Chapter 11: House Guests

Mariska

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After our confrontation, I thought Stuart would go back to the cabin, but he didn’t. He joined the rest of the family, including our new houseguests, for Thanksgiving dinner that evening.

I’d managed not to cry, so I didn’t look like hell at the table. My stomach cramped, but somehow I felt strangely empowered by our showdown in my bedroom. I had to believe if the reason I’d flown all the way out here was true, if we were meant to be together, he’d see it and come around. If not...

Well, I hadn’t gotten that far.

“How lovely is this?” Sylvia exclaimed, smiling and wrapping her arm around her oldest son’s waist. “When I got here, I was afraid you’d stay out at that damn cabin the whole time, and I’d have to make Patrick drag you to the house.”

“I didn’t know you were coming.” Stuart’s voice was quiet. I wouldn’t look at him. It hurt like blazing hot knives tearing my insides.

“I’m glad you didn’t! I might’ve missed everything.” She was either oblivious to the tension between us, or she chose to ignore it.

Stuart’s uncle entered the room looking freshly scrubbed and quite handsome, and she walked over to him. “Why haven’t we been doing this every year, Bill? The ranch is lovely.”

He lightly touched her back. “I have no idea. It sure brightens the place having all these beautiful ladies around.”

She laughed, and Patrick and Elaine emerged from our wing straightening their clothes. I was pretty sure they’d just had sex. I suppressed a little growl, wishing it didn’t make me want Stuart.

“Is it time to eat?” Patrick crossed the room to kiss his mother’s cheek.

Her eyes sparkled as she squeezed his face. “You are always hungry! How is it possible you’re not fat?”

“Good genes.”

Elaine skipped up behind him. “He’s so full of crap. Derek’s been busting his butt for a couple of years now.” She squeezed his bicep. “I have zero complaints.”

Sylvia caught her hand, and the two walked to the table. “Where is Derek?” she asked. “I would love to see him again.”

“He was here last week, but you know he’s got a little son now—”

“I didn’t!”

The two went on catching up, and I was left standing behind a potted ficus tree, doing my best to avoid Stuart while trying to act like it wasn’t killing me. The only other person in my boat it seemed was Nikki, but she made a beeline for Patrick’s side. The two of them chatted like old friends. Of course, Patrick chatted with everyone like old friends.

I was about to give up when Uncle Bill appeared at my elbow. “I can’t decide if I’m glad you’re back or not.” A mischievous twinkle was in his eye. “You seem to be giving one of my nephews a run for his money.”

My body was still tense, but I managed to smile as I took his arm. “I hope you’re glad I’m back.”

His rough hand covered mine. “I told you the first night, you’re always welcome here. I hadn’t realized how ugly Ron was until all the pretty ladies showed up.”

That made me laugh. Bill had the same easy personality as Patrick. “Where’s your pretty lady? You’re not such a bad-looking old cow poke.”

He shook his head, his thick brows lowering over his brown eyes. “That ship sailed a long time ago, I’m afraid.”

The way he said it hinted at a story, and I was curious to hear more. At that moment, however, Winona called us all to table. It was time to give thanks.

* * *

We were full of smoked turkey, stuffing, potato salad, and green bean casserole when we finally took our places in front of the fire. I’d managed to sit as far from Stuart at the table as possible, and now he lingered on the fringe of the room. His eyes were on me, I could feel them, but I’d also had a few glasses of wine. My stomach had finally relaxed, and I basked in an unmerited sense of power.

Bill, Patrick, and Elaine dominated the after-dinner conversation as always, and Sylvia joined them with matching energy. Nikki sat back and sipped her wine, answering whenever Patrick pulled her into whatever playful debate they were having. Apparently, Nikki and Patrick had become close the year he’d worked in Princeton, but she’d carried a torch for his brother the entire time. Great.

Finally, I decided to go to bed. Stuart still brooded in the background, and I was exhausted from not looking at him. When I got up and said goodnight, Nikki hopped up to join me. She was a new addition to our wing of the house, of course. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it earlier. Sylvia took a bedroom on the wing where Stuart and Bill stayed.

We said goodnight, and she followed me up the dim hall. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing your discussion earlier. In your room.”

Her eyes said she might not be so sorry.

I tried to play it off. “It’s not your fault. I wasn’t thinking about where you were staying.”

“It sounded like you didn’t have time to think about much of anything.”

I didn’t have an answer for that, so I simply nodded. We were at my door, and I stopped, ready to say goodnight. Nikki wasn’t ready.

“Just between us, I’ve known Stuart a long time.” I didn’t care for the way she emphasized long. “He’s always been a... love ‘em and leave ‘em type.”

My eyes narrowed. “You’re speaking from personal experience?”

“Well, I don’t like to kiss and tell.” She blinked her stupid blue cow-eyes at me.

“Thanks for the heads up.” I couldn’t resist a little jab. “I think Stuart’s dealing more with knowing he wants to stay.”

She laughed. “If that’s what you want to believe. I’m just warning you.”

Suddenly, I didn’t like Nikki at all. Still, I decided the wise thing would be for me to go to bed. “I’m tired. If you don’t mind...”

“Oh, sure. Goodnight, Mariska.”

She turned and swished her stupid hips in her too-tight dress down the hall in the direction of her bedroom. It took all the self-control I possessed not to slam my door in her wake.

* * *

Stuart

Not approaching Mariska at dinner was almost more than I could take. The image of her naked in her bedroom with that green robe over her shoulders burned in my memory. I was starting to think I was obsessed, and dinner was nearly impossible with her so close. She refused to look at me.

Why the fuck was I doing this to myself? If I stepped back from what was going on, I’d see she was right. She was giving me an out. I wanted to go back to the desert. She opened the door for me to leave. Now I was the ass who wouldn’t walk through it.

I passed a restless night in my old bed. My thoughts continuously drifted to our night in the cabin and pulling her into my arms, her soft body in my hands, sliding deep between her thighs. I’d tasted what I could have, and now being without it was torture.

This morning, I came to the barn to brush down the horses and clear my head. I knew Mom would want to ride, and Nikki... Shit. I hadn’t even ventured into that problem. What the hell was she doing here? Talk about nuking my Fortress of Solitude.

Patrick at least took care of her. Those two were like a pair of chicks. They’d become besties or whatever when I was away. She was constantly hanging on his arm and whispering who knew what and giggling. I had no idea why Elaine put up with that shit. Strike that. I knew exactly why Elaine put up with it. My little brother was wrapped so tightly around her little finger she’d be blind not to see it.

Not that I could blame him. Elaine was cool. She wasn’t my Mariska, but Patrick could’ve done a lot worse.

“You’re up early, cowboy.” My stomach clenched at her voice. Nikki. “You make those boots look damn sexy.”

Straightening, I patted Scout as I made my way toward the stall door where she stood. “How’s it going, Nik.”

“Not bad.” Her blue eyes traveled over my body like always. And like always, I ignored it. “I confess, I was really happy when your mom asked me to join her on this trip.”

“I didn’t know you and Mom were close.”

“She seemed to think me coming here might be good for you.”

Scheming women. Mom had been throwing barbs about Mariska and me all night. I was one more smart remark from going to the cabin. Only a pair of hazel eyes kept me from leaving.

Nikki reached up and stood on the stall door. The top she wore was low cut, and she leaned down giving me a shot of her breasts. “Patrick said there’s a nice loft over the stables.”

I exhaled through my lips and walked back to Scout trying to understand this one. I’d slept with Nikki once. Three years ago. I never made any promises to her. We were both pretty drunk at the time. I couldn’t believe she was still holding on to that.

“Sounds like something he’d know.”

“Want to show it to me, Cowboy?”

Clearing my throat, I was about to make some excuse when my little brother interrupted. “Going for a ride, Nikki?”

“I wish.” She slanted her eyes at me.

“Well, stop wishing. I can give you the tour.”

She stepped off the stable door with a sigh and leaned against it. “What’s Elaine up to?”

“Driving Mariska into town. She needs a special kettle for Turkish coffee.”

“Right.” An ugly tone entered her voice. “The gypsy thing. Cute.”

Patrick pushed his cowboy hat back and grinned. “Your eyes are sort of bluish-green aren’t they?”

“Shut up, Patrick.” She walked away from Scout’s stall, and for the first time in my life, I was thankful for my little brother. Then she stopped. “On second thought, yes. I’d like the tour.”

“Mom’s coming with us.”

They left the barn, and I rested my arm on the Palomino thinking of Mariska. The mention of her name sent my mind in pursuit of her image. Fuck coffee, she liked to paint. I wondered if I could somehow plant that seed in my future sister-in-law’s mind. I wanted to see her art. I wanted to see her.

“Dammit.” With a growl, I pushed through the stall door. Bill was standing outside the tack room holding a bridle and a rope.

Thankful for the distraction, I walked over. “What’s going on?”

“Working with that colt.” He started for the paddock, and I followed. “It’s been years since I’ve broke a horse. Just trying to remember the best approach leading up to the saddle.”

“How far along is he?”

“I’ve been working him with the lunge line about a week.”

Stepping into the medium-sized, fenced yard, I watched the little brown colt running, shaking his head. My uncle let out a low whistle, and he stilled, hesitated, then started toward us. Bill lifted his hand, and the little guy ran past us.

“He’s got spirit,” my uncle mused. “I need to be more consistent in his training. He likes to run.”

“What did you use to say? Teach him you’ll let him run, but he needs a safe place to stop?”

My uncle grinned at me. “Good memory.”

“I liked working with you back then.”

“You’ve always been good with the animals. They like a quiet touch.”

He handed me the bridle. “Why don’t you take the morning shift? Get him use to this. I’ll pick up after lunch.”

It was exactly the kind of work I wanted. “Sure thing.”

* * *

Mariska

Driving into Great Falls, I was able to see everything I missed that first night, hiding in the tiny backseat of Patrick’s rented truck and freaking out about being caught in my lie. The terrain was beautiful, with rocky outcroppings and trees. It was cold, but the waterfalls were unfrozen, and Elaine took the long way around to the downtown area, passing a huge former train station with a massive brick tower and Ryan Dam.

Of course, we didn’t find the type of coffee pot I needed for Turkish coffee, so after wandering along Central Avenue looking in gift shops and buying fudge, we walked five blocks west to the Sip-n-Dip Lounge for lunch.

“Patrick’s going to be pissed we came here without him,” she laughed, pulling me into an ancient tiki bar attached to a motor inn.

“What is this?” I blinked as my eyes adjusted to the dark.

Two curvy bars dominated the interior. One was blonde wood with brown barstools. The other was bright sea green with brass accents and garish sea-green seats. A few wooden tables with teal vinyl chairs and mustard-yellow booths were scattered around as well.

“There’s a swimming pool behind the bar!” I couldn’t help shouting, even though we were two of a handful of people having lunch.

Elaine laughed. “Isn’t it great? They usually have mermaids swimming in it. The place is totally famous. It’s even been in GQ magazine.”

“You’re kidding.” My brow lined and she nodded. “Check out the carpet.”

We walked under a wooden “Welcome to Paradise” sign on neon bubbles scattered over a field of black carpet. The ceiling was bamboo and sea grass, and the entire place looked like something out of Beach Blanket Bingo or South Pacific.

“A tiki lounge in Montana.” I couldn’t believe it.

My friend ordered each of us a blue cocktail and grabbed a menu. “We’re probably supposed to eat at Clark and Lewie’s, but I couldn’t miss this.”

Taking a sip of the super-fruity cocktail, I winked. “I bet you’ll be back with Patrick before you leave.”

“We have to come back at night when Piano Pat is playing.” She took a sip of her drink. “I’d better not finish this. Somebody’s got to drive us back to the ranch.”

I giggled. The drinks were sweet, but the burn of alcohol lurked in the background. “Who’s Piano Pat?”

“She’s supposed to be fantastic.” Elaine took another sip. “She’s been here since... Forever, and she plays any song you want. It’s a blast.”

“Now I want to come back!”

From the pub menu, we ordered sandwiches with fries. They were in front of us in less than ten minutes.

“Good.” Elaine took a big bite. “I need this to soak up the alcohol.”

Nodding, I took a big bite as well. I was already feeling light-headed. “I’m kind of a lightweight, I guess.”

“Not like the guys.” She picked up a fry and watched my response.

I held my expression neutral.

“That does it.” She tossed the fry back on her plate. “I’ve been waiting a day to get this story. Spill it. I covered for you, after all.”

Exhaling loudly, I dropped my forehead on my hand, wishing a mermaid would swim past. “Look a shell lamp!”

“Mariska!” A light kick hit my shin, and I started to laugh.

“I don’t know what to say! He’s fantastic and wonderful and exactly how I expected, and he flat out told me he was leaving. Alone.”

Elaine’s brow lined. “Where’s he going?”

“Back to the desert. Back to Saudi, I guess.” I pulled the giant fishbowl drink toward me and took another long pull from the straw. The idea that I might end up drunk tickled at the back of my head, but I almost didn’t care.

“So he’s going back. I wonder if he’s mentioned that to Derek. I know Patrick has no idea.”

Blinking back at her, I shook my head. “Just keep that between us. The last thing I want is for him to think I’m discussing him with everybody.”

My friend took a deep breath. “So you got to know each other pretty well, I take it.”

I took another bite of sandwich, and cut my eyes at her.

“Right. All the way.” Elaine leaned back in her sea-green barstool and was quiet a moment. I put the sandwich down and stirred at my basket of fries. “I’ve got to say,” she finally continued. “I honestly don’t know what to tell you.”

“He’s got to decide what he wants.” My voice was quiet now. “That’s why I’m leaving Sunday.”

Elaine’s head flicked around. “No! You can’t leave. Stay until Sylvia and Nikki go home.”

I took my last pull of blue drink. “When is that?”

“Tuesday, I think.” I watched as she took out her wallet. Instantly, I fished mine out to help. “No, no—it’s totally my treat.” She pushed my hand back.

“You can’t buy me lunch!”

“I dragged you out here looking for a special coffee pot and then made you eat with the mermaids.” She waved her hand. “I’ll treat.”

I laughed. “It sounds like a mafia hit.”

“Come on.”

We left the bar, squinting in the afternoon sunlight, and took off toward where we left the truck. Walking made me realize how wobbly I was after too much fruity cocktail.

“I might have to go home and take a nap,” I sighed.

“Hmm... I’m thinking I’ll find Patrick and inspect the loft.”

Frowning, I caught her arm. “Don’t rub it in. I miss my cowboy.”

“From where I sat, it looked like you could have him back any time you wanted.”

“No.” I shook my head. “That would undo all the progress I’ve made.”

Elaine’s voice grew wistful. “If you love someone, set him free.”

“If he doesn’t come back, hunt him down and kill him.”

We both started to laugh, and I held her arm to keep my balance. She unlocked my door and helped me in the truck. “Nap on the way back, silly girl.”

* * *

When I opened my eyes again, I was in my bed. The sun was still up, but a quick glance at my clock told me it was four. I sat up slowly, waiting for the headache. Instead I was just really thirsty.

Winona was in the kitchen alone when I took a bottle of water from the refrigerator. She smiled and nodded.

“Where is everybody?” I asked softly. I’d never spoken to the kindly cook, and I wasn’t sure if she knew English.

“Mr. Bill is in the side paddock.” Her voice had an accent I couldn’t quite place. Perhaps she was Indian? “The rest are off playing.”

“Thanks.” I smiled and headed out towards the small pen on the side of the barn.

The wind was dying down, and I knew that meant the cold weather would come barreling in soon. Walking around the side of the weathered-wood barn, I saw Stuart’s uncle holding the reins for the new colt. I’d heard he was breaking him in, but I’d never watched him work.

He spoke low to the young horse, clucking and making sounds with his mouth. Occasionally the colt would try to pull away, but for the most part, he seemed comfortable with the leather and metal contraption holding his head. They walked around in a half-circle, when Bill glanced up and saw me watching. He led the animal over to where I stood on the fence.

“Hey, there,” Bill smiled up at me. “Last I saw you, Patrick had you over his shoulder.”

Glancing down, I felt my cheeks warming up. “Sorry. I didn’t realize how strong that drink was.”

He laughed. “No worries. The Sip-n-Dip is pretty famous for strong drinks.”

“And mermaids.”

“Right.” He reached out and petted the horse’s nose.

“It looks like you’re almost done breaking him in.”

He nodded, reaching up and sliding the bridle off the colt’s head. The young horse instantly dropped the bit and turned. Bill made a low noise, and he shook his head, making me laugh.

“He’s getting there,” Bill said with a smile. “Still got a lot of fight in him, but he’s a good horse. I expect he’ll give me quite a ride the first time I mount him.”

I watched as the horse took off, loping around the pen. “What do you mean?”

“After all the time I’ve spent working with him, when he sees me on his back for the first time, it’ll spook him.” He exhaled a laugh, shaking his head. “And if he throws me, it’ll spook him more.”

We were quiet a minute watching him.

“How long does it take to break a colt?”

“Depends on the animal. Not all of them are as strong-willed as this guy.”

The horse shook his head and trotted a bit, then shook his head again.

“I think he’s fighting the feel of that bridle.”

Bill nodded. “Strong-willed animals are valuable. I don’t want to break his spirit. Just teach him a better way.”

Every word he said touched me deeply. I couldn’t help seeing the parallel to Stuart and me. “What would happen if you didn’t train him?”

“Wild horses are prone to injury. Loners have shorter lives.” He rubbed his thick grey mustache. “Broken, they have safety, shelter. They live longer.”

Quiet settled over us. I pictured Stuart like one of those wild horses, running free, refusing to take shelter, being injured...

Bill pushed away from the fence and turned to me. “I’ve been watching this phenomenon for years. It takes patience, a gentle hand, and a lot of love.”

I squinted up at him. “Patience is the hardest part.”

“Yep.” He looked past me at the horizon. “But I think you’ve got what it takes.”

I looked out at the horizon, too, hoping with all the feelings swirling in my chest that this wise old cowboy was right.