EPISODE 2 – SUSPECTING SUBTERFUGERoger evaluates his time and expense which may have led to this backfiring encounter, but tries to make the best of it.
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Roger evaluates his time and expense which may have led to this backfiring encounter, but tries to make the best of it.
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Getting Better Acquainted
The scene is far from Roger’s expectations. He believes this attractive young lady is playing another trick on him, like she did earlier with the sheriff distraction. He plays along, sitting beside her gracious gray-haired female recommendation. She looks good for her age, so he quizzes her about the stories she supposedly wrote.
His coffee chills during a pleasant hour of conversation. Roger now understands that Agnes, the author, channels her daughter’s life through the protagonist in her books. Amidst this tangled web, Roger faces the challenge of winning the daughter’s heart. With a signed copy of Agnes’s book in hand, he thanks her for bringing so much life through the pages, and beckons for the daughter.
“In appreciation for your hospitality, I’d like to have a malt soda with you at the sheriff’s station.”
She giggles, more relaxed, recognizing he loves her mother’s work. “How long are ya in town?”
“Just until I finish my soda and find out your name, unless I get hospitality to stay longer.”
“I’m Michelle. Do ya ride?”
“Wait, what? Michelle? Ride? Oh, you mean horses?”
“Yep. That’s how folks get around these parts.”
“Well, it’s been a while, but I guess I could saddle up. So your mother uses your name as part of her pseudonym. Awesome.”
After a bumpy saddle ride to the malt shop in town, he can barely sit on the bar stool. Nevertheless, his date is literally a relative success. Michelle seems charmed by his extraordinary efforts to find her mother.
“Ya really made my mamma’s day. She doesn’t do public book signings, figuring readers might be put off by her appearance. It was sweet of ya to sit with her.”
“The pleasure was all mine. Your mother created a character based on you, through which she vicariously enjoys life. That must make you an amazing person.”
“It’s an honor, but neither of us are folks who want fame.”
“Forgive me for staring, but in this malt shop, you’re like a modern-day pinup girl.”
“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
“I thought it was. What types of things do you enjoy for entertainment around here?”
“I reckon city folks spend half their lives looking at their phones. For most folks ’round here, ranching or farming is a way of life that brings joy. There’s a jukebox in the corner there. We have some line-dance hoedowns and blue-ribbon baking competitions in harvest seasons.”
“You’re right about technology distractions in the city. I noticed mobile phone reception isn’t too good out in the field.”
“Well, ya got yer autograph from yer favorite author. Thanks fer the malt. I reckon we best be getting back so ya can return yer rental car.”
“I have another day’s rental. If you don’t mind, I’d love to sleep in the car and stalk you one more evening before heading back across the country.”
Unexpected Hospitality
As they gallop back to the farm, Michelle ponders Roger’s plight. When they arrive at sunset, she says, “Being a stranger and all, I didn’t quite know how to respond. But the hospitable thing to do is offer ya accommodations fer the night. We serve breakfast at five in the morning.”
“Well, that sounds much more comfortable than the seat of my car. Lead the way.”
To his surprise, she leads him to a barn and pitches a fluffy stack of hay. “Keep the doors closed to minimize the draft. The hen cooing should put ya right to sleep. When the rooster crows, it’s time fer breakfast.”
“Oh, thanks. I guess this will do. See you in the morning.”
The acrid smell of farm animals and the biting of mosquitoes is much less comfortable than his bedroom back home. Throughout the night, Roger reflects on the absurdity of sweeping an unseen woman away from rural life to the big city. If there’s any hope of nurturing anything, he realizes he must be the one to make a significant adjustment.
A Taste of Farm Life
The rooster crows just as Roger begins to nod off. During a hearty breakfast of fresh eggs, pork chops, biscuits, gravy, and hot coffee, Roger feels he has nothing to lose by expressing his heart’s desire.
“Agnes, during the time Michelle and I have been courting, our feelings have grown like coal embers fanned by storm winds. So I’m here to ask you for her hand in marriage.”
Michelle drops her fork to object, “Mamma, there’s been no such courting. This man has lost his city-loving mind.”
Agnes can’t resist boisterous laughter. It’s so contagious that Michelle and Roger join in. When they catch their breath, Agnes interjects her wisdom.
“Can’t ya see, child? This ain’t something on a whim. This man’s fallen fer ya little by little over the years. Through the pages of each novel, he knows more about ya than any fella.”
Dumbfounded Michelle swings her head towards Roger without a word who doesn’t feel the need to elaborate. He just replies, “What she said.”
“Mamma, what am I supposed to do with a city boy who can’t even ride proper?”
“Give it time, child. Ya both need to make adjustments, one more than the other. Take him around for yer chores today and see how ya feel about him. From my chat on the porch, he seems sincere.”
Continued…
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