“I’ve never been so relaxed in my life as on this trip.”
“… Which? The trip to Nevada or the horse drive?”
“Both.” She looked him in the eyes. “You have a wonderful life here.”
“Thanks. I think so…” Matt was quiet, watching the stream.
“Your playing was beautiful last night. I enjoyed it very much.”
That gave him an opening. “Thanks again. But where did you go? I was hoping you’d want to dance once with me. We’ve done that before, remember?”
She smiled at him, but didn’t hold his gaze.
“I had a headache and had to leave…”
“No, you didn’t, Sarah.” Pause. “Why won’t you talk to me?”
She adjusted her fishing rod as her line moved with the water. “You…you wouldn’t like me anymore if I spoke to you.”
“Why not?”
“…Um…”
“… And my name’s Matt. Why won’t you speak my name either?”
She blew out a breath and pushed some flyaway hair back into her ponytail. Gazing across the clear water, she said softly, “… I’m a mess… I’m trying to avoid involvement…”
“I can see that, but why?”
“It’s a long, boring story…”
“You told Dale some of it, didn’t you?”
She glanced at his sincere face and nodded. “Yes, a little.”
“You can trust me, Sarah.” Her eyes misted and he wanted to touch her pretty cheek. “How about this? I’ll tell you something about me and then you say something about yourself… Would that work?”
“… Okay,” she said hesitantly. “You first…”
“Great…” Matt thought a minute. “… I was married once.”
Her eyes widened. “Wow… You really went for a big one, didn’t you?”
“I’d like you to be able to trust me. That means the truth, whatever the cost.”
She opened her mouth, closed it. “So you expect the same from me, right?”
“Yes.”
“Could I ask you a question?”
“If you want to…”
“What happened with the marriage? Why didn’t it work out?”
He took a deep breath. “We were too young and didn’t know each other very well. She got pregnant and I thought we should get married.”
“… Did you love her?”
“At the time I thought I did. But it was all just a big mistake. She lives in Reno now and is remarried. Happily…”
“And your child?”
A big smile came on his face. “His name is Tommy and he’s two. I don’t have him enough since he’s so little, but I’d like to. He’s coming next month and will stay with my grandfather and me.”
“… Your grandfather?”
“That’s four questions now that you’ve asked me. It’s your turn to tell me something about yourself.”
She laughed. “You’re much more interesting…”
“… Matt… You’re much more interesting, Matt…”
“I’m not ready for that yet.” She shook her head.
“You’re not ready to call me by my name?”
“No…”
He was confused. “When will you be ready?”
“I’ll let you know…” Matt laughed and pushed some hair off his forehead.
“Right. Your turn…”
Sarah twisted the hands in her lap. She glanced over at him regarding her seriously. Then she decided. “I work as a computer consultant in Baltimore.”
“What do you do?”
“I help companies get started with technology. I also give tutorials about video production to the community, and volunteer at a senior center sometimes helping them learn how to use a computer.”
“… Sounds busy. Do you like your job?”
“I just knew you were going to ask me that.”
He shrugged. “It’s a natural question after what you said.”
She took a deep breath and said it fast, the words pouring out. “I love the work, but hate the job. My boss is a bully and I’m trying to start up my own company. But I’m sort of spinning my wheels…”
“I noticed some redness on your arm when we saw each other at the hotel in Reno.”
Her lips parted. “You saw that?”
He smiled. “I told you I was good with details… What’s it all about, Sarah?”
She shook her head, but smiled. “First Dan, then Dale and now you. Are all you Westerners also therapists?”
“You won’t tell me what’s going on?”
“It’s not your problem and you’ll just feel sorry for me. I don’t want that... I don’t want to spoil my trip, or yours.”
“Okay… but I can guess. The bullying boss is causing you to break out in rashes. You took this trip in part to get away from him, while you make up your mind what to do…”
Her eyes widened. “How could you know that?”
“It wasn’t too big a step to take from what you’d said.”
“…ah…”
“And I don’t feel sorry for you.”
“You don’t?”
“No, I’ve seen you here. You can do anything – You ride, shoot, cook… You’re interested in everything and I think you can do anything you decide to do. Maybe your confidence is just lacking a little.”
This time her eyes filled with tears. Matt reached into his pocket for a handkerchief and handed it to her.
“…wwwho uses handkerchiefs anymore?” She sniffed while blotting her eyes.
“Don’t forget your nose,” he coaxed. She blew her nose while he smiled.
“You’re even pretty when you’re crying…”
He gave her a long look that spoke volumes. She tried to return his handkerchief but he refused it. As they gazed at each other, fishing completely forgotten, Richie came up the path.
“Catch anything, folks?” He had a big smile on his face like the cat that swallowed the canary. Matt and Sarah blinked and got to their feet.
“Nope…”
“Well, Dale is looking for Sarah. Apparently, she’s his new assistant or something. See you by the kitchen area…” He turned and left.
“Let me have the fishing rods.” She handed hers to him.
“Thank you for teaching me fishing. I… I’d like to try it again sometime.”
He looked at her and said with feeling, “Sarah, you’re not a mess. You’re lovely…”
She had trouble speaking and swallowing.
Matt laughed… “Let’s go. The cook is requesting your presence.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Salad
Cornbread
Baked beans
Barbecued ribs
Peach cobbler
“Wow,” said Sarah. “That’s the menu for tonight? Looks fabulous.”
“Let’s get to work, missy,” complained Dale. “While you were off lollygagging, I’ve been busting my tail with the meal.”
Sarah laughed at him. “Lollygagging?”
“Get the salad ingredients out and I’ll tell you.”
Sarah just smiled as she went through the food locker looking for what she’d need.
“This good?” She showed him what all she’d collected to start the salad.
“Don’t forget the radishes and avocado.”
“Yes sir…”
Dale turned down the Dutch oven on the baked beans and turned his attention to the ribs that he’d been smoking.
“… All right… Lollygagging. I saw you by the stream with Matt…”
“He was showing me how to fly fish,” Sarah protested.
“Well… Did you catch anything, besides Matt?”
She blushed. “It’s not like that, Dale. He’s just being nice…” She peeked over at him. “Isn’t he?”
“… It’s not my place to say, I’m sure.” He glanced at her and they grinned at each other. “Okay… maybe a little.”
“Tell me his story.”
“T
hat’s not fair. He asked about you and I wouldn’t tell him anything.”
She gasped. “He asked about me?”
Dale rolled his eyes back. “You mean to say, you haven’t noticed he’s interested in you?”
“I thought he was just helping a guest…”
“He helps guests all right, but not like he helps you. Matt likes you, Sarah… Anything you want to do about that?”
She looked down at her vegetables and continued making the salad. “I told him I was a mess, Dale. My life’s a mess… I wouldn’t get involved with me right now.”
“Do you need some help?” Dale started smearing the sauce on his smoked ribs.
She smiled. “Everyone has helped me so much already. I’m making a few decisions.”
“Really? Like what?”
“Were you serious about having me stay on for a while, Dale. You know, as an assistant?”
He turned to look at her and put down the rib. “Yes…”
“… Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yes, I’d like to work for you, if you still want me.”
“Of course, I still want you.”
“… I’m rethinking priorities. The West is good for me… The East, not so much… I’m quitting my job, for sure, and I’m going to concentrate on starting up my own online consulting business.”
Dale beamed. “I’d give you a hug, if I could, sweetie. That’s wonderful…”
He winked at her. “Couldn’t you do an online business from anywhere?”
“Yes,” she smiled. “Another benefit.”
“Proud of you…” He finished the ribs and started the peach cobbler. “Here... You take the cornbread.”
She put the salad down and took out the cornbread ingredients. Then she found a bowl and began mixing them.
“What about you, Dale? Is this what you always envisioned for yourself?”
Dale chuckled. “No. I had a restaurant in Reno for a few years, but it eventually closed.”
“Why? What happened?”
“It’s a tough market over there with the casinos. They practically give away food to get people through the doors to gamble. Plus, we didn’t get the foot traffic we needed from the location.”
“Maybe you can try another place.”
“… Actually…”
“What?”
“I did find a location in Wells that I might try.”
“… Wells?”
“Remember? It’s the small town not far from the ranch. Anyway, I might try a Tex-Mex menu with barbecue too, like I had in Reno. I like those foods…”
“Well, if you need some help, I’m your man.”
He looked over at her. “Really, Sarah? You’d help out?”
“Yes, you’ve helped me. I want to reciprocate.” She smiled and then laughed out loud.
“What’s so funny?”
“My father and grandfather are going to faint when they learn of the plans I’m making – And without them. It’s another first for me…”
“Word is out that you’re from a prominent family… Care to say how prominent?”
“Is it going to change the way people think about me here? Because if it is, I’m not saying.”
Dale crossed his heart with a spoon. “I won’t tell a soul.”
“Even Matt?”
“No, you can tell him yourself and you should.”
“Okay… my grandfather was governor of Maryland thirty years back. He’s still a major power player in the party and is helping to run the current governor’s primary election.”
“Wow… And your father?”
“He works as chief of staff to the mayor of Baltimore.”
Dale whistled. “Impressive. How does that affect you?”
She blew out a breath. “I’m roped into all kinds of election parties, campaign functions, much glad-handing, smiling and bad food.”
“You don’t like it, I take it?”
“Not at all. I just do it for my family. It’s always been expected.”
“What about the boyfriend?”
“…Ex-boyfriend, you mean.”
“Yeah, him…”
“He expects me to suck it up and do whatever Grandfather needs… Which I’ve always done.”
Dale smiled and put the peach cobbler into the generator-powered oven he brought. He wiped his hands on a cloth.
“Matt has a grandfather too.”
Sarah was finishing the cornbread. “What should I do with this?”
“Let me take it… Anyway, Matt’s grandfather lives about ten miles south of here on a beautiful property. He’s a nice man and Matt’s only living relative. Have you met him yet?”
She laughed. “Why would I meet his grandfather?”
“Just asking. He’s a good guy and will probably leave that property to Matt.”
“Should you be gossiping about him?”
“Everyone around here knows that.”
“I’m not from around here, Dale.”
“…Oh, I forgot. You do seem to blend in pretty well, Sarah.”
Her mouth dropped open. “… Ah…”
Dale laughed at her expression. “Come on. Let’s start hauling all the plates and utensils out. Dinner will be ready in about thirty minutes and there’s lots of hungry folks to feed.
####
Dinner was scrumptious. Why did everything eaten out in the open-air taste so much better? Night was coming and Cooper had gotten a campfire going. Dale had brought camp chairs and the cowboys set them up around the fire. With twilight and a fire to warm them, Sarah only needed her lighter coat. She’d never camped out before and was finding the experience to her liking.
“All right, everyone. Gather around,” started Cooper. “We’ve had a great day today – No lost horses or guests.” Everybody laughed at his comment, as they settled in the chairs to listen.
“We have a few cowboys with us who will be participating in the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko in a few weeks. Maybe we can get them to recite a few poems for us. What do you say?” People began applauding and looking around to see which cowboys would speak up. Finally, Frank stood.
“First, does anyone know what cowboy poetry is?” He looked around. No one raised a hand. “All right. Let me explain then. Cowboy poetry came from the tradition of singing songs and talking around a campfire at night after a long, dusty day on a cattle drive. We share our love of rural life in the West and cowboy culture.”
He cleared his throat and began to speak. Frank told a story in poetic form of a friend who used to ride with him. He stood tall and still, cowboy hat on his head, and spoke about a cattle drive that claimed the friend’s life. A sudden storm had caught them unaware, out in the open – No shelter. The herd stampeded and the friend fell off his horse, only to be trampled by panicking cows.
Frank’s voice rose and fell with the intonation of his words. His prose contained certain rhythmic cadences and he was hypnotizing… People listened and stared… Tears glistened on cheeks to hear of the friend’s death. When he finished, he took a bow, acknowledging applause from the little group.
After Frank, Aaron and Richie both got up to recite a poem or two. They had all written their own work and they spoke of love for the cowboy way of life. Their homes in Nevada… Orange and pink skies at dusk, bright yellow suns at dawn… Poems sang without singing. Imaginary storms came and went, leaving damp ground and moist air…. The feeling was one of freshness, longing for a simpler life…
The audience was mesmerized and insisted on more when they’d all finished. Sarah’s face mirrored other faces that found their poetry hypnotic, nostalgic. Sweet and charming, yet sometimes alarming…
After the poetry, Frank, Tyler and Richie pulled out their guitars and began playing a few songs that everyone knew. There was a big sing-along featuring Red River Valley, Someday Soon, and Rocky Mountain High. While all were singing, Matt quietly asked Sarah to take a walk with him. With the opaque moon high in the sky peeking
over a blackened mountain, they strolled a while listening to night sounds.
They walked a path through a few pine trees. Sarah was listening intently to everything.
“Was that an owl?” she asked him.
“Yes… That’s a barn owl,” replied Matt smiling. “You really are a city girl, aren’t you?”
“… Well, yes, but I’m learning.”
He smiled at her. “Good… Keep learning.”
They walked on and listened more. “Any mountain lions around here?” she asked. She stood still, listening to the wind blowing softly through the trees.
“Nope. They’re generally in more rugged territory than this, areas where deer are plentiful.” He turned to her. “Have you seen any deer?”
She relaxed. “No, I guess not.”
Matt took her hand as they began walking again. He laced his fingers with hers.
“Is this all right with you?”
“Yes,” she replied shyly, though not looking at him.
They could hear the singing from the group echoing in the trees and coming to rest at their feet.
“Are you enjoying your visit to Nevada?”
“Very much…” She started to say something else, but voices up ahead caught their attention. Matt and Sarah stopped to listen.
One voice was angry, a girl’s. The other voice was insistent, a guy’s. Matt didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what was going on. He hurried Sarah along to find those voices.
“No, stop,” said the girl.
“Come on… You’ll have fun.”
Then Matt and Sarah heard the sound of a slap and walked into sight of the pair. It was Aaron and one of the teenage girls. It didn’t look good…
“Aaron, what’s going on here?” said Matt looking at him seriously.
“… We’ll just having a little fun,” said Aaron.
“She doesn’t look like she’s having any fun. Back off…”
Sarah stood off to one side to let Matt handle the situation.
“We were just…”
“Save it,” he said to Aaron. “Miss, are you all right,” he said, turning to the girl.
“No… I want to leave.” She’d started to cry and Matt looked at Sarah.
Riding the River Page 10