Page 22 of His Cowboy Heart

“Time will tell,” I said, walking to the door. Before I left New York City, I managed to find the loan documentation on the O’Toole property. They were in danger of foreclosure. I was here to warn the O’Toole’s and help any way I could. I held out my hand. “Key?”

“Oh right,” she smacked her forehead. “Yep, I’ve got it. I’ve also got all of the keys for the boathouse. There were also a couple of cars left in the garage. They still run. Dad takes them for a drive every three months like clockwork.”

“All right then,” I said. “Thank your parents for all their work here. I appreciate it.”

She dug in her purple purse and held out a gold key ring. “Would you care to do the honors?”

I nodded and hoped she didn’t notice the way my fingers shook as I stood in front of that big red door.

“Thank you,” I said, nodding at the house. “I can take it from here.” I didn’t want to be rude, but I wanted to be alone. I wasn’t sure what I would find inside. I was afraid my emotions would be too raw. I was about to walk through the door into my dreams.

“Of course, totally, you’re all good,” she said, batting her long lashes as she backed. “You need anything, I left my parent’s number on a notepad in the kitchen. And like I said, I work as a waitress at the Gold Digger. You should come on by. It’s still the place to go to on the other side of the lake, this side I mean, not that it’s a big surprise . . .” her voice trailed off.

“Thanks Celia,” I said, smiling. All of a sudden I remembered her. I could see her wide eyed and smiling following Paul Ingram around like he was God’s gift to women. It had been so long since I’d thought of Paul and Celia. I felt as though I was exercising muscles in my mind that had atrophied from lack of use.

“All right then, I’m going to go,” she said, pointing to a bright blue Honda parked behind my rental. “I’ll just take off and get on outta here. It’s good to see you Troy,” she said, her voice sounding more true. “I hope you get to see her.”

“Her?” I asked.

“You know,” she said. “I just hope it works out for you two.”

“Thank you,” I said, uncertain of what else to say.

Celia backed out of the drive leaving me at the door.

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