Finding Amy (22 page)

“No. Not at all.” He changed the subject. “Did you have any problems getting your Jeep back?”
Carson wanted off the phone and figure out what he wanted to do. But he didn’t want to be rude.

“We picked
it up right after the police called.”

“Bess. It
’s great to talk to you and tell Stan hello for me. I need to run. Y’all keep in touch.” Before Bess could say goodbye, Carson disconnected.

His feet carried him back to the commuter flight that would take him to Tyler. Stepping up to the desk, the smiling clerk greeted him.

“When is the next flight to Tyler?” he asked the clerk.

“That will be at 6A.
M. Would you like to purchase a ticket?”

Carson nodded and pulled out his credit card. He had never been one to fail but he
had nowhere to go from here. He had to wait for her to come to him.

Chapter 3
2

Amy stopped once on her way to Galveston for a much needed shower and to get some sleep. She had decided to go straight home instead of stopping by her parents. When she c
alled, her mom answered. She had been disappointed but understood that Amy wanted to get back to work. Facing them right now didn’t appeal to Amy and she struggled to keep from crying and telling her mother her heart had been broken and it might not ever mend.

She pushed the button to open the gara
ge to her condo and pulled the Mustang inside.
Home sweet home.
It had been a long drive and being home thrilled her. Grabbing her suitcase from the back seat, Amy went to her back door and inserted the key. The musty smell hit her when she walked in. Her shirt stuck to her back in the humidity. The condo had been closed up too long. She would open the windows to get some fresh air circulating. It might be twenty degrees in Wyoming but Galveston held strong at eighty-eight.

Dropping her case o
n the kitchen floor, Amy opened the window over her kitchen sink. When she turned around, dust bunnies flew around her sunny kitchen that she had worked so hard to decorate. Running her fingers over the beige granite counter top, she left a line in the dust. “Looks like I need to clean house.”

Moving through the condo, Amy opened several windows and the front door. She put her suitcase on the bed and changed into an old pair of jeans and
t-shirt. She pulled her hair into a ponytail, gathered her cleaning supplies and proceeded to get her condo back to normal. Keeping busy would keep her mind from dwelling on Carson. Flipping the stereo on, she worked to the soothing voice of
Lady Antabellum
singing
I Need You Now.
After she had polished, vacuumed, and scrubbed everything in the house, Amy ordered a pizza and went to take a shower. Her muscles ached. She removed the bandages on her wrist. Carson had been so concerned about her injuries. For that matter, Carson had been concerned with their safety from the first. How could she have been so stupid? Amy rubbed the water from her eyes and face and examined her wrist. They were healing nicely but still required some care.

She
slipped into a tank top and shorts and the doorbell rang. She tipped the delivery boy and inhaled the aroma emitting from the cardboard box. Her stomach let her know it hadn’t been fed a meal since leaving Bess and Stan’s. Peanut butter crackers and a cola had been her lunch and dinner on the way back from Wyoming.

After polishing off over half of the pizza, Amy cleaned the clutter, brushed her teeth and went to bed. Her tired body relaxed and she fell into a restless sleep.

The Dogwood trees were covered in white, cross shaped blooms and the daffodils butter yellow cups stretched the length of a pink rose peddle path. On each side of the path, her friends and family turned when she stepped into view wearing a white, flowing original by Vera Wang. At the other end, Carson stood next to an arbor covered in white roses. Their scent filled the air with their sweet perfume. Rex stood next to Carson and both men were so handsome in their navy blue tuxedos. The veil covered the bride’s head, obscuring her face.

Amy could see the precession unfold before her eyes. Why
couldn’t she see through the veil? The minister spoke but she couldn’t understand the words. Carson raised the veil to kiss his bride. Now they were joined. When Brittany’s smiling face appeared, posed, ready to welcome the kiss of her new husband, Amy gasped and started crying.

She
awoke and wiped the perspiration from her face and realized she had been crying. Her sleep-shirt stuck to her back and chest. She shed the shirt and plopped back on the pillow. She had to forget him. It had been a typical man taking advantage of the offered sex, without any thought of his commitments. That mind blowing night for her didn’t mean anything to him. If he can love ‘em and leave ‘em, then she could, too.

Two weeks later, Amy had settled into her job and took as many shifts as
she could. She continued to jog through the park across from her condo every morning and volunteered at the Women’s Free Health Clinic on her days off. She did anything and everything to keep busy.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into m
onths and before she realized six months had passed. She had told her parents that she had to work on Thanksgiving and Christmas and couldn’t come home. Her dinner on Thanksgiving consisted of a turkey sandwich from the cafeteria in the hospital. Amy had no desire to celebrate Christmas and left her decorations in the attic. Her heart refused to mend. She had shopped for her family and mailed the gifts. The presents her family mailed to her were still in the hall, wrapped.

Whe
n the announcement for Stan and Bess’s wedding arrived, Amy screamed. “Yes. They are going to do it. I’m definitely going.” She signed the RSVP and placed it in the mail that same day, called her supervisor and requested the time off.

****

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Rex followed behind Carson who had stormed out of the barn after yelling at one of the kids that worked part-time at the ranch.

Carson
stomped toward his house without answering. When he reached the log cabin, he slammed the door wide open, entered and threw his work gloves on the table in the entry. He rounded the bar, jerked the refrigerator door open, grabbed a beer, popped the top and swigged down half. When he lowered the bottle, Rex stared at him from across the bar.

“You want to tell me what’s going on with you?” Rex pulled out the bar stool and sat.

“Nope.” Carson lifted the bottle, drank the remainder, tossed the bottle in the trash and grabbed another from the fridge.

Rex shook his head. “Look Carson, you have been edgy, ill tempered, alo
of, and just plain mean for the past six months. You won’t even join us for dinner. If you’re not on a case, then you’re working your ass off around here. Hell, we lost a sale because you told the guy, to go to hell. Talk to me bro. What’s wrong?”

Carson pitched the empty bottle in the trash and opened another. “Nothing.” He backed up to the stove
, leaned against it, and crossed one foot over the other before taking a drink.

Rex got up and walked around the
bar and stood in front of him. Shoving the bottle out of the way, he leaned forward so they were face to face. “It’s not nothing. Ever since you came back from trying to find Amy, you’ve been like this. You should have gone after her. I don’t know what happened between you two but Jamie and I know that you had something special. The kind of special that most people only find once in a lifetime. You aren’t the type to give up. Why you did, I have no idea. But I do know if you aren’t going to find her, then you better get counseling.” Rex turned and stormed out.

Carson threw the half empty beer bottle across the room. It hit the rock fireplace and shattered
, splattering beer all over the wall and carpet. He walked around the counter and sat on the sofa. Rex told the truth. His every thought centered around Amy. She invaded his nights in dreams and his days with a reminder she had been there. His bed, where they had made love; the counter she had eaten the omelet he had made for them; and the swing at Moms he had to pass anytime he entered her house. He couldn’t handle the memories. Why wouldn’t they go away? That’s what he needed. He needed to get away for a while.

Carson raised his head and looked at the table in the entryway. He hadn’t bothered to open any of his mail in weeks but he remembered seeing something from Wyoming. Carson jumped up and grabbed the pile of envelopes. He quickly thumbed through the stack and
the purple envelope addressed to him. Tearing the flap open, he read the invitation. His spirits lifted, the hand holding the announcement shot in the air. He knew where his getaway would be.

Chap
ter 33

Amy’s plane landed in Cody, Wyoming and she debarked with the rest of the passengers. Inside the small airport terminal, she picked up her luggage and found the car rental desk. After signing the papers, Amy found the Ford Escort and drove to the Holiday Inn where she had made reservations.
Stan and Bess had scheduled a dinner at Cowboy Bills tonight but there would be plenty of time to visit Ms. Browning before attending.

After checking in at the hotel, Amy freshened up and drove to her old apartment building. Ms. Browning started crying when she opened her door and Amy greeted her. Amy wrapped her arms around the older woman
and hugged her until she stopped crying.

“I want to take you to lunch. Where would you like to eat?” Amy asked.

“Oh, honey, you don’t need to be hauling an old lady around. I can fix us some nice soup and a ham sandwiches and we can eat right here.” Ms. Browning protested.

Amy placed her hand over the older woman’s. “But I would be honored to be ‘hauling an old lady around’ if it’s this old lady. Besides you’re not that old.”

Ms. Browning’s light gray eyes clouded. “Well, if you’re sure. I’ll get my wrap.” She turned and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

The two women spent three hours
laughing, eating, and shopping. When Amy noticed the older woman’s steps were slowing down, she knew Ms. Browning took afternoon naps and might be ready to go home. “Are you getting tired?” She opened the car door and helped her elderly friend into the rental.

“A little,
but I haven’t had this much fun in years.”

Amy got behind the wheel and started the car. “I’ll take you hom
e so you can get your nap. Is that all right with you?”

“Y
es, honey. I could use a little rest. I still wish you hadn’t bought that beautiful shawl for me. It cost way too much. I’ll only wear it to church,” Ms. Browning stated.

“Ms. Browning you were my mother away from home. You always checked on me, nursing me back to health and just plain being there when I needed someone and
I love you for it. You wear that scarf whenever you want. It’s too pretty to save for one day a week.”

“Oh
, shh. You’re going to make this old lady cry. Now take me home and get to your party with the rest of those young people.”

After Amy helped Ms. Browning into her apartment, with a promise to see her again in the fall, she drove back to the hotel. She had just enough time to shower and dress for the dinner tonight. For some reason everything she touched slipped out of her fingers. She tried to brush it off as her sweaty hands and the excitement of seeing all of her old
friends again. But the deduction didn’t stop the fluttery feeling in her stomach.

Amy parked behind the bar and walked around to the front door. When she en
tered a roar came from the bar.

“Amy. Hey guys, Amy’s here,
” Gavin, Stan’s new bartender yelled.

Amy made her way down the bar, stopping to speak and hug everyone she knew. Half way through her greeting, Bess grabbed her ar
m and spun her around, pulling Amy into her arms. “You made it. I’m so glad to see you.”

Amy noted the glow on her friends face. Her shoulder length
dark hair had been pulled up, accenting her high cheek bones. The dim lights from the bar made Bess’ eyes twinkle like stars. Amy held her arms and stepped back, looking her up and down. The scoop-neck, lilac, tea length dress flattered her slim frame and brought out the violet in her eyes.

“You look fabulous.”

“Thank you, sweetie. Did you have a good flight?” Bess threaded her arm around Amy’s and led her toward the back of the bar.

When they reached the dance floor room, Amy gasped at the beautiful, candle lit tables, in a long line across the floor. Bess had covered them with white linen and bordered in lavender lace for the dinner guest
. Candles burned down the center of the tables and fragrant lilacs in cut glass vases cut the tobacco smell in the bar.

“Bess this is beautiful. You did an excellent job.” Amy kissed Bess on the cheek. “You
know I wouldn’t have missed watching the two people I love the most in Cody get married.” Amy cupped her hand around the side of her mouth and whispered loudly to Bess, “But really, I wanted to make sure Stan went through with it.”

“I heard that.” Stan walked up behind them and kissed Bess on the back of her neck before hugging Amy. “You didn’t think I’d do it, did you?”

The full bar buzzed with conversation. The soft music coming from the jukebox provided just enough sound for a few couples to venture onto the small area of the dance floor that hadn’t been covered with tables. Amy sipped her glass of champagne and watched Stan and Bess slow dance to
I’ll go on Loving You
by
Alan Jackson.
One of Amy’s favorites.
When the chill ran over her, she passed it off as the song until she glanced toward the front of the bar. Over the top of the patron’s heads, a white Stetson weaved through the crowd. A tall, dark figure towered over most of the men as he stepped from the shadows. Her pulse quickened and her heart jumped into her throat causing her to choke. She set her glass on the counter and grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth. She couldn’t face him. Amy scanned the bar, searching for a place to hide until she could sneak out.

“May I have your attention?” Stan’s voice carried over the chatter. The room went silent. “Dinner has arrived. Come find a seat and eat with us.”

The people made their way to the tables leaving a path open between Amy and Carson. He held her gaze and slowly approached. She tried to move her legs but they were glued to the floor. When they were inches apart, the heat from his body touched her and she inhaled the tantalizing scent of his spicy cologne. Her knees turned to rubber and she swayed. Carson’s arms shot out and wrapped around her, pulling her to his hard chest. Against her better judgment, Amy raised her head and stared into the familiar blue eyes that haunted her dreams. Carson’s hands eased up her body and grasp her face on both sides and lowered his lips in a capturing kiss that sent Amy’s senses whirling. His tongue caressed the edges of her lips. Her body melted against him. Amy’s arms hung limp at her side. His lips were more persuasive than she cared to admit. When her arms, of their own accord, snaked around his neck, Amy scolded herself. How could they betray me? She hadn’t forgotten the emotions he charged in her and the pain he had caused. She drifted into the moment. They stood on an island, alone; no one within miles. Just the two of them; the way it should be. Amy got lost in his arms. It didn’t matter that he belonged to another.

A loud applause and shrill whistles broke the trance Carson
had over her. What the hell is she doing? Amy dropped her arms to his chest and pushed him away. He stepped back.

“Guess we better go eat.” Carson smiled down at her.

Amy glanced toward the crowd at the tables. “Yes. We should. You go ahead. Give me a minute.”

Carson kissed her again and turned toward the tables. Amy took the opportunity to escape.
The warm air hit her when she stepped outside. She went around the building and clicked the button to open the door to her rental.

****

As Carson entered the dance floor area, the tantalizing, smoky scent of bar-b-que reminded him he hadn’t eaten all day. He placed a hand over his rumbling stomach and took a seat next to Stan. “Everything smells wonderful. My stomach is growling loud enough to attract attention. He speared a slice of brisket and reached for the spoon in the potato salad. “Amy will be here in a few minutes.”

Stan looked around Carson toward the front door. “I don’t think so, buddy. She left.”

Carson dropped the spoon back into the bowl and stared at Stan. “What do you mean, ‘she left’? She said to give her a minute.” Carson turned and looked toward the bar where he last saw her.

“She walked straight to the door
and left before you sat, Carson,” Stan explained.

Carson stood so fast, his chair scrapped on the wood floor causing everyone at the table to glance in his direction. He didn’t stop to apologize;
he didn’t have time. He had to find Amy. Grabbing his Stetson off the rack, he rushed to the front door. The street light provided enough light for him to see up and down the street. She was nowhere in sight.

Carson raced across the street to where he parked his truck.
Where would she go?
He didn’t have a clue and driving around searching would be useless. He started the truck and turned toward the Holiday Inn where he had secured a room. After driving all day, his exhaustion took over. Amy wouldn’t miss the wedding tomorrow. He’d get her away from the people and talk to her then, if she’d let him.

When he reached the
room, he called room service and ordered a medium rare t-bone, baked potato, and a salad. A quick shower helped him relax and he had wrapped a towel around his waist when his dinner arrived. His stomach growled when he caught a whiff of the grilled steak under the lid.

After dinner, Carson wandered out onto the balcony
. From his fifth floor window, he could see most of Cody. The blue lights of Cowboy Bills flashed in the distance. Did Amy go back after he left? One thing’s for sure, he’d never forget the sensation that came over him when he spotted her in the bar.

Carson had seen her as soon as he entered. The dim lights had made her hair look like burning embers. She rewarded someone with her beautiful smile and his heart melted. He wanted to barrel through the crowd and shove everyone out of the way. When he
’d accepted the invitation from Bess and Stan, he never dreamed Amy would be here.

Weaving his way through the crowd, his stare didn’t waver. She
’d returned his gaze and her hypnotizing green eyes drew him to her like a magnet. When Stan invited everyone to eat and the crowd parted leaving him a clear path to Amy, he’d wanted to run. One whiff of her signature scent of roses and honeysuckle and Carson thought he might just take her right there. His body had responded to the familiar smell causing him to move close enough to feel her body heat. He’d wrapped his arms around her tiny waist and pulled her into his chest. She’d raised her head and looked up at him with her eyes wide. He could still feel her soft cheeks when he pressed a palm to each side of her lovely face and kissed her. The champagne and strawberries from her lips still lingered on his tongue. Carson had captured the moan that tried to escape from her mouth and buried his tongue deeper. Her tongue had been up to the challenge and dueled with his. It had been a moment in time that he didn’t want to end and never forget. If he never laid eyes on her again, the memory of that moment, that kiss, that passion had been branded in his head.

When the applause came from the dinner guest, Amy removed her arms from his neck and shoved him away.

“If you two want to take a breather and join us for dinner, you better come on before it’s all gone,” Stan yelled from his seat next to Bess.

Carson had made an apology, “sorry” and walked to the tables to take a seat. “Amy will join us in a minute.” He had been starving and proceeded to fill his plate.
When he reached for the spoon of the potato salad, Stan had broken the news.

Ca
rson sighed and closed the balcony doors. He fell across the bed.

“I’m afraid to love you, but it’s hard not to. Where ever you are
, Amy, I will find you.”