Reno's Journey: Cowboy Craze (The Wild West)

by Sable Hunter

  “Good job, Reno.”

  “Thanks.” He cut his eyes toward her. “Journey, I need to sell some of those coins, like you said. I want to be able to pay my own way.”

  “We can do that, for sure. Remind me to search for the nearest coin shop when we get home.”

  Home. Reno had mixed feelings about that word. “Do you mean search for the shop on the internet?”

  “Right. I do. By the way, I can do the searching on my phone or on the computer. That’s why the cell phones are called smart phones. They’re dual purpose. Some have a camera, a compass, a radio, even a television in some cases.”

  He shook his head in amazement. “Everything is so convenient in this time. And so highly advanced.”

  “Well, not everything. Wait until you have to go to the DMV to get your driver’s license.” At his look of confusion, she explained, “You’ll have to take a written test and demonstrate your driving skills to an officer of the state.”

  “I hate tests,” he grumbled.

  “Ha! Don’t we all. Some things stay the same.”

  For a while, they drove in silence, watching the view out of the window change with the miles. The closer they came to Enchanted Rock, the wilder the landscape grew – more rocks, higher hills, the colors were more vibrant, there even seemed to be a hint of mystery in the air. “You love it here, don’t you, Journey? I can see in your eyes when you survey the land and I can hear it in your voice when you speak of it.”

  “I do. My family has a rich history here, thanks to you.” She gave him a sad smile. “I guess you feel more connected to Tennessee than you do to the Texas hill country.”

  “In some ways, I do. I’ve only been in Texas for four years.” He shook his head. “Not counting the one-hundred and fifty it took to come to the future.”

  “Sometimes I think I’m dreaming, you know. Having you here is unbelievable, Reno – yet so perfect. Even though I’ve longed for this moment most of my life, never in my wildest dreams did I truly expect it to happen.”

  Reno gazed out the window at the passing landscape. “From where I sit, I have to believe that anything is possible. I have stepped from a time when things were simple. I didn’t know they were simple; they were ordinary to me. Now, I find myself in a place and time where the miraculous is an everyday occurrence.” He patted the dashboard. “We travel so fast. We can fly in the air. Light is made with energy that travels on wires. Any information you need can be found at your fingertips in a small metal box you call a computer. And didn’t you tell me a man has walked on the moon?”

  “In 1969.”

  “Do you know how crazy and impossible all of that sounds to me?”

  “Of course. None of those things were easy though. They took years and decades of research and testing. Going to the moon was a tremendous accomplishment. A true milestone in history.”

  “Yet, mankind achieved that crazy feat.” He watched Journey’s face to see what she thought about his conclusion. “So, if traveling to the moon is possible, you can see why I would expect for there to be an answer for how I came forward in time and how I can return. Right?”

  His supposition was fair. Journey searched for a way to give him a reasonable answer. “As far as I know, there’s been no headway in that arena. Or if there has, it’s not public knowledge. Throughout the generations, time travel has always been an intriguing theory. There are hundreds of books and dozens of movies with that theme. Every kid grows up with the idea that it could happen. In fact, there are some rumors, stories, urban legend type stuff that claims it already has happened in a few incidents.”

  “What? Tell me about them!” He jerked in the seat to look over at her, causing the car to run off the road. Of course, he quickly corrected his mistake.

  “Keep your eyes on the road. First and most important rule for driving,” Journey reminded him.

  “Yes. Sorry.” He looked straight ahead. “Now, tell me what you were saying.”

  “I don’t know any specifics. Strange as it may seem, I’ve never personally studied or been interested in time travel. When I thought about you and me, it was more fairy tale stuff than science fiction. You know – poof!” Despite his worry, Journey noticed he was smiling. She hated to give him false hope, but what she was about to say was true. “Many people think mankind is on the verge of some big breakthroughs – like the discovery of alien life from other planets, or robots that can learn and be virtually indistinguishable from people. There are groups and individuals who study this stuff, who research what lies beyond death, and yes…even time travel.”

  “Can we research this? On the computer?”

  “Sure. We can do that.” Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. She knew someone who just might be able to give them some insight, or at least tell them where to go for help. Not wanting to get his hopes up, she quickly sent off a text to Lou. Journey knew she was planning a visit, she just asked her to make that visit as quickly as she could.

  When she looked up, Journey was glad to see they were nearing home. “I’ll fix us some dinner, then we’ll get on the internet and see what we can find. Okay?”

  He didn’t answer for a moment. When he did, Journey was surprised by his answer. “Tomorrow will be soon enough.”

  “Oh?” She didn’t understand, but that was okay. “Whatever you say.” A few seconds passed and Journey couldn’t help but ask, “What do you want to do instead?”

  The glance he gave her took her breath away. There was enough heat in his eyes to set the grass on fire. “You and I need to have a serious conversation.”

  If he meant what she thought he meant, she couldn’t wait.

  * * *

  Once he parked beneath the big oak where Journey normally kept her car, he told her to keep her seat. “I’ll be around to help you out in just a moment.”

  When he opened the door and offered her his hand, she shivered with excitement. “Thank you, Reno. I always knew you were chivalrous. Saul wrote how you protected Tess from the mud puddles.”

  “You’re so welcome. That Tess, she loved to play in the mud like a little pig. Keeping her clean was no easy task.” Escorting Journey to the back step, he took the key from her to open the door. “Now, you go do whatever it is that beautiful women do. I’ll be in shortly.”

  Journey was mystified, but she didn’t argue. In a daze, she took a pan of chicken and dressing out of the freezer and popped it in the oven, giving thanks to the foresight and culinary skills of her aunt. Once that was done, she hurried to the bathroom to freshen up. Whatever Reno had in mind, she wanted to be ready for it.

  When she returned to the living room, she found Reno waiting with one hand behind his back. “Hey.”

  Instead of speaking, he clasped his bottom lip in his teeth, and let his eyes sweep her from head to toe. “You look beautiful. That dress is lovely, but you need no embellishment to be absolutely perfect.”

  “Thank you.” She touched the skirt of the simple yellow sundress she wore. “I only packed casual things.”

  “You’re familiar with my wardrobe limitations, but that’s all right. What I have planned doesn’t require fancy clothes.”

  Or any clothes. Maybe. “Sounds good to me. I’ve always enjoyed a cozy evening at home. In front of the fireplace, if it was cool enough for a fire – which it really isn’t.” Good gracious, she was so nervous she was prattling. “What are you hiding behind your back?”

  “Something I picked for you from the garden.” When he drew his hand around, she could see Reno was holding a bouquet of pink roses. “I thought these flowers would brighten your evening.”

  “Oh, yes. They certainly do.” She hurried to get a vase and fill it with water. He met her at the sink and watched as she hurriedly arranged them. “I love Myra’s antique roses. Thank you for thinking of me.”

  “Antique roses from an antique man,” he quipped, still standing in one place – as if he were waiting for something.

  “Despite your advanced age
, I assure you that you don’t look a day over twenty-six. Besides, I love antiques. One day soon I’ll take you to my apartment in the city.” She fanned her hand around, indicating the décor surrounding them. “Aunt Myra’s place looks ultra-modern compared to my choice of furnishings.”

  “You’re nervous. Don’t be.”

  Journey let out a long sigh. “You can tell?”

  Reno took her by the hand and led her to the couch. “All we’re going to do is have a talk.”

  “Oh. Is that all?” Yes, she was disappointed. This wasn’t playing out like she’d hoped it would.

  “Yes, a frank discussion.”

  Even more exciting. She sighed again. “I thought all of our discussions were frank.”

  “They have been on your part.” He sat on the sofa and tugged her down beside him. “I know there are feelings between us.”

  “I agree.” She’d never tried to hide that fact. On the contrary, she’d probably been too up front with him about her feelings. “Have I frightened you with my affection?”

  “No. Absolutely not.” He lifted his hand to caress her cheek softly. “I am in awe of how much you care and how you accept me unconditionally. To be the recipient of such trust is humbling.”

  “But…?” There had to be a catch somewhere or else they’d be seriously making out by now. “You don’t feel the same way?”

  He chuckled; his eyes full of tenderness. “Wrong. I do feel the same way. And that scares the hell out of me.”

  “Why?” She reached out to touch his arm, needing the connection.

  He paused to gather his thoughts. “I’ve tried to explain this before, very poorly I’m afraid.”

  “Try again,” she urged him. “This is important.”

  “I know it is. Before I do, I need to be honest with you about something.”

  His tone confused her. She couldn’t help but feel a little defensive. “Well, I would hope so. If we can’t be honest with one another, we can’t be anything.”

  He lifted her hand he was holding and placed it over his heart. “At this point in time…”

  As he began to speak, the irony of his words made her want to laugh and cry all at once. “At this point in time, you say. For us, that phrase is a little ambiguous, isn’t it?”

  Reno chose to press forward. What he wanted to say was too important. “At this moment, Sojourner Stanton, you own my heart.”

  Now, he had her full attention. “I do?” She couldn’t believe her ears.

  “You’re surprised?” His look was questioning. “How can you be? You are beautiful. Kind. Sweet. I can’t be around you without…”

  He seemed to be seeking a way to say something. “Without wanting me?” She hated to put words into his mouth. Especially when she might be going out on the proverbial limb.

  Reno blew out a puff of breath. He looked a bit uncomfortable. “Yes. Exactly. I want you in every way possible.” Still holding her hand, he leaned closer. “I find it hard to express myself in the terms of this day and age. I don’t want to say something that sounds crass, but I heard the word ‘sexy’ used on the television and that word describes you to a tee.”

  “I think you’re sexy too. I always have. I admire everything about you.” Tenderness welled up in her heart like a bubbling spring.

  Reno stared down at the coffee table. “I can’t express to you how your devotion makes me feel.” Everything this woman did endeared her to him. “It’s hard for me to fathom being loved to such a degree.”

  “It would definitely turn some men off, I’m afraid.”

  “Turn-off? What does that mean?”

  She pressed her lips together, searching for a way to explain herself. “Being turned-off is when you lose interest in something. Most men like a challenge, you see. They want to chase the woman.” When she saw the look on his face, she giggled and clarified. “Not literally. I don’t mean run a race. I mean…pursue. Teasing. Coquettish behavior on the part of the woman. You know, make a guy work for it.”

  Reno couldn’t help it, he laughed. “I don’t feel that way. This isn’t a game for me. The only problem I have with the way you feel…is that I’m afraid you don’t really know me. You’ve built up this image of me in your mind. What if I can’t live up to the version of myself that you’ve placed so high on a pedestal?”

  “My image of you is based on your actions, Reno. The way you treat people. The way you care. Are you saying I shouldn’t believe everything I read in Saul’s journal?”

  He struggled with his answer. “No, that’s not what I’m saying. Everything Saul said is true, but there was so much more that happened.” He released her hand and raised his own to rub his forehead in a worried manner. “I’m not perfect.”

  This made Journey laugh. “Oh, surely you are.”

  It took a moment for him to realize she was teasing. “No, I’m not. Sometimes I’m selfish, crass, and stubborn. I’ve failed at some things. I’ve made mistakes.”

  “Haven’t we all? You’re human, Reno.”

  He wasn’t finished. “I want you to know me, the real me, before we go any further in our relationship.”

  “Oh.” Journey couldn’t deny she was disappointed. She felt like she knew him as well as she knew herself. “I’m not pressuring you for sex, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  He shook his head, a smile coming to his lips. “That’s not what I meant.”

  He looked down at his lap and her eyes followed his, widening at what she saw. Reno was aroused. This revelation made her tingle all over. When she looked up to meet his gaze, she was surprised to find him blushing. And with his skin tone, that was saying something. “Don’t be ashamed. I want you to want me.”

  “Well, I do.” With that revelation, he rose from the couch to walk across the room to the fireplace.

  She watched him study some family photos of her when she was younger. “I didn’t mean to run you off.”

  He placed a hand on the mantle and stared down at the raised stone hearth, propping up his booted foot on the ledge. “I haven’t been with many women, Journey.”

  “That’s okay, I haven’t either.” She realized what she’d said and giggled. “I haven’t been with a woman, for sure. And I’ve never been all the way with a guy. I’m old-fashioned. I guess I was saving myself for you.”

  He chuckled again. “You flatter me beyond belief.” Reno abruptly turned to face her. “So much is different in your time than it is in mine. People are freer with their affection, with their bodies.”

  “I didn’t realize you’ve had time to research modern society.”

  “I’ve watched television. Something entitled The Bold and the Beautiful.”

  “Oh, lord, you’re watching soap operas now.” She shook her head in bemusement.

  “I couldn’t help but note how sex is…more available. Accepted.” He struggled to express himself. “Even with unattached women of good reputation.”

  “I guess you could say that’s true. Women are more liberated now.”

  He returned to sit on the sofa next to her. “Pardon me for asking and if you don’t want to answer, I understand.”

  “Go ahead. Ask.” Journey had no idea what he was about to say.

  “Well, you said you hadn’t gone all the way with a guy, does that mean you’ve gone part of the way?”

  Now it was Journey’s turn to be embarrassed. “Well, I’m not one to kiss and tell. But…sort of. I mean, compared to most women I’m a prude. Guys have broken things off with me because I wouldn’t do certain things. I guess you could say I’ve engaged in some heavy petting.” He gave her a look of bafflement that made her burst out in a giggle. “Kissing. Touching above the waist. I’m sure everybody has their own definition.”

  Reno nodded. He got the picture. “Well, all the women I have been with were lightskirts. For the most part.”

  “Lightskirts?” Journey thought for a moment, then it dawned on her. “You mean ladies of the evening. Prostitutes. Ho
okers!”

  Wincing, Reno shook his head in the affirmative. “Yes. Before the war, I lived in a very isolated small community. Girls were chaperoned. Heavily chaperoned. There was little opportunity to partake of a girl’s affection unless you asked for her hand in marriage – and then there was still little opportunity until the wedding ceremony itself.” He paused in his explanation. “There was one woman. A widow in the community who took a shine to me. We used to…”

  “Stop. I get the picture.” Somehow, the thought of him with this woman bothered her more than the idea of him being with the professionals. “She educated you.”

  He didn’t acknowledge her interpretation. “And like most soldiers during the war, I visited brothels.” With a fast shake of his head, he blurted out the rest, “Only once or twice. The conditions were not good.”

  “I can imagine.” She didn’t want to ask, but she had to. “You didn’t catch an STD, did you?”

  “A what?” He looked and sounded confused.

  “A sexually transmitted disease. Like…”

  He held up his hand. “I get what you mean. And no, I didn’t contract any disease. In fact, it’s been a long time since I’ve been with a woman. Years. If there were going to be symptoms, I would’ve noticed them by now. I am quite familiar with the ravages of syphilis and other problems. I knew men who suffered from those things.”

  She was probably zeroing in on the wrong point here, but the question came anyway. “So, you haven’t had sex in a while?”

  Reno gave her a teasing glance. “A hundred and fifty-six years to be exact.”

  She blushed; she didn’t really know why. “To me, you’ve always been the epitome of what a man should be. I will admit, the thought of you with another woman never entered my mind – but, you’ve haven’t lived in a glass cage. If you haven’t been with anyone in a long time, you must be…” Her voice faded; she couldn’t go on. Her body tingled from their honest discussion.

  Reno finished her thought. “Yes, you’re right. I find myself to be in great need.”

  “Oh, wow.” She pressed her legs together. “You didn’t mince words there.”

  “Sorry.”