Chapter One: Part One - City Girl

As my cab pulled into the town of Appaloosa Plains, I could hardly contain my excitement. Ever since I was a little girl I had dreamed of living amongst horses, farms, and of course…cowboys. I used to tell my parents and anyone else that would listen about all the adventures I would have and how one day I’d meet a cowboy that would sweep me off my feet.   No one understood it, I don’t even know if I did.  Having grown up in the city it made no sense why I would have any dreams about living in the country but my parents always encouraged me to follow my heart.  Thanks in large part to them; I was finally starting to realize my dream.

As the taxi entered the town, I rolled down the window to breathe in the pure country air.  It was amazing how cleaner the air was out here in the country.  While leaning out to catch another breath, I caught sight of the town sign.

Welcome to Appaloosa Plains

I settled back into my seat and tried to keep my excitement under control.  Soon the cab would be pulling up to my new home!

This is insane! I can’t believe that I am actually here!

“Ma’am, where would you like me to take you first?”

“Oh! Umm…I suppose we could just go to my house and then if I need to go anywhere else, I’ll just figure it out.  The address is 1007 Pomona Promenade. Thank you!”

“Will do Ma’am!”

I was anxious to see my new home.  I had made a trip into town several weeks before to find a house.  I looked at several houses before settling on this particular one and had fallen in love with it the second I saw it. The realtor had tried to talk me out of it, though.
 

“Here we have a one bedroom, fully furnished home on a large lot.  Not much too it, very simple and I’m sure not very exciting for a city girl like yourself.”

I had looked around the outside and couldn’t help but notice the view. Beautiful trees as far as you could see and where there weren’t trees, tons of open space.  Not something I was used to seeing.

“This isn’t very far from the town center, is it?” I inquired.

“Yes, it’s close, but…”

“And I can see the festival grounds from here.  That’s an added bonus.”

“Yes, that is nice, but…”

“Can we have a look inside?”

“All right, but I can’t help think that this is way too big a lot for a single city girl like yourself.”

The realtor let me in and I saw what the realtor was talking about.

 

 

It was a small house. There was one larger room that had a kitchen, dining table, and living area combined. There was a bedroom that had room only for a bed and a very tight bathroom.  There were no pictures, rugs, or decorative features anywhere.

 

We walked back outside and the realtor commented on the house again.

“You see. I told you, not very exciting especially for a city girl.”

 

Why did she keep pointing that out? For a city girl. City girl. Is that how everyone will treat me here? Like I’m some kind of prissy, frou-frou city girl.

“I’ll take it!”

“I’m sorry…You’ll what?”

“I’ll take it! It’s perfect. The house is the perfect size. There isn’t much to do as far as the yard. The price is right and it has a wonderful location.  When can I sign the papers?”

 

The realtor looked at me like I had grown two heads. After several seconds she regained her composure and told me we could head back to her office and sign the papers.

The taxi turned onto Pomona Promenade pulling me away from my thoughts. It wouldn’t be long now. I would soon be living on my own in the country. As the car came to a stop, I looked out the window at my new home.

I hope I’ll be happy here.

The cab driver exited the car and went around to the trunk to get my luggage. I got out of the vehicle and was surprised to see that the driver was taking my luggage up to the front door.

“That’s okay! I can get that.”

“No Ma’am. I wouldn’t feel right letting you carry all these bags.”

“Well, thank you.”

After he placed the last bag near the door I gave him a generous tip.  He thanked me, got in the cab and left.

I’m all alone. I’m actually all alone.

It was both exciting and scary at the same time.  I had grown up in a house with three other sisters so I had never felt like I was ever alone.  For a brief moment, panic swept over me.

All right! Enough of that. Your perfectly capable of taking care of yourself!

I picked up a couple of bags and opened the door. After placing the bags in the bedroom, I looked around my new home.  It may be small and very simple, but it still felt cozy

Well, I guess I better go check in at work.

While checking out houses several weeks ago I had also applied for a music position.  I was thrilled when I found out that they had chosen me.   They had asked me to check in once I arrived in town.

 

The thought of meeting my new boss made me fidget like a little girl.  We had never met face to face but I knew who he was.  He was a well-known song writer and I about flipped out when I learned that I would be working for him. Before entering his office I smoothed out my skirt and shirt.  I opened the door and saw him sitting at his desk.
 

 

“You must be Amanda.”

 

 

I literally froze in place. I had assumed that since he lived in a little country town Johnny Johnson would look like a stereotypical cowboy.  In front of me sat the complete opposite.  He had silky long hair, wore shinny shoes and stylish clothes; not at all what I had expected.

He got up and approached me to shake my hand.
 

 

“It’s nice to finally meet you. Our HR person has told me quite a bit about you.”

As our hands met I felt a little jolt go up my arm. 

 Oh no! Did my face just give that away? Did he feel the same thing I just felt? Get it together Amanda! You didn’t move into the country to fall for your boss or a guy who isn’t a cowboy!

I quickly took my hand back.

“Thank you. I’m really excited to be working here.”

“Great! Let’s have a seat and chat for a bit.”
 

 

As we sat in his office talking, I learned that he had also lived in the city. He left to enjoy a more relaxed pace and so he could own his own ranch.

After chatting he offered to give me a tour of the building.  He showed me the main office area and the recording studio. 

  

While we were in the studio I started admiring the piano. I had only played an old upright piano that was at my parents’ house.  I had always wanted to play a baby grand.

“Do you play?” He asked pointing to the piano.

“I do, but I’ve never played on anything so beautiful.”

“Go ahead. Have a go.”

I eased my way onto the bench and let my fingers rest for a moment on the smooth keys. I noticed that there was a piece on the piano and began playing. 

Occasionally, I would look over at Johnny and see him smiling at me.  I was noticing how nice his smile was when my fingers started to fumble over the keys.
 

 

“Oops! I guess that’s why I’m not a concert pianist.” I said jokingly.

“I thought you played beautifully.”

I could feel the blood rush to my face.

Why do I feel so nervous around him?

 I tried to regain my composure as we walked toward the entrance.

“Thank you for showing me around Mr. Johnson.”

“Johnny. Everyone here calls me Johnny; and you’re very welcome.  We’ll see you tomorrow then.”


 

After fixing some dinner at home, I was anxious to check out Adventure Landing.  The realtor had told me that it was a great place to watch the sunset.  I checked myself out in the mirror before leaving.

You never know when you’ll meet a handsome cowboy.

After a short cab ride I was at the landing.  Boy, was the realtor right! This would be an amazing place to watch the sunset, or sunrise. It would be beautiful as the light reflected on the water.

I made my way to the water and saw some stones.  As I looked at them I realized that I had never skipped a stone; not even once as a kid.  I picked up a stone and threw it across the water.  It actually went pretty far.
 

 

I skipped several stones and then stood there taking in the sight and breathing. I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds around me; the water lapping on the beach, the birds calling to each other, the fish splashing in the water…

“Fancy meeting you here.”

I opened my eyes, turned around, and saw Johnny.