Made to Love, page 10
“What do you normally do?”
“Normally, I’d have to clean their droppings out of the stall first. Lacey is a treat when it comes to that. You saw how she was out there. Let’s just say, if she is in a mood, she uses the entire stall. Spoiled, I tell you. Reba, she’s much better. She has a favorite spot, and she doesn’t stray from that.” Mason walked over to the wall and touched a pitchfork. “We use this. You have to scoop up any mess, shake the excess hay off and dispose of it.” For good measure, Mason grabbed the pitchfork off the wall and sifted through Lacey’s stall. She fluffed the hay several times before repeating the steps in Reba’s stall. She pointed at the water buckets in each of their stalls. “There’s a pump right outside the door. Just rinse those out and fill them up with clean water.”
Marly grabbed the buckets and made her way outside. She turned on the water and rinsed the first of the two water buckets out and filled it with fresh water.
“Hello?”
Marly hadn’t heard anyone approaching, so the surprise made her jump. She dropped the bucket and doused herself with cold water. “Shit.” She looked at Nikki with barely veiled irritation. “You ought to give a girl a little warning. Cough or something, jeez.”
“I’m sorry.” Nikki narrowed the distance between them and let her eyes roam the entire length of Marly’s body. “It seems I’ve gotten you all wet.”
Marly looked down to hide her eye roll. She knew Nikki’s type well. She used her good looks to get whatever she wanted. Well, Marly had run into plenty of those women, and she had little use for them. “Can I help you with something?”
“You’re Mason’s neighbor, right? Your mom just died.” Nikki stood akimbo waiting for Marly’s response with as disinterested a look as possible.
“Yes.” Marly bristled at the tactlessness that oozed from Nikki’s dark lips. She was either incredibly cavalier or just clueless on how to properly interact with other people. Whichever it was, Marly was tired of it already. “Did you need something?”
“I was just looking for Mason. I wanted to apologize for ditching her.”
Marly noticed the way Nikki’s voice softened when she said Mason. It wasn’t entirely obvious, but Marly used subtle visual and vocal clues in her work, so she was more skilled at picking up on slight variations in peoples’ tones. Marly tossed her head over her shoulder. “She’s in the barn.”
“Thanks.” Nikki took a step then stopped. “I’m sorry about scaring you.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Marly bent over and picked up her bucket and started to fill it again. She watched Nikki’s fluid strides into the barn. Truth-be-told, she was a little jealous of her long, willowy build and her perfect olive skin. Marly considered herself to be very average looking. The closest she’d ever come to being beautiful was a compliment about her eyes. Your brown eyes are captivating. That was the one and only time Marly could remember being attractive. She cast one last glance as Nikki slipped inside the barn and wrinkled up her face at Nikki’s perfect bottom. “Figures.”
“Hi, Mase.”
Mason glanced up from Reba’s stall and smiled. “Hey, yourself. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, just an important call.” Nikki shuffled nervously. “Listen, about earlier…”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“No, I want to apologize for ditching you. That was rude.”
Mason waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t give it another thought. I got a back okay.”
Nikki nodded once. “Yeah, I saw that. She’s pleasant.”
“Marly? She takes some getting used to.” A smile slid over Mason’s face as she recalled her first meeting with Marly. It was less than ideal.
“I guess it didn’t help that she dropped an entire bucket of water on herself because of me.” Nikki feigned innocence. “How did I know she scared so easily?”
“I’m sure she is fine.” Mason walked out of the stall and hung the pitchfork back on the wall. “Have you met the girls?”
“Unh-uh. I would love it if you introduced me.” Nikki slid her arm through Mason’s and followed her out of the barn. They walked around to the back and stopped along the fence.
Mason pointed at the tawny-colored horse. “That’s Lacey. She’s a bit peeved at me right now. I didn’t have any treats for her.” Lacey looked up and snorted at Mason, who laughed in response. “See. And that is Reba.”
“And is she mad at you too?”
“Not that I’m aware of, but who knows? I have a tendency to piss women off.”
Nikki rubbed her fingers along Mason’s arm, sending shivers down Mason’s spine. “You haven’t pissed me off.”
“Yet.” Mason snorted ruefully. “Just give me time.” Mason leaned her arms over the edge of the fence. “Come here, girl. I know you’re mad at me, but I want you to meet someone.”
Lacey snorted and pawed the ground, but didn’t make a move toward them.
“I’ll bring you two treats next time; I promise.” Mason’s tone was soft and soothing as she wooed Lacey. “Come on, Lacey. Who’s your favorite aunt?”
Lacey tossed her head, but this time she walked toward Mason and nuzzled her hand.
“Good girl.” Mason grabbed Nikki’s hand and slowly eased it toward Lacey, placing it palm down in front of her nose, just like she had done with Marly. “Just let her get to know you.”
“Okay.” Nikki held her hand still, following Mason’s suggestion. Lacey sniffed her hand for several seconds before her ears went back, and she tried to nip at Nikki’s hand.
“No, Lacey.” Mason pulled Nikki’s hand back and glared at Lacey. “We do not bite.” Mason pulled Nikki’s hand toward her and turned it over, checking for injuries. “You okay? She’s never done that before. Usually, she likes everyone.”
Nikki shrugged and chuckled nervously. “I guess she can tell I’m the bad seed of the family.”
“Nah, that’s crazy. She’s probably just ticked at me still.” Mason put her palm on Nikki’s elbow and led her away from the fence. She shook her head in disbelief. She was fairly certain that Lacey really didn’t like Nikki. “At least you’re okay.”
“Yes, I’m fine.” Nikki pulled away from Mason as they rounded the barn. “I should be going. I just wanted to tell you I was sorry for earlier.”
“Like I said, it’s totally fine.” Mason rubbed her hand over the back of her neck uncomfortably. She wanted to ask Nikki out again. After their conversation this afternoon, she felt a renewed hope that Nikki might be interested. Mason hoped she hadn’t read her wrong. “Listen, there is a place down in South Burlington that has a gay and lesbian night the first Friday of every month. They have a live band and a DJ. I thought we could go hang out, listen to some music, maybe dance some.”
Nikki arched an eyebrow and regarded Mason with a comical expression.
“What?” Mason felt her stomach drop. The tiny bit of confidence she did have was quickly stripped away.
“Don’t forget, I just saw how you dance. I’m not sure I’m ready to lose my toes.”
Mason almost withdrew her invitation, but then she saw the twinkle in Nikki’s eyes. “Oh? You were kidding.”
Nikki’s smile widened. “Yes, I was teasing you. I would love to go. I could stand to have a little culture way out in the country.”
“I didn’t say anything about culture. Just something to do. I promise I won’t break too many toes.”
“It’s a date.”
Mason beamed. “So, I’ll see you next Friday.”
“Unless you’re lucky and we run into each other before that.”
“Yes, if I’m lucky.”
Nikki leaned over and kissed Mason’s cheek. “Till then.” She waggled her fingers in Marly’s direction and nodded toward her wet jeans. “Sorry for getting you all wet.”
Marly shook her head and both women watched Nikki walk away-Marly, who wore a slight look of disgust, and Mason, who couldn’t slap the grin off her face. “Let’s hope you dance better than that on your date.”
Mason pulled her eyes away from Nikki’s retreating figure and shot Marly a desperate grin. “Tell me you know how to dance.”
Marly’s eyes widened. “Tell me you’re joking. You’re joking, aren’t you?” She saw the look in Mason’s eyes and groaned. “You’re not joking. Oh God. Why would you ask her out dancing?”
“I don’t know.” Mason looked chagrined. “That’s what people do. They listen to music, and they dance.”
“Um, people who dance do that, not people who maul someone else’s feet.” Marly dusted off her hands and shook her head. “Couldn’t you just ask her to dinner?”
“Oh God.” Mason scrubbed her palms over her face. “I’m screwed.”
“No.” Marly rubbed Mason’s arm reassuringly. “We have some time. I’m sure between the two of us we can come up with two solid dance moves that you can fake it with…fast and slow.”
Mason smiled hopefully. “You think so?”
Marly stepped backward and let her eyes drop to Mason’s feet and back to her face. “I’ve done more with less.”
“Well, that’s encouraging.” Mason clipped sarcastically.
“Hey, I’m not the one who just asked my uber crush to go dancing.”
“Touche.” Mason flicked her head toward the barn. “Did you save any water for the girls or did you use it all?”
Marly swatted Mason’s arm and growled. “Ooh, keep it up, you. You will be watching Nikki shake her ass from the comfort of a barstool.”
Mason plastered an innocent smile on her face. “Yes, Ms. Cabot.” She snickered behind her hand at the evil look that Marly shot her. She started walking toward their cars, letting Marly fall instep beside her. “When shall we start?”
“Tomorrow night.” Marly paused, not sure how to say the next part. “I’m taking Mom’s ashes to the Islands; we can work on you after.”
“Isle La Motte?” Mason knew of the five island towns in Lake Champlain, Isle La Motte, was Anne’s favorite. The furthest and most remote, they visited that island most of all during their years together. Anne loved to visit Saint Anne’s Shrine. She said it made her feel closer to God. “Your mom loved the Shrine. She went to Mass there a few times.”
“Mass?” Marly sounded surprised and perhaps a little confused. “Mom wasn’t Catholic.”
“No, but she was very spiritual. It was very calming for her. I know that she prayed quite a bit. I think I have an idea now what she might have been praying about.”
“Me?”
Mason nodded and leaned against her car. “I think she must have hoped that you would come home one day. Or maybe she was praying you were safe.”
“I never knew that side of Mom.” Marly folded her arms and looked out over the ranch to the foothills of the Green Mountains behind. “She loved this place, though. That much I know. She called it God’s country all the time. That’s why I know she wants to be a part of the nature that she loved.”
“And you’re sure it’s okay that I come with you to the island?” Mason ached just asking the question knowing the answer could be no. She wanted to be there to say her final good-byes to the woman she had known as a mom for so long.
“Yes…I mean if you want to go. I don’t want to force…”
Mason turned and put her finger to Marly’s lips, silencing her. “I want to be there.”
Marly ignored the shiver that went through her body at Mason’s touch. She chalked it up to too many months without female company. Pulling away, she smiled gratefully. “I would like that.”
Mason pushed herself off her car and smiled. “See you tomorrow then.”
“Yes. I’ll pack a lunch, if that’s okay.”
“That would be perfect.” Mason opened her door to get in. “Anne loved picnics.”
“Till tomorrow, Coyote.” Marly waved and got into her car. She touched her hand to her lips and smiled involuntarily. She hadn’t come home expecting to find a friend and even when the truce had been made, she didn’t expect much. She wasn’t sure that their tender friendship would last beyond this shared experience, but for the time being, it felt nice to be close to someone again.
Chapter 9
Mason stepped onto the porch and shaded her eyes from the early morning sun. She inhaled the scent of the blossoms around her. For a moment, she felt like Anne was standing beside her, and it made her smile. Over the years, they sat on her porch many a late spring day. It was hard to believe that Anne was gone. It seemed like just yesterday they shared a spot on the swing, discussing Mason’s plans for new pieces. Now, Mason was making a piece in Anne’s honor.
The sadness came in waves that crashed over Mason when she least expected - a song that reminded her of Anne, passing by her church, sitting on the porch. Mason never knew when the tears would come. They came and went quickly. More lately, Mason tried to convince herself that the sun would keep rising even through the pain.
“Hey, got any extra coffee?” Marly clambered up the steps and plastered a tired, but hopeful, grin on her face. She waved an empty coffee mug in Mason’s direction. “Mom’s coffee maker is on the fritz.”
Mason crinkled up her nose and toyed with saying no, but she couldn’t keep the smile off her face at Marly’s hopefulness. She reached around and pulled the screen door open, gesturing for Marly to follow her in. “I have plenty. I woke up exhausted this morning, but the sun and fresh air seem to have woken me up some.”
“They haven’t done the trick for me yet. I’m afraid it’s going to be a caffeine day today.” Marly held her cup out as Mason filled it with coffee and gestured to a container of creamer on the counter. “No thanks, just the coffee.” Marly inhaled the aroma and blew on the hot liquid before she took a tentative sip. “Mm, you make a mean pot of coffee.”
“That’s your mom’s fault. She taught me all about brewing the perfect cup of coffee. I have a hard time getting coffee anywhere else.” Mason topped off her own mug and put the pot back on the heater. “There is just enough for you to have a second cup, but I can make another pot if you want.”
Marly shook her head no. “Two is plenty. I’ll grab a coke for the drive. How far is it?”
“An hour, give or take. We can drive up US 2 and hit all the islands or hop on 89 and cross over just north of Isle La Motte, your choice.”
“What would my mom do?” Marly looked expectantly at Mason.
“Take the scenic route.” Mason answered the question quickly, knowing that Anne was a nature lover. It was one of the reasons they got along so well-their shared love of all things outdoors. “Besides, it’s a beautiful day. We might as well take advantage of it.”
“Sounds good.” Marly’s coffee was starting to kick in, and she was feeling human. “I just need to grab a jacket and Mom’s urn.” She flicked her eyes up and down Mason’s body, frowning at her worn-out pajama bottoms. “You wearing that?”
Mason looked askance at Marly. “I had thought about it. I like to be comfortable.”
“Seriously?” Marly caught Mason’s smirk and rolled her eyes. “About the time I figure out when you are teasing and when you are serious, I’ll be leaving. Maybe you could make up a placard that says just kidding anytime you are being sarcastic. It would make our daily interaction quite a bit easier.”
“Aw, now where is the fun in that?” Mason pinched Marly’s cheek playfully. “Besides, you’re kind of cute when you can’t quite figure things out.”
“Oh, God,” Marly said with a groan. “You really are like my mother.” Marly sipped her coffee then held up her mug. “Thanks again. I’m gonna go grab Mom. Honk when you’re ready.”
Mason walked her to the front door. “I’ll get cleaned up.”
Marly headed out the door then stopped on the steps. “Hey, your friends…they have the baby?”
Mason remembered the impromptu visit to the hospital, and she smiled. “Sure did, late last night. They had a boy; named him Alexander Neal Tataris. Pretty sure they are gonna call him Alex.”
Marly let the name roll off of her lips. “That’s probably a good idea. You wanna run by the hospital on the way out of town?”
“You’re sure you don’t mind? I just want to drop off a gift.”
Marly waved her hand dismissively. “You’re driving. We have time for whatever you want.” With that, she descended the steps and walked back to her house.
Fifteen minutes later, Mason pulled into Marly’s driveway and honked. She watched Marly descend the steps, her arms enveloping a thick blanket. “You need help?”
“Nah, I’ve got it.” Marly opened the back door and sat the bundle in the back seat carefully. She pulled the seatbelt around it and went to click it shut.
“Um, whatcha doing?” Mason twisted around and watched Marly in fascination.
“I figured it would be protected better.”
“What would be protected better?”
Marly eyed Mason with disbelief. “The urn. Mom. You know I thought she would be safer if I buckled her in.”
“Huh.” Mason nodded and turned around again. Now, she had seen it all.
“I just gotta grab my jacket and the picnic basket, and I’m ready.”
Ten minutes later, Mason pulled into a parking spot at the hospital and shut the engine off. “You can stay in the car, in case you want to keep your mom company. I’ll leave the keys so you can listen to the radio.”
Marly paused with her hand on the door and hid her disappointment. She didn’t know Aspen or Lex at all, but there was something that made her want to join Mason. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but she felt a need to be a part of her new friend’s life. Maybe she felt like she owed Mason, which went against everything Marly believed her whole adult life. More than likely, she was feeling empty for the first time in a long time, and she longed to fill the space.
Mason watched the emotions play on Marly’s face. “I get it; you love babies, despite your cold, hard exterior. You’re just a softie. Come on.”
The corners of Marly’s mouth curved up. “You figured out my secret.”
