Eighty and Out (14 page)

Jim’s dad was still bedridden when it was time for me to leave for New Mexico. I had suggested taking a cab to the airport, but Jim wanted to take me himself. On the way there, I kept thinking of how close Jim and has dad were and prayed he would get better soon.

Once Jim helped me get checked in, he gave me a big hug and a kiss. “Have fun,” he said, “And tell Bernice how sorry I am that I couldn’t make it.”

I looked up at him, still more than a little frightened. “I will,” I murmured.

He smiled and waved goodbye as I boarded, and before I knew it, I was sitting in my seat, trying to act calm as I watched the stewardess’ safety presentation like I would be quizzed on it afterward.

My stomach felt a little queasy as the plane went through minor turbulence. I closed my eyes in an attempt to block everything out and wished I could have driven to New Mexico with Bernice’s parents, but they had left before Jim’s dad got sick.

After landing, I kept my eyes peeled for Juan. Bernice had described him as a walking smile and said to look for a set of white teeth, and I’d spot him right away.

I trailed an old man who moved at a snail-like pace, then scanned the waiting group of people. I saw a dark-skinned man holding a sign. I couldn’t read what was written on it from where I was standing, but I saw the big smile and headed in his direction.

As I got closer, I saw the name Lou written in black ink on white cardboard. “You must be Juan,” I said, stopping in front of him.

“The one and only.” He tossed the sign into a nearby garbage can and shook my hand. “So nice to finally meet you.” His smile got even brighter.

“Likewise,” I said, following him to baggage claim.

He grabbed my suitcase and turned to me. “Have you eaten?”

I had skipped breakfast because I was nervous about the flight, and now that it was late afternoon, I was starving. My stomach growled loudly in confirmation and Juan laughed.

“That answers that,” he said.

I felt my cheeks flush, but before I could say anything, he added, “I know just the place. Bernice and I go there all the time.”

We stepped outside and I got my first look at the west. The sky was clear and blue in a way I’d never seen before, and the air was warm and dry. Mountains loomed on my right-hand side, and I gazed at them and sighed.

Juan saw me glancing around. “Not much to see,” he said. “We’re just a small town compared to Chicago.”

“I think it’s beautiful,” I said, climbing into his truck after he tossed my luggage in the back. Juan started the engine, which sputtered at first, then came to life.

“Bernice told me you’d say that,” he said.

Once we got to the restaurant, Juan ordered for us. “Bring us both cheese enchiladas. Christmas. But put hers on the side.” It sounded like he was speaking a foreign language, and I was glad he had suggested ordering for me.

The waitress brought us two glasses of water and a basket of chips and salsa. Ravenous, I bit into a chip, which was greasy and warm, and took a sip of my drink.

“This salsa is mild,” Juan assured me, so I dipped my second chip into it and took a bite. It was delicious but not mild according to my taste buds.

Our food arrived shortly thereafter, and I tasted both the green and red chile, which were on the side as instructed. Both tasted hot.

“Do you remember you were supposed to come here that one summer?” Juan asked.

“Yeah,” I said, taking a gulp of water in an attempt to extinguish the fire in my mouth. “I’m still pissed my parents wouldn’t let me come.”

Juan laughed. “Don’t feel bad. I wanted to go on vacation to Chicago and never made it there, either. So we’ve got something in common.”

I thought it was funny we felt the same way about our home states but didn’t mention it.

“But we’re going to have fun now,” he promised, slapping his hand on the table. “The ladies have been busy cooking up a storm for the wedding. It’s a guaranteed blast.”

His enthusiasm was infectious. I couldn’t wait to see Bernice.

Juan had the windows rolled down as we drove up to Santa Fe, causing the miniature wind chimes that hung from his rearview mirror to lightly clink together. The peaceful sound combined with jet lag and a full belly lulled me to sleep. I didn’t wake up until I heard Bernice whisper, “Wake up, sleepy head,” in my ear.

My eyes popped open. “Ahhhh!” I squealed. I jumped out of the truck and gave her a bone-crushing hug. “I can’t believe I fell asleep!”

Bernice released me, and we smiled at each other. It felt just like old times but out west.

“She snores,” Juan exclaimed, causing us to break into a fit of laughter.

Bernice swatted his arm, and he grinned, as another, taller Hispanic man came out from inside the house.

“Louise. I’m Alejandro. So nice to meet you.” He extended his hand and I shook it, dumbstruck at how good-looking he was. We exchanged pleasantries, and Juan and Alejandro went inside, taking my luggage with them.

“What do you think?” she asked, wanting my opinion of her future husband.

“I think you hit the jackpot.”

“I know,” she said, gripping my arm. “I can’t wait until the wedding night.”

I loved seeing Bernice act like a love-crazed female instead of a bookworm. “Only two more nights,” I reminded her, winking.

A woman with long, wavy gray hair wearing a colorful dress and cowboy boots opened the front door.

“This is my aunt,” Bernice said.

“The name’s Grace,” the woman added.

I smiled and said, “Nice to meet you.”

Bernice showed me the room I’d be staying in, and afterward I asked her if it would be okay if I called Jim.

“Of course,” she said, showing me to the phone.

He answered on the second ring. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I was kind of worried,” he confessed.

“I’m fine,” I assured him. “How’s your dad doing?”

“His fever finally came down.”

“Thank God.”

“I know. It’s nice to see him looking a little better. So how’s your day been?”

I told him about the flight and finding Juan holding the sign. I described the delicious, spicy meal we’d eaten before heading to Santa Fe, and finally, smiling, I confessed that Juan had told everyone I’d fallen asleep and snored on the ride up.

Jim was silent for a moment. “Sounds like you’re having a good time,” he said.

“I am.” I yawned. “Just a little tired. Juan said it takes a while to get used to the elevation.”

“Hmm. Well get some rest,” he suggested. “You’ve had a long day.”

“Bernice and I are staying in tonight, just the two of us, but I’ll probably go to bed early.”

“Okay. Goodnight then,” he said, giving me a phone kiss. I kissed him back and hung up.

Aunt Grace eyed me. “Checked in with the man in charge, did you?” Her voice sounded gravelly, like she’d smoked too many cigarettes.

I let out a nervous laugh. “It’s not like that.”

“It’s always like that,” she smirked, “Trust me.” She gave me a knowing smile I didn’t dare question, then Bernice came to my rescue.

“Don’t let her scare you,” she said. “She’s just jaded.”

“Your uncle had that effect on me.” Grace cursed as she walked away. Her gait was uneven, like a drunkard, but I hadn’t smelled alcohol on her breath.

I glanced at Bernice, confused. I thought she said her uncle had died a long time ago.

“She’s fine,” she said, dismissing her.

We went to Bernice’s room to have some privacy. After she shut the door, she said, “My aunt’s best friend is a feminist. They’re both obsessed with Betty Friedan’s
The Feminine Mystique
. Sometimes they smoke together.”

I was still confused, but suddenly, it hit me. “Oh!” I said.

Bernice shook her head and smiled. “She’s harmless.”

I hadn’t met anyone like Bernice’s aunt before. She seemed a little strange, but if Bernice said she was fine, I’d take her word for it. I noted Bernice’s parents had chosen to stay at a hotel instead of at the house, and wondered if they thought she was harmless too, or if they just wanted to spend some quality time alone.

Bernice and I changed into pajamas and spent the rest of the night talking. I had missed her, and even though I was tired, found enough energy to stay up well past when we should have gone to bed, talking about everything under the sun. I said a prayer before I fell asleep, asking that we would continue to see each other through the years and stay close.

The next day Bernice, her aunt, and I took care of some last minute wedding details, one of which was to make sure my dress and shoes fit. As we drove through town, I was struck by how different Santa Fe was compared to Chicago. The city was very small, with buildings that looked to be made of mud and streets that went every which way. The women dressed flamboyantly, and the men wore cowboy boots and hats. It was like being in a foreign country.

We met Bernice’s parents for lunch, and after saying hello, I scanned the menu and realized it was more Mexican food. I ordered my chile on the side, remembering Juan’s suggestion, and when my food came I was disappointed to find it was still too hot to eat. I picked at my meal, all while watching Bernice’s parents interact with her aunt, who seemed less opinionated today and easier to be around.

I was drowsy on the ride back to the ranch. I thought I had gotten used to the elevation but still felt a little lightheaded. When Grace parked the car, I opened my eyes and saw Juan and Alejandro standing outside.

“Wake up, sleepy head,” Juan teased as I stepped out.

I yawned. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m never like this.”

Alejandro smiled. “Don’t worry, Lou. We’ve got just the thing to cure you.”

I raised an eyebrow and glanced at Bernice.

“We’re going horseback riding,” she said. “The guys do it all the time, and my parents were interested, and you…”

“I’ve always wanted to!” I exclaimed with the exuberance of a small child at Christmas.

“You’ve never ridden?” Juan asked.

“No.”

“Hmm. Well, I’m going to give you a choice then. I can put you on a horse that’s mild-mannered and great for beginners, or you can ride with me on
Trueno
.”

A few of the Spanish vocabulary words stuck with me. “Thunder?” I asked.

“Yes. That’s correct,” Juan said, impressed.

With a name like Thunder, I knew the horse would be fast, and that if I took him up on his offer, I’d get to gallop at a pace I’d never be able to experience on my own. I hemmed and hawed, unsure if it was a good idea for a married woman to ride with a relative stranger.

“You’re not chicken, are you?” Juan asked. Alejandro stood next to him and snickered.

Bernice elbowed him to stop. “C’mon, guys. Let Lou choose whichever horse she wants. Not everyone is looking for an adrenalin rush.”

“I’ll try Thunder,” I blurted. That was exactly what I wanted – an adrenalin rush.

“Good choice,” Juan said. “We’ll meet you by the barn when you’re ready.”

Bernice and I headed to the house to change clothes.

“You don’t have to ride Thunder if you don’t want to,” she said. “Juan is just joking. Don’t feel like—”

“I want to ride Thunder. Really. It sounds like fun.”

“Okay,” she smiled. “Let me give you something comfortable to wear.”

I changed into pants and a shirt and slipped on appropriate shoes, before meeting Bernice and her parents on the porch. Grace said she went horseback riding all the time and decided to pass, preferring to stay home and do housework.

Bernice gave Alejandro a kiss and mounted her horse. Afterward, Alejandro showed Bernice’s mom how to correctly mount the horse she’d chosen and explained some of the basics as Bernice’s dad listened, prepared to do the same with his.

Juan approached me and smiled. “You ready?” he asked.

“Absolutely,” I said, standing tall and feeling confident.

“Okay. There’s only one thing you have to remember.” He locked eyes with me to make sure I was paying attention. “Hold on tight and don’t let go.”

“Understood.”

The horses Bernice’s parents were on had already started walking slowly alongside Bernice and Alejandro’s horses. They had been interested in a relaxing ride, just to say they had done it once, and by the happy expressions on their faces, it looked like they were getting just what they wanted.

Juan took me to meet Thunder. “This is my friend, Lou. We’re going to show her a good time. Okay?”

The chocolate brown horse and I made eye contact. His eyes flickered with fire, mirroring how I felt inside. Juan mounted and pulled me up behind him. I wrapped my arms around his waist as instructed and stole a final glance at Bernice. She grinned at me, and then I heard Juan say “Yah,” and the horse darted forward, causing me to hold him tighter.

The wind whipped through my hair as we galloped through the fast-moving brown and green landscape. I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of Thunder’s hooves hitting the ground and was mesmerized by the echoing pattern. As the sun warmed my face, I took a deep breath of fresh mountain air and never felt more alive.

“You awake now?” Juan hollered as we propelled onward.

“Yes!” I shouted, a smile plastered to my face.

We had left the rest of our group in the dust and were racing down the side of a hill toward a narrow stream. As we got closer, Juan commanded Thunder to slow. At the water’s edge, Thunder stopped, and Juan and I climbed down and stretched while Thunder took a drink.

Juan looked at me and nodded approval. “You’ve got gumption, Lou. I like that.”

“When I was a kid, it was called being headstrong. It usually ended in a spanking or being sent to my room.”

Juan laughed. “The good old days, huh?”

I laughed, too. They were indeed good. Thunder neighed, grabbing our attention.

I went over and reached out to touch his silky mane. “You’re so sweet, aren’t you,” I said in the voice I used when talking to small children. Thunder glanced at me, and slightly shook his head, as if showing off.

“What a ham,” Juan said. “And look at him. He’s standing completely still so you can pet him. He never does that.”

“He likes me,” I said.

Juan nodded and let out a deep sigh. “I guess we should be heading back,” he said.

As Juan helped me onto the horse, I prepared myself for another heart pounding experience. But instead of speeding home, Juan had Thunder canter at a moderate pace, which was perfect for sightseeing. There were mountains as far as the eye could see, with the occasional home dotting the vast landscape. A lone cloud hung in the electric blue sky. Rays streaked through its center, expanding like fingers in all directions, taking my breath away.

I could get used to this, I thought. And as quickly as I had the idea, I let it slip away.

When Juan and I returned to the barn, the rest of the party was there waiting, wearing big smiles.

“Holy cow, Lou! You should have seen you two. It was just like in the movies,” Bernice said.

I grinned from ear to ear. “I know, right? It was a once in a lifetime experience.” I turned to Juan. “Thanks so much for taking me.”

“My pleasure,” he said.

After dinner, Bernice’s parents went back to the hotel, and we had some time alone. I asked her to follow me to the guest bedroom and pulled a wrapped box from my luggage.

“Sorry…the corner got a little smashed.” I handed it to her.

Bernice took it from me and ripped the paper off. She lifted up the dark purple silk nighty inside.

“Not wedding night apparel but definitely something sexy in your favorite color.”

“I love it,” she said. “I’m going to wear it tomorrow.”

“You mean you don’t have something planned to wear already?” I asked, surprised.

“I do. But this is better. He won’t be expecting this,” she said, wearing a wicked grin.

The girl had gone from hustling pennies to hitting the books. Next she would master the art of seduction. I had no doubt she’d become an expert.

Bernice suggested we sit outside, so I followed her to the front porch. It was a wraparound kind with a bench and two rocking chairs. We sat next to each other in silence, rocking slowly as we gazed at the night sky, which was pitch black and filled with stars.

“I’m going to miss you when I leave,” I said, a melancholy feeling coming over me.

“I’m going to miss you, too.” She sighed. “It’s funny, isn’t it? How things turn out.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

Bernice turned to me. “You know. Me being out here when it was your dream of moving out west and marrying a man with horses and a ranch.” She shook her head. “The irony is Juan thinks you’re the greatest thing on two legs, but you’re already taken.”