CHAPTER 4
Beth couldn't have been more surprised by anything than what she saw when she walked in the
door. There on the edge of the small stage area sat Barkley. The dog was sitting up and his
complete attention was directed at an older man playing the blues on an electric guitar.
Joe was in the middle of a set so Richie motioned Beth to an empty table near the bar.
It was all Beth could do not to rush over to her dog and pull him into a hug, but she knew she
should wait … at least she could see he was ok.
Joe had seen the two walk in and nodded to Richie. A few minutes later he finished the set and
had no sooner set his guitar aside when Barkley heard his owner call his name. The dog turned
and bounded across the room and into the arms of Beth, who was glad she had knelt down or he
would have bowled her over.
"How's my bad boy?" she cooed against Barkley's head as she ran her fingers through his thick,
short fur. Barkley was so excited. His tail was wagging side to side and he couldn't seem to get
close enough to her. "Don't you ever do this again." She scolded him in a voice that was firm,
but full of love for the animal, who was oblivious to the fact that he'd done anything wrong.
Beth realized Joe had moved over to them and stood up. "Thank you so much for keeping him
here. I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost him."
"No problem. Barkley is welcome in my club anytime." Joe replied as he extended his hand.
"Joe Dawson …"
"Beth Parker … " she replied as she shook his hand. "I hope he wasn't too much of a bother."
Richie rolled his eyes as Joe declared the dog had been great from the minute he'd wandered in
the door.
"He's a real music lover … has an ear for the blues. " Joe laughed as they moved to a table and
sat down. Barkley curled up against Beth's leg and laid his head in her lap.
"And here I thought he was a country dog." She laughed as she scratched the dog behind the
ear.
Richie's laugh stopped suddenly as he sensed the presence of another immortal. His back was
to the door, but Joe noticed and immediately put him at ease by calling out to Duncan McCloud
as he entered.
Duncan saw Joe and Richie at the table with a woman he didn't recognize and strode over,
picking up a beer from the bar on his way. He noticed how quickly Richie moved to grab a chair
behind them and put it on the other side of him … when there had been more space next to the
woman. "Territorial are we?" Mac thought to himself as he grinned at his young friend. This
could be fun … he always enjoyed messing with Richie when he could, and this seemed like a
good opportunity … especially after he'd heard about the way his friend had used his place for a
few parties while he was gone.
It was only after he had been introduced to Beth and sat down that he noticed the dog eyeing him
suspiciously from his position beside her. "I see your number one fan is still here Joe."
"Yeah … but I'm afraid he won't be able to hang around for long. He's Beth's dog … she came to
pick him up."
"I can't thank you enough for watching out for him … and making him feel at home." Beth
reached her hand out and touched the old man's shoulder, squeezing slightly.
It was in that instant that Duncan saw the glint of gold on her finger and knew from the way his
friend was hovering that it was something Richie had missed.
"I'm sure your husband will be happy to know you found the dog." Duncan said and Richie's eyes
immediately fell to look at her hand as she moved it to continue patting Barkley.
Beth was a little taken aback. For the past few minutes as she and Richie had been talking while
Joe finished the set, and ever since he'd joined them, she had been able to forget her pain …
she'd been able to simply enjoy being with nice people. But Duncan's words brought it all back.
She looked down at her hand and then her eyes came up to meet Duncan's … making him
immediately regret he'd asked when he saw the light go out in them. It took a few long seconds
for Beth to find her voice.
"My husband is dead … I lost him about a year ago." She answered softly, her eyes moving back
down to Barkley's fur. The dog seemed to sense the sadness in her voice and looked up at her,
snuggling closer.
"I'm sorry for your loss." Duncan replied, ignoring Richie's look of disapproval for bringing up the
subject.
Richie and Joe added their own condolences but kept it short. They could see this wasn't a
subject she wanted to discuss.
"Thank you … That's why Barkley and I moved to Seacouver a few weeks ago … to try and make
a fresh start." What she said was true, even if it did omit quite a bit of detail … not the least of
which was that she had no choice but to start over in a new place if she wanted to stay alive.
"I hope it works out for you." Duncan replied.
"Do you mind if I ask where you are from?" Richie moved back into the conversation. "I mean …
from your accent I wouldn't think it's anywhere near here."
Beth smiled. "Accent? Why whatever do you mean?" she replied in her thickest drawl.
Her lighthearted humor put the three men back at ease, realizing she wanted to get past the last
few moments and enjoy the company.
"I'm from a small town in Tennessee … not too far from Nashville." She replied, knowing again
that Lt. Taylor would be livid that she divulged that much information about herself. She should
be more careful, but something told her these men could be trusted … and she would need
people she could trust if she was going to make her new life work.
"Nashville." Joe leaned back. "I loved that city. Haven't been there in years, but you couldn't
beat lower Broadway on a Saturday night."
"If you love live music and smoky little joints then lower Broad is the place … but if you haven't
been there in a while you might be surprised to find how it's changed. They really cleaned up that
area and a lot of larger clubs moved in … but the best of the old places are still there …"
For the next couple of hours the four enjoyed pleasant conversation. Beth told them about her
bakery and the guys helped familiarize her with Seacouver. Their only interruption were the two
sets Joe had left to do before closing … sets that included Barkley moving to his favorite position
for optimal listening. Beth couldn't help but laugh at the silly dog.
"Has he always been into music?" Richie asked, putting his arm around the back of her chair and
leaning in so she could hear him.
"I guess so … I mean he used to like to sit in with my husband when he played." If Beth was sad
about the memory, her face didn't give it away. "I always thought it was because he was so
devoted to Craig … but maybe there was more to it?" she smiled. Richie's face was only inches
from hers, and their eyes locked for a long instant before she smiled and turned her attention
back to Joe's music. She'd have to be completely blind not to see that Richie was attracted to
her … and as foreign as the idea was to her right now, Beth thought he seemed kind … and
handsome. Not in the way that Duncan McCloud was handsome … no that man was in a league
of his own. And as nice as Duncan seemed … she was sure he'd broken many a heart with one
glance. And she was quite certain he knew the effect he had on women. He radiated confidence
… and though he seemed very nice … she wasn't completely sure about him. Richie probably
had broken his share too, but he was young and there was something about him that made her
think he'd never really been in love … but if he ever fell … it would be for keeps. She hoped he
would realize she was only looking for a friend right now …
Richie kept his arm around her chair for a few more seconds after she broke eye contact with
him. Had she been like most of the other girl's he'd wanted to get to know better, he probably
would have stayed where he was and tried to use the close proximity to gain an advantage. But
Beth was different. Her friendly manner was genuine, but he could see the wall she had built
around herself … and he'd seen the pain in her eyes when she'd been reminded of her loss.
At one point when he'd gotten up for another beer and a refill on her ginger ale, Duncan took the
opportunity to move to the bar as well.
"Tread lightly with this one Richie." He'd told his friend in a low voice. Richie started to act like
he didn't know what he meant, but Mac usually knew what he was talking about … an
exasperating quality.
"I know … I know … she just lost her husband …" Richie replied.
"It's not just that … I can't put my finger on it Rich, but there's something more going on with her.
I've seen women mourn men they truly loved … but pain like she had in her eyes … there's
something bigger than just losing him."
Richie cast a glance over Duncan's shoulder where Beth was listening to one of Joe's stories.
Her face lit up at something he was saying and her laugh was like music. But as soon as the
moment was over, he saw the veil come back over her eyes … something that put a bit of a
distance between her and everyone else.
"I wonder what happened?" Richie asked Duncan.
"I have no idea. But whatever it is … until you know … or until she finds a way past it, you might
enjoy her company … but hold onto your heart." Duncan warned. "I'm serious Richie … she
seems like a nice woman, but I don't want to see you get hurt … and if you move in too fast then
that's what is going to happen … trust me on this one."
Richie eyed Duncan warily even as he listened to his words … "You wouldn't want to be pushing
back the competition now would you Mac?" He was only half serious because deep down he
knew what Mac was saying was probably right.
Duncan smirked and gave a little laugh. "Richie, Richie Richie" he shook his head at his pupil.
"There's no competition here. And even if I was interested, she's not … she doesn't trust me."
Richie raised an eyebrow.
"She doesn't dislike me, but for some reason she's not comfortable with me like she is with you …
or with Joe." Duncan continued. "But she probably has her reasons, and I still think she's a nice
woman … just one who brought a lot of baggage when she moved to Seacouver for her 'fresh
start.' "
Richie nodded and picked up the drinks, moving past Duncan to take his seat next to Beth. It
was Duncan's words that stayed in the back of his mind the rest of the night … and tempered his
instinct to come on a little stronger with this woman he desperately wanted to get to know.
At the end of Joe's last set Beth looked at her watch. "Oh wow … I didn't realize how late it is,
and I've got some work to do before I can call it a night if there are going to be pastries in the
morning. Do you have a number for a cab company I can call that will take pets?" she asked
Joe.
"A cab? Sure … but why don't you let one of us take you home in the van. It will be quicker …
and we'll feel better knowing the two of you got home all right." Joe offered.
"Oh no … you've been put upon by Barkley and me way too much already. If you have the
number I'll just call a cab." She pulled out her cell phone and opened it to dial, but Richie closed
the phone by covering her hand with his.
"Just let us do this. It's really not any trouble … you actually live closer to Joe's than where I
picked you up tonight."
Joe pulled the keys out of his pocket and handed them to Richie. "We won't take no for an
answer."
Beth shook her head and smiled, not believing how nice these people were. "I won't make a fuss
then if you insist." And then she did something that surprised herself a little. Maybe it was
because of the way Esperanza had hugged her so warmly earlier that day, but for some reason
she was able to let down her guard enough and be spontaneous … the way she used to be. Beth
leaned over to Joe and gave him a quick but sincere hug, thanking him for his kindness to she
and Barkley.
"You're more than welcome Beth … and I hope to see you again soon … both of you." Joe
leaned over and stroked Barkley's head before turning to Richie. "You make sure she gets in all
right." He told him, his protectiveness of this young woman evident.
"I'll make sure Joe." Richie said as lead her toward the rear door where the van was parked. It
had turned cooler, but she declined his offer of the jacket. "I'm fine … and you said it wasn't far."
Beth assured him as he slid the side door shut behind Barkley.
"Wow" Richie said as they pulled up to her house. The porch lights bathed the house in a warm
glow and the recent facelift it had undergone was astonishing. "When you said you lived on this
street I didn't know it was here."
"You've been here before?" she asked.
"Uhm yeah … once or twice … a friend of ours used to rent a room here when he was in town."
Richie replied. "It was nice, but not like this … "
"Well I would invite you in, but unfortunately if I don't start mixing the dough tonight it won't have
time to rise before morning … " Beth said as Richie walked with she and Barkley up the stairs
and onto the porch.
"Thanks again Richie." Beth said once the door was open and Barkley had slipped in. "I hope I'll
see you soon … maybe you could come for dinner sometime … and bring your friends?" she
offered.
"I'd like that … " Richie replied, taking her hand in his and giving it a little squeeze before letting
her close the door.
"I'd like that a lot." He thought to himself as he strode back to the van.
Beth couldn't have been more surprised by anything than what she saw when she walked in the
door. There on the edge of the small stage area sat Barkley. The dog was sitting up and his
complete attention was directed at an older man playing the blues on an electric guitar.
Joe was in the middle of a set so Richie motioned Beth to an empty table near the bar.
It was all Beth could do not to rush over to her dog and pull him into a hug, but she knew she
should wait … at least she could see he was ok.
Joe had seen the two walk in and nodded to Richie. A few minutes later he finished the set and
had no sooner set his guitar aside when Barkley heard his owner call his name. The dog turned
and bounded across the room and into the arms of Beth, who was glad she had knelt down or he
would have bowled her over.
"How's my bad boy?" she cooed against Barkley's head as she ran her fingers through his thick,
short fur. Barkley was so excited. His tail was wagging side to side and he couldn't seem to get
close enough to her. "Don't you ever do this again." She scolded him in a voice that was firm,
but full of love for the animal, who was oblivious to the fact that he'd done anything wrong.
Beth realized Joe had moved over to them and stood up. "Thank you so much for keeping him
here. I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost him."
"No problem. Barkley is welcome in my club anytime." Joe replied as he extended his hand.
"Joe Dawson …"
"Beth Parker … " she replied as she shook his hand. "I hope he wasn't too much of a bother."
Richie rolled his eyes as Joe declared the dog had been great from the minute he'd wandered in
the door.
"He's a real music lover … has an ear for the blues. " Joe laughed as they moved to a table and
sat down. Barkley curled up against Beth's leg and laid his head in her lap.
"And here I thought he was a country dog." She laughed as she scratched the dog behind the
ear.
Richie's laugh stopped suddenly as he sensed the presence of another immortal. His back was
to the door, but Joe noticed and immediately put him at ease by calling out to Duncan McCloud
as he entered.
Duncan saw Joe and Richie at the table with a woman he didn't recognize and strode over,
picking up a beer from the bar on his way. He noticed how quickly Richie moved to grab a chair
behind them and put it on the other side of him … when there had been more space next to the
woman. "Territorial are we?" Mac thought to himself as he grinned at his young friend. This
could be fun … he always enjoyed messing with Richie when he could, and this seemed like a
good opportunity … especially after he'd heard about the way his friend had used his place for a
few parties while he was gone.
It was only after he had been introduced to Beth and sat down that he noticed the dog eyeing him
suspiciously from his position beside her. "I see your number one fan is still here Joe."
"Yeah … but I'm afraid he won't be able to hang around for long. He's Beth's dog … she came to
pick him up."
"I can't thank you enough for watching out for him … and making him feel at home." Beth
reached her hand out and touched the old man's shoulder, squeezing slightly.
It was in that instant that Duncan saw the glint of gold on her finger and knew from the way his
friend was hovering that it was something Richie had missed.
"I'm sure your husband will be happy to know you found the dog." Duncan said and Richie's eyes
immediately fell to look at her hand as she moved it to continue patting Barkley.
Beth was a little taken aback. For the past few minutes as she and Richie had been talking while
Joe finished the set, and ever since he'd joined them, she had been able to forget her pain …
she'd been able to simply enjoy being with nice people. But Duncan's words brought it all back.
She looked down at her hand and then her eyes came up to meet Duncan's … making him
immediately regret he'd asked when he saw the light go out in them. It took a few long seconds
for Beth to find her voice.
"My husband is dead … I lost him about a year ago." She answered softly, her eyes moving back
down to Barkley's fur. The dog seemed to sense the sadness in her voice and looked up at her,
snuggling closer.
"I'm sorry for your loss." Duncan replied, ignoring Richie's look of disapproval for bringing up the
subject.
Richie and Joe added their own condolences but kept it short. They could see this wasn't a
subject she wanted to discuss.
"Thank you … That's why Barkley and I moved to Seacouver a few weeks ago … to try and make
a fresh start." What she said was true, even if it did omit quite a bit of detail … not the least of
which was that she had no choice but to start over in a new place if she wanted to stay alive.
"I hope it works out for you." Duncan replied.
"Do you mind if I ask where you are from?" Richie moved back into the conversation. "I mean …
from your accent I wouldn't think it's anywhere near here."
Beth smiled. "Accent? Why whatever do you mean?" she replied in her thickest drawl.
Her lighthearted humor put the three men back at ease, realizing she wanted to get past the last
few moments and enjoy the company.
"I'm from a small town in Tennessee … not too far from Nashville." She replied, knowing again
that Lt. Taylor would be livid that she divulged that much information about herself. She should
be more careful, but something told her these men could be trusted … and she would need
people she could trust if she was going to make her new life work.
"Nashville." Joe leaned back. "I loved that city. Haven't been there in years, but you couldn't
beat lower Broadway on a Saturday night."
"If you love live music and smoky little joints then lower Broad is the place … but if you haven't
been there in a while you might be surprised to find how it's changed. They really cleaned up that
area and a lot of larger clubs moved in … but the best of the old places are still there …"
For the next couple of hours the four enjoyed pleasant conversation. Beth told them about her
bakery and the guys helped familiarize her with Seacouver. Their only interruption were the two
sets Joe had left to do before closing … sets that included Barkley moving to his favorite position
for optimal listening. Beth couldn't help but laugh at the silly dog.
"Has he always been into music?" Richie asked, putting his arm around the back of her chair and
leaning in so she could hear him.
"I guess so … I mean he used to like to sit in with my husband when he played." If Beth was sad
about the memory, her face didn't give it away. "I always thought it was because he was so
devoted to Craig … but maybe there was more to it?" she smiled. Richie's face was only inches
from hers, and their eyes locked for a long instant before she smiled and turned her attention
back to Joe's music. She'd have to be completely blind not to see that Richie was attracted to
her … and as foreign as the idea was to her right now, Beth thought he seemed kind … and
handsome. Not in the way that Duncan McCloud was handsome … no that man was in a league
of his own. And as nice as Duncan seemed … she was sure he'd broken many a heart with one
glance. And she was quite certain he knew the effect he had on women. He radiated confidence
… and though he seemed very nice … she wasn't completely sure about him. Richie probably
had broken his share too, but he was young and there was something about him that made her
think he'd never really been in love … but if he ever fell … it would be for keeps. She hoped he
would realize she was only looking for a friend right now …
Richie kept his arm around her chair for a few more seconds after she broke eye contact with
him. Had she been like most of the other girl's he'd wanted to get to know better, he probably
would have stayed where he was and tried to use the close proximity to gain an advantage. But
Beth was different. Her friendly manner was genuine, but he could see the wall she had built
around herself … and he'd seen the pain in her eyes when she'd been reminded of her loss.
At one point when he'd gotten up for another beer and a refill on her ginger ale, Duncan took the
opportunity to move to the bar as well.
"Tread lightly with this one Richie." He'd told his friend in a low voice. Richie started to act like
he didn't know what he meant, but Mac usually knew what he was talking about … an
exasperating quality.
"I know … I know … she just lost her husband …" Richie replied.
"It's not just that … I can't put my finger on it Rich, but there's something more going on with her.
I've seen women mourn men they truly loved … but pain like she had in her eyes … there's
something bigger than just losing him."
Richie cast a glance over Duncan's shoulder where Beth was listening to one of Joe's stories.
Her face lit up at something he was saying and her laugh was like music. But as soon as the
moment was over, he saw the veil come back over her eyes … something that put a bit of a
distance between her and everyone else.
"I wonder what happened?" Richie asked Duncan.
"I have no idea. But whatever it is … until you know … or until she finds a way past it, you might
enjoy her company … but hold onto your heart." Duncan warned. "I'm serious Richie … she
seems like a nice woman, but I don't want to see you get hurt … and if you move in too fast then
that's what is going to happen … trust me on this one."
Richie eyed Duncan warily even as he listened to his words … "You wouldn't want to be pushing
back the competition now would you Mac?" He was only half serious because deep down he
knew what Mac was saying was probably right.
Duncan smirked and gave a little laugh. "Richie, Richie Richie" he shook his head at his pupil.
"There's no competition here. And even if I was interested, she's not … she doesn't trust me."
Richie raised an eyebrow.
"She doesn't dislike me, but for some reason she's not comfortable with me like she is with you …
or with Joe." Duncan continued. "But she probably has her reasons, and I still think she's a nice
woman … just one who brought a lot of baggage when she moved to Seacouver for her 'fresh
start.' "
Richie nodded and picked up the drinks, moving past Duncan to take his seat next to Beth. It
was Duncan's words that stayed in the back of his mind the rest of the night … and tempered his
instinct to come on a little stronger with this woman he desperately wanted to get to know.
At the end of Joe's last set Beth looked at her watch. "Oh wow … I didn't realize how late it is,
and I've got some work to do before I can call it a night if there are going to be pastries in the
morning. Do you have a number for a cab company I can call that will take pets?" she asked
Joe.
"A cab? Sure … but why don't you let one of us take you home in the van. It will be quicker …
and we'll feel better knowing the two of you got home all right." Joe offered.
"Oh no … you've been put upon by Barkley and me way too much already. If you have the
number I'll just call a cab." She pulled out her cell phone and opened it to dial, but Richie closed
the phone by covering her hand with his.
"Just let us do this. It's really not any trouble … you actually live closer to Joe's than where I
picked you up tonight."
Joe pulled the keys out of his pocket and handed them to Richie. "We won't take no for an
answer."
Beth shook her head and smiled, not believing how nice these people were. "I won't make a fuss
then if you insist." And then she did something that surprised herself a little. Maybe it was
because of the way Esperanza had hugged her so warmly earlier that day, but for some reason
she was able to let down her guard enough and be spontaneous … the way she used to be. Beth
leaned over to Joe and gave him a quick but sincere hug, thanking him for his kindness to she
and Barkley.
"You're more than welcome Beth … and I hope to see you again soon … both of you." Joe
leaned over and stroked Barkley's head before turning to Richie. "You make sure she gets in all
right." He told him, his protectiveness of this young woman evident.
"I'll make sure Joe." Richie said as lead her toward the rear door where the van was parked. It
had turned cooler, but she declined his offer of the jacket. "I'm fine … and you said it wasn't far."
Beth assured him as he slid the side door shut behind Barkley.
"Wow" Richie said as they pulled up to her house. The porch lights bathed the house in a warm
glow and the recent facelift it had undergone was astonishing. "When you said you lived on this
street I didn't know it was here."
"You've been here before?" she asked.
"Uhm yeah … once or twice … a friend of ours used to rent a room here when he was in town."
Richie replied. "It was nice, but not like this … "
"Well I would invite you in, but unfortunately if I don't start mixing the dough tonight it won't have
time to rise before morning … " Beth said as Richie walked with she and Barkley up the stairs
and onto the porch.
"Thanks again Richie." Beth said once the door was open and Barkley had slipped in. "I hope I'll
see you soon … maybe you could come for dinner sometime … and bring your friends?" she
offered.
"I'd like that … " Richie replied, taking her hand in his and giving it a little squeeze before letting
her close the door.
"I'd like that a lot." He thought to himself as he strode back to the van.