Vienna

Dedicated to my Family

And

All the Guys and Gals

Who inspired Me

1960, ‘61 and ‘62

Vienna LaFontaine Series:

Vienna 2013

Vienna 2022, 2nd printing

The Curse of the Infinity Bracelets 2014

The Ladies of Avanloch 2016

Home Again/Home Again 2022

Also by Juliana Andrew:

Seventh Crossing 2015

The Arcadia Project 2017

Beyond the Yellow Doors 2020

November Queen 2022

Author Photograph

Karren Almstrom Dixon

Chapter 1

Hawthorne, January 1981

The day was cold. The sun was a big yellow ball in the deep blue January sky. The dogs were still pulling hard as if the boisterous crowd gave them extra energy to speed up for the last half of the race. Something, no someone caught Rainey’s eye. There among the crowd of spectators a face from the past sent a shiver up and down his spine. She was laughing and jumping up and down cheering the dog sleds to the finish line. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He’d better ask Yates what he thought.

Yates, he hoped his voice didn’t sound too strained, do you know who that woman is?

Well, you are going to have to be a little more specific…what woman?

Okay, Rainey agreed, she is right beside the last checkered flag. She is wearing a red coat and a long white scarf. She has long dark hair; do you see the woman I am talking about?

You mean the woman who looks a little like V?

Yeah, but it can’t be Vienna. She can’t possibly look the same as she did twenty years ago.

Well, I’m pretty sure that isn’t her. Here’s Zane and Jimmy with the coffee. What took you guys so long?

Had to go back to the car for the creamer you know. Zane said passing the bottle of rye around. What’s got you looking so perplexed Rain?

Yates answered for him. See that girl over there by the checkered flag…he thinks she looks like V. What do you guys think?

Well that’s just crazy Rain. Did you expect that she would still look the same as she did in the sixties?

It’s probably one of her daughters. Jimmy said as he cursed to himself wondering if V was indeed here.

Her daughter is here? How come this is the first I’m hearing about it?

"I didn’t say that it is her daughter for sure, but it could be. I don’t see how there could be any other explanation. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them."

You’ve seen Vienna and her daughter; where and when? Rainey demanded.

Jimmy fidgeted. I’m sure that I told you Rain. I met her on the street in Bridge years ago. Her two young daughters were with her.

Wait a minute; are you saying that you actually talked to her? I feel like I have been kept out of the loop here Jimmy. Never once did you tell me that you had seen her or talked to her. What’s up with that? Is she here now?

I honestly don’t know. Jimmy had the feeling that V was definitely here and that sooner or later he was going to have to confess everything to his old friend.

"There is something that you’re not telling me. Do you all know something? Has Vienna come back to the valley?"

No one is keeping anything from you Rain. Why are you so paranoid? You haven’t even mentioned her in years. I really thought that you had at long last let her go when you found out she had married, and especially after you married.

Did you ask her out when you saw her Jimmy?

Jimmy was ticked. So what if I did? Do you think that you still have a monopoly on someone from so long ago? But yeah, I did ask her out for coffee, but she refused saying there was too much history. Anyhow, the thing is that you two were a long time ago, and this is the here and now. Oh God, you’re still carrying a torch for her aren’t you?

Yates stepped in between his two old friends. Hey you two…no need to come to blows over this. Rain; you all right?

Yeah, I’m good. Sorry Jimbo, I didn’t mean to get on your case. I guess seeing her, the daughter I guess… I mean who else could look like her?

Her sister’s daughter maybe. Does anyone know if there are any? Why don’t we just go ask her? Zane suggested.

Jimmy disagreed. That’s a little crude don’t you think? Anyhow as far as I know neither of them live in Bridge anymore. Let’s just leave it be for now. In the meantime how about we head over to the Revada and get some drinks? How long has it been since the four of us caroused together anyhow? We haven’t even congratulated the Kinney brothers on their valiant effort yet.

You’re right as usual Yates. What do you say Rain? Jimmy offered his best friend his hand and the four of them lit out to join the crowd who had congregated at Geranium Park for presentation of the dog sled awards.

The crowd had all gathered at Geranium Park to welcome the mushers and their dogs. Jimmy was all set to congratulate one of the Kinney brothers on their third place finish when he spotted her among the onlookers.

Damn it, damn it, she is here! I guess it’s all going to hit the fan now. He debated whether to tell Rainey for a few seconds before deciding that it was time. He put his hand on his best friend’s shoulder. Do you think you can handle seeing her Bro?

What do you mean? Rainey asked puzzled.

Vienna… she’s here. Jimmy nodded in her direction.

Rainey turned and froze. It wasn’t the girl in the red coat who looked like Vienna had twenty years ago. It was her now. She would be thirty seven. Was it really her? After all these years was she really standing a few feet away from him? He felt something in the pit of his stomach. Was it jubilation or anger? He knew Jimmy was watching for his reaction.

Take it easy Rain. Later I am going to have to confess a few things to you.

I don’t like the sounds of that Jimbo.

No two ways about it; you are going to be pissed with me. Now go…

Jimmy found Yates and Zane staring in her direction. Yates shook his head. Well, isn’t this just a fine kettle of fish? What do you think boys, can he handle it? I’m a might feared for our old friend.

He’s a big boy; he’ll be all right? Jimmy promised.

It’s not him I’m worried about as much as I am V. I ran into her a few years back. You guys were all at the auction in Potsdam. She asked how you all were. We danced around not mentioning Rain, and then there it was…she asked about him. I gave her a short version of what I knew. She surprised me when she said she knew all that, but how was he really. I told her that if she was going to be a frequent visitor to the valley then she would run into him sooner or later as he comes back to visit his parents quite often. She said and I quote: I pray that I never see him ever again. I could not deal with the consequences. It’s too late."

Why didn’t you mention that encounter before Yates?

Same reasons you haven’t mentioned any of yours Jimbo.

Vienna?

Her heart stopped beating. Time stood still. No one was moving. She couldn’t hear a sound. The wind had lost its chill. She was sure that she wasn’t breathing. She could pretend that she hadn’t heard the velvet voice speak her name. Only one person ever called her Vienna. She thought of ignoring him and walking away. Could she chance having him reject her and getting her heart broken all over again?

Vienna, are you going to talk to me?

She took a deep breath and turned around. She knew that for everyone’s sake and her own sanity that she had to pretend that seeing him had no effect on her what so ever. That wasn’t going to work because one look at him and she wanted to melt into his arms. Why hadn’t he aged? How could he look just as he did twenty years ago?

All the while Rainey was thinking, My God, she is still my raven haired beauty, but with one difference, she isn’t mine anymore.

Hello Rainey, how are you?

Vienna, do you know how long it’s been?

Did he think that she was oblivious to the fact that it had been twenty years, four months, eleven days and a million lonely nights?

It has been a long time hasn’t it Rainey? Life has been good to you. You got married as I always knew you would when you found the right woman. And you have children and I understand that you became the architect that you always wanted to and have a thriving business. I guess you got everything that you ever wanted. I am very happy for you.

Was she kidding, everything? He didn’t have her and until this moment he hadn’t realized how much he still wanted her.

You married also. You have a daughter?

Yes, actually I have two, Ava and my adopted daughter Rosalyn. I married her father. He passed away four years ago.

I’m sorry Vienna. He said wanting to comfort her.

Thank you; he was a good friend to me and a very good dad to the girls. His first wife, Maveryn passed away before Rosalyn was two.

How sad… just a minute, I know those two names. Rainey was puzzled as to why he felt some strange connection to them.

I can see that you might know the name Rosalyn as it is fairly common. On the other hand, Maveryn is rather unusual.

I seem to associate those two names together. Could you have mentioned them before?

I met Maveryn when I was twelve or so, and doubt that I ever told you about her. Rosalyn wasn’t even born then. She was not even two when I went away.

And, just where did you go Vienna?

She could not answer him. Instead, she said, I really must go. I seem to have become separated from my party. I am glad to see that you are well as reports are sometimes not always accurate. Please give my regards to your parents. Is this all she wanted to say? No, but it was all that she could manage at the moment.

Rainey wondered how she knew about him and from whom… maybe Lara. It had been years since he had spoken to his cousin about Vienna. Like everyone else, she thought he had finally forgotten about her, and maybe he had. Well, that wasn’t the case anymore. One more try.

Vienna, are you coming over to the hotel? I would really like to buy you a drink and continue our conversation.

I don’t drink anymore Rainey. I may see you over there; I can’t promise. Bye.

With that she was gone. He watched her walk away but she wouldn’t be going too far if he had anything to say about it. Still, there was the nagging at the back of his memory banks… How do I know those names; Maveryn and Rosalyn?

She had to get away from him while she could still walk and before the tears started to fall. She closed her eyes and tried to regain composure, but not before a salty droplet fell.

Mama, Ava asked her mom. What’s wrong? She slipped her arm around her.

This darn wind blew something into my eyes, that’s all. I think that I going to head back to Bridge. She had learned to lie a long, long time ago.

Oh Mama, you are shivering. We need to get you warm. Randy, we are going to go over to the hotel.

Okay. he answered. See you in a couple.

Come on Mama, a nice hot drink and then I promise that I will take you home. Ava hugged her mother. You are soooo cold, I can feel you shivering.

I am all right Dear, but maybe a quick coffee first.

She didn’t know in which direction Rainey had gone and kept herself from looking for him. She had never expected to see him here today. Why would he even be here in the middle of winter? Lara said that she hadn’t seen him in years but knew that he visited his parents once or twice a year. If Randy hadn’t met one of the sled teams in the bar the other day they probably wouldn’t have been here either. Is this how it was all going to end? Was he going to settle for anything she told him, go back to his family and leave her to her lonely loveless life? What was the matter with her…why couldn’t she tell him that she still loved him and then suffer the consequences? She was sure that his rejection would be more than she could bear and she couldn’t risk losing herself again.

Rainey had watched the encounter between mother and daughter; at least he assumed that it was one of her daughters. This isn’t good is it? He was talking to himself. Running into Vienna was the farthest thing in his mind when he had let Jimmy talk him into coming to Hawthorne for the winter carnival. He had given it much thought debating whether he should bring the boys. As it turned out they had sports events scheduled and couldn’t come, and so he had decided that he would come alone. He hadn’t seen his parents since late summer and could use a break from his hectic life. That was all that he had that mattered; his boys and the business. His marriage had been in the dumpster for years and the only reason he was holding on was for his sons. He had often wondered if staying in a failed relationship was good for them but he couldn’t uproot them in their teenage years. He could hold out awhile longer… but now here he was, and after all these years, so was Vienna. He felt as though he had been wallowing in quicksand for the last twenty years and she was the only one who could pull him out. His mind wandered back to the day that they had met.

Chapter 2

Bridge Falls 1960

It was hot and humid; not unusual for Bridge Falls in the summer, but it was only June 11th. If this was an omen of what was to come then the summer was shaping up to be a scorcher.

Rainey and Jimmy had travelled the 18 miles from Hawthorne to see what trouble they could get into in Bridge. That meant drinking the day away in some establishment that catered to you whether you were under age or not. Rainey would be twenty one in July. He hadn’t been ‘down town’ since returning from university in late May. That was how the people from the surrounding smaller hamlets referred to Bridge Falls. He was getting used to small town living again and working long hours at the family ranch in Hawthorne. The name Quinn Brothers Horse Ranch was really a misnomer as it was primarily a cattle and hay farm. There were horses all right, horses that you saddled up and rode out over the hundreds of acres of land checking on the cattle, repairing fences, and changing sprinklers, and of course, haying in the summer. It was a far cry from life in the big city. Rainey didn’t consider university as work. He loved learning and nothing was going to stand in his way of acquiring his degree in architecture. Though the work on the farm was hard and tedious he was glad to help out as he had been doing it all his life. The pay was not great, but he had free room and board and got to spend time with his parents and long-time friends.

Their ranch was only one of a dozen such farms in the area. Hawthorne and the other small villages were in the fertile Black River district. The land was flat and ideal for farming. In contrast, Bridge Falls was a vast expanse of rolling hills, sylvan forests, and cascading waterfalls. Mountains framed the town on the east and west with the Black River flowing through the valley. As the river meandered through the Hawthorne fields, it dipped and climbed producing numerous waterfalls along its path. When it reached the summit it dropped into a deep cavern cascading down 40 feet into the calmer Founder River. The two rivers travelled peacefully most of the time through Bridge Falls.

The boys were sitting in Jimmy’s red convertible on Main Street looking for some excitement when Rainey’s cousin walked by.

Hey Lara! Jimmy called out. Look Rain; it’s Lara.

She came over to the car and leaned on the open window on the passenger’s side.

So you finally came down to see your little cuz did you? She said to Rainey.

Been busy hon. Can you say hello to Jimmy?

Lara planted a big kiss on Rainey’s cheek while waving to Jimmy.

Okay you kissing cousins, you doing anything interesting Lara?

Just hanging around, waiting for a friend and going to work later. Here she comes now. Over here V.

V? Rainey queried.

The girl came over to the car noticing its rich interior. The guys in it weren’t bad either.

This rogue here is my cousin Rainey Quinn, and that handsome character behind the wheel is Jimmy Douglas. Have I told you about them? Guys, meet my best friend V.

Rainey opened the car door catching the girls by surprise causing them to back up quickly.

Sorry; is it V?

Yeah V. Lara stated.

He smiled and took her hand and kissed it gently. Delighted to meet you, Lady V.

A game, V thought. Okay, I can play. Charmed I am sure Lord Rainey.

Jimmy laughed. Get in girls. Let’s go for a spin.

Rainey opened the door for them. Lara didn’t need to be asked twice.

She said. Boy Jimmy, this is sure some hot rod. I guess work up north paid off for you. Come on V, what are you waiting for? These guys are all right.

Are you sure about that Lara? Jimmy kidded. I’ll tell you how hard I had to work to get this beauty. I call her Jezebel.

V was a little hesitant. She wasn’t sure why. Since moving to Bridge last winter she was constantly meeting new guys… the new girl in town syndrome she guessed. As long as she was with Lara she had always felt safe before. Why did she feel something ominous coming? Lara took her hand and practically pulled her into the back seat.

What’s wrong with you? she whispered.

Rainey jumped into the front and turned around. What has my little cuz told you about me?

Honestly, I don’t even remember her mentioning you.

Ouch. Rainey winched.

Thank God your reputation hasn’t preceded you this time. Jimmy teased as he started up Jezebel. Nice to meet you V. He waved at her in the rear view mirror.

Hello Jimmy. I think that I have met quite a few of your friends; Hawthorne, right? Lara has mentioned you, but said that you were away working. Rainey, that’s an odd name. V stated.

Rainey’s arm was on the back of the seat as he looked at her. Really? You think that my name is odd… and V, that is not. How do you spell it anyhow?

V smiled. Lara answered for her. V, that is how you spell it. The letter V. Got that college boy?

Whoa there girl! It must be short for something; Valentine, Victoria, Virginia. Come on, help me out Jimmy.

Vera, Valerie, Viola; that’s all I can think of off the top of my head Rain.

Lara laughed. You will never guess it, not in a thousand years. She never tells anyone.

Do I hear the offer of a bet in the air cuz? Do you even know yourself?

"V’s not the prize like in one of your rowdy poker games Rainey. If she wanted you to know…

Vienna. V stated. It’s Vienna.

You’re right Lara. I would never have come up with such a romantic name. Rainey let the feel of it roll over his tongue. I like it. May I call you that?

No one calls her Vienna; no one, not even me or her family. Lara stated emphatically. To herself she wondered why V had revealed her full name. She never had before.

Rainey removed his arm from the back of the seat and turned around. He decided to let the name thing go for now. Where we going Jimmy?

Jimmy eyed the girls in the back seat. Do you really have to work later Lara?

Yes, we both do.

You are both working on a Saturday night? Is that just an excuse because you both have hot dates?

No honestly, we start at 4:00 and finish by 8:30 hopefully. It all depends on how busy the restaurant is.

Just where is this place? Rainey asked.

Lily Lanes’; it’s where the old Neon was. V’s mom owns and runs it.

I’ve heard about it. Good food right? We are looking for a place to eat later. What do you say Rain?

Sounds good to me. Will you girls be serving us? Rainey asked.

If you’re lucky. was Lara’s answer.

Okay, that is settled. We’ve got a few hours… how about heading down to the beach at the falls? The river must be down now. Jimmy didn’t wait for an answer but took the turn that would take them there.

Rainey tried to see Vienna in the side mirror reaching out and slightly tilting it so he could see her without being obvious. She hadn’t said a word since blurting out her name.

The parking lot was sparsely occupied despite the heat of the day. Later in the year it would be overflowing as the best swimming hole in the area was here. A 10 to 15 minute walk from downtown made it an ideal spot for the kids. During high water the whole area would be securely cordoned off as the falls would be roaring and spewing foam from both sides of the precipice. The water level could get as high as the 40 steps that led to the beach. The last actual flood was back in the early forties when many homes and properties had been badly damaged. The Black River had already crested and the danger of flooding was over.

They emerged from the car in tandem. Rainey grabbed the back door from Vienna to keep it from slamming. She was off and running down the steps kicking her sandals off as soon as her feet hit the sand. He picked up her shoes as she made a b-line for the water.

V. Lara yelled. You’ll freeze!

V hiked up her pedal pushers and turned and tried to splash them but they were too quick for her and backed away. She started for the shore laughing and shivering. Rainey reached out his hand for her. My Lady, I am fresh out of towels. Should I get my jacket for you?

Burr, she stammered. No, I will warm up fast as the air is warm. Thanks though. She let go of his hand rather hastily, and when she shivered this time it was not from the cold. Why did Shakespeare’s words come to her mind, ‘by the pricking of my thumbs’? She shrugged it off.

Lara and Jimmy had moved on down the beach, V suggested that they join them.

Tell me about yourself V. Rainey emphasized V.

There isn’t much to tell. I am not very old you know, so I haven’t done much but move from town to town. Dad was in the construction business and so we moved wherever his work would take us. Mother would never stay put. She always had to follow him, so guess what? I too have been following them all over the country. If it wasn’t for my sisters, I would be in Wales, but someone has to look out for them. Dad quit the construction business and out of the blue they bought this house and diner and here we are. End of story.

Rainey didn’t think that was the end of the story, but asked why she wanted to go to Wales.

Oh, just that I want to live there with my Aunt Jannie. She lives on the Isle of Anglesey in a lesser castle. She has no children of her own and has promised me that I will always have a home with her whenever I want. My parents will not let me go and then there are my sisters and so I am just bidding my time. My mother’s family are Welsh Gypsies and between that and my French heritage, I am forever doomed.

She sounded bitter and melodramatic at the same time. Her dark, almost black eyes stared into his. She was looking for a reaction. She smiled and then she laughed.

Now, tell me about your life. It has to be more interesting than mine.

Has she been pulling my leg? I really need to find out more about this young raven-haired beauty. Do I want to be drawn into her fantasy? Too late; if there was a game to be played then he was in.

You enchant me Vienna. Now what made him say that? He had only just met her.

What a funny choice of words. Can one be an enchantress when they are only sixteen? I do love that word. He thinks that I am enchanting and we only met an hour ago. What is happening here? When I first met him I felt my heart flutter and I got weak in the knees when he kissed my hand. Is this the feeling that I have been hearing and reading about? Do I like it… too soon to tell. Why did I tell him my real name…? I never tell. Who is this man? What is he going to do to me? Something wicked this way comes. She heard the words in her head and brushed them off again. She broke the spell of the moment. Let’s catch up.

She ran ahead of Rainey. He wondered if she wanted to get away from being alone with him.

Jimmy and Lara were so close to the falls they could feel the cool refreshing spray. They were sitting on top of a picnic table having a cigarette. Well Missy, did you enjoy your cold bath? Lara asked handing her a cig. Jimmy leaned over to light it for her. She looked over at Rainey who had a pack of spearmint gum in his hand and popped a piece in his mouth.

You don’t smoke Rainey?

He doesn’t have any bad habits unless you call gambling, drinking and women bad habits. Oh yeah, and higher learning. Jimmy laughed answering for his best friend.

Very funny Jimmy.

V butted out her cigarette. I thought that everyone in this country smoked. May I have a stick of gum please?

Rainey handed her a piece saying, You didn’t have to do that for my sake you know.

Yes, I did. Had enough of a shower everyone? We should be getting back. Don’t want to be late for work. Race you all to the car.

Rainey said to Lara as soon as Vienna was out of hearing range. Is it true what V told me about her life?

Well, I don’t know. Did she tell you that she was raised by wolves, or that her father found her in a cabbage patch when she was a baby or that she was adopted by really horrible people?

No. She said that she was from a family of Welsh Gypsies.

Oh that one, probably true; does it matter?

V was waiting for them at the foot of the stairs where she had just taken the gum out of her mouth and tossed it into the trashcan.

Hey. Rainey said. I just gave you that!

Well, V offered her reason. I never chew gum for more than a minute or two. Just long enough to make my breath kissing fresh; not that I am going to be kissed or anything. She kind of winked at Rainey. Have you seen those women who chew gum with their mouths open? They kind of look like cows.

Rainey looked at Lara and she shrugged her shoulders. What can I say guys… she’s right. I’m learning a lot about etiquette since I met her.

Vienna only smiled again.

Jimmy dropped the girls off at Lily Lanes’ diner saying that they would be back when they got hungry. They drove over to One Bridge Hotel to grab a couple of beers before supper.

What do you think Rain? Jimmy asked.

You mean about the girl known as V? Don’t know yet; ask me later. What can you tell me about her? How old is she… eighteen?

Doubt it. How old is Lara?

Let’s see, I think that she is four years younger than me, so seventeen. Yeah, she will be seventeen in August.

That sounds about right. Jimmy agreed. I really don’t know much about her as she moved here while I was still up north. I do know that Yates and his kid brother Jamie and even ‘the only girl for me is Marley’, Zane, have all gone out with her. Only once or twice though, apparently that is her limit. I guess she learned not to get involved after her disastrous fling with Bobby Dumb Ass Evans.

What happened there? Didn’t anyone warn her? I sure hope that she didn’t find out the hard way… she is way too nice for the likes of him.

Well, I guess you will find out later tonight just how nice she is.

You know I’m not looking for anything Jimmy.

They arrived back at Lily’s shortly after 5:00. Upon entering, they were a little stunned by the décor of the place. They weren’t expecting vivid pinks, yellow, and oranges. The pale yellow walls were lined with signed autograph pictures of Doris day, Rock Hudson, Liz Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Humphrey Bogart, Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, and Elvis just to name a few. There were booths with orange vinyl seats and chrome tables in red, yellow, or white tops. The long counter was a tangerine color and the stools were covered in the orange again. The tables and chairs were wooden. Bright tablecloths and napkins decorated the tables. In one quick glance they could see cakes and pies under glass-domed lids. Over the serving counter were cupboards full of coke glasses, white mugs, tulip sundae glasses, banana split bowls, and water jugs.

I like it. Rainey said.

I thought this was the sixties, but wrong again. We are right back in the swinging fifties. No wonder Yates likes this place, a little nostalgia.

Lara had seen them and came over to where they were admiring the place. She asked them if they wanted a booth or table.

What do you say Rain, booth?

Sounds good to me. Rainey replied looking around for Vienna.

This is quite the place. Are you always this busy? Jimmy asked.

Lara led them to an empty booth near the back. It is every day that I am working. Here, have a look at the menus. I will be right back as soon as I get a couple of orders out.

They were studying the menus while glancing around at the other patrons. They were mostly families with children, a few teenagers, and several lone occupants sitting at the counter. Jimmy kicked Rainey under the table. Look at that sign Rain. He pointed to it on the wall above the kitchen doors. It read: We do not tolerate noisy children or unruly customers. Said offenders will be sentenced to kitchen duty under the watchful eye of the wicked witch of Bridge.

Vienna came through the swinging doors with an order and seeing them, waved.

Rainey had thought that she looked cute in her short pants and peasant blouse this afternoon, but now it was a whole new grown up look. Her dark shoulder length hair was piled up on her head while little curls framed her face and forehead. She and Lara were both wearing form fitting pink uniforms. Vienna filled it out in all the right places, no skin and bone here. She was short, but somehow appeared taller than she was this afternoon although she was not wearing heels. He wanted to whistle.

Jimmy interrupted his thoughts. I can see the wheels turning buddy. What is going on in that heavy brain of yours?

Not much. Just wondering what we are going to do while we wait for the girls to get off. Any thoughts?

Have we even asked them out, or are we just assuming that they want to do something with us? I am pretty sure about Lara, but what is your take on V?

I guess you’re right. We only said that we would see them here at the diner. I guess we should have asked if they had plans. If V would get over here I would ask her.

Lara will be back soon and then we will find out. How does a movie sound? That should time it just about right.

Sure, sounds good to me. Have you decided on what you are going to order yet?

No, I can’t decide. Jeeze, are you really starting to hay tomorrow?

Yeah, the weather is perfect. We could really use an extra hand if you are not too hung over.

I make it a point not to drink too much now that I have Jezebel.

Lara returned to their table carrying two glasses of water. Jimmy asked her if they served booze. She told him no.

Have you decided what you want yet? She asked.

I can’t decide; what’s good?

Everything is good Jimmy, I can attest to that. If I had to choose, it would be Lily’s goulash.

Goulash? Rainey questioned Lara. I don’t even know what that is.

Sure you do. Your mom makes something like it… hamburger, noodles, and other stuff. Lily adds some sort of sweet and sour sauce; you’ll like it.

Sounds good enough for me. Jimmy said.

Yeah sure, I’m taking your word on it Lara.

What do you want on your salads?

You mean like lettuce and vegetables? Jimmy scowled.

Quit being silly Jimmy, you know it is. House dressing for you both then?

They both nodded. Send Vienna over here will you Lara? Rainey smiled smugly.

This isn’t V’s station. I am your waitress Rainey. Lara turned and left with their orders pretending to be offended.

I just want to know if she is going out with me later.

Lara turned with a big grin on her face. You can only hope cuz, you can only hope. Be right back with your orders.

Rainey was fiddling with the tray of condiments. Do you see Vienna over at the counter? She is flirting with those guys that just came in. Do you recognize them?

Yeah, so what? They are probably friends. What’s with you anyhow?

Do you know them or not Jimmy?

I think they are some of the Southerly Gang, is that what you are thinking? They are the boys that Yates and company had a run in with a while back. Don’t tell me you are jealous ole boy? Jimmy laughed. I don’t think that I have ever seen you so affected by a girl before… especially one that you just met. Here she comes.

Vienna smiled at them. Lara said that you wanted to see me?

Rainey took her hand. I wanted to be sure that I will be seeing you later.

Are you asking me out? You will have to ask my mama about that. V teased. I’ll send her over after you’ve had dinner. She let go of Rainey’s hand and winked at Jimmy.

A few minutes Lara returned with their salads and steaming hot biscuits. Do you guys want anything to drink?

Maybe coffee later. Rainey said.

I’m not spoiling my appetite with this rabbit food. Jimmy pushed the salad away.

You never have known what’s good for you have you Jimmy? Make Mama Lily happy and have a few bites. Rainey cajoled.

God, you’re already calling her Mama!

Lara returned with their entrée and scolded Jimmy for not eating his salad.

So, Rainey asked. V’s last name is Lane? She was kidding when she said I had to ask her mom if I could take her out right.

I don’t think that she was kidding, but with V, one never knows. Her last name is not Lane; it is LaFontaine. But don’t ask her, she will probably tell you it is Bronte.

Bronte… like the sisters, Wuthering Heights and the like? Why?

Lara shrugged her shoulders. She’s a bit of a romantic.

They struggled with the huge dinner. We should have split a meal. Jimmy sighed.

We’ll know for the next time. Rainey agreed.

Vienna’s mom came through the swinging doors. She definitely was V’s mom. Her hair was reddish brown not black like her daughter’s. She was a few inches taller than V but had the same build, only more matronly. She had the same dark intense eyes. He estimated that she was in her early forties. He took this all in as she crossed the room to where they were seated. Lara was with her and did the introductions.

This is Jimmy Douglas and that rogue there is my cousin Rainey Quinn. Boys, say hello to Lily Lane.

Lordy, did she have to call me a rogue! Rainey stood up as did Jimmy to acknowledge the introduction. Mrs. Lane, the meal was absolutely delicious! Rainey complimented her assuming that she was the cook.

Left room for dessert I hope.

Oh no, we couldn’t eat another bite. Jimmy moaned.

Nonsense, bring them each a cruller Lara. Please call me Lily; everyone does.

They made small talk until Lara returned with a plate in her hand covered by a tea towel. Lily pulled the cloth off and handed them each a fork. Or, she said, you can just pick them up with your fingers and eat them.

Not wanting to or daring to offend V’s mom, they took the forks and took a bite of the delicate confection. It was sweet and crunchy and was covered in liquid honey and icing sugar and tasted something like a do-nut, only better.

To heck with that. Jimmy said as he discarded the fork and picked it up with his fingers. He ate it all and then licked his fingers.

Rainey followed suit and he didn’t even have a sweet tooth. He licked his lips. My compliments Mrs. Lily.

Now what is this I hear? You want to take my daughter out? Hmmm, I guess it will be all right seeing that Lara vouches for you and you seem like decent chaps. Have her home by 10 o’clock. She started back to the kitchen and then turned and said. You boys do know that the girls have to work until 9:00 don’t you?

Jimmy said. Yes ma’am.

Vienna has a curfew of 10:00? Rainey asked Lara after Lily left.

Some nights I guess, but she is sleeping at my house tonight. I’m pretty sure that Lily was fooling with you. What are you guys doing until we get off work?

I guess we will head over to the Bijou and see what is playing unless you girls want to go to the 9 o’clock showing? Jimmy asked."

No thanks, we have seen it. We’ll meet you there or else we will be at V’s. It’s the old Doc Lewis house. You remember where that is don’t you?

Yeah, I remember. About four blocks over on River Street, right?

Lara nodded. See you later and oh yeah; don’t forget to leave a big tip!

Rainey glanced in V’s direction. She was too busy to see him leave.

While the girls were getting dressed for work V had the chance to talk with her best friend about her cousin. Tell me about Rainey, Lara.

I can’t believe that I haven’t mentioned him before.

Maybe you have, but honestly I don’t remember. It would be pretty hard to forget his name though.

He has always been my favorite cousin and I do have a few as you well know. He is four or five years older than me and so he has always been protective of me. Every now and then I would go up to the ranch with my mom. Rainey’s dad is her brother. He taught me how to ride, how to saddle a horse, how to put the bit and bridle on, and most importantly how to brush her down after a ride. That was my favorite part. I say ‘her’ because the horse I rode was Belle, a beautiful chestnut mare. Unfortunately, she died a long time ago. Rainey and his sister are the only ones in our family tree to continue their post-secondary schooling. He is very serious about becoming an architect and he says that nothing will get in his way.

Sorry about Belle. Has Rainey been serious about a girl… I mean enough to make a commitment?

Not that I know of and I have never heard of him bringing a girl home to meet his parents. What do you think of him V?

I like him. He is different from all of the others I have dated. He is quite the gentleman, which seems to be a rare quality these days. He is dashing in his casual slacks and loafers and I have to say that I like the open white shirt, definitely preppie. Plus he is dashingly handsome and I love his voice and even his name is dreamy. Why haven’t you introduced him to me before?

He just got back from the coast. He is quite the ladies’ man I am afraid. I hope he doesn’t break your heart.

Lara Jacobs, what a strange thing for you to say. There it was again… the sensation that something, or in this case, someone was warning her… tread lightly, oh so lightly. Vienna shivered.

The girls weren’t waiting for the boys outside of the theatre. Good God, did we really sit through two hours of agonizing dialogue and questionable acting? Rainey asked Jimmy as he stretched and yawned. The girls should have warned us!

Well, I caught up on my sleeping. Jimmy answered starting the car. You may have to give me directions Rain.

Surely you remember the early years in Doc Lever’s chair?

Oh, I remember all too well. That rubber chair and the drill that sounded like a jack hammer and what did we decide that smell was… rotten eggs I think.

Rainey laughed. "We sure did celebrate when we heard that the old guy had gone bonkers and had been carted off to the Crease Clinic, or was it Assonate?

I think they were both the same. Yates was so happy that he cried. The Doc gave it up two days before his appointment.

They were laughing so hard that they missed the turn unto River Road. Jimmy backed up. It should be the last house on the left if I am not mistaken. He slowed Jezebel down to a slow crawl and parked at the curb.

What an impressive piece of 19th century architecture! I never appreciated it before. I can hardly wait to see the inside.

And just what makes you so sure that you are going to see the inside bro? This is the girl that only sees a guy once or twice.

There are always exceptions to the rules and believe me when I tell you that I am going to see the interior. Make no mistake about that Jimbo.

The girls came running down the steps. They were dressed in identical white slacks and green blouses with white sweaters draped over their shoulders. They had been waiting patiently on the front porch. Lara had carried a torch for Jimmy for years. He had started to notice her as more than a kid sister just a year ago. They never really dated, but got together now and then in Hawthorne when Lara was visiting or at parties in Bridge. She hoped that maybe tonight might lead to a new and meaningful relationship.

V didn’t know what she wanted. There were too many prospects out there for her to consider. But then, she had never met anyone before who took her breath away like Rainey Quinn. She wasn’t sure how she was going to play it with him.

Rainey hopped out of the front seat and motioned Lara to take his place beside Jimmy.

At the same time he opened the back door for V. She got in and slid across the seat as far as she could. Rainey joined her and with a big grin said. I don’t have leprosy you know.

Vienna laughed. Oh, thank goodness, I have been worried about that all day. But should I just take your word for it Sir?

Sir? I like it, shows respect.

I have nothing but respect for my elders. V teased.

This is going to be a fun evening Rainey thought.

Where are we going guys? Lara wants to go to the Opera House. Do you think the road will be all right Rain?

Don’t know; it’s up to you. What kind of clearance has this gal got?

Pretty good. We’ll give it a go.

The Opera House was a local parking spot for the young people of Bridge Falls. It was six miles up the old highway and then a couple more down a dirt road that then veered down a grassy well-worn trail. It sat on a knoll overlooking the river and a multitude of fire pits. It had been so named because it was a haunt for several coyote families whose eerie songs echoed through the valley especially during the full moon cycle.

Vienna always felt restless and edgy during a full moon and so was glad there wouldn’t be one tonight.

Jimmy was a little hesitant going the last mile but he coaxed Jezebel at every corner talking to her like she was a person. He had worked hard in that logging camp and as soon as he had earned the $5,455.00 for her and pocket money to last awhile he had called it quits with the northern job. He let out a sigh of relief. I think we made it with no harm to Jezzy.

I’m sorry Jimmy. I am used to coming here in beat up jalopies so I never notice how bad the road is.

Hey, no problem. He pulled up to the edge and engaged the parking brake. I’ve wanted to come out here myself as it’s been a while. Are you going to get the hooch out of the trunk or what Rain?

Rainey got out and sunk into the soft mossy grass. It had rained a few days ago and there was still a sweet smell in the air.

Well I have never been here before and so I am looking forward to the choir. They had better be in tune. V said.

Don’t count on it girl. Rainey passed a beer to everyone. He assumed that Vienna drank. He wasn’t wrong. She took a long drink savoring the cool liquid running down her throat. He smiled thinking how sensuous she was for someone so young. I’ve been meaning to ask you how you keep your figure around all that food. I take it that your mom is the dessert person.

In case you haven’t noticed Mister, I am not what one would call skinny. But to answer your question, I don’t eat.

Oh, I have noticed all right. Don’t tell me that you don’t eat, you have to.

Lara was giggling because she knew what V was going to say next.

If I ate… I would look like Little Lulu.

Rainey almost choked on his beer, but was quick enough to spit out the open window.

Jimmy turned around. Little respect for the upholstery bro. V, don’t you mean Chubby?

No, are you insinuating that I look like a boy?

I don’t think that is what Jimmy meant and no, no one would ever make the mistake of thinking that you were anything but a girl.

Jimmy had turned the interior lights on and Rainey had a chance to study V. Her smile was telling him something, but he wasn’t sure what. It was mysterious like the one Mona Lisa wore. He tossed a few bags of chips up front and said to Vienna. I guess you don’t want any?

What, aren’t they right up there on the food chain with celery and carrots? Sure, toss me a bag and another beer please.

The next hour or so was spent with the guys telling stories on each other. The radio was on low and Elvis, Little Richard, Brenda Lee and the like were trying to break through the static. During one hysterically funny anecdote that Jimmy had told on Rainey V was laughing so hard that she spilled some of her drink down her blouse.

Oh, for crying in the sink! She exclaimed.

Jimmy looked at Lara and said, "Did I just hear her say that she was crying in the sink?’

Lara answered, You haven’t heard anything yet.

Quit talking like you think I can’t hear you.

Jimmy said Let’s go for a walk Lara, I have to water the horse. Pass us a brew Rain.

Be careful out there guys, the ground is saturated. He was finally alone with Vienna and was plotting his next move. He didn’t think that she would take kindly to being pulled over and kissed and it certainly didn’t appear that she had any intention of moving closer to him. She made the decision for him. She suddenly jumped up and was leaning across the front seat. A Connie Francis tune was playing on the radio. I just love that song!

She was halfway over trying to reach the volume with one hand while holding on to her bottle with the other. She realized she was stuck and could not go forward or backward and was in danger of doing a face plant on the dashboard.

Fiddlesticks! Help me Rainey!

Now it was his turn to laugh. You have got yourself into some predicament haven’t you? You could always drop the beer.

On Jimmy’s nice seats; you have to be kidding!

He grabbed her around her legs and pulled her back, right unto his lap.

Well, isn’t this a fine kettle of fish? If I don’t quit laughing, I am going to pee my pants and that won’t be pretty. She was struggling to free herself from Rainey’s grasp.

You don’t think you’re going to get away from me now that I have you right where I want you do you? He said holding on to her.

Oh, and is this where you want me Sir, and just what are you going to do with me?

Her eyes were wide open as he pulled her closer for that long anticipated kiss. Cherry, Vienna thought. Why does he taste like sweet cherry wine? And how would I know, I have never even had cherry wine. She only knew that she didn’t want the kiss to end, and apparently Rainey didn’t either as he wasn’t releasing her.

Finally, their lips parted and Vienna took a deep breath. Well, you certainly know how to shut a girl up don’t you?

Believe me Vienna, I was not trying to. I only wanted to taste the mouth that has intrigued me all day.

Just what does that mean?

Don’t get defensive. I only mean that I have been looking forward to kissing you ever since I met you and I must admit that the wait was well worth it. I hope there is more where that one came from?

We’ll just have to wait and see won’t we. Have you been chewing cherry gum?

It’s funny that you should ask as I was going to ask you the same thing.

She had dislodged herself from his lap but had not moved away. Maybe there are cherry trees in blossom. Oh, I so hope there is.

Now it is my turn to ask, what do you mean by that?

I never kiss and tell, but I will tell you one thing Rainey Quinn. I may only be 16, but I know what a kiss is and most of them are mushy and awkward and that one was… I don’t know.

Sure you do. I felt it too. It was a kiss waiting to happen and I think that we were meant to be also.

She was shivering. Rainey put his arm around her and pulled her close again. She couldn’t bear it if he kissed her again, and she would die if he didn’t.

They decided to head