by Rita Hestand
"I run a saloon, Mama. How lonely can it get."
"I don't know. But whenever you feel lonely, just call me. Okay. I love you sweetie."
"I love you too Mama." Sammie Jo hung up and laid her head on the pillow.
Was she making too much of her relationship with Cody? She hoped not. If she were, she'd be in for a lot of hurting later on. She reminded herself. Cody might not be ready for a relationship.
The day had been rather mystifying to say the least. Paul came rushing over, and she kissed him on the cheek and then Cody walked in.
"Oh no! He's probably thinking I kiss every man I see. But Paul's not in the same league as Cody. Cody is every inch a man…" She was telling SeeMe.
"What am I making such a fuss about. Cody didn't say a word about me kissing Paul, and it wasn't a romantic kiss after all. I was just grateful for what he did."
She closed her eyes and tried to call up Cody's face when he walked in. He had looked puzzled.
Cody could have thought her a flirt or something. Paul certainly didn't think a thing about it.
But as much as she wished that bell over the door would ring, and Cody would walk in, he didn't. And she missed him. How could you miss someone you just saw?
Chapter Eleven
When Miranda walked in alone that day Sammie Jo was almost reluctant to ask her about filling in. But she did want to go with Cody. She didn't know Miranda that well and to ask her such a thing, seemed wrong. But Cody had suggested it, so she was going to do it.
Miranda looked about Sammie Jo's age. She was intelligent and friendly. Although Sammie Jo didn't know that much about her. She liked her instinctively.
She stared at the girl as she was talking to some friends. The young couple she was talking to were smiling and happy.
Miranda wore a light blue ski suit outfit that flattered her figure. Although she didn't seem to flaunt her looks, she was a beauty.
Sammie Jo wondered why Cody wasn't attracted to her. Everyone seemed to like her, she had a bubbly sort of personality.
With big green eyes, shoulder length blonde hair and a winning smile, Sammie Jo was sure Miranda had a lot of young men interested. Sammie Jo could see where her customers would like her, Miranda never saw a stranger.
But would she be willing to fill in?
Sammie Jo hadn't been here that long, and asking for help so soon seemed frivolous, but she felt Miranda was at an age that she would understand.
"Miranda?" Sammie Jo finally came up to her side. "I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Sure," Miranda flipped her golden hair and smiled brightly at her.
They took a booth toward the back. Sammie Jo poured them a coke and sat down. "I am told that you helped Tucker out a few times here. Is that true?"
"Oh yeah. He let me run the place when he needed time off. Why?" She asked staring at her with interest.
"Well, Cody asked me to go with him to meet his Uncle. I want to go. But the only way I can do that is if I have someone to watch things here, for a day or two. Could you do that?" Sammie Jo asked. "I'd pay you for your time."
"Sure! I'd love to. You've got this place fixed up so nice. And I love the jukebox. I'd be glad to help you out."
"Oh…" Sammie Jo reached for her hand. "Thank you so much. I was afraid to ask so soon and all, but it never dawned on me that I might need a day off every now and then."
"Sure. Tucker felt the same way. But I enjoyed helping him out. When you own a place like this, you must be so happy, but thinking about time off just doesn't occur to you."
"Don't worry I'll pay you for it. It's just…well, I did want to go. Cody's described his Uncle, I figure he's quite a character."
Miranda's eyes widened, "He must like you a lot to take you up there."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, he doesn't take anyone up there. No one in all the time we've known him. You must be pretty special. John hasn't even met him." Miranda smiled.
"Oh…it's nothing like that. I mean…it's really too early to tell what he thinks of me." Sammie Jo smiled demurely. "But I didn't want to say no, either."
"It might be too soon for you, but not for Cody. If Cody likes someone, he lets them know it pretty quickly. He hasn't had many girlfriends since his wife and him divorced. Oh…you did know about her, didn't you?"
Sammie Jo shrugged. "I know of her, not about her."
Miranda began to relax. "She was a witch. A real witch for lack of a better word. I know that sounds cold and callus, but it's not. It describes her attitude, her personality. She hated it here. She wanted to expand her horizons that's what she told him. She never knew how badly it hurt Cody. He was a real recluse for a long while after she left. But we're all glad to see he has a new interest."
"Interest?"
"You, silly."
"Oh…well. Let's not make too much of it, yet." Sammie Jo warned.
Miranda nodded. "Okay, but if I were you, I'd grab him, he's a real catch. Some of the girls around here would just die to be in your shoes."
Sammie Jo smiled. She wondered how serious her relationship with John was.
"Are you and John getting serious?" Sammie Jo felt free to ask.
"We've been 'getting' serious for a while. But John is a slow mover. I think we'll eventually head down the aisle together. It's just a matter of time. We are sort of engaged, only he can't afford a ring yet."
"I kind of thought so, too! He said something once, that made me wonder about the two of you."
"Oh really, what did he say?"
"It's really none of my business."
"Please, you can't blurt something like that out and leave it, without an explanation. Now…what did he say?"
"That if you got a job, it might speed things along."
"A job?" Miranda reddened. "That means he doesn't make the kind of money to support us on yet. It means I should get a job. But in a small town like this, there aren't that many available. Jobs just don't pop up. I'd like to help, but I'm not trained for anything. You see, my goal was to be a full time wife and mother. But if that's all that's holding him back, maybe I should reconsider my goals."
"I think what he meant was, he can't support you in the same manner as your parents have all these years."
"I don't expect him to. Geez, I wish he'd told me this some time back."
"Well, I could use some help. Maybe we can work something out, later, when I get back. "
"Yeah….yeah…maybe we can. After all, I helped Tucker run the place. And he didn't pay me."
Sammie Jo nodded. "Alright, now, is there anything we need to go over."
Miranda looked around. "You didn't change the cash register, did you?"
"No, it's the same. I didn't change many of the fixtures here. About the only thing I really changed was adding a jukebox, and some of the drinks I added for the women. I've got a couple of cider's from sweet to strong and some hot chocolates. They are all labeled and there are directions on the hot chocolates. And of course my chili, which I'll leave plenty of."
"Great, then no, I won't need anything. You close up at 2am, right?"
"That's right."
"Then I'll be set. You know, another thing that might go over well with the women is all the latte's and stuff you know like the big coffee shops have."
"That's a great idea. I'll look into that. Thanks for letting me know."
"Sure…Now, when will you need me?"
"Well, I've got to check with Cody about what day. I might be gone overnight, depending on how long it takes to get there and back. Would that be a problem?"
"Okay, no problem. I'm studying online right now. So I can bring my laptop and work on stuff while I spend the night here. SeeMe will be here, right?"
Sammie Jo looked over at her dog and smiled. "Yes, he'll be here to protect you."
"And I'm sure John will check in with me, to make sure I'm alright." She added.
"Great. I really appreciate you being so willing to help me out.
I mean, I haven't been open that long and already I need a day off." Sammie Jo shook her head.
"That's okay, you aren't as old as Tucker, I got a feeling you might need a day off many times."
"I don't plan on it. But I did want to meet his Uncle. He sounds like quite the recluse."
"From what I've heard he is…" Miranda laughed. "And he's French…"
"So I've heard. Great. Then I'll get hold of you when I know what date, okay?"
"Sounds good to me." Miranda slid out of the booth and started out, only she was stopped by more friends. Sammie Jo liked the fact that Miranda knew everyone and was so friendly. She'd work out well here if she could depend on her.
Now all she had to do was tell Cody. He'd be surprised.
Chapter Twelve
Cody hadn't been around for several days and Sammie Jo felt presumptuous for even asking Miranda to fill in for her. Maybe he had reconsidered his offer. Maybe he had totally forgotten about it.
She could be Jumping ahead of herself. He had only mentioned it.
Besides, she didn't know him that well.
But then she did too. She hadn't known him long, but she felt she did know him, in many ways that others didn't.
Perhaps she might not be so possessive if he hadn't said himself he'd be around regularly.
She was in a feel sorry for herself kind of mood when her mother called once more.
Just seeing her mother's face, reassured her that the world was still the same.
"It's so good to see you." Sammie Jo smiled.
"What is wrong sweetie, why the long face?"
Sammie Jo tried immediately to look more chipper. "Oh nothing, nothing at all. I guess I'm tired, is all."
"That's not it. You have that my boyfriend dumped me kind of look about you. Want to tell me about it?"
Sammie Jo was silent a moment, pondering whether to burden her mother with her frivolities.
"I think I've run him off, Mama."
"Now how could you do that?"
"Well, when I see him, I'm so happy, I guess I almost gush. But I don't know. He's just not like the boys I've dated."
"Sounds to me like he's not a boy, dear."
"No, he's a man."
"Then that's the difference. If he's a deputy, he probably takes his job pretty seriously. And at this time in his life, it probably comes first. Especially since the two of you aren't engaged or anything."
"You're probably right. And I’m the one acting like an adolescent. But I have no experience with dating real men, Mama. You know that. All the boys I dated, well, they just weren't very mature. You know that as well as I. And I think that's what's wrong. I like mature men, but I don't know how to take them. I don't know how he feels about me, and I want to know…and it's way too soon."
"Slow down honey. First thing you have to remember is to enjoy it."
"Enjoy it?" Sammie Jo floundered.
"Sure, every moment of it. Because…from the way you are acting and talking, I'd say this is a serious step for you. Like you say, he's a little out of your depth, but maybe just what you need. Give it time to blossom. It's that blossoming that can be so much fun. And later, you'll look back on this and see it for what it was. The days you were falling in love with him."
"Mama, you talk as though I'm about to marry him or something."
"Oh no. Not yet. You've got too many exciting days ahead to worry about marriage. But this one might be the right one. So go slow and enjoy the ride." Her mama laughed.
Sammie Jo laughed. Could Cody be the one?
When she hung up she felt better.
But the waiting was hard.
Two days later Cody showed up. He had a strange expression on his face when he saw her.
But it was even stranger what he did. It was broad daylight, and she had customers, sitting enjoying the jukebox and some eating her chili, when he came in, saw her and walked straight up to her and kissed her silly.
She was shocked, but more than that. She responded.
She was just as hungry as he was for that kiss, and when they drew apart, the entire saloon was clapping for them and whistling.
Cody grinned. "I needed that."
She smiled and blushed, and under her breath she admitted. "So did I."
They looked at everyone and smiled.
"Where have you been?" She finally asked him.
"Out on the North Platte. There was an Avalanche out that way. I was almost caught in it. I stopped long enough to help the park rangers and we got the pass cleared. I need to go up and see my Uncle before it gets bad. Looks like he's really going to be snowed in this winter. I wish I could talk him into coming to stay with me."
"Oh…"
Sammie Jo was reluctant to invite herself so she waited.
"I'm glad you're okay. Was anyone hurt?"
"One skier, he broke his leg. They air-flighted him to the nearest hospital. No one else that we know of."
"Did you just get back?"
"Yeah…I wanted to check on you. Make sure everything here is alright."
"Yes…as a matter of fact I spoke to Miranda, about helping me out…"
She waited. If he wanted her to go, he had to tell her.
"Then you can go with me?" His face seemed to lift into a smile.
"If you really want me to."
He stared into her eyes. "I really want you to."
"When?"
"Two days from now. No later. We'll leave early. Gear up, it's going to be freezing up there." He advised.
"I will…thanks. I do want to meet him."
He stared into her eyes. "I want him to meet you!"
She smiled. He took her hand.
"Can I get you something to eat or drink?"
"No, I have to go and make my report. But keep the fire burning. I'll come by tonight if that's okay."
She wasn't sure what tonight meant. But she wanted him to come back. "Sure…"
He nodded, winked and walked out.
Sal walked in and smiled at her. "He sure looks chipper."
"Said he just got back from the North Platte, they had an avalanche over there."
"And he kissed her in broad daylight." Someone said.
There was general laughter, and Sammie Jo's face flushed.
"No kidding. Gonna be a rough winter." Sal said shaking his head.
"You think so?"
"Early avalanche, means we might be in for quite a few more. Was anyone hurt?"
"A skier broke his leg."
"That's not so bad. Legs can mend. It was a lucky one." Sal said as though his mind was far away.
"Cody invited me to go meet his Uncle," Sammie Jo said, waiting to hear what Sal thought of it.
"You don't say. Well now, that's something. He must think a lot of you. And I gotta admit, I never seen him kiss a girl in broad daylight."
"We're friends, that's all."
"He doesn't take anyone to see his Uncle. And he certainly doesn't kiss girls in broad daylight, where they work." Sal laughed. "Oh yeah, you are exceptional."
Sammie Jo blushed. "Maybe…"
Sal nodded. "I'm glad. He's a good man. He always has been. And you are a beautiful young lady."
"Why thank you… I like you too."
The day went by in a blur. All she could think about was Cody coming to see her. About Cody kissing her in broad daylight in front of all her customers. But all night she waited and it didn't look like he was coming. She finally gave up and got ready for bed.
That's when she heard the bell tinkle and the door open and there was Cody.
"Hi!" He said as he sat down on the blanket and leaned to kiss her.
It was the warmest, sweetest kiss she had ever received and she felt herself melt in his arms. This was where she wanted to be all day.
"God…I've missed you." He said between kisses.
"Me too…" she whispered.
"I'm sorry I have to work so much…" He said as his lips kissed her brow, her eyelids, her nose, and b
ack to her waiting mouth.
She felt like he was some fuzzy warm blanket she could cuddle into. She moaned when his kiss became more aggressive, his hold more possessive.
Passion seemed to outweigh good sense. She was losing the battle to stay calm.
But when his hand went up and under her shirt and to her bra, she raised up and backed away.
He looked at her strangely. Then she saw the fire go out of his eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to let myself get out of hand…"
"It's my fault too…" she took some of the blame from him, because she realized how far her emotions were running for this man.
When he didn't say anything, he just stared, she hung her head.
"I'm sorry…I didn't mean to lead you on. But…you've got to understand something about me." She cried, the tears she held back were real.
"Go on…" he encouraged.
"I don't want to lose what we have…if we have anything. But…I'm not the kind of girl who sleeps around. I never have been. I'm not nearly sophisticated enough to pull that off. And you have to know that now. If that's what you want, then you've got the wrong girl. And maybe I'm immature or something, but…I just can't. It goes against my nature to have casual sex."
He stared for a long moment…then he reached the distance to pull her chin up. "That's exactly the kind of girl I want. One that puts the brakes on, when I should have. One that doesn't play around. One that puts me in my place and makes me straighten up. It's just that it's been several days since I've seen you…and I…missed you."
A tear fell down her cheek. "I'm scared…" she cried aloud.
He pulled her into his arms and comforted her. "Of what?"
"The way I feel about you. My mind tells me to stop and think about what I really want. But my heart tells me to grab it and hold on. I've never had an intimate relationship, and this is a lot farther than any I have had. Usually, when I get to this point the guy is ready to walk out on me. And he does. But please don't walk out…." She cried, and raised her head to look into his eyes.
"Honey, I'm not walking anywhere. I don't want a roll in the hay with you. You're too damn precious to me for that. And I'm not walking out on you, just because you won't do what we both know we shouldn't. I admire you for it."