It was Carmela’s night off. She and Raoul had gone into town, but she left a simple supper of enchiladas and salad for Ruthie and Beth. They warmed the enchiladas, tossed the salad, and headed out to eat on the terrace.
“I know we’ve never been touchy-feely, Bethie, but do you want to talk about it?”
“That’s just it. I’m not touchy-feely. That’s why Bill and I were so well suited. He isn’t, either.”
“Maybe that’s not a good thing? Maybe you need at least one touchy-feely person in a relationship.”
“Is that the way it is with you and Chas?”
“Beth, come on. Chas? Are you serious? Chas makes Bill look like Casanova. Besides, we both know who I’d like to get touchy-feely with.”
“What’s up with you two, anyway? Why haven’t you and Harley gotten together?”
“He’s got girlfriends everywhere—all secret, of course.”
“How do you know that? I’ve never seen him with anyone since high school.”
“That’s because he doesn’t date Valley girls.”
“Then who?”
“That’s the secret part. He goes away to Prescott, Tucson, Santa Fe, California sometimes. Probably’s got a woman waiting for him in every town.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Maybe, but he’s made it very clear that he’s not interested in me. Says I’m too young.”
“Baloney,” Beth said, thinking about the handsome wrangler who, after so many years, was family. “Maybe he’s not ready to settle down.”
“No maybes about it. And if he and I were to date and he broke my heart, guess who he’d have to answer to? His best friend is our protector, whether we like it or not.”
“Tell me about it. I thought he was going to beat Bill into the ground the other day.”
“So, what about Bill?”
“I don’t know. I’ve loved him for so long. We were comfortable. I knew who I was with Bill, but now, I don’t know. I’m not sure I can ever get beyond seeing him and Skyler in my bed. It’s been going on for over a year, you know.”
“Men are such jerks.”
“Why didn’t I see the signs?”
“What signs?”
“I don’t know. He must’ve been acting differently, and I didn’t notice.”
“There may have been no signs. If someone we love acts a little odd or distant, we don’t immediately leap to the conclusion that they’re screwing around.”
Beth stared at her little sister, smiling slightly. “How did you get so wise?”
“I listen and learn from all my older siblings. I’ve certainly watched enough breakups, courtships, whatever. Remember when Sam was with Rita? God, that woman called me all the time, tryin’ to be buddy-buddy and get inside info on Sam.”
Their brother Sam, an architect in Flagstaff, had dated Rita, his dental hygienist, for over a year. Rita was friendly, sweet and pretty, but a bit too aggressive for their quiet brother. He had finally broken things off and then had to change dentists in the aftermath.
“So, what’s up with Lang Dillon?” Ruthie asked, studying Beth’s face, which registered surprise at the change of subject. As Ruthie watched, her sister blushed crimson. “Uh-oh, something did happen last night. I knew it!”
Beth put down her fork. “Ruthie, can I trust you? If I tell you something, do you promise not to breathe a word of it?”
“Scout’s honor,” Ruthie said, on the edge of her seat.
Beth swallowed, then began. “Well, we had an incredibly romantic dinner at the Red Mesa, in their private walled garden. Have you ever seen it?” Ruthie shook her head. “We had a lot to drink. When he dropped me off, I didn’t want the night to end, so I suggested that we take a walk down to the stream.”
“Ooh, that sounds romantic with the full moon and all.”
“It was, and that’s the problem. When we got there, before I knew what was happening, we were kissing, and a whole lot more. Ruthie, we made love. It was the most amazing sexual experience of my life.”
“I knew it! I knew he would be an incredible lover!”
“Incredible doesn’t begin to describe it. It was an out-of-body experience. I felt like a different person.”
“Do you love him?”
“I don’t know! I met the man in the middle of the most traumatic few days of my life. I’m a mess. How can I trust my feelings right now? It’s like I threw myself at him to block out the heartache over Bill.”
Mouth agape, Ruthie stared at her sister. “You threw yourself at him?”
“Well, not exactly…it was more of a mutual thing, but I was a full participant.”
“Oh, I wish I’d been there.”
“If you’d been there, it would never have happened.”
Ruthie laughed. “That’s right. Good thing I wasn’t.”
“What am I going to do?”
“Are you going to see him again?”
“I just bumped into him in town and practically wet my pants. Got away as quickly as I could. No, I’m not going to see him again. I mean, I’ll see him with the party Saturday and all, but not alone again. Too dangerous. He’s leaving next week. That’s all I need—to fall for someone who can’t wait to burn rubber on his way out of town. He hates Saguaro.”
“Maybe this’ll change his mind?”
“Doubt it.”
“I think you should at least see him and talk to him about what happened last night.”
Beth shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” If I’m near him, no telling what will happen.
“Do you think he’s in love with you?”
“How would I know? I barely know the man.”
“He’s pretty cute.”
“Yes, he is. Too cute. Bill suited me better. He’s solid, nice-looking, but sort of plain, like me.”
“Baloney. I mean, I agree about Bill, but not you, sister dear. Wait till you appear in those dresses you bought. Can’t wait to see ’em on you. Gabriela has beautiful stuff. Must’ve cost you a fortune.”
“You have no idea.”
“That’s why you should’ve gone with Mom. She’d have paid for everything.”
“And twice as much. No, thank you. It was worth the price for peace and quiet to decide what I like.”
“You know, that’s at least the tenth time I’ve heard your phone ring,” Ruthie said. “At least, I think it’s your new phone on the kitchen counter, right?”
“Yes, it’s Bill, and I don’t want to talk to him. I’m gonna turn in. Want to get up early and run before work. Thanks for the touchy-feely, sis.”
“No, prob. We should do this more often.”
“I hope not.”
“I mean, I’m here for you, Beth. Always.”
They hugged and Beth said, “Thanks, Ruthie. Remember, mum’s the word about Lang Dillon, especially to our big brother.”
Beth had just gotten into bed when her phone rang again. Bill, of course. Weary of avoiding him, she answered.
“Beth, hi. Sorry to bother you. I just wondered…I mean, I’ve been trying to reach you to see if you’re free Thursday?”
“Why?”
“Have lunch with me. That’s safe, isn’t it? I can come up there or we can meet in Tucson. Wherever you say.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready to talk to you.”
“Please, Beth, I’m going crazy here.”
“Fine, I’ll meet you at Parson’s at one.” A favorite sandwich shop right around the corner from their condo, Parson’s would be convenient, she thought. Afterward, she could stop by the condo and check on things, grab a few more clothes. That was, if he would not be home. She could not face being in their home together.
She rang off and drifted into an anxious, restless sleep.