[Hearts of Palomino 01.0] Love Is Eternal

by Emily Sharp

  “Take a seat, please,” he said, motioning to the table that sat eight. We took a seat and he went to the fridge and came back to pass out beers.

  “Glad you three are here, I really am,” he said. “Now, Veronica, Julie tells me you run a restaurant?”

  “Yeah, I’ve been trained to run my own but I’m just a manager at the moment. I'm hoping to get my own store soon.” She played with the beer can in her hands.

  I put my hand on her leg, giving it a gentle rub.

  “And you, princess? Are you still thinking about that corporation?”

  I sighed. “Yeah, who knows if they will even hire me, but if they do, I could end up anywhere, which is exciting.”

  “And then you can run a restaurant nearby,” Dad said, looking back at Veronica. “Sounds like perfect set up.”

  I hadn't even thought about that. We were still too early in the relationship to start talking about moving in together or even across the country together. “Well, we’re not at that point yet,” I said, “but I’ll make sure it works out.”

  “You do that,” Dad said. “Veronica here is definitely a keeper, I can tell that already.” He turned to Travis and they started up a conversation about sports. I could tell Veronica wasn't herself.

  “Hey, are you OK?” I whispered leaning into her.

  “Yeah, I'm good,” she said, then smiled.

  The aroma of meat suddenly hit me, then turning to Dad I grinned. “Is someone making Mexican food for us?”

  “You bet. I hope you guys are hungry, I'm making a bunch,” he said, standing up and going over to the stove.

  “He makes the best Mexican food. It’s so good,” I told Veronica. She smiled and took a drink.

  “So, Veronica, I heard you like old cars,” Dad said, coming back to stand next to her. “I hear you even know how to work on them.”

  “Yeah, Mr. Wilcox, I do.”

  “None of that junk. Call me Craig. And good, let me show you something. Hell, all of you come out to the garage.”

  “Great,” I said looking to Veronica.

  “What?” she said.

  “This is where I lose you for the next few days,” I said as we headed out to the garage. Dad had an old truck from the thirties and he had spent quite a few years and dollars on it.

  “Oh, my, she’s a beauty!” Veronica said, hurrying over to it.

  “You bet. Nineteen thirty-seven. Did the paint and bodywork myself.”

  “Very good. Wait till you see mine.”

  “I’ve heard. Maybe you will have to bring it down, and we can switch keys for an hour.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me. So, what’s under the hood?” Veronica was smiling, definitely in her element.

  Dad reached in and popped the hood. “Oh, just a crate three-fifty, a few extra bits I did myself and with a little bit of nitrous that goes through her when I'm feeling frisky.”

  I turned to Travis and groaned. “You want to stay here, or help me with the food?”

  “Shoot, I'm staying here,” he said, running his hand along the truck.

  I nodded my head and went to go back into the house. I turned around to say something but seeing Dad and Veronica talking a mile minute, I left it alone.

  ***

  That night after stuffing our faces and drinking too many beers, Veronica called it a night, Travis doing the same a few minutes later. I lay curled up next to my dad, the fire going as we both sipped on a beer.

  “You know, that Veronica is something special,” he said.

  “Yeah, she is.” She was, and my love for her grew stronger every day. And in that, I had begun to wonder about things.

  “I know it’s kind of early, but do you think she’s the one?” Dad said. It was as though he read my mind. “I see it in your eyes. It’s the same look your mom had. Shoot, I guess all people do when they fall in love. So, are you thinking she’s the one?”

  “Dad, I don't know. I mean, I do love her, and I know she loves me. But I have to finish school first and then get a job. She has her own life. It’s just too early to tell.”

  He nodded but didn’t say anything more. “Well, kiddo, I need to get some sleep. I’ll be up early getting the turkey and that ready.” Leaning over, he kissed the top of my head. “I sure do miss you. Sleep in tomorrow, OK?”

  “All right, love you, old man.”

  He laughed, his voice trailing as he went into his room. “Old…I got a girlfriend that’s younger than me. Not many men can say that.”

  Laughing, I stood up and walked over near the fireplace. There were a lot of pictures of Dad, Mom, and me from across the years. I wondered if one day one would be there of Veronica and me. Looking at a picture of my mom taken just weeks before she died, I smiled.

  “I miss you, mom. I wish you could have met her.”

  I stood by the fire for a few more minutes, finishing off the rest of my beer. Memories of Thanksgivings spent here rushed to mind. Lots of loved shared. And it was happening again. Going into the kitchen, I threw away my can and went to the bedroom. The lights were out and Veronica was standing by the window looking out.

  She turned around and my eyes went big.

  “Hey! Where did you find that!” I said.

  She was wearing the letter jacket Chad had given me back in high school.

  “I'm a quarterback,” she whispered as she walked toward me. She wrapped her hands around me. “And you are the cheerleader I want.”

  I giggled as she kissed me and led me to the bed.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The next day I helped in the kitchen as Travis and Veronica sat in the living room drinking beer and watching TV.

  “Those two are funny,” Dad said, nodding at them.

  “They are. And they’re always picking on me too,” I said, the last a little loud.

  “You know you love it!” Veronica called back. She was more herself today, letting her guard down, and I was happy. She and Dad had been joking back and forth all day, and I could tell she was warming up to him. And just like how she was with me, they acted like they had known each other for years.

  I smiled as I thought about it, how everything was perfect, what I dreamed of, and it was unfolding in front of my very eyes.

  The doorbell rang, snapping me from my thoughts.

  Dad handed me the oven mitts. “It’s Cathy,” he said. “I’ll be right back, and grab that turkey.”

  “Got it, don't worry,” I said, laughing.

  Putting the mitts on, I opened the oven door and pulled out a huge pan, the smell coming from it divine, and set it on top of the stove. Taking the gloves off, I threw them to the side as Dad and Cathy walked in.

  She was dressed in a business jacket and pants and wearing heels. A little too much for Thanksgiving, but if she was happy, who was I to complain?

  “Cathy, you remember Julie, of course,” Dad said.

  “Yes, nice to see you again,” she said, offering me her hand. I shook it and smiled at her.

  “Hey, Veronica, get your butt in here!” Dad called out.

  “All right, old timer,” she called back.

  She came walking in, and I watched as Cathy’s eyes looked over her. Her eyebrows were scrunched down and her lip was slightly curled when she saw Veronica in her tank and really short purple shorts.

  “Cathy, this is Veronica, Julie’s girlfriend, and my future daughter-in-law one day maybe.”

  I gasped and then laughed. “Dad, you’re terrible,” I said.

  Veronica walked up, extending her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “You as well,” Cathy said. She shook her hand but quickly pulled it back. There was tension in the room for a brief moment.

  “Do you need any help?” Veronica said, turning to Dad.

  “No, sweetie, I’ve got it. You go and relax, and send Travis in here if you don't mind.”

  I heard a slight tsk, and following Cathy's gaze, I saw why. Veronica’s shorts had ridden up and her cheeks were hanging out.
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  Following her into the living room, I pulled at them.

  “Hey?” she said, turning around.

  “Sorry, your cheeks were hanging out. Cathy about went crazy.”

  “She’s fine. She’ll get over it,” Veronica said. “Hey, Travis, go meet Cathy.” When Travis walked by she whispered, “Watch out.”

  She went and sat on the couch, and looking over at Dad, I felt a bit nervous. We both had new people over and I wanted it to go smoothly. I took a seat next to Veronica, taking her hand in mine.

  “Hey, is everything OK?” I said.

  “Yeah, fine. Why?” she said, looking at me.

  “Oh, it’s nothing. Hey, do you want to change or stay in your pajamas all day?” I said.

  She looked down, then back to me. “Sorry, I’ll go change,” she said, then got up and left.

  “Wait,” I called out and followed her into the room. Closing the door behind me, I went up to her, placing my hand on her shoulder.

  “Hey, you don't have to, you know that, right?” I said, feeling bad.

  “No, it’s OK. You’re right.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, I was just being lazy.”

  “OK, I’ll head back out,” I said. “See you in a few.” I left her in the room and headed back to the living room. The other three were setting the food out on the table. The classic Thanksgiving setup from mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, rolls, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and of course, the turkey.

  Cathy was setting out waters when a few minutes later Veronica walked out, and my jaw dropped. She wore black nylons that lead up to a gray skirt. Her top was a black turtleneck that hugged her body, showing off every curve.

  “I didn't know you were a model as well,” Dad said, smiling at her as he brought the turkey over.

  “You look gorgeous,” I said, giving her a kiss. Her kiss was a little held back.

  “Glad you approve,” she said, then went and took a seat.

  I sat beside her and leaned in. “Hey, I'm sorry if I did anything wrong.”

  She turned to me. “It’s OK. Just forget it,” she said.

  I was starting to worry, my anxiety kicking in.

  “All right, let’s eat!” Dad said, cutting into the turkey.

  Thirty minutes later Dad was on his fourth serving as I managed to work on one last roll though I swore I was done.

  “Hey, guys, sorry for being rude,” Travis said, “but Alice is calling in at any minute.”

  “You’re fine,” Dad said. “You can use the office or your room for privacy.”

  “Thanks,” Travis said, then walked off.

  Dad smiled, rubbing his stomach. “I must say, that was good food. I can’t wait for leftovers in a few hours.”

  Cathy pushed her plate away and then turned to the two of us.

  “Well, I must say, I have never dined with two women like this before. It’s been an experience,” she said, smiling.

  Veronica leaned forward. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she said, her voice a little sharp.

  “Oh, she means, she didn't realize how much fun you two were,” Dad said.

  I put my hand on Veronica’s leg. “And we are the terrible twosome,” I said.

  Cathy smiled and then took a sip of her water. “Craig, darling, do you mind?” She handed him her glass.

  “Yeah, yeah,” he said, taking it and leaving to refill it.

  “So, I am curious…I know your father was joking about marriage, but…so that’s legal now, right?”

  “Yeah, it is,” I said. “People have finally come around.”

  Cathy shook her head. “Amazing. So, you can marry in a church?”

  Veronica shifted in her seat.

  “Here you go,” Dad said, handing her the glass. Cathy set it down and then turned back to Veronica.

  “And your parents? Do they…you know, know about you and Julie?”

  “Veronica’s parents are not in the picture, unfortunately,” I said.

  “Oh no, I'm sorry. They passed away?”

  I went to talk but Veronica cut me off. “I don't know who my dad is, and my mother went to prison when I was twelve. We don't talk.”

  Her voice was rising. I had never seen her lose her temper, but I could tell it was about to blow over. I shot Dad a look and he cleared his throat.

  “But don't let that fool you,” he said. “That girl runs a restaurant, can put me to shame working on a car. Hell, she can do it all.”

  “Amazing, simply amazing,” Cathy said with a slight shake to her head.

  “What’s so amazing?” Veronica said.

  “With that kind of background, I mean, usually people end up in prison. And you’re very successful. You kind of struck me as a street girl, I mean, with that outfit earlier, but I was mistaken,” She laughed.

  “That’s right,” I said, rubbing Veronica’s leg. I could feel the muscle twitch. “Like Dad said, she can do it all. And look at her now, businesswoman through and through.”

  “Hey, Cathy, you want some dessert?” Dad said, trying to change the subject.

  “Not for me, dear, but I have to ask one more thing.”

  I started feeling my own temper rise but held it back. I wasn't about to start a fight at Thanksgiving dinner. Let her ask her dumb question and then be done with it all.

  “What’s that?” I said, offering a smile of my own and hoping she would see that I was getting sick of them.

  “I'm new to this whole…” -she waved her hand around- “lesbian thing. Do you assume the role of the husband?” she said looking at Veronica. “I mean, you seem the man-type working on cars and that. Is the term ‘butch’?”

  “No, the term is wife. If you want butch, I will show it to you, you stuck up bitch!” Veronica bellowed as she stood up.

  “Veronica!” I cried as she stormed off.

  “Well, I never…this is insanity,” Cathy said.

  “Cathy, dammit, why did you grill her?” Dad said his temper flying.

  I started crying. This is not what I wanted. It was all going perfectly and in moments had fallen apart. I rushed back to my bedroom. Veronica had her suitcase out as was throwing clothes in it.

  “Veronica, what are you doing?”

  “Leaving,” she said.

  “What? You can’t leave, and you need to go back in there,” I said.

  She turned to me, tears in her eyes.

  “No, forget that. I want to leave. Please take me home.”

  “What? No, we can’t. You have to talk to Cathy, at least apologize…” I said, tears rolling down my face.

  She glared at me. “Apologize? What do I have to apologize for?” She shook her head. “Not a chance in hell. If you want to kiss that bitch’s ass, you go right ahead. But you’re not making me do that.”

  “Just ignore her. She doesn’t know better,” I said, putting my hand on her shoulder.

  She shrugged me off. “Can we leave or not? I’ll call Dave to pick me up if not. It doesn't matter.”

  “Fine, we’ll leave. This is crap though. You’re ruining this day. Thanks a lot.” I stormed out the room.

  “Yeah, it was all me,” she called back.

  I went back into the kitchen, and Dad stood there. “Are you OK?” he said, and I hugged him.

  “No, where’s Cathy?”

  “She left. I'm sorry, that was unacceptable. I told her to get her ass out of my house.”

  I cried harder. “I'm sorry, Daddy. I don't know what’s going on.”

  “It’s OK, hon,” he said, holding me.

  A minute later, Travis walked in, a grin on his face.

  “What’d I miss?”

  ***

  We had been driving in silence for about three hours. The weather was turning for the worse as snow came down making the roads slick. The sky was gray and the last bits of sunlight were hanging around, but I knew it would be gone in the next hour.

  Veronica sat in the back gazing out the window. I had not tried
talking to her; it wasn't fair to Travis to start arguing in front of him. But as I looked in the rear-view mirror at her, my heart broke. I had upset her and knew I should have handled the Cathy situation differently. But it was too late for that now. Though I hated confrontations, I knew that Veronica and I had a long talk ahead of us tonight.

  The silence was getting to me, and I turned my attention and thoughts to Travis.

  “So, is Alice is doing well?” I said.

  “Yeah, as good as she can be. I won’t be able to talk to her now until Christmas Day.”

  I slowed down a little, the cars in front of me breaking.

  “Why’s that?”

  “She can’t say, which basically means they’re going on patrol or whatever,” he said, then sighed. He seemed to be far off in his thoughts, like everyone else, so I stopped the questions.

  “You could drive faster,” Veronica said.

  “I could, but the roads are slick. It’s not worth taking a chance and then causing us to wreck,” I said as a truck passed us.

  “Whatever,” she murmured. “I guess we will get there later.”

  My knuckles went white as I gripped the steering wheel. I finally saw our exit ahead, signaled, and then took it.

  “Last stretch guys!” I said, receiving a smile from Travis and nothing from Veronica. The highway that led back home was about a two-hour drive, and turning on some music, I settled in concentrating on the slick roads ahead.

  An hour later, there was a pop and then the car began to shake.

  “Crap,” I muttered, signaling and pulling over to the side of the road.

  We all got out of the car. The wind was steady, and I almost slipped on the slush beneath my feet as I worked my way around to the back. The back passenger tire had blown out. Thankfully I had a spare, though I wasn't sure how to change it.

  “Open the trunk,” Veronica said to me.

  I did as she asked and she moved a few bags out of the way. A minute later she got the jack out.

  “Hey, I don't mind getting this if you ladies want to get out of the cold,” Travis said, reaching for the jack.

  That would be perfect. Then maybe we could talk alone while Travis worked on the tire. “Thank you, that…” I started to say before Veronica cut me off.