Howdy, Ma'am

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  Caulder said, “I don’t like speaking for Velia, but I can tell you she wants nothing to do with you, or Justin.”

  “Oh, she’ll have something to do with Justin...one way or another.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Caulder walked around the chair and stood in front of the man. “Get the hell out of here and tell Justin to go back where he came from when he gets out.”

  Velia pulled on the cover-up then stood beside Caulder. “Please, tell Justin not to bother. I’m never going back to him. We’re divorced now. I’ll get an injunction against both of you.”

  Two men walked up and stood in front of them, their legs apart and their hands resting in front of their bodies. “Ms. Armano?”

  Velia held her breath and took hold of Caulder’s hand. Now what? “Yes?”

  The taller of the men reached out and shook her hand. I’m Pete.” He waved his hand toward the man with him. “This is Tonio. We had a phone call from your father. Is everything okay here?”

  Velia shook Tonio’s hand.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Armano.” He stepped back into his stance.

  Caulder shook hands with both men and introduced himself. He glanced at Velia, one eyebrow lifted.

  Blake stood and the two men moved closer. “Well, I’ll be going. Remember what I said, Ms. Armano. Justin wants to see you.”

  “And I told you I won’t be going to see him.”

  “I’ll pass the word along, but he won’t be happy.”

  “It doesn’t matter if he’s happy or not. Velia’s not going around him.” Caulder moved in close to Blake. “And tell him I said so if he wants to do something about it.”

  Tonio pulled back his jacket, allowing sight of his shoulder holster. “The lady doesn’t want to see either of you. I’d take that as a warning if I was you.”

  Blake glared at her before walking away. He looked back as he neared the gate to the outside of the hotel, his floral silk shirttail blowing in the wind.

  Velia turned toward the two men. “Thank you for coming. Did my father fill you in on what’s going on?”

  “Yes, ma’am. He won’t be bothering you again while you’re here.”

  Caulder put his arm around her shoulder. “Maybe the photographer gig should end now. He saw you on TV, for God’s sake.”

  “He can see me anywhere now. He can find the schedule even if I’m not still photographing you. No, I want to continue.”

  Pete and Tonio stood still as statues, looking back and forth at them while they discussed their plight. “She’s better with you than without you,” said Tonio, with broken English. “Seems you can protect yourself.”

  They both stopped arguing about it and peered at Tonio. Velia spoke, seeing her opportunity to convince Caulder. “He’s right, you know.”

  Caulder’s gaze remained on her. He glanced at the two men. She could tell he was glad they were there when he wasn’t. “You’re both right.” He turned toward her and took her hand. “You’re right, too. I surely don’t want you going back to Alice and Edward’s alone.”

  “Now wait.” Velia shook her hand free. “I don’t want you to be distracted by worrying.”

  “You worry about me when I’m out there.”

  “Yes, but it doesn’t distract me from my job.”

  “It did the first day.” He grinned.

  She raised her hands in the air, holding her palms upright. “Okay, let me do my job and you do yours. I’ll be fine.” She looked at the two men. “I’ll be okay.”

  “Ms. Armano, I think it’s your father’s decision.”

  “It’s my decision. I’ll talk to him.”

  “We’ll be available if either of you need us. Your father will be in contact.” Pete held out his hand. “Glad we could be of help.” He slipped her a couple business cards. “Have a great day, Ms. Armano.” Tonio did the same thing, but when he got to Caulder, he said. “I’ve seen you ride a few times. Damn good on the bull. Good luck this year.”

  “Thank you. Glad you were here.”

  “Yeah, we’ll be seeing you around. Arrivederci.” Both men turned and left.

  Caulder turned to her. “What the hell happened? I leave you alone for an afternoon, and the asshole finds you.”

  Velia stopped in mid step and dropped her bag. “Wait a minute. This isn’t something I planned or wanted. I want rid of him more than you do!” She pushed her finger into his chest. “I don’t need you to babysit me.” She breathed hard, her chest heaving.

  “Velia, don’t take it the wrong way—”

  “Justin sent him. He saw me on TV. How the hell did I know he’d be watching bull riding?” Tears welled in her eyes, showing a weakness she didn’t like to admit to.

  Caulder brought her against him. He wrapped his arms around her, holding tight until she relaxed, whispering, “It’s okay, sweetie.”

  She moved out of his arms, sniffling and wiping a fallen tear away. “It didn’t take long for him to find me.” She took another deep breath.

  “Talk about not taking long. How about the hired muscle, I mean, you know, your father’s men? It didn’t take long for them to arrive. Is your dad having you watched?”

  “No, nothing like that.” She picked up her bag and took Caulder’s hand. They headed for the door. “I called my dad when Blake got here.”

  “Good thinking.”

  “I called you earlier but you didn’t answer.”

  “Oh, man, I got so tied up with the bulls, checking their histories, watching videos with the doc, and time got away from me.” He held the door open. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine. I got a lot of work done today.”

  “What are we going to do about this? Do you want to change rooms?” They rode the elevator to their floor but stopped their conversation when others entered.

  Velia pulled her beach cover tighter around herself when others got on the elevator. When they stopped at their floor, Paulo and Yasmin got on as they got off. His eyes dropped to the floor and slowly scanned her body then laughed as he stepped inside.

  “Why did he laugh at me?” She pointed toward the elevator door.

  Caulder laughed. “Not sure, but I suppose he’s thinking he never sees you with clothes on in hotels!”

  “I don’t think it’s funny.” She continued walking to her room. “I’m starved. What will we do about dinner?”

  Caulder took her hand and bowed. “Your wish is my command.”

  “Something light? I’m thinking the Jacuzzi will feel great later.”

  “What about changing rooms? Will you feel safer in another room, one with an adjoining door?”

  “No. I need to change clothes not rooms, I’m all sticky and sandy. I’ll be quick.”

  “Sure thing. Room service?” He stuffed his hands into his back pockets. “I can call and have your room changed, or you can stay with me.”

  Velia rested her finger against his lips. “Shhh, I don’t need to change rooms. I’m not afraid.”

  “Maybe I am.”

  She hugged him. “I’ll be fine.” When he put his arms around her, she did feel safe. She closed her eyes. But what about when he wasn’t with her? “I’ll be okay, Caulder.” She moved away. “Now, can we get some food?”

  “Sure.”

  “I need a shower. So do you. You smell like a barn.”

  “Bulls live in pens. I smell like a bull pen, not a barn.”

  Velia tried not to laugh. “I should be ready in about an hour. I’m famished. I skipped lunch.”

  “I’ll order. Come over when you’re finished. I’ll ask for dinner to be delivered in less than an hour. I’m sure you can be ready in thirty minutes.”

  She stared at him, a blank look on her face.

  “I mean, if you want to come to my room, or I’ll have it sent to yours. I was...just thinking the Jacuzzi is in my room so—”

  “I’ll be there on time.” She pulled him close and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. “Thank you for being my
hero.”

  “Hero, hell. Your father’s men were the heroes.”

  “No, Caulder…” She smiled. “You’re my hero.” She kissed him again then whispered in his ear. “They’re the good guys, babe. Blake is a thug.”

  “Okay, I’ll take your word for it.” He squeezed her tight. “Bring your key card, or I’ll make you stay in my room tonight.”

  “Maybe I planned on staying in your room tonight.”

  “Touché.” He chuckled. “All the better.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Santa Fe

  “While we’re here in New Mexico, you can take off early, get some extra time and catch up on things if you want, go to your apartment at Edward and Alice’s back in Tucson. Flying home to Chicago to visit your parents would be better.”

  “I’ll stay as long as you do if you don’t mind. I won’t know what to do with two weeks off now. I suppose I can give Brian a break.” She held her breath as the plane prepared to land in Albuquerque. She got used to their RV bus after traveling in it for the last month and a half to venues in the same proximity of each other. She kind of wished for it back. She smiled inside because after all the fuss, she did enjoy the whole phase of traveling via motor coach. He called it a bus? Oh no, it was far from being a bus.

  “Of course I don’t mind. I’d prefer it, just saying if you wanted to leave early, you could.” Caulder grasped her hand and entwined fingers. He brought her hand to his lips. “Or—”

  She stared straight ahead. “What?” Velia’s mind faded into the fog of fear, and she hardly paid attention to what happened around her. She could tell by the inflection of his voice he asked a question but had no idea what he asked. She glanced at him, still tense. Her chest rose with deep breaths.

  “I’ll wait till we’re on the ground.” He squeezed her hand.

  * * *

  Caulder peered at her when she turned away. Her brows pinched together and furrows formed between her eyes. She clenched his hand nearly tight enough to cut off circulation. He wished he could help. This was their first flight in six weeks. He liked traveling in the RV with Velia. He smiled when he remembered how her breasts jiggled over the bumps in the road when he stole glances while she slept, at least the lucky nights he got to hold her all night long. The nights they made love to the hum of the tires against the pavement, the flash of lights passing by with each whoosh of a semi-truck, and the slow pace of her relaxed breathing all left him with great memories. He would always cherish their time in the bus.

  He wiggled his hand to get her to loosen up.

  She took to the RV better than she wanted to. She had convinced herself she wouldn’t like it, instead picturing some bus ride like she would have taken in the mean streets of the Arab world, or hot, dusty paths through the jungle. Her smile broadened when she first stepped inside and saw the luxurious interior. Apparently, she didn’t believe him when he told her it would be like the Hilton on wheels. He smiled again thinking of the moment she stepped inside.

  When the tires screeched at touchdown, she relaxed her fingers and took two deep breaths. She turned to him as they taxied down the runway. “I’ll never get used to this.”

  “How the hell did you make it all the way to Italy and all the other places you’ve flown?”

  “I told you, the flying part is easy. Luckily, most of the trip part is in the air.”

  “Oh, yeah, you don’t like the fun part.”

  She neatly tucked her belongings into her laptop bag and closed her purse. “Please don’t make fun of me.”

  “I’m trying to make you laugh.”

  “Haha, there, feel better now?”

  “Not really.”

  “What were you asking me earlier?” She looked his way. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t hear you.”

  “I assume you heard when I mentioned going to Chicago or Tucson?”

  “Yes, I’ll think it over.”

  “And then I said…” He hesitated.

  “What?”

  “Damn, we’re right back where we started.” Caulder frowned and shook his head.

  “Tell me.” She rubbed her temples with two fingers. “I’m sleepy and want to lie down. I don’t mean to sound like a bitch.”

  “Or you can come home with me to Pennsylvania.” He spat it out.

  “You’re going all the way home for two weeks? I thought—”

  “Pay attention. I’m asking you to go with me.”

  “I don’t know. There’s so much to catch up on—my parents, Brian, Edward and Alice, home.”

  “Think about it is all I’m asking.”

  “I will. I guess in my mind I pictured you going back to Tucson and hanging out at the same home in the Catalinas.” She glanced out the window when the plane stopped. Turning back to him, she said, “It would be terrific to meet your family and see where you’re from.” She nodded. “I will give it a thought.”

  Once again they made their way through the airport to the baggage center. Only one more weekend before the big break. He didn’t need to take a break. He could go to the invitational if he wanted to, but a break would be great now, especially when he didn’t have to worry about points because they didn’t go toward finals in the invitational.

  Besides, he didn’t want to go to Brazil this year. Last year deemed too difficult. It had only been a year after losing Calli and Christy, and it was in Brazil when it happened. His two C’s as he called them. This year he didn’t want the reminder. It had been bad enough they were on his mind more than he wanted lately. Why did he still yearn for his child’s arms? Would he always? How long would he dream about Calli’s green eyes? Even going home would be difficult. He spent two months there afterward, letting his mom take care of him like a sick boy. Thank God his mom could help. Yes, he wanted Velia to go home with him. Maybe he could have pleasant memories with her there and begin new memories. And he wanted her to know about his life. The part of him she didn’t know about.

  “Why are you in such a hurry?” Velia pulled her hand from his. “Slow down.”

  “I want to get out of here. I’m sick of crowds, sick of the noise.”

  Sick of crowds and noise isn’t a good thing for a guy with his career. His career is kicking off, not ending. With his attitude right now, it seemed the perfect time for a break, Velia thought.

  At the baggage center, he quickly found theirs and piled them onto a cart. “I thought we paid people to do this for us. Dammit! They should be here doing this.”

  “Calm down, cowboy, I’ll help.” She took hold of the front of the cart as he pushed. They prepared to leave.

  “Where are we staying?”

  “We’re taking this shuttle van into Santa Fe and staying at an extravagant resort hotel.”

  “Extravagant?” Velia still wasn’t used to living a life with an endless bank account. Her family was well-to-do growing up, but dealing with Caulder’s money always caught her off guard.

  “Not everyone can afford to stay where I’m taking you.” He smoothed the hair away from her forehead and planted a kiss.

  “Well, Caulder, I can see you enjoy the good life.”

  “Probably.” He kissed her on top of the head and then tipped her face upward. “Since you’ll be with me for a couple extra days in Santa Fe, I have a few little things I’d like to plan. I hope you’re not too busy.”

  “I’m excited, and we have a big break to look forward to afterwards.” Velia sat upright and turned toward him. “I’ll make time for your plans.” She innocently smiled. “What kind of plans?”

  “You’ll know in plenty of time to prepare.” He checked out the window and asked the driver what route they would be taking.

  “Oh, you! Secrets? Come on, I don’t like secrets.”

  The driver spoke. “We’re almost there, sir. Look forward, Miss. I think you’ll like the view.” He smiled while looking through the rear-view mirror. Velia subtly cast her eyes away. He stared longer than necessary.

  Velia removed
her seatbelt and leaned forward. When they crested the hill, she could see the beautiful expanse of the area with the magnificent hotel ahead. The sunset and the horizon burned coppery-red behind black, silhouetted mountains. The hotel, ablaze with golden lights everywhere, looked incredible “What is this place?”

  “It’s the best. And don’t argue with me. We’re sharing a room. We’re too close to Arizona if you know what I mean.”

  She knew what he meant and wondered how often he dwelled on Justin, putting the thought of him behind her. “I’m so excited to see Edward and Alice. And Brian will be so thrilled he probably won’t even remember his fiancée.”

  “We’ll meet them for dinner tomorrow.”

  “Caulder, you’re so kind.”

  “I know.”

  He waited for her to get out when the driver opened the door, and then he slipped a bill into his hand. “Thanks for the ride.”

  “I’ve seen pictures of this place. There’s a famous opera house here.”

  “Yeah there is, or so I’ve heard.” He smiled as he took her laptop from her shoulder. He grabbed her hand, followed the doorman inside, and checked in.

  They had to go outside of the main lobby to their suite. When they arrived in the room, Velia dropped her bag on the floor and her purse on the bed. She rushed to the door wall and drew open the curtains then spun around. “Rustic luxury! That’s all I have to say. This is absolutely the most unique and beautiful view I’ve seen in a long time.” She turned back around and looked outside. A patio with a fireplace looked inviting, with views of the mesa, as the sun dropped lower. She motioned him over. “Come quick before you miss it.”

  He went to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her close. “It’s awesome, babe.”

  Velia felt his heart thumping against her back. His perfect arms held her tight. She grasped his forearms and curled against him. Together they watched the round crimson glow drop lower and lower until it completely disappeared. “I adore sunsets. It’s relaxing and reminds me how small I am in a big universe.”