Chapter Five : All Comes Crashing Down

As Jonny and I continued dating we were spending more time at his house. We liked cuddling on his couch while watching TV…until Chuck came home. Whenever he arrived home, there seemed to be an underlying tension in the room and ever since he and Honey had broken up, he was spending more and more time there. I usually suggested that Johnny and I go and hang out in his room.

 

Johnny seemed oblivious to the tension. He always greeted Chuck when he came home and Chuck would even acknowledge me. But whenever Chuck was around, and Johnny and I were cuddling or kissing, I could sense Chuck tightening up.

Most mornings, I woke up and cooked breakfast. I liked cooking and Johnny seemed to think I was a great cook so I would get up before him and make it. Since Chuck had to be at work early, he was usually around while I was making breakfast. He’d thanked me for the food and then eat by himself. I still didn’t understand why he acted the way he did towards me. Maybe I had said something that offended him. Maybe he was just a jerk. Whatever the case, I was definitely getting tired of his attitude.

Ever since the night that Johnny told me about Chuck and Honey’s relationship I kept having an uneasy feeling. No matter how hard I tried to shake the feeling it just wouldn’t go away. It had become so bothersome to me that even Johnny noticed that something wasn’t right. I kept telling him that nothing was wrong but each time I couldn’t help feeling that there really was something wrong.

I started wondering if my uneasiness was due to some of the comments people made about our relationship; comments about our age difference or the fact that we technically were involved in an office romance. At first the comments didn’t really bother me. I didn’t care that Johnny was 30 years older than me. I didn’t care that he used to be my boss. But after five months of dating, I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe there was something to the comments about our age difference. When Johnny and I first started dating, we went out and did things. The last couple of months, we mostly spent at his house and when I suggested doing something, he’d nicely say he wanted to stay in. I enjoyed spending time with him but I also didn’t want to spend all my time sitting around.

There was something else that was bothering me. Not once, since we first started dating, did we ever talk about our feelings towards each other. I hadn’t thought much of it until Johnny had made the comment about Chuck and Honey’s relationship. Maybe we were just like them. Sure Johnny and I had feelings for each other but I wasn’t so sure anymore what those feelings were. I cared deeply for him but I just wasn’t so sure that this was what I wanted in a relationship.

Then came the news that changed everything. I was at Johnny’s house one night when he dropped a bomb on me.

“Hey Amanda, I need to talk to you about something.”

“What is it Johnny?”

“Well…I’ve been thinking lately that it would be nice to have a break from the music industry. You know, take some time off and travel. Not have to worry about meeting a song deadline.”

“What do you mean? How long of a break are you talking about?”

“Well, you know, like permanent.”

“You mean retirement?!”

“I guess that’s a way of putting it. What do you think?”

 

I didn’t know what to say. He had caught me completely off guard. I wasn’t going to tell him he shouldn’t do something he wanted. “If it’s something you want to do then you should do it. Where would you go.”

“I had thought about traveling to other countries. See what else is out in the world. But I was hoping it wouldn’t be just me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was hoping you’d come with me.”

I stood there for a moment thinking about what he was asking me to do. He was asking me to give up my career, friends and my dreams to be with him. I cared for Johnny but I didn’t know if I was willing to give up everything for him. Especially since I had been having doubts about our relationship recently.

“Johnny, I don’t…”

“Don’t say anything right now. Just think about it for a while.”

I was completely in shock. I ran home and called my older sister.

“Hey Mand! What’s up?”

“Johnny want’s to retire and travel the world."

“Well that sounds nice for him.”

 

“That’s not it. He wants me to travel with him.”

 

“Oh…wow…are you going to go with him?”

“I…I don’t know. I like spending time with him and he’s a really sweet man. I’ve learned so much from him and I owe him so much.”

“Mand, nowhere in there did I hear that you love him. Do you love him; and what about your career? You’ve just started yours.”

 

I knew she was right. I couldn’t honestly say that I was in love with Johnny, I cared for him. And then there was my career. I couldn’t even begin to think about leaving my career.

“Your right.”

“I’ve been trying to tell you this the whole time you two have been dating. He’s at the end of his career and you’re at the beginning. He’s 30 years older than you. It was bound to cause a problem sooner or later.”

“This is really not a time I want to hear I told you so, Jenn.”

“I’m sorry. If you want to talk some more, give me a call. I promise not to say anything else.”

“Thanks Jenn.”

For the next couple of days I didn’t leave the house; not even for work. Johnny tried to call me many times but I never picked up. I needed time to think about what I was going to say to him. I knew what I needed to do but I just wanted to stay in my home and hide.

The last thing I wanted to do was hurt him. He had come to mean so much to me. He had taught me everything I knew about the music industry and had been a great friend and mentor.

 

I wish Mom and Dad were here! They would know what to do. They had always known what to do.

I could almost hear Mom saying “Sweetheart, you know what’s in your heart. That’s what you need to follow.”

I did know what was in my heart. It was speaking very clearly to me. I picked up the phone and called Johnny.

“Hey Johnny, can I come over?”

“Sure. Are you okay? I’ve been trying to call you.”

“Yeah, I’ve just been thinking. I’ll see you in a little bit.”

“Okay.”

I changed my clothes and headed to Johnny’s house. As I walked up to the front door, Johnny opened it.

 

“Hey Amanda, want to come inside?”

“Actually, Johnny, I think we’d better talk out here.” I didn’t know if Chuck was home and I didn’t want to have this conversation with others around.

“Okay.” He closed the door and stood outside.

“Johnny, I’ve thought a lot about what you asked me the other day. I am so honored that you would want to travel the world with me. And in the beginning we would have a wonderful time. But I can’t help thinking that at some point I would regret giving up my career or dreams I had when I first came here. It’s always been my dream to live in the country, not travel the world. I care for you deeply, but…”

 

“I know. I completely understand, Amanda. You’re just starting out in your career and in life. I’m at the other end. I’m tired of living the life of a music industry businessman. But if someone had asked me 30 years ago to give it all up to travel the world, I would have chosen my career. I was asking a lot of you. I know you care about me and I care deeply for you. We’re just at two completely different points in our lives.”

“Johnny I’m just so sorry.” He pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me.

“It’s okay. It’s not your fault Amanda. We’ve had a wonderful time together and should feel fortunate that we’ve gotten to spend this time together. Think about all the fun and wonderful times we’ve had together.”

“What am I going to do without you? You’re my best friend.” I said looking up at him.

“If you ever need anything, I am only a phone call away. I mean it. Don’t hesitate to call.”

“I don’t know how to thank you for everything you’ve done for me Johnny.”

“You just did.” He smiled at me and wiped my tears away. “You should get going, or you’ll be late for work.”

“I don’t want to go to work. I don’t think I can.”

“Amanda, you can’t keep calling into work. Sooner or later you need to go back.”

I sighed. “You’re right. I’ll see you later then?”

“I’ll be there.”

I got ready for work in a daze. Nothing seemed to matter to me. I paid no mind to how I looked, what I ate, or what was going on around me.

I went to work and found out that there was a group meeting scheduled for soon after I got there. Everyone was wondering what the announcement was going to be. I knew and didn’t know if I had the heart to hear it in front of everyone. About an hour after work started, they gathered everyone for the announcement.

 

The whole thing was a blur for me. As the record exec announced Johnny’s retirement I mostly kept my head down.

 

Even without looking, I could tell that some people were looking at me to see my reaction. I didn’t care. I did manage to look at Johnny a couple of times and he would smile at me.

After the announcement, Johnny asked me to meet him in his office. I waited till everyone cleared out of the lobby and went into his office. When I walked in, he came over and gave me a hug.

“Remember what I said; if you ever need anything don’t hesitate to call me.”

I just shook my head. I knew if I tried to speak I would start crying. “Can I have one last hug?” he asked me.

I walked over to him and we hugged for what felt like an eternity. We both let go and looked at each other.

“Goodbye Amanda.”

“Goodbye Johnny.”

He gave my hand one last squeeze and walked out of his office, out of the building, and I guessed, out of my life.

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four: Interruption

It seemed like no time had passed before the leaves were turning and falling off the trees. One of the things that I initially loved about Appaloosa was all the trees and I loved them even more now. They were all different shades of red, orange, yellow, and green and a multicolor blanket covered the ground from the falling leaves.

I was promoted to band manager at work and I was learning so much not just from Johnny but from every one at the studio. I was spending some of my time playing the guitar and even writing some music. Most of the rest of my time was spent with Johnny. We’d go out to the club, jam at his house, and go for long walks along the beach.

I was getting ready for work one morning when my cell phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hey sweetie. Whatcha doin?” Johnny asked.

“Oh I’m getting ready to head to work. What are you up to?”

“I was just wondering if you wanted to stop by after work and jam for a little bit.”

“Jam? Is that all you had in mind?”

“Well…”

“I’ll come over. But we’re only going to play guitars together.”

“Okay…” His voice sounded disappointed.

I laughed. “I’ll see you later.”

“Okay.”

After work, I headed to Johnny’s house. I had only been there a couple of times since we had started dating and I had yet to see his housemate. I found it kind of odd that Johnny didn’t talk much about him but figured it was because they were just housemates and not really friends. I wondered if I was ever going to meet the guy.

 I arrived at his house and before I could even ring the doorbell, Johnny opened the door and greeted me with a kiss.

“Hey sweetie, how was your day?”

“You know, the usual. The lead singer of the band wants to put all kinds of crazy demands for their performances and the musicians are complaining about the lead singer. Lots of fun stuff to deal with as the band manager.”

“Ah yes. The life of a band manager. Well, hopefully soon you’ll get a promotion and this will be a distant memory.

“I hope so. What have you been up to?”

“Well, I’ve been working on a song and I wanted to get your opinion on it.”

"Okay."

Johnny picked up his guitar and started strumming the strings. I always enjoyed hearing him play and sing. He was one of the most talented musicians I had ever heard. I often wondered why he hadn’t become a singer since his singing was effortless. I began to pay more attention to the lyrics and realized that the song was a ballad. He finished the song and looked at me.

“That was beautiful!” I told him.

“You really think so?” I nodded. “I wrote it for you.”

“You did? I..I don’t know what to say. I’ve never had anyone write a song for me…thank you.”

He put his guitar down and walked over to me. He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him.

 

He looked deep into my eyes and I stood there wishing he would kiss me. As if reading my mind, he leaned down and kissed me slowly.

My head was starting to spin from kissing him when all of a sudden the front door opened with a loud bang.

Johnny and I were so stunned by the sudden intrusion we jumped away from each other. As I looked over at the door my feelings turned from stunned to disbelief. Standing in the doorway was Chuck with an enraged look on his face.

At the same time that I recognized him, he got a look on his face that showed he was shocked by seeing both Johnny and I there.

“I’m sorry, Johnny. I didn’t think you’d be home right now. I didn’t mean to…interrupt you.” He looked right at me when he said the last part.

 

Johnny walked over to Chuck. “It’s okay. What’s up anyway? Something bad must have happened if you’re coming home like this.”

“I was out with Honey and we basically broke up. So you can imagine I’m not in a good mood.”

As Chuck and Johnny continued to talk about Chuck’s issues I stood there in disbelief. My brain was having trouble processing all the info that I had just received. As I came to the realization, I blurted it out interrupting their conversation.

 

“So…you two are housemates?”

 

They both stopped talking and looked at me shocked; like it was something that I was supposed to know. How would I? Johnny never told me his housemates name and Chuck had never mentioned his, except that it was a good friend of his.

 

I looked at Chuck. “Johnny is the good friend you told me about when we first met?” I then turned to Johnny “And Chuck is actually your friend; not just some housemate you share your house with?” I then thought back to the night at the record studio when Chuck had visited and he and Johnny seemed to get upset with each other. So that wasn’t just a random thing. This whole time I’ve been thinking that whole interaction occurred between two guys that maybe kind of knew each other, but instead it was between best friends and housemates.

 

“Why would you think that I wasn’t friends with the person who lives here?” Johnny asked me.

“Well you never mentioned him, really. I just assumed that meant that he was someone you knew but not a good friend and I certainly didn’t think it was… Chuck.” Chuck looked at me with a quizzical expression.

“I didn’t really think it was all that important to mention. I guess I figured you knew.” Johnny explained.

 

The three of us stood there looking at each other for several seconds, none of us really sure what to say. The silence was interrupted by Johnny’s cell phone ringing. He answered it and as he talked to whomever it was and walked away. That left Chuck and I standing there alone in our awkward silence. I finally tried to start a conversation.

“You said you and Honey basically broke up? What happened?”

 

He sighed and pursed his lips. “Without getting into anything too personal, we came to a joint decision that our relationship wasn’t what either of us were looking for. There wasn’t a big fight about it but it still doesn’t give someone warm fuzzy feelings to see any relationship end. So you can imagine I’m not in the greatest mood right now.”

 

I looked over at him and I actually felt bad for him. No one wants to go through what Chuck was dealing with. I really couldn’t blame him for being in a bad mood.

 

“I guess that’s always the risk we all take when we enter into relationships with people. If we decide to let that person in, we take the chance that it’s not going to work out and in the end we’ll be heartbroken. Sorry, that’s probably not what you want to hear right now.” I looked at him and he was looking down at the ground with a pained expression. Johnny reentered the room and apologized.

“Sorry about that. The record studio had a question about an upcoming recording session. Hey Chuck, you okay buddy?” Johnny looked concerned at Chuck. Chuck mumbled something and headed off to what I now knew as his bedroom.

Johnny turned to me “Hey Amanda, do you think that maybe we could meet up tomorrow night? I don’t just want to leave my best friend here with him feeling like this.”

“Sure. I understand”

“I’ll walk you out. I’ll be right back Chuck, I’m just walking Amanda out.” He called back to Chuck.

We walked out the front door and walked down the driveway.

 

“Do you think Chuck will be okay?”

“I’m sure he will be. From what I know about his and Honey’s relationship they weren’t that serious but it’s still painful when you breakup with someone. “

My cab pulled up and Johnny and I kissed. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.” He told me.

“See you then.”

I got in the cab and as it pulled away, watched Johnny walk back into the house.



The next night Johnny came to my house to pick me up. We had planned on hanging out at his place but when Johnny arrived, he suggested that we might want to hang out at my place.

“As you can imagine Chuck is still pretty upset over what happened. I think it might be better if we just hang out here instead.”

“Sure. Did he tell you anymore about what happened after I left last night?”

 

Johnny paused a little before responding. “Honey and Chuck have been friends for several years and didn’t start dating till recently. They weren’t even really sure about dating each other because they were worried about if things didn’t work out, that their friendship would suffer. Despite their reservations, they decided to give a romantic relationship a go. I can’t tell you what most of their time together was like, but I can tell you that from what I observed, it just didn’t seem like they had a spark. Even after they started dating it was more like they were friends instead of boyfriend and girlfriend. They were affectionate towards each other but not to the extent that other couples are.”

“Do you think their friendship will survive?”

“I think so. It’s going to be bumpy for a while but I don’t think Honey is one to keep grudges and I know for a fact Chuck isn’t.”

I was shocked by what Johnny had just said. Chuck didn’t hold grudges? That didn’t sound like the Chuck I knew.

“How about we sit on the couch and watch TV.” Johnny’s suggestion interrupted my thoughts.

“Okay. What should we watch?”

As we sat down and Johnny started flipping through channels, my thoughts drifted to something Johnny had said about Chuck and Honey’s relationship. It just didn’t seem like they had a spark. Even after they started dating it was more like they were friends instead of boyfriend and girlfriend. I tried to push it out of my head as Johnny and I sat on my couch, cuddling as we watched a movie. No matter how hard I tried though, it kept repeating over and over in my head.



 

Chapter Three: Birds of a Feather

I wonder if Chuck’s available to go to the Summer Festival today?

He had said no a couple of days ago but maybe since it’s the weekend he’ll be available. I was unsure if he’d want to go though since he had acted so weird the night I stayed after work. I was confused at what had happened since that night. When Chuck had left with Honey, he had completely ignored me and it happened after he talked to Johnny. He almost seemed to be avoiding me. The whole thing was weird.

At least the recording session had gone well. We ended up staying at the recording studio till midnight. My job was to run around and get anything that the producers and musicians needed. Throughout the evening, I got to occasionally sit and watch the recording process. The group had a girl drummer and two guy guitar players. At one point they asked Johnny and me to jam with them on the keyboard and piano.

 

 

 

 

Johnny was really good about explaining all the technical stuff and helped me understand what was going on. He really was a good teacher. He made sure that all his employees were learning while working for him.

 

 

I had surprisingly gotten more comfortable around him. I could at least have a conversation with him without sounding like an idiot and I had learned that he really was a friendly guy. He seemed to be pretty happy with me work too. Just the other day he called me into his office to tell me I had earned a promotion.

 

After getting ready, I picked up my cell and called Chuck.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hey Chuck, it’s Amanda.”

 

“Oh…hi”

 

“Hey I was wondering if you weren’t working if you’d like to go to the Summer Festival?”

 

“I don’t think I can make it Amanda. I have to be somewhere in a couple of hours.”

 

“Well, what about somewhere else?” Is it me or is he trying to avoid me?

 

“Well…I guess I could. How about the Karaoke bar. But I can’t stay very long.”

 

“Okay. Maybe you can teach this city girl to sing country.”

 

“Uh…sure.”

 

I hung up and couldn’t shake the feeling that he was trying to avoid me. I was going to get to the bottom of this. I grabbed my purse and took a cab to the Karaoke bar. Not long after I arrived, Chuck pulled up. He was wearing his police uniform which I thought was odd since I didn't think he worked on weekends. There was always the possibility that he got called into work.

 

We went inside and I was about to ask him if he wanted to sing but he quickly cut me off.

 

“Look, Amanda. I really have somewhere I need to be. I only came cause I felt bad that I told you that I would do something with you. I just really don’t have the time.”

 

“Really? Well next time don’t bother. If the only reason you came was because you felt bad then by all means go, do what you need to do. Won’t bother me one bit.”

 

He got a really sad look in his eyes. He started to say something and stopped himself. I had no idea what was going on. He seemed so friendly the night I met him and it all changed after he and Johnny talked at work that one night. Maybe I had done something that offended him. I tried to think what I had done but was drawing a blank. I decided that the only way I was going to find out was to ask him.

 

“Chuck..”

 

“I gotta go. I’m sorry Amanda. I’m just really sorry.”

 

 

 

With that, he got in his truck and drove off. I stood there in disbelief. After thinking about what had just happened for several moments, I decided to head back home. As I rode in the cab I tried to once again think of what had happened that had caused Chuck’s change towards me. No matter how many times I went over events, I couldn’t figure it out. By the time I got home, I was frustrated and mad.
I had just moved to Appaloosa and it seemed like I had already lost a friend and I wasn’t fitting in very well with most people I met.

Maybe I shouldn’t have moved here. I don’t seem to belong and all I hear about is how different I am because I'm a city girl.

I needed to do something fun to get my mind off of everything. I decided to go to Port a Party since Josy had suggested I check it out. I called a cab and soon I was on my way there. I walked inside and immediately went to the bar to get a drink. I was about half way done with my drink when I noticed a man staring at me out of the corner of my eye. The last thing I wanted to deal with was a creep staring at me.

Great! Now I have to deal with this.

I turned my head so I could glare at him. I had just made eye contact when I realized that it was Johnny. I got up and walked over to him.

“Hey Johnny! Sorry if I gave you a weird look. I saw someone looking at me out of the corner of my eye and didn’t know who it was.”

“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you. I just walked in and noticed you sitting at the bar.”

“That’s okay. I haven’t had the greatest day so I’m kind of on edge.”

“Hope nothing work related.”

“No. Work is great!”

“Oh good! So how are you liking Appaloosa Plains?”

“I really like it so far. Most people seem really nice.” Most, unless they’re named Chuck.

“Good! Are you meeting someone here?”

“No, I’ve never been here and Josy had told me that it was a fun place. After the day I’ve had I thought it might be just what I needed.”

“What happened?”

“I’m just feeling out of place and like I don’t really belong. Did you ever feel that way when you moved here from the city?"

 

“I did a little. At that time there was a guy working in the office who was a city transplant like myself. We became friends and hung out some until he moved away. By that point I had lived here long enough that I had made other friends. If he hadn’t been working here I suppose I would have been pretty lonely.”

“That must have been nice for you.”

“You know…if you ever want to hang out with a fellow city transplant, I’m available.”

Although that sounded nice, there was still the fact that he was my boss and hanging out with your boss probably wasn’t looked to well upon at the office. “That’s really nice of you to offer, Johnny but wouldn’t hanging out with my boss kind of cause some issues at work?”

 

“Well you technically wouldn’t be hanging out with your boss. I’m being transferred to a different group. The announcement will be made this week at work.”

 

I was taken aback for a moment and thought about what he had just said to me. If he wasn’t going to be my boss any more than it should be okay for us to be friends and do things together. Then another thought occurred to me. This whole time I had feelings for him and had kept them buried because he was my boss…

“Well if that’s the case, then I don’t see why we can’t be seen together.” I joked with him.

As the night continued we listened to the singer that had taken the stage and talked. We each talked about things we missed from the city and our favorite things in Appaloosa. Our conversation eventually turned to dating.

“So why aren’t you here with a date? Surely you’re seeing someone.” Johnny questioned me.

“Uh, no. I guess I’m not many guys’ type here. To be honest, no one has really indicated that they are interested.”

“That’s probably because their afraid you’ll say no.”

“Why would guys think that?”

“Well, I mean, with you being so beautiful and all, they’re probably afraid of getting rejected.”

Wait, did he just say I’m beautiful? “Um…Well…”

“Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. It’s just that it’s pretty hard not to notice how pretty you are.”

The blood rushed to my face and I looked down. “That’s…really nice of you to say.” I realized that I had never heard anyone mention Johnny having a girlfriend. “How about you? Surely you’re seeing someone?”

 

“No, I think I’m in the same boat as you. Oh, not that women see me and think “He’s so good looking” and are afraid that I’ll reject them. More so the fact that I’m not their “type.” You know us city folk are kind of weird to these here country folk.”

“Don’t I know it. I get reminded daily of how I’m just a city girl and I can’t possibly do certain things because of it. It’s annoying…and I don’t agree with you about women not thinking you’re good looking. I think you’re very handsome.” He looked at me and smiled which caused me to look down.

 

There was a long silence between us. I looked at Johnny and he was looking down at the ground. It looked like he was thinking about something but I wasn’t sure. I looked at the stage and watched some people setting up for what looked like a performance.

“Amanda,” I looked up at him “there’s something that I want to tell you, but I’m not sure how you’ll take it. You see, I’ve had feelings for you since the first day you arrived in Appaloosa. I tried to bury them and forget them, but they wouldn’t go away. I’m sure you probably don’t feel the same and I hope that even though I told you, there won’t be any awkwardness between us. ” He had a sad look on his face which I guessed was due to him really believing that I was about to reject him.

“Actually, Johnny, I have to confess something to you. Remember when I first came to town you gave me a tour of the theater? I immediately felt something and since then I’ve fought to keep my feelings buried since you were my boss.”

“You…have feelings for me?” He looked floored as I nodded my head. “So, would you like to go on an actual date with me? After the announcement at work, of course.”

“I’d like that very much.”

 

Several days later it was announced at work that Johnny was moving to the songwriting team and that a new boss would be hired for my group soon. Johnny had told me when the announcement was going to be made so I had to act surprised but I couldn’t help stealing glances at him.

 

After work, I headed home to change clothes. I checked myself out in the mirror and then hopped in a cab. We had decided to meet back at Port a Party after work. After arriving, I started looking around for Johnny but didn’t see him so I grabbed a seat at the bar. I was about to order a drink when Johnny came up behind me.

“Do you want to dance?”

“Sure!”

A slow song had started to play as we walked over to a spot closer to the stage. He pulled me in close and we started to dance. We danced a little while before either one of us spoke.

“Amanda, are you sure you’re okay with this? I mean, I am older than you and we do still technically work together.”


“Johnny, our age difference doesn’t bother me and why would working together bother me? It just means that I get to see you more.”

“Well, I suppose that is an added benefit.” He joked with me. We spent the rest of the night dancing and talking. The more we talked, the more we realized that we had a ton in common. We completely lost track of time.

“Sorry Mr. Johnson, but we’re closing.” The owner warned us. Johnny and I both looked around and realized that we were the only people left. Johnny looked at his watch and we realized how late it was.

“I should drive you home. Sorry we lost track of time.” He apologized to the owner. We headed to my house and spent several minutes talking outside. We decided to go out again the next night before he said goodnight.

“I had a wonderful time tonight.”

“So did I. Thanks for showing this city girl a fun time.”

“My pleasure. Until tomorrow night then.” He reached down, grabbed my hand and kissed it.

I smiled as he walked toward his car and stood in my doorway until he pulled away I thought about the night as I turned to go into the house and felt my heart flutter. I went into the bedroom and laid on my bed thinking about Johnny.

Life is funny. You think you’ve got it all figured out and then something happens that turns it upside down. When I first arrived in Appaloosa I had dreams of meeting a dark, handsome cowboy. Now I want nothing to do with cowboys and was falling for a man who was once a city dweller like myself.