Chapter 11
Jack stretched out in the hammock. He'd much rather be across the way sitting with Ennis in front of his trailer, but those chairs had gone unused since the scene in the parking lot on the day of the CPR class over two weeks ago. He'd been tempted to go over to try and coax Ennis out to sit and talk, and several times he started to, but he'd changed his mind. He figured that Ennis had been pretty embarrassed by his brother's behavior, but it was more than that. It had to be.
When Jack had seen Gavin at work after the incident, Gavin had said, "Now ya know firsthand why I can't stand that idiot shithead that Ennis was unfortunate enough ta get as a brother."
Jack wanted to ask questions, but he was hesitant. He felt disloyal to Ennis listening to someone badmouth his brother, so he just kept his questions to himself. He could pretty much surmise what the story was without having the blanks filled in anyway. He'd had an ear full that day outside the hospital. He had to wonder why Ennis let his brother dictate how he lived his life. After all, it was Ennis' life, not his brother's. Did his brother even really care about him to act like that? Well, Jack figured there was more to the story than he knew. He just wished that Ennis felt close enough to him to talk about it.
Since the day of the CPR class, Jack had noticed that Ennis had retreated inside himself, both physically and emotionally. Just like the first few days after he and the others had arrived, Ennis would hole up inside his trailer every evening or go out and stay till late. At work, he was busy along with everyone else, but even when he was taking a breather and Jack approached, he'd suddenly remember something he had to do or someplace he had to be.
The fishing trips on their mutual day off were no more. Jack had asked Ennis two weeks in a row to go fishing, but he'd declined, giving what Jack knew were lame excuses. The first week, Jack had driven around taking pictures, and on the second, he'd gone fishing by himself. He jogged most days to keep in shape.
The July 4th holiday was quickly approaching, and the traffic in and out of the Visitor Center increased daily. Busloads of tourists descended on them several times a week. Everyone was kept hopping. Jack and Rob gave at least two talks each day. Liz had jumped in too and was doing great. There was barely time to think of much else but the job, at least during the work day.
The evenings brought feelings of melancholy for Jack. Alma was troubled about Ennis as well. Jack thought back to the night they had returned from the class. As soon as they'd gotten into the barracks and Liz had gone into her room, Alma had started asking questions. She had gone outside the hospital that afternoon with Jack and seen and heard everything too.
"Who was that man fighting with Ennis and Gavin? Do you know?" Alma had asked with wide eyes.
"It was Ennis' older brother. He'd gone there to pick up some fish that Ennis had taken him."
"What a hothead. He was totally out of control."
"Yeah," was all Jack said. He hadn't wanted to talk about it. He was relieved when Alma had talked to him in private though, not involving Liz. Alma was a good-natured, caring girl. She'd encouraged him to keep being a friend to Ennis. She suggested that Jack go over to Ennis' and try to get him to have a beer and talk.
Jack was still quite shaken up since the incident. He didn't want to lose the friendship he and Ennis had started. Even if it could never be more, he had been happy during those times they'd spent together talking, laughing, and fishing. But it was Ennis' choice to stay away. Jack wanted things to be the same, but it wasn't looking like Ennis wanted that.
The following day marked one month since he and the others had arrived. Tomorrow he and three of his new friends were going horseback riding. If Ennis wasn't willing to continue their friendship, he had to find other ways to enjoy the rest of his summer.
Jack had rearranged his day off so he could be off on Saturday, Gavin's day off. Gavin had invited him, Alma, and Liz to go riding, and he was going.
He also had Jeff's visit to look forward to. His roommate would spend the holiday there, and Jack was anxious to show him around and make sure he had a good time. His summer workmates seemed pleased that a guest was expected and had plans to cook out while he was there, and promised to help Jack clean everything up extra good for his arrival.
This summer had been unpredictable, mostly because of the people he had come in contact with. He felt like he was on a wild ride. It would be great seeing Jeff, the one guy he knew he could count on to make him feel grounded.
One person he very much hoped to never see again was that lunatic brother of Ennis'. He didn't resemble Ennis. Maybe it was his crazy eyes, maybe something else, but he sure wasn't anything like Ennis in looks, and certainly not in actions.
He sat up and swung his legs off the hammock, anchoring his feet on the ground. He was up in a flash and heading toward the barracks for some company and conversation. Jack was tired of being by himself. When he was alone, all he thought about was Ennis.
...
Ennis pushed the button on his alarm clock with so much force that the clock was shoved across the cramped space that served as a nightstand above his bed. Another weekend. Another weekend of work...what else was there? Well, Jack won't be there today. The first Saturday he hadn't worked with Ennis. Shit. Ennis had heard Liz and Alma going on during the week about their plans for Saturday, which also included Jack. Yeah, Jack had Lureen change the schedule to suit his needs. Guess it's some kinda double date. Yeah, he'd heard Gavin's name mentioned too.
Ennis sat up on the edge of the bed and rubbed his temple. He had a headache because he hadn't been sleeping much for the past couple of weeks. Not since the CPR class and the run-in he had with his brother.
Double date...now that's funny. Are Jack and Gavin Alma and Liz's dates? No, Jack and Gavin would be together...but what about Alma and Liz?
Ennis' short bitter laugh made him feel pathetic. He needed coffee.
While the coffee brewed, Ennis cleaned up in his tiny bathroom and was out in time to pour the freshly brewed beverage just as it finished dripping into the carafe. Seated at the table he began to think.
It had been a good summer until the past couple of weeks. He had had some of the best days he could remember. Yeah, sure, he'd had some good times, but he'd known all along that a serious relationship with Jack was just a fantasy. He was pretending that it was real, that it could continue, and maybe, just maybe even go further than friendship, when deep inside he knew it was just a short term thing. Something to enjoy while it lasted, but it wasn't going to last. Well, it didn't even last as long as he thought it would. That day of the CPR class put an end to it. Seeing K.E. and watching him react as he did sure woke Ennis up.
Jesus, at least K.E. was directing his venom toward Gavin, not Jack. Gavin heard it all before and then some. He didn't have to barge in. I coulda handled K.E. myself, and I told Gavin that at work next time I saw him. Things almost went to hell with Gavin getting into the act. Damn fool.
He hadn't spoken to K.E. since and wasn't anxious to. There was absolutely no reasoning with him, no use trying. Ennis knew beyond a doubt that his brother would disown him if he ever admitted what K.E. already suspected. His brother rejecting him would be a light sentence. If K.E. didn't kill him, he'd probably at least run him out of the county.
Life would never be the same if K.E. knew for sure.
"Fuck!" Ennis shouted, his fist coming down on the tabletop causing the coffee to slosh out of his cup. "Damn," he said more calmly, and stood up to reach for the dish rag. After he wiped the mess up, he sat down again and went back to thinking.
Why am I getting all riled up over this anyway? Jack Twist is nothing to me. He's an L.A. boy spending the summer here. He'll be heading back to college in two months time. Even if I didn't have any of this baggage, it never would have worked. Too many obstacles.
Ennis took in a deep breath and let it out. He rubbed his eyes.
Hell, maybe he even has a boyfriend for all I know. He always acted like a friend when we were out, but nothing more. 'Course he didn't know...well, yeah, he didn't know. He called that roommate guy his buddy. I can just imagine what kinda buddy. And the guy is due here next week. Damn.
Ennis stood up and looked out the window. He hadn't even fed the squirrels and birds yet. Not able to clear his mind of Jack, the thoughts ran rampant.
Jack did go fishing with me, and now he's going out with Gavin. What would his roommate think of that? It's not absolute they're fuck buddies. But even if they aren't, Jack will be down there at that fancy college in that big city all next winter doing God knows what, meeting God knows who. He'd never in a million years wanna get involved with me and come back next year to pick up where we left off. That's not gonna happen. Yeah, me in Northern California, and him in Southern California for nine months.
He sat back down at the table. Oh brother, I'm losing it. It won't work for more reasons than you can count. Anyway, you barely know him. What you do know you like, though. Admit it. He's smart, ambitious, confident, sensitive, and sexy as hell.
Ennis gulped down the last of his coffee and realized he didn't have time for breakfast.
...
"From what Gavin said, it's real close by and simple to find," Alma said from the passenger seat in Jack's jeep.
"Yeah, but that was coming from the other way. You two insisted on coming the long way so you could see the town," Jack reminded her.
"Are you saying you're sorry we came this way? Already we've seen such beautiful scenery," Alma said.
"Okay, okay, I'm impressed, and glad to see it all. I was really blown away with how the mountains and peaks suddenly popped into view as we came around that sharp turn, and with the lake down below...it was quite an eye-opener."
"Whoever came up with the name OH! Ridge knew what they were doing," Liz said from the backseat.
"And that perched boulder," Alma said in amazement. "That was truly worth seeing too."
"It's called a glacial erratic. And, I agree, it was something. I'll have to come over here when I have my camera," Jack said.
"Seems you'd have it with you all the time when we're living in such a beautiful area," Liz said.
"I noticed that some of the places around here have names referring to that boulder... I mean glacial erratic," Alma said.
"Yeah, Boulder Lodge, Big Rock Resort...what else?" Liz asked.
"Big Rock Road," Alma volunteered.
"And we'd have missed seeing June Lake with that cute little beach if we hadn't driven in this way, plus another lake up the way," Liz said.
"I'm not disagreeing that it was a good idea to come in from this side, just saying it was farther, and might be harder to find the stable," Jack said.
"I think everything is along this one continuous loop, so I don't think it's too difficult," Liz said.
"I can see I'm outnumbered, so I'll shut up and drive." Jack chuckled. He was going to try and make the best of this day off if it killed him. Ever since he saw Ennis drive off for work, Jack had a heavy heart.
Shit, what's wrong with me? I've only known him a month and I feel so...so...hell, I can't even put a name to it.
Jack came back to reality in time to hear Alma ask him a question. "Do you think that sometime we can get a ride back over here with you? It would be so nice to look around this little village, go into some of the shops, and maybe even sit on the beach at the lake."
"Maybe we can work that out, or maybe you could take my jeep. We'll see," Jack said. "I want to make time to swim in Mono Lake, how bout you two?"
Alma made a face, but Liz seemed interested. "I do want to do that soon," she answered. "Alma and I waded in it, but I'd love to swim."
"You know, I think that lake is good for a lot of things, but swimming might not be one," Alma said. She went on. "I think the fireworks display will be spectacular above it. Rob plans to have a barbecue down there, and we'll all spend the whole evening. It will be so much fun."
They came upon another beautiful lake. "This one is Gull Lake if I'm not mistaken," Jack said. "It's the smallest of the four."
"It's lovely," Alma said. "I see some fishermen out there."
The mention of fishermen made Jack's heart ache. He would love to be out fishing somewhere with Ennis, but horseback riding was the order of the day and that was nothing to sneeze at, especially in this picturesque setting.
Just before arriving at the third lake on the loop, Alma pointed off to the left. "Oh, look at that pretty waterfall."
"That's beautiful," Liz said.
"I didn't know there were any waterfalls over here. I've been planning to visit Yosemite later this summer to see the ones there," Jack said.
Soon the third lake came into view. A sign reading "Silver Lake" told Jack that they were close to the stables. "Keep a lookout, we're getting close."
"Look at that lake!" Liz exclaimed. "The ripples look like silver glistening on the top. Silver Lake is a perfect name for it."
"Look up there at those little homes," Alma said, pointing across from the lake.
"Those are probably summer cabins," Jack said. "I can't see living up there in the winter."
"That's because you come from the city. I'm sure some people live there year round," Liz answered. "It would be beautiful."
"Just think of all the snow you'd have to shovel." Jack laughed.
"I thought you wanted to live and work in a forest. Gavin and Don live in the snow year round," Liz said.
"Well, Gavin does, but Don goes to Bishop during the winter," Alma said.
Jack thought about Gavin's cabin in the woods and how much shoveling he must have to do. Thought how lonely it must get. He imagined living in snow country year round and decided that if he had a special person he was committed to, he wouldn't mind living in ten feet of snow. He could see living with Ennis in a little cabin someplace all hunkered down by a fireplace. Shit, snap out of it, Jack.
"There it is, up ahead," Jack said. He turned on his signal and prepared to make a left turn.
"I see Gavin's truck," Alma said.
"He's probably been waiting for quite some time. I think we're more than a little late," Jack complained.
He drove up to the parking area as quickly as was safe. Gavin stepped out of his truck and walked over to greet them. He didn't seem at all annoyed that they were late. He was wearing a brown cowboy hat, and had another one in his hand which he offered to Jack. It was a darker shade of brown.
"Here, try this on for size." He met Jack's eyes and smiled. "We can pretend we're real cowboys today." He turned his attention to the girls. "Sorry, ladies, I didn't happen ta have any cowgirl hats for y'all."
"That's okay, we have visors," Liz said.
Jack replaced his baseball cap with the cowboy hat. He threw the cap onto the seat of his jeep. "You look great," Gavin said, flashing a big smile. "Doesn't he look good?" he asked the girls.
"He does, and so do you," Liz said.
"I couldn't agree more," Alma said.
"Well, let's get going. Follow me," Gavin said.
"Liz and Alma wanted to see June Lake, so we came in from that end. Would have been here sooner if we'd come the way you said to," Jack said while they walked.
"Don't sweat it, I just kicked back and took a snooze," Gavin said. "What did y'all think about the landmark boulder as ya came into June Lake?"
"It was awesome," Liz said.
"Unbelievable," added Alma.
"I'll get a picture of it sometime before the end of the summer," Jack said.
"That boulder is eighteen feet tall, and weighs a hundred and fifty tons," Gavin explained. "It's a notable sight ta say the least."
"The entire area is so pretty. Much less hustle and bustle than Mammoth," Alma said.
"Wait till we get on the horses and ride out into the sunset...or is that sunrise? Well, the sunshine, anyway," Gavin quipped.
"I hope the horses are gentle," Alma said in a serious tone.
"Oh, yeah, don't worry, all the horses are calm temperament and have good dispositions," Gavin said.
"You've ridden here a lot then?" Liz asked.
"I've done my share."
"Hi, Gavin," one of the stable hands greeted. "Are you here to do some riding? Looks like you brought some friends along."
"Yeah, Bobby, we're here ta take some horses out for a couple hours. Hope ya have some real gentle animals for these two young cowgirls. Me and this here cowboy can handle...what da ya say, Jack? A Stallion?" Gavin broke into laughter.
Jack snorted out a laugh. Gavin put his arm around Jack and continued speaking to Bobby. "Well, on second thought, maybe two laid back, easy goin' kinda horses for us too. Yeah, give us all bomb proof rides."
"I can fix you up, Gavin. Come this way."
When the four of them were aboard their horses, Jack was getting into it. He felt a lot better and looked forward to the ride, and what a ride it was. The trail was breathtaking and peaceful. Peaceful that is, until Gavin told one of his crazy jokes, or made one of his bizarre comments. He had them all in stitches for most of the ride. They rode under quaking aspens, and through colorful carpets of wildflowers as a multitude of birds sang overhead. An occasional chattering chipmunk or squirrel didn't faze any of the horses who were truly mellow and even-tempered.
There were times during the ride when thoughts of Ennis crept into Jack's mind. He couldn't help but imagine how Ennis would look atop a horse, the things they would talk about, and just how different it would be if it was him and Ennis rather than this group of four. But that wasn't to be, so he wiped it from his mind and tried to live in the moment.
When their two hours were up and they were back at the stable dismounting, Gavin brought up the subject of going to lunch. They had tentative plans to do so, and Jack was starving so he was all for it.
"Since you know what's around here, why don't you pick where we go?" Alma suggested to Gavin.
"Well, okay. Why don't we head to the Silver Lakes Café. It's a nice down-home kinda place and has a good view."
"That sounds nice," Liz said.
"Fine with me," Jack agreed.
Jack followed Gavin's truck, and they arrived at the quaint little cafe across from Silver Lake within a few minutes. The restaurant was quite small, but the menu was extensive. Of course Gavin found something to joke about when he ordered a sandwich called a Mexican Jack, which was turkey, jack cheese, jalapenos, grilled onions, and special sauce.
"I'll have a hamburger with pepper jack cheese," Jack said after studying the menu.
"Get some pepper jack for Jack," Gavin said to the waitress.
"He hasn't even been drinking," Jack joked.
The waitress smiled. "I think I've seen you in here before." Her statement was directed at Gavin.
"Yes, ya probably have, ma'am," Gavin said. "I've been here a fair amount of times, usually eatin' alone, but today I'm blessed ta have some friends with me...I'm not sure I've seen you before. Maybe ya have your hair different...or have ya lost weight or somethin'?" Gavin's eyes landed on her name tag. "Lisa," he said aloud. "I don't think you've ever been my waitress before. I'm sure I'd remember a pretty little lady such as yourself."
Lisa blushed, obviously flattered by Gavin's words. She took down the rest of the orders and hurried off.
Liz and Alma had ordered salads, but during the meal they both reached for fries off Gavin and Jack's plates, giggling all the while. Lisa kept their drinks filled, and made sure they had everything they needed without having to ask. When it was time to pay, they went Dutch, and Gavin shelled out a hefty tip for the size of the bill.
Out in the parking lot, Jack grabbed the cowboy hat off the seat of his jeep and tried to hand it to Gavin who pushed it back toward Jack. "No, no...that's yours ta keep. Somethin' ta remember the day by. Wear it in good health."
Jack felt a bit awkward but accepted the gift politely. "Okay, thanks," he said, as Alma and Liz looked on.
On the way home they passed Grant Lake, the last and largest on the loop, or the first if they'd come the other direction. People enjoying water skiing and jet skiing could be seen out on the lake.
When their Saturday came to an end, Jack had to admit that he'd had a good time and it was a worthwhile experience. All the mountain air had made him sleepy, so shortly after returning to the barracks, he closed himself in his room for a nap. He made space on his crowded bureau for his cowboy hat and turned on the mini-fan that helped clutter the top of the small, scratched piece of furniture. He kicked off his boots and landed on the bed with a flop. It wasn't long before he was so drowsy he couldn't keep his eyes open. Before he nodded off, he turned on his side and the cowboy hat was the last thing he saw as he drifted off.
To Be Continued...
