AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I smiled. “Talking to a guy in Texas who’s working on my future.”
“A part of me wishes I was going with you, Travis. I’m kind of used to us being together.”
“You’re better off without me, Billy, and I’m not kidding about that. You have a great future ahead of you here as sheriff of Harrison County and you are one hundred percent better off.”
I put my coat on and left for my hell date at the Coyote Creek Inn.
Coyote Creek Inn.
I forgot to take two of the pain meds before leaving the ranch, and my arm throbbed all the way to the Inn. It was healing, but like the doctor said, with a wound that big and that deep, it would be a long, slow process.
Glenda was meeting me at the Inn at seven for a drink before dinner. When I’d called for the reservation, I’d briefed Olivia on what was happening because I didn’t want her to think I was on a real date with Glenda Conklin. Why I didn’t want her to think that was a mystery, even to me.
This was a dinner I owed Glenda, but in my mind we still wouldn’t be square. I owed her a helluva lot more for helping me through those first two days when my arm was sliced wide open and I was as vulnerable as a wet cat.
I arrived at the Inn early to have a beer with Olivia and to fortify my position before Glenda got there. When I walked into the beautifully appointed lobby, Olivia was talking to two of her guests.
As soon as they walked away from the registration desk, I walked over to her. She eyed the thick bandage on my arm and paled a little.
“You’re hurt.”
“Healing. Let’s have a drink before she gets here.”
“May I ask why you’re having dinner with this woman if you don’t want to?”
“She happened to be there when I got hurt and she helped me for two solid days when I was… incapacitated. I promised her dinner before I left Montana.”
“What about me? Can I expect dinner with you before you leave?”
I pulled Olivia into my arms and kissed her right there in her place of business. “One night next week,” I whispered. “You and me and prime rib.”
She smiled and brushed my long hair back from my face. “I’m looking forward to it already, Travis. I’m going to miss you terribly.”
I drank my beer in the lobby with Olivia while she sipped a glass of wine. We caught up on many things and talked about Billy Johnson replacing me as sheriff. When she asked about what I planned to do when I got back to Texas, I was purposely vague.
I’d be a different person when I left Montana. A person known only to a very few. There was an ache inside me that insisted I be that person again. Once I went back and became my alter-ego, there would be no turning back. I would be that person until the day I died, and somehow I was looking forward to that day.
The front door of the Inn opened about five after seven and Glenda walked in. I smiled and stood up to greet her like the gentleman I wasn’t.
Olivia graciously showed us to our table and when Glenda glanced around the elegant dining room she actually smiled.
“This place is lovely, Travis.”
“I like it here and Olivia, the owner, is a friend of mine. She and her mother were friends of my uncle before I ever showed up here.”
Our server was attentive and brought me another beer without being asked. He stood at the side of the table until Glenda decided what she’d like to drink.
“White wine, thanks.”
She turned to me when the server left. “You look nice, Travis. Did you do something to your hair?”
“Nope. Same as it ever was.” I smiled thinking of the song by the Talking Heads.
“Looks good on you.”
I felt compelled to return the compliment. “You look pretty, Glenda.”
When the server brought Glenda’s wine we ordered dinner. I already knew I was having prime rib but Glenda took a few minutes perusing the menu trying to decide.
