Finding Lexi

by AJ Attard

  Lexi stretched, her shoulders still sore across the top. Today she felt too old to be involved in any kind of pony feathers, much less the kind that made her throw punches. She rubbed absently at a particularly sore spot before adding her two cents.

  “I think whoever it is didn’t realize I would be down there,” Lexi said, her thoughts moving quicker than her words, “I think I surprised them. They were, and are, planning something-there is no doubt, but what it is I can’t imagine. I’ve only been here a few days for heaven’s sake,” she shook her head and pulled out her ponytail, “That’s okay though,” she said coolly, “They think they have the upper hand, but now we know they are out there. Next time we’ll be better prepared.”

  ***

  By four o clock they were all in the house, getting cleaned up and getting ready to have some fun. Lexi had called both Marci and Luke and filled them in as well on the evening’s events. She had to admit it was nice to have friends again. She had been so isolated in Alaska that she had forgotten what it was like to have people care about her. She smiled thinking of Marci’s over the top no one had better mess with her response and Luke’s concerned he would come sleep in the barn with a shotgun response. Friends were a good thing to have indeed. Lexi took her time getting ready, moving a bit slow still even though she was starting to feel much better. She could hear Clyde humming his favorite two step from her room, his voice, even humming, was a bit off tune and certainly loud, but filled with an infectious joy that found Lexi humming along as well. The scent of freshly baked pie wafted enticingly up the staircase and Lexi knew her mother was in the kitchen below, putting the finishing touches on her famous pies. This time she had baked peach, cherry, and butterscotch. Lexi could almost see their perfectly golden crusts, woven with tireless care into the intricate pattern Nora favored. Bounding footsteps came down the hallway and Lexi, her daydream about pie interrupted, turned her gaze lovingly to the doorway just as Jake came through the door with Twinkie hot on his heels.

  "Are you almost ready?" he asked excitedly, his dark eyes shining, as he shifted his weight from foot to foot.

  Lexi laughed and shook her head, sending mahogany curls bouncing in all directions, "Just about," she said fastening her earring and holding her arms out for inspection, "What do you think?" she asked.

  "I think we better get going," Clyde's voice called from the hallway, eliciting a smile from Jake.

  "Yeah," Jake grinned turning to trot after his great grandfather, "What he said!"

  Lexi sighed and scooped up her purse and the hat she hadn't decided if she was wearing tonight. She pulled her jean jacket off the chair on her way and laid it across the other items on her arm as she slipped down the stairs and into the kitchen.

  "Wow," Nora said looking up from the pie she was boxing up as Lexi entered the room, "You look good," she said nodding her head in appreciation, "Very good," Nora added with a conspiratorial wink before returning to her pie.

  "Are you all coming?" Clyde called from the porch as he headed for the truck with Jake jogging beside him. Nora rolled her eyes and Lexi giggled in response, taking the remaining pie that her mother had left while juggling the other two.

  "Men," Nora snorted, "Always in a hurry," she muttered balancing a pie in each hand with amazing dexterity as she fairly marched across the gravel driveway.

  Lexi nodded in silent agreement, her feet crunching over the blue stone as she followed in her Mother's wake.

  When Lexi and Nora reached the truck they stopped short, small smiles holding back chuckles rather uselessly as tiny giggles burbled forth from their lips. Clyde sat waiting in the front seat with Jake ensconced comfortably in the passenger seat and Twinkie's spotted face thrust between them from the back seat. It was evident the guys, and dog, had claimed their respective seats, and were not intending on being moved. Nora raised an eyebrow at Lexi, biting her lip as she tried not to laugh out loud, as relieved as Lexi that Jake had settled in so well, not to mention being good for Clyde.

  "First come first serve," Clyde said firmly from the front seat, giving Jake a wink and Twinkie's head a pat.

  "So I see," Nora answered pulling herself up into the back seat and settling the pies on her lap, away from Twinkie's ever-aware nose.

  Lexi rolled her eyes as Clyde started the truck rolling down the drive. The horses had been turned out after their evening feeding and their coats shone brilliantly in the late afternoon sun, their tails swishing periodically at flies, their faces buried in the lush green grass that grew in the pasture. Lexi sighed, the breeze through the open window rifling idly through her curls, her mind drifting over the open fields to a time long ago and far away before she had left with Colton, before Alaska.

  She had been so lost in thought that in no time Lexi felt her grandfather lift off the accelerator, the big Chevy engine relaxed, allowing the weight of its load to slow, coasting smoothly as they approached the old Smith place. The once simple logo of the ranch that had stretched over the dirt driveway with quiet weather beaten strength had been replaced by a gleaming, high tech gate bearing an elaborate scrollwork of letters twisted intricately through its middle.

  "Monteque's" Nora explained needlessly, the words slipping out on a hiss of disgusted breath as the truck came to a stop outside a decidedly unfriendly looking speaker.

  "Yes?" a tired, abrupt voice barked from the black box sharply, crackling in the afternoon heat.

  "The Williams Family," Clyde yelled into the box, leaning precariously out the truck window as he did so. A moment of silence passed, seeming to stretch lazily into eternity before a loud, frazzled buzz hummed out and the metal contraption that was the gate rattled with complaint as it opened.

  "I hate that thing," Clyde said to no one in particular as he pressed the accelerator and the truck eased forward onto what suddenly became a perfectly manicured driveway, complete with landscaping that would have made most home magazine contributors drool with envy.

  "This place is goofy don’t you think?" Jake asked as they drew closer to the house. Massive white tents stood with elegant flaps billowing loftily in the evening breeze as already lit lanterns spilled shimmering white light onto the immaculately manicured lawn.

  "I'd say so," Clyde agreed, bringing the truck to a stop and looking out at the scene in front of them. An army of flawlessly dressed wait staff bustled in and out of two tents, with a smaller one off to the side. They hustled industriously like ants, looks of intense focus etching lines in their faces that was only illuminated by the soft light of the lanterns, "I guess we had better get out," he added, making no motion to move, but continuing to peer out the windshield at the scene before them.

  "I don't think anyone has seen us," Jake said with sudden quietness, as if by speaking too loud everyone would stop and see them, "Let's just go on over to Luke's," he suggested, absently rubbing Twinkie's head as she pressed it against him. Even the dog didn't seem excited about being there.

  "We said we'd stop by," Clyde said with a sigh, still not making any motion that even hinted at getting out of the truck, "and we will. It's important to keep your word always," he said with firm determination. "Come on," he said finally as he pushed open the door, "Let's stop by quickly, and I mean quickly, and get on down the road."

  There were instant murmurs of assent and the group stepped tentatively down from the truck. Clyde snapped a leash to Twinkie’s collar and she looked up at him, her big brown eyes clearly confused and more than a bit annoyed.

  “Sorry, Girl,” he said giving her a pat, “I know you are welcome at Luke’s but I don’t know about here. Better safe than sorry.” The dog shook her spotted head and snorted in a manner Lexi would have sworn held more than a shadow of contempt.

  "Welcome!" Peter Monteque's voice rolled down from intricately decorated wrap around porch on which he stood and flowed effortlessly over the golf course green grass, sweeping over them without hesitation. He was clad in pressed, crisp blue jeans and a soft blue button down shirt perf
ectly tailored to his body. His bounty of golden curls were twisted into perfect circles of yellow and were unadorned with anything but the late afternoon light as he wore no hat. His snakeskin boots were so new they fairly creaked as he stepped lithely down the porch stairs.

  Lexi heard Nora sigh beside her, the sound just slipping below the resonance of Peter's voice as he stepped from the porch, continuing persistently with his welcome speech despite the less than enthusiastic faces that looked back at him.

  "I am so glad you could join me," he said, greeting each of them as if they were the very best of friends and leaving his hand resting on the small of Lexi's back, where he had strategically placed it while shaking her hand, "Please come in," he said, ushering them forward toward the tents, his hand still firmly planted on Lexi's back despite her best efforts to slip discreetly from his grasp.

  "Peter," Nora said, catching Clyde's eye and interrupting Peter's monologue regarding the copious amounts of food and drink available to them, "Peter," she repeated, waiting until he stopped, just inside the glow of the tent and looked at her, "We'll only be able to stay for a bit. We have a prior commitment that my father neglected to mention to us."

  Peter frowned momentarily, his blonde brow furrowing in consternation, a look that, while fleeting, gave Lexi a bit of a chill. She rubbed her arms automatically, swaying away from Peter and into the orb of light thrown by the hanging lantern.

  Peter swung his gaze to her, that smile Lexi was becoming familiar with was back in place. He moved closer to her and nodded in acceptance of Nora's words, "Of course," he replied graciously to Nora, though his eyes remained on Lexi, "I'll just have to enjoy you all while I have you then," he gave Lexi a flirtatious wink and turned back to encompass them all with a broad sweep of his arm, "Come and let me introduce you," he said back to his charming self.

  Clyde and Jake exchanged a pained look, which Lexi happened to see, and Clyde opened his mouth to protest that introductions were unnecessary, but Peter had already caught a stranger, similarly dressed to him, and was waving him over. Clyde took one look at the obvious city slicker and gave Twinkie's leash a pull.

  "I think the dog needs to be walked," he said, nodding his head toward the door silently to Jake.

  "I think so too!" Jake piped up, moving to follow his grandfather out of the tent and onto the yard.

  "She was just out!" Lexi protested but the trio was already out of earshot, walking across the manicured lawn with determined purpose. Lexi was pretty sure they could hear her, but equally as sure they didn't want to. Something told her the group would be outside until Lexi and Nora were ready to leave.

  “How come they get the easy way out?” Nora muttered under her breath just before Peter turned his attention back to her and Lexi.

  “Lexi, Nora,” he said, each word like a proclamation grandly announced by some courtier of long ago, “I would like you to meet Mr.Whilbur, the head of collegiate rodeo for our great state.” He smiled broadly, “of course you probably know that,” he added smoothly, again reaching out to place a hand on the small of her back as she shook the hand of the big man in front of her.

  “Nice to meet you,” she responded politely, sliding out of Peter’s reach and allowing her mother a chance to shake the hand that was held out to her in turn. Nora also greeted the new acquaintance politely before stepping back, giving the buffer of space between her and Lexi and the men.

  “Are you ladies into rodeo?” Mr. Whilbur asked politely, swirling a full glass of what Lexi guessed was bourbon.

  “We are,” Nora answered, her tone giving nothing away as to her true feelings, “Although only as fans,” she informed him politely, “Lexi here is actually a show jumper rider.”

  “Oh, really?” Mr. Whilbur swung his gaze to her, curiosity brimming in his eyes, “I am starting to become interested in other equestrian pursuits,” he said with interest, “Show jumping and dressage are prospering sports and I would like to encourage their growth on the collegiate level here. I would love a chance to speak with you in the next week or so, if you can spare the time,” he added earnestly.

  “I’m sure that can be arranged,” Peter responded, leaning close to Lexi as he spoke. She looked at him like he was crazy, took a step toward Nora and looked back at Mr. Whilbur.

  “That shouldn’t be a problem, Mr. Whilbur,” she answered as if Peter hadn’t already done so, “However, I think it’s only fair to let you know I myself have only just moved back to the area so my knowledge of the local jumper community will be limited at best. That being said I’m happy to help in any way I can.”

  Mr. Whilbur smiled, “I appreciate it,” he said taking a swallow of his drink, “I would be interested in any perspective you can give me, even if just on the sport,” he continued, “Send me an email this week and let me know what would be a good time to call please,” he said politely, handing them his card before downing the rest of drink in one big swish of mahogany liquid, “I think I’ll go grab another,” he said turning his attention to each woman in turn, “It was a pleasure to meet you both,” he said with a nod of his head.

  “Likewise,” they answered in unison. He smiled knowingly and turned to go, placing his empty glass on a vacant table as he did so.

  “That is a very important man,” Peter told them, nodding his head for emphasis, “It was him I had to convince to permit me to host the rodeo,” he raised his eyebrows suggestively and smiled at them both, “You were wise to work with him,” he said and when they failed to respond he added “How about a drink?” sidling up to Lexi again and motioning toward the amply populated bar.

  “That’s very kind of you, Peter,” Lexi said again escaping the octopus like reach of his arms, “but we really have to be going,” she told him as apologetically as she could.

  “What?” He asked, utterly astounded that they would choose to leave his party, “So soon?” He said in disbelief, “but you only just arrived!”

  “I know,” Lexi said nodding slowly and trying to look dismayed at the idea of leaving the lavish affair, “I truly, truly apologize,” she said, “but this was something my grandfather promised long ago and then just forgot about,” she shrugged as if no further explanation was necessary and smiled congenially, “I am, however, glad we got to stop by for a bit,” she continued, “and hopefully next time we can stay longer.”

  Peter raised one eyebrow with interest and smiled a Cheshire cat grin at her, “I will be looking forward to it,” he said, his voice smooth as polished glass, “Shall I walk you to the truck?” He offered with all politeness and a showman’s bow.

  “That won’t be necessary,” Nora interjected linking her arm through Lexi’s, “We have to gather Clyde, Jake, and the dog on our way out and wouldn’t want you to ignore your guests on our account,” she explained, smiling her own enigmatic smile.

  He tipped his head in acquiescence, his smile friendly, but his eyes arctic, “In that case,” he said coolly, “I will bid you good evening. I look forward to seeing you both again soon.”

  Lexi and Nora nodded and waved and slipped from the glow of the tent into the brilliant, burning red of early sunset.

  “That was about the longest fifteen minutes of my life,” Nora said, flashing a quick look over her shoulder to make sure no one was around to catch her words, “I have never been happier to leave somewhere in my life.”

  Lexi sighed, waving to Clyde and Jake who stood by the truck waiting patiently, “I have,” she answered, before adding only one word, “Alaska.”

  Chapter 11

  Jake bounced excitedly in his seat as Clyde turned the truck onto the blue-gray gravel drive and started with respectable slowness up the dusty stretch of road. On either side of the driveway, blue belles bloomed boisterously, their already magnificent color enhanced by the sun, which sprawled luxuriously across the landscape as it sidled into setting.

  "I thought we would never get here!" Jake exclaimed, his dark eyes sparkling in the dim interior of the truck.

>   "I'm glad you're excited," Lexi laughed, and she was. Things had been so tumultuous in their lives, and Jake had taken so much with maturity beyond his years, that it was good to see him acting like a kid. He was only ten after all. Lexi knew Luke would have half the kids in the county at the BBQ and it would be a great opportunity for Jake to make new friends, especially since school only had a couple weeks left before summer vacation.

  Nora watched her daughter carefully, reading the emotions that crossed Lexi's face as she spoke to Jake. Nora had wisely kept quiet after Lexi had mentioned Alaska, knowing that Lexi would tell her what happened in her own good time, when she was ready. It did't keep Nora from wondering though, even more so when she saw the waves that washed over Lexi's face. This BBQ may be exactly what Lexi needed, Nora thought to herself. Nothing like a good time to shake out the cobwebs and remind one that they are still alive down deep inside themselves. Outside Nora caught a glimpse of Luke waving and she smiled to herself. Yes this evening could be just what Lexi needed she thought.