Texas Stranger (6 page)

Chapter 9

J
anuary hadn’t even remembered falling asleep until the smell of coffee perking caused her sensitive nose to respond to the pleasant aroma. She sat up quickly on the side of the bed, remembering she had left Carl standing in the guest bedroom last night. She hurriedly put on her robe and made her way to the living room.

Carl was sitting at the dinning room table with the newspaper and a steaming cup of coffee.

“Good morning sunshine, would you like me to fix you something to eat?” Carl offered in a cheerful tone, standing up and reaching for the coffee pot.

“No, coffee will be fine,” January smiled back, thinking he sure was making himself comfortable in her apartment.

“Just coffee? That’s not enough to start the day, you need a balanced breakfast, besides you didn’t eat supper last night did you?” He frowned at her.

“No, I didn’t, but it’s hard for me to eat breakfast, it’s been hard ever since college.”

“I hope you didn’t mind me making the coffee this morning? BJ had a load of cattle and wasn’t able to get in town this morning, so I’m going to have the morning free.”

“No, I don’t mind, could I fix you some breakfast?” January started toward the kitchen.

“No, thank you, I’ve had too much coffee I think and I’m not hungry.”

January was at a lost for words. The night before seemed so long ago. She had strange dreams about Carl and felt a little embarrassed looking him in the eyes.

“Well, I guess I better call Mary to pick me up. I need to get some things taken care of, like a broken window.”

“No need to bother, the window is being fixed at this moment, so you should take the day off and enjoy it while you can.”

“I wish it were that easy sometimes, unfortunately I have a business to run and sitting at home enjoying myself won’t make me a living.” January sighed, picking up the hot coffee cup and taking a large sip.

“Surely one day isn’t going to make that much difference?” Carl grinned at her.

“I’m sorry Carl, but if I’m not there to get things in order today, I may not have a business tomorrow.”

“Well why don’t I drive you to the club? Mary won’t have to go out of her way to get you and I can see that the window has been taken care of?”

“Well if you really want to, I would appreciate the ride.” January smiled, hoping she wasn’t being a burden.

The ride to the club was quiet. January was caught up in her own thoughts about the night before. Tragedy seems to be the only time they could spend together without fighting.

It wasn’t long before Carl left to get his own business taken care of and January hated to see him leave. He didn’t ask to see her again, but she thought she would hear from him soon.

The aerobic competition posters arrived and were being put up in the club. As the competition got closer, the girls would be more demanding of her time, so she was working on her work schedule as well as everyone else’ so she would be free to train the girls who were interested. She hoped several would be interested in trying out. It was hard work but a lot of fun when everyone had the same mindset. To be ready for the competition she had lots of work still yet to do.

Several weeks had gone by and Carl hadn’t made any effort to see her or call her. January also felt it strange Mary hadn’t even mentioned him.

Mr. Peters, the small bald headed man who managed the center and collected the rent on the building space, entered the club late one afternoon. January was about to start the aerobic practice and she noticed him come through the door.

“Mr. Peters! Is there something I could do for you today?” January greeted him.

“I thought I’d bring you some interesting news,” he said, shaking her hand. “Could I have a minute of your time.”

“Sure, I can spare a minute,” January smiled, leading him into her small office. He sat down on the sofa crossing his legs.

“It looks as though I’ll be having another two thousand square feet available at the end of the month. It’s located next to your east wall, you can knock out the wall and make your work out and aerobic room larger. The renewal on your lease will be coming up soon. That is if you still plan to stay? I can make you a good deal.”

“What kind of deal?” January sat back in her chair ready to listen to any offer that would help her club grow.

“Well, you’re paying one dollar a square foot now with insurance and maintenance free. I could let you have the additional two thousand feet for just fifty cents a square foot, and that would give you enough room to expand at a fair price.”

“You’re being very generous, Mr. Peters. What has brought all this on? You’ll be losing money, not to mention having another shop for people to come into?”

“You may be right,” he said, clearing his throat. “But on the other hand we have thirty seven shops in this strip center and they are all paying top dollar. Most of the people that shop here are the one’s that come from your club anyway. So.... we aren’t really losing money, we’re making it through your success, if you really want me to be honest.”

“Need I ask who’s ideal this was Mr. Peters?” January’s eyes searched his for the apparent answer.

His face turned a certain crimson color as he re-adjusted himself on the sofa. “Let’s put it this way Miss. Manson, Mr. Richards knows his business, I for one couldn’t possibly tell him how to run it.”

“I see, well, I’ll certainly think about it. But, I’ll need to get hold of someone to give me a bid on what it would cost.

I’ll call you.” January said, standing up to shake his hand. She was thinking she really did need the space, and this is still a good location even if Mr. Richards is the one who owns it. But still she wasn’t sure she wants to expand this particular club or open another one on the other side of town.

“I know someone who can give you an estimate. His name is Kevin Spencer. I’ll have him give you a call.”

January walked Mr. Peters to the door, thanked him again and watched him as he walked crossed the parking lot to his car.

“What was that all about?” Mary asked.

“It looks like I may be doing some business in the near future.” January smiled.

“Oh? How’s that?” Mary questioned her again, smiling faintly.

January proceeded to tell Mary of the offer Mr. Peters had made. All the time wondering why Carl hadn’t made the offer himself.

A week had gone by and January was sitting in the office going over some papers when this tall strikingly handsome man entered through the door of the club. He was wearing a tailored shirt and blue jeans that fit his tall frame to perfection. His blonde hair and tanned skin, showed the blue of his eyes.

“January, Kevin Spencer is here and wants to see you. Kevin this is January Manson.” Mary introduced them.

“How do you do Miss. Manson,” Kevin smiled holding out his large hand.

January extended her arm and took his hand noticing how small her hand was next to his.

“It is very nice meeting you, Mr. Spencer, but I did expect a call first.” January said, sliding her hand from his.

“If I’ve arrived at an inconvenient time, I’d be more than happy to make an appointment.” He apologized.

“That won’t be necessary, if you’d like to give me some estimates today, the sooner the better.”

“Good, I was hoping you would say that. Do you have anything in particular you want? Or would you rather leave it up to me? I’ve dealt with this type of operation before and I think I can give you the information you need. I understand your business does well in the aerobic area?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact it does, and I would certainly need more room there. The locker rooms are also becoming to small, although the plumbing wouldn’t need to be changed, just the dressing area.”

“I see, well, if I could have a look around I’ll see what I can come up with.”

As January lead him to the door and motioned to Mary, she could smell the faint odor of a very expensive cologne. He seemed to be very nice and well dressed. She wondered how much this was going to cost.

Kevin was talking to Mary at the reception desk when she finished the aerobic class. As she walked up, she could tell by the way they were talking that they knew each other.

“Mary was telling me how much business had picked up since you wrote that last book. I think that’s great.” he said, sincerely.

“Thank you,” January answered him. Noticing the way he was looking her over. January glanced over at Mary and gave her a frown. Mary was match making again. Some day she was going to have to talk with that girl.

Chapter 10

“J
anuary?” Mary came storming into her office the next morning.

“Yes.” January answered looking up from her account books. She noticed Mary’s face was flushed. “Is there something wrong?”

“No, I just tried to get a hold of you last night, and I guess you were out, because your phone rang off the wall.”

“Yes, Kevin and I went to dinner. Is there something I should know about?”

“So...You and Kevin went on a date?”

“Never mind Mary, now what was it you were so excited about?” January ignored her devious smile.

“Oh, yes, you and I have been invited to one of the biggest barbecue’s held every year at the Richards ranch next week-end.”

“The Richards?” January looked up in surprise.

“Yes, Carl’s family. They have a big fund raising barbecue every year for the children’ s hospital and they have asked if you’d like to attend.”

“I don’t think so Mary, maybe next year. I’ve been taking off too much lately.” January tried to busy herself with the paper work.

“Oh, Bull!” Mary sat down heavily in the chair opposite her. “You’ve only had one night off in weeks, you need to get away from here, get some sunshine, and enjoy yourself among friends for a change. I’ll not take no for an answer, you just pick me up on Saturday about ten o’clock and we’ll drive out together, now no arguments.”

“Okay,” January smiled, for she knew Mary was right. She was almost sure she would enjoy herself.

Saturday rolled around much to quickly. January laid in bed until the last minute, trying to think of a way to get out of going. But unsuccessful, she then showered and dressed for a day out at the ranch.

The day was perfect for the barbecue, the sun was shining through fluffy white clouds and a faint breeze filled the air with the fragrance of Jasmine.

“There! Can you see it?” Mary exclaimed as she pointed toward the elegant white house sitting back among the tall pine trees. Several yards behind the house stood small white buildings that looked as though they were bunk houses. Guiding the car through the arched gate she noticed a sign that read, Richards Ranch.

“Doesn’t it take your breath away?” Mary sighed.

January didn’t comment but drove slowly along the winding drive, admiring the brilliant display of wild flowers and
rolling hills. She was glad that she decided to come out today if for nothing more than to just enjoy the beautiful country side.

“January!” she heard her name from somewhere behind her. Phillip Weaver strolled toward her, holding out is hand. “How good it is to see you again.” He said, taking her hand in his.

“Phillip, how nice to see you.” January replied. She had to admit he looked much more the oil man in his western style hat, boots, jeans and checkered shirt.

“Hi Mary, and how are you today? I was just talking to BJ, and he said you would be coming, I had no idea you knew January.” Phillip said, taking her hand.

“Well, that makes two of us. I didn’t know you knew January either.” Mary looked over at January for an explanation. “But then again there have been a lot of surprises lately.” Mary grinned.

January was sure Mary meant knowing Carl, but she didn’t say.

“We don’t know each other very well, we only met on the plane flight from Indiana.” January explained.

“Have you met the Richards?” Phillip asked.

“No, as a matter of fact we’ve just arrived.” January answered.

“Well, we must find them, your in for a treat. I am sure they would be disappointed if they missed out on meeting a celebrity.” Phillip grinned as he led them around several small groups of people.