Chapter Three

 

By the end of the day, Catherine had the answers about the barn. It was a go. While getting ready to go out with Josef, Elaine knocked on her door.

“Catherine ...” Elaine entered wearing her housecoat. “I want to give you something.” She sat on the edge of the bed. “I want you to use this toward your rescue cause.” She handed Catherine a folded check. “You and the animals need this.”

“I—”

“Don’t you refuse my donation. I want to do this, and now is the right time.” Her aunt stood.

“Thank you. Thank you, Aunt Elaine.” Tears welled up, and Catherine had a hard time speaking.

“Now stop that crying nonsense ...” Her aunt gathered Catherine in her arms. “... or you’ll have me crying as well. Plus, you don’t want red, puffy eyes when Joe comes to pick you up for your date.”

“It’s not a date,” Catherine huffed as she stepped from the embrace and swiped her cheeks dry. “We’re going to the bar to have a few drinks.” Her fingers pushed at the roots of her limp hair in hopes of adding a little volume.

“Well, I won’t wait up for you. Just be ready to leave for church by eight-fifteen.”

“I’ll be ready.” Catherine picked up the clock and set the alarm for seven-thirty, enough time to get dressed for church.

“Have a good night,” her aunt crooned, exiting the room.

Catherine remembered the check in her hand and unfolded it. Three thousand dollars? She ran from the room shaking the piece of paper, yelling, “I can’t take this, Aunt Elaine. This is too much.”

“What did I tell you, child? Take the money, and don’t deny me the satisfaction of helping your cause. Now finish getting ready because he’s on his way.”

Knowing she couldn’t change her aunt’s mind and aware that Josef was coming, Catherine trotted to her room and applied the remainder of minimal makeup she used. Where the hell did she get the money? Josef? Man, there’s good money in land leasing, she guessed. Maybe this was money saved over time.

Coming around the corner into the kitchen, she found her aunt and Josef hugging. Elaine held an obvious fondness for Josef. More than she remembered.

“Are ya ready to go?” A gracious smile materialized over her aunt’s shoulder.

“If you are.”

Elaine and Josef let go of one another.

“This way then.” His arm extended, gesturing to the back door. “Ladies first.” He held the door open for her.

“Thanks.” This wasn’t a date, she reminded herself, as she stepped to the passenger side of his Chevy truck.

The interior of the truck surprised her. Spotless. Organized. Something she didn’t expect for a guy and more so for a farmer. It should’ve been dirty and smelly.

“So where are you taking me?” she asked when he turned onto the gravel road. Brown eyes glanced her direction, and her stomach fluttered.

“The Watering Hole. It’s probably not what you’re used to, living in the cities, but the food could stand up to any one of those fancy-ass places.”

“It’ll be just fine. Notice I didn’t dress up for the occasion.” She gestured to her ensemble of shorts and layered tank tops. “I saved that for tomorrow morning.”

“You’re going to church?”

“Smart ass.” She swung out and hit his thigh. A solid, muscular thigh. The flutter changed to a tingle. “You know Aunt Elaine. Die-hard Catholic.” They fell into their easy going, bantering relationship.

“That she is.” They drove a short distance in silence before he asked, “So, what did ya find out about the barn?”

She turned sideways and couldn’t help but grin. “Everything’s set to go. The inspector mentioned using some of the wood already there to help save on cost, and one of the two renovators made the same comment. That made my decision easy because his price falls within my small budget.

“The contractor will take measurements and draw up plans for my approval. Once I approve the plans, he’ll get the permits. It will be a few weeks, I’m sure, before anything gets started. As of right now, I’m not in any hurry to have things finished.”

They turned onto the main road leading into town along the Snake River. Some boats had anglers, while others drifted on the water, taking leisurely evening rides.

“Why no hurry?”

“The place where the horses are boarded is still for sale. But I don’t want to be caught off guard when the land sells, which could be in days, weeks ... Well, you get the idea. My guess is sooner versus later.”

“Why?”

“You sound just like a three year old.” She whined, “Why? Why? Why?”

“Why?” His brown eyes held hers long enough to ignite the spark of the past deep within her soul.

“Knock it off.” She delivered a light slap to his thigh. “The land is selling quickly in the area where the horses are located. Having Aunt Elaine’s barn set up will help.”

“How long have ya been at this rescue thing?”

“I’m in my second year with the horses. It started with cats and dogs. The horses struck me hard when I learned ...” She averted her eyes and gazed out the window at the roadside. “Let’s just say I didn’t want to see a good animal put down because of one person’s bad decision.”

“How do you pay for their care and boarding? It’s got to be expensive.”

“It is. I’ve been lucky to receive donations of monetary value and merchandise. Feed, farrier, boarding all come in way under cost for me. I can’t take in any more horses though, or it will break the bank.”

They crossed over I-35 and entered Oak City.

“Wow, there’s a Walmart now?”

“We may not be as civilized as you folks in the cities,” Josef used a hillbilly accent, “but we do like to wear clothing and eat off of dishes.”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” she giggled. “It’s just that things have changed in the past ten years.”

“As I said before, it’s been too long since your last visit.” Josef turned on Main Street.

Had she heard the tone in his voice correctly? Sorrow? Regret? Hope? Catherine glanced around. “Quite a few empty stores. Harvey’s Hardware still in business? Is the old man still running it?”

“Yup, he puts in a few hours here and there.”

She faced Josef with a smile. “Does he still have the five and dime candy?” Her smile broadened.

“Now look who’s acting like a three-year-old.”

“Sorry, but I love that stuff. You can’t find it anywhere, or else I’m not looking in the right places.”

“You’ll have to stop in and say hi. Maybe pick up some. If I remember correctly, you liked Boston Baked Beans and those hard thin candies.”

“Necco Wafers! You remember that?”

“There’s a lot I remember about you.”

There was the same tone again.

He pulled into a back parking lot. “We’re here.”

He hopped out of the truck and was by her side when she shut her door. With the back door labeled for deliveries, they strolled along the side of the building to the main entrance.

“That is so cool.” Catherine stopped midway and took several steps into the parking lot. A mural covered the brick wall advertising the business name. “It looks like someone tagged the building.”

“It was tagged on purpose. The cops found some kids tagging the rail cars. One of the kids belonged to the owner of the bar. The owner wasn’t pleased. His daughter had to pay the fine.” He slid his hand into hers, and they continued for the entrance. “He struck a deal with the kids and bought the supplies they needed. Gave them free rein on the project with some minor stipulations.”

The Watering Hole was in one of the old brick business buildings. The front door was nestled in the middle, set back in an alcove. Neon alcohol advertisements brightened the three windows to each side of the door. Covered with shades, a person couldn't see through the windows.

“What happened to the kids after all of that?”

“I know the owner’s daughter stayed out of trouble and is attending a school for the arts. One of the boys died while tagging. A train struck him. The other boy later committed suicide.” He gripped the door handle. “Let’s get a beer.”

His hand slipped free from hers as he held the door open. She hadn’t even noticed they held hands. It was as though her hand in his was a natural thing for them to do. Meant to be. A mental shake to clear her head and she stepped through into a dimly lit bar and restaurant. An old musty smell mixed with smoke from the years past hung in the air. She stood there waiting for her eyes to adjust and Josef to lead the way.

He took her hand again and weaved through crowded tables toward the back. “Do ya mind if we sit with my buddies? You remember Wayne, Elliott and Jackson?”

“Yeah, I remember them. They’re still around, huh?”

No sooner said and they approached the table where the guys sat. They roared Cat and slid from the booth to give her hugs. Josef released her hand, and her heart ached at the loss.

“Man, you guys have grown. Good to see you.” She welcomed the distraction.

“You, too. What brings you here?” Elliott released her from their embrace.

“Don’t tell me you’re here to see Joe?” Wayne pulled her in for his usual long hug.

“No! I’m visiting my aunt.”

“Okay, my turn.” Jackson placed his hand on Wayne’s shoulder who stepped from the embrace. Jackson gave his big brother hug—a quick in and out delivery.

The booth accommodated five, so Josef let her slide in first then eased in next to her.

“Thanks.” As she sat, she explained the purpose of being in town.

While having drinks and appetizers, they reminisced about the summer days she spent on her great-aunt and uncle’s farm. “Do you guys remember that time we went fishing and I caught that enormous Sheepshead? You all had to take turns helping me reel that thing in.” Cat smiled at the memory.

“Damned thing almost tipped the boat over,” Wayne laughed.

“It wasn’t the fish tipping the boat,” Elliot interjected. “It was you and Joe leaning over the edge.”

“Well, someone had to be there to get the damned fish into the boat.” Josef took a swig of beer. “I remember how proud you were. You made us haul that stinky ass thing back to the farm, even after you found out the fish wasn’t any good for eating.”

“I’m still proud of catching that big thing.” She swatted his bicep for teasing her. “But remember how Uncle Gordy didn’t mind. He had us drag it to the back of the barn by the edge of the field and let the cats dig into it.”

“Until the following morning when it stunk to high heaven.” Josef plugged his nose, probably at the memory.

“Yeah.” Catherine waved a hand in front of her face remembering. The rancid smell had blown through the open windows on a cool morning breeze, assaulted her nostrils and woke her. “I’m just glad it wasn’t me who had to take the remains and bury them in the field.”

The booth echoed with the roar of their laughter.

“We had some great bonfires, too. I remember a couple where you two,” Elliot’s finger waggled at her and Josef, “would disappear for a while.”

Josef glanced her way. Her face warmed. “I remember you disappearing, too.” She didn’t want to talk about her past relations with Josef. “And not always with the same girl.”

“Touché.” Elliot held up his beer in acknowledgment of her comeback.

“Do any of you visit the old swimming hole?” Catherine’s face warmed again, and she hoped it didn’t show as a blush.

“No, they’ve built houses around it,” Jackson stated, disappointed. “We sneak to the public beach late at night. Did you want to go for a swim?”

“Ah, no.” She waved her hands. “No swimsuit.”

“Who said we needed swimsuits.” Wayne wiggled his eyebrows.

“You guys are just trying to get her naked and in trouble with the law.” Josef looked at her, “They’re only kidding. We don’t go sneaking off at night. We leave that to the younger generation.”

She listened as the guys recalled more stories over a couple more drinks. Taking a swig of beer, she glanced at her watch. Nearly eleven.

Catherine leaned into Josef's ear, “Do you mind if we go?”

“Hey, guys, we’re taking off.” Josef stood and threw some money on the table. “See ya after church.”

“Good to see all of you. I’ll see you around.”

She and Josef walked to the truck, and he opened the door like a gentleman.

“Thanks,” she said as Josef got in. “You still go to church, too, huh?”

“Every Sunday. The guys and I follow it up with lunch here at The Watering Hole.” He fired up the truck and pulled out of the lot.

“Well, thanks for leaving the guys so early. It’ll be hard enough for me to get up and get moving tomorrow. I like to sleep in and take it easy on Sunday mornings.”

“So ya don’t go to church?”

“Nope, it’s been a while.” She rested against the door, tipping her cheek onto the cool glass of the window.

“Well, as long as you’re with your aunt, ya know she’ll make ya go.”

“I know. Something I’ll have to get used to again.”

The radio kicked out country tunes for the ride home. They pulled onto the dirt road leading to the farms.

“You don’t need to take me back to Elaine’s. I can walk across from your place.”

“I don’t mind.”

“That’s just stupid. Go back to your place.”

“Wow, you’re an easy girl.”

“Only for animals.”

“I can act like an animal.” This earned him a slug to the shoulder. Her fist met a solid bicep. Damn, was he built.

“Ow, what was that for?” He rubbed his arm.

“Like you don’t know. I’m talking four-legged-furry animals. Not party-sex-craved animals. So unless you’re a werewolf, I won’t take to you so easily.”

“Werewolf, huh?” Josef parked the truck in his drive. “Can I walk ya home?”

“Sure.” She gave into his request as she slid out, closed the door and met him behind the pickup. “It’s so beautiful here. In the cities you don’t get this kind of darkness, with the moon and stars lighting the night sky.”

“It’s even more beautiful having you back here.”

“Jo ... s ... ef.” Catherine stretched out his name in exasperation. But she couldn’t look at him because something stirred in the depths of her heart. She wondered if he was trying to get back together with her. That ship had sailed and sunk at sea. Hadn’t it?

Instead of pursuing the subject, Josef remained quiet as they walked.

They crossed the road and stepped onto grass. “I can make it the rest of the way. Thanks for a great night out. I needed it.”

“You’re welcome, and we’ll see ya tomorrow.”

Warm arms embraced her. More relaxed than normal after a few drinks, she didn’t resist. Her head rested on his chest where his heart beat a slow rhythm. Strong. Steady. Relaxing. She exhaled then realizing what she was doing stepped from his arms.

“Tomorrow.”