With Lisa's work schedule, she ended up being out of town for almost two weeks, one thing leading to another, leading to travel here, there, and everywhere. She'd made some good sales and deals, glad to be back at home. It was now early August, the height of the summer heat, and the women had plans to get together now that all three were available. With Jack at a dinner for the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Marion offered up the house, knowing that it was a rare event to have Jack out for the evening. Lisa arrived last, hearing her friends already laughing inside.

"Hello," she called as she stepped into the house. Marion had told her to come right in when she got there, texting her as she was driving over.

"We're in the living room, Lisa," Marion called out. Lisa put the wine on the kitchen counter, looking around at the house. She had only briefly stepped inside to help Jack with some of the cleanup from Amy's party now a couple weeks ago, but she had also been talking to him and to Marion at the time, so this was really her first time to take a look at the house. The kitchen was tidy, basic with older appliances, but that did not surprise her. Neither Jack nor Marion struck her as the modern style type. She smoothed out her blouse and capri style pants and made her way toward her friends.

"Hi," she smiled brightly, her eyes widening at the chocolate cake on the table. "Ohh, that looks so good. I have been traveling and eating a lot of little things here and there, but nothing homemade like that."

"Made it this afternoon," Maggie nodded to the plates and forks. "Help yourself. We're just talking about Tim. He and Marion went to dinner the other night, not in town, of course."

"Oh really?" Lisa asked as she helped herself to the cake. There was already a bottle of wine open, and Marion poured her some while Lisa settled in at the table. She looked around as she got comfortable.

"You've been in the house, right?" Marion asked, noticing that Lisa was looking around. Lisa, feeling self-conscious for checking out the place, made a face and shook her head. "Oh, I'm sorry," Marion frowned. "Where are my manners? You helped clean up, but I guess you didn't really see the house. Welcome," she gestured broadly with her hands. "It's quiet in here because the girls are having a slumber party in the barn loft. They are so excited. Bathroom is right there," she pointed toward the hall. Lou, Amy, and I all have bedrooms down that hall. Upstairs is basically a junky mess of old things my dad wants to keep. His room is right over there," she hooked her hand, "and the rest is living and kitchen as you see it."

"Okay," Lisa nodded, her focus back on her friends at the table. The house was very clean and looked very cozy. She liked the long table and turned her attention to Marion. "So, Tim? What is going on there?"

Marion made a face, "I just have this feeling he is all talk. I think he's still seeing someone. His phone rang while we were eating, and he didn't answer, but it rang again so he quickly answered it, and I heard him tell some Kristin that he'd call her later. I don't know," she flung her head down on the table in full dramatic fashion. As she had it on the table, she groaned, "He and Dad will both be at this event tonight, so if we get a call that one or both have been arrested, well, there's no surprise there."

Maggie and Lisa laughed, and finally, Marion sat back up and closed her eyes, sighing. "I think I really need to be done with Tim. I can't deal with this back and forth. I really can't I almost thought about cancelling dinner, but something told me I should go. I think it was to just finally be rid of him, for good."

"I know you love him, but sometimes that means letting go," Maggie said, reaching over to pat Marion's back. "Maybe you need to date a little, and I don't mean Tim. Maybe you need to have a few dates, see what is out there, get your mind off of Tim. You were doing okay until he came back."

"You know what, I think that is a good idea," Marion nodded. She sat straight up and put her hands flat on the table as she considered the idea.

"Oh! I have just the guy. He's my stable manager, Kurt, and he's such a good guy," Lisa said with a sympathetic smile. "He's ahh," she thought a moment, "oh 51. He just had his birthday. He's worked for me, really for my dad, for years, so if you are wondering why I am not interested, I don't mix my work, and also, he's more like family. Really great guy."

"What's wrong with him?" Marion asked, her eyes narrowing, and she pointed at Lisa. "A guy that age, single, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Lisa laughed. "I do think you'd like him a lot. He's really into horses, so there's that in common. He's been divorced a long time, and I think he's like a lot of us-just pours himself into work. He does travel some for me, so take that into consideration. He's dated a little," she nodded. "I don't ask much, but I know he was seeing someone from ahh," she shook her head, "I can't remember, but she wasn't local. I think that ended up being the problem, that neither one wanted to move for the other, but really, he's a nice guy, and I think you two could actually hit it off. I'd love for you to meet him."

"Really?" Marion asked.

"Marion, this sounds like a very healthy step forward," Maggie patted the table and nodded at Marion. "I think you should at least go out on a date with him. What do you have to lose?"

"He and I really are like almost a brother-sister relationship," Lisa nodded. "He's worked his way through my stable, and I trust him with all of those horses, and you know that's not something I would do lightly."

"I will meet him," Marion sat up straight and eyed Lisa, nodding a single nod. "I'm just going to go for it."

"Really?" Lisa grinned. "Oh, great! I'll talk to him tomorrow. I think he would really like to have someone in his life. This really could be great."

"Hey, bring him by the diner. Have I met him?" Maggie asked.

"I'm sure you have, at least I'm sure you've seen him. He doesn't do much of my ordering or anything, and he's a pretty frugal guy who likes to cook, so I don't think he eats out a lot. Quiet, but so kind. I'm sure he's stopped in for at least coffee, but he wouldn't be the type to strike up a conversation with just anyone he didn't know."

"Okay, I'm actually excited, but," she eyed both women, "do not mention this to Dad or to the girls. I don't want to get into this with them, and this is for me. Please."

"Won't say a word," Lisa held up her hand.

Maggie grinned at Marion, "You know I'll keep your secret, but I'm really anxious to meet this guy. Lisa, you'll set it up? Oh, please have him meet Marion for coffee at the diner. That way I can give my opinion."

"Actually," Marion gestured at Lisa, "that's a good idea. I don't want a formal dinner date right now, and I don't want to go to something where people will see us and assume the wrong thing. Coffee is simple, and I can talk it up as a new client if needed."

"I will make it happen," Lisa grinned.

"Now, speaking of coffee at the diner," Maggie shifted in her seat, and as she did, Marion did too, almost as if the two women had planned this, "we like you with Jack. I watched your coffee date, and Marion had eyes on you at Amy's party. So, let's talk about Jack."

Lisa looked between them, slight confusion on her face as she shook her head, "There's nothing to say, nothing going on."

"Oh, we know that, at least that nothing is going on," Marion frowned. "Call me crazy, and I know that I probably should have an issue with the age difference, but I think you would be good for my dad. I know you're about as opposite as can be, but there's something," she circled her finger and gestured at Lisa.

"Mmm hmm," Maggie nodded in agreement. "I agree. I saw it at the diner."

Feeling her face redden, Lisa waved her hand and tried to answer, but the words came out in a jumble, "I, I, I don't know what you think, but there's nothing going on. Marion, you dad is very nice, but that's all-we're friends."

"You know what," Marion held up her hands in defense, "I am going to try and take some of my own advice, which is crazy since I just told you to go for it, Lisa. I don't want Dad or Amy or Lou giving me any dating advice, and I know it's not the same thing, but I'm going to try and step back. The last thing I want is to make things awkward."

"Marion, really?" Maggie looked at her and shook her head. "I thought you wanted to get Jack out there."

Marion sighed, "Dad has made it clear he doesn't want me meddling in things, and he and I do have to live in the same house. I don't want him doing that with me either. So, Lisa," she nodded, "know that I'm okay if anything does develop, but I also know my dad, and if you are just friends, that's fine too. Really."

Maggie studied Marion. Lisa tilted her head at Marion too, and Marion looked at both women, dropping her head. Maggie was the first to talk, "Jack chewed you out, didn't he? That's why the sudden change. He told you to leave him alone."

Marion shrugged, eyeing both of them, "He did. We talked the other night, or well, I tried to talk you up Lisa, and he told me to basically knock it off. Hearing myself tonight about a new date and all, I am actually going to listen."

"Really," Lisa shook her head, "nothing going on."

"Like I said," Marion nodded. "I see that, and I hope I haven't made you feel too awkward, but I do want my dad to be happy. He'll tell everyone he is, but he's alone. I think about getting out there, dating, and it's exciting. I'm excited. I really want to put Tim in my past. I think about how much I was dreading meeting up with him, and that right there should be a sign I do not need to get back with him. It's weird because I still love him, just not the same."

"I get that," Lisa nodded. "I really do. As much of an arrogant jerk Dan is, I still care. I don't call it love," she made a face. "We shared a lot of years together, mostly good, but it took me a very long time to get over him. I don't wish him any harm," she smiled, and the women laughed, "and I definitely don't love him, but I get the feeling of this attachment. So, Marion, maybe it's still love, but maybe it's just this love of what you had. I don't know, but maybe dating a little will help. Please, just don't break Kurt's heart. He's a good one."

"I must sound like a mess," Marion frowned. "I'm really trying to do the right thing, to move on and to respect boundaries. Yes, please talk to Kurt, and we'll go from there."

"Maggie?" Lisa smiled. "Still not interested in dating?"

"No," she shook her head. "I miss my husband dearly, and I'm not ready. Losing him is still too fresh."

"I thought so," Lisa said, offering her a sad smile as she reached over and squeezed her hand. "We'll work on Marion then," she winked.

"I like that idea, but I also would love to see more of you and Jack in the diner. Marion is going to leave it alone, but I'm not sure I am ready. I think you two are good together," Maggie pointed to her with her fork in her hand.

"Marion, I'm home," the ladies heard, and all heads turned toward the door to see Jack stepping inside.

"Hi Dad, Maggie and Lisa are here," she called out to him as he walked into the living room and stopped there at the table where the women were talking and eating. "Well, did you win this year?"

"No," Jack pursed his lips and then frowned, finally making eye contact with the ladies. "Nice to see you, Maggie, Lisa," he nodded, tapping the program in his hand on the table.

"Ahh, Dad, I'm sorry," Marion called out to him. Jack sighed and waved it off, but Marion looked to her friends at the table, "Cowboy Hall of Fame-Dad should have been inducted years ago, and we still hope he will be one day, but apparently not this year."

"Oh, it's no big deal, silly," he waved.

"Would some chocolate cake help, Jack?" Maggie held up the corner of the cake and smiled at him. "Baked it earlier today."

"Ahh, no thanks," he patted his stomach. "Had dessert with the dinner."

"I'll leave you some, Jack, the girls too. They are camping out in the barn," Maggie explained. She eyed him up and down, "I must say you cleaned up nicely tonight," she smiled brightly. At that, all the women nodded, Jack glancing down to his black slacks and button up shirt. He wasn't in a suit, but he was dressed up more than any other normal day.

"Appreciate the cake, Maggie," he said quietly with a nod.

"Ahh, I should get going," Lisa gestured. The women had talked for awhile, but at a quick glance, all knew that it was probably time to call it a night.

"Don't let me run anyone off," Jack waved and nodded toward his room. "I'll just head to bed."

"You know, I should check on the girls," Marion stood. "We haven't heard a thing from them, and that's a little concerning."

"I'll check with you," Maggie stood, "and we can bring them some snacks."

"I'll clean up," Lisa offered, as the women all stood.

"Just leave it, Lisa. Let's check on the girls," Marion nodded, and she and Maggie stepped away quickly. Lisa nodded and looked over to Jack.

"Subtle," he nodded. Lisa chuckled and began picking up the plates. "Oh, let me," he offered. "You don't have to clean up."

"Sure I do," she told him, still picking up things, leaving Jack to get the cake. "I participated in the evening. You didn't." The two walked into the kitchen, and she turned her head back to him, "I mean, I know it's your kitchen, but I can wash dishes."

"The dishwasher is fine," he told her, and with that she nodded, rinsed the plates, and she stacked them. Jack busied himself covering the cake, and when she was done, she turned and smiled at him, hooking her hand over her shoulder.

"Well, I should go. She stood there, her back against the counter and crossed her arms then. "Ahh, sorry about your evening. It sounded like it wasn't what you wanted." She searched his face for a sign that she was right in her assessment.

"Oh, it's fine," he waved and sighed. "I've about given up on ever being inducted. What really ticks me off is that my ex-son-in-law was inducted years ago and gloats about it now. I had to see him, but thankfully, I didn't have to sit with him. Can't stand the guy."

Lisa made a face and nodded, "Mmm, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure it is very frustrating to have to sit through a dinner and just hope your name will be called, only for it not to be."

"Like I said," he rolled his eyes, "it's over, and I'm done with it for another year. I also am done dealing with Tim Fleming. Sorry," he dropped his head, "you don't need to hear that drama."

"Really, I don't mind," she offered a small smile. "Ahh, oh," she reached over to the table and with the bottle of wine in hand she'd brought, she handed it to Jack. "I know it's not what you wanted for this evening, but I did bring this over. I hope you will enjoy it. It's one of my very favorite wines, one from Southern France. We didn't even open it, so please enjoy."

"Oh, I can't accept that," he waved his hands in front of himself. "That sounds like a very special bottle. Please don't waste it here."

"I brought it to share, and I'm sharing with you," she said waving it toward him. "Come on," she rolled her eyes. "Just don't drown your sorrows tonight," she chuckled, and that had Jack start to laugh too. "I have plenty more at home, and I really do like it. You said you like wine but don't drink a lot of different wines. Well," she nudged it until he accepted the bottle with a nod and soft smile, "please try, enjoy, and let me know what you think."

"I will," he said as he studied the bottle. He groaned and pulled out his glasses out of his shirt pocket, holding them up and explaining, "I hate that I can't see a thing without these. Really frustrating part of getting older."

She made a face, "Yeah, not looking forward to that, but I'm convinced I'll never need glasses." When Jack eyed her, she broke out laughing and nodded, "I know, not going to happen, but a girl can dream. Well, I really do need to get going."

"I'll walk you out," Jack offered, putting the bottle on the counter. "Looking forward to trying this wine, maybe tomorrow."

"It's a sweet taste, and I should have asked you if you prefer a sweet or dry wine."

"Sweet," he smiled. "Looking forward to it," and he followed Lisa to the door. She pulled her keys from her purse as they reached the door, and she turned as she opened it.

"I'm sorry about Marion and Maggie, really. It's not coming from me," she told Jack. He frowned and nodded.

"I should be apologizing. She's my daughter and her scheming friend. I told her to leave things alone, and I hope she will do that." Lisa nodded and hooked her hand to her car.

"Ahh, have a good night," Lisa told him, reaching to pat his arm.

"So, you drive a Porsche?" Jack eyed her, nodding toward the front where all of the vehicles were parked. "I don't think I knew that about you, and coming home, I didn't have to guess what vehicle was yours."

Lisa laughed as she smiled brightly, "Yes, it does stick out amongst the trucks all over town." She shrugged, "I like driving it. It's fun, safe, and sporty. It does very well in the snow, and it's just," she paused, "something I like."

"As I said," he gave her a nod, "it does stand out, and now I know. I'm sure I'll be able to spot it around town, I mean, not that I'll be looking for it." His face reddened, and Lisa studied him, finally just nodding as she smiled.

"It does stick out, and yes, I'm sure I'll see you more around town. Night, Jack. Good luck with the slumber party and sorry about the rodeo award."

"Ahh, speaking of the rodeo," and at that, Lisa turned again to face him, Jack now, holding the door open and Lisa stood there by the step to walk down to her car. "I haven't been to one in a few years now," he said, shaking his head. "Tonight, they were talking about one coming to Okotos next week."

Lisa's eyes widened, and she smiled brightly at him while she swatted her hand toward him, "Oh, that's great for you Jack. I know Marion mentioned it was a big part of your life. How lovely for you. I'm guessing you'll go?"

He dropped his head and wiped at his mustache as he nodded, "Yeah, well, here's the thing-have you been to many rodeos?"

"Me?" Lisa pointed to herself, her eyes widening as she shook her head. "Umm, ahh, actually, no, I've never been to a rodeo." As she said that, she blushed and bit her lip, hoping that didn't earn her a shocked comment from Jack. "That's probably considered a sin or something up here in cowboy country."

"Never been to a rodeo," he repeated as he nodded. "Okay, well," he rolled his head and met her gaze, "ahh, would you like to go?"

Lisa's eyes widened, and she gestured with her finger as she fumbled her words, "To, to the rodeo?" With you?"

Jack dropped his head briefly as he chuckled and nodded, raising his head to eye her, "I mean, yeah, that was the thought. I would enjoy going after all this time, and as much as Marion loves horses, she swore off rodeo after Tim's accident, I mean," he started to fumble as well, gesturing toward Lisa, "not that I wouldn't want you to go anyway. I was hoping you might enjoy going, I mean, with me. I'll be happy to be your rodeo guide."

"Oh," Lisa's eyes widened again, realizing finally that he was asking her on a date, maybe? A date, pretty sure, a date, she thought? "Umm," she bit her lip, knowing her face was reddening as she stood there, but finally, she nodded, briefly meeting his gaze. "Ahh, yes, I would enjoy going to a rodeo, I mean, especially with someone like you there to teach me all the events."

"Well, okay," he said with a roll of his head again, the two still standing there on the porch. Both heard laughter coming from the barn, and both turned their heads to see Maggie and Marion walking back toward the house. The summer dusk had set in even at this late hour, but it was easy to make out the women walking toward them. "Ahh," he started to speak, but Lisa could see him swallow hard. She put her hand out, not touching his arm, but coming close to it.

"Jack, listen," she started to speak and paused when he glanced her way, only speaking again when she locked eyes with him, "ahh, I'm not going to say anything to Marion. I know this is awkward."

He pursed his lips but nodded, "I didn't want to ask that of you-"

"It's fine," she said, now very lightly putting her hand on his wrist. "It is. I won't get into the specific things we all discuss together, but she told me she's not going to push anymore, which," she started to laugh, "is apparently easier said than done considering the two of them practically ran out of the house to leave us to this chance meeting," she grinned and then rolled her eyes. She watched as Jack let out a long breath, a clear sigh of relief, and she patted his hand, realizing hers was still on his and pulled her hand back. "I'm flattered you asked, and I'm looking forward to the rodeo. She won't hear about this from me. She's your daughter, and I will leave that to you, I mean, telling her or not. I don't mind and won't get between you two."

"Well, okay," he said, almost a hidden smile there behind his mustache. "It's just, well, there's no reason to give her any fuel to add to the fire."

"Right," she smiled, and once again, she hooked her hand over her shoulder. "Well, I should be going. I suppose I'll talk to you before then, get the details?"

He nodded as he quietly chuckled, waving his hand as he looked up at Lisa, "I'll call you, and before you say anything, your business card was left on my desk." At that, Lisa started to speak, but Jack gestured with his hand, "I have no doubt Marion put it there, so I have your number."

Lisa grinned as she laughed quietly, turning again, "Looking forward to it. Night, Jack," she told him and walked toward her car, waving to Marion and Maggie.

"Lisa! You don't have to go," Marion called to her. "Maggie and I are going to make popcorn for the girls."

"Night, ladies," she told them. "I have one of my new horses arriving first thing, probably around 7AM, so yes, I need to get going. Bye everyone," she called to them as she got into her car.

Maggie and Marion joined Jack on the porch steps, and they all waved to Lisa as she drove away, Maggie leaning over and bumping into Jack with her shoulder.

"What did you two talk about, eeh Jack?"

"Oh, cleaned up inside," he thumbed toward the door. "She asked about the Cowboy Hall of Fame."

Marion eyed him, "I thought you didn't want to talk about that?"

Jack turned to the women and shrugged as he opened the door, "Didn't want to be rude, and she didn't know anything about it. Now," he held the door for them, "if you girls can behave, and I mean you two because your daughters seem to be doing even better than the two of you," he pointed to them, "I'm heading to bed. Long day."

"Night, Dad," Marion leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Really?" Marion smacked his shoulder, and Jack rubbed it while Marion rolled her eyes and waved her hand. "You talked to her about old cowboy things, really?" With that, she waved her hand and grunted, following Maggie inside, both women clearly thinking he should have done something differently.

Jack headed to his room, glad to be out of sight from the prying eyes because he was sure he had a smile on his face and felt a little pep in his step. He had a date, his first date since losing Lyndy, and as much as he'd been downplaying things with Marion, he was really excited about it and excited about getting to know Lisa. She'd caught his eye right away, not that he would have ever admitted it or discussed it with Marion, good grief, no. He'd wrestled with the age factor, worried it was too big of a difference, but he was willing to try. There was something about Lisa he found interesting, and while they might just be too different, well, at least he would get to know her better and at least see how it felt to go out on an actual date for the first time in years and years. He'd not dated, knew he was rusty, but hopefully, it would be an enjoyable day with a lovely woman.