* * *
Libby sat in the chair in their hotel room waiting anxiously for Megan’s call. It had been an hour since they’d spoken. Several times during the hour Libby would straighten up the hotel room, refolding clothes in the drawers or arranging product bottles on the dresser. She glanced at Joe from time-to-time, who was quietly reading his script.
When there was nothing left to clean, she focused on Joe. “Wanna run lines?”
Joe sat under the covers, script in his hands. She didn’t realize he was staring at the same page for almost the entire hour.
“Joe, wanna run lines?”
His stone face didn’t register her question. She moved across the room and crawled into the bed next to him. “Hey, how ‘bout a distraction? Can I help you with your lines?”
Joe’s serious face turned to hers, as if he hadn’t understood anything she’d said. He laid the script in his lap and his head back on the headboard as he studied her face.
“What’s that? Sorry...I was...focusing.”
She smiled, “Lines? Wanna run lines with me? I could use the distraction.”
His face softened a little, but the serious look in his eyes didn’t leave. “Did you get your call?”
“No,” Libby’s tone was somewhat exasperated, and she shifted on the bed.
Joe’s jaw set as he turned his attention back to his script. “She’ll call. It’s really killing you…not being there, isn’t it?”
Libby looked concerned at the coolness of his tone. She studied his face for a clue to his thoughts.
“Nothing like this has ever happened before...or rather, I’ve always been there for her. She’s never had to handle...an emergency...on her own.”
“Well, I understand how you’re worried, but it sounded like she was doing okay on her own.”
Libby nodded. “I know...I need to give her the room to grow up. It’s just...we’re all we have.”
Joe’s head snapped as he turned to face her. His teeth clenched. As he clearly considered his words, he tossed the script to the end of the bed and threw back the covers.
“Think I’ll go...get out of here for a while.”
Libby looked confused, “Joe, are you okay?”
Joe dressed quickly. “I’ll be back,” he called back without a glance as he left the room.
* * *
Joe took the stairs to the first floor, trying to squash the anger that had taken over. As he walked across the lobby, he stopped at the doorway to the bar. Inside were many cast and crew members, laughing and drinking. Joe sighed, shook his head and walked out the main entrance of the hotel.
* * *
Libby sat bewildered in the quiet, empty room. She couldn’t understand Joe’s abrupt departure. Tears filled her eyes as she sat, emotionally exhausted by the events of the night.
Half-an-hour later, the phone rang. Libby jumped.
“Megan?”
Libby waited a long while as the conversation continued on the other end. “Okay, babe. Call me if you need me. I’m here. Tell Jane and Will thanks. Get some sleep...we’ll worry about the car tomorrow. Love you!” Libby sighed as she hung up the phone. Tears flowed freely for a few minutes as the relief washed over her. She took a short shower and dressed for bed. By the time she was dressed, Joe had still not returned. She crawled into the bed and placed the phone beside her. Her mind wandered for a short while, then sleep washed away the day.
* * *
Libby awoke as Joe slipped into the bed. She instinctively reached out to him. He took her hand as he placed his head on the pillow.
“Everything okay?”
“Jane and Will took her home with them tonight. Scott had the car towed, so it’s all over but the paperwork, I guess. Are you okay?”
Libby slid next to Joe.
Joe sighed, his body seemed stiff next to hers. She raised her head to study his eyes. “Joe?” her voice held concern.
“Do you really think you’re alone in this?” Joe’s voice seemed cold.
“Well, no...”
“Listening to you, Libby. I just wondered...if you have any idea. This thing we’re doin’...” Joe shifted as he struggled to find the words.
“I’ve been walkin’ for hours. I thought I had this figured out. Look. I understand emergencies. I understand family. But you’re not in this alone anymore. Are you? Do you really think that you are?”
Through the faint light from the window, he looked into her eyes. “You know you have me, right? You’re not alone.”
Libby’s eyes filled with tears. “Joe...” she touched his face. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply...”
“Well, it sounded to me like you have a bigger support system than you’re givin’ credit for...Will, Scott, to name a few. I hate this happened, but maybe it happened for a good reason, you know? If she were hurt, I’d be next to you in that plane right now. But she wasn’t hurt. I’m thankful for that, don’t get me wrong.
“You said somethin’ to me once about buildin’ a wall. Libby, that’s exactly what you’re doin’ right now. I wasn’t included. I wasn’t a thought. I’m not sayin’ you can’t take care of things, but I wonder—what’re you doin’ here?”
Libby sat up in the bed and withdrew her hand. Her mind was racing, and she couldn’t think how she should answer him.
“For the record...Libby, I don’t want you to go.” He blinked away the tears in his eyes as he emphasized each of the words..
Libby couldn’t respond. She froze at his admission.
Joe continued with great composure, “Look...the car can be replaced. This is an opportunity for Megan to realize her own strengths, too. You can give her the space to do just that. I mean, don’t we all do that at some point in our life?”
Libby nodded, mindlessly.
“Well, everybody, but Chuck, that is,” Joe laughed. He looked into her eyes, then wiped a tear from Libby’s cheek.
Libby threw herself into him and hugged him. “Joe, I didn’t mean...” She kissed him passionately. “I don’t wanna leave you. I’m so sorry if that’s what you thought,” her voice was constricted. “I love you, Joe.”
In relief, Joe wrapped his arms around her and flipped her over his body and onto her back. His finger slid along her face, pushing the hair back and settled under her chin. He kissed her deliberately, then placed his forehead on hers, his eyes closed. His deep sigh of relief said everything he didn’t.
He pulled the blankets around them. She snuggled next to him, and he stroked her hair until she fell asleep. Soon thereafter, he drifted off as well.
Lead, South Dakota, Day 31 - Thursday
The routine was so often a 5 or 6 a.m. wake-up, but upon waking today, Joe and Libby lay in the bed talking softly about everything, and nothing in particular. Joe took Libby’s hand, “What’s say we pack a picnic, go for a hike, see the sun rise?” Joe offered.
“Really?” she asked excitedly. “Oh, I’ve been wanting to take you on the ‘76 trail! It’s an easy hike, not long, and it’s SO beautiful! I thought watching the sunrise there would be amazing!”
“Sounds good...let’s go!” Both jump out of bed and set the plan in motion. Joe called the lodge restaurant and asked them to pack a breakfast picnic basket suitable for a hike, including a thermos of coffee and water bottles.
Joe put his thermals under cargo pants, packed his pockets with everything he thought they might need on their walk, and then some. Libby also dressed for the fall morning, with leggings under her jeans and layered shirts to keep out the cold yet allow her to be comfortable in the mid-day as well.
By 5:30, the two loaded the camera, a blanket, a flashlight, and a backpack full of food packed by the kitchen. Hand-in-hand they made their way across the parking lot and down the dark trail. They took their time, walking in the cold morning, listening to the forest awaken
as they passed through. About a mile from the lodge the trail offered a detour beyond the trees to a secluded overlook, which appeared just as the horizon turned from dark blue to deep-mauve. Soon the golden umber of sunrise crept in.
After laying out the blanket, they snuggled to watch the painted sky. Joe pulled out the thermos and poured them both a hot cup of coffee. “To happiness,” he touched her cup with his, and they snuggled together as the sunrise painted the Dakota sky.
“Libby,” Joe said softly. Snuggled against his body, she turned her face to meet his.
“Yes, Joe?” she replied formally and giggled.
He set his coffee down and turned to face her. Pausing again, he took her coffee and set it down beside him too. Taking both her hands in his, he felt the coldness of her skin and blew warm air across them while sliding his hands around them for warmth. When he was satisfied with their temperature, he looked again into her face.
“I was thinkin’ about things…and people, that I’ve taken for granted. Marty, for instance. I had to lose him before I realized just how much I relied on and needed him. I’ve lost my band, my career, even pappy. It made me think, Libby, that there’s no way I wanna lose you, too.
“Libby, I don’t ever remember being so happy or complete. I know I’ve told you what a difference you’ve made in my life...I don’t ever want to know a day that doesn’t include you. I used to be afraid of not singing, then at some point I realized that never again acting would be bad, too. But, what if one day it’s all gone.
“I’ll tell ya, my biggest fear these days is that something, or someone, takes you away from me. I just couldn’t bear it. Sometimes, at night, I look at you sleeping. I just can’t even remember what life was like before you. I’ve only known you a month, but, I swear it feels like forever. And if it meant giving up everything…to have you…I would.
“I think I now know what folks mean by “soul mates,” because I found mine that day you climbed that ladder, looked into my eyes and took my picture, you captured my heart! I pray every day you feel the same.” Tears welled in his blue eyes as he spoke.
Libby smiled, “Joe,” Libby began, but before she finish he kissed her.
“Libby, marry me? I want to be there every day for the rest of your life...I want us to be a family, have a life together, always. I want us to have a home. I don’t care what I do, where I go, as long as you’re a part of my life, I think I can take on the world...but only if you’re there beside me.”
Libby’s shocked face startled him. The fear etched into his face for a moment. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, handed it to her. Just as she took the box from his hand, the first rays of the sun crossed her cheek, snapping them both back to their surroundings. Libby laughed, nervously.
She put her hand around the back of Joe’s neck, pulling his face to hers and kissed him, softly, then passionately. She held the box next to her heart as she put her cold hand on his face. “I’d like nothing better...YES! Oh, Joe, I love you so much...I don’t ever wanna let you go either!”
Joe sighed as the fear left his heart and a grin grew across his face. Joe took the box from Libby’s hand and opened it, taking the diamond from the case and slipping it onto her cold, shriveled finger. The ring rolled around it loosely. She laughed, as tears streamed down her face. He kissed away the tears and held her close to him. “You had me worried there!” he laughed. The two stayed wrapped in each other’s arms as the sun climbed, changing the sky from gold to blue.
Lead, South Dakota, Day 32 – Friday
As usual, Libby joined Joe on the set. She was sitting in a chair just outside the RV, across from the “town” and the film crew. She twirled the diamond around her finger without thought. Occasionally, she’d find herself dazed, staring at the ring, remembering the beautiful sunrise they shared, the words he said, how he made her feel. Forever with Joe. That sounded like heaven to Libby as she smiled down at the ring.
Libby jumped when her phone vibrated in her pocket. Glancing around, she saw motion and conversations between the crew and decided it was safe to answer Megan’s call.
“Muggs! It’s about time! I’ve been trying to reach you since yesterday!”
“I know, I know. Things are...busy. I’m glad you called though. How’s the trip?” Megan replied.
“Aw...Megan. It’s amazing. I’m on the set with Joe right now...watching all this has given me a new appreciation for movies. I have news, but you HAVE to keep it a secret!”
“What? Are you coming home?” Megan asked with excitement.
“Soon...not yet though. Are you sitting down?”
“Do I need to be?”
“Joe proposed!” Libby’s face radiated her joy.
“Seriously?”
“Promise, you won’t tell anybody...okay? I’m not ready to deal with it all yet. I just want to enjoy this for now. There’ll be time for explanations later.”
“Okay. So, when are you guys comin’ home, so I can meet him? Honestly Libby. It was just for BALLOONS. I never dreamed you’d be bringing back a husband! HEY...WAIT. You’re not gonna elope though, right? Cause...”
“No baby, you’ll definitely be there,” Libby smiled.
The production assistants echoed, “quiet on the set.”
“I’ve gotta go now Meg, but we’ll talk soon. Love you!”
“Love you, too...be safe. CALL ME!”
Libby closed her phone and held it to her chest. She smiled as she watched Joe in the distance. For just a moment, he glanced her way; and she could see his brilliant smile.
Louie, the screenwriter for the movie, happened by as Libby was lost in her thoughts.
“Wow, wish I could make a woman look like that!” Louie said quietly as he leaned over her.
Libby glanced up sideways at Louie, but the sunlight blinded her, causing her to squint at him. She couldn’t contain her huge smile.
She motioned for him to sit in the chair beside her.
“Ah Louie...have a seat. When I think back on my life.”
Taking a long pause, Libby again glanced at Joe before she continued.
“This has to be the happiest time—ever.” She beamed at Louie.
“Wow, you really are in love, aren’t you?” he smiled with envy.
“Yes, I am.” Libby stated, matter-of-factly.
“Hey Louie, I need a favor...” Libby glanced back at the film crew and Joe as he moved into his fight scene. Leaning over the arm of her chair, she whispered to Louie as filming continued.
* * *
Joe was intently discussing his upcoming scene with the next actor he was to fight to make sure everyone was clear about what actions to expect. He was so intent on his moves; he didn’t see Louie go into the RV with Libby.
Lead, South Dakota, Days 33-37 – Saturday-Wednesday
Desperately trying to stay on schedule, filming continued until the wee hours for the last few days. Joe was exhausted each night he returned to the lodge, and Libby did all she could to keep him going. She would talk to him about laying on the beach at Folly, the seagulls crying in the wind as the waves lapped on the shore, while the dolphins jumped offshore.
He seemed amused by her painted images, “I can’t wait to be a Carolina beach bum with you,” he said, half-asleep.
* * *
Finally, the last day ended, and the wrap party was in full swing. Libby and Joe were eager to pack up and hit the road, but stayed long enough to celebrate a job well-done and make proper goodbyes.
Lead, South Dakota, Day 38 – Thursday
Early Thursday morning, Libby climbed behind the wheel of the RV as Joe finished checking out of the lodge. Libby set the GPS in the RV for a trip to South Carolina.
Joe climbed into the copilot seat, “You sure you don’t want me to drive?” he asked.
“I’ve got the first leg, yo
u can take the second. I’ve set the GPS to South Carolina—just sit back and enjoy the ride...for now,” she smiled.
“So, what’s the plan. How long ‘til we get to South Carolina?”
“It’s over a day. If you want, you can get online and find someplace to stay over.”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Keyboard’s behind the sofa.”
Joe moved back to the sofa and turned on the big screen to find their route. After a few minutes he slipped onto the floor beside her chair. “Hey, Lily, my love, how about a side trip to Nashville? We can stay over at my place for the night. I can pack a few things, too. I haven’t been home in so long...I probably need to deal with some things.”
“Sounds good.”
“I need to let Rick know to clean the place up...and to be sure everything is...presentable, when you arrive,” Joe laughed. He reached for the GPS and kissed Libby on the cheek as he pulled it off the holder.
She smiled as she continued to watch the traffic.
“OK...here’s a decent looking RV park. I’ll see if they have any openings and book it...it’s in Columbia, Missouri on the river. That’s a fourteen-hour day today. Let’s break it up, Sweets, really. That’ll leave about an eight hour trip to Nashville tomorrow, then about eight hours to South Carolina from there. How’s that sound?” Joe asked.
“Great! Especially since we left so early today; we can sleep in a little tomorrow. You want my credit card?”
“Nah...I got this. Want some coffee?” Joe asked as he began to dial.
“Sounds good!”
After he made the reservation, he called his house. While waiting for someone to answer the phone, he put on a pot of coffee.
“No answer. Hey Rick. Libby and I will be there sometime tomorrow. How about make sure you and the house are presentable, would ya? See ya.”
After leaving a message, he returned to the passenger’s seat with a cup of coffee for each of them.
“You’re good...right?” he asked Libby.
“I’m great...right,” she smiled at him. “Sure is nice havin’ you here.”
Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey Page 24