Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey

by Hendley, DiDi

  “My great-great granddad worked for the post office, as did his son, my great-granddad. They were farmers as well.

  “My mom’s family came from Kentucky, she moved here when she was a young girl. Her family has had horses for generations. Some of the bloodline they have now has been in the family for just as many generations.”

  “My folks were high school sweethearts. They’re just good, solid folks. Salt of the earth...as some say. They’ve always been so supportive of us. My Mom’s brother went to Nashville and played guitar for a lotta big names—names you’d know. He was known for his studio work.

  “I started singing and playing seriously when I was 16. Joined a band at 18, started my own band sometime after that...never looked back, I guess.

  “Wow, that’s great! So, do you live here now?”

  “Nah, I’ve got a house in Nashville. Chuck and Rick live there, too. We don’t get home much—try to at least once a year, but sometimes even that’s tough. When Marty had us on the road…sometimes it wasn’t even every two years. We were busy. I loved it,” Joe looked distant.

  “How long ago was that?”

  “Few years. A.Hole bought Marty’s contracts and business. They were sort-of business partners. I told Marty he was bad news, but he tends to give everybody the benefit of the doubt. I can’t stand the jerk. I’m living for the day when I can tell him to kiss my ass,” a glare passed Joe’s face just as his horse whinnied, shifting Joe back to the present moment.

  “I’m sorry…I’m not gonna let that jackass ruin today. I promise not to mention him again. Why don’t we head to Hochatown State Park. It’s a nice ride there and back.

  “Lead on!” Libby smiled and the two picked up their pace to a run.

  * * *

  “How about a swim?” Joe asked as he put away his and Libby’s tack.

  “I’m in!” Chuck chimed in, wiping down his horse.

  “Sounds good,” Libby smiled as she put away the brush she was using on her horse. She stroked the horse’s nose in appreciation of their ride, then took Joe’s hand for the walk back to the house. After changing to swimsuits they all met at the pool and spent the rest of the evening lounging and playing in the pool.

  Joe and Libby were never far from each other, and caught moments for kisses and touches whenever possible.

  * * *

  “Who needs lemonade?” Lee called from the patio. The crystal pitcher filled with icy cold lemonade glistened in the sunlight. Libby took advantage of the opportunity to get away from the brothers’ roughhousing in the pool.

  “Thanks, Lee, that looks delicious,” Libby tried to shake water from her ear as she left the pool. She grabbed a plush blue towel and dried her slender body and black bikini.

  In the pool, Joe recovered from a dousing by Rick to see Libby leaving the pool, then the lemonade pitcher on a tray in his mother’s hands. Despite the chaos from his brothers in the pool, Joe watched Libby as she made her way to the lounger next to his Mom. Seconds later, all was suspiciously quiet, and Joe turned just in time for a full-on attack by both of his brothers as he went down in the pool.

  Taking the lounger next to Lee Kingston, Libby continued to squeeze the towel against her long red braid while enjoying her first sip of the tart drink. A roar from the pool distracted her for a moment, as Joe thrust out of the water with two legs in his hands, throwing Chuck and Rick crashing into the pool.

  “It’s so lovely, having you join us, Libby. You’re just a breath of fresh air,” Lee laughed, shaking her heads at her sons. Lee preferred white cotton shorts and a tee, and her floppy hat and shades hid her face from the harsh sunlight.

  “I’m glad Joe brought you here. It gives me hope…that at least one of my boys can be smart about women. They think I don’t know…but Mamas know. My boys are sweet boys: well, I guess everybody’s child is perfect to them. But the life those two have lived…well, I shudder to imagine.

  “Don’t get me wrong…my Chuck’s got a bright mind. But he flits from flower-to-flower like a little bee. I believe, if Joe hadn’t pushed him to finish high school early so they could have their band, he wouldn’t have graduated. Did you know he was sixteen when he did? Yeah, with honors,” Lee beamed with pride.

  Libby smiled, feigning surprise. She started to speak, but Lee absentmindedly cut her off.

  “I think Joe challenged him: He always has. Chuck looks up to him like nobody else. And he can push Chuck like nobody else can. Well, we push, but it gets us nowhere. Joe’s always been…responsible for Chuck. I guess that’s our fault. See, we knew before Chuck hit his teens that he was gonna follow Joe—no matter what,” Lee watched her sons laughing in the pool.

  “That boy wanted to play that guitar so badly. And he was good, even back then. He was writing music—the lyrics weren’t that good, but the music was amazing.

  “Joe and some of his buddies had a little band in high school, and Chuck would beg us to let him play. Begged us…it would kill him to hear the word ‘no’. ‘Course he’s not one to wanna hear ‘no’ anyways,” she laughed. “But I knew he’d get so wrapped up in his music that when it came to graduating or playing—there’d be no contest. First chance he’d get…he’d bolt to join a band. So…Marshall and I decided to write a contract and have both boys sign it—that Chuck had to finish school before he could join a band—and that Joe had to make sure he did. I guess we set a precedent…because we knew Joe would take it seriously, even if Chuck didn’t. We were counting on Joe’s influence to keep Chuck in school: Chuck admired him so. I think Joe still has a lot of influence over Chuck. I pray it doesn’t weigh Joe down—because I know what a handful Chuck is. I’ve seen how the girls fall all over him, and he still doesn’t know how to manage money. Oh, I guess I don’t wanna know the rest of what we don’t know,” she laughed. “But I know how my Joe looks after him.”

  “Now Joe, he was destined for all he’s gotten—because he wouldn’t stop until he got it all. He had battles…silly lawsuits and shady characters trying to take advantage—I guess they go with the business. Joe’s not one to put up with that kinda shenanigan. He’s always been determined and self-reliant. He hates being held back…always has. And…well…he does have a temper. Always has…even when he was a tot! Take away a toy and whew! ‘Course, I don’t know what’s up with him now…but I can tell something’s wrong,” Lee eyed Libby clearly hoping for enlightenment.

  Libby watched the brothers laughing and playing in the pool. She enjoyed this different side of them, but she wasn’t entirely sure what to make of Lee’s confessions.

  Getting no response, Lee continued, “You know, he’s never brought a woman home to meet his Mama,” she smiled in the knowing way of a mother.

  Libby blushed. “I’m honored. But I’m sure I’m just transportation.”

  Lee watched Joe, who routinely made glances at Libby, and replied softly, “Wouldn’t be too sure ‘bout that.” Lee waved at Joe, “You boys ‘bout ready to eat?”

  As the Kingston brothers eventually found their way out of the pool, Chuck offered, “Hey, let’s grill steaks.”

  “Oh my goodness, I don’t think I have enough,” Lee jumped to her feet.

  “No, Ma, we’ll go get some. Make a list of what else you need,” Chuck offered. “You got some cash, right?”

  Lee shook her head. “If ever the day…”

  Chuck ran up to her and grabbed her in a bear hug, lifting her feet off the ground.

  “You’re wet!” Lee shrieked.

  Laughing, Joe offered Libby his hand.

  “Hot shower?”

  She nodded, taking his hand.

  “Thanks for the lemonade, Lee,” Libby smiled. “It was nice talking with you.”

  Lee nodded, glancing at Joe. “I enjoyed it too, sweet Libby.”

  As Libby turned to go inside, Lee caught Joe’s cautious glance at her. “Gi
rl-talk,” she winked at him. Joe shook his head, falling in step with Libby with a rather worried expression.

  * * *

  Everyone found their way back to the grill by the pool late in the evening. Marshall had the charcoal hot for potatoes and corn. When the veggies were almost ready, the steaks went on. The cooler of beer was busy as the crowd waited for dinner. Darkness was upon them when dinner was served, and the guitars came out after the homemade apple pie and ice cream.

  A pang of loss touched Libby’s heart as she again thought of her family. She missed Megan. She watched Joe, laughing and enjoying his family, and she thought, he feels so much like home used to feel. I really miss that.

  The singing continued until the wee hours, and the gang eventually retired for sleep. It was a wonderful day, shared with good friends, Libby thought.

  Joe leaned into Libby, “Your place or mine?”

  She smiled, “Mine.”

  He happily nodded. “I need to pick up a few things. Be right back.”

  “Wish you would,” she smiled back. He winked in response. It occurred to Libby that she wasn’t ready to entertain a thought of him not being with her…yet. I know the day will come, but for now—I’m so glad Joe’s around. I haven’t felt this sense of family in so long.

  * * *

  As Joe walked into his room, Chuck strolled from his room to Joe’s doorway. “What’s with you? You seem...different.”

  Joe smiled as he continued to gather his things.

  “Damn, Joe. You really like this chick...never thought I’d see you settle for just one.”

  Joe sat on his bed as he rolled up a pair of jeans. “Chuck, I swear, the air changes when she’s around, man. I mean...it literally changes. Like its electrified...or maybe it’s just lighter. It’s hard to explain.”

  As a smile flashed across Joe’s face, he added, “Life sure is sweeter. And when she’s gone...” the smile faded with his contemplation. “It’s like…emptiness: a void. All I can think about is getting her back! I feel like a drug addict. The more I’m around her, the more I want. It’s not a ‘sex’ thing, Chuck. It’s...her. You know, all the beautiful women I’ve known...there was just no appeal—especially compared to her. The sound of her voice,” the smile returned to Joe’s face. “I know everything’s gonna be just fine. Doesn’t matter what’s comin’ at me...I just know I can handle it. Or it won’t matter.”

  Chuck studied Joe intently. “Damn, Joe, sounds like you love her.”

  Joe glanced at Chuck, as a wistful gleam filled his eyes. A slow smile bloomed on his lips. Joe turned his focus back onto packing. He didn’t need to answer Chuck, who turned and walked slowly back into his room. Joe didn’t see the look of concern in Chuck’s eyes.

  Joe collected his bags and hurried downstairs where Libby was waiting on the porch. Libby and Joe walked slowly, hand-in-hand, to the RV. Few words were spoken, but they both wore a smile. The horseback ride and sun overload left them tired. While she changed for bed in the bathroom, Joe disrobed and crawled between the sheets. As Libby came out from the bathroom, her phone sang out with a message from Megan. She crawled into bed as she read the message, then began typing a reply about her adventures for the day. Joe lay beside her, patiently waiting, until the exhaustion won over all desire; and he fell asleep.

  Ten minutes passed before Libby realized he was asleep, and she finished her chat with Megan. She quietly tried to slip beneath the covers, but he stirred and pulled her next to him. She smiled at his warmth and snuggled into the crook of his body, reminded again of the pain of her tired muscles. She snuggled against his freshly-shaven cheek with a trace of spice. With a deep sigh, she peacefully settled in. They fell asleep wrapped in their cocoon of satisfaction and soreness of a well-spent day.

  Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Day 12 - Saturday

  Upon waking, Libby groaned as her muscles ached from the long, busy day before.

  “I can relate…it’s been a while,” Joe laughed. “I always forget the day-after pain of riding horses. He kissed her forehead as she snuggled against his neck. He caressed her hair, then rubbed the muscles in her neck, pulling her into him. As she relaxed against his chest, his hands slipped down her back, rubbing the knotted muscles and caressing her smooth skin. He kissed her deeply, then, with a slight groan, flipped her onto her back. Sitting back, he winced and smiled. He took his time, exploring her body with his hands, rubbing her sore muscles while watching her expressions of pain, relaxation and ultimately pleasure. From her shoulders, he worked his way down her arms to her hands, carefully massaging every inch of her. Libby didn’t realize how stiff her fingers were until he began massaging out the kinks. She languished in his attention, but never said a word: only an occasional guttural moan escaped her throat as the point of the pain acquiesced to his touch. After relaxing both arms, he worked his way over to her stomach muscles with long strokes punctuated by kisses to her abdomen and navel. He occasionally reached for her breasts underneath her shirt, which caused his eyes to sparkle and his breath to grow heavy with anticipation. He seemed to temper it by concentrating again on her muscles. Libby’s heart-rate quickened as she caught her breath, only to be returned to relaxation once again.

  She was well-aware of the affect it had on him, but admired his self-control throughout his process. She never said a word, just watched his eyes as they moved with his hands, all over her body. As he reached her legs, she flinched from the muscle-memory of the previous day’s horseback ride. He smiled, caressing the muscles lightly; coaxing them to fall under the same spell he crafted in her: mind, body and soul. When the muscle seemed to give into him, he dug in deeper with each successive move, meeting each spasm with determination and tenderness, giving her his complete and undivided attention. She occasionally could focus on his face, amid her own pain and pleasure. He seemed delighted in everything he was causing her to feel.

  As the pain gave way to desire, Joe made love to Libby like never before. His complete attention to her every detailed pleasure drew Libby deeper under his spell. He seemed to anticipate, meet and exceed her every need. He gently refused any advances from her without words—willing her to succumb to his offering of complete passion with no self-indulgence for his own pleasure. He continued to take her to a sensuality threshold, but not allowing her to pass through it. Libby was completely at his mercy. When she thought she couldn’t stand it any longer, Joe gave in, bringing both to an explosion of simultaneous ecstasy. Libby could hear her voice…but it felt strangely outside of her body; and, she didn’t care. She knew on some level, that Joe touched her soul: A place no one had ever been before.

  * * *

  Libby made a pot of steaming coffee while Joe checked the fridge for breakfast.

  “I can’t believe we didn’t stop at the store for food yesterday in town. Looks like we’ve got…eggs, bologna and cheese. So, omelets?”

  Perching on the counter, Libby smacked Joe with the dishtowel, and while you’re cookin’ you can fill me in on your plans. Where are you goin’ from here?”

  He cracked an egg in the bowl. “Well, we have two more gigs with Holecom, then our contract’s up. I don’t have to put up with him anymore.” He whisked the eggs as he talked, then poured them onto the hot frying pan, stopping to steal a kiss as they began cooking.

  “The day after, I’m supposed to be in Lead, South Dakota for a movie. I don’t know what Chuck’s gonna do…he hasn’t decided.

  Libby’s eyes glowed as Joe moved around her, stealing caresses to all parts of her body and smiling as he did, as if she were something forbidden or new.

  Libby pulled plates from the cabinet and passed Joe the cheese and bologna to add before he folded the eggs.

  “How about you? What are your plans?” With the flip of his wrist, the last omelet flipped in the pan.

  “Nothing, really. I’ll eventually go home. I don’t have a timeframe or agenda at this
point.”

  For hours, they sat talking, laughing, drinking coffee and holding hands across the table.

  “You’re so easy to be with, Libby,” Joe remarked.

  Libby smiled, “Back at’cha,” she stood to put the dishes in the sink, kissing his forehead as she passed.

  Her phone rang, and she sprinted to answer it, groaning at the agony of the muscles in protest.

  “MUGGS! It’s about time you called! I’ve missed you so much!”

  Libby sat on the sofa to hear all about Megan’s school and new friends.

  “Oklahoma is so great! We’re still at Joe’s folks’ ranch. Yeah, he’s here…hold on,” Libby handed Joe the phone as he passed her coffee, then joined her on the sofa.

  Libby smiled as he so easily made the effort to talk with Megan. After several singular-syllable responses and laughter, Joe looked deeply into Libby’s eyes and replied, “You bet, that’d be my pleasure. Now, you take care, yourself. We’ll be seein’ ya.” He handed Libby the phone, then stepped outside and waited on a nearby picnic table as he downed the last of his coffee.

  Libby finished the call and joined him outside; she was glowing. “Thanks for doing that... she said she wants to meet you. She was very impressed, by the way.”

  “I can’t wait to meet her,” he said, pulling Libby close and kissing her. “Besides, I’ve been ordered to look after you. I intend to take that responsibility very seriously,” he looked deeply into her eyes.

  “Hey, I’ve wanted to ask you about somethin’. I think I’ve mentioned, I’m scheduled to be in South Dakota for about three weeks. It’s an ensemble cast—a western, so I’ll have free time. I was wondering if you had plans, or maybe you’d…join me?” he said, hopefully.

  “Really? You want me to come?” she teased. “Well, if you’re sure I won’t be in the way...you know...all your groupies and fans,” she laughed.

  He rolled his eyes and shook his head. As he opened his mouth to protest, she quickly responded, “I’d love to. Sounds fun.”