”

  “Yea, I remember.” He didn’t really, the events seemed hazy. “I almost shot myself that day, my gun went off when I propped it up next to a tree.”

  “Yea, a near miss.” Bull turned his hat over in his hand, his fingers running over the brim. “Someone was looking out for you that day.”

  “Someone’s going to be looking out for you too, bud. Just wait and see.” Canyon smiled, feeling confident. “The results of those tests will be negative.”

  “I pray so.” Bull nodded. “I’ve got the world by the tail with my Isabella. I don’t want to leave her now.”

  “You won’t. You’ll see.”

  Bull stood up and walked to Canyon’s sculpture. “You’re just about finished, aren’t you?”

  “Yep, just about.”

  “What are you gonna do with it?”

  Canyon rubbed his chin. “Aron wants me to display it at the western art museum in Kerrville. He thinks some gallery owners might see it.”

  “You’re gonna be famous one day, Brady. So…what’s next? How about a standing grizzly?”

  Giving the idea some thought, Canyon mused, “Someday. Next, I think I’ll do something different.”

  “What’s on your mind?” Bull smiled at the odd expression on Canyon’s face. He appeared to be looking at something no one else could see.

  “An angel. A beautiful female angel with magnificent wings.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Two weeks later…

  “Anything else, guys?” Seren asked a table full of cowboys, balancing the empty tray on her hip. “Last call.”

  “Last call for alcohol!” One of the men raised his empty mug. “I’ll buy a round…for everybody!”

  A chorus of ‘hell yeahs!” arose around the room. Hardbodies was jumping tonight.

  “Coming right up,” Seren told him. Her smile was bright, but her feet were screaming. There was no doubt about it, she needed more comfortable shoes.

  Hearing the chants, Emma and Doris set out to help Seren fill the order to deliver final drinks to the rowdy crowd. Once they were finished, the trio spent another hour after closing shutting the club down. Doris taught Seren that if it’s done right, setting up for the next day was a piece of cake. “How were your tips, hon?” the older waitress asked as she snapped gum between her teeth.

  “Pretty good, I think. I haven’t counted yet,” Seren answered as she wiped down the tables.

  “Anybody give you any trouble tonight?”

  Seren knew the question stemmed from the recent run-in she’d had with Diego Valencia. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

  “Be careful,” Doris warned her. “That Diego seems to be nothing but trouble.”

  “I will,” Seren promised, chill bumps covering her body at the memory of what the man had said to her tonight.

  You won’t always be in a crowd, little cock tease. One of these days I’ll get what I want from you.

  Seren wanted to believe the man wouldn’t hurt her. From what she’d overheard, he worked at the Bar X ranch. The night she’d first noticed him, he was sharing a table with Cruz Catano from Tebow and another man she’d never seen before. At first, the shock of seeing someone familiar had lifted Seren’s spirits. She’d approached the table where Cruz sat with a huge smile on her face. Of course, Cruz had no memory of her and the men with him falsely interpreted her friendliness as sexual interest. To her dismay, Diego Valencia began to harass her at every opportunity. Now, she dreaded for him to make an appearance at the club. “I’m just glad he left early tonight. I’d hate for him to figure out I live behind Hardbodies.”

  “Ju
st keep your eyes open,” Doris advised before gathering the contents of the cash register to go into the safe in Isaac’s office.

  After finishing the last table, Seren took the dirty rags to the kitchen. On the way, she heard someone knocking on the back door. “We have a visitor!”

  “That’s probably Josh,” Emma called from behind the counter. “Would you let him in?”

  “Sure thing.” Seren hurried to the rear of the club to unlock the back exit. Once she did, Emma’s husband stood there with a smile on his face and a weight bench in his hands. “Hello, Seren. Tell Emma I’m going to unload this stuff for the power lifting competition and then I’ll be up to fetch her.”

  “Okay.” Seren didn’t move as Josh Long stepped into the hall to place the piece of exercise equipment next to the wall. “Oh, my God!” she whispered. She’d forgotten all about the event. “Canyon will be here!”

  “Something wrong?” Josh asked as he entered the second time with a couple of barbells.

  “Uh, no.” She turned away to do as he asked. On her way to see Emma, Seren’s head was spinning. Canyon would be at the power lifting event! “What do I do? What do I do?” She wanted to see him more than she wanted another breath – but she shouldn’t. Seren wasn’t sure how she’d react in his presence. “Emma, Josh is unloading equipment for the weightlifting event. He said he’d be up to join you as soon as he finished.”

  “Great. Thanks.” Emma smiled in her direction. “I think he’s competing with the Tebow group and volunteered to bring some stuff. Since he went through rehab a while back, we have our own exercise room at home.”

  “I’m sure that’s convenient. Better than having to go to a gym every day.” She held onto the counter for support, focusing on Emma to keep her mind off Canyon. Seren was amazed at how well the bartender functioned without sight. She didn’t seem to let anything stop her from doing what she wanted to do. Seren admired that.

  “Is something wrong?” Emma asked. “Your voice is tense.”