"I insist. I'm not going to be a kept man or a gigolo."
Why was he being so stubborn? Was this a male pride thing? She had enough money for thousands of trips to San Francisco. They would eventually run into a situation where he couldn't afford what she could, and there would be conflict.
Well, why borrow trouble? At least he wanted to go.
"I'll pay for the charter," she said. Bob wouldn't let her fly on a public plane, she knew. "My restrictions shouldn't become yours."
He thought about that for a minute, his jaw tightening then loosening. "All right. All the rest, we split."
"Does that mean we can go?"
"Yeah."
"Hooray! This is going to be so much fun." She called Amy away from playing with her new Tinker Toys and told the little girl about going on a trip with Rowdy. Amy had strong feelings on it.
"I don't wanna go," she said. "Granny and Grampa would miss me. Who would bake the pies?"
Wanda and Colt had followed Amy's movement across the room with their eyes. They whispered to each other while Gretchen battled Amy's five-year-old stubbornness.
"Sweetie, you can't always be with Granny and Grampa. They have to run the ranch, too."
Amy's face was set in stubborn lines. "No. I don't wanna go."
"But we'll do fun things there. Maybe ride on a boat. See some fishermen doing their jobs. Eat yummy foods. Ride on a streetcar."
"Will it be as fun as riding a pony?"
"Yes. I promise it will."
"Gretchen," Wanda said from across the room. "Come here for a moment, please?"
Although a bit peeved to be interrupted during this argument with her daughter, she knew Wanda wouldn't interfere for no good reason and would be respectful. She got up and went over to the older couple, smiling when she got there.
"Gretchen," Colt said, his deep voice quieted so it wouldn't carry to little ears. "She can stay with us until you get back."
"Oh, no. I wouldn't dream of it. You've already been too kind."
"We enjoy having her," Wanda said. "And she's having so much fun."
Gretchen didn't want to spoil Amy's fun, but she also didn't want to teach the girl she could get away with saying no to her mother. This was a fine mess. She must've looked torn because Colt spoke up again.
"We would miss her."
"Eventually, we'll have to go back to Reno," Gretchen reminded the pair who had become like surrogate parents for her.
"Eventually." Wanda's eyes were a bit sad. "But let's enjoy the time we have together. It would be our best New Year since Lucky was born."
"Lucky was a New Year baby?"
"January 2nd."
"I'll make sure to remember. Well, I guess it would be okay for Amy to stay, if you're absolutely sure having her and Melody wouldn't be a problem."
"Absolutely not. Melody fits right in as well. She's been learning to ride right along with Amy."
That sounded like Melody. Able to get along everywhere they went. "Melody is a good person. I trust her to keep Amy safe." She pushed her hair back behind her ears. "I'll tell Amy she can stay. Thank you very much for being so gracious."
Wanda smiled and reached out to squeeze Gretchen's hand. "It's our pleasure."
She went back to the couch where Rowdy sat talking to Amy. When she told the little girl Granny and Grampa wanted her to stay another week, Amy hugged her and kissed her cheeks enthusiastically. "Thank you, Mommy!"
"I want your promise, Amy, you will not insist on staying longer when Rowdy and I get back from our trip. We must go back to Reno soon. We cannot stay here with Granny and Grampa forever. We need to get back home."
Amy nodded. "I wish we lived here, Mommy."
"I know, sweetie. But we don't and sometimes you have to remember that a vacation is not your regular life. It's a little taste of somewhere else, but it has to come to an end."
"When are you going?"
"Tomorrow afternoon. If we can arrange a plane ride."
"Okay. I'll miss you and Rowdy."
"We'll miss you, too. But we won't be gone long and Granny and Grampa will keep you so busy you'll hardly know I was gone."
"Okay. Can I go back to my toys now? I'm building a castle."
"Go ahead, sweetie." She and Rowdy watched Amy hurry away to her pile of wooden toys.
"I don't know if it was the right thing to do," she told Rowdy.
"My parents will take good care of her."
"Oh, I'm sure they will. But Reno does not have ponies and a grandmother and grandfather."
"No."
"Well, one thing at a time. I'll get Bob to make the reservations."
"San Francisco here we come!" Rowdy teased.
The flight from Pocatello to San Francisco was uneventful, and this time, a limo fit right in. They took up residence in a four-bedroom penthouse condo in the chic Pacific District of the city. The place was furnished and came with a maid and chef. It was completely decked out for luxury travelers, including real wood floors, authentic hand-knotted Persian rugs, and all modern fixtures. It was far more than Rowdy could afford, as Bob must have known when he made the reservation, but when confronted with it, Bob shrugged it off. Gretchen thought maybe he was making a point where the discrepancy between Rowdy's net worth and Gretchen's was concerned. Gretchen thought it was none of Bob's business.
"Find us another place. A normal hotel somewhere," she told Bob.
Bob crossed his arms across his chest. "We might have to rent half a floor at one of the bigger hotels."
"Then you can split out how much Rowdy's and my room is and we can share the cost. He doesn't have to pick up the tab for you, Steve and Jeff. This place is just too much. I don't even feel comfortable in this condo."
"Gretchen, this is the way you should be living. Not in a cramped hotel."
He might be right, but it wouldn't do while Rowdy and she were sharing the bill. "Maybe, but not today. Fix it."
Bob sighed. "I'll see what I can do." He got out his cellphone and walked away. Gretchen sat gingerly on the white leather sofa in the main room. The view was exquisite. Pacific Ocean, marina, and harbor all laid out before her on one side, the city and its busy people on the other.
"This is pretty extravagant," Rowdy pointed out, coming to sit with her in a leather chair across the seating area. "It's not what I was expecting."
"I know. I'm sorry. Bob screwed up. I told him to fix it and he's working on it."
Rowdy took his hat off, looked around for a spot to put it in, appeared to think better of it, faced with chrome, glass, and rich, white leather everywhere, and put it back on his head. "Are we going to constantly run into this kind of problem, Gretchen?"
"Not if I can help it. I need to give more specific orders, I guess. This place gives me the willies. It's like no one has ever lived here. It's like something from Architectural Digest, not from Country Living."
"I agree. But, princess, there's no getting around the fact as long as we're splitting the bills, we have to keep the costs down to what I can afford. I'm sorry if it cramps your style."
"I have no style! This isn't me. You know it isn't me."
Sighing, he sat forward with his elbows on his knees, pinning her with his pale, blue gaze. "It's not who you were but it is who you're becoming."
"Not on purpose."
"No, not on purpose."
"Rowdy, let me share some of this money with you. It's not as much fun if I don't get to share it."
His jaw set. "I won't be a k–"
"Kept man. Yes, I know. But we both know you can manage a good life on your winnings. You don't need me to make ends meet. Maybe I can share some luxuries with you, though. Just things we can enjoy together."
"Not like this, princess. Not like this, or we won't be together for long. I won't be a party to highfalutin living so far beyond what you need in the world. There has to be an upper limit."
Her heart took a nosedive. Could there be a compromise? She knew she didn't need lux
ury like this. In fact, she didn't want luxury like this. Rowdy was right about knowing when too much was too much. It was another thing she was learning, though her instincts were better with regard to putting limits on things. She didn't grow up with plenty, so was disinclined to feel comfortable with it. She had to live up to her means now, which presented constant problems.
How she wished she'd never won the lottery. She wished she could have met Rowdy under other circumstances where they were on a more even footing. Although, with his 1.5 million dollar wins this past year, he was a pretty good catch on his own. He'd have been slumming with her, destitute as she had been.
There were no good answers. And, the fact was, she had won the lottery. She was rich beyond her ability to understand. Her means made her a target for all kinds of charlatans, whereas her background made her anathema to the people with billions who looked down their nose at her. She could easily find herself with no one and nothing.
Rowdy accepted much of what she had and what her millions required. Couldn't she find a way to accommodate him better?
She rose and moved away. "I'll check on Bob."
They moved to a suite near the top of the landmark St. Regis hotel. It was a big suite, but they were still required to book an extra room for Jeff and Steve to share. Bob had his own room in the two-bedroom suite where Gretchen and Rowdy were staying.
This was a luxury suite, but far more in the price range they needed to have. The appointments were plush, but it was clearly a hotel room where thousands of people had stayed over time. Gretchen felt a lot more comfortable there, and she could see Rowdy did, too.
It was late by the time they got re-settled, so they ordered room service and got in the room's jacuzzi tub together. They snuggled in a corner, the warm water soothing Gretchen's nerves and making her feel less nervous about her relationship with Rowdy.
"This is nice," he said as the water whirled around them.
"Yes. I've been to San Francisco before," she told him. "It was one of the first places I went when I'd won. I love this city. I know all the touristy things to do."
"Should I buy a snow globe, for Ma?" he teased.
"By all means. And a t-shirt with a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge on it, for your dad."
"What shall we get Lucky?"
Gretchen squirmed suggestively in his lap. "I don't know. What would she like?"
"A boyfriend."
"This is definitely not the city for that."
They laughed together and Gretchen squirmed again.
"I am gettin' the impression what you want more than conversation, princess."
"Yes, please."
"Turn around and face me," he suggested. "Put your legs on either side of me."
"I know where you're going with this."
"Good. Then I won't have to instruct you. Mount up."
She did, enjoying the fullness of his prick so deep inside her. This was an opportunity for her to set her own pace, but Rowdy helped, with his good hand guiding her behind as they rocked together. It felt so good, when she came, she cried. The stresses of the day and her recent trip to Reno had finally gotten the better of her. The joy and pleasure she felt with Rowdy swamped her emotions and came out as tears.
"Ah, now, princess. What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"
She pressed her face against his chest. "No. No. Life is very confusing right now. It seems like forever since things were normal. I don't even know what normal is anymore."
"I'll help you, babe. We'll find our way together."
The water remained warm, the jets creating gentle little streams against her back. Together sounded so good. She had to play fair with him in order to enjoy their togetherness. Aside from telling him she loved him–which she was not prepared to do yet–there was nothing more for her to say. She lay against him until the timed jets stopped, then they dried each other and made their way to the big bed in the room adjacent.
As she snuggled up against him and said goodnight, she realized she couldn't remember how sad her life had been without Rowdy. It was as though all the sweet moments had pushed out all the sour loneliness and swept it away.
She wanted to share everything with him. Now if only he'd accept it.
They spent the next few days roaming around the city by day, dining in innovative dining rooms and best-burger-in-the-world dives every evening. Every night, and sometimes in the morning, they made love together, exploring each other as they explored the world around them.
Although Gretchen was hesitant about it, she really wanted to put down some roots in San Francisco. She loved it there and hoped to come to the city often, even though she was based in Reno. Harry had told her real estate could be a good investment, and he'd okayed a particular realtor and type of property she should buy. Considering the transient nature of her use of a new home, she and Harry had decided a condo would be the best bet. Through Harry, the realtor had narrowed down their search to four properties in the SoMa area, formerly known as the South of Market district. It had been an artists' community for quite some time, but over the last twenty years the tenor of the place had changed, becoming upscale and somewhat gentrified.
Gretchen completed a phone conversation with the real estate agent just as Rowdy was walking into the living area of the hotel suite.
"Um, Rowdy?"
"Why does that sound like bad news comin' down the pipeline?"
"No. Not bad news. Just a request I'm not sure you'll appreciate."
He crossed his arms over his chest and Bob left the room. "What is it?"
"Well… You know how much I love San Francisco."
"Yeah. I know. Your enthusiasm for the place is practically contagious."
She nodded. "I've been thinking buying a property here might be a good idea."
"And did you clear this with Harry?"
"I did! He thought it was fine. He even found me a realtor to handle it." She stood and walked to him, placing her hands on his hard chest. He released his arms and embraced her gently.
"Okay. This is an investment?"
"Yes. I have to have some or my taxes will be crazy."
"Right. I've thought of that. I have some of those as well."
"Then you understand. Will you come look at some places with me today? Just so I know what I'm buying. I'll want to furnish the place and have it available for when I come here to visit."
He squeezed her and then let her go. "Okay. I don't have much experience with city living, but I know what I like."
"I want something we both would like." Then she realized how clingy it sounded. "Sorry… I meant…"
He laughed. "I know what you meant. You're welcome to my opinion. It's worth what you pay for it." Holding up a hand, he said, "But don't try to pay me."
She laughed. "Not on your life."
"Tomorrow is New Year's Eve," he pointed out. "I have to rent a tux for the gallery party thing we're going to tomorrow night, right?"
Shaking her head, she said, "Not right. Dress however makes you comfortable. These artsy types don't hold to formality."
Rowdy looked relieved. "I hate dressing up, so I'm glad to hear it. Let's go look at those properties. I'm curious to see what Harry thinks is a good investment."
They'd looked at all four properties by the end of the workday, but of the four, there was only one Gretchen was taken with. She asked to have another look at it before she put in an offer.
It was a large corner penthouse condo in a good building which didn't strike Gretchen as pretentious. The people they'd met coming up and down in the elevator were nice and polite, dressed well, but not in furs and diamonds.
It was four bedrooms, spacious, but completely empty. It gave Gretchen a chance to imagine her own taste in the place. As she went through each room, she mentally placed furniture and thought about carpets and wallpaper. There was a large, corner window in the main room, and it overlooked a small, isolated marina and a chic, boutique grocery store. There was a playground a block away, whe
re Amy could frolic with the neighborhood kids every day they were there. If San Francisco had been a little less of a political hotbed and more of a hometown for people, she'd have considered moving her base of operations there. But such was not the case; she wouldn't feel comfortable being there all the time.
Rowdy appeared to be relaxed in the space. "Nice you get to pick out your furniture."
"Yes. I wouldn't want to do this any other way."
The realtor, who hadn't been pitching through the day, now spoke up. "The master bedroom has a large spa tub."
They looked at each other and grinned.
"And the walk-in closets are the biggest we've seen today," she continued. "The price is actually very good for the square footage and amenities."
"The gym was pretty decent," Rowdy threw in.
"With a trainer in residence," the realtor said. She looked Rowdy over politely, taking in his cowboy hat and boots, then said, "You could do something nice with some Western-themed art and furniture here. It doesn't have to be all chrome and glass. I know a designer who would be able to put the two together."
"Thank you," Gretchen said. "I like it. What do you think, Rowdy?"
"Good thinking," the agent said. "A property like this won't be on the market for long."
"Are there so many people who could afford eight million for a condo?" Rowdy asked.
"Well… no. We get a lot of Chinese investors, though."
"Hm. Are there many rentals in this building?"
"No, this one is almost seventy percent owner-occupied."
He nodded, satisfied. "Great. Not much turnover. I think it's a good place, Gretchen."
"I'd like to put a bid on it."
"Very well. Let's go back to my office."
"How about you get started on the paperwork and we'll meet you back there? I want to take some measurements," Rowdy said.
The realtor didn't bat an eyelash. Just excused herself and left. Rowdy turned to Bob as she closed the front door. "What do you think, Bobby?" Rowdy was clearly needling the man.
Bob stiffened. "I think it's up to Gretchen." Unspoken were the words, "Not up to you, fella."
"Now, now, gentlemen."
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