"Nyrah, Bill and I have an idea to get business going again." My ears perk up, intrigued. Have they finally decided to get this barbecue started? I can taste the sirloin steak already.
"It's about time. I dying for some roasted corn on the cob."
"Did Bill already tell you about it?"
"I read minds," I nod as if I'm serious about that statement, but a grin shatters my exterior, with no hope of recovery. Lucas shakes his head in disbelief, a finger pointed at me. "You become more unpredictable every day. Maybe you do read minds." He shoves his hands into his pockets. "Tell me, Nyrah, what am I thinking about?"
"Couldn't even begin to imagine."
"I was thinking about how beautiful you look today." No matter what I do to steel my nerves to that statement, a blush claws up my neck regardless. It is only the two of us talking just outside the saloon. Gustav is smooshed against his fist at the bar counter, a dramatic sigh buzzing his lips. He's either bored or depressed because he is bored. Lucas is unreadable. I am not unreadable, for the nervous smile has already grown. "I think I'm going to tell Gustav the good news."
An hour later, things are off to a progressive start. I help some of the men carry chairs out to the tables, and it earns me a few confused looks. Elizabeth waves at me, and I wave back before we both return to what we were doing before. For her, it is engaging in a conversation with Nathan; he laughs at something she says, and the twinge in my chest returns. I used to experience this whenever Lucas was is in that position. What is wrong with me? Neither of them are an option. I return to the store room for some extra seating, and I discover they have already been brought out. Instead, I raid the cupboard for some extra tablecloths and rejoin outside and aid the other women in setting the tables.
"Have you spoken with Rosemary yet?" I ask Clara as we both fold the napkins.
She sighs, "Not yet." Rosemary has jumped right in with the event, directing traffic where it must go. Bill glares at her when she is not aware of it, as she takes over his own attempt. "I'm not sure how to bring it up."
"Maybe talk to Jesse?" I pitch, and she appears more confident with that idea. A head of firey hair floats into my vision before Molly asks me what she can do to help, but not without me noticing the subtle glance she spares in Bill's direction. I watch as he heads toward the cafe.
"Follow me," I conceal the smirk from her notice, and direct her to the back door of the cafe, opening it without bothering to knock. "Bill, I have a recruit for you. Molly is willing to help."
He might just protest at the sight of her, but I delicately murder him with my eyes as a gentle nudge toward obedience. "Very well then, wash your hands and get started on slicing the bread " Bill glares at me, and I stick out my tongue, then leave them both to their own devices. Bill has noticed her, but he is not inclined toward romance right now, and he knows what I'm trying to do. Molly is a beautiful woman, and Bill Avery needs someone to love as well. I hope it works out.
Lucas is beside the Queen Of Hearts' serving table, and I approach with caution. He thinks I am beautiful. I scold my stupidity. I should have allowed that moment to blossom, but instead I stomped on it like a dandelion. But then I remember that it is for the best. "Just the person I wanted to see."
My sight flicks around me. With no one around, I assume he meant me. "And what is exciting about Nyrah Sutton coming to talk with you?"
He chortles, "I enjoy talking to you." With a shrug, he unwraps a basket of rolls. "Anyway, I wanted to mention that you are free to enjoy the barbecue like everyone else, all I ask is that you help with cleanup afterward. If you are willing."
I salute at him, "You got it boss."
Families collect in piles right in front of Gustav and Bill frying sirloin steaks for those who want it. Florence sits alone, rather humbled by her charge to spread the news of this big cookout. Since she was the one who started the rumor that the saloon and Cafe had unsafe food, Bill and Lucas thought it appropriate for her to apologize to everyone as she delivered brochures in person. Having pity on the woman, I sink into a seat beside her. To avoid in making her feel worse, I don't bring up what happened. Instead, I take a glance at her plum outfit.
"You look very nice today, Florence." The woman lifts her head, radiance spilling back into her eyes.
"Oh, thank you! That is kind of you to say." In this second, another young lady joins the conversation. "Hello, Fiona." Florence greets. The three of us connect over simple things, and I listen politely to the gossip about Stacey, whoever she may be, going on a diet, with a mind never to repeat the words. During the meal, murmurs ripple over the crowd as Nathan escorts his father to jail, with anger contorting his face. I know what is happening. Elizabeth is with Allie, a sadness causing the girl's shoulders to droop. I notice the stubborness brewing greater. I stay seated, uncertain what I could do to aid the situation. Nathan dragging his father away has caused a scene. Of course, I know his father is innocent of the robbery of a diamond necklace. Everything shall right itself, but until then, Nathan is going to be in a foul mood for a few days. I don't blame him.
Ten minutes after cleanup is completed, I dash toward home to change into my trusty jeans and shoes. They will have to do. I was paid today, so I store the money in a sock underneath the dresser instead of inside of it. I cannot risk a thief one day making assumptions that my money is concealed in a typical place. I decide to go out for a jog, which I have not done since I got here. I press against the wall in order to stretch my calfs before adjusting into two more warm-ups. Four squats, and I am ready to head outside and start slow around the pond. I focus on leveling my breath, anxious thoughts of Jude in my mind. Lucas informed me that Jude packed his bags and caught the soonest stagecoach bound for the next state. The idea of marching up to his hole of a home to confront him has been thrown out the window, with a falling whistle effect. A subtle warmth blooms from my ankles up to my thighs, blood pumping. I never realized how uncomfortable it is to jog in pants instead of gym shorts. I really need to improve my sewing skills so I can make some appropriate clothing. I have another lesson with Rosemary tomorrow.
I don't see anyone around at the moment, and I find solace in losing myself in this activity, the sound of shoes patting the grass, frogs splashing, bulrushes bowing. A serene wind blows against the clouds, where bald eagles soar. It's as if I am running away from something. An idea or fate, I have no words. All I focus on, is the heartbeat in my chest and the next bend approaching.
Thirty minutes pass by, and I enter a cooldown, before taking off my shoes and wading on the shore. I stare at a rippling reflection, unable to recognize myself. The same woman who stands here curling her toes deep in the sand floor is not the same woman as when she walked into that trashy bathroom stall. Her skin may be more smooth, but beneath her plump rosy lips and feathery eyelashes, a diverse many scars cause her smile to ache. Socially awkward. That was how people used to describe me. Opinionated. I never knew how to walk around their landmines instead of eggshells. I cling to a happier memory. The voice of my brother replays from the recesses of my consciousness. I haven't thought about it in years.
"Hey, cheer up!" He would say whenever I got upset with our golden-doodle for licking my sniffley nose. "If it upsets you, just ask him not to do it." Peter's azure eyes sparkled and Lily huffed from her vantage point cross-legged on the counter. Olympus, the dog, jutted his wet nose toward my mouth, his toenails clicking against fake kitchen tiles.
I shrieked in panic, "Stop it! Bad puppy!" Peter helped in kindly pushing his slobbery tongue away. I growled at the dog, sticking out my own tongue, "Bad puppy!" Peter's giggles filled the room and so did Lily's, her own supportive hand on my shoulder.
"You tell him, Nyrah."
I flinch in realization that I have been staring into space. I miss them so much.
I treck across the road, bare feet calloused to the gravel beneath them. There is a chance of stepping on broken glass, but I don't care in this moment. Lucas appears out of nowhere, and I approach to speak with him. He watches my feet, wincing at the sight of them bearing my entire weight. "Isn't that painful?"
"Not really," I smirk, "you should try it."
"I think I'm good, thanks." He protests, and I yank on his arm, reaching for his shoes, but he nearly skids backward in his attempt to escape. "Come on, are you going to ruin the fun?" I egg on. At last, the sound of defeat escapes his mouth in a sigh, removing his brown shoes. That was easier than expected. The one word to describe Lucas, would have to be "rigid," the rocks pinching his toes and heels.
"How do you somehow get me into these situations?" He questions, black wool still giving his arches some protection. We can't have that.
"The stockings too, Bouchard."
"What?" His disbelief is priceless, but I realize now that I'm only being mean, causing a dismissal for his reluctance and let him grab my arm for balance. I lead him to a grassy patch near the pond. I sit down to drink in the sunset. Lucas does the same. I hug my knees.
"Have you always loved her?" I suddenly ask, really curious to hear his response. I am fully aware of how it affects his mood. He is confused, but smirks anyway. "Who do you mean?"
"Elizabeth, of course." I shove his shoulder playfully, but behind the laughter, another crack appears over my heart.
Lucas shrugs, "I actually loved someone else for a time, but she did not return my interest." So he does love Elizabeth...I smile, trying to be supportive, but feel relieved in a sense. I finally know where he stands. Grass has never before been so abused than between my twitchy fingers in this moment. "How do you know she didn't have interest?" I switch to leaning back on my elbows, legs stretched out.
The sound catches in his throat, but I wait in silence, not willing to let this go. I remain patient, while he breaches the quiet night air. "She was with someone, but I don't think things moved forward with the man. By the time I thought of trying again with her, she spent all her time with someone else..." He trails off, not intending to complete the thought, but continues in another direction, "I care for Elizabeth. That care is growing, and I wish to see where it might lead." I'm not surprised by his confessions...really, I'm not. Curiosity springs up within me as to who the other woman was before Elizabeth, but I suspect has left her anonymous for a reason. Maybe I don't need to know the answer. "You and Elizabeth deserve eachother," I encourage, "Just...take care of her heart; she's my friend, and so are you. That will never change."
Two minutes turn into five, before becoming fifteen minutes of content. Lucas stands, but I pay no attention until a hand blocks my view of the last remnants of candlelight in the sky. "Care to dance?" Lucas's eyes crinkle, and I accept with grace as he helps me stand. His arm around my waist, we laugh over my incessant need to step on his feet.
"Sorry," I apologize profusely, "I only know the traditional waltz."
"Well then, let's adjust shall we?" I lay my palm on his shoulder, and follow him. I allow myself to become lost in his dark eyes one last time, before night falls completely. A tuneless dance coming to a halt, and our friendship grown.
Gah! That was so hard to write!
I have an idea to pitch to all of you. Since I have already done the Cristmas chapters, is everyone down for an extra long chapter during the Christmas season? Let me know in the comments!