Taking Chances

by Taylor, Janelle

  “You didn’t tell us the other day at Joe Bob’s, that your patient and house guest is so beautiful and charming, Chris,” he chided.

  “Lance is our local Don Juan,” he explained to Kirstin. “Recently divorced for the third time, so beware of his suave manner and silver tongue.”

  “Aw, hell, Chris, don’t bad mouth me to our ravishing guest.”

  Christopher chuckled. “I was only kidding. Lance owns a stockyard in Clovis and runs some of our biggest and best auctions. He’d be worth a fortune if he didn’t have so many ex-wives and kids to support,” the doctor added.

  “How long will you be staying in these parts, Kirstin”

  “Until I’m healed and Doctor Harrison releases me from his care.”

  “If I were the doctor, I’d find excuses to keep you around a mighty long time. Chris is slipping if he’s letting you leave so soon.”

  “I’m a working woman, Mr. Reynolds. I prefer for my injuries to heal fast so I can drive and get around better. I’d hate to be forced to leave my car here or pay an outrageous amount of money to have it hauled to California. It was kind and generous of Christopher to let me stay at his ranch. His place is far nicer than a hotel room or hospital room. It appears westerners are as gracious as we southerners are alleged to be.”

  “Call me Lance, please,” he coaxed in a husky voice. “If you’re in a rush and need a ride home, I have some time off next week and I’d be happy to chauffeur you. I swear I’ll be more than kind and gracious.”

  “That won’t be necessary. Mr. Reynolds. I have friends and family who can pick me up if I can’t drive soon. My schedule isn’t that rushed. I was on holiday when this series of unfortunate events happened, and my vacation isn’t used up yet. But thank you for the offer.”

  Christopher was delighted that Kirstin declined Lance’s offer of transportation and refused to call him by his first name, probably with the hopes of putting the egotistical flirt in his place.

  “I’m starved,” Bill interjected. “Let’s get some chow. Chris, you and Kirstin want to come along and join us?”

  “I’ll fetch Kirstin’s food and drink, but thanks anyhow.”

  The group headed for the food-laden tables, all except Lance who lingered behind.

  “You having fun at Chris’s?” he asked Kirstin.

  “One could hardly call suffering three painful injuries having fun.”

  “Chris is a good man. I guess he’s lonely over there. I bet he’s enjoying your injuries. I mean, your company and mutual interests.”

  Considering the number of people she’d come into contact with on and off the ranch, her presence there was no secret. Many must suspect she was sleeping with Christopher. She was proud of herself for how she was handling herself. “He doesn’t appear to be a lonely man. He’s a fine doctor and a perfect gentleman. It’s a shame more men aren’t like him. The world could certainly use them.”

  “What do you do all day with a hurt foot? You have to lie around a lot?”

  “The hospital doctor ordered me to stay off of it as much as possible, which I do,” she responded, feigning ignorance of his insinuation. “Anyone with intelligence can entertain himself.”

  “What sort of games and entertainment do you like, Kirstin? I’m sure we could have a good time together. I promise you wouldn’t be bored.”

  Kirstin couldn’t believe his forwardness. The vile creature lacked all manners and tact. She struggled to her feet. “If you’ll excuse me, Mr. Reynolds, I’ll go tell Christopher what to put on my plate. Goodbye.” She hobbled away.

  Just as she located her companion, Carla rushed over to him, hugged him, and spoke loud enough for others— including her—to hear every word.

  “Chris, darling, you naughty boy, where have you been keeping yourself? Work and your company can’t be taking up all of your time.”

  Kirstin saw Carla cling to him. Feeling out of place, Kirstin glanced around and brightened when she saw Jenny Carlisle sitting near the oversize swimming pool and joined her. “Hi, Jenny. How are you feeling? Should you be out already?”

  Jenny smiled at Kirstin. “They don’t keep new mothers down long these days. Afraid they’ll spoil us. I made Bob bring me along. The baby’s still in the hospital. They won’t release him until he gains more weight and gets stronger.” She held out a picture for Kirstin to view. “He’s beautiful, isn’t he?” she murmured in love and pride.

  “Yes, he is. And you’re looking great. How do you feel?”

  “Still a little weak, but I was restless. Never been a couch potato. This is my first day out. How’s the hand and foot?”

  “Getting better every day.”

  Jenny motioned for Bob to bring Kirstin a chair. He thanked her again for helping out the night the baby was born. They chatted for a short time before Bob left to get the couple’s meals. Kirstin realized Carla kept glancing her way. Evidently they were discussing her. The tiny visual daggers Carla sent into her face and body made it obvious she wanted and planned to get Christopher Harrison.

  Jenny noticed their hostess’s behavior and frowned. “You’ll have to overlook Carla’s misconduct. I bet she feels like a wet hen with you here.”

  “Why?” Kirstin asked as if ignorant of the past situation.

  “Need you ask? See the way she’s clinging to Doctor Harrison?” Jenny hinted. “If Carla had her way they’d be a twosome. I doubt Doctor Harrison’s interested, though. You’d think she owns this whole state the way she carries on. If she sets her sights on a man, he’d better watch out and run for cover.”

  “You don’t like her?” Kirstin whispered to prevent being overheard.

  “Like Carla? People endure or avoid or brown-nose Carla, not like her. If she weren’t rich and single and an only child who’ll get all of this one day, half these men wouldn’t be here today. You and Christopher look great together. You like him, don’t you?”

  Kirstin flushed, but nodded her head. “He’s a fine man.”

  Jenny smiled in undisguised pleasure. “Carla plays the Queen Bee. She buzzes around lots of men, but she wants to light on him the most.”

  “I see,” Kirstin murmured.

  “Don’t worry. With you around, what man would notice her?”

  “I’ll be leaving soon. Once I’m all right, it’ll look strange for me to hang around. I’m already getting funny looks from some people for staying at his ranch.”

  “Don’t pay any attention to old busybodies and prudes. I think Christopher’s quite taken with you, and he needs a good woman. Why not let him know you feel the same?” Jenny reasoned.

  “We haven’t known each other very long, and time is running out.”

  “You could always fake an accident. Say, fall off a horse and break the other leg?” Jenny conspired.

  “I couldn’t do that, Jenny. Anyway, I have to get to work soon.”

  “Then you better work fast,” Jenny pressured her.

  She and Jenny laughed, then began talking about the baby and their joint adventure and Kirstin’s family.

  Linda, Timmy’s mother, joined them. “Kirstin, I want to thank you again for helping my son the other day. He’s still raving about you. I’ve told everyone how wonderful you are with kids.”

  Kirstin smiled. “He’s a wonderful little boy, Mrs. Shaw, and I’ve had plenty of practice like that with my own children.”

  “Please call me Linda. I couldn’t believe you actually took a shot yourself just to calm him down,” she said in appreciation.

  “It was only saline solution. Thank goodness I’m not Doctor Harrison’s assistant. That job would get painful fast.”

  The three women laughed. “I can’t even watch them. I faint every time I have one myself,” Linda admitted. “Your story worked like a charm; Timmy adores you. Too bad you aren’t Christopher’s assistant.”

  Christopher arrived just then with her meal: corn on the cob, potato salad, barbecue, roll, and raw vegetables. As Bob set up two folding tables, Christop
her told Kirstin, “I’ll bring you a bowl of fruit after you finish this. That’ll cover everything you need. I’ll fetch you a drink and join you after I get my chow.”

  She looked at the plate. “Must I eat everything?”

  “Every bite, Mrs. Lowrey. Doctor’s orders.” He turned to Linda and Jenny. “Can I get you ladies something to eat?” he offered.

  “Bob’s getting mine,” Jenny responded, smiling.

  “I’m joining Lance,” the divorced Linda told them.

  Kirstin masked an unfavorable reaction to that news; an alert Christopher caught it before leaving to fill his plate. Bob returned, and Linda excused herself. He pulled a chair over and sat down next to his wife, balancing a plate on his knees. The three chatted until Christopher joined them, deciding he would ask for an explanation later about Lance’s behavior.

  When the dancing started later, Christopher—to thwart Carla and Lance’s pursuits of both of them— initiated their departure. They edged their way through the crowd toward his vehicle. Christopher told the people that Kirstin needed to get back to the ranch to soak her foot. Everyone expressed pleasure at meeting her and voiced hopes of seeing her again. Their final words were with John and Maria, who canceled the camping trip because John had just gotten the word that another officer had taken ill and prevented John’s days off on Sunday and Monday. To make up for the change in plans, the New Mexico couple invited them to dinner Thursday night, and Christopher accepted for them.

  Kirstin was astonished by their hostess’s conduct. Carla didn’t come over to speak with her again. Nor did Lance come to say goodbye, but she and Christopher were cognizant of the flirt’s occasional stares. The party was over, Kirstin mused, and no major problem had occurred.

  Christopher helped Kirstin into his Wagoneer and drove away. On the way home, he-asked, “Was it okay to tell John and Maria we’d come over for supper Thursday? I should have asked you first. But with them standing there and waiting for an answer, it seemed best to accept. You did say you enjoy their company.”

  “No, it was fine. I’d love to go. They’re fun. Nice people.”

  “How was the barbecue itself?”

  “It was fun, too. I like your friends and neighbors, most of them. I can get rid of these now,” she said, unwrapping her healed limbs. “Do you have socials like that often around here? Had any at your ranch?”

  “We have ‘em a few times a year, here and there, but I’ve never given one. The Thompsons is the biggest; they invite almost everyone.”

  “The entire population of Clovis and Portales wasn’t there, was it?”

  “Oh,” he murmured as he grasped her meaning. “I meant, everyone they like and know, and whoever else has a reason to be asked.”

  “Ulterior motives to include them?”

  “You catch on fast, woman. Mix business with pleasure.”

  “It’s like that everywhere, isn’t it? I had to attend plenty of functions and parties and a few conventions with David when I’d rather have been home. As a housewife. I wasn’t considered very interesting or important in a group of career people and socialites.”

  “That’s hard to believe, Kirstin. I’ve never found you boring. Neither did the folks at the barbecue today. You must have been a big asset to David.”

  “Thanks. I tried to be one but it didn’t work many times, not that I could see. The moment we arrived anywhere, he was off socializing or enticing clients and I was left to fend for myself. I used to be shy and uneasy in those settings. I’ve changed a lot since his death; I’ve had to. I have my own friends and niche in the world. I’m Kirstin Lowrey now, not Mrs. David Lowrey. It’s wonderful to be a person again.”

  Christopher nodded in respect. “Actually, I remember Laura practically shunning housewives when we went places. I guess she didn’t want to be considered and treated as one. She didn’t have an outside job after I went into practice but she was involved with clubs and organizations and board memberships. But she always had an ulterior motive for any charity work she did. The more publicity it got, the better she liked it. Laura viewed herself above others but I’m glad to say that seems to have changed in recent years; I think both marriage to Harry and time have had a positive effect on her. They keep extending the olive branch; I guess I should accept it. I was a culprit, too, before I moved here. I didn’t talk or listen much to wives of colleagues, unless they were professionals. Now I do, and I enjoy it. Women like Jenny and Maria are interesting. I suppose we all have our shortcomings …”

  They laughed and exchanged nods of agreement.

  “You still on for camping?” Christopher asked. “We’re supposed to pick up the RV at eight in the morning. I can cancel if you don’t feel right about going without John and Maria.”

  “Miss Carlsbad and White Sands? No way. Besides, if people are going to talk about us, they’ll find something else as fuel for their gossip, so why miss a great time and marvelous sights?” Kirstin laughed. “If we’re careful, we won’t get caught.”

  “Excellent suggestion. I’ve already told the answering service to take my calls and refer any emergencies to a colleague or the Clovis hospital.”

  “All we have to do is pack tonight and leave tomorrow.”

  “You have everything you’ll need?”

  “Absolutely. And I told Katie where I’ll be so she won’t worry.”

  “What did she say?”

  “To have fun. She’s a great kid, Christopher. The best. I hope you can meet her one day. You will if you come to visit one weekend.”

  “I accept your invitation. We’ll work out the details later.”

  “Did you tell Peggy about our trip?”

  “No.”

  “If she calls, she might worry when you don’t answer or respond.”

  “I’ll check my machine with my little gismo while we’re gone.”

  “I wouldn’t want her annoyed at me again.”

  “I think she’s over her initial shock and bad behavior. I hope so. Hey, I have a great idea; why don’t we throw our stuff together and leave now? Carlsbad is only a few hours away; we could be there long before dark. It stays light in these parts until nine. I can leave a note at the rental place. They won’t mind us heading out today.”

  Before five, the camper was loaded and they pulled out of the parking lot, leaving his vehicle around back and out of sight.

  Kirstin gazed at the high plains-enclosed road before them and wondered what would happen during their cozy trip alone.

  Fourteen

  “Tell me about New Mexico and this section of it,” she coaxed, in case I ever come to live here.

  Christopher enjoyed her smile and interest in the state where he resided. “We have whites from countless ethnic groups, including Spanish and Mexican. We’ve got a large Indian population: Apache, Navajo, and Pueblos. Seventy percent sunshine year round. Some thunderstorms in July and August, but mostly great weather. We’ve got deserts, forests, and mountains. About the only thing we don’t have is a beach; sorry about that.”

  Christopher continued his enlightening lesson for a while, then asked, “What did Lance say to you?” as if just recalling the curious scene he had witnessed from a distance, even though it had been preying on his mind.

  “Say to me?” she echoed, wondering about his motive and feelings.

  “At the barbecue. From the look on both your faces, he was making a pass at you, not a welcome one, either.”

  “Is that jealousy I hear, Doc?” she murmured.

  “I doubt he’s your type.”

  “He definitely isn’t my type,” she vowed. “He was just being nosy about us and our … living arrangements.”

  “Why, that low-down snake,” he snarled. “Did he insult you?”

  “Let’s just say I found his remarks embarrassing and repulsive. He’s a conceited bore, so you have nothing to worry about where he’s concerned. I ignored him and pretended to be the innocent female. It was obvious he suspects what’s going on between
us, but I didn’t tell him anything. I can’t vouch for my guilty look, however.”

  “I hope you told him off,” he growled. “With the sweetest expression and voice and words I could muster, under the circumstances.”

  “Did he ask you out?” he pressed.

  “No, but he was leading up to it. I didn’t give him the chance. I was almost rude; I made it crystal clear I didn’t like him or his behavior.”

  “Good for you. He deserved a put-down. He thinks he’s God’s gift to women. Other than that misconception, he’s a fine fellow and good businessman. When he’s not on the make, he’s good company. Too bad those are rare times. I only tolerate him and his antics then because I have business dealings with him. With his history, you’d think women would see through him and avoid him, but they don’t. He’s got a charming and persuasive way with females. I hope Linda doesn’t get tangled up with him. She and her little boy don’t deserve the trouble such a selfish and destructive man can bring them.”

  “If I were Linda, I wouldn’t trust Lance Reynolds as far as I could toss him. And I would be very cautious about a second marriage. She doesn’t need to repeat mistakes from her first one. She seems to be doing fine on her own.”

  “Don’t jump out of a frying pan into a fire, right?”

  “Absolutely. Look, Christopher! What is that?”

  It was clear to him that she wanted to drop the disturbing topic, so he did. “Bottomless Lakes is sixteen miles southwest of Roswell. I wish we had time to stop by; maybe we’ll come back another day. It was a major stop on the Goodnight-Loving cattle trail. It’s something special to see. You’d also like the museum and art center.”

  Kirstin wondered if the area was as quiet and secluded as it seemed on the surface. She asked, “What do you all do for entertainment year round when you aren’t ranching or farming or doctoring?”

  “Lots of things: rodeos, stock auctions, livestock shows, street dances, barbecues, chili cookings and contests, hayrides, horseshoes, county fairs. Some towns even have armadillo or mule races; they’re a riot. We have festivals of all types: heritage, ranching, pioneer. Portales has a Peanut Valley Festival that’s fun. It’s not a big town, but it has plenty of business: grain distilling plants, soft drink canners, grain storage and shipping, and lots of trucking. You’ve probably noticed how many trucks there are on the highway. When they pass us, I have to hold this steering wheel hard right to keep from being blown off the pavement. I hope I’ll be used to driving this big boy soon.”