by Rita Hestand
"Good, that should give you a quick start. Now, can you be ready to go in the morning about seven?" he asked.
"In the morning? At seven? Isn't that kind of early?" she asked.
"Yeah, I guess so, but here in Alaska you will find that doing things early brings fewer surprises and more time to adjust to those surprises," Cody informed her.
"I see. Obviously there are a lot of surprises along the way. Well, okay, seven will be fine." She smiled.
"Good. I'll pick you up then." He smiled and started to leave.
"Don't you have a job you have to tend to?" she asked.
"Tomorrow is Saturday, no work on Saturday for me. I've been at this job about seven years, so I have seniority." He explained with a smile and wave.
"Lucky you," she smiled at him.
"Oh, before I forget, there are a couple of high school boys that are gonna chop your wood for you. Loretta gave me a list to pass on to you. The Weems wanted you to know, they refer all the young men around here who want to make money. And chopping wood is a real business here. They'll introduce themselves, but I'm sure they will start tomorrow and you might miss them. It's okay, they are good kids and you can trust them not to bother anything. They will be invaluable to you in time."
"Great. I'll leave the door unlocked if that is safe around here and a note with instructions."
"Thanks, I appreciate that. And yes, it is relatively safe during the off-season of tourism. Up here, theft is not usually a problem unless there is a grudge or something. People like staying home during the winter and you will have plenty of time to get to know most of your regular customers between now and spring."
She smiled.
"What?"
"I already feel comfortable here. You've all been so helpful, You've all made me feel real welcome here."
"That's good. There are also some local talent around that you might want to hire after you've been open a bit. Got a little band, and a couple of singers in the area, if you are interested. Most of the folks enjoy that kind of thing."
"That sounds wonderful, yes, I'm very interested. Can you send them around to me, one at a time?" She asked. "I can't pay much to start, but maybe I could throw in free drinks and eats."
"Sure. And you'd be surprised, sometimes that's all they want is the freebies." Cody smiled. "If you are serious about creating a homey atmosphere, you might find people really like to visit and stay."
"Sounds great."
After Cody had left, Sal came by with the first of her mail. Sammie Jo was eager to check it out as there were several suppliers interested in picking up some business. She made notes on that and began calling the suppliers. Most everyone gave her a thumbs up, and she really didn't have to worry. She was still on the list for deliveries so there would be little change, except a few things she wanted to order special.
Cody had been so nice in helping her, she felt that maybe she would fit in here, in time. She just had to get used to the weather and some of the customs.
About noon a young man came in and introduced himself as a local performer. He played guitar, and after talking with Sammie Jo she set him up for the first week of opening. The kid introduced himself as Paul Russell and that he'd be glad to play for eats and drinks. He also said he had a brother that played the harmonica and might be interested in working with her as well.
"Sounds great, what's his name?" Sammie Jo asked ready to write down the information.
"Keith. He'll be with me most of the time. Sometimes we play together, sometimes we play separate. The crowds are used to us and we make pretty good on tips." The young man said.
Sammie Jo smiled. "Great, this might work out very well. And I'd like you to consider an every night thing. Of course, we could make out a schedule for your convenience."
"Okay, so see you in a week then?" He asked as he headed for the door.
"One week from today!" Sammie Jo smiled.
For regular hours during the day, she was purchasing a jukebox to play old country and rock and roll. But during the evening hours she thought it would be a nice touch to have a live musician come in.
Everything seemed to be shaping up, and she sat down after Paul left to have a tuna sandwich and pet SeeMe.
But that night her mother called to tell her that her father was having surgery. Sammie Jo felt a knot of tears in her throat and for a moment she couldn't speak.
"Did you hear me hon? Your daddy's going to have surgery in the morning. I know you can't get here fast enough for it, but I wanted to let you know. I'll call back, as soon as we know something. Just give me some time to recoup myself."
Sammie Jo struggled, gripping the phone until her knuckles turned white. "Is he in good enough shape for that?"
Her mother sensed her concern. "The doctors think so. He's in good spirits and right now things look good for the surgery. Besides," she paused. "They can't wait much longer."
"What are his chances, Mama?" Sammie Jo heard herself choke on the words.
"If he makes it out of the surgery."
"He'll make it, Mama."
"They think his chances will improve at beating this." She answered. "There will be chemo and radiation to expect, but he's a survivor."
"I'm sorry I can't be with you. I guess you both think I'm a real coward, don't you?" Sammie Jo cried.
"No darling. You're our daughter, we know you. But the doctors stressed that a positive attitude always helps in these cases. You've just got to pray they are right. I'll be fine, don't worry, and I'll call as soon as I know something. That is…after I recuperated."
"Thanks Mom…I'm sorry I'm not there to help…" She choked and hung up before telling her how much she loved them.
When she hung up the phone, she broke into tears. SeeMe came and licked at her heels.
She bent down to the dog. "He's just got to be alright, SeeMe."
Worry filled her the rest of the day. She'd be shopping while her father was being operated on, miles away.
Was she fooling herself into thinking that miles could separate her from the tragedies of life? Had she run away? Had she abandoned her family?
That night as she lay on her bed, she cried out aloud. "God, please take care of him. I love him so. How could I have done this to them? Run away like a coward. Forgive me, and heal him, please."
SeeMe whined and lay beside her all night long.
The next morning she had resolved to be positive, even though in the corner of her mind, she was so worried she couldn't think straight.
She was silent for nearly half the trip to town.
"Something wrong?" Cody asked.
Sammie Jo glanced at him and shook her head. "No, well, yes, my dad's having surgery today."
Cody cast her an uncertain look, as she chewed on her lower lip to not cry.
"I'm sorry, maybe we should put this shopping trip off for another day?"
"No…it's okay. I've got to keep busy. I'll go crazy if I don't."
"You're feeling sad because you aren't there, aren't you?"
Her breath froze in her lungs, and she was speechless that he had guessed her turmoil.
"Wouldn't you?" She asked huskily.
"Yes, but…believe it or not, I do understand. You had too many things crowding you at once. Too many things to handle. No one can expect everyone to act or react the same way about a given situation. You did what you thought you had to, to survive." Cody explained as though he had her figured out.
"How do you know. Maybe I'm just a coward." She cried.
"No, you aren't a coward. Cowards don't run off to Alaska." He chuckled.
Seeing her smile again he relaxed, and reached to shove her knit cap down.
She laughed.
"I hope you got a lot of money because we will have to spend a small wad to get you outfitted correctly."
"I think so. I've got my college reserve money."
"Oh well, the sky's the limit, then." He chuckled.
"Yeah, right." She laughed again.
"After thinking about it, maybe we should stop at the local bank first and put your money in, then finance the bill. You might need that cash for another time. This way you can pay it out as you want and your money won't all be gone."
"That's a good idea…I'm glad you are coming with me Cody. I didn't want to be alone today." She admitted, her voice going low and muted.
"I'm glad to. I like being a superhero, sometimes." He smiled and put a gloved hand over hers.
She stared down at his hand and then up into his eyes. His look galvanized her.
"What am I going to do if he doesn't make it, Cody?" she cried all of a sudden.
Cody shot her a concerned look, and as the tears rolled down her cheeks, he pulled to the side of the road.
He pulled her against him, and he kissed her sweetly on the lips. The kiss lingered longer than he intended for she was captured by surprise and melted into him. He hadn't been prepared for such a warm response and it was easy to get carried away with the sweetness it offered.
He pulled away slowly, allowing her time to compose herself.
"I probably shouldn't have done that. But I felt you needed it."
Sammie Jo stared into his eyes. "It woke me up, for the moment." She smiled. "Don't worry, I won't read anything into it."
"I'm not worried at all. And you can read anything you want into it. I like you Sammie Jo Travers."
She chuckled. "I like you too…" she replied breathlessly.
They stopped off at the bank and met Mr. Swayze, the president of the bank. After Cody had explained what she was about to do, he agreed that she should pay things out, that way she wouldn't entirely be broke in case something did come up.
He set up an account for her and told her he'd offer her a business loan to get started with. She could pay it off anyway she liked, but it would see her through the rough times until she got through her first winter.
Sammie Jo was impressed with how lovely the bank was. Outside it looked like a drab bricked bank, but inside it was tastefully done in old cherry wood and she marveled at how shiny it was.
Before she knew it, they were off again and she felt confident with the loan she would be financially safe.
In the stores, Cody went crazy recommending so many things that might help her. He also suggested she changed her wardrobe too.
"You need a freeze proof coat, mittens and some good boots. Also, they have some pull on snowshoes that will allow you to walk in any shoe or boot, but be protected from falling. I'll recommend them for you so you don't have to worry about whether they will work. Living here all my life, I know what is needed. I don't want you freezing to death if you are stranded. Also, we'll need to get a few things for your car so that it can withstand the cold."
She nodded. "I'm glad you are with me. I wouldn't know where to begin. It all seems so daunting." She looked across at the stacks of jackets, boots and other gear. It overwhelmed her.
Cody helped her through it all, and he kept her spirits up without being so obvious about it.
He pointed out the kind of clothes she needed to stay warm, and she added several to her pile as she tried some on. Cody whistled and laughed as she modeled for him.
She liked his sense of humor.
Through laughter, Cody continued to keep her spirits up most of the day.
What Sammie Jo didn't realize was that she enjoyed his company so much, she nearly forgot about her father's surgery.
With his truck filled with supplies, she asked if he minded going to a couple of suppliers for liquor. He agreed.
They had a little wine tasting, and she added a few new ones to her list. She ordered a large order of beer and other liquors. Cody was able to help her find a few that were favorites for some of the locals. She made sure that cider was included and hot chocolate blends.
At the end of the day, they began driving home.
They had stopped and had gotten a thermos of hot chocolate and marshmallows. They had eaten lunch relatively early and Cody insisted they needed the chocolate to keep them from starving before they got home.
In the car though, Sammie Jo's brow furrowed.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"I figured my mother would call by now." She said trying not to sound worried.
"You know, I am sure she will call, but maybe she needs a little recovery time herself. If she told you she would call, she will, but give her a little slack, this is bound to be very hard for her. That's her husband they are working on, and it has to be terrifying for her too." Cody insisted.
She glanced at him. "How did you get so sensible?"
He smiled and reached for her hand. Even though, they had gloves on, Sammie Jo felt as though he was again comforting her.
"I've been through a few bad times too. And I can look at it from a distance. Relax, she'll call."
"Thanks, Cody. And thanks for coming with me. I would have been so lost in those shops. There was just so much…"
"I know. That's why I came. I knew you would feel overwhelmed trying to find everything. And I didn't want you to forget anything. I think we have most everything you are going to need for the winter. I'll help you with anything I can. I’m just glad you are here with us…"
Sammie Jo glanced at him again, "Thanks…"
"What do you say we have some hot soup, and cider for supper."
"Where are we gonna get that, this late?"
"My place of course."
She looked at him and suddenly realized how much she trusted this man. She'd found a friend, and it made her feel more in place.
"That's sweet of you…"
"That's me, sweet." Cody laughed.
Chapter Six
Cody's place was a cabin just on the outskirts of town. Buried in the woodlands, it lent a warm, inviting, comfortable place to call home. Sammie Jo had to admit she was surprised to see him living in such a primitive area. Decorated with a rock fireplace, two recliners and a bedroom that opened into the main room. The kitchen was tucked into a small corner and he had what looked like a home-made table for two by the far wall.
"It's cozy looking," she smiled as she looked about the place.
"I like it. I guess it's a little small, but I haven't reached the point of having a family yet, so I guess I have time." He said, not looking at her.
She nodded. "It seems to say it's a one man place."
He chuckled. "That's an excellent way of putting it."
Suddenly a husky meandered into the room and sniffed her out. She was surprised, but she bent to pet him. She had always carried a weakness for dogs and it showed.
"Oh, you are beautiful. What's your name?" She asked.
"That's Candy."
"Candy? What kind of name is Candy for a dog?" She asked. "I mean who would be afraid of Candy?"
"Guess I could ask you what kind of name is SeeMe too, huh?"
"I guess you have a point. She's a beauty. Her eyes are beautiful. So blue."
"Yeah, I've had her for about five years now. She even goes to the station with me sometimes."
"Wow…is she well trained?"
"Very. She's a lot of company and protection. She has helped me with numerous cases already."
"No wonder you don't seem to fear anything out here."
"Not with her around I don't. She might look pretty tame, but I will be the first to tell you, if anyone came into this cabin with malice, she'd tear them apart. Most of us that live in the boonies have good dogs. We don't need guns much."
Sammie Jo petted her for a long time. It was hard to believe this animal could be ferocious.
Sammie Jo went straight to the fireplace that Cody quickly lit, and warmed her hands. Candy followed at her heels.
He took her coat for her and laid it across the bed.
The bed was decorated with a dark brown blanket that looked almost velvet. She imagined it's softness, but averted her eyes from it quickly.
"Are we going to have that soup now?" She asked almost hes
itantly when he turned to stare at her.
"Oh yeah, sure."
"You don't have a TV?" She asked.
"No, I usually hang out at the saloon, the big screen has the best reception. Some may come to drink and watch TV, so don't be upset. It's business too. But I manage to stay until late and then come home and cuddle up with a good book." He said as he took a big bowl out of the refrigerator. "Don't get a good reception anyway out here. Too far from anywhere."
"You must read a lot."
"I do."
"What kind of books do you like?"
"Mystery, but up here we don't get our pick. We get whatever the library has on hand and right now they are inundated with romances. So I've been reading them."
She smiled, "You are kidding, right?"
"Nope, I'm not…Gotta have something to read. Besides, it has been giving me some pointers. I think I needed brushing up on that subject."
She laughed. "I can't imagine you needing any."
He stared at her again, his smile teasing her.
In minutes, the soup smelled heavenly and she wondered if he made it himself but was afraid to ask. Candy let Cody know she wanted to be fed too, so he got out her food and made some fresh water for her, petted her and then washed his hands.
"Why did you name her Candy?"
"Because she loves Candy. First time I met her, she saw a Candy bar in my hand and almost attacked me to get it. Once I gave it to her, she ate the whole thing. Then she licked my hand as though to thank me for it. I called her Candy from then on. Most dogs get sick on the stuff, but not her. She's worse than a kid about it."
"I thought dogs shouldn't eat such things."
"Normally, no, but Candy gets lots of exercises and isn't a lap pup. While I work, she's roams the woods. She manages to keep most of the varmints from coming inside the cabin too."
"She's very useful then."
"Very."
"Does she ever pull a sled?"
"In emergencies but not all the time. Candy can do about anything."