“Darrius! Cool it. I had fun today.”
He settled back and finished his drink. “I’m sorry. I just want to protect you.”
“From what?”
He knew he was scaring her, causing her more grief by being so persistent. “Nothing. Forgive me for being protective. I get weird like this sometimes, although I haven’t been this way since my last girlfriend. She was also a hard one to protect, always wanting to do her own thing. You know the kind, right?” His brow arched playfully.
“Perhaps. What was she like?”
“Fun-loving, kind. Most of the time.”
Justine saw a hint of something on his face, leading her to ask, “Did you love her?”
“Yes.” He then did his best imitation of Dracula to break the tension of having to talk of a past lover. “But I love you more. She may have had all the qualities I just mentioned, but so do you. In the end, she was way too aggressive, never listened to advice and eventually got into some trouble with the law.”
“What did she do?”
“Something I never would have suspected. She held up a liquor store. I knew she liked to drink, but that was carrying it a little too far. Funny thing, I never got vibes from her about that.”
“I’m sorry, Darrius. You won’t have that to worry about with me. I hardly ever drink liquor—and I’m scared of guns.”
“Good girl. Guns and liquor will kill ya.”
However, something he said did concern her: the willfulness of his last girlfriend. She was willful as well, having gone up Red Rock after he had asked her not to. She decided she would try to rein in her willfulness.
He kissed her hand. “What are you thinking about?”
“Oh, uh…just you, as usual.” That’s right, play it off well and he’ll suspect nothing!
Darrius helped her up from the table. “Let’s see more dancing. Once the sun completely sets, we can go back to the smaller caves at the back of the park—the safe places—and talk, show you what’s inside. Your picture showed up a few things.”
“Yeah, like what?”
“You’ll see. You can take more pictures.”
“I almost have enough. Some things should remain sacred, right?”
“Yes, some things.”
Justine was glad that he hadn’t pressed the subject of Red Rock’s other side, hadn’t confronted her with what she knew she shouldn’t have done.
By sundown, the arenas filled with jingle, grass and buffalo dancers, among others. Tantalizing aromas, from incense to a variety of native foods, wafted through the air. With her hand in his and their hearts attuned to one another, Justine was happy. During open dances in the main arena, she danced in line with the other participants. Holding her cameras, Darrius waited on the sideline. She still wondered what his real reason was for not dancing. It had to be more than what he had told her earlier.
She kept step with the others, dancing, listening to the dancers chanting, being one with a nation. Yes, the children in her neighborhood were Native American and that is where she learned things about the culture. They taught her a little about the kachina dolls, told her about the powwows they went to, the things they did while there and also about the dances. As she grew older, her quest for knowledge about the Indian culture grew and the children who had remained in the area were able to explain more aspects of the culture to her. So, her experience with native people went far beyond the games they played as children. She became one with them as she learned more about the culture. Even her best friend, Fara, had told her a great many things about Native Americans since her mother was Pawnee, but now she was learning even more about their culture by being at one of the biggest powwows in the west.
By moonlight, Darrius led Justine to the restricted cave area in the back of the park where hardly anyone went, and lifted the rope. He saw the confused look on Justine’s face and explained, “I’m on the board of trustees of Red Rock, remember? That gives me certain privileges. I know these caves like the back of my own hand. We’re safe.”
“Then why is the rope around it?”
“To keep spectators out. Many don’t know the story of Red Rock or the lesser-known stories of the fascinating things found here—like the caves. Open access would invite exploitation.”
“I was about to a few minutes ago.”
“True. You’re naturally investigative.”
Holding a flashlight in one hand and her hand in the other, he lifted the rope and led her into the cave.
Justine entered the semi-darkness and looked around. Without Darrius guiding her, she touched the walls, ran her fingers over the petroglyph drawings, feeling their depth. As she explored the cave, her mouth went dry from excitement. Awestruck, she turned to him. He looked calm, serene, as he watched her.
She said, “This is a different cave than the one in your pictures.”
“Right. We can’t go into that one because it’s not as safe as this one is—though, we really shouldn’t be here, too, because of the cracks here—and then over here.” He pointed to a few gaps on both walls. “We can stay for a little while, though.”
“I—I can’t believe this. It’s so interesting here.”
“I take it you’re happy with your find.”
“I’m happy with everything here.”
He came up behind her and kissed her neck, pressing her body against his. “I have more delights for you, my love.”
“Really? What? Making out on the horse again?”
“I think he’s safe in his stable.” Darrius moved his hand down her dress, stopping at the juncture of her thighs. She was already moist for him, and he wanted to play, plunder, spread her across continents and delve inside. “What we did on my painted glory was fun, but this will be as well.” He turned the flashlight on, uncovering a large blanket, a bottle of white wine and a few throw pillows. He whispered in her ear, “Does that look inviting?”
Were her eyes deceiving her, or had Darrius been there earlier than planned? Had he been witness to her stupid trek up the other end of Red Rock? If so, why hadn’t he chastised her? So many questions flooded her mind as she turned and faced him. “How long can we be here tonight?”
“Maybe long enough to make out, talk.”
