A Deep Divide

by Kimberley Woodhouse

  The thrill of the chase ignited in his gut. He always found what he was looking for.

  Always.

  12

  Frank hadn’t been kidding. The hike back up out of the canyon was intense. The first hour hadn’t been too bad, but now Ray found his legs screaming from the exertion. It didn’t help that the chef seemed to be able to stay ahead of the rest of them without a lot of effort. And he was older.

  How the ladies were managing with their long skirts was beyond Ray.

  Emma Grace looked back at him and slowed her steps. “I thought my work as a Harvey Girl had me pretty strong and able to withstand hours upon hours on my feet. I guess I wasn’t as prepared for this uphill climb as I thought.” She placed her hands on her hips.

  “Funny, I thought I might be the only one feeling I was inadequate for the challenge.”

  Caroline halted in front of them. “Frank? Can we stop for a few minutes? I really need to catch my breath.”

  Their fearless leader turned back with a smile. “Of course. Do you need any water?”

  The young waitress sighed and plopped down unceremoniously on a nearby rock. “Water would be much appreciated, thank you.”

  Ray stepped next to Emma Grace. “Please don’t think this too forward of me, but I have really enjoyed our delightful time together. Would it be possible . . . that is, I’m asking if you would be willing . . . I would really like to know you better.”

  An expression he couldn’t decipher crossed her face. “While I don’t quite understand why you would, I must admit that I would like that as well. You surprise me, Ray Watkins. You’re not at all like other men of your . . . status.”

  “Oh?”

  “I’m sorry. Did I offend you?” Her blond hair was doing its best to escape out of its tight confines. The wisps around her face danced in the wind.

  “No. Not at all. I guess I’m simply pleased that you don’t lump me in with all the others.”

  “Believe me, as a waitress, I’ve seen my fair share of just about every type of man.”

  “I can imagine. In my travels I’ve seen some interesting characters, but I’m betting you have seen more of mankind than I have.”

  “Some of the Harvey Houses I worked at in the beginning were quite a shock. But I have loved working at El Tovar so far. It really is Harvey’s shining star.”

  Ray shoved his hands in his pockets as he looked ahead at Caroline and Frank. The younger waitress looked about done in already. Frank patiently waited.

  Maybe it was the fresh air, or perhaps the view, but courage seemed to be on Ray’s side today. “Tell me about your family. Do you have any siblings?”

  Tiny creases in her forehead told him to tread carefully. Was family a sore spot for her?

  After several seconds, she licked her lips. “My parents are both gone. It’s just me.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Have they been gone long?”

  “My mother died a long time ago. My father . . . it’s been five years now.” She looked away and shaded her eyes with her hand.

  “Where are you from?” He risked the question, hoping she would open up.

  “Boston.” She kept her face turned away from him.

  “That’s a long way from here. But I always enjoyed visiting Boston when my father sent me there on business. Do you miss it?”

  This time she looked back at him with a shrug. “Not really. There are things that I miss from my childhood, but not much. So, how about you? Family? I know you’re from Chicago and you’ve spoken of your father often.”

  “My mother passed away two years ago.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I appreciate that. Most people have nurturing, loving mothers, so I’m sure it is very hard to feel the loss. And while I am sad that she had to suffer through cancer, it hasn’t been that difficult to adjust to life without her. She was a . . . hard woman.” He’d never shared anything like that with anyone else. Hopefully she wouldn’t think he was callous.

  “My mother was loving. But my father wasn’t the same after she died. So, the only good memories I have are from when I was a child and when they were happy.” Her eyes held a sadness that ran deep. What haunted her?

  “Sounds very similar to my father. He hasn’t been himself since Mother died—not that they seemed all that happy before. But it’s almost like something snapped in him. He’s more driven. Obsessed almost.” It was his turn to look away. He shouldn’t speak so negatively about his father. It was disrespectful.

  “Do you have any siblings?” Her voice brought his attention back.

  He gave her a soft smile. “No. Although I remember asking my parents repeatedly for a little brother. That, or a dinosaur. I didn’t get either.”

  She laughed along with him.

  Frank waved from ahead. “I think we’re ready to keep moving.”

  With a hefty sigh, Ray widened his eyes. “Oh boy. Are you ready?”

  “As I’ll ever be. But I may be grunting and groaning in an unladylike manner before too long. So, my apologies now.”

  “I’m quite certain that I will be grunting and groaning right along with you.”

  She started walking, but to his surprise, she stayed beside him.

  Hopefully it was because she wanted to continue their conversation. At least as long as they could breathe and talk at the same time. There were bound to be some more passages ahead that would take every ounce of effort just to keep going.

  “What inspired your interest in photography?” Her question made him smile. Not only had she initiated the conversation, but she had homed in on one of his favorite subjects.

  “I went to an art exhibit several years ago, and there was a photographer who was showcasing his photographs from a trip to Africa and then another to the Alps. It inspired and uplifted me, so I ordered some equipment, studied as much as I could, and started to dabble in the art. And it truly is an art. Some people are genuinely gifted at having the eye for it, and those people amaze me.”

  “I wouldn’t even know where to start.” Her breaths came a bit shorter as the incline increased. “But I can imagine you could stay here an entire lifetime and never take all the pictures you’d like.”

  “That is true. I’ve attempted to get some good sunset pictures, but I haven’t quite mastered it yet. None of them have turned out quite like I hoped. But I’ve also been taking pictures for my father’s investors, so that has taken a bit of my time.”

  “Is that why you were over at the Hopi House with your camera?”

  “Yes. The art displayed is exquisite.” He took longer steps and slowed down a bit. Every muscle in his back and legs was unhappy with him at the moment. “Did you know that Fred Harvey had a priceless collection of Indian artwork on display in there? Navajo blankets, an ethnographic collection of the Hopi people, Pomo baskets, Eskimo handiwork, and a room filled with rare buffalo-hide shields. It’s incredible. The Navajo blankets won grand prize at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition last year.”

  “I didn’t know that! I love the Hopi House. It’s been my favorite place to visit. The people are so sweet, and Chuma keeps trying to teach me how to weave. Of course, you saw that.”

  “Trying? You did better than I did. You actually had something that looked like a basket.” He couldn’t help but laugh.

  “So far, she hasn’t been successful. But she is patient and tells me I will learn. I don’t know if that’s a command or just hopeful thinking. Chuma says that weaving rugs will be next. I can only hope that I’ll be better at that.”

  The rest of the hike passed in long stretches of silence as they climbed, followed by snippets of conversation that gave him a glimpse into her world.

  The more time he spent with her, the more he longed for even more of it. She was fascinating. Completely different from any of the other women he’d known.

  When they arrived back at the hotel, exhausted and exhilarated, Mr. Owens handed him a telegram.

  “Thank you.” Ray n
odded at the man as he turned to his companions from the day. “And thank you for a wonderful hike. I hope you all have a restful night.”

  The others said good-night and he opened the paper.

  Coming now. Please make sure my rooms are ready and ensure that the kitchen has fresh ice cream made each day.

  —Dad

  Ice cream? Since when did his dad eat ice cream—much less every day? His behavior was getting odder by the day. What was going on?

  With sore legs and a full heart, Emma Grace walked down the stairs with Caroline to their quarters. The day had been better than she’d even imagined. Not only was the canyon gorgeous, but she’d truly enjoyed the company.

  As much as she wanted to keep her heart hardened against all men—especially men of wealth—Ray had shown her that he was a true gentleman. Frank too. Maybe there were good and decent men left in the world. Maybe they weren’t all like her father and Mr. Cooper and Mr. Wellington and every other businessman who’d dealt with her father over the years. Maybe . . . just maybe, there was a way for her heart to soften.

  Trusting was a bit more difficult to imagine. But she’d made a healthy start. She had.

  “I think my legs might simply fall off tonight.” Caroline put a hand on the wall and leaned against it. Her flair for the dramatic never ceased to amaze Emma Grace. But it also made life so much more fun. Something she’d been desperately missing for years.

  “I’m glad I was smart enough to think ahead and sign up for the tub tonight. A long soak might be the only thing that saves me.” Emma Grace couldn’t wait to soothe her aching muscles.

  Ruth and Blanche, another Harvey Girl, were headed down the hall toward them. The ladies waved, and Ruth’s face lit up. She picked up her pace and met them in a few short strides. “Well? How was it?”

  “Amazing, beautiful . . . and exhausting!” Emma Grace felt the smile stretch across her face.

  “Exhausting. Now that’s the word I would use. That, and hard. Difficult . . . and whoever invited me to do such a thing in the first place needs to give me a foot massage.” The pointed look Caroline gave Emma Grace made all the girls laugh. “I’m serious, I can’t believe I agreed to go with you.” She clung to Blanche’s arm. “I’m afraid of heights, you know.”

  “Oh, stop it.” Emma Grace placed her hands on her hips. “You loved it and you know it.” Their giggles echoed down the hall.

  “I did.” Caroline ceased her dramatics. “It was really quite unbelievable. I’m glad I went, but don’t go asking me to go again. Especially after you climbed that rock. I think I lost ten years off my life because I was so scared for you.”

  “Wait . . . you climbed a rock?” Ruth’s face had turned protective and concerned. “What on earth would you do that for?”

  Holding up her hands in defense, Emma Grace put on her most innocent look. “I wanted to see what the view looked like.” She bit her lip. “And there might have been a gentleman who said, ‘I’d like to see that,’ and I might have taken that as a challenge.”

  “You do beat all, Emma Grace.” Blanche shook her head, one hand on her hip. “I can’t imagine climbing on top of a rock while I was already on a trail on the edge of a canyon. Weren’t you scared?”

  “No. It was really quite safe. And it did have a spectacular view.”

  “Mr. Watkins even took a photograph of her. We should ask him tomorrow if he developed it so we can show everyone.” Caroline was all smiles now.

  “Well, I have an appointment with the tub.” Looking at the women around her, Emma Grace couldn’t help but feel like they really were becoming a family here. A wonderful, sweet family.

  As Caroline and Blanche headed to their rooms arm in arm, their chatter washed over her. Oh, to be young and carefree like that. No fear. Dreaming of marrying a rich man and going off to live in exotic places. Not that she wanted to emulate her trainee, but it was nice to think that there was hope for other people to not become cynical and tired of the humdrum of life.

  “You seem deep in thought.” Ruth grabbed her elbow. “It was a good day?”

  “Yes. A very good day.” Why did she allow her thoughts to turn to the negative? She’d just had one of the best days of her life. Probably the best since leaving Boston. “Frank is such a gem. I know you know that since you’ve worked with him for so long, but he’s like . . . he’s like the big brother I always wanted.”

  Her friend laughed.

  “And Caroline, oh my goodness that girl is comical. She had us all in stitches time after time. Especially when we were climbing back up and conversation would lull because we were all huffing and puffing our way up the trail. She’d make a comment and it would get us all laughing again.”

  Ruth quirked one eyebrow at her, an expression Emma Grace had come to expect. “And what about Mr. Watkins?”

  It was a very good question. One she’d pondered every time the silence had accompanied them as they hiked. “He’s a very nice man.”

  “Oh? Just a very nice man?”

  “What exactly are you asking?” Emma Grace retrieved her key from around her neck to unlock her door.

  “It’s no secret that he always sits at your table.”

  “And?”

  “And . . . well, I was simply wondering if you had the chance to get to know him any better today. It sounds like you all had fun.”

  “We did.” She opened her door and went in.

  “I didn’t mean to intrude on anything personal, I promise.” Ruth put her hands on the doorjamb and studied her. “I’m just used to all my girls ending up married before too long. Especially one as pretty as you. Contract or no contract.”

  While all the Harvey Girls signed contracts to remain single for a certain amount of time and to uphold the values that Harvey insisted on, Emma Grace knew how often the girls got married. She’d seen dozens of them get hitched over the past five years. “Don’t worry. I will fulfill my contract. I’m planning on staying right here. Forever.”

  Ruth reached out one of her hands to grab one of Emma Grace’s. “I wasn’t saying that you wouldn’t, and I don’t wish to offend you.”

  “I’m not offended. It’s fine. It’s just been a long day.” She stood there, gripping the door with one hand and timidly holding Ruth’s outstretched hand with the other.

  With a squeeze, her friend let go. “Why haven’t you married, Emma Grace? Because of your past and your father’s business?”

  “Mostly, yes. But also because I wouldn’t give any man a chance to know me.”

  “But I’ve seen girls get proposals the first time they meet a man. You are definitely beautiful and one of those women who I can imagine would have generated a lot of interest.”

  “I turned everyone down. Immediately. I knew the Harvey way and how to treat customers, but I never allowed them the chance to flirt. One man even told me he was scared of me because I looked like I would run at any minute. That was when I realized I wanted to find a place I could stay for a long time. A place I could feel safe and not look over my shoulder all the time. But I knew that would never happen. Even so, as soon as I heard about El Tovar, I jumped at the chance, always hoping in the back of my mind that this could be the fresh start I’d wanted.” As she peered at her friend, her stomach sank. Their conversation had gotten awfully personal again. “What about you? Why haven’t you married? You’re such a lovely person, Ruth.”

  Pink crept into her friend’s cheeks. “I guess I just haven’t met the right man yet.”

  “Frank seemed awfully interested the other day when he asked if you could come on the hike.” She waggled her eyebrows.

  “Oh stop. We’ve known each other a long time. Frank is just a good friend.” Ruth’s voice squeaked a bit as she ducked her head.

  “Uh-huh.” Emma Grace sent her a grin.

  Ruth’s face grew redder by the second.

  “I’m sorry. I won’t tease.”

  “Well, you make me feel young, Emma Grace. I’m glad you’re here. An
d I’m thankful that you had a good day.” Ruth turned to head to her room. “I hope you sleep really well.”

  Emma Grace leaned forward. “Ruth?”

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you. For everything.”

  “You’re welcome. I thank God every day that He brought you here.”

  As her friend left, she pondered the last statement. Was that what had happened? Had God brought her here? It didn’t seem fathomable that the God of the universe would care about her. Especially when there were so many other important people to take care of.

  And she’d felt abandoned by God ever since He’d neglected to rescue her from her kidnapper. Then after Mother died. Then when her father got obsessed with his fortune, completely ignored her, and then tried to marry her off. Where had God been?

  God, there’s so much I don’t understand. I’m trying. I really am. That verse Ruth told me has run over and over in my mind. It says that I need to seek You. Am I doing that correctly? I want to have the peace she’s always talking about. And I desperately want to be rid of this fear. But I don’t see any way out of it.

  Her mind spun, and it made her feel muddled. Frank had mentioned earlier when he’d blessed their picnic that he always started his prayers by thanking God. Maybe she should try that.

  All right, God. I don’t think I’m doing any of this right, but I’m hoping You will forgive me because I’m new at this. I do want to thank You for bringing me here. For giving me this job—a way to take care of myself. And for giving me the wonderful day today. It is so incredible to see the majesty of the Grand Canyon. So, thank You for that. Help me, Lord. Help me to do what’s right. Help me to know how to get rid of this fear. And Lord, if You want me to come forward and tell the truth, give me the strength to do that.

  13

  The lunch hour couldn’t come soon enough for Ray. He paced outside the Hopi House, waiting for the chance to see Emma Grace again. All week he’d been praying about pursuing her. Praying for her heart. Praying for the Lord’s will. He’d had several good conversations with Frank and knew that she was searching. And while he didn’t wish to be unequally yoked, he felt a tug toward her. Like maybe he was supposed to help.