T’s BH Lounge

Hello everyone. This is a story about former lovers who meet again. There’s no sex in it and hopefully it appeals to your heart rather than your genitalia. My thanks to Kathleen S. for being my beta-reader. As always, I appreciate your comments and votes.

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T’s BH Lounge

Chapter 01

Her marriage had failed. She had waited a long time for the right one and thought she had found him. After three years of marriage, what she had found was him in bed with her best friend. Catie packed her bags and moved out that day, then filed for divorce the next. She wasn’t interested in his explanations or excuses. It was over.

Her sister lived in Cottonwood, California and invited her to come and stay with her for a while and get her mind and heart back together. After the divorce was final, Catie decided to take her up on it. She took an indefinite leave of absence from work and in a few days was enroute to Sacramento.

Catie was still young at thirty-two. She was slim and very attractive. Her hair was naturally strawberry blonde, but she had lived as a brunette for the last five years. The physicians she visited seemed to listen to what she had to say better as a brunette. She worked for a pharmaceutical company as a pharmacy rep, visiting with doctors and promoting her company’s products, and was very good at it. Catie was a registered pharmacist.

Her sister, Carla, was a nurse practitioner in a small clinic in Cottonwood, Ca. She had moved from Atlanta five years earlier after her fiancé, Michael, had been killed in the line of duty as an Atlanta cop. She liked being in a small town and northern California provided her with the types of outdoor activities she enjoyed. The nearest good size city was Redding and outdoor activity abounded there. Night life, however, was better in Chico, about an hour southeast of where she lived. Being a college town there was a lot more of it. Since she was so well known from her work, she avoided the one bar in Cottonwood.

When Catie’s plane arrived in Sacramento, Carla was there waiting for her. After long hugs they walked to Starbucks then to the baggage claim. The parking garage was just across the street. Within twenty minutes of arriving, they were driving on the highway. In Atlanta they would still be walking to the baggage claim. Catie had been out to visit her sister once before, but they had spent the weekend together in San Francisco, so she hadn’t been to her sister’s home.

“So how are you feeling?” Carly asked.

“Foolish more than anything else. Everyone warned me about him, but I didn’t listen.”

“I’ve warned you about two. You didn’t listen about the first one either.”

“No, I didn’t. I wish I had.”

“What ever became of Tony?”

“No clue. The day after we broke up, he quit med school and disappeared.”

“Did you ever try to find him?”

“No, I’d hurt him enough.”

“You should google him. Who knows?”

“I think it wiser to leave that in the past. He’s probably married with a family by now.”

“It can’t hurt to just look?”

“Carla, drop it please. I’m already feeling like crap and don’t want to be reminded of how I dumped the one man who truly loved me.”

“Okay.”

“I didn’t realize how much agriculture there was around here. I guess when I think of California I think of beaches, movie stars, and sunshine.”

“You’re thinking southern California. In the northern end we have mountains, agriculture, and cowboys.”

“Cowboys?”

“It’s surprising how many there are. The pace of life is a lot slower here too. The only people in a hurry are my patients.”

“Do you like the slower pace?”

“I love it, but I had to learn to appreciate it. Now I can sit on my porch for hours and just enjoy the quiet.”

“Are you still near a lake?”

“I’m right on the lake.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing it. Is it big enough I won’t wear out my welcome after one night?”

“We’ll have lots of room. Look ahead, when we go over the next rise, you’ll see Mt. Shasta.”

Catie watched as Shasta came into view.

“Wow, that’s beautiful. Isn’t Shasta a volcano?”

“Yes, but it hasn’t erupted in about three thousand years.”

“How often does it erupt?”

“Historically, about every 600-800 years.”

“So, it’s past due?” Catie asked.

“I doubt the mountain reads the same books we do. Look to your right. See those two peaks right together?”

“Yeah.”

“The one on the left is Mt. Lassen. It erupted a hundred years ago.”

“So, California has earthquakes, volcanoes, and tidal waves; sounds lovely. Anything else to worry about?”

“Worrying gives you gray hair and wrinkles. Just be prepared. It’s the fires that are the biggest danger around where I live. We’ve had at least two smoky weeks every year since I’ve been here. You just have to be prepared.”

“Are you prepared?”

“I am, and so are you.”

“That’s comforting.”

“Relax, Catie. You’re gonna love it here.”

“I’ll admit, it is pretty. And the traffic actually moves on the roads here, nothing like Atlanta. I could get used to that.”

“I work Monday through Thursday, so you’ll have some time to yourself. Friday night we’ve gotta go to T’s BH Lounge in Chico. And Saturday we’re going up Shasta.

“What’s T’s BH lounge?”

“Small college venue. Live music, karaoke, but on Friday’s T plays. You’ll love him. He draws quite a crowd.”

“What’s the BH stand for?”

“No clue.”

“Anything else planned?”

“Yes, we’re drumming for peace tomorrow morning.”

“What?”

“There are a lot of spiritual people in this area. Tomorrow a large group of them are meeting at the Sacramento River and drumming for planetary peace. There’s something really healing about it. Just wait. Then we’re going to the farmer’s market for fruits and veggies. After that we have the day to ourselves.”

“When you say spiritual, what do you mean?”

“About three years ago I took a class to be a Reiki practitioner.”

“Isn’t that like a faith healer?”

“Energy healing actually. I combine my energy with that of the universe, and sometimes other Reiki practitioners, and share it with patients. That energy has healing powers.”

“Sounds like mumbo jumbo. You were always so scientific before. What happened?”

“I still am but I’ve seen the benefits of Reiki. There’s more to us than what the textbooks tell us. I use Reiki in combination with allopathic medicine in the office. I don’t tell the patients, but I do it.”

“Seems a little inappropriate.”

“Being in sales, you understand the value of a smile?”

“Sure.”

“Aren’t you sharing smile energy to help make your sales?”

“I am, but that’s different.”

“Not really. I share energy to heal. You share energy to sell. Energy is energy.”

“You’ll forgive me if I withhold my opinion until I see it.”

“I will.”

They left the highway and turned on to Lake California drive.

“Four miles up the ridge to the gate, one mile across the top then one mile down into the valley. Keep an eye out for deer.”

“This is beautiful.”

“Wait till we get to the top. It’s spectacular.”

The first four miles was a two-lane paved road, twisting and turning, and all uphill. When they reached the top, they came to the gate. The sticker on the side window raised the bar to enter. There were houses much like any subdivision except these had views to die for. Mt. Shasta could be seen on the left and Lassen straight ahead. There was a huge, beautiful valley between them.”

“Classy.” Catie said.

Carly pointed out things of interest as they drove. When they reached the spot where they began their descent into the valley, Catie gasped.

“Oh heavens! What a beautiful valley.”

“Can never get too much of this view. Keep your eyes open. Deer are often right along here.”

The did see two groups of deer on the way down and slowed to get a better look. Catie took a few pictures with her phone. At the bottom of the ridge there was a T intersection at the edge of the lake. They turned left then three blocks later they made a right. Carla pulled into the first driveway.

“Here we are. Home sweet home.”

“Adobe? It looks smaller than I expected.”

“It’s bigger than it looks.”

She pulled into the garage then closed the door with the button. They unloaded Catie’s bags and went inside.

“My room is to the left. The rest of the house is to the right. Let’s put your bags in your room then I’ll show you around.”

They walked down the hallway to the foyer and turned right toward the front door. There was a small hallway on their left. The doors on the left and right opened into the guest rooms. Between them was the guest bath. Catie picked the bedroom on the left because of the view of the forest. The view from the other faced the two homes across the street.

“Ready for the tour?”

Catie nodded. The ceilings were at least ten feet high and beneath them were brown marble floors. They walked through an archway into the great room. To the right was the living area with a Spanish style fireplace. To the left of that was a large TV. On the wall above that was a tree limb with a lot of small branches. It was decorated with tiny white lights and multiple small decorations.

“That’s my holiday tree. Each decoration represents either a holiday or a day that’s special to me. We’ll be adding a new ornament to commemorate your arrival today.”

Catie grinned. To the left of the TV was a modern desk with a computer. The entire south wall of the house was glass facing the lake. The view was beautiful. Between the TV and brown leather furniture was a light-colored modern rug. The opposite end of the great room was a huge island kitchen. This was a chef’s dream. Next to that was a small Spanish looking table with four chairs. Carla opened the sliding door to the back of the house. The porch was at least twelve feet deep and ran the length of the house. It was divided into three sections. The center section was covered and screened in, with a ceiling fan, sitting area, a small table, and several plants. On the right was a screen door that led to a patio garden. It was filled with plants.

“You’ll notice that none of the fruit or vegetable plants, other than the peppers, have ripe produce. The animals come up here and eat them,” Carla said, smiling.

“You could put a gate up.”

“But then they couldn’t steal my food. What’s the fun in that?”

Through the other side of the enclosed area was a table with an umbrella and four chairs, then just past that was a screen covered fire pit. There was also a door that led to the master and a ramp leading down to the private dock. There were two kayaks on the dock. They went back inside. They entered the huge master. There was a king bed, a nightstand on either side and a single chair. The room was sparse. Catie was impressed with the size of the master bath and the elegant claw foot tub, but what really got her attention was the closet. There were five separate areas for hanging clothes, with drawers and shelves between the areas and even more storage above.

“It’s a beautiful home, Carla. How much of it do you actually use?”

“The master, the patio and occasionally the kitchen.”

“Do you have a lot of guests?”

“Two or three in all the time I’ve been here. I lead a pretty quiet life.”

“Are you happy?”

Carla thought for a moment. “I’m not unhappy. I’m content, I suppose.”

“Is it because of Michael?”

“Catie, Michael was my soul mate. He was taken away from me. Nothing and no one can ever fill the void he left.”

“Have you even looked?”

“Don’t pull this crap on me. Mine was taken away. You have a soul mate too and you never even looked for Tony. Get off your soap box and I won’t get on mine.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean…”

“I know you didn’t, but it still pisses me off that you just let him go.”

Catie put her head down but didn’t answer. She knew Carla was right. She not only let him go, but she also drove him away. They didn’t talk about much that evening as they sat on the patio listening to the sounds of nature and the lake.

**********

Both were up early Sunday morning for the drumming. They would be at a bend in the river where they would be facing east so the reflection of the sun on the water would be almost blinding. Both wore wide brim hats and dark sunglasses. Carla had two drums. One was about the size of a basketball and the other the size of a two-liter bottle. Catie chose the smaller of the two. When they arrived, there were already about fifty people there. The mix of people was surprising. There were normal looking seniors, hippies, children, and everything in between. Some were dressed as if going to church and others were in native American attire. It was completely unpredictable. The diversity was a joy to behold. There were smiles and goodwill from everyone.

When the event began everyone who was able stood. They formed a large circle, and everyone became silent. The only sound was the water in the river. They all stood in silence for a few minutes before the circle was broken and everyone sat again. Someone began a slow steady beat on a drum. A second joined, then a third, then everyone. It was hauntingly beautiful. The rhythm seemed to clear Catie’s mind and thoughts. She felt a part of something much greater than herself. Never, had she experienced such a feeling of peace and tranquility. When it finished, about an hour later, Catie remained sitting. She didn’t want to get up. She wanted more. Carla took her hand and helped her up. As they walked to the car Carla spoke.

“You felt the oneness, didn’t you?”

“It was like there was a single drum and just one person, but all of us were beating drums. Does that make sense?”

“Our spirits joined. There was only one of us drumming. That’s how the Reiki works too. It isn’t limited by time or space.”

“Now I’m lost.”

“With Reiki you can heal backwards. As an example, your broken heart from eight years ago can be healed.”

“I don’t want it healed. My broken heart is all I have left of Tony. Good or bad, I treasure that.”

“Same with Michael. As painful as it is, it’s mine and keeps my connection.”

“That’s a mysterious looking guy.” Catie pointed him out. “Long hair, beard, black clothes, Harley. He seems out of place here.”

“Don’t judge the book by its cover. That’s T. We’re going to hear him sing this Friday in Chico.”

“There’s a lot of diversity in this group.”

“What group? There’s only one of us, remember?”

Catie turned and looked at the river then back at Carla.

“Was the river part of the one too?”

“And the sun and sound. Everything was and is part of it. Let’s go to the farmer’s market.”

As they got in the car, T drove by. He smiled and waved as he passed. They both returned the greeting. There was something familiar about the way he waved.

The farmer’s market was interesting. People from the area had grown fruits, vegetables and nuts and had them all for sale. The prices were better than the grocery stores in Atlanta, but never having shopped locally, Catie didn’t know about here. Gas prices were a dollar a gallon higher, so she assumed most everything was too. She was right.

In the afternoon, Carla took Catie on a walking tour of the valley and lake. They passed the stables, archery range, garden plots-with fences to keep the animals out, playground, tennis and basketball courts, pool, waterfowl sanctuary, and finally the country club. Catie was impressed. They went to the bar for a drink, then sat on the deck to enjoy it. Carla’s house was only three blocks from the country club.

When they got back to the house, they cut up some of the produce they had purchased, added a few chunks of beef, then skewered and grilled them. After dinner they sat on the patio until well after dark.

“Come here, I want to show you something,” Carla told her sister. They walked onto the dock. Carla pointed to a hazy area over their heads. “Do you know what that is?”

Catie looked for a minute. “Really thin clouds? Smoke? I don’t know.”

“That’s the Milky Way, our galaxy. Have you ever seen so many stars?”

“Never. This is extraordinary.”

“There’s very little light pollution, we get a better view. Listen, what do you hear?”

“Birds, water, wind, not much.”

“No cars, trucks or horns. It’s quiet. Peaceful. The way it was before mankind infested it with our technology. Can you see why I love this place?”

“It is a marvel,” Catie replied.

Chapter 02

Carla worked Monday through Thursday, so Catie had the house to herself. She really enjoyed the peace and quiet. Since the drumming on Sunday, she had been a peace. Well mostly. There was a man in her past that would always be there, but that was history. Still, he was always with her.

On Wednesday, Carla had Catie drive her to work so she could join them for lunch. She enjoyed meeting her sister’s co-workers and friends and they enjoyed meeting her. Although Catie enjoyed her work she didn’t miss it, but she certainly didn’t miss the rat race of Atlanta. This was a good place, a healing place. Wednesday evening when Carla came home, she told Catie about the weekly Reiki meeting in Red Bluff. Catie wanted to go and learn more.

They had no more than walked in the door when Donna Robertson took Catie aside. She welcomed Catie and told her that several people had been expecting her. They had felt her presence on Sunday and knew they would be getting an opportunity to spend time with her. Catie looked at Carla for guidance.

“Go for it. You can trust them.”

“May we work with you, Catie?” Donna asked.

“Sure.”

“Come, let’s put you on the table. Carla, you come too. You should be part of this.”

They walked her to the back of the hall to a private room with a table similar to a massage table. Donna had her remove her shoes then stand a few feet from the table. Some oriental sounding music started. Donna was handed smoking sage and a feather. She slowly began fanning the smoke over Catie and repeating a chant. Catie couldn’t understand what she was saying. Once finished the seven people that were there did the same to each other as Catie watched. Carla was one of the seven.

“Catie, we’re going to be joining with you spiritually. You’re in no danger. You can stop the experience at any time. We’ll be passing hands over the energy centers of your body. Have you heard of chakras?”

“Yes.”

“After we’ve done that, two of us will pass our hands over your entire body like we’re scanning for spots that need work. Once that’s done, we’ll begin. There will be seven sets of hands on you during the entire process. It isn’t a sexual touch, and we won’t be touching you in that way. Remember, you can stop it at any time. Many people fall asleep. It’s very relaxing. Do you have questions?”

“How long will it take?”

“Sometimes as long as an hour.”

“Are we joining like I felt on Sunday?”

“Yes, but this will feel more powerful.”

“Why me?”

“We were called to you.”

“By whom?”

“The all, Catie. The everything.”

“God?”

“Yes, if you prefer that title. Anything else?”

“No, I’m ready.”

“Close your eyes and relax now. You’ll feel me drawing symbols on your head with my finger.”

Catie nodded. Donna began by using her finger to trace five symbols on Catie’s head. Then Donna and another set of hands hovered above several spots on her body. They weren’t touching her, but she could feel warmth. Then one set of hands hovered just above her feet then up one side of her body. The other began at her head and worked downward on her other side. They weren’t touching her, but she could feel the energy. It was so relaxing. The hands were gone for a second and multiple sets of hands touched her. Nothing inappropriate but seemingly everywhere. The hands seemed to blend into just one. The feeling of peace was overwhelming and soon she drifted off to sleep.

“Catie, wake up. We’re all done,” Carla told her.

She was so relaxed, her eyes and mind wanted to ignore the sound. She opened her eyes to Carla’s smile.

“Did I fall asleep?”

“You did. Right after we started. Sit up slowly. We don’t want you getting dizzy and falling.”

She sat up and felt fine.

“Did it work?”

“Did we cause world peace? No. Did we become one with you? Yes. That was our goal. How do you feel?”

“I feel relaxed and peaceful. I’m also hungry.”

“Me too. How does Mex sound?”

“Great.”

After saying goodbyes, they walked to the corner to a small Mexican restaurant. Their orders were ready in minutes.

“So why me?” Catie asked.

“You mean at the center?”

“Yes, why did they do that?”

“Some of them are, let’s say, more in tune with the one. They felt you on Sunday and were called to be more at one with you.”

“But why? That’s what I don’t understand.”

“You had a need.”

“Carla, what need?”

“I have no idea. Most of those involved probably didn’t either. Donna said that you were being opened.”

“Was I closed?” Catie chuckled.

“Apparently. My guess is you were opened to receive something that before you wouldn’t have recognized or accepted.”

“What?”

“Catie, I don’t have those answers. Reiki is a form of healing. Something was healed. Maybe something you didn’t even know was sick. That healing opened you to something. You want specifics? I don’t have them. Just go with it.”

“Have they ever done that with you?”

“Reiki, yes, but not a group like we did with you.”

“Have they done it like that to others?”

“I wasn’t there last week but apparently they did it with T.”

“The motorcycle guy?”

“Yep.”

“Do you know him?”

“No. We say hi at Reiki meetings but that’s it. I’ve been to his show a few times.”

“Good voice huh?”

“His voice is beautiful, but that’s only part of it. When he sings it becomes part of you. He only sings love songs. When you leave after the show it’s like we felt after leaving the drumming. You’re one with the rest of the audience and T. It’s quite an experience.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

**********

They headed for Chico right at five on Friday. The drive took just over an hour. Although T didn’t perform until eight the place filled early. If you wanted to sit, coming early enough for dinner was a must.

The lounge was larger than Catie expected from the outside. Entering through a single front door from the street there was a typical small bar with a few tables, but this overlooked a lower level with a small stage and dance floor. There were stacks of cushions where people could grab one and sit. Most cushions would fit two people easily. Looking up, there was even more space with tables along railings overlooking the lower two levels and lots of room behind the tables for milling around or standing.

Carla selected a table for four on the entry level overlooking the stage. Catie sat at the rail and Carla beside her, both facing the stage. The chairs opposite them were empty. Other than a small electric piano, a stool, an acoustic guitar on a stand, and a microphone, the stage was empty. The centerpiece on their table was unusual. It was a wooden box with compartments with condiments, but all designed around a box of tissues. Catie had been in a lot of clubs and bars but had never seen tissues on every table. There were menus and, on the front, listed the venue. Sunday and Monday – closed. Tuesday – live jazz. Wednesday – live country. Thursday – karaoke. Friday – T. Saturday – live music – varied.

The server, a young woman, came to their table. “What can I get for you ladies?”

“Two strawberry margaritas please.”

“Coming right up.”

“Easy, Carla. I’m a lightweight.”

“I know. Trust me. The food’s good too. We’ll get dinner about seven.”

The server returned with their drinks.

“Here you are ladies. Wanna start a tab?” Catie nodded and handed her a charge card. She took the card to the register then brought it back. “The food is excellent. Would you like to order something now?”

“No, I think we’ll wait and order later.”

“How about some lava bombs to snack on? They’re a big favorite.”

“What are lava bombs?” Catie asked.

“Deep fried mushrooms.”

“That sounds good,” Catie replied. “Why do you have Kleenex on the tables?”

“You’ve never been here when T’s performing, huh?”

“No, first time.”

“Well, welcome newcomer. This is T’s Broken Heart Lounge. T sings nothing but love songs. There are a lot of tears and messed up mascara when he sings. We only put them out for his shows. Last week he started something new. He’s taking requests. There’s a pencil in the box and some slips of paper. Put your request on the paper and give it to me by seven-thirty. He goes through them and if he knows it, he’ll add it to the show. Has to be a love song though.”

“What was the song your boyfriend sang on your first date?” Carla asked her.

“He wouldn’t know that one. It’s an oldie.”

“He’s very well versed. Give it a try,” the server suggested.

Catie picked up a paper and the pencil and wrote The Diary on it then handed it to the server. She put it in her pocket and left. The place was filling fast. Their lava bombs were delivered a few minutes later.

“Give them a chance to cool or you’ll discover, quite painfully, where they get their name.”

“Thanks,” Carla replied.

The crowd was diverse. Catie expected college kids since it was a Friday on a college campus, but they only accounted for about half the crowd. There were people of all ages. Some solo and some in couples. There were very few solo guys but lots of women who appeared to be alone. The singles weren’t mingling as they usually did in bars. They seemed to want to be alone. ‘Well, this is the broken heart lounge,’ Catie thought. By seven the place was packed. It was surprising how quiet it was for a bar. There was music playing but it wasn’t blaring. By a few minutes before eight you could hear a pin drop.

“Carla, what’s happening?”

“It’s like this every time. They’re all waiting on T.”

Right at eight, T walked onto the stage. He had long black hair and a neatly trimmed full beard. His sunglasses were dark. Catie had expected all black as she had seen on Sunday but that wasn’t the case. He wore a print button up short sleeve shirt, jeans, and sneakers. There was no applause. The place seemed to get even quieter. He put on his guitar then sat on the stool.

“Welcome to my Friday night catharsis. I see some familiar faces and some new ones tonight. I usually come out here and just start singing. Something happened to me about ten days ago that made me want to change that a little. We’re all here for the same reason. We’ve all had our hearts broken.”

His voice was soft and comforting. Catie could feel love emanating from this man. His loving voice seemed familiar, yet not. The crowd was silent and hung on every word.

“That makes us the lucky ones. To get a broken heart you have to have loved. Even if it didn’t work out the way we expected or wanted – we loved. We all got that special gift – we loved.

“I came to Chico five years ago after I got out of the Air Force to go to school. I was still wallowing in my self-pity for being broken hearted. I had found my soul mate, but she, apparently, hadn’t found hers. I discovered how much music helped me, so I started singing, and surprisingly, people started listening. We shed tears together and turned it into a celebration of loving rather than a funeral for the love we had lost. I got quite a few requests for songs this evening. There were several I either don’t know or would simply butcher if I played them. My apologies for those. I will include the ones I know in tonight’s sets. My broken heart was almost ten years ago. Our song was written by Dan Fogelberg. It goes like this.”

He sang ‘Longer’. Catie’s eyes teared immediately and by the end of the song the tears were flowing freely. Carla patted her hand and smiled. When the song finished Carla spoke to her.

“Wow! That one got to you.”

“It was our song too. Me and Tony,” Catie whimpered.

T spoke, “Remember, we’re celebrating the love we experienced not mourning the loss. The number of tears we’ll shed will be the same either way, but tears of loss are bitter. Tears of celebration are sweet and healing.”

There was no applause between songs, only silence. Occasionally, as he sang you could hear someone in the crowd singing along. T would smile and nod to them. He invited people to join him on stage, but no one ever did. Tears flowed freely that night. At times, tears were visible flowing down his face.

By the end of his first set, Catie was celebrating the love she and Tony once had. They had been seeing each other exclusively for three years. They even planned on getting married when they graduated. One day, she announced to him that she was going to go out with another guy the following day. He hadn’t gotten mad. She saw the tears in his eyes as he simply said ‘okay’ and walked away.

She went on the date, but cut it short, realizing then that she wanted to be with Tony. It was too late. His apartment was empty. None of his friends knew where he was, or if they did, they weren’t telling. She went to the registrar’s office the next day, only to discover that he had withdrawn from school. He was three months from getting his M.D. Tony left no forwarding address. He had no family and Catie was left with no way to contact him. She waited, but after a couple of months, stopped looking. Her choice to see the other guy had destroyed what they had. Catie knew she deserved all the tears and heartbreak she would ever get. She had never seen or heard from him again.

Catie finished her degree but didn’t accept a single date from anyone. She had been working for three years before she ever went out again. Carla had been on her case for not trying to find Tony and make things right, but Catie, remembering how she had wronged him, chose to leave him alone.

When T returned from his break there was silence again.

“My first date with the love of my life, was at a karaoke bar while were in college. I hadn’t planned to sing but with her urging, I got up and sang this to her. This is for Catie, with a C.”

“I found her diary underneath a tree

And started reading about me

The words she’d written

Took me by surprise

You’d never read them in her eyes

They said that she had found

The love she’d waited for

Wouldn’t you know it?

She wouldn’t show it”

By the second line, Catie was crying, and by the fourth, she was running out of the bar, sobbing loudly. Carla followed her out the front door.

“Catie, what’s wrong?” Carla pleaded, as she held her sobbing sister.

Catie didn’t answer. Carla led her to the car where they sat for a while with Catie still crying.

“Take me home please?” Catie requested.

“Tell me what’s going on first.”

“Carla, do you know who T is?”

“Yes, he’s Tony. The one you let get away.”

“How long have you known?”

“Donna called and told me yesterday.”

“So, was tonight a setup?”

“Not at all. I told you about tonight on the way back from Sacramento last weekend.”

“How did Donna know about Tony and me?”

“Catie, Donna knows all kinds of shit she shouldn’t know. She’s either a master spy or has connections well beyond this plane.”

“Will you take me home now?”

“No, Catie, I won’t.” Catie looked at her puzzled. “You and Tony are supposed to talk tonight.”

“More of Donna’s doing?”

“I doubt she set any of this up, but she knows what’s supposed to happen.”

“And what If I just refuse?”

“Donna said that you’ll only get one shot at this. If it doesn’t happen tonight, you’ll never get another chance at getting closure with Tony. Eternity is a long time to go without closure, Catie. He’s celebrating your love, not mourning it. You owe this to yourself and each other.”

She sat quietly for several minutes then flipped down the visor and looked in the mirror. Catie took a few minutes to fix her eye makeup.

“Okay, let’s go.”

They walked back to the lounge. The waitress had saved their table.

“Thanks for saving the table,” Catie told her.

“We were all told that if a woman left during the first song to save her seat.”

“Who told you?” Catie asked.

“The manager. T asked her to.”

“He must know I’m here, Carla.”

Catie grabbed one of the slips of paper and pencil. She wrote,

Thanks for the song. Can we talk later? Catie

She handed it to the server.

“Can you give this to T?”

“Sure.”

The server walked downstairs, then when T finished the song, she handed him the paper. He took off his sunglasses as he spoke to her. The server pointed to Catie, and he looked up. His eyes were moist. He smiled. Catie smiled back and waived. He began the next song as the server made her way back. She walked to Catie.

“He said he’d love that. After he finishes in about an hour the patrons all surround him for about fifteen minutes. He’ll come to you as soon as he can.”

Catie grinned. “My sister and I are going to need another strawberry margarita.”

“I’m driving. Make that one margarita and one Diet Coke,” Carla replied.

“Got it.”

The server left smiling. When she returned with the drinks, she was grinning at Catie.

“Every week T dedicates a song to Catie with a C. It’s good to finally meet you.”

“Thanks, it’s good to finally be here.”

He left his sunglasses off for the remainder of the show and frequently made eye contact with Catie. He always smiled.

“People, I’ve got just one more song left in me this evening.” He looked at Catie and motioned for her to come down. She smiled but shook her head. He mouthed “please?” Catie stood and started that way. “There’s an old acquaintance of mine in the audience, and with your permission, I’d like to sing tonight’s final song to her. Thank you all for coming. Remember, celebrate the love, don’t mourn it’s passing.”

For the first time all evening the crowd applauded. When Catie got to the stage, he took her hand and walked her to the piano where they sat together. Tony began to play and sing.

Lying beside you

Here in the dark

Feeling your heart beat with mine

Softly you whisper

You’re so sincere

How could our love be so blind?

We sailed on together

We drifted apart

And here you are

By my side

Chapter 03

Sitting side by side during the song was a mixture of smiles and tears from both. Somehow, the audience knew what they were watching on stage. When the song was over, T stood and held out his hand to her. Smiling, she took his hand and stood.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Catie, with a C.”

The audience went wild. They knew that she was the source of T’s personal broken heart and were thrilled to see them standing there together. Carla, still at the table, was crying. The crowd started coming onto the stage to greet them. After a few minutes, Catie turned to him.

“I’ll be at the table with Carla. Will you join us when you get a chance?”

He smiled, “Give me about ten minutes?”

Catie nodded and turned to walk away then stopped and looked at him.

“You have to let go of my hand,” she said smiling.

“Oh, sorry,” he replied, blushing a bit.

He let go and she walked to the stairs. He watched her until she was about halfway up then turned back to his fans.

Carla was grinning at her when she sat. “That was beautiful, Catie.”

“Never in a million years did I dream of that. It was so beautiful and healing.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but Donna said if you knew you wouldn’t have come.”

“I wouldn’t have. She was right.”

“So, what happens now?”

“He’s going to join us in a few minutes.”

“I’ll make myself scarce.”

“Oh no you won’t! I need you right here.”

“You two need some private time.”

“We’ll see, but tonight I need my big sister with me.”

“Okay, just give me a nod and I leave you to talk.”

“Deal.”

Tony walked up a few minutes later. “May I join you ladies?”

“Please,” Catie replied.

“Hi Carla, it’s good to see you.”

“T, it was an awesome show, as always.”

“Thanks. How do you know Catie?”

“She’s my little sister,” Carla replied.

“Amazing, wow!”

“Tony, I have to know. Did you know I was coming?” Catie asked.

“Donna called me yesterday. Her message was cryptic, as most of them are. She said there might be someone here tonight that had changed my life and that if that person came to save their seat in my second set. I thought about what she said, but until I got the request for ‘The Diary’ didn’t put it together.”

“You look and sound so different. I love the voice, but I’m not sure about the beard. There’s a very handsome face under all that hair.”

“I went hippie after the Air Force. Catie, do you live out here?”

“No, I still live in Atlanta. I’m here visiting Carla.”

“How long are you going to be in the area?”

“I’m not sure. Long enough for you to take me to dinner some evening.”

“You’re on. How about Sunday? I’m tied up all day tomorrow.”

“Sunday would be good. Carla has us mountain climbing tomorrow,” Catie replied, rolling her eyes.

“Not that kind of climbing,” Carla said.

“Do you live in Chico?” Catie asked.

“No, I live in Mt. Shasta.”

Carla looked puzzled. “You drive over two hours to get to work?”

“No, I work about ten minutes from home.”

“But the lounge is in Chico.”

“I own the lounge and sing here on Fridays, but I work in Mt. Shasta.”

“What do you do?” Catie asked.

“I’m a doctor.”

Catie smiled. “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do, Tony,” Catie replied.

“It has been a while, hasn’t it?” Tony asked.

“A very long while.”

Tony took a paper and the pencil from the box on the table and handed it to Catie. “Give me your number and I’ll call Saturday evening.”

Catie wrote down her number and handed it back. “I’d like yours too.”

“Tony, you’re in the Reiki group directory, aren’t you?” Carla asked.

“I am. It’s just listed as T.”

“I have your info in my phone then,” Carla replied.

“You just go by T now?” Catie asked.

“In Mt. Shasta, I’m Tony Burton or Dr. Tony. Off the mountain, I’m just T.”

“Why?” Catie asked.

He chuckled, “I’m not sure. That’s just the way it turned out. Ladies, I have a long drive home tonight and a very early day tomorrow. I’d better be going. Carla, it was great seeing you. Catie, I was serious about Sunday. I’d really like for us to talk.”

“I want that too,” Catie replied, smiling.

Tony took Catie’s hand and kissed it. “Thank you for being here tonight. That was really special for me.”

“For me too, Tony.”

When he stood so did Catie. She held out her arms and they held each other for a long time before he left. Tony stopped and spoke to their server one his way out.

“Nervous?” Carla asked.

“Like a kid on their first day of school. I’m terrified.” Catie waived to the server. “Time to settle up. We’re heading home.”

“It’s on the house. The boss said so.”

“Let me leave you a tip then.”

“Also taken care of. T was really generous too. I hope you sit in my section next time you come. I could get used to this.”

“We’ll make a point of it.”

**********

During the drive home Carla could tell that Catie wasn’t in the mood to talk. When they got back to the house Catie went out onto the deck alone and sat there well into the night. When Carla got up in the morning Catie was already dressed for their outing. Carla joined her on the patio for coffee.

“Carla, do you think he’s forgiven me?”

“You had doubts and told him before you went out with the other guy rather than cheat on him. What’s to forgive?”

“Carla, I ruined what we had.”

“The way I see it you both had a hand in that. He’s the one that disappeared. You both made mistakes. We all do. I think your mistake was not tracking his ass down. His was leaving in the first place. You both need to forgive each other and yourselves.”

“I forgave him a long time ago. I’ve never been able to forgive myself.”

“Now maybe you can. The place we’re going today is special. Maybe today’s the day.”

“I hope so, Carla.”

“Last night happened for a reason.”

“He seems the same, but so different.”

“Different how?”

“Appearance for one, but I don’t know, so self-assured maybe.”

“He’s at peace, Catie.”

“Maybe that’s it. I don’t know.”

“Do you still love him?”

“I still love the man from ten years ago. I’m not sure who this man is. I do get palpitations around him,” she chuckled.

“Think he still loves you?”

“I have no doubt he still loves the me from before. He made that very clear last night.”

“You’re lucky. You get to fall in love with the same man twice.”

“Let’s not go jumping the gun, Carla.”

Carla grinned at her.

**********

The drive was beautiful. The town of Mount Shasta was quaint and obviously very much geared for tourists. There were small shops everywhere. Using her GPS, Carla found their destination easily.

The house was on a mountain road outside of town and up a single lane drive back into the forest. As they drove up, they could see the house was a two story and sitting on a level area on the side of the mountain. It was made from pine logs and peaked in the center, a modified A frame. The windows were large with the center peak all glass. There was a covered porch that appeared to go all the way around the house. It was beautiful.

Donna and a few others from the Reiki group were on the plant covered porch. Donna greeted them warmly as they walked up.

“Donna, is this your home? It’s beautiful,” Catie asked.

“I wish. Our host is finishing up our picnic lunch. We’ll be ready to start soon. Carla, did you bring a hydration pack?”

“Oh, I forgot.”

“There’s a spare inside. You go grab it and I’ll introduce Catie to everyone.”

Carla went inside and Donna took Catie around introducing her. Carla returned about ten minutes later and walked up to Catie.

“Here’s your pack,” she told her sister.

Carla wore a medium size pack and a grin from ear to ear. She began helping Catie with her smaller one.

“Why the Cheshire cat look?” Catie asked.

“I’m just a happy person,” Carla replied.

The front door opened, and Tony stepped out. Catie grinned at seeing him. His well-groomed beard was gone and replaced with a smile much like Carla’s as he walked to her.

“Welcome to Mt. Shasta, Catie,” he said.

“Thanks. I recognize that handsome face.”

“No one else will. They’ve never seen me without the beard.”

“Why’d you shave?”

“It was time.”

“Time?”

“Yep, time.

“Is this your home?” Catie asked.

“It is. It’s a bit larger than the one we talked about.”

“A bit bigger? Tony, this is beautiful.”

“My fortress of solitude.”

“Do you need a fortress of solitude?”

“Not anymore, but I did for a long time.”

“I know the feeling.” She took his hand and smiled. “Any chance a girl can get a hug around here?”

“Just be prepared. I don’t just hug. I HUG.”

He took her in his arms and engulfed her. She melted into him. Both felt it deeply. So much more than a simple hug, they joined.

“Ready for our hike?” he asked everyone.

“Ready,” they all replied.

He had taken many others on this trek and was well prepared. Tony took Catie’s arm and led the group. The first quarter mile was heavily uphill and forested but led them to a well-worn trail where the traveling was much easier.

“All trail from here,” he told them.

“Thank God! I’d never have made it,” Carla replied.

“Me either,” Donna added.

“Stay hydrated. The air is dry up here,” he reminded them all.

“How high are we?” Carla asked.

“About 7,000 feet. Our destination is just above 10,000 feet.”

“Tell us about our destination,” Carla said.

Speaking loud enough for everyone to hear, “We’re going to a spot near the entrance to Telos. It’s one of the vortices on our lovely planet.”

“What are vortices?” Catie asked.

“There are several spots scattered around the earth that seem to have some spiritual energy. Places like; Sedona, Stonehenge, Machi Pichu, Jerusalem, Shasta is one too.”

“What makes them special?”

“No one really knows. Legend says that thousands, maybe millions of years ago, there were two great civilizations, Atlantis, and Lemur. The Atlanteans and Lemurians had different ideas about how less advanced people should be treated. The Atlanteans wanted to subjugate them and the Lemurians wanted them left alone to develop at their own pace. A war broke out between them over that. It caused the islands they were on to sink into the ocean. The Lemurians built an underground city, Telos, deep under Shasta. They still live there today.

“And you believe that?” Catie asked.

“Not a word of it,” he grinned. “But there is something really special about where we’re headed. You’ll experience it yourselves today.”

“What are we going to experience, Tony?” Carla asked.

“You remember the power and oneness we all experienced at the river last Sunday?” Both nodded. “Multiply that by a factor of two or three.”

“Could you sense me there?” Catie asked him.

“No, we were one there. There was no you or me, just one.”

“Are we going to do something like that today?” Carla asked.

“We’ll all be meditating together.”

“I figured you’d be trying to sneak off with my sister,” Carla said.

“Never with a married woman,” he replied.

“What makes you think I’m married?” Catie asked.

“Left ring finger with the impression of a ring, both yesterday and today. You aren’t the type to take it off for a night out, so I’m guessing you’ve recently quit wearing it. You’re either recently separated or in the process of a divorce.”

“Very astute Mr. Holmes. The divorce was final a few weeks ago,” Catie said smiling.

“Sorry, it was none of my business.”

“Your hand doesn’t show signs of a ring.”

“I’ve never had a ring on that finger. I let my chance get away.”

“Tony, why did you leave?”

“I’d rather we do our meditation first, then I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”

“Why after?”

“Talking about what happened will be easier then.”

“Last night you said not to mourn the loss but to celebrate the love. Do you mean that?”

“With all my heart, Catie.”

She took his hand and they walked together for a long time.

“Tony, Donna said you were bringing food,” Carla said.

“I did. Hungry?”

“Starved,” she replied.

The group of eight stepped off the trail and sat. Tony removed his backpack and opened it.

“Chicken salad, ham and cheese, BLTs, assorted cheese, fresh fruit and veggies, take your pick.”

He put out plates then began unpacking the food.

“This is really good. Where’d you buy it?” Catie asked.

“I beg your pardon!” he replied.

“So, you cook now?”

“I have an amazing kitchen?”

“I could buy an axe but that wouldn’t make me a lumberjack,” Catie said grinning.

“I’ll be fixing dinner when we get back. I’ll show you.”

“The Tony I remember burned cold cereal,” Catie chuckled.

“I seem to recall uncooked macaroni in your mac ‘n cheese,” he replied, grinning.

“You ate it, didn’t you?” Donna asked.

“He didn’t say a word. He was on his third or fourth bite before I tasted it and threw it out. We wound up going out for pizza,” Catie said, lovingly.

“Why didn’t you say something?” Carla asked, laughing.

“It was our first sit down meal at her apartment. I didn’t want to ruin it.”

“He was so sweet about the whole thing. Those were times to remember,” Catie said.

Everyone enjoyed their lunch and after eating they returned to their hike. They were nearing the tree line and it began to get cooler. Carla and Catie put on the jackets Tony had put in their packs. About thirty minutes later they arrived at their destination. There were several others there already sitting in a circle with hands joined. After doing their sage cleansing, the group joined them. Catie and Tony sat next to each other. The meditation lasted about forty-five minutes. Everyone stretched when they got up. Tony and Catie found themselves standing alone and enjoying the view. They were still holding hands.

“Carla tells me you’re a Reiki master.”

“I’m far from being a master.”

“But Carla said you have a master rating.”

“I do, but when you consider that the original masters studied twenty or more years for that title and here, we get it after three classes, it isn’t particularly meaningful.”

“Kind of like buying chicken salad and calling yourself a chef,” she said grinning.

He looked at her and smiled, “Wait until dinner.”

“I love peanut butter and jelly.”

“Smooth or crunchy?” he asked.

“Smooth.”

“Good, I’m out of crunchy. Crust on or off?”

“On.”

“White or wheat?”

“For pbj, white. Wheat for anything else.”

“Triangles or rectangles?”

Catie laughed. “Triangles. Grape jelly or jam. Anything else, master chef?”

“How many?”

“Two should do it.”

“Consider it done.”

“What are you fixing everyone else?”

“Something a little more palatable than peanut butter and jelly.”

“Such as?”

“Sorry, that’s classified.”

“Why did you leave?” she asked.

“For a couple of months before I left, you seemed different.”

“How?”

“Imagine someone who lived their life in a beautiful place, but it was behind a wall. Sooner or later, you want to know what’s beyond that wall. You were happy being with me but wondered if you were missing something. I don’t know if what I was feeling was right, but that’s what I felt. I always thought you were out of my league and maybe you were settling for less than you deserved. I was afraid to talk to you about it. If that wasn’t how you felt I didn’t want to give you any ideas. I was insecure. I’d never loved anyone before. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy. I really did. The day you told me you were going to go out with someone else, I knew I had lost the one person in the whole world that I loved. I couldn’t have you, but I wasn’t a big enough man to be able to see you with someone else.

“I threw myself a major pity party. The morning of your date I withdrew from school. Told my friends to take whatever they wanted from my apartment. I put a couple of days’ worth of clothes in a backpack and began walking west. I had no idea where I was headed. I just kept walking. After being on the road for about two months, I found myself in Davis, California where I stopped.

“Catie, I left because I wasn’t strong enough to stay. I should have stayed to be there as your friend. I just couldn’t. I’m sorry. As a friend, I failed miserably.”

“Oh, Tony. I wish you had stayed. You were right about the wall analogy. I went on the date and in less than an hour, I knew I wanted to be with you. I loved you. Midway through dinner, I had him drop me off at your apartment to beg you to forgive my stupidity. You were already gone. Your friends said they didn’t know where you’d gone or how to reach you. The next day I went to see the registrar. They told me you quit school and left no forwarding address. I continued to check for a couple of months, but no one knew anything. I finally gave up. I knew you hated me for what I did to you. I deserved the pain I felt for hurting you.”

“We both saw ourselves as the guilty party but what we failed at was communication,” Tony replied.

“I’m glad we finally got to have this talk. I want more than anything for you to know that it was you I loved, only you.”

“You’re the only woman I ever have or will love, Catie.”

“So where do we go from here, Tony?”

“Back down the mountain. One step at a time.”

“I can do one step at a time,” she said, smiling.

Both leaned forward and slowly, as they looked in each other’s eyes, kissed. The past had closure. Carla and the others had been waiting on them near the trail. They joined them, then began their walk down the mountain. Being downhill the trip went much quicker. Carla and Catie talked together a lot. Tony lagged behind a short distance and just watched. He felt good. Finally, the past was behind him. He had no idea where the future would lead but knew the past could never hold him again.

When they returned to the house everyone went inside. Tony set out snack trays for them.

“Drinks are available at the bar in the den. Help yourselves to some snacks. Dinner will be served in an hour and forty-five minutes. Everyone make yourselves at home. Carla, I’d like you to be in charge of keeping Catie out of my kitchen.”

Catie grinned at him. “Afraid I’ll catch you Googling how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?”

“Just stay out of my kitchen, you non-believer,” he replied smiling.

Carla and Catie made drinks for everyone then went exploring the house. Catie was in love with it. This was a major upgrade from the one room getaway cabin she and Tony had talked about getting.

Donna walked up to them. “This is way too much house for a single person. Too bad he doesn’t have a girlfriend.” Donna nudged Catie, grinning.

“Yeah, too bad,” Carla replied. Catie was pretending to ignore them.

“Carla, there must be a dozen women in your office. Any possibilities?” Donna asked.

“All married or in relationships except Olga, and she’s right out of high school.”

“Too bad, keep your eyes open. Catie, are you married?”

“No, I’m not,” she replied. “I appreciate what you’re doing, but it’s been ten years. We’ve both changed. Let us get to know each other.”

Catie quietly left the room and walked downstairs. She walked to the kitchen and stood in the doorway watching him. It was obvious that he was comfortable with preparing the meal. As he turned toward the pantry, he saw her.

“Any interest in helping put the salad together?” he asked.

“You think you can trust me with that?”

“Everything’s cut up except the cucumber. I put that on last. It needs to be put in the big bowl, tossed and put in salad bowls.”

Catie washed her hands and began. Once the salad was in the bowls, she and Tony reached for the cucumber at the same time.

“Watch and learn, non-believer,” he told her.

Tony grabbed a chef’s knife, peeled the cucumber perfectly, then sliced it so quickly that Catie gasped.

“Wow! I would have lost fingers trying that,” she said, amazed.

“I’ve been practicing,” he said.

“Where did you learn to do that?”

“In Davis and Chico. I took classes while I was stationed near there.”

“So, fill me in from your arrival in Davis until today,” she said.

“When I arrived in town, I got a job in a restaurant. I was a quick learner and they started teaching me to cook. When school started in the fall, I retook the last year of med school and continued part time at the restaurant. The Air Force offered me a three-year residency if I would work for them for a year afterward. I agreed. The last year was in Yuba City which is near Chico. I worked part time as a chef that year then after I got out worked another year. Then I bought the restaurant and converted it into T’s BH Lounge.”

“So, you could sing?”

“An act cancelled last minute one Friday. I decided to fill in. It was so popular I kept it up. About six months later I took the job in Shasta, had the house built and continued my Friday night gig. That brings us to the most beautiful strawberry blonde with brown hair showing up yesterday.”

“How about the Reiki?”

“I met Donna in Chico at a Friday gig. She invited me to a meeting in Red Bluff and I got hooked.”

“How did she know about us?”

“Your guess is as good as mine there.”

“You’ve told me the short version of your last ten years but the only woman you mentioned was Donna and she’s not your type.”

“Catie, you could count the dates I’ve been on with one hand.”

“Why, Tony?”

“Catie, there’s only one woman on this planet I have any desire to ever be with. I’ll love you until the end of time. There’ll never be anyone else for me. I know what’s true for me. Catie, you don’t have to feel the same. I don’t expect that. All I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy. Now you can move on with your life and do that.”

“Tony, you’re a wonderful chef. You sing like no one I’ve ever heard. I don’t know for sure, but I’d wager you’re a talented and compassionate physician. As a salesman, you really suck. You just gave me a great sales pitch, then told me not to buy. I don’t know if I should be flattered or pissed. I’m going to give you a second shot at closing the sale. Do you love me?”

“Yes, Catie.”

“Will you always love me?”

“Always.”

“Will I be your only woman?”

“Of course.”

“That’s how you make a sale. Cut the ifs, ands and buts. Tell me you love me. Tell me you’ll always love me. Tell me there’ll never be anyone else. Now close the sale. Take me in your arms and kiss me. The move after that’ll be mine.”

Tony took Catie in his arms and kissed her better than he ever had. They held each other for a long time.

“Tony, I still love you. I never stopped. Getting back together with you would be a dream. Like you said on the mountain, let’s take one step at a time and get to know each other again.”

“I’d love that, Catie.”

“What else can I help with?”

“Wanna set the table? I have everything set out. There are eight of us.”

“I’m on it,” she replied, picking up placemats and plates.

Tony removed the dish from the oven, removed the foil, and put it back. He set a timer for twenty-five minutes. Catie returned a moment later for napkins and silverware. Tony quickly made two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches then stashed them out of sight.

“What else goes on the table?”

“It’s on the counter to the right of the stove. We also need wine glasses and two bottles of chardonnay. Donna knows where I keep that.”

The next fifteen minutes was a flurry of activity for Tony. Catie called everyone to the table as she and Tony began putting the assortment of dishes on the table. The last dish was a large chicken tetrazzini. Everyone marveled at the spread. Tony rose quickly and went to the kitchen. He returned and handed Catie the plate with two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on it.

“As you requested, madam,” he said, grinning.

“Thank you, sir,” she said, taking her knife and cutting each of the four pieces in half. She took one and passed the plate to Carla. “There’s enough for everyone.”

“Donna, would you like to say a few words?” he asked.

“Please join hands. We sit here as one with all things. One with the entire universe and whatever lies beyond that. As one, we are not hindered by time or space. As one we can experience your complete peace. Thank you. And thanks to our host and hostess for this amazing meal. Eat up,” Donna said.

Everyone ate until they could eat no more. Each dish was perfection. There was a lot remaining when everyone had finished.

“Please take what’s left home with you. I have to-go containers in the kitchen,” Tony offered.

Everyone pitched in to clear the table and several people did make plates to take with them. With everyone pitching in, the kitchen was spotless in no time.

Carla and Catie went off alone to talk for a few minutes as the others were saying their goodbyes. After they all had gone except Catie and her sister, Catie went to Tony.

“Any chance I could get a ride back to Cottonwood tomorrow?” she asked.

“Is Carla having car trouble?”

“No. Her car’s fine. If it’s okay with you, I thought I’d stay behind tonight.”

Tony took her hand and smiled at her. “I’d love for you to stay.”

Catie turned to her sister. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Carla grinned as she walked to them. “Thanks for a wonderful day, T.”

“You’re welcome. I enjoyed it.”

They walked Carla to her car then stood holding each other as she drove away. Tony took Catie’s hand and led her back inside.

“I kind of put you on the spot. Didn’t I?” she asked.

“I wanted to ask you to stay, but I didn’t want to rush anything.”