by Hall, Roni
“Well it was a great evening, except for a few moments.” Ben nodded toward Jamie’s injury. “But should we call it a night?”
“Yeah, I think I’m beginning to feel the effects of my medicine.” Jamie laughed, but suddenly felt tired.
“Ben, can I catch a ride home with you?”
“Sure, Kevin, but what happened to your truck?” Kevin shot Ben a look and didn’t answer. Jamie caught the verbal and nonverbal exchange between the two but didn’t let on that she was aware of anything.
The three walked outside toward Ben’s truck. “Oh, I forgot my clothes. I’ll be right back.” Kevin and Jamie kept walking.
“Jamie, what you did for Ben today was unbelievable. You’ve told me before that you don’t like being in front of crowds, so I know it took a lot of courage.”
“Ben would have done it for me.” Jamie shrugged off his compliment.
“Yeah, but what you did was . . .”
She cut him off again. “You help friends when they need it.”
“Damn it, woman! Let me give you a compliment, please.” He stopped walking, faced Jamie and softened his voice. “You single-handedly saved Ben from humiliation in front of his peers and strangers. He would’ve done the show solo, but it wouldn’t have been the same. You made it a huge success. The two of you were perfect, much better than if Crystal had done it because I’ve never seen her put much emotion into anything. But getting back to what you did. Ben is a good guy, kind-hearted and sensitive and I know women don’t think of men that way. He’s one of my best friends, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping out my friend. I know it wasn’t a life and death situation, but believe me it was a big thing in his eyes. Just accept my gratitude, please.”
Jamie listened to Kevin word for word.
“You’re welcome. But I do believe that Ben would’ve done the same for me if the roles were reversed. I’m learning here that your friends have your back and that’s a wonderful thing.”
“Yes it is, especially if you don’t have much family. Friends become family.”
“I know you don’t have much family, but you’re so lucky to have this incredible network of friends here. I envy you.” She was thoughtful as she thought of her own lack of family.
“No need to be envious. You’re part of this now. Can’t you see that?”
His statement caught her off guard and hit home. It was true she did have deep feelings for so many people at the ranch but to think even for a minute that she was an accepted member of their family was more than she could ask for and she became overwhelmed with emotion. She turned away, not wanting him to see her tears.
“Jamie? Hey.”
She shook her head from side to side but didn’t speak. Kevin put his hands on her shoulders, turned her around, pulled her in close, and hugged her. She didn’t fight him but let his arms encircle her and hold her close.
They could hear Ben approaching and Kevin released her from his hold.
“Okay, guys. I’m back.” Ben looked at them quizzically but said nothing. Kevin opened the passenger door for Jamie to enter and climbed in after her. With the three of them in the front seat, it was tight. However, Jamie sat a little closer to Kevin.
Ben entertained them on the way home and the three shared laughter once again. At the ranch Ben parked and they exited the vehicle. He walked around the truck to face Jamie.
“How can I thank you, Cher, I mean, Jamie?” Ben asked and she laughed. He outstretched his arms and pulled her into a tight bear hug. Holding her tight, he spoke into her ear.
“I’ll never forget what you did for me tonight. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I consider you a true friend in every sense of the word. Thank you so much. Just know that I’ll be there for you when you need a friend.” He kissed her cheek. Ben let go of her, slapped Kevin’s back and bid them goodnight.
Jamie and Kevin stood there facing each other. Finally Kevin spoke.
“Jamie, do you have a minute? I’d like to talk to you.”
“Sure.” She followed him as he gestured to a picnic table a short distance away. Motioning for her to sit, he sat across from her.
“I’m hoping you’ll hear me out. I want to talk about the Lola situation.”
Jamie wasn’t expecting this but decided that if he felt the need to explain, as a friend she couldn’t refuse. She inhaled deeply. “Okay.”
Relief flooded his face. He started at the beginning with how he had met Lola and their history. Lola’s unexpected appearance at the ranch surprised him and all he could think about was Jamie and how this could sabotage anything that may be starting between them. Any relationship Lola and he had in any form was over. He’d explained this to Lola, but she refused to leave.
He told her that he’d moved out of the house within an hour of Lola’s arrival. He had not touched her physically and had no desire to. It was important to him that Jamie understood all of this. Consuelo had offered to bring Lola her meals to the house so she didn’t have to mingle with the hands or with Jamie.
Jamie listened intently and hid all signs of relief and joy when Kevin testified that he had no feelings of love or other attraction toward Lola. She couldn’t be mad at Kevin for women he had in his past.
“I wish she would leave, for her own sake and everyone else’s.” Kevin voiced frustration about the matter and took ownership of the whole messy situation.
“I don’t know Lola, but she’s obviously a beautiful woman and is probably not used to being rejected. I’m sure her pride is badly bruised.”
Kevin considered this. “Yeah, I guess you have a point there.”
“She needs a way out, she’s stuck. Let me think about this from a woman’s point of view,” Jamie offered.
Kevin’s eyes lit up. “Would you? I would appreciate any input or words of wisdom you can give me.”
“Okay, I’ll give it some thought and get back with you tomorrow. I know you want this resolved as soon as possible.”
“Thank you.” Kevin reached across the table and placed his hands on hers. “I want to put an end to this whole thing and make things right with you.”
“Don’t worry about me, Kevin. You have enough to think about right now.”
“Making it right with you is all I think about.” He paused and she met his eyes. “Thanks for listening. I feel much better now that you’ve heard me out. God knows what you may have been thinking.”
Jamie looked down and didn’t let on what her active imagination had come up with. His hands were still on hers. “I guess I should get some sleep,” Jamie said. “The ranch wakes up pretty early and it’s been quite a night.” She stood up.
Kevin stood up too. “Yes it has. How’s your eye?”
“It feels okay, not too bad. How does it look?”
“Sore. I’m not embarrassed to say I’ve had a few shiners in my day. The swelling should be down by tomorrow, but I’m afraid you’ll have some color there for a few days.”
“Well, the good side is I’m sure the guys will have a new respect for me.” She laughed as they walked back to her cabin, stopping in front of her door.
“Good night.”
“Good night.” Kevin bent down and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled at him and entered her cabin. Things were looking better. A few bumps, but definitely a good day.
True to Kevin’s words, the swelling was down by morning but purple and blue hues surrounded her eye. Well, it’s not like the whole ranch doesn’t know about it, she consoled herself as she dressed. She desperately needed her morning tea today and was surprised to see Kevin preparing it.
“I thought you might need this.” He handed her the mug of hot brew.
“You thought right. Thanks.”
“How’s the eye?” His eyes surveyed t
he damage.
“Not too bad. It looks worse than it feels. How does it look?”
“Well, no one’s gonna mess with you today, that’s for sure. Take advantage of it. You don’t have to work in the barn today if you don’t want to.”
“I know, but I want to. I need to soak up as much of this as I can while I’m here. See you later.”
Jamie worked diligently for two hours then took her breakfast break. She entered the mess hall and Consuelo immediately came over to her.
“Jamie! What happened?” Consuelo put her fingers up tenderly to Jamie’s bruised eye.
“Oh, it’s okay. Don’t worry.”
“Did somebody hit you?” Consuelo whispered into her ear. “Did one of my boys do this?”
“Oh no! Actually, it was a woman.” Consuelo’s eyes widened as she put her hand over her mouth.
“Don’t worry. She won’t try it again, if you know what I mean.” She winked at Consuelo who smiled back and put her arm around Jamie.
“Come eat some breakfast. Eat good today. You need to heal.” Her concern and soft touch reminded Jamie of her aunt and endeared her all the more to Jamie, if that was even possible.
As she sat down to eat, she had to endure some jokes and remarks from the guys, but it was all in good fun and made Jamie laugh. She ate a big breakfast as instructed by Consuelo and sat finishing the last of her tea as she watched Consuelo arrange a tray of food and head out the door. Jamie put two and two together and jumped up to catch her.
“Consuelo!” Jamie called as she exited the mess hall, causing her to stop and turn around.
“Is that for Lola?” Jamie asked.
“Sí.”
“Can I take it to her?”
Consuelo looked at her suspiciously. “Do you want another black eye from another woman?”
“No. Please let me.” Jamie reached for the tray. Looking at her hesitantly, she handed the tray over to Jamie.
“She’s usually upstairs,” Consuelo informed her as she turned to go.
Chapter 18
Jamie entered Kevin’s home and closed the door behind her.
“Lola?” No answer. Jamie walked toward the stairs. “Lola?” she called again, a little louder as she started up, her boots loud on the oak stairs. “Hello?” The bedroom door was closed. Jamie knocked.
“Come in,” came the curt response. Jamie opened the oversized solid wood door, entering the vaulted ceiling master bedroom. Even though the whole ranch had been active since sunrise, Lola was still in the king sized log bed, propped against layers of pillows, reading magazines. Once she realized it was not Consuelo she asked sharply, “Who are you?” and motioned for the tray to be set on the table next to the bed.
“I’m Jamie. I saw you at the bar last night.”
“You did?” She looked at Jamie closer. “Oh, you’re Cher!” She laughed. “What happened to your eye?”
“I bumped into something in the bathroom.”
“You got guts girl, going on stage dressed like that. I could never have done that.”
“I was helping out a friend.”
“Still, I could’ve never humiliated myself like that!” Lola reaffirmed her view. “Never.”
“My friend’s need outweighed my pride at the moment.”
“I guess so.” Lola rolled her eyes.
Jamie had her chance. “Pride can work for you or against you, if you know what I mean.”
“No, I don’t know what you mean.” She eyed Jamie.
“Well, pride can be a good thing.” Jamie sat at the foot of the bed facing Lola. “For instance, one can be proud that they were in the Armed Services or for completing a difficult task. But pride can be a negative thing too, especially if it prevents you from doing something you know you need to do.”
“Such as?”
Jamie thought. “For example, let’s say you’re out of work and need to feed your family but your pride prevents you from taking an honest job you consider beneath you, like a trash collector or janitor.”
“Oh, I see. Pride can prevent you from doing something you need to do, but may feel uncomfortable doing.”
“Exactly.” Jamie agreed and then paused to let that thought sink in. After a minute she pushed on. “You must get kind of lonely in this big house. I would. I know that hanging around this ranch with all these men, I miss having a girlfriend around. You know, someone to talk to, someone to confide in or get advice when you’re in a bind and don’t know what to do. Sometimes you just need a woman to talk to, a woman’s view. Men just don’t get it, at least that’s my thinking.”
“Yeah, you got that right. Men don’t like talking when you’ve got troubles. Only a girlfriend will do.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes. Lola bit her lip and looked down at the extravagant ring on her finger that she twisted around and around.
“Is there any way I can help you?” Jamie asked. Stiffening her posture, Lola’s guard went up and her eyes pierced Jamie.
“With what?” she asked icily.
“Can I be honest with you?” Jamie tried again.
Lola’s facial muscles relaxed and her eyes softened. “Okay.”
“Everyone at the ranch knows you’re holed up here in this house. You can’t stay forever and I bet you want out ASAP. Am I right?”
Lola looked at Jamie with big eyes, but remained silent.
“Lola, you’re a beautiful woman. You deserve better than this. Don’t waste any more of your time on a man that is not totally devoted to you. Walk out with your head high. Go out on your own terms.” Jamie tried to get her spirit up.
“But how do I do that?” Lola finally opened up.
“Pack your bags, call your chauffeur. Tell Kevin you won’t put up with his shit anymore and you’re out of here. Tell him it’s over and never to call you again.”
Jamie got a mischievous idea and laughed to herself. “If it makes you feel good, slap his face on the way out. No one on the outside knows what went on between you two. They only will know what they see. Ride off into the sunset with Kevin eating your dust. You have better things to do with your life than be stuck here in the wilderness.”
Lola’s eyes brightened as if seeing the light, and her way out. She got on the phone and made arrangements for her chauffeur as Jamie got up to leave.
“Thank you, Jamie. You gave me the kick in the ass that I needed. Now I’ve got to pack.” Lola’s eyes sparkled with a renewed spirit. Jamie left Lola to finish her business and exited the house.
Kevin walked across the yard and saw Consuelo standing outside the mess hall with a worried expression.
“What’s wrong, Consuelo?” Kevin asked.
“I don’t know if I did the right thing.”
“What did you do?” He looked in the direction that Consuelo was looking, toward his house.
“I let Jamie take Lola’s tray up to her.”
“What?” Kevin almost shouted and looked toward the house again. Both Kevin and Consuelo stood staring at the house. Finally Jamie walked out with a smile on her face, glanced at both of them standing there with obvious question marks on their faces, walked past them and toward the barn.
“Well, she doesn’t have another black eye so I guess everything went okay,” he told Consuelo, but Kevin did not convince himself. But no way was he going to enter his house after Jamie left it. We’ll have to wait and see, he told himself and went back to work.
After returning to the barn, Jamie finished her morning chores, feeling content that she had helped Lola. She wanted Lola to leave for selfish reasons but she also wanted her to leave for her own benefit. Even though they were quite different personalities, they were both women and Jamie could feel her pain even though she knew Lola didn’t love Kevin. Rejection w
as never easy and having an audience to witness it could be humiliating and in Lola’s case, paralyzing.
Lunchtime arrived and as Jamie was in route to the mess hall, she saw a limousine in front of Kevin’s house. Lola exited Kevin’s house, dressed glamorously like only Lola could. She paused on the steps, looked over at Jamie and smiled. Jamie was not quite sure why, but she walked over to Lola and hugged her.
“Good luck, Lola.”
Lola hugged her back and whispered in her ear, “I see why he loves you.” As quickly as she said it, she pulled away, put her game face on and strode assertively toward Kevin who was now approaching. He looked at the two women embracing with a look of confusion. A few of the guys exited the mess hall and watched the show. This was Lola’s moment.
“Kevin,” she spoke loudly for her audience. “I’m leaving. I can’t take any more of this. I deserve better. Don’t call me ever again!” With that she marched over to Kevin, slapped his face hard, pivoted quickly, and climbed into the limo. The chauffeur closed the door behind Lola, slipped into the driver’s seat, and sped off quickly, leaving Kevin with his mouth open in a cloud of dust.
Jamie could barely conceal her laughter. Kevin looked at her in disbelief, his mouth open but speechless, then broke into a big smile. Jamie turned to the mess hall and Kevin could finally return to his home.
His nightmare was over. He wasn’t quite sure why he’d deserved the slap in the face, but it was a small price to pay for getting his home and his life back. Not sure how she did it but somehow, Jamie had played an active part in ending the Lola fiasco. A sense of total relief came over him.
Kevin had fallen behind in his music because he couldn’t get to his piano and he had deadlines looming so he needed to make up for the lost days. Top priority however was spending time with Jamie. This morning she had mentioned that her days here were coming to an end so he had to work fast. Thoughts of Jamie monopolized his mind and his heart and he wanted to share his feelings with her. Sitting at his piano, words of love, desire, and commitment flowed from him and his pen could not keep up with his heart. But fears of rejection and unrequited love also surfaced. What if she didn’t feel the same? How could the thought of unreciprocated love strike deeper fear in a man’s heart than a charging grizzly?