Dreams Unspoken Read online

  “I’ll drive and bring you back when we’re done.”

  Jo put on her own sunglasses and grabbed her backpack from behind her truck seat.

  Maria grinned. “You really do drive a pickup truck.” She started the car. “So, where are the boots and hat?” She pulled them into the morning traffic.

  “Still back at the ranch with the horses. I didn’t want to overwhelm you with too much at once.” Jo gave her a wink.

  Maria felt the warmth in her cheeks, thankful her skin tone made a blush hard to detect. “So you really are a cowgirl?”

  Jo mimicked tipping a hat. “Yes, ma’am. Right down to the spurs on my boots.”

  When Maria laughed, Jo felt warm all over. And wow, not only was Maria West gorgeous, but her perfume was making Jo’s head swim. The best part was that she could make Maria laugh and smile.

  She slung her backpack into the back seat, noticing as she did the booster seat installed there. “Got yourself a little one, I see.”

  “I have a six-year-old named Matthew. We call him Matt.” She said little more, redirecting the conversation with question after question about horses and horse farms.

  Jo talked about boarding horses and teaching youngsters how to ride, whether for fun or competition, and how she was getting away from breeding. They grabbed lunch at a little family-owned diner in a small town after their third stop but were quickly on the road again, making it to the last property around three. It was by far the largest, in the best shape and of course the most costly of the places they had seen.

  Jo pulled herself up to stand on the pasture fence and scan the open field. She closed her eyes, deeply inhaling the fresh air. It wasn’t hard to envision her horses running in these pastures. The sudden ringing of Maria’s cell phone shattered her daydream.

  Maria walked back toward the car as she talked on her phone. Jo was only able to hear parts of her side of the conversation, but she gathered it had something to do with her son. Eventually she rejoined Jo at the fence.

  “Everything okay with your son?” Maria’s smile was forced when she nodded. She was noticeably distracted. Jo detected worry. “I think I’ve seen enough for one day.” Climbing off the fence she followed Maria to the car. “I’ve got plenty to think about now. I appreciate you driving all over creation.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Yep. Definitely distracted since that call.

  Seated in the car, Jo said, “Look, this is none of my business, so you’re welcome to tell me to take a hike, but you seem terribly troubled since that darned call you got. Is there something going on you need to deal with? ‘Cause I would certainly understand if there was.”

  Maria stared blankly for several minutes before she spoke. “It’s my son. He’s having a difficult time at school today.” She gave a long sigh. “But my sister-in-law is going to pick him up.” She started the car and headed out to the road.

  Jo wasn’t fooled by Maria’s attempt at calm. Something was eating at her, so she persisted. “So, your boy—he’s in some trouble at school?”

  Maria shook her head. “Not really trouble. He attends a special school. My son is autistic.”

  Wow! That was as unexpected as a horses’ kick. She knew nothing about kids with autism, but she gathered from Maria’s current mood it must be tough to deal with.

  “So where do you live?”

  Maria gave a sideways glance. “In Midland.”

  “How far are we?”

  “About twenty-five minutes away.”

  “And your sister-in-law,” Jo asked, “she lives there too?”

  “Yes.”

  Jo shifted in her seat. “We should swing by there then so you can check on him before you drive me back.”

  Maria glanced over again. “It’s not really en route. It’s out of the way.”

  “Ah, that’s all right.” Jo grinned. “I’m not in a big hurry. Just gotta stop by the folks for a bit.”

  “Really, it’s not necessary. I’ll be heading back to pick him up after I drop you off.”

  Jo cocked her head. “Yeah, but you could be seeing him sooner instead of later.” She noticed that Maria checked the clock. “I say we stop now so you can surprise the little guy.” Maria’s expression brightened. “Like I said, I’m not in any hurry.” So not in any hurry.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Heck yeah, absolutely. My folks aren’t even expecting me. Thought I’d surprise them, you know.”

  “I’ll run in real quick. Thank you for your understanding.”

  Jo waved her hand. “Oh sure. Hey, when we’re troubled we all want our moms. Too bad all moms aren’t like you, Maria West.

  They pulled into the drive of a modest-looking home on the far north side of town. “Would you like to come in for the restroom or something to drink?”

  “I’m good.” But for some reason, Jo was strangely curious to meet Maria’s son. “I wouldn’t mind meeting your boy.”

  Maria turned to look at her. “I don’t know how much you know about autism, but my Matt isn’t very social.”

  “Okay, good to know.” Jo shrugged. “That makes two of us.”

  Kathleen looked surprised when she opened the door. “I wasn’t expecting you this early.”

  Maria stepped inside. “We were sort of passing by so I wanted to check on him.” Kathleen’s eyes settled on Jo behind her. Maria touched her arm. “I’m sorry, Kat, this is a client of mine, Jo Marchal.” She looked at Jo. “My sister-in-law, Kathleen.”

  Jo had already sized up the petite blonde. She extended her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  Kathleen accepted Jo’s handshake. “Nice to meet you too.” She eyed Maria. “They’re in the family room.”

  “I’ll be back to get him once I drop Ms. Marchal off.”

  They entered a large comfortable room where four boys of various sizes sat watching a children’s movie on the big TV screen. Jo didn’t miss the smile that warmed Maria’s face. One of the boys nudged and pointed. Matt looked up, then got up and came toward them. He tightly circled his arms around Maria’s waist.

  “Hey, sweetie, are you okay?” Maria asked softly and kissed the top of his head.

  The tender moment touched Jo somewhere deep inside. It’d been such a long time ago that Jo and her mom had shared any similar kind of closeness.

  “I have to go back to work for a little bit, but I’ll be back to take you home. Okay?” The boy didn’t move or make a sound. Maria stroked his hair and looked over at Jo. “My son, Matthew.” Jo nodded and smiled. “Can you say hello to our guest, Matt?” Again he remained motionless and silent and Jo saw a flicker of pain in Maria’s eyes. Maria kissed his dark curls. “Okay, sweetie, I’ll be back soon.” She had to release his arms from her waist.

  “Does he like riding in the car?” Jo asked.

  Maria looked puzzled. “He doesn’t dislike it. Why?”

  “Why don’t you bring him along? I mean, we’re just driving back to my truck.”

  “I don’t usually—”

  “Ah heck with all that proper business stuff. I don’t mind, and if he don’t mind and wants to be with you, I say let’s bring him along.”

  Maria ruffled Matt’s hair. “Would you like to go for a ride in the car with me and this nice lady, Matt?”

  He responded by taking hold of Maria’s hand.

  Jo grinned. “I take it that’s a ‘yes.’”

  “Okay, big guy, let’s get going.”

  Kathleen silently watched the exchange. “Thanks again.” Maria directed to Kathleen.

  “No problem, hon, whenever you need me call.”

  Jo looked at Kathleen. “Nice to meet you.”

  Kathleen smiled at Jo. “You too. Good luck with the house hunting.”

  “Actually it’s a farm I’m looking for, but thanks.”

  Jo pulled open the door for Maria and her son. Kathleen didn’t miss the gesture, and Jo didn’t miss Kathleen mouthing the words “call me” to Maria. Maria strapped M
att in his seat and slid behind the wheel.

  “He’s usually very good in the car. Thank you for allowing me this comfort.”

  Jo looked at the boy in the back seat, staring out the window. “Hey, the way I see it, he’s already got it tougher than most kids.” She directed her eyes to Maria. “It’s no hardship for me.”

  Maria smiled over at her. “You’re the biggest hearted cowgirl I’ve ever met.”

  “Thanks.” Jo laughed. “Believe it or not, that is the number one attribute all cowgirls strive for.” When Maria laughed, the sound warmed Jo inside like nothing else ever had.

  Jo sat in her truck watching as Maria drove away, waiting until her station wagon was out of sight before trying her parents’ number. Her mom finally answered after six or seven rings, Jo lost count.

  “Mom, is everything okay?”

  “Yes, dear.”

  Jo sighed. “It’s…well, it took you so long to answer.”

  “I was out tending to my flowers and didn’t know your father was snoring in his recliner. Is everything all right with you?”

  “Sure, Mom. I thought I’d stop by if it’s okay.”

  She made a “tsk” sound. “Jo Lynn, now you know you can stop by anytime. Do you have plans for your dinner?”

  “I was going to get something on the way.”

  “We’re having vegetable soup. I’ll set a place for you. You forget about that fast stuff that passes for food and come on by.”

  “I’ll be there in a bit, Mom.”

  The evening mirrored last Friday. Her dad showed no interest in talking with her, so she again sat out back in the swing with her mom.

  “Any word from the doctor?”

  Her mom gave a push and set the swing in motion. “We have an appointment on Monday. They’re waiting on the results of one more test. You know how they are, all secretive.”

  “I’m sure they want to be accurate with their findings. I wished you’d told me about the appointment. I could be here with you.”

  She tapped Jo’s hand. “Oh, Jo, you don’t need to be here.” Eileen forced a smile. “They’re probably going to tell us the only thing wrong with your father is he’s hard-headed and stubborn.”

  “No news there,” Jo muttered under her breath.

  Her mom looked over. “Pardon?”

  Jo hoped she hadn’t heard. “Uh, you’ll let me know what’s up after you’ve been there.”

  “Of course, dear.”

  Jo gave the swing a push. “I looked at several farms today, all within about an hour from here.”

  “I think the Pierson place is up for sale. You know where that is, don’t you? Right outside of town on Route 60.”

  “Yes, I know where it is, but it’s too small for what I need.”

  “They always used to have horses. You remember your father used to take you out there sometimes on Saturday afternoons to ride? You were, what, about ten or so.”

  The memory brought a smile. “I think I was older. It was right before high school.”

  She remembered exactly when it was. It had been the summer after she’d attended summer camp. And as it turned out, summer camp became one of the best summers she’d ever had.

  Jo had had a few crushes before, but for lack of a better understanding, she’d assumed it was something normal girls experienced but didn’t speak of. Jo fell in love the first day with one of the camp counselors. At least she thought so at the age of thirteen. Judy King was pretty. She always wore her long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and had a fit, athletic body. Jo’s heart would do little flip flops whenever she was around. She was also the riding instructor, so Jo fell in love with not only women that summer but horses too. She participated in everything she could that pertained to horses to be around Judy King.

  One of those things was grooming the horses. That’s where Jo met Debbie. Debbie was a really quiet girl and kept to herself. But she knew a lot about horses. She lived about sixty miles away from Jo and had her own horse. She promised to teach Jo everything she knew. Little did she know that Debbie would teach her so much more. She was fourteen and they became good friends the first week. By the third week, Jo was spending more time with Debbie than anyone. Jo felt especially comfortable around her and they could talk about everything.

  Three days before camp was to end, she and Debbie were brushing down the last horse in the old barn. Everyone else had run off to take a dip in the lake before dinner. Without warning Debbie reached over and took hold of Jo’s free hand.

  “I’m gonna miss you so much when we have to leave, Jo.”

  Jo stopped and turned to look at her. There was something in Debbie’s eyes Jo had never seen before. She felt hypnotized. They stood in silence for the longest time. To break the trance-like stare, Debbie reached up and stroked her fingertips over Jo’s cheek. Jo’s legs became rubber bands. When she didn’t flinch or move away, Debbie leaned in and lightly touched her lips to Jo’s. A sensation rushed through Jo’s body that took her breath away.

  Debbie leaned back. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that,” she said softly.

  Jo swallowed and looked down at her feet. “It’s okay,” she whispered.

  Debbie raised her chin. “You’re so cute. I couldn’t not do that.” She searched Jo’s eyes, but Jo said nothing. “I want to kiss you again.”

  Jo’s cheeks flushed with heat. She nodded. She couldn’t say no. Their next kiss lasted longer, and when Debbie pulled away, Jo’s heart was pounding fiercely. Jo only waited a second before she leaned in to press her lips to Debbie’s. Warmth flooded her body from the contact and Jo realized that’s what she wanted to feel every day—forever. Another long minute later they separated.

  Debbie smiled. “Wow! Cute and a good kisser.” Jo’s cheeks burned hot. “Have you kissed girls before?” Jo shook her head. “Me either, but I really like it.”

  The tiniest smile curled Jo’s lips. “Me too.”

  They heard the barn door creak and quickly moved apart.

  Judy King approached. “Don’t you girls want to take a swim before dinner?” She patted the horse’s neck. “I think ol’ Duke is ready to retire for the day.”

  As Judy led the horse to his stall, Jo and Debbie smiled knowingly at each other, then raced from the barn to get into their suits.

  For the next two and a half days the girls were inseparable and would sneak off to steal every moment alone they could. The heartbreak of the whole experience, of course, came the day they had to part. Jo never forgot the feeling of their last hug.

  Debbie wrapped her arms tightly around her. “I’m going to miss you so much,” she whispered.

  Jo didn’t think she’d ever felt more completely loved than she did in Debbie’s arms. Choked with emotion, she barely managed to say, “I’m gonna miss you too.”

  Jo had never forgotten the desire she’d felt that summer. To this day she was still searching for it.

  “Jo Lynn. What’s wrong?”

  Jo hadn’t heard a word she’d been saying. “What?”

  “You got all glassy-eyed and didn’t answer.” She put the backs of her fingers to Jo’s cheek. “You’re not coming down with something are you?”

  Jo shook her head. “I’m fine, Mom.”

  “Well, you didn’t look fine just now. Why don’t you stay the night instead of driving all the way back home? I’ll worry if you do.”

  Jo searched her mom’s eyes for something more than simple hospitality.

  “The bed’s made up in your old room like always. You’re welcome to stay.”

  “Thanks, Mom, I think I will. Are you sure Dad won’t mind?”

  “Tsk…What can he say? I invited you and you’re staying.” She pushed up from the swing. “Speaking of, I should go check on him.” She pulled her sweater across her chest. “Do you want anything?”

  A cold beer or two would be good right now. “No thanks, Mom, I’m fine.”

  Eileen turned toward the door. “Don’t stay out too l
ong. It’s been getting chilly in the evenings.”

  Jo nodded, but her mom was already through the door.

  Maria had Matt settled in bed when she called Kathleen at nine thirty, hoping she already had her brood wrestled down for the night.

  “Are you free now?”

  Kathleen sighed. “Yes. I’ve put up my feet and I’m enjoying some wine. How’s Matt?”

  “He’s been perfectly fine all evening. I don’t know what could have happened to him at school. I can’t even speculate about what might have agitated him.”

  “Is Jack home?”

  It didn’t matter if Jack was home or not. He refused to have anything to do with Matt, and of late, she felt more and more like his housekeeper than his wife. He’d become distant. She wasn’t sure if it was his job or something worse, like an affair, because he never seemed to want to talk either. It was Maria’s turn to sigh.

  “No. He left yesterday for a business conference. He won’t be back until late Sunday.”

  “Well, listen, sweetie, if you need me to watch Matt so you can grocery shop or anything this weekend, let me know.”

  “Thanks, Kat. You’re my guardian angel, you know.”

  Kathleen giggled. “Angel, right, that’s me. Do you suppose you could convince my boys of this and that they should treat me with great reverence?”

  Maria loved that Kathleen could always lighten her mood and make her laugh.

  “So—” Kathleen hesitated. “Did you sell a farm today and earn a big commission?”

  “Not today, but I hope to soon.” And be less reliant on her husband.

  “Oh, I’m sure you will.”

  “I like your confidence in me.”

  “The gal that was with you today, she’s the one from last week?”

  “Yes. Do you think your speculation about her is correct?” Maria asked, unsure why it mattered.

  Kathleen paused. “I’m no expert mind you, but from what I saw she seemed interested in you.”