Broken Rider(11)

Cindy nodded. “Yeah, he moved in soon after. At the time he was devastated of course and he couldn’t bear to live in the home he had shared with Sarah. So, Christine and I asked him if he would like to look after the cabin for us. He agreed and he’s been out there since. Don’t worry though, he’s known since he moved in this day would come.”

“I don’t want to ask him to leave. I would feel terrible.”

Cindy shrugged. “Well, you don’t have to ask him to leave. The cabin is pretty spacious and I assume it will be a while before the B&B is up and running. You could ask him if he would like to stay and help you get the place up set up. He’s very handy and while I have the upmost confidence in you, it never hurts to have a tall man around to help you reach things. Plus, you will feel safe with him around. He has a...certain method of carrying himself that make people---especially women---feel safe when he's around."

Erin nodded and began considering the possibility. Of course she would reserve judgment until she met the man, but the prospect of having somebody around who not only knew the lay of the land, but also knew how to operate a gun was appealing.

“Have you told him about me?”

“Not yet, no. We wanted to make sure you went through with the purchase first. No offense.”

“None taken. Should we call him and let him know?”

“No phone down in the cabin. But we can ride down there later today and see if he’s home. Jack likes to spend a lot of time out on his Harley."

Erin considered what she said, but there was no way she was waiting another minute to get inside her new home. “Would it be ok if I stayed there before we told him? Perhaps you could write him a note and I could take it with me so he doesn’t think I’m some loon who decided to squat in the cabin while he was away.”

“I don’t see why not. I’ll write it when we get back and you can head down there. How does that sound?”

“Sounds good.”

Erin had to admit to feeling a little nervous about meeting the man. A huge monkey wrench was about to be thrown into the widower’s life and she was in no hurry to add any angst to the man’s plate.

“Can I ask you a personal question?” Cindy asked.

“Sure, go ahead.”

Cindy cleared her throat and Erin braced herself. Nothing good ever came after a clearing of the throat. “Are you going to be ok with money? We can put you to work on the ranch while you get set up, but the pay will suck and the work will be hard and dirty.”

“I don’t mind hard work and I have some savings to get me by for a while. Plus, I am an experienced graphic designer, so if things get rough I can open an online business and make some cash that way. That’s only if it’s an emergency though, I plan to get the bed and breakfast up and running as soon as possible.”

“Good to hear, I’m glad you have options. I didn’t mean to pry; I just wanted to make sure you were going to be ok. Christine and I have taken quite a liking to you and we want to do everything possible to help you succeed. Especially since it’s in our best interest for you to become a success.”

“I understand and I thank you for your concern.”

Erin was glad the two women were looking out for her as she had taken quite the shine to the both of them as well. They pulled into the parking lot of what Erin assumed passed for a shopping mall in this part of the country and picked up the essentials Erin needed for the cabin. A satellite phone, GPS unit and some flashlights at the electronics store; along with some fresh linen and cleaning products at the department store. The got back in the truck and headed towards the supermarket.

“Now grocery shopping out here is a little different than back home,” Cindy explained. “Since the market is so far away it’s important to buy in bulk, especially in the winter. Sometimes the storms can get bad and you don’t want to run out of food when the roads are inaccessible. For meat and eggs you can just come to Christine and I. We usually sell our excess food, but now that you’re here I don’t think we will have to. As a matter of fact, you can use that as an advertisement for the B&B. ‘Pasture raised eggs and grass-fed beef, available to all of our valued guests.’ All the health conscious yuppies from the city will flock here in droves.”



Erin nodded and looked at the seemingly endless pavement in front of them. She couldn’t help but draw comparisons to her own life. Who knew what the future would hold for her? It was as blank and limitless as the road in front of them. She sat and silently hoped her future was as smooth a ride as the truck offered.