Whisperer

by Jeanne Harrell

  When Mandy got to Colt’s place, she looked worse than he did. Her mother had been at her incessantly and she looked ready to burst. Colt made her a cup of tea, which she let go cold. She couldn’t sit still and started pacing.

  “Miles left,” said Colt.

  “Yes, Mom left too.”

  “Good.”

  She looked at him and he knew what she was going to say.

  “Don’t say it, sweetheart.”

  “Colt, I’m getting out of here for a while. My mind’s a muddle and I don’t want to think anymore. It’s getting me nowhere.”

  “Your mother has poisoned you, Mandy. Let’s talk it out.”

  “Nope. Can’t do it yet. Let me go, Colt.” She pleaded.

  “Will you be back?” he whispered.

  “I just don’t know.”

  “Where are you going?” He felt his voice constrict, as did his heart.

  “Up to my friend Stacy’s in Sacramento. I have to do a few things there before I can even remotely get on with my life. Things I should have done earlier, it seems.”

  “What about your job?”

  “I’ve taken a leave of absence for a few weeks.” Colt ran his fingers through his hair. How had it all come to this?

  She walked over to him, the woman he loved, kissed him lightly on the lips and then walked out his door. Was she walking out of his life? The action seemed so final and Colt felt like he was in some sort of parallel universe. What the hell had just happened? Why couldn’t they make any sense of it and just talk it out?

  He went into the bedroom and laid down on the bed. Taking a deep breath, he could still smell her on his pillow and sheets. Her scent was everywhere, as were her clothes and cosmetics. He looked around and saw her brush and some socks. The damn place was a living shrine to her…Colt grabbed a few items, got in his car and took off for Sonoma. He called the camp administrator on the way and told him to terminate his contract. Personal business was the reason he gave.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Meanwhile in Sonoma, the phones had been burning up with calls going back and forth from Sonoma to Naples. Miles had called Sam to see if he could come there, but Sam told him to go home and learn some manners. Jeanne had spoken briefly to Mandy, but couldn’t get her to come see them -- Rest up a while. Jeanne had asked her not to do anything in haste. Mandy had cried telling her that she and Colt had just gotten engaged and then everything turned upside down. Jeanne got teary too. Mandy promised to call when she could.

  Then Colt called and said he was on his way over.

  Jeanne looked at Sam and said, “Act Two is a bitch…”

  “Got that right, honey.”

  And Colt was, indeed, miserable. Jeanne and Sandy had both advised him to put work on hold for a while and take a break to sort things out – Clear his head. He had been working steadily and had a good bank balance. The whole family knew what had happened with Mandy – the crazy mother, Eddy, the ex-boyfriend and Miles’ interference -- And then Mandy taking off for Sacramento. There was much concern for him throughout the Cable-Johnson families. They all loved Mandy, so this was rough on everyone…

  At dinner one night, Sam and Colt had been discussing the new horses that had come in. Sam ran a brisk ranch horse business, buying a few, retraining and selling them to local ranchers. Colt had been helping Sam train his horses. He wanted to hire him full time, but he knew Colt wanted a business of his own some day soon.

  Sandy and Colt had been talking about dedicating a permanent location for him at the Johnson Ranch in Naples. Sandy and Lily wanted to give Colt and Mandy fifty acres as a wedding gift. The wedding gift part was uncertain right now, but having Colt’s business at the ranch was still a go. He and Sandy had been discussing business plans and a house was currently being built for his private residence. Sandy and Lily were still hoping it would be a residence for both Colt and Mandy.

  “So what did you think about that gray mustang, son? Do you think you can make that into a decent ranch horse?” Sam was having a second helping of mashed potatoes and gravy.

  “Sam, honey, the doctor said you should watch your carbohydrate intake. You’re putting on a little weight, chubby,” laughed Jeanne. Colt looked over at her surprised.

  “Jeez, Grandma, that wasn’t very nice.”

  “Don’t worry, Colt. I can handle this,” began Sam.

  “Jeanne, darlin’, I haven’t gained any weight in the last ten years. I am in good shape physically, my doctor also says, and I needn’t listen to your nagging about my weight. No weight problem, just weight.” It was a ‘so there’ to her.

  She smiled slyly. “So it’s a good thing that I made vanilla ice cream to go with the strawberries I just picked. Wouldn’t want you out of your great physical shape.”

  “And I need that great physical shape to keep you in line.”

  Jeanne kept on smiling at him. “You know,” she teased, “you’re still the spittin’ image of Sam Elliott.”

  “That cute western actor with the mustache and huge hat? And you’re still the spittin’ image of Myrna Loy.”

  Who’s Myrna Loy, thought Colt.

  “Thank you, sweetie. I needed that.” Jeanne leaned over to kiss her husband. Sam kissed her back.

  They were so dear to him and loved each other so much. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Love and lots of it? It made Colt think of Mandy – she was never far from his thoughts anyway. Sitting in companionable silence with his loving grandparents, made him miss her even more. Anything made him miss her. He could be watching horses in the corral and think of her…

  Jeanne looked over at Colt. “Enough meat loaf, sweetie?” She could tell where his thoughts went.

  “You know I’m not a huge meat loaf lover.”

  “Yes, but you’re not eating enough period. Sam’s putting on weight and you’re losing it.”

  “Now hold on a minute…” started Sam.

  Just then Colt got a phone call and looked to see who was calling. “I need to take this,” he said while stepping outside.

  “What was the ringtone, Sam?” asked Jeanne.

  “Don’t know.”

  “Um…what is it? ... I got it -- that’s ‘If Ever I Would Leave You’. You know, from ‘Camelot’. I bet that’s Mandy. What a sweet guy…” Jeanne sighed.

  Sam looked over at her. “Whoever it is, don’t grill him when he comes back. This whole thing with Mandy has played out on the public square. He must be embarrassed.”

  “No, Sam, it’s worse than that. He’s devastated. Don’t you guys talk at all when you’re out riding?”

  “Not much about that. I figured he was talking it out with Sandy and Lily. I don’t want to get in the way. We talk about the horse business mostly.”

  “Next time you’re out with him, listen harder. He may want to talk, but hasn’t found the right moment.”

  “Yes, dear, I promise.” They looked at each other and smiled.

  Outside on the patio, Colt listened. “Hello? Mandy?” He could hear her breathing, but she hadn’t said anything. “Are you all right?”

  “Hi…” she finally said.

  “Hi, sweetheart…I miss you.”

  He heard her throat catch as she responded. “I miss you so much, I can’t breathe right.”

  “So why are you there and I’m here? Doesn’t seem right.”

  “I’ve got things to sort out. It’s okay here with Stacy.”

  “Couldn’t we sort it out together?”

  “No, I need to do this myself.”

  “Have you seen your mother?”

  “Not yet. She’s first on the agenda.”

  “Can I come up there?”

  He could see her debating the question, wanting to say yes, but needing to say no… At least for now.

  “No…I’ll let you know. I’ve got to go, Colt. I love you.” And she clicked off.

  Colt stood there, stunned, looking at his phone. He wanted to throw it across the yard. He wanted to talk to Jeanne o
r maybe Meg about it, but not yet. He wanted a lot of things, Mandy most of all. But he settled for a ride. Colt went into Sam’s barn, saddled his usual horse and took off at a gallop through the back meadow. Riding through the vineyard and up into the hills, he could breathe a bit better. And he would be up there until dark.

  In Sacramento, Mandy started crying – again. Stacy was home, got her to sit on the couch and drink some water.

  “You’re not eating, Mandy, you’re losing weight. You’ve got to pull yourself together and get things settled -- and soon before you waste away before my very eyes.” Stacy was worried. They had had several in-depth talks, but no action from Mandy yet.

  “I know... I know…” she cried.

  “Your mother is coming between you and Colt. Quit letting her run your life – she can’t even run her own properly.”

  Mandy sat up straight and dried her tears. “You’re so right. I just felt that I had to get away from Donner with all the crap that had happened. It wasn’t fair to Colt, I know. What am I doing?”

  “Trust me,” Stacy smiled, “he’ll forgive you. Now…what are you going to do?”

  “Call Mom and have it out once and for all. Thanks, Stacy, for being such a great friend.”

  “Just invite me to the wedding. I’m dying to meet the whole clan…” She laughed and that made Mandy smile.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Meg was at work when the call came in. Hmmm….both brothers are coming to see me? What’s going on? Meg Johnson had finished two years at the Culinary Institute in Napa Valley and had immediately been hired as a chef poissonier (chef for fish dishes) at the chic Boulevard Restaurant in the Embarcadero area of San Francisco. It was located between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Financial District – an upscale restaurant and pretty good for her first job. Meg had been thrilled to get it.

  Glancing quickly at a mirror on the kitchen wall nearby, she saw some loose blonde hairs that needed tucking up into her cap. Her bright blue eyes sparkled – she loved her job.

  Various smells of spices filled her nostrils as she worked a piece of striped bass caught fresh that morning in the San Francisco Bay. She was working on a layered dish that the sous chef had requested for an excellent customer who loved bass. Meg had just finished the dish to the chef’s satisfaction when her good friend, Lainey, the hostess, came running back to the kitchen. She flung open the door.

  “Meg, Meg…” she panted.

  “Catch your breath, Lainey, and spit it out. I actually have time between dishes right now.”

  She took a deep breath. “Two off-the-Richter-scale-handsome cowboys just came into the restaurant. I asked them to wait a minute, because I’m pretty sure they’re your brothers. Look, look, they’re dreamy.” She sighed heavily.

  Meg looked through the window in the kitchen door and laughed. “Yes, those are my dreamy brothers all right. I’ll tell them you said that.”

  “Don’t do that! Just please tell me they’re single and available.” Lainey finally caught her breath.

  “One is, one isn’t – or maybe neither is, I’m not sure right now. It changes…” Meg laughed again. “Seat them in a nice section. I’m going to take off my jacket and go out to talk to them.”

  Meg left the kitchen after changing and walked smiling toward her brothers. She could see women all over the restaurant craning their necks to get a better look at them. They are pretty cute, she decided – for brothers.

  Both Jesse and Colt wore jeans, colorful western shirts, printed scarves knotted neatly at the neck with stylish western jackets and boots. Jesse carried his black cowboy hat, and Colt had his cream-colored one. While they stood at least six feet tall, Jesse had blonde hair like hers that he was always pushing back – Colt had wavy black hair that seemed to mind, some of the time. Both men stood out big-time in a sea of business suits and ties. Not only women were staring, but men too. They were quite the picture of western masculinity. Lainey had seated them in her best section. She was all smiles and ‘what can I do for you, gentlemen’. Catching sight of Meg walking over to them, they smiled broadly at her. As soon as was possible, she got huge hugs from both brothers. Jesse pulled out her chair for her and then they put their cowboy hats under their chairs before sitting down.

  “My, such manners,” she laughed. “Your mama raised you right.”

  “Meggie, you look terrific,” Jesse said smiling. “Mom is dying to know how things are going for you up here.”

  “And she probably means men-wise,” laughed Colt.

  “It’s wonderful to see you both. Miles threatened to come to town too, but Sam told him to go home and learn some manners. Not sure what that was about.”

  “Yeah, still too big for his Nevada britches…” said Jesse glancing at Colt. Colt frowned at the mention of Miles’ name. Meg noticed and changed the subject.

  “Can you stay for dinner? I’ll make you both fabulous fish dishes, as I am a chef poissonier, merci beaucoup.” She laughed at their blank faces. “I do fish only, okay?”

  “Sure, we’d love to eat. Dad said you got terrific grades at that cooking school and you’re a better cook now than Mom. But then you always were in the kitchen with her.”

  “Yeah, when I wasn’t stealing hubcaps with you two thugs.” They laughed at that.

  Colt continued, “Mind if we bunk at your place for a few nights? We have some things to talk about with you, Meggie, if you’re available. We both need a little family advice.”

  “What – you didn’t ask Mom or Dad?” They shook their heads no. “Jeanne or Sam?” Again, no… “Well, I am feeling very special indeed. Dinner, my dear brothers, is on me.”

  Colt and Jesse grinned at her and then laughed. It was good to see her again. She had been missed – the three of them had grown up and done everything together as a trio throughout school. Jesse and Colt sometimes felt like there was a leg missing without her. And they both had decided to come see her at the same time.

  Meg made them the striped bass dish she had made earlier. The guys found it exquisite and were pretty impressed that their sister had become a fine chef – not just a good cook. Dinner was fun, laughing, talking, joking. She was able to come back out with them for a while and they told a few funny family stories, while enjoying each other’s company. After dinner, Jesse and Colt took a cab to their sister’s apartment and waited for her to come home from work. She was able to take the next two days off to be with them. Her boss took pity on her, since he knew Meg was close to her family and they lived out of town.

  Fisherman’s Wharf was the first stop the guys wanted to see while visiting Meg. They bought shrimp and crab at an outside vendor and ate while looking at the boats in the harbor. Winds off the bay brought fresh ocean smells that they breathed in with relish.

  “Damn, it smells good here. It’s so dry in Nevada that my skin feels like an old range cow sometimes.”

  “That’s an interesting image for me, Colt. I’ll try to remember that next time I’m back home.” Meg and Jesse laughed.

  “Would it be presumptuous of me to ask if anyone wants to start the ‘family advice’ conversation? I love seeing you both, but I think this is more than a happy visit.” She looked from one to the other. “Who wants to start?”

  Colt looked uncomfortable and said nothing, so Jesse began. “I love Audrey, but I’m not sure about marriage.”

  “Why not? You have terrific role models with Mom and Dad and our grandparents… Also, Audrey’s parents… What’s on your mind?”

  Jesse threw his remaining food in the nearby trashcan and wiped his mouth with his napkin. Then he threw that away. Meg knew he was stalling, trying to find the right words. He had always done that—thinking before speaking. -- A quality that endeared him to her.

  “Divorce, I guess. Lots of people get married and then divorced. I don’t want that to happen to Audrey and me.”

  “You don’t want to get married, so you won’t get divorced? Not sure I follow that line of thought.” Meg looked
perplexed.

  Colt asked him, “Do you love Audrey more than any other woman and feel like she is the only one for you? Does she set your heart on fire when you look at her and feel a deep need to be with her?” Meg looked sharply at Colt. Something was definitely going on with him. She had never heard him speak like that and it wasn’t all about Jesse.

  Jesse thought about that for a minute. “Yes, to all of that. She is the one for me and always has been.”

  “Then what’s really stopping you from marriage?”

  “Fear, I guess, of making a mistake.”

  “If you love her and she loves you, where’s the mistake?” Meg asked.

  “If you make each other happy and want to be together, where’s the mistake?” Colt asked.

  The brothers and sister looked from one to another for a long moment. Jesse took a deep breath and then another. They waited him out and didn’t say anything. Jesse always needed time to think things over. He was deliberate and had been since he was a kid. He wouldn’t act unless he felt the green light inside.

  “Let me think about all this for a while. What you’re saying definitely helps, and Dad gave me a kick in the rear as well, but I need to think it through a bit more.” He paused. “Thanks. You’ve helped more than you know.” He hugged Meg and shook Colt’s hand.

  Meg smiled at Colt. “Cowboy up, brother?”

  “You bet, Colt. Go for it,” said Jesse. Colt shook his head.

  “Let’s go back to your place, Meg. I need another location to spill my tale of woe.”

  “Can’t wait to hear this one.”

  They rode a cable car back to Meg’s block and then walked a ways to her apartment. Meg and Jesse exchanged nervous looks. They knew this was serious for Colt to put them off, even for a little while. Apparently, he wanted complete confidentially and quiet. He always knew pretty much what he wanted, so seeing him uncertain was foreign to them.

  When they had all gotten comfortable in her big living room chairs, taken off jackets and boots, Meg brought in a chilled bottle of Chardonnay and three glasses. “I could bring in beer, if you’d prefer, but this is Sam’s, of course.” She and Jesse laughed. Colt smiled.