Lisa had never wanted to cut her time in France short, but for once in her life, she was feeling that, and she knew it had to do with Jack Bartlett, the man who had stepped into her life, and she couldn't get off her mind. It didn't help that their communication had been limited, and in the very early stages of a relationship, she really wanted that communication. She missed talking to him, getting to know him, and between his lack of use of technology and the time change, it was kind of a mess. She had decided to enlist the help of Marion today to hopefully have an actual conversation with Jack.
She had texted Marion, which was something Jack did not do at all, something that Lisa hoped she could convince him to try, at least for chatting with her. Now, with it being after dinner, she was ready and waiting at her computer, hopeful for a chat with Jack during his lunch. Lisa had told Marion to call whenever they got in for lunch because she would be home for the night.
Her mind drifted while she waited. Who would have thought an older cowboy from Alberta would have caught her eye, her breath, and was starting to catch her heart? It seemed silly that she'd not known him that long, really just over a couple of months now, and during that time, she'd been gone, and they'd only seen each other a handful of times before that. Man, was he a good kisser, though. She'd definitely noticed that. It was hard not to. The two had some chemistry-that was for sure. It sounded crazy, but she could almost feel that last kiss they had shared on the street by the Italian restaurant in Hudson, of course, where Val had seen them making out like crazy teenagers. They had at least been on a dark side street, but leave it Val to ruin anything. Something about that man and the way he kissed her-it left her with a tingling feeling and a sense of passion she'd not felt. Kissing him made her want more and made her feel well, like a woman. She shook her head there as she sat in her living room and sipped at her wine. Jack Bartlett-that man was something special.
Marion seemed eager to try and help the two of them get connected for a chat. It was funny, that she was dating the father of a woman who had become a good friend. The fact that he was 25 years older, she never would have sought that out in particular, but when she was with him, she really didn't notice it, well, except for the little instances like his phrasing like 'necking'. That was sweet and humorous to her, and she did love his old style ways. She was old style at heart, not interested in this "modern dating" of jumping from one person to another, from one bed to another, no that idea honestly repulsed her. She was conservative in nature and wanted to find just a good man, not that she needed one, but it would be lovely to share her life with someone who felt the same way. While it was early on, she wondered if she'd maybe found that man. The way he made her feel just in her presence was like no one else, including Dan, especially Dan, had made her feel.
Her computer alerted her to a chat request, and she almost jumped up to walk over to her desk where she had it all connected. While her house in Alberta had Wi-Fi, it was still so new, and she hadn't upgraded her house in France to it yet, so she had connected to her dial up and had the computer waiting. Lisa sat down, clicked on the button, and she smiled when her friend came into view.
"Hi Lisa!" Marion exclaimed, a grin on her face. "It's good to see you."
"Hi, Marion," she smiled fondly. "How are you doing?"
"Oh, doing well. It's getting cold here, so I'm having to bundle up more and more each day working outside. I'm not complaining."
"I do enjoy the fall colors there," Lisa sighed, sitting back in her chair to talk. "How are things with Tim, I mean," she made a face, "if you are able to chat about it."
"I am," she nodded, waving her hand. "Dad is still out in the barn. He wanted to finish brushing out Paint, and I told him I'd start lunch. So, I didn't tell him I was getting you on this chat. I thought it would be a good surprise."
"Ahh, that is sweet," Lisa smiled. "I appreciate your help with this."
"Absolutely," she nodded. "Well, as far as Tim, he's been taking Amy out some, pizza, to a couple of rodeos, things like that."
"Yeah?" Lisa raised her eyebrows. "How's that going?"
"Amy is thrilled to spend time with him. She was too little to remember how badly things got. Tim has been okay with me. He's invited me along on every outing the two have."
"And?"
Marion made a face, "I know I said I was done with him, but," she paused and let out a long sigh, "it's Tim. I miss him, and I keep wanting to think he has actually changed. My gut, though, tells me to be cautious and not get burned again."
Lisa listened and nodded, "I can understand that. I remember when Dan and I divorced, I kept questioning if it was the right thing to do even though I knew in my heart it was. I could see the self-centered Dan and the fact that he didn't want me. He wanted my money, my investments and such. I think you need to keep listening to yourself and keeping a cautious eye. There's not a wrong decision, Marion, just what decision is best for you."
"I appreciate that," Marion said with a slight frown. "I know Tim, and it will be hard to accept one thing, say going out for pizza with him and Amy without him thinking we are completely back together. He's kind of an all or nothing guy. He gets excited and thinks things are perfect. I'm not sure how to explain it."
"No, no," Lisa shifted in her chair, "I understand that. Maybe try talking to him. It sounds like you are doing a lot of dancing around the issue. You still have feelings, and it sounds like he does. There are too many variables to make this easy or anything else, so maybe see about sitting down for coffee."
"Amy really wants to invite him to dinner, and I'm coming around to that idea."
"Okay," Lisa nodded. "Maybe that would be an evening you two could sit and talk or take a walk or a ride-"
"I'd really like to wait until you are back, I mean, have you over for dinner too, just as some backup."
"Of course," Lisa offered her friend a small smile. "Happy to help or whatever you need."
"Observe," she told her. "Give me your opinion, I mean, since you don't know him well either, and you can keep Dad occupied," she grinned, "without wanting to kill Tim."
At the mention of Jack, Lisa's cheeks reddened, and she felt herself blushing. Marion obviously saw it too and grinned at her.
"Look at you-just the mention of Dad, and you're blushing. He misses you."
Lisa took a deep breath, realizing she was going to admit it aloud, "I miss him too. It surprises me, to be honest. I've been alone a long time."
He definitely seemed resigned to being alone the rest of his life. We've all tried to set him up with different women, but there's something there with you two, Lisa. It's so strange-I get it. The age difference and all, I mean, yeah, I think about it too, even about what my mom would say."
"Oh, what would your mom say?" Lisa asked, wondering if she wanted to know the answer.
Marion pursed her lips, "She would be surprised. In some ways, you are like her. I have been thinking about that. She was gone a lot, for work. Dad and I were home here, part of the reason he's such a homebody. She was fun and adventurous, and she pushed him but knew when he needed to be pushed. I can see you being able to do that with him. My mom loved my dad and me, but I think she loved singing most of all. I think Dad knew that, on some level, and he was okay with it, knowing that when she was home, he had her. She was here and his to love, but even growing up, I remember how much he hated her leaving, even though Mom didn't give going on the road a second thought."
Lisa listened and nodded, not realizing how many similarities she might have with Jack's late wife. She hadn't considered the travel bit or the fact that maybe, his heart was broken a little each time his wife had left home, and maybe now, it was something repeating itself with this trip.
"Oh, here he comes," Marion grinned. "Hold on."
"Marion, I'm going to have to head into town after lunch to get more feed," Lisa heard Jack comment. She imagined he was at the door, taking off his coat and boots.
"Ahh, Dad, could you come and see this?" Marion asked, trying not to blast her full smile and give away the surprise. She looked back at Lisa and gave her a slight nod. Lisa sat there at her desk, just waiting. Lisa saw Jack come into view, Marion working at the desk in the kitchen for their Internet as well. Marion gestured for Jack to bend down and look at the screen, and quickly, Lisa found herself in a bright smile.
"Hello there stranger," she grinned into the screen. Marion patted Jack's back and tried to get out of the chair for Jack to sit. She heard her in the background giving Jack some instructions.
"Dad, don't click on anything. Even when you two are done talking, Lisa can end the call, okay? I am going to go back and work in my bedroom until we eat, which by the way, we're having a late lunch so you can chat with Lisa. She and I set this up for you."
"Well, hi," he said, fully sitting in the chair and shifting to get comfortable. She watched his face go from a look of bewilderment to now a bright smile as he looked at her, the two thousands of miles away, but thanks to technology were able to talk. "I had no idea you and Marion were setting up this."
She smiled brightly, "I know. She told me. I really have missed talking to you and know technology isn't your thing. Luckily, I was able to enlist some help, so I hope it's okay."
"More than okay," he said, a warm smile spreading on his face. "Gosh, what time is it there? Looks dark."
"8:30," she told him, eight hours ahead of you. "Marion said you were working in your barn, brushing Paint."
"Yeah," he nodded, a small smile appearing at the mention of his horse. "Old guy rolled in his stall, covered himself. He and I took a ride down to the river, which I think made more of a mess."
Lisa grinned, "I had a horse race today, and one of mine here won. He's turned out to be a good investment."
Jack perked up, "That's great to hear, Lisa. So, I take it your trip is going well?"
She nodded, "It is, but I do miss you, and I have found myself thinking about you more and more. You've taken over my thoughts." She dropped her chin and gave him a soft smile. His smile only widened.
"I think you took the words right out of my mouth. I fed the same horses twice yesterday morning because I couldn't stop thinking about you. I miss your energy." Lisa laughed at that, and Jack did then too.
"I miss talking to you," she told him, adding, "which is why I had to set up this video chat date. See, I even have wine," she held up her class. Jack chuckled.
"I'm behind then, nothing to drink, although I could use a cup of coffee."
"Go ahead, she gestured at him. "I'll wait. My other video date isn't for another hour," she grinned, and that had Jack laughing pretty heartily. He winked at her as he stood and then moved out of the video screen. She could hear him working in his kitchen, and she waited for him to return, which he did with a cup of coffee. It was hot; she could still see the steam coming off of it.
"So, when do you come home?" Jack asked, gesturing with his cup in hand. "Last we talked, you didn't have a definitive date."
"Another week," she frowned. "I'm convinced when I do you and I are going to have some technology lessons. I really miss talking to you, and see," she waved her hand at him, "this isn't too bad."
"Well, I sat down to it already connected. You have not seen how technology challenged I am."
"We're fixing that," she smiled brightly. "I have to travel a lot, and this is already becoming torture."
"Tell me about this horse," Jack gestured to her.
"Ahh, his name is Midnight Ride, and he's well, all black," she grinned. Beautiful horse, lineage, one that I bought from a breeder in Austria in fact."
"Wow," Jack offered a small smile. "Look at you-you are quite the international horse buyer. Do you enjoy it?"
She smiled warmly and sipped at her wine before she nodded, "I really do. I've loved all the travel, meeting people, but I really love these wonderful horses. I thought that I would move here to my house in France full-time ahh," she tossed her head from side to side, "earlier than later."
Jack's eyes widened, and he pursed his lips, "So, you aren't planning to stay in Hudson?"
She grimaced and frowned, looking at him there, waiting for an answer from her.
"Well, to be honest, that has been the plan for some time. I really love my house here," she waved her hand behind her. "I will show you some of it here in a minute. I suppose I was comfortable with the idea of closing up shop in Hudson, selling me entire operation there, and just keeping my smaller stable here as I downsized. I've made good money, love this place here, and that has been the plan."
"I see," Jack frowned.
"However," Lisa said immediately, her eyes meeting his even across thousands of miles, "plans can change. Flexibility is key, and I do believe that. I thought I had my life all planned out with Dan, and look where that got me. I'm definitely open to possibilities, but whatever I do, I want to keep a house here. I really love it here. There's something about slowing down, walking to the village, just," she paused and smiled as she thought about it, "honestly, just smelling the flowers. I've been on the go so much and for so long, selling horses here, there, and everywhere, racing horses, that I do want to get back to the simple things in life as I get older."
Jack had crossed his arms and was listening, sitting there holding his coffee. He nodded as she spoke, finally, gesturing with his cup, "I can understand not wanting to give up a place. That's how I feel about Heartland. Let me just ask you this, all cards on the table for a moment, as best you can-would you ever consider staying in Hudson?"
She bit her lip but gave him a small shrug with a slight smile, "As I said, plans can change. I'm open to what life has in store, and it probably does help I grew up in Hudson and don't hate it or anything."
"Besides," Jack winked, "you're too young to think about retiring, closing up shop."
"Am I now?" Lisa grinned, nodding. "I like having you around to hear you say that. Here, I'm feeling old after riding Normandy today, my horse here. I am stiff and old," she laughed.
"You are definitely not old. I do know the feeling of being stiff. Paint and I were out all day yesterday and then our ride today. Definitely stiff."
"I forgot to ask you when we went on that ride after your birthday dinner, but did you name him Paint because he's a painted horse?" Lisa asked, a sly grin on her face. As Jack nodded and chuckled himself, Lisa rolled her eyes. "So original, Jack."
"What can I say?" Jack shrugged and grinned at her. "I'm a simple man who leads a simple cowboy life out here, ranching. Is that a problem for you, the simplicity of my life?"
She didn't hesitate to answer, "No, not at all. In fact, I find it quite attractive. Money and all does not impress me. I've learned that over the years traveling. I like you and your lifestyle very much."
"Well, I never expected to have a young, beautiful, independent, sophisticated horse breeder take any notice of me, but I'm glad you did, and man, that horse breeder really caught my eye. You know, I don't even have a picture of us yet to look at."
She smiled fondly, nodding, "We will take care of that when I get back. Promise."
"Hold on there, Lise, someone is at the door," Jack said as he stood and walked to it. Lisa smiled at the nickname he had called her. She'd never had one and quite liked it. Jack returned to the chair, sat down, and held out the package he'd gotten at the door to read the address. She smiled at the sight of it. "Par Avion," he said squinting. She noticed he didn't have on his glasses, but she knew that package. He raised his eyebrows at her. "Return is Lisa Stillman in Toulon. What did you send?"
She smiled brightly and shook her head as she chuckled, "I promise I did not time this, really. I thought it would take much longer for that package to get there."
"Well, what is it?" Jack inspected the package, and she gestured to the screen.
"Not telling. Open it."
"Fragile," he commented, reaching for a knife to open it. She waited, delighted that she could send him something she hoped he would enjoy. "Ohh, wine, French wine," Jack nodded, pulling out one of the two bottles she had sent.
"I hope you like it. Those are local wines, made right in this region, my favorites. I wanted to share what I enjoy here and thought it might remind you of me."
He paused in his study of the wine to eye her, "I don't need a reminder. I think of you constantly, but yes, this is really great, Lisa, and I look forward to sharing it with you."
"Oh, please drink it now," she held up her hand. "There is more to come. Let's say that is to tide you over until I get home. Please enjoy."
Jack's smile widened as he nodded, looking back at her while he held the wine, "I definitely will. Thanks, Lisa."
"So, when you answered the door, you called me Lise." Lisa saw Jack cringe like she was calling him out for doing something wrong. She held up her hand and gestured at him, continuing quickly, "I really liked that. I've never had a nickname, and it was sweet."
"Okay," he smiled softly, nodding at her. "Lise it is, if you are sure."
She grinned with a single nod, "I'm sure, Cowboy, I mean, if you are okay with that?"
He gave a roll of his head, "The way you say it," he nodded and added, "absolutely. There's something that puts a hitch in my step when I hear that."
She chuckled, "You mean, you find it sexy?"
"Maybe something like that in my old school cowboy talk."
Lisa burst out laughing, and then, she stood up, gesturing, "I promised you a tour. This is my home," she told him, turning on more of the lights. "It's smaller than Fairfield."
"Well, that wouldn't be hard," Jack added, and Lisa turned back to the screen and laughed again, nodding at him.
"Touché," she grinned. "I wish I could walk you around, but you get the picture. I love the cozy living room here with a small desk area, which is where I've been talking to you. Along the back of the house is a covered patio area where I can watch the sunsets over the vineyards. Two bedrooms down the hall."
"Missing out on the good parts of the tour," Jack grumbled, and as Lisa sat back down, she laughed and shook her head.
"What? The bedrooms. I promise there's nothing special there, both small but functional." Jack shrugged, and Lisa just laughed, shaking her head. "You're terrible."
"Looks like a really nice place you have there," he told her. "You just beam talking about it."
"Hmm," she bit her lip, "I think a lot of that beaming is about the person I'm talking to. So, you really aren't into travel at all?"
"Oh, I like to travel to places I can drive," he explained. "I have a fishing cabin a couple hours away, and I love it there. I can't wait to take you."
"Fishing," she nodded, adding, "okay."
"Fly fishing, ever been?"
"Can't say I have, but I'd love to try. So, you have a fishing cabin, and I have a house in France. Okay," she nodded.
He grimaced, "I can promise you the fishing cabin is nothing at all like your house there. It's more like a shack. It was my dad's, and I've made sure the thing isn't falling down, but it's not in the best of shape. I'd love to take you up to it and teach you how to fly fish. I've told you fishing is my favorite thing to do, and I'd enjoy sharing that with you."
"I'm in," she said with a shake of her head. "So, how big is this cabin of yours? Room for you, Marion, Amy-what?"
He pursed his lips and then gave her a soft smile, "No, just one room. I don't take people up there-"
"Oh, Jack," she sighed, frowning, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to assume you were asking me to go see your cabin."
"You didn't assume," he said with a shake of his head. "I offered and want you to go up there. Marion doesn't fish. Ahh, the last person, really the only other person I've taken was Lyndy."
Lisa's eyes widened as she heard that, completely expecting that Jack had taken all of the family there over the years. She shook her head slightly, "Ahh, I'm speechless, but yes, if the offer stands, I would really love to go, Jack. I love being outside, and I'm excited to try a new activity. Thank you. I'm very honored you would take me there."
"Then, it's settled," he said with a shake of his head. "We'll figure out a time to go. Now, the roads will probably be closed for the winter when you get back, so might have to table that until spring."
Her eyes perked up, "I'd really like that, mostly because you are suggesting something months away."
"Well, did you have other plans?" Jack crossed his arms. "I told you when we discussed this that I'm not here for the here and now; I'm in this for the long haul, I mean, I like you very much and don't have plans to duck out anytime soon, whatever this is."
"Whatever this is," she nodded, a warm smile on her face. "I have been sitting here in the evenings telling myself it's hard to be away from you. Are we crazy? We haven't been seeing each other that long, but I have such a strong pull toward you and miss you like crazy."
"Maybe we are, crazy that is," he winked. "I think we should table talking about anything more serious to when you get back. I'd like to be able to see you face to face, hold your hand, while we talk about anything in the future."
"Deal," she smiled sweetly.
"Speaking of the future, how about you come to dinner when you get back, here at the house?"
"I will enjoy that, so, yes, of course."
"Probably best to avoid town," he made a face, and Lisa groaned. "Word has definitely gotten around, and I'm handling it just fine, but Val and others seemed to make sure all of Hudson knows we are dating."
"Val Stanton," Lisa grumbled. "I'd like to make sure Hudson knows just what I think of her."
"So sorry to interrupt, but I left some paperwork here I really need," Marion stepped into view and waved to Lisa again. "Seriously," she looked at both of them, "you have this time alone and are talking about Val Stanton? Ugh, gross."
Jack and Lisa both laughed, and as they all finished, Marion waved again, "I won't bother you."
"Marion," Jack called over his shoulder, "we are about to sign off for the night, so lunch in just a few." Lisa didn't hear Marion answer, but she smiled at Jack when he looked back at the screen.
"You know, we can do this again, video chat," she told him.
"Never thought I'd say this, but I would like that," he winked. Lisa chuckled, and both smiled at the other. "You be safe over there, Lise. I'll talk to you again soon."
"I will, same to you, Cowboy, and next up, I'm going to set you up with email and teach you that. It's high time you figure that out too. We can send messages that way, which would be really nice."
"I'm willing to try email," he said with a nod, "for you."