“Yep, those arrived two days ago. I tucked them safe and sound in your room.” He motioned to the small café. “Do you want a cup of coffee or anything
while we wait? God only knows how long it will take these guys to get your luggage. Slower than molasses on a good day.”
“No thanks. I think I’ll just go powder my nose.”
“Alright then. The bathroom is right over there,” he directed. “I’ll get your bags and wait right here for you.”
In the bathroom, I stared at myself in the mirror. I didn’t look like a woman
who had just left her husband. Fixing my hair and touching up my makeup, I tried to put on a bright smile. Picking up my phone, I sent my first text message to Thomas.
Caitlyn: Where did you send me?
Thomas: To the promised land, dear friend.
Caitlyn: If I go missing, look for a cowboy.
Thomas: Cowboy? How delicious ;) Let me know if he’s a good lover.
Caitlyn: I am not looking for anything like that, T. Besides, he has to be 100!!!
Thomas: Purrfect. =^.^= Old cowboys make excellent lovers, but I hear
they refuse to take off their boots >:)
Caitlyn: u r impossible.
Thomas: Pity about the cowboy. There’s something so sexy about spurs.
TTFN. Needy authors calling >:(
Shaking my head, I laughed. There was no one in the world who could
replace Thomas. I hesitated but sent the next text. It wasn’t wise, but I couldn’t help myself.
Caitlyn: I made it.
Jack: Did you get your honorary cowboy hat? Boots?
Caitlyn: Not yet. I think I’ll be riding in a truck with a real cowboy soon.
Jack: I’m jealous.
Caitlyn: I just wanted to tell you I’m ok. Thanks again for everything.
Jack: Anytime, Caitlyn. I’m one text away, always.
Caitlyn: :)
Holding the phone to my heart, I sighed. No point in hanging onto the warm
feeling he gave me. Jack was thousands of miles away, and one semi-make-out
session didn’t count as true love.
After I composed myself and left the restroom, I found Ben waiting.
“I thought you fell in. I was going to send help,” he joked.
“I didn’t rush. You said it would be a while.”
“For once, they were surprisingly efficient.” Ben harrumphed. “I found your
luggage.”
“How did you know these were mine?”
“Not many people have such fancy luggage when they come to visit. Plus, it
had your name on it.” Ben grinned.
Unable to resist, I laughed.
“Well, come on. Miss Vivian will be waiting for you.” Ben led me to a black
pick-up truck.
“This is what we are riding in?” I eyed the mud-covered vehicle.
