CHAPTER ELEVEN EMMA'S FIRST CATILLION
By morning, she’d decided that the tale Jesse had spun the night before, had to be part of the legend the people of town were always talking about. However, she’d also decided she hadn't the time to finding out what it meant. The Summer Fair was only a week away, and the grand opening two.
While she had some calls and inquiries about reservations, she was beginning to think Mike was right. Maybe the place was unsellable. Perhaps it did lay too far off the beaten path.
At least, that’s what she was considering the minute the phone rang, and Julianna Russo barged into the picture. She represented a travel group out of L.A. that often ran tours through the area. She was the first true taker, on the pamphlet Emma had sent out, or at least, would be, after she could see the place herself.
Emma assured her, she was welcome to stop by any time. She had other plans, stating particular dates, leaving Emma speechless. It just so happened, she wished to look the place over, the same weekend as the Fair. How was Emma to decline, she’d said anytime. Therefore, her first reservation went down on the books as requested, adding only a brief note that she’d chosen a weekend unlike any other.
"Unlike any other" Julianna’s sweet voice questioned
"The town has convinced me, to allow them to hold the annual Summer Fair, here that weekend. You should find it exciting – but please remember it's not always so hectic around here."
"Oh," she stammered "I had for—" when the line went silent once again, Emma considered asking if she’d prefer to change her reservation, but before she could ask, Mrs. Russo started again. "I'm sorry." She said clearing her throat. "I must have swallowed something wrong, I think that sounds fun. So often, I end up at a place before they open, only to be bored. Besides, I never get to find out how they treat their guests, you know since I'm really the only one they have to watch over at that time."
Emma caught her meaning, and went on to confirm the reservation date. Mrs. Russo certainly wasn't going to be alone, Emma thought. She’ll only be one, of a few hundred I'll have to watch over. Shaking her head, she wondered how she’d managed to get herself in such a fine predicament. "It's Jim's fault."
"What's my fault, NOW?" he asked from the doorway.
"You allowed those people, to wrangle me into this Fair, even before I knew what they were talking about."
"OH, That again." he responded, turning the chair around to straddle it, like a horse. "Are you ever going to forgive me, for dragging you to that meeting?"
"I doubt it." She answered jokingly. "There's no way to rid you of a problem, like taking poor Emma to a meeting half asleep."
"Come on, I was just as tired." he pleaded. He was right, she’d gotten herself into this mess, and she shouldn't be punishing him.
"Yeah, I guess you’re right. But it's more fun to tease you about it."
"Teasing is that what you call it. Hell Girl, you have me doing things even Mom couldn't the year she was in charge. And, whoever it was that thought up building a dance floor, in the parking lot should be shot."
"You got the gun? Go ahead. Put me out of my misery."
The twinkle her admission had sparked in his eyes, made her think of how they had twinkled the day he kissed her. Neither had spoken a word about it, since then. Sometimes she wondered if it had really happened. He hadn't gotten close to her since kissing her, not that she was complaining, but it had been enjoyable, even if she had regretted it later.
"No. That would be too easy; I'll come up with a way to pay you back. Just you wait." The tease in his voice, made her feel as if she might enjoy that too.
The dance floor was only one of the things, she began to fear wouldn't be finished on time. Why had all the plans, looked so simple on paper? No one bothered to tell her how difficult a Rodeo was to sponsor, and the liability insurance she had to arrange to cover the fair games, just about drove her crazy.
Come hell or high water though, it was all going to come together, if someone didn't kill her first. Beth had been cooking for days, Alex cutting and arranging flowers, and Rob and the kids had been busy setting up the kids little game area.
As for her by Friday morning she’d lost track of what day it was. Until, Mrs. Russo stepped in the front door, and someone was sent to find her, throwing straw for the rodeo. Racing back to the house, she didn't once give a thought to what she looked like, until she came face to face, with perhaps the most beautiful woman she’d ever met.
Julianna Russo was everything she’d ever wished to be. Right from her flowing honey colored hair and pink complexion, to her long legs and dainty feet. The rose-colored suit she wore must have been made for her. That was the only way she could’ve got it to fit so well. Beth had drawn her into the large dining area, and was serving her tea and toast, while she awaited Emma’s arrival.
"Mrs. Russo," Emma proclaimed half out of breath. "It's a pleasure. Sorry I wasn't here to meet you."
"Nonsense," her voice spilled like fresh morning dew, across her apricot colored lips. "A young gentleman met me in the drive, and has already taken by bags to my room."
Thank God for the kids, Emma whispered to herself, as she reached to take the warm hand extended towards her, even her nails matched her lips. Emma recalled, how her Grandmother had always insisted, that was a true sign of a real woman. God knew she seldom wore either, but when she did, they were never the same color.
"You have a lovely place here." She continued on, scanning the large room. "Please call me Jewel I hate Mrs. Russo."
Jewel, Emma thought, so appropriate. Like Crystal’s name, it fit her precisely, as pristine and refined as a fine diamond. A moment later, she caught sight of her own reflection, in the glass doors and cringed in horror. Two more opposites had never sat at one table before. Quickly removing the straw from her hair, Emma apologized.
"Sorry, it’s been more trouble setting up, than I’d originally anticipated."
"Oh my dear," she responded with a chuckle so delicate "You look delightful. I only wish I could look so good, without the help of a full staff of beauty consultants."
She was just being polite, Emma knew no matter what time of day, or night she was to find this woman, she would always be beautiful. Beauty has no secrets, it a birthright, either you were born with it or without. "Your being kind"
She went on to tell Ms Russo that unfortunately she’d forgotten to include the fact of the Summer Ball, which was to be held there, that night. "However if you would like, I believe, I may have something that might fit." she really didn't mean her herself. They were nowhere near the same size. She was actually referring, to one of the dresses she’d purchased for Crystal.
"Formal, Ha"
Emma nodded, feeling embarrassed, that she had put the poor woman in that position.
"That won't be necessary, one thing this job has taught me. Always be prepared, like a scout, I carry all kinds of clothes. I have to, for times like this."
"Forgive me. I should’ve called you back."
"Don't be silly."
The beauty sitting across from her, refused to discuss the matter any further. Stopping in front of the mirror, on her way back out, Emma could only wish, she looked like that, at least the people of town, would have someone else to discuss, and perhaps leave her alone for the night.
As the clock in the hall tolled six, she knew she was running behind schedule, as usual. She couldn't remember ever being on time, something always come up, it drove Mike crazy. That thought, made her wish he were there to rag on her once again.
Slipping into her own gown, she hunted desperately, for something to set off the plunging neckline, of pearls and brocade. She should’ve thought about it earlier. The band had already started to play, down stair in the sitting room. A few minutes later as she struggled to pull on the lace gloves, she heard the western band start up out back. If she delayed a minute more, they would never know she was even there. Franticly forcing her diamond studs into her ear lobes, she started for the steps.
Her heart was beating fast as she swiftly descended the first six steps, she could hardly hear the music. Then stopping on the landing, she realized the music had indeed stopped. All eyes were on her, and time stood still.
At the bottom of the steps, Jim stepped out of the sitting room and extended his hand. She felt the blood rush to her face, she was no princess, but he most definitely was prince charming. Absent of his hat, his dark curly hair flowed backward like the dreamy Knight on a white charger, she’d seen in a movie. He was wearing a tuxedo, and black polished shoes. The sight of him left her breathless.
Out of the corner of her eye she could tell, he wasn't the only person awaiting her decent. If she didn't move soon, there was no telling what might happen. Setting her eyes on his, she lifted the long flowing skirt with her right hand, and griped the arm rail tight with the other. Drawing a deep breath (at least as deep as the dress would allow) She took her first step, and then another, soon she’d reached the mid-way point of the case. There she lifted her hand from the rail. Fearing if she didn't, she may somehow slip into the past again. Another two-steps down, she closed her eyes, and their fingers touched, sparks filling the air. Her fingers tightly clutched between his, she continued her decent. Not a second had past, feet firmly planted on solid ground, her hand securely in his. He dropped to one knee and proclaimed “Mrs. Emma Chase, our hostess for the night."
A rousing round of applause erupted. How’d she ever think they might not even see her? As he stood and escorted her to the fireplace, a strange air of déjà vu hovered about her. It was so much like the dream, she feared to allow the girls out of sight, the rest of the night. For that matter, she’d make sure none of the girls, were allowed to move about unescorted.
She could hardly believe how small the large room seemed, she’d had no idea so many people lived in town. Far off in a corner of the old dining room, she spied Beth huddled with Alex and Rob, other than their friendly faces, she knew very few. She was just about to head into the friendly confines’ of their comforting faces. When Jim gently turned her to look into his face
"Mom thought you might need this." He whispered slipping a necklace into her hand. A small gold heart with a pearl in the middle, it was just what she’d been looking for.
"Will you help me put it on." she looked up at him
"What else is a big strong guy, like me, good for?"
"I can think of a few things." she responded, lifting her hair, to allow him access. She was playing with the thought of introducing him to Jewel, but a piece of her, wouldn't allow it.
"Oh yea." he leaned close to ask. "Like what?"
Tipping her head sideways, so only he could hear, she whispered. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
She shouldn't tease him that way, and she knew it, but for reasons unknown, she simple felt at easy around him. She often teased with Alex that way, and it meant nothing more than space filler, when she didn't know what to say. She knew what she had said that time, and what's more, she knew what she meant, but Jim never would.
It was obvious, as he smoothed her hair back across her shoulders that the group had chosen to talk about them, even with Jewel wondering around somewhere.
As she turned back, to look into the overheated faces of the group, déjà' vu again crept into the back of her mind. The scene was all too familiar. Old Johnny had stood next to Emme, at the fireplace in her dream. Suddenly she could stand there any more – she had to move.
Heading for Beth, she was distracted by one person after another. Each crowding in, to tell her what a terrific job, she’d done in restoring the old place. Soon she forgot her original intention, and ended up on the dance floor, with a rather bushy faced looking older man. However, he sure knew how to whirl a girl. When another man asked to cut in, she politely declined, using the excuse she had to check on the food, there were a few good things about being the host.
Again, she searched the house for a safe heaven. Beth had slipped into her comfort zone, the kitchen. Where Emma paused for a moment, and would’ve stayed longer, but Alex pulled her back onto the dance floor. Really he just wanted to talk, but that was probably the most private place around.
"Have you been listening to what this people are talking about?" he whispered, barely above the music.
"Sure, they love the place." she barely had time to respond, before Jim cut in.
Alex didn't look very pleased, but trotted away in silence any why. When Jim scooped her into his arms, and gave a new name to dancing to the oldies. If they had been any closer, surgery may have been needed to separate them.
"Jim, your crushing me"
"I'm not going to let you out of my sight." he responded, with an almost fearful tone.
"What's wrong?" she immediately asked, stopping so fast he nearly fell over. "Where are the girls?"
He looked confused, "Out back, Why?"
She hadn't even waited for his "Why" before starting for the door. Once on the porch, she could hear the distinctive difference in musical instruments. The western band, sounded inviting, but she was out to find the girls. Quickly, racing around the corner of the porch, she ran smack dab into a very tall man. Rushing her apologies, she pushed on past and nearly flew down the walk, to the back of the house, all the time watching the faces of the crowd.
She forgot all about the care of delicate fabric, and even the white heels she’d chosen to wear. Accounting for their where about, was the single thought, filling her head as she darted in, and out of the younger crowd, mingling about the parking lot floor.
Then almost as if the crowd sensed her wish, a path opened and the seven of them where clearly visible to her, in a nook of their own, the six stood about Sara in her wheel chair, each girl, securely tucked under a young man’s arm of Emma’s approval. They actually looked as if they weren't listening to the music; of course with Sara in the wheel chair, how else would she have expected them to act.
"They're fine." Jim's voice peeled above the maracas.
So she could see. Embarrassment quickly took its place, on her face and she dropped her head, as the crowd once again closed in.
"What frightened you?" he asked stepping closer, to lay his warm hand on her back.
"It's silly." she answered, starting back to the house.
"Because that's what Mike would saw, or where you just trying to get away from me."
"NO." she exclaimed, swirling back around to look up at him.
"No what? No, mike wouldn't think it silly or No…"
"Mike would think it silly, he thinks anything I dream is ridiculous" she gazed down at the mud on her shoes.
"Don't do that." He commanded, tugging her chin up again. "Don't lower your head to me." he went on, tucking his hand under her arm and guided her back towards the house. "Tell me why you thought the girls were in danger?"
She started to shake her head no, meaning she didn't know how to explain.
"It's not silly. Did you find the scene from the window to be silly?" They’d reached the walk, and she stopped to clear the mud from her shoes.
"No, none of its silly – he just can't handle It.” she answered finally.
"I don't care what he thinks," he declared clearly, gripping her upper arm, "Why do you think the girl's are in danger?"
"The dream." she answered under distress. "I dreamed about the party – Well about a party – and someone was being raped."
Throwing a look back over his shoulders to where the kids, stood laughing and giggling, He remarked, "I wouldn't worry about them, they're fine." then looking back down at her, on his face was the fear, his voice had held originally "It's you I worry about."
"Now, you’re being silly, why would any man in his right mind, come looking for an old biddy like me, when he could have them."
"I'm not playing games here. Emma." he pulled her closer, twisting her arm in the process.
"You’re hurting Me." she quickly withdrew her arms from his loosened grip, and hurried up the walk. She heard him shout after her, but she didn't turn to look back.
Back in the security of the crowded house, she took the time to consider his words. Perhaps, she’d been playing games with his head, but why had he insisted, she was the one who needed to be watched over. The dream hadn't been about her, maybe it hadn't been about anyone in particular, or worse yet, maybe it really was from the past.
She feared receiving additional answers from the past, more than she did the present. So she found other things to thinks about, with a house full of people, conversation was the last thing she was lacking for.
Self-consciously she found people staring every time she turned around; it got so bad, that at one point she stepped into the guest room, off the kitchen to check her dress, fearing she may have torn it. To her surprise, Jewel was reclining in the high backed chair, in front of the fireplace.
"Sorry, I just had to take a look." Emma excused herself, while stepping in front of the mirror.
"You look delightful, Emma." her voice flowed like a sweet tune.
"You know if you keep that up, I'm not going to let you leave."
"Sometimes, I wish I could stay."
"Like now." Emma asked sitting down in the other chair.
"Yeah, like now. I never realized how much I left behind."
"When"
Suddenly she looked over at Emma, as if seeing her for the first time. "I'm sorry, I come from a small town, but I was in a hurry to leave, you know see the real world."
"They both have a lot to offer, I'm from the big city myself. Sometimes I'd give anything, to be able to do something the whole town doesn't know about, but I can tell you one thing."
"What?"
"The small towns offer a security I’ve never felt in my life. I mean, well you know how big city people are. I doubt someone could get hurt around here, without having a neighbor or two to come to their rescue. That's the ways it should be."
"You belong here Emma." she remarked standing and walking to the window. "I’ve cut off all those strings. I destroyed all hope of ever coming home."
The way she phrased "Coming home", Emma began to wonder if she was from around there. "I hope that's not the truth, everyone needs the ability to go home." she joined her at the window. "Jewel, if you every need a place to go." she paused to make sure she was listening. When she released the curtain and turned with tears in her eyes. Emma no longer even wondered if she should hug, she just did, “You’ll always be welcome here."
Her heart went out to the lost spirit, but didn’t know what she could add, to what she’d already said. So quietly, she withdrew, leaving the poor woman to contemplate her own problems.
The house radiated heat, as she approached the front door, the brisk air, called her to escape. Summer's sweet fragrance’s beckoned her towards them, as well. Stepping out onto the porch, again she experienced the feeling of being there before. That was what she’d done in the dream.
"It took place –” stepping to the edge of the top step "Right down there." she didn't even realize she was talking out loud, perhaps she should walk out there. No, Jim had said she was the one in danger. She shouldn't leave the porch
She’d been so engrossed in thought, that she hadn't even realized she was no longer alone on the porch. Not until, she felt the strong-arm cinch up about her waist had even acknowledge the hand on the side of her face. Someone was holding her from the back. But it wasn't Jim, the tuxedo color was wrong.
Swiftly she twirled around to face her captor, he was but a mere shadowed outline, against the blazing lights of the house, It didn't appear he was about to release his grip of her waist either. What should she do? If only she could see his face, his eyes. Then she would know how to react, she could read his soul. When his grip tightened, even before he spoke, she did not intend to wait around to find out what he wanted any longer.
"No," she shouted pushing against his firm chest, then debated if that was such a good idea, as her heel teetered, on the top step, and finally slid out from under her. She mentally prepared herself to hit the ground, and then start running, if she got the chance. He was going to have the upper hand, if she actually was to lie on the ground.
She never hit the ground. A pair of familiar feeling arms caught her the moment she teetered backwards, and pulled her close “The lady's not interested Wes." Jim's tetanus voice broke the silence, and his arms her fall. Her feet had no sooner hit the ground, before she whirled herself against his chest.
"Someday Jim I'll get to that lady of yours, when you’re not around." The tall stranger proclaimed, before staggering his way back into the house.
Jim had been right. She was the one who should’ve been listening. Her head was reeling with thoughts of, what if, and she couldn't seem to catch her breath, soon her legs felt like spaghetti. Once he realized she was about to faint, he scooped her off her feet, and carried her to the porch swing. Gently sitting her down, he took a seat next to her and stroked the back of her neck.
"You were right. I should’ve listened." She said then wondered if the frightened voice was her own.
"I should’ve explained. I knew he and Jill had had a fight. It was only natural, he would come after you." She didn't understand a thing he was saying. Who was Jill? Wasn't that his x-wife, she thought. No, Julie was. So who was Jill?
The confusion, only added to the dizziness she was experiencing. Besides, who he fights with was his business, she just wanted to know what he meant by that last remark. "What did he mean?"
"Exactly what he said" Jim answered, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
She wasn't ready to expand on that thought, but he was. "Emma you stay clear of that Guy." his voice trembled as he spoke, clueing her in on the fear he felt for her. Wes Harris, had already caused enough trouble between them, she wasn't about to question him anymore. At least not right then, someday, she would turn all her unanswered questions loose on him, but right that minute, it was probably better to let it ride. She’d seen his temper once. A party wasn't any place to summons it up again.
She stayed close, probably closer than her reputation could handle that night. Never moving about freely, and always avoiding the prying eyes of the town’s people. When the last of the partygoers, had been shuffled out the door, and the band packed up, she sighed her first free breath, not that being attached, to Jim's arm was very terrible. It had just been, the way people kept talking behind their backs. Soft whispers, of innuendos, and snide remarks, when they didn't think she was listening. The comments that caused her the most trouble though, where addressing the Legend of the valley, and the way they had of tying her, into the subject,
They were making sure the band, hadn't left anything out, where it’d get wet if it rained that night. When Jim suddenly turned to her saying, he hadn't gotten a dance with her, after all the hard work he’d put in on the dance floor. She hated to point out the fact, that the band had already left, but did so just the same. "Wait, I've got the answer." He announced racing off to the truck. When he turned the oldies up, loud enough to be heard, she thought she was going to keel over in laughter. Racing back on to the wooden floor, he whirled her so high into the air. She feared she might go into orbit, before pulling her down to rest against his chest. Leaving her feet to dangle a good foot of the ground
"Just thought I'd give you a few ideas what these strong arms are better used for." He grinned, lowering her slowly down his chest, to the wooden floor. "Now, what kind of ideas do you have?" he asked glancing down at her with every bit the mischief of a young lover on his first date.
"Oh, wouldn't you like to know." she restated her, tease of earlier. Again knowing she shouldn't, by the twinge of guilt in her stomach.
“Please Lady.” He clasped his hand together and dropped to his knee.
His reaction caught her of balance she couldn't do anything but stare into his warm blue eyes. Her heart was melting, she had to react or risk losing herself in them, THIS MAGIC MOMENT, suddenly filled the airwave’s and she told him "Dance with me."