Country Heaven

by Vicki Green

  I walk over to the left, sliding into a booth by the window, and take a sip of my coffee. Damn, that’s even better than Starbucks and cheaper. I look up when Colby sits down across from me and smile. “What are you doing in town today? I was surprised to see you. I had noticed Memphis’ truck outside so I expected to see him while I was over at the hardware store.” He takes a drink of his coffee and I can’t seem to pull my gaze from his lips.

  I shake my head and blink. “Oh, I needed to come into town to get a winter coat. It’s getting rather chilly out already. I’m not used to that.” He laughs as he nods. I look around the room as more people walk in. “This is such a nice place and I love their coffee.”

  He sets down his cup and looks around. “Yeah, everyone in town loves it and so do folks when they visit. Too bad they’re closing it down. It’s been a real gold mine for them.” My brows raise as my mouth drops open.

  “No! They’re closing it? If business is that good then why?”

  He takes another drink then sets it down, cupping his hands around it. “Tiffany wants to retire, said she’s ready to have a nice relaxing life at home with Homer. Can’t say as I blame her.” He looks around again and then back at me. “I’d buy it but wouldn’t have anyone to run it. It’s such a nice place. Towns really upset about it.”

  Thoughts run through my mind. I wonder if Daddy would let me buy it with the money he’s giving me next month. Dare I ask? It would be a good investment and he’s all about that kind of stuff. But it would be mine. Damn, I would love it. The money I’m getting is more than enough to buy it outright. I’d have to learn where she gets all her supplies, who does any repairs to the machines, the shop itself. I really think I’d like to make a go of it. If I did it, then I just have to figure out where I’d live. Thoughts of me behind the counter, people wishing me good day and how I wouldn’t change the interior. It’s so cute.

  “Earth to Sadie.” His voice brings me out of my thoughts, and I smile. “What’s got you thinkin’ so hard?” His smile is breathtaking, and I swallow hard as my body heats up quickly, and I’m not sure it’s the coffee that’s to blame.

  “Oh, nothing. Was just thinking how wonderful it would be if someone bought it. I hate to see the shop just close. It would be a shame.” I pick up my coffee and take a sip, my eyes still moving around and my thoughts of emailing Daddy. Fear kicks in a bit but I’m determined. I really love this place.

  We have a great time talking and laughing. He’s such a nice man and it doesn’t hurt that he’s hotter than hell. “So, I fell off the saddle and broke my arm.” He laughs. “That taught me not to be such a brat, thinkin’ I could do anythin’.”

  I laugh so hard my sides hurt. “What happened then?”

  “Well, I finally sucked up my pride and asked Pa to teach me and told him I wouldn’t be so cocky. He agreed and we had the best time, the best bonding experience.” He takes a deep breath. “I have to admit, I really miss my parents.” He looks down, his lashes so long any girl would kill to have them. He smiles that smile, showing those white teeth, and looks back up and into my eyes. “I sound like a girl, right?” He chuckles and a laugh bursts from my mouth.

  “Nah. Well, not totally.”

  He laughs again then gets a serious look on his face. “Sadie. I’d really like to take you out to dinner sometime. You know, like a date? But am I stomping on toes if I do that? I mean.... You and Memphis, are you two….?”

  Suddenly, my feelings are out of control, my emotions toying with my heart. Colby is hot and sexy, no doubt, but Memphis? I dunno. Memphis already has a place in my heart, hell he fills my heart. I don’t want to hurt either of them.

  “I’m sorry. I’ve made you uncomfortable. I didn’t mean to.”

  I look up and see the concern on his face. I take a deep breath. “Thank you so much for asking me, Colby. You have no idea what that means to me. Can I get back to you? I just have stuff going on and with Mable….”

  He reaches across the table, covering my hand with his. “I’m so sorry, Sadie. I didn’t mean to be so insensitive. Of course you can get back with me. I wasn’t thinkin’. Forgive me?” His brows crease and a small grin shows.

  I remove my hand and then cover his. “Don’t apologize. It’s okay, really. I appreciate the offer.” I look over at the clock and realize I’ve been here for two hours and haven’t even looked for a coat yet. Memphis will be worried. “I’d better go. I still need to get that winter coat.” He smiles and slides out of the booth, holding out his hand. I take it and stand up. He walks me to the door, opens it, and I walk outside. The wind has turned even cooler. I turn to him and smile. “Thanks again for the coffee.” He nods, smiling back, and I start walking to the store.

  When I get inside the store, instead of finding Tilly behind the counter where she normally is, she slams into me, hugging me so tight I can’t breathe. “Uh, Tilly. Mind if you….” I choke.

  She releases her hold but keeps a firm grip on my arms. “Oh, sorry. I just…. After yesterday, I’m just full of emotions, I guess.” She turns and walks over the counter, mumbling the entire time. “Could be hormones. I wish my damn period would hurry up.”

  I laugh, walk over and lean against the counter. “Calm down, girl. You’re gonna give yourself a heart attack.” She looks at me, takes a breath and blows it out of her mouth, causing the hair over her forehead to move up in the air. “Now, what’s got your panties in a wad and why didn’t you talk to me yesterday when you were over at the house? My feelings are hurt.” She leans down on the counter and starts biting her fingernails. “Tilly? What’s wrong? You’re kind of scaring me.”

  She looks up and presses her lips together. “Sadie. You’re gonna hate me. I hate me. Oh, my God!”

  I walk around the counter and grab her arms. “No, Tilly. I won’t hate you. What is it? You’re killin’ me here.”

  She doesn’t look me in eyes and talks so fast I have a hard time keeping up. “You both left and it was storming but then about a half hour later he came back, all mad, and he came over to me, took me by the hand and we went to the back room.” She looks up at me and my heart stops. “Sadie! I was so drunk, so high. Please forgive me. I found out the next day that he was thrown off Memphis’ land, told to leave. I had no idea at the time. Oh, my God, Sadie. Please, please forgive me.” My brows lower as I play back through my head what she said. Her eyes searching mine.

  “Tilly, why would I be mad?” I whisper.

  She looks down, picking at her nails. The look of embarrassment flushes her cheeks, shame. “I slept with him. Jag. He was so angry, looked like he’s been in a fight, but looked so hot and sexy, and I was so wasted.” She looks up at me, tears rolling down her face. “Sadie. When he…. When he…. he called out your name.”

  I pull her into me, rub her back and look out the window from over her head. “Shhhh. I’m not mad, Tilly.” I let her cry into my sweatshirt until she’s only sniffling. I push her back, keeping my hands on her arms. “Tilly. Did he hurt you?” She shakes her head then nods. Fucker! “What? What did he do?” I say through gritted teeth. She sniffs and I remove my hand when she reaches down and pulls up her sleeves. Bruises are all the way up and down her arms, some larger than others. “Oh, my God, Tilly.” I start to back away. “I’m gonna kill….”

  She runs up and grabs my arms. “NO! No, don’t, Sadie. He’s mad and yes, I mean angry, but really, he’s insane. Don’t do anything. Please, don’t. And don’t tell anyone. Please, Sadie, please?” She falls into my arms and starts crying again. I hold her tight the entire time I’m thinking about how I want to hurt him back. Hurt him for what he did to her, to me.

  “Okay. Okay, I won’t say anything, Tilly. Shhhh.” I rub her back again and try to be soothing. Then another thing hit me and I gasp. I move back, holding her arms. “Tilly? Did you use protection?” She nods slowly, tears streaming down her face. “Oh, my God! Okay, don’t panic! There’s a big chance you won’t be, right? You just keep me posted, you he
ar?” She nods and I pull her back to me. Damn! How horrible for her if she ends up pregnant.

  I don’t know how long we stay that way. Finally, she lets me release her, and we talk for a while longer. It’s getting later, and I need to get home. She shows me some coats, and I pick out one quickly then kiss her cheek and give her my email address, telling her to promise to chat later and to get some rest. I open the door hoping I don’t ever run into him. I’m so mad I could kill him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Memphis

  It felt kind of nice workin’ hard today. Kept my mind off Mable, a little. I fed the chickens, rode Clancy for over an hour, helped Dallis with the inside of the barn construction for a while and even checked in on Mac, taking care of Frisky. She’s still not ready to deliver her calf yet but it could be any day now.

  Dale and his family said their goodbyes around lunch time saying they’re gonna stop for the night along the way. He said he needed to get back to the office. We man hugged and I gave Maggie a kiss on the cheek, then rubbed the boys heads and made them promise to come back and spend more time. By the time I go inside, take a shower and get back downstairs, I’m surprised it’s so quiet and that Sadie isn’t back yet. I thought she’d be back a long time ago, maybe she got caught up talkin’ with Tilly. I know how that gal loves to talk. Even though I trust Sadie completely, I’m getting worried as I heat up some leftovers from yesterday, as it’s getting dark outside.

  “You’re an idiot. I’m sure she’s fine. She’s a woman who can take care of herself.” I chuckle at myself and remove the pot roast from the oven and take it to the dining room table. I start to head back to get the rolls and butter when I hear a car door slam. I walk to the door, open it and see my truck sittin’ there but no Sadie. What the hell?

  As I get down to the last porch step, Sadie stands up, turns and her eyes lock with mine. She takes off walking towards me, staggering. I start to run, my heart beating so fast I can feel it pumping in my chest. She throws herself into my arms, and I bury my face into her neck. Her body racks with sobs. “Darlin’. I was getting worried. Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

  I move my arms and take ahold of hers, trying to push her back so I can look at her, she just shakes her head wildly, sobbing louder. “Come on. Let’s get you inside. It’s freezin’ out here.” I pull her closer and start to walk to the house. She keeps her face buried into me. I get her up the steps and through the door, leadin’ her to the couch in the living room. We sit down, but she won’t leave my side.

  “Sadie. Darlin’. Please. Let me help. What’s wrong? You’re shiverin’ and acting scared to death. Let me help you. Please?” I place my hand underneath her chin. At first she fights me, but slowly she lets me raise her head. I have to bite back my growl, anger raging inside me. I need to try to be strong for her. “Come here, baby.”

  I stand, her hands fisted in my shirt, knuckles white. Bending down, I put my hand under her legs and bring her up, carrying her to the kitchen. Carefully, I set her down on the counter. She holds onto me making it difficult to gather what I need from the cabinet beside her. I almost drop a glass. Finally, I set it down next to her and pour from the bottle. “Here drink this.” I bring it up to her lips. She sniffs the contents but then starts drinking. I’d be worried about her getting drunk, as fast as she’s gulping it down, ‘cept right now I think she needs it to relax. “Good.” I set it down and pour some more in then hold it out. “Do you think you can take it and let me clean you up?” She never looks at me, simply nods and takes the glass, keeping her eyes downward.

  I don’t speak anymore, now’s not the time. I get a clean cloth from the drawer beneath her legs, hold it under cool water from the sink and then put my hand on the side of her face as I clean out the large gash over her left cheek. She takes another drink, her body shivers. I’m unsure if it’s due to the alcohol, being cold, scared, or a combination.

  I bend down, trying to get her to look at me but she won’t. “Baby, the cut is really deep. I think you need stitches.” Her eyes snap to mine, and she starts shaking. I put both hands on the sides of her face. “Hey. Hey. I’m right here. I’m not going to let anythin’ hurt you. Do you trust me?” She nods. It’s so slight I barely see it. Her chin quivers as tears leak from her eyes. “Good. How about I call Doc Grayson and see if she can come out here. I’ll be with you the whole time.” She nods again, slowly. “Good. Shit! I don’t have a phone. Fuck!” She starts shaking worse, and I feel horrible that I startled her. “I’m sorry. Sorry.”

  I hear the front door open and soon I see Mac and Dallis sit down at the table in the dining room. “Dallis!” His head turns towards me. “You’ve got a cell phone, right?”

  He nods. “Yeah, only it doesn’t get the best signal out here.” He stands, walks into the kitchen, digging it out of his front pocket, and as he starts handing it to me, he gets a good look at Sadie. “Lordy, girl. What in the hell happened and who do I need to beat the shit outta?”

  I grab his phone and dial Doc’s number. “Now’s not the time, Dallis.” He nods and walks back to the dining room, but neither of them eat, they just sit there and watch. “Doc! Hey, it’s actually Memphis Johnson. Yeah, good to talk to you too. Hey, I need your help. My….” I turn my head and look at her. She’s pouring another drink. “I have a friend here that may need some stitches. Do you think you can run out here? Yeah, okay. Oh, uh….” I take a few steps away from her, not wanting to go too far, and put my hand over the phone. “Think you might need to bring Sheriff Davis with ya. Yeah, okay. Thanks.” I end the call and walk back over to her. Blood is running down her face, so I grab the wet cloth and clean it off then turn it over and press it against the cut. She hisses and moves her hand underneath mine, lifting the glass to her mouth. “Might wanna slow down there a bit, okay, sweetheart?” Her eyes move up to mine as she drinks until the glass is empty then sets it down on the counter. “Think you can tell me what happened yet?” She shakes her head slightly. A tear rolls down onto the top of the cloth. “Okay. That’s okay.”

  It takes about a half an hour before I hear the sounds of a door closing outside. I had already carried Sadie back into the living room and we are sittin’ on the couch. Mac and Dallis are here with us, not wanting to leave her side. “Think one of you can get the door?” Mac nods and then stands, walks to the door and opens it. Voices are quiet as they enter. They come into the room and Sadie tries to bury her face into my shirt again.

  “Hey, Memphis, Mac, Dallis,” Doc Grayson speaks quietly, slowly. She squats down in front of Sadie and smiles. “Hi, Sadie. My name is Sandra Grayson. I’m the town doctor. Is it okay if I look at your wound? I promise to be careful.” Doc looks up at me briefly, and I nod. Sadie looks up and then around at everyone else. She sees Brad beside Doc and stiffens.

  “That’s Sheriff Davis, darlin’. He just wants to ask you some questions, but if you don’t want to answer that’s okay.” Her eyes move to mine, and she nods.

  Sadie takes a deep breath and then another. Finally, she sits up, not moving too far from me. “Good. Memphis can you remove the cloth so I can take a look?” I remove it and watch Doc. She doesn’t flinch or change her facial expression. “Sadie. I’m afraid I will need to put a few stitches there or it may leave a bad scar. May I have your permission to do that?” Sadie looks up at me, and I nod. She turns back to Doc and nods her consent. “Good. Let me just get my things out of my bag and I’ll be ready.” She stands and sets her bag down on the end table and starts taking things out.

  “Doc, she’s had a little to drink,” I whisper and she nods.

  Brad walks over and bends down on one knee in front of Sadie. “Miss Tisdale. I’m Sheriff Davis. Can you tell me what happened?”

  “Oh, Brad. Let me fix her up first, okay?” Brad gets up and walks over and sits down on the hearth. Sandra brings a chair from the dining room over and sits down in front of Sadie. “Hey, sweetie. I’m gonna give you a little shot to deaden the area. It’ll just be lik
e a little pinch, okay?” Sadie doesn’t move she just closes her eyes. Her hand finds mind and squeezes it hard. I watch her give Sadie the shot and then she cleans up all around with some alcohol. I’m proud of my girl, not flinching, holding still while Sandra works on her. She finishes by putting a small bandage over it but I see her cheek is swollen and red. Purple bruising is already appearing all around it and down her sweet face. “There, all done. You did great, Sadie. Are you hurt anywhere else?” Sadie just shakes her head. She pats her leg and smiles then gets up and puts all her things away.

  “I’m gonna go but I’m leaving some pain medicine for her on the table.” She looks at me, her brows lowered, and raises her hand to her ear telling me to call her. “If you need me please don’t hesitate to call.”

  “Thank you, Doc. I appreciate you comin’ out,” I respond and then nod. “Sadie, darlin’. Do you think you can talk to Sheriff Davis now? I’ll be right here.” I bend down and get close to her ear. “I’ll never leave you,” I whisper. Her head turns to me, her eyes wide, but she nods and then looks at Brad.

  “Just take it slow, Miss Tisdale and tell me what ya can,” Brad says quietly.

  “I was….” Her voice is hoarse and rough so she clears her throat. “I was coming out of the store in town.”

  “Which store?” Brad asks.

  Sadie looks at me. “The Clothing Hut, Brad,” I answer for her. He writes it down on a small notepad and then looks back up at Sadie.

  “I was walking back to Memphis’ truck, looking around as I walked. He…. He grabbed me and….” Her hand tightens in mine and she starts shaking. “He pulled me into an alley. I was pushed up against the brick wall. His hand was around my wrists. I struggled but…. I couldn’t get free. He hit me and then covered my mouth when I tried to scream.”