Howdy, Ma'am Read online

  Edward stood. “Didn’t get his name and you’re gonna run off with him?”

  “He called and left a message today. His first name is all I have. It’s Caulder.”

  “Caulder McCutchen? Jesus criminy. Do you know who the hell he is?”

  “No, I don’t watch bull riding. I’m from Chicago.” Velia’s words came out like spitting out a sour lemon.

  “We watch bull riding on TV every show. He’s the up-and-coming damn star, for Pete’s sake.”

  Velia stopped slicing the cucumber. “Well, now what—?”

  “He’s new on the circuit and led in points almost all season. They say he could be the best there ever was. A late bloomer’s all.”

  “Really?”

  “I have the last show on tape. Damn DVR quit working. We’ll look at it after dinner. Girly, you better take that job. This could mean the big time for you.”

  “After dinner like hell.” Alice headed for the living room. “Come on.”

  Velia turned the chicken and cut the flame under the skillet. She chuckled because she never heard Alice curse before.

  Edward fast forwarded through the recording and stopped at the first picture of Caulder as they introduced him. “That him?”

  She nodded and tried not to drool. He was one, damn hot guy for sure. She’d be the envy of all the women around the circuit if she took the job. The things she’d see. She sat there with her teeth pressed against her bottom lip, not sure how to react when she watched him ride in slow motion. There was something provocative about the way he moved atop the bull. She licked her lips. He stayed on the bull for eight seconds before the buzzer rang. Eight seconds didn’t seem like a lot, but with all the jerking, bumping, and grinding, it must seem like an eternity for the rider. Damn, it was sexy the way he moved on the bull. Something warm tingled between her thighs, and she liked it. “How much of this do you have recorded?”

  “I got almost the whole damn season.” He laughed. “I suppose you want to watch it?”

  “Of course! If I’m going to photograph this guy I should at least know something about bull riding. What’s with the eight seconds, Edward?”

  “They do it for the safety and well-being of the bull, so they don’t get too worn out. That way they can keep competing for a long time. It’s probably all anybody can stay on one of those hellions anyway.”

  “I have some research to do. Looks like I’ll be busy after dinner.” She followed Alice back to the kitchen and finished making the salad. “Of course, I’ll have to do lots of research, so I can pretend I know something about what he does. And, of course, watch a lot of videos.” She hid a smile from Alice.

  “Uh huh. What kind of things does he want you to take pictures of?”

  “I don’t know yet, Alice. We didn’t go into detail because I asked if I could have a couple days to make up my mind. It starts in February so I have time.” Velia went to the doorway leading to the living room. “Edward, where does the circuit travel? If it’s almost a whole year, they must travel all over.”

  “They go everywhere. The closest stop to us is in New Mexico, and it’s about 500 miles away if you drive. But I suppose you’ll be flying.”

  “Well, when we’re there, I’ll fly right back here to see you two.”

  * * *

  Later that night, Velia spent hour after hour learning what she could about bull riding, and about the rider Caulder McCutchen. He was the same age as her, but he had a boyish look about him, innocent and new. How could a streak of luck just fall in her lap like it did? This kind of thing didn’t happen to average people. Most people who knew her didn’t think she was average; on the contrary, they told her she checked in at well above average. Classy is what they said often when they spoke of her. With her love of opera, theater, fancy restaurants, good wine, and nice clothes everyone said she was way out of Justin’s league. She never wanted to believe the compliment, but it turned out to be true. She had to admit it to herself now. She never thought of herself as being better than Justin, and he even said it himself in his normal mood in the beginning. “Hah, normal mood—a long time ago.”

  Her phone vibrated, bringing her out of the muse. “Caulder, it’s you.”

  “Did I call at a bad time?”

  “No, it’s perfect. I’ve been looking up bull riding on the internet. Looks like more than climbing on a bull for eight seconds and saying giddy-yup.”

  “Want to see my giddy-up bruises and scars?”

  “Eventually.”

  “Pardon me, ma’am?”

  “I mean if I photograph you, I’ll have to photograph everything. Ah, ah...um, I mean, if you want the real thing.”

  “I knew I made the right decision.” He hesitated. “Did you make your decision yet?”

  “Well...I mean I have to interview a prospective employee to take over and run things while I’m gone.” She tapped her painted nails on the table. “Will I be coming back between shows, or sometime at all during the tour?”

  “Sure. I get breaks. Wouldn’t you want to take some pictures of me in my natural habitat?”

  “I only asked. I think I can only take so many pictures before people get tired of looking at you.” She stared at the close up picture on her laptop screen. “Well, maybe not.”

  “I’m joshing with ya, ma’am. Of course you’ll have time to go home now and again.”

  “Okay. Will I have a regular schedule, times you want photographs, during the show, off duty? Any ideas?”

  “My publicist will help with all the details. You’ll have to get together with her when you decide.”

  “What’s the latest I can let you know?”

  “At least by the end of December. I’ll need time to get someone else if you decline.”

  He sounded doubtful about specifics. “End of December? Okay.” It didn’t give her more than a few weeks to decide.

  “So, I’ll be getting back with you again?”

  She listened to his breaths on the other end of the line. “Sure, but do you want to give me your number in case I have some more questions, which I will?” She opened up a Word document and set her hands on the home keys.

  “My number should be on your phone since I called you.”

  “It’s blocked.” She wanted to call him a smart ass but decided against calling her potential boss an ass.

  “Yeah, why not. I’ll email it to the email address here on your business card.”

  “That will be fine.”

  “Ms. Armano?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m glad you’re considering coming along.”

  “Thanks. I might be crazy, but—”

  “Don’t you want more details? Pay, benefits, perks?”

  “Yes, sure, but maybe you should wait till I’m a hundred percent sure.” She hesitated. “Or, we could get together and go over it in advance. Are you still in town?”

  “We have time. Take care of your interview. Make your decision and be sure you’re one hundred percent positive. I don’t need you running off in the middle of a show because you miss your heartthrob or cat.”

  She paused. “I don’t have a cat, and for sure I don’t have a heartthrob.”

  “I apologize, ma’am. You’ll get used to my satire and unfunny jokes.”

  “Promise?”

  “The satire or the sense of humor?”

  She heard him trying to hide a chuckle. “Both. I love a man with a sense of humor, but satire doesn’t make me cackle like an old hen.”

  “Like I said, I’m sorry.”

  “Maybe you’ll have to get used to my sense of humor, too.” Velia giggled for effect.

  “We’re even now. Let’s leave it there.”

  “Deal. I’ll be looking for an email with your phone number. Oh, Caulder?”

  “Yep.”

  “Where is your home?”

  “Pennsylvania. My parents have a ranch there with horses and a dog or two. Pretty country. You’ll like it.”

  “Sh
ould make for some interesting pictures I suppose.”

  “Yep. Night, Ms. Armano.”

  “Good night, Mr. McCutchen.”

  She pushed the END button. “Well, that went well. I think.”

  When she hung up, she looked up interview questions. It had been quite awhile since she did an interview, and she was usually the one getting interviewed. “Let’s see, he’ll have to know Photoshop, all kinds of editing procedures, setting up a shoot…planning, timing.” Velia stood and stretched. She knelt before the wine cabinet and removed a bottle of Pinot Grigio. After pouring a glass, she went back to her computer and looked at her notes. “And of course he’ll have to know how to set costs…but, most of all, he needs to be creative.”

  She got her dark blue jacket and pants out of the closet to see if they needed to be groomed. Tomorrow she wanted to look professional. This would be a big deal for the person getting hired. “And he needs to know accounting, answering the phone, have his own camera equipment.” She stopped. What am I doing? I can’t ask someone to do so much and keep my business running, too.

  Velia ran downstairs to see Alice. She sat beside her and helped with folding towels. “You and Edward used to have your own business.”

  “We did, but just a little hardware. Nothing as big and extravagant as today. Why do you ask?”

  “I need someone to help with my business while I’m gone.”

  “You’re taking him up on his offer then?” Alice raised an eyebrow.

  “I’m not a hundred percent sure, yet. One of my big concerns is my business. It’s taking off now, and I hate to have it fall apart and come home to nothing.”

  “What about your interview tomorrow?”

  “I can’t ask him to do everything.”

  “Just say it, Velia, what do you want of us?” Edward walked in and sat in his recliner by the window.

  “Would you consider maybe filling in a couple hours a day? I’ll set certain hours for phone calls, or even have calls transferred here and you won’t have to go out. If this guy can handle the photography, I trust you to take care of setting up schedules for him.” She paced to the front door and back. “I hope he works out.”

  Edward poured her a glass of brandy. “Here, sit. Settle yourself.” He poured himself a brandy and a glass of white wine for Alice. He ushered her to the sofa. “We can help you on a part-time basis. We retired for a reason.” He grasped Alice’s hand. “I know you are bored at times, and this will give you something to do.”

  “It won’t have to be everyday either, Alice. You can have a regular schedule.” Velia sat on the edge of the sofa. “Give me a schedule of how much time you want. I’ll transfer the phone calls here.”

  “Now, you don’t have to go out of your way. I can go into the shop two or three times a week. The other days you can have the calls transferred. I’ll get my friend Grace to come in and keep me company.” She patted Edward’s hand. “And you, my dear, can have a break from me.”

  Edward smiled a special smile when he talked to Alice. Velia wished she could have had a lasting love such as theirs. “I’ll still be able to do your anniversary. Nothing will get in the way of your party.”

  “Isn’t your court date coming up soon?”

  “Yes, my lawyer called and said Justin wants to get on with his life. How nice. I feel sorry for whomever he has tricked this time.” She looked to the floor. “He said I had to be there. I honestly don’t want to see Justin.”

  “Are you afraid of him?” Edward downed his brandy.

  “I don’t know. It’s funny when you get away and can think again, you start to see things for what they really were. I guess a lot of it was my fault.”

  Alice butted in. “Stop right now. He wants you to think that way. Abusers are known for manipulation. They beat you down and make you think it’s entirely your fault. It was never your fault. Don’t take the blame.”

  “I sound like my aunt now. She blamed herself the last time she came to the United States to visit.”

  “But you got out in time, and so did our daughter. Yes, our Rose Marie lived though an abusive relationship, and thank God, she knew when to get out.” Alice took her hand and gently patted her fingers. “I saw the agony she went through, dear. I can only imagine your hell. Now she has a whole new life, and so will you one day.”

  “Velia downed the last sip of brandy. “Yes, well, maybe.” After a short pause, Velia stood. “Thanks, Edward, it’s very good brandy. I’m already relaxed.” She smiled at Alice. “I’m so lucky to have you two.”

  “We feel the same way. There’s brandy in the cupboard most anytime.”

  “Well, it’s time for me to settle in. I need to clear my mind and relax with Vittorio.”

  “You got somebody up there?” Edward narrowed his eyes.

  “No, of course not. Vittorio is one of my favorite Italian tenors. His voice relaxes me.” She took her glass to the kitchen before heading upstairs. “Good night, you two.”

  Chapter Four

  The young man arrived at nine thirty sharp. He dressed neatly in dark, casual slacks, and wore a matching jacket over his white, buttoned shirt. His medium length, blond hair was neatly combed and his whole appearance looked put-together. He carried a portfolio and a Tablet, and didn’t seem nervous. Velia reached for his hand and gave a firm shake. “Nice to meet you, Brian. Thanks for coming on short notice.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Armano. The pleasure is all mine.”

  “Come in and have a seat. I’d like to look at your portfolio before we get started.”

  He placed it on the desk in front of Velia. “I can show you more in my online albums.”

  “Interesting.” She glanced over at him after looking at the first page. “And this is only the first photo. I’m excited!”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  Ma’am. No one ever called her ma’am before and now two people in a few days have been calling her ma’am. It made her feel old when Brian said it, but excited coming from Caulder. Thinking of him while looking at this guy’s portfolio caused her to smile. She glanced at Brian. Let him think the smile was for his work. She grinned and looked back at his portfolio.

  Velia invited Brian out for lunch after the basic interview. “We’ll need to discuss some more things, but I’m hungry.” She stopped at the door. “I’m sure you’ll have questions before accepting the job.”

  “I got the job? You’re hiring me?”

  She reached for his hand. “If you want the job, you have it. I’m very impressed with you and your work.”

  He opened her car door and closed it when she slid in. Velia appreciated his manners. She took him to an authentic Italian restaurant. “My mother and father own a restaurant back in Chicago.” She stopped. “Back where I grew up. They opened it when they got settled in America after they moved from Italy.”

  “So, you’re right from Italy? Not born here?”

  “I was born in Italy, but only because my parents were there when I made my entrance.”

  “Awesome.”

  “Now, can we talk some business? When can you start, or when would you like to start? I’d like to take you with me on the rest of the shoots I have before leaving.”

  “I need to give my current employer a notice, but I’ll try to make it to your shoots anyway.”

  “My work is mainly on weekends and an occasional week night.”

  “No problem then.” Brian picked up his napkin and dabbed his mouth after a big bite of linguine. “Can I ask another question?”

  “Of course.”

  “Who’s the bull rider?”

  “Caulder McCutchen. Do you know of him?”

  “Hey, I’ve seen him! Sometimes my dad watches it. I had dinner there last weekend and the season just wrapped up and they showed some reruns. He’s good.”

  “And so I’ve heard.”

  Chapter Five

  For some reason Velia’s enthusiasm overtook her when she received the email from Caulder with his
phone number enclosed. Was it right for her to be attracted to another man without being divorced? Worse! Was it right for her to be attracted to a client? Client hell, her boss. “I better be careful because I think I could get carried away.”

  Maybe she wouldn’t have to worry about it much longer because there was an email from her lawyer with a time set for court. At least it would be over before she had to leave. “Please, no more unnerving delays, God.” She looked upward as she said her quick, pleading prayer. Two delays were enough. Court in two weeks.

  There wouldn’t be much time to train Brian, to let him come along and observe. Time always went fast when you didn’t want it to. Having other concerns didn’t help as it was, but having to be around Justin couldn’t be good. She wrapped her arms around herself to ward off the chill. A cold chill when she thought about him. He couldn’t hurt her as long as she wasn’t alone with him. Lonnie Lombardi, her lawyer said he’d be there with her at all times. But who would protect Lonnie?

  She picked up the phone. “Daddy, I have my court date. Can you come?”

  * * *

  It would be a special treat to see her dad before Alice and Edward’s anniversary party, and with him and Lonnie beside her, she wouldn’t be afraid. Velia hoped Justin wasn’t trying to find her and watching her family. Not that her dad couldn’t take care of himself. She thought back to the —don’t ask, don’t tell—policy. Justin would be better off to mind his own business and go on with his life. Leave her alone. She couldn’t wait until the divorce became final.

  As Velia pondered the recent happenings in her life, an email came in from Caulder. He wanted to meet. He invited her to dinner at a local steak house so they could talk. When she replied, she agreed to meet him and asked if she needed to bring anything like credentials or a portfolio. Two minutes later, he called.

  “So, you’ve made up your mind I see.”

  “I have, and I’m looking forward to this opportunity. I’ve been busy, but I’ve still been thinking about things to photograph. What is the purpose of photographing your tour? I mean is it only for publicity?”