Being Emma Page 5

  They galloped off toward the back meadow and then slowed to walk a while. Janie was turning a few things over in her mind, while Golden enjoyed being outdoors. After a sprinkling of rain the past week, the meadows were shining with the yellows and blues of wildflowers. It looked like an Impressionist watercolor canvas with colors blurring and sliding into one another. Golden stopped to drink from a stream and Janie jumped down to look around. Listening to a flock of geese honking overhead, she wondered absently why she felt so restless. Something was up, the universe had shifted, but she didn’t know how.

  Shielding her eyes, she looked off into the distance. This land… her home… Low hills in the foreground were miniscule compared to the jagged Sierra Mountain Range that rose up behind them. The mountains had snow on them even in summer because of their high elevation. It was a postcard with the blue sky and pillow clouds completing the picture. Gorgeous country…

  She got back in the saddle and pulled out the map from her saddlebag. She figured another mile east and she should come to the drillers’ camp. Golden was ready, so they galloped off to find them.

  Her dad was right… She heard the grating of metal upon metal long before the camp came into view. Riding up, Golden snorted and displayed annoyance at the unfamiliar sounds. He pawed the ground and looked as nervous as Janie felt. She saw several huge trucks with equipment and cranes littering the area. A huge derrick covered the drill, she presumed, that was slowly being sunk into the ground. Several men were working at various jobs and everyone was busy. They were wearing safety helmets and, she hoped, earplugs. Finally, a man noticed her and came over. She kept the horse back from the equipment, as he looked ready to bolt at any moment.

  “Hi… “ He reached up to shake her hand.

  “Hello…” She extended hers and they shook hands.

  “Mike Church.” Janie actually took stock of him. Handsome guy with dark blonde hair curling around his ears… Not bad…

  “Janie Johnson. My dad is… “

  “Sandy Johnson. I know. Come look at the operation.” He had taken a quick look at her too. Pretty girl with a blonde ponytail... Blue eyes. Hmm…

  Janie got down off her horse and tied him to a pine tree farther away from the camp. She thought Golden would be all right for a while, but not long. She made her way through the camp to where the derrick stood. Mike gave her a headset to wear and started explaining the operation to her through the headset.

  It was all about water tables, layers of clay, submersible pumps and gravel aquifers… He explained about pressure tanks and well caps and pitless adaptors. She could still hear a lot of the grinding noise and her head was soon swimming with drilling information. Mike noticed her eyes beginning to glaze over… Uh-oh… He thought… Too much information probably… But they were pretty eyes.

  He motioned for her to come back to where he had set up an office. They had actually put up a metal shed that was reasonably quiet on the inside. She gratefully sank into a chair as he showed her in. The din finally subsided when he closed the door.

  “Better?”

  “Much. Thank you…”

  “What brings you out my way? I don’t think you live at the ranch, do you? Sometimes the drilling bothers Jesse’s wife, I know.” He poured her a glass of water and handed it to her.

  “Thanks. No, I don’t. I’m not here to complain. Dad just asked me to get a progress check from you… See how it’s coming along.” She took a sip.

  He smiled. “Oh… Great then… We’re about halfway there. The drill bit is down about thirty feet and we should hit water around fifty. If the information from the topographic report is correct, I’d say two more days to go. Four to cap it off and attach the equipment…”

  “So you expect to hit water about fifty feet down? How much water should be produced?” Janie tilted her head at him, assessing the information.

  “This aquifer should produce a thousand gallons a day.”

  “Wow! That much?” He was beginning to like her. She seemed interested.

  “Yes. Reports indicate that this should be, as we in the biz say, a gusher…” He laughed and she laughed with him. He had a nice way of crinkling up his eyes when he smiled.

  They just looked at each other a beat and spoke at the same time.

  “Anything else I should tell my dad?”

  “What else would you like to know?” They laughed again and he sat down next to her. “Serious, Janie, is there anything else you’d like to know? Anything about me perhaps?” Whoa…. A little fast maybe…

  “Mike, is it?” He nodded. “No… I’m sure you’re good at your job and Dad checked you out thoroughly, or else you wouldn’t be here.”

  “May I ask you a question then?”

  “Sure…”

  “What do you do for a profession?”

  “I’m a deputy sheriff in the Naples Sheriff’s Department.”

  “Really?”

  “Yup…”

  “… I’m impressed.”

  “Why? Because I’m a woman doing a man’s job?” He laughed.

  “Oh, hell no. You could probably lay me out flat with your martial arts skills or something.” She laughed. “I’m impressed that you’re in a peacekeeping profession.”

  “Why is that impressive?” She was curious now.

  “Because I like to disturb the peace sometimes. I can be a bit of a hell-raiser, as my daddy used to say.” She liked him. He was nothing like anyone she’d ever met and that was, indeed, interesting. And he must be a solid professional or else he wouldn’t be working on the Johnson Ranch.

  He stared at her for a few minutes and she stared back.

  “What are you doing tonight, Janie Johnson?” She grinned.

  “You don’t waste time, do you?”

  “No. How would you like have dinner with me?”

  She looked at her wrist. He looked over at her arm.

  “What are you doing?”

  “If I was wearing a watch, I’d be checking for the ten seconds it’s going to take to respond to you --- 8,9,10 -- Yes…” He laughed. Good sense of humor.

  “Where can I pick you up around seven?”

  “Nice try…” She smiled at him. “I’ll meet you at the Naples Bar and Restaurant in the downtown area. You couldn’t miss it if you wanted to. Pretty decent food and there’s a band after nine.”

  “I guess it’s a date then?” His smile hit high beams.

  “Yep.” She rose from her chair and he walked her out. “I guess that concludes our business, Mr. Church.”

  “Indeed it does, Miss Johnson. See you tonight.” He watched her walk away, gracefully get on her horse and gallop off at top speed. She didn’t look back. “Tough girl…” he said to no one. And then he smiled and got back to work.

  ####

  She didn’t tell anyone about her date with Mike Church tonight. It was relatively easy, since Diane still wasn’t speaking to her, although she was warming up. She knew Diane wouldn’t stay mad forever and looked forward to telling her about Mike. She was back at her apartment, so her parents wouldn’t know anything. She did think briefly that her dad might not like her dating his new contractor, but the situation had never come up before. Janie decided she’d rather get yelled at, than ask for permission. Besides, she was of age to make her own decisions about whom she dated. If anything, they’d be surprised that she dated anyone. Not her style… Once she thought of Craig, and then pushed that thought away… That had become a no-go area.

  Since she was breaking all of her rules anyway, she decided to wear her hair down. Nothing was typical in her life right now and wearing a different hairstyle seemed to signal she was stepping out of herself as well. At least, that’s how she saw it. And then maybe Janie was overthinking everything… That was surely possible.

  She arrived at the restaurant on the dot of seven, and parked her car in a side lot. Cops were always punctual – Sometimes it was a curse… Wearing jeans and her favorite white long-sleeved shirt tucked in
, Janie felt good. She had worn a little makeup, which she just about never did – Mascara, blush and lipgloss. She smoothed her hair, hanging straight in back, and tucked one side behind an ear. With her diamond stud earrings, she knew she looked pretty. It just had never occurred to her to want to be.

  When she walked in the door, she looked around and recognized everyone there. At first, though, no one recognized her. She saw Mike sitting at a table by the back. He waved at her and she walked through the restaurant to join him. Finally, the bartender blinked…

  “Janie? Wow… Didn’t recognize you.” He gave her a low whistle.

  “Thanks, Jake. I think…” She laughed. Others around the room then starting waving at her and saying hello.

  Mike pulled out her chair for her when she sat down. He looked around.

  “What gives? How can people not know you here? It’s such a small town and you’re a deputy, for Pete’s sake…”

  She laughed. “It’s the hair.”

  “What about it? Your hair looks pretty. I like it down.”

  “Well, since you just met me today -- You don’t know that I never wear my hair down.”

  “Never?” She shook her head.

  “Why tonight?” Janie thought about that for a minute.

  “I think I’m ready for some changes in my life. Hair is an easy place to start.” He gave her a long look.

  “I don’t know what you mean, but that was quite a provocative statement. I think it calls for drinks. What’ll you have, Deputy?”

  He was cute.

  “Something I don’t have very often: a martini, two olives.” He smiled.

  “Yes, ma’am. Coming right up.”

  As he went to get the drinks at the bar, Janie was glad of the relatively dim lighting in the place. She could see just fine, but lower lighting just felt more romantic. Why did she think of that? Was she ready for romance? …And why Mike Church… Whoever he was… Definitely overthinking this.

  When he came back to the table, they talked easily about his life and her life for some time. It was actually fun learning about someone new. He asked good questions about herself and seemed interested in who she was… in what she did.

  Mike, she learned, was a bit of nomad. His business was based out of Reno, but he could be working anywhere in the world where someone needed a well drilled. And he had worked all over the world. He had wonderful stories about working in France and Germany… Quirky stories about working in Saudia Arabia… Sad stories about drilling in a few African countries… The poverty there and in India bothered him a great deal.

  She had refused a second drink, and they were halfway through dinner, when in walked Craig Ferguson. Her back was to the door and she didn’t see him come in. Mike was telling a funny story and she was laughing at it. He was a good storyteller. Craig sat down at the bar and started talking to Jake, the bartender, who automatically gave him a beer. Jake was a good friend of his. Leaning against the counter, he asked how Scotland was.

  “Grand, my good man…” Craig laughed. “Especially if you like haggis, bagpipes and kilts.” He took a pull of his beer.

  “Come on, Craig. There’s more to Scotland than that.”

  “Yep. You’re right. Those are stereotypic examples, but they still exist. When I visit my grandparents, we still wear kilts to major functions. The Ferguson plaid is prominent and not to be confused with the Campbells or MacDonalds.” Again, Craig smiled.

  “Pulling my leg still, Ferguson?” Jake laughed. Just then Mike Church walked up to the bar.

  “I’d like two cokes, please.” Turning to Craig, he asked, “Were you speaking of Scotland?”

  “Yes, I just returned from a visit.”

  “Beautiful country.”

  “… Been there?” Mike smiled.

  “Several times. I’ve drilled a few wells there.” Craig nodded.

  Jake handed Mike the cokes and he slipped a few bills on the bar. “Keep the change.”

  “Thanks. I guess I won’t be calling a cab for you tonight.” Mike laughed.

  “Nope. My date can’t have more than one drink, so that’s good enough for me. Nice talking to you,” he said to Craig.

  “Same here.” He walked away.

  Craig wondered aloud to Jake. “What woman in this town can’t have another drink?” Jake stared at him.

  “… Janie.” Craig choked on his beer and set it down. He turned around to watch Mike place a glass in front of her. Janie saw Craig at the same time. His mouth dropped and she smiled at him. He looked back at Jake.

  “I thought you knew…” he mumbled and got busy cleaning the counter.

  Craig stood up and walked over to their table. She looked beautiful – He noticed the makeup and clothes… the earrings… Not typical Janie… but really gorgeous.

  “Hi.” He looked at the way she was wearing her hair. He hadn’t seen her wear it down in a very long time. Why was she wearing it like this tonight?

  “Hi yourself. Just back from Scotland?” He continued staring at her. Craig was aching to touch her beautiful hair. Yet she had never worn it down for him. But then why would she? … Who was this guy?

  “… Um… Craig… Have you met Mike Church? He’s drilling a water well on our property.”

  Craig finally got his bearings, turned to Mike to shake his hand.

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “Pleasure.”

  “Would you like to join us?” Nope, he couldn’t do that. He’d just stare at her the whole night and embarrass himself. He shook his head.

  “That would be great, but I’ve got to get home. Lots to do before hitting the accounts tomorrow.”

  He just stood there for a minute, gazing at her. His universe had tilted off its axis and he couldn’t catch his breath.

  “Craig?” What was the matter with him? He was looking at her like he’d never seen her before.

  “Sorry… sorry…” He shook his head. “I’m pretty tired. Mike, I guess I’ll see you sometime at the ranch. Bye, Janie.” And he ran for it… Craig walked out of the bar as fast as his legs could get him there. Reaching the outside sidewalk, he felt light-headed and bent over to put his hands on his knees. He drank in the fresh air. Straightening up, he walked to his car. Janie ran up behind him.

  “Craig? What’s the matter? Are you all right?” She was all concern for him. He turned to look at her. She was so lovely, standing there in the moonlight. Why had it taken a new hairstyle and another guy to kick him in the gut? He knew now, as well as he knew anything that he was in love with her. And now she was with someone else.

  “Speak to me, please…” Janie was getting upset.

  “I’m fine, really. Don’t be concerned. I… ah… I’m just tired. It’s a long flight.”

  “Did you just get back today?”

  “Yes, I went over to the ranch, but no one was home. I thought you were staying there for a few days.”

  “You came to see me?”

  “Look, I need to get home and you’re keeping your date waiting. You’d better get back.” He looked into her lovely eyes and sincerely wished he were the one who was waiting for her.

  “Okay… right. You’re sure you’re all right? You don’t look so hot…”

  “I’m fine.” He unlocked his car and got in. “See you soon.” And he drove off.

  Janie blinked her eyes to get the mist out of them. It was his first day back and she had obviously upset him… Probably by being with Mike… Maybe… But why would that upset him? Never having had a serious relationship with a man before, she wasn’t sure what the rules were, if there were any. And she thought she might be ready for some kind of relationship. But not the kind she’d always had with Craig. He was just her good friend and he wanted it to stay that way. Didn’t he? Wasn’t that what he wanted? This was confusing… She shook her head as she walked back to the restaurant. Mike was waiting for her at the door.

  “What was that about?” he asked her.

  “I’m not sure. He’s
a family friend and I’ve never seen him act that way before. I think he must be jet-lagged.” Mike didn’t think so, but didn’t respond. He and Janie had just met, but she was too pretty not to have some guy lurking in the background…

  Janie and Mike went back into the restaurant and finished their dinner. He made her laugh and she enjoyed being with him. When he walked her to the car, he asked to see her again and she said yes. Why not? He gave her a chaste kiss on the lips and she didn’t pull back. So he moved in and kissed her deeply, putting some real feeling into it. They could have continued like that for some time, but she drew back. Janie wanted to see his face. When Mike looked at her, he was sweet, but she didn’t see the Carter face. And that told her what she needed to know… She’d just have fun with Mike and that was okay…

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Janie’s grandparents, Jeanne and Sam, had a ranch in the Sonoma, California area. Sam trained horses for local ranchers and operated a small winery. He loved experimenting with new wines.

  Jeanne had gotten a call from her friend, Millie, with some rather startling news. Millie owned the candy store downtown where Lily had worked when she first came to Naples. Millie and her husband had gone to Naples Bar and Restaurant last night for dinner.

  “So you saw her with some man you don’t even know?” Jeanne was pretty confused. “How could Janie go out with somebody no one knows? Where did she meet this guy?”

  “I’m telling you, Jeanne, it surprised the heck out of us too. He seemed like a nice guy – they didn’t drink very much and she laughed a lot with him. He must be funny at least.”

  “What did he look like?” Sam came in from the corrals and Jeanne waved him into the kitchen.

  “Well… sandy-colored hair, I believe, a little long. It curled around his ears.”

  “Tall? Short? Thin? Fat?”

  “He just seemed medium height and weight to me, Jeanne. Nothing extraordinary.”

  “Huh… Anything else?” Sam gave her a What’s Up look. She shrugged her shoulders.

  “About him? Nothing.”

  “You’re not giving me much to go on here, Millie.”