Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey (15 page)

Hollie looked warily at Joe, then Libby. She reached for the note and money, “I wanna pay you back...how can I reach you?”

“Nope...pay it forward,” Libby repeated. “When you get the chance to help out somebody...think of us. That’ll pay us back plenty.” Libby smiled as she and Joe slid out of the booth.

“Come on. Let’s go get that ticket.”

* * *

Shortly after 11:00 and after goodbyes to Hollie, the brothers and Libby were on the road with Rick behind the wheel. Libby and Joe sat on the sofa while Chuck occupied the copilot seat.

“Is that why you picked the truckstop…for a bus?” Joe whispered to Libby.

She smiled, replying in her best southern drawl, “Why sir, I really don’t know what y’all are talkin’ about.”

Joe hugged her tightly in approval. “You’ve got such a big heart. You pick up strays too, don’t ya?”

“What made you say that?” Libby looked back at him with a fake innocence.

“Their steaks…all hype,” Joe laughed.

Libby blushed as she smiled.

Chuck picked up the blank CD lying on the console and inserted it into the CD player. Maggie’s guitar filled the RV with the sound of classical guitar playing “
Flyin’ So High
.”

Libby smiled as Chuck turned and grinned at her. Libby leaned back into Joe and began humming the melody.

Joe smiled, remembering the contest. “Play it again, Chuck. Okay, Ms. Lily, I wanna hear the words this time.”

Libby looked over at him with a blush. As the music again filled the air, Libby sang her award-winning song for her captive audience.

Joe watched her intently as she sang.

“So, who’s playing the guitar?” Joe asked when she’d finished.

“Mom. She’s pretty awesome, isn’t she? She trained classically. And on keyboards she’s pure brilliance! Wish she’d passed that onto me!”

“So, you play then?” Joe asked.

“Some. I’m nothing like her. That’s how the song became...well, bluesy. See, when I was a little girl, we were watching a movie together. She used to love to tell this story. Days after the movie, she heard me singing that song. I was...maybe three? Anyway, I didn’t get all the words right, so she made a point to learn the song and taught me the right words. My sense of timing was pretty bad, though, so it evolved into a blues tune. Blues is much more...forgiving...to those of us without great timing.”

“Well, you have a beautiful voice, Libby. I’m glad you don’t let your...bad timing,” Joe laughed, “stop you from singing,” Joe took her hand.

Chuck slid out of his seat and pulled his guitar from the case behind the sofa, handing it to Joe. “Play.”

“After hearing her Mom? You’re kidding, right? She’s outta
your
league, and I’m nowhere near yours…so I’m not the right man for the job.”

“Not like I can,” Chuck waved his bad hand. “Come on, Joe,” Chuck cajoled.

“Rick, we’re havin’ coffee while they argue about this,” Libby left the sofa. Rick nodded in the rearview, but Libby pretty much ignored him. While measuring the grounds, Libby purposefully turned away from them to wipe a tear from her eye. She slipped into the bathroom to compose herself.

Looking in the mirror, “Oh, Mom,” she shook her head and reached for a tissue.

* * *

B
ehind the wheel, Libby asked, “Anybody mind if I turn on the cameras?”

After enjoying the company and camaraderie of the group, she wanted to capture some of it for Megan. After explaining the recorded messages for Megan to the group, everyone agreed. Libby turned the center camera to face the RV cabin and turned on all cameras on a split screen.

“Somebody turn the TV onto the auxiliary channel and you can see the recording,” Libby called back. Chuck turned on the TV set the input.

“How about everybody introduce yourselves to Megan?” Libby asked.

The group began to tell tales of their life on the road, experiences performing and laughed hysterically over antics of fans and themselves. Libby knew these would be memories she wanted to share with Megan...wishing Megan were there to share in them with her.

Joe watched Libby’s face as the group regaled stories, “Why so sad?”

“I just wish she were here with us. She’d be having a ball now.”

“I can’t wait to meet her.”

Libby looked over at him and smiled, ”Yeah? That would be cool. I can’t wait for her to meet you, either.”

His hand reached out to her, and she momentarily took it—he leaned over and kissed her palm, smiling. She withdrew her hand to focus on the highway, smiling now. She glanced at Joe, “Do you always make things better?”

“I’ll always try,” his smile made her glow inside.

Rebel Ranch, Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Day 9 - Wednesday

The group arrived at Rebel Ranch, two hours outside of Oklahoma City around midnight. Lee Kingston was standing on the top step of the main house porch before the vehicle was in park. Rick was the first one out the door, meeting his mother at the bottom of the steps with his overnight bag on his shoulder.

“Ricky! My baby!” She stood two steps from the bottom and reached easily around his neck to give Rick a big hug. “You boys just don’t come see me enough! I’m so glad you’re all here!” Rick placed her on the ground, and she dropped nearly a foot. “Hey, I hope you’re hungry ‘cause I kept dinner warm!”

Chuck swept his mother up into a big bear hug, lifting her off the ground with his good arm. “Chuck! OH! You look awful! Does it hurt? I wish you’d take better…”

“I’ll live, Ma,” Chuck offered his mother his dazzling smile…the one that always sent his admirers into another world. She stretched to cradle his bruised face in her hands.

Joe stepped out of the RV just as his father arrived on the porch.

“Lord have mercy...all my boys in the same place!” Marshall Kingston proclaimed as he stepped down from the porch.

Joe waited for Libby, offering his hand as she stepped down from the RV. “Hey, Mama!” He smiled at his mother as she hurried to his side.

Lee floated into her first-born’s arms, “Joe! It’s so good to see you! You just don’t come home anymore.”

Joe twirled his mother in a half-circle, placed her gently down and stepped back. “I’m here now, aren’t I? Mama, this is Libby Morgan. Libby, my Mother, Lee Kingston.”

Lee was surprised by the site of Libby, glancing back at Joe, then offering a hospitable smile. “Libby, welcome to our home! I guess this must be your rig? It’s so nice of you to carry the boys around like this! Oh, I was so upset to hear about that wreck!” Lee stepped forward and gave Libby a hug.

“Thank you, Mrs. King. It’s so nice to meet you, too. You have such a great family, I’m happy I was there to help.”

“Well! Who do we have here?” Marshall’s bellowing voice routinely arrived before he did.

Throwing his hand toward Joe, the two hands crashed together in an aggressive handshake, followed by a burly half-hug. “Dad, good to see ya.”

“Well, it’s about time you made it home, son. And, pray tell, who is this pretty red-headed lady?” Marshall asked as he moved into Libby for a hug.

Laughing, Joe offered, “Dad, this is Libby Morgan. Libby, my Father, Marshall Kingston.”

“Well, I have to say your taste has greatly improved, son,” Marshall loudly whispered to Joe, fully intending to be heard by all.

Joe reached around his father to grab Libby’s hand. “Yes sir, it certainly has. She’s spoken for, so you just mind yourself now,” Joe laughed at his father as he pulled Libby to his side.

“Well...now...I don’t know exactly how to take that,” Marshall bellowed, putting his arm around Lee in mock indignation as the group climbed the long steps to the porch.

“Now, here I thought…
all my boys are home! We’re goin’ fishin’!
So Chuckles, what’s all this? You been
fightin’
son? How’s the other fella lookin?” Marshall’s hearty laugh could probably be heard in the next county.

“Pounded down, Pop, pounded down. Bass bitin’ in Pine Creek?” Marshall reached the porch and put an arm around his son, taking their fish-chat through the door.

Judging by the way his tone changed, Libby could tell Marshall took his fishing seriously and smiled.

“What?” Joe asked.

“Chuckles? I never would’ve…” Libby laughed.

“Yeah, don’t try it. Dad’s the only one who gets by with that,” Joe laughed. “Chuck hates it. It’s why Dad…” Joe gestured with his hand to finish his thought.

Entering the house, they were greeted by the most aromatic pot roast ever.

“Oh, Mama’s home cookin’!” Chuck gushed. “Sweet lady, you are amazin’! I sure have missed ya…and your cookin’!” Chuck stepped back and kissed Lee on top of her head.

Lee laughed, “Well, make yourselves at home! I know it’s late for a big meal, but I knew you folks would probably be ready for something hot and homemade. Lemonade okay with everybody?” but she didn’t wait for a response as she poured the glasses.

The gang enjoyed the delicious home-cooked meal, telling stories of their most recent antics. When they were sufficiently full, everyone helped clear the table and clean the dishes.

“Mama, you outdid yourself,” Joe said, kissing his mother on the temple as the last of the dishes were put away.

Lee glowed as she basked in the love and appreciation of her sons.

“How long you fellas plannin’ to stay?” Lee asked.

“‘We have our last gig under Holcomb this weekend—so, rest of the week, if that’s okay with you,” Joe asked, sure of the answer.

Lee put her hands on Joe’s face as she shook her head, “I only wish it was longer, son. Do you have any idea...what a sparkle is in your eyes?” She glanced at Libby, “I guess I know where that’s comin’ from!”

Joe’s knowing smile spoke for him. Libby blushed.

“Libby, I haven’t seen that sparkle since he first started performing. He’d come home from a gig, and be lit like a Christmas tree. I haven’t seen that...in a long time.” Lee smiled at Joe, tears filled her eyes. She let go of his face as she blinked away the tears, “Now, show Libby around and make her feel comfortable.”

“I don’t want to put you out Mrs. King, ‘er, Mrs. Kingston” Libby replied, slightly embarrassed. “I’m quite comfortable in the RV.”

“You sure? You’re welcome to stay in the house, we have plenty of room.”

“Mama, don’t we still have the hookup on the other side of the pond?” Joe asked.

“All the way over there?” Lee replied in an agitated tone.

“Ah, it’s not
that
far, Mama,” Joe laughed.

Lee studied him for a moment, “Well, whatever you think is best,” she mumbled as she made her way into the den with her other two sons. She glanced back at Libby as she passed through the doorway, “Mama’s know
plenty
,” she whispered just out of earshot.

Joe laughed as he joined Libby, took the dish towel from her hands and laid it by the sink. “Come on.” He took her hand, leading her through the foyer, across the porch and to the RV. He sat behind the wheel and held his hand out for the keys. She pulled them from her pocket and smiled at him as she sat in the passenger’s seat.

Joe backed the RV up and drove down a side road, across a small dam and into a campsite across the pond from the house. “Mom and Dad have a working horse ranch. They have itinerant workers or folks here for the horses with RVs all the time, so we added a couple of setups on this side of the pond. You can look up past the pond behind the house and see part of the main stables. If you think it’s too far away, we can always go back to the house.”

Libby smiled, “No, it’s quiet here. I like it.”

“Well, you know, you don’t have to stay here…all by yourself, either,” he offered, flashing his million-dollar smile as he climbed out of the driver’s seat.

“Oh, you’re so cute,” Libby laughed. “I’m sure your Mama wants you home. Besides, I’ll be just fine.”

Joe found his bag behind the seat and pulled out a flashlight. “I’ll go hookup. Wanna help?”

“Sure,” Libby smiled, taking the light from him. He took advantage of the moment and stole a kiss as she passed.

After Joe found the light switch on the power pole, the two went about hooking up the power cable, water and sewer hoses. They returned to the RV, where Joe tucked his flashlight back into his bag, then made himself comfortable on the sofa.

“You have a nice family, Joe.” Libby slid in beside him, and he put his arm around her.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said, nuzzling her neck, then kissing her waiting lips.

“It’s kinda late, don’t’cha think?” she giggled, stopping his advances.

Joe looked disappointed, sighed as he pulled her chin to his and gently kissed her. “If you say so, ma’am. Hey, I don’t mind taking the couch. I can be a
gentleman
….think I’ve proven myself.” His tone on the word gentleman indicated reluctance.

“Don’t be silly, I’m fine out here.”

“You sure?”

“Yup,” she smiled. “You forget: I traveled from South Carolina to Arizona, to Colorado…all by my little lonesome. I think…across the pond…is nothin’.”

Joe stood, taking her hand, and she followed. He placed his overnight bag on his shoulder, then saw Chuck’s and placed it on his other shoulder. He paused by the door. He again kissed her goodnight, at first a simple kiss, but becoming more passionate and intense. She laid her forehead on his shoulder to gain composure, then whispered in his ear, “G’night, Joe.”

Laughing, Joe reached for the door and climbed down from the RV.

“You don’t need to be over here all alone...you should stay in my room, I’ll stay out here” Joe said with concern.

Libby laughed, “Joe! I’m across the pond! Go on...get!” she laughed as she squatted to be near his face. She reached out the door and pulled him to her, kissing him. “’Night, Joe.”

“’Night,
Lily
,” Joe laughed as he held her face in his free hand. “If you need
anything
, just call. Remember...
anything
. Get bored. Need a kiss. Cold. Lonely.”

“Get outta here!” Libby laughed as she pushed his face out the doorway.

Joe laughed, “Hey...you got a comfy couch!”

Libby sighed. “You’re too tempting. Why don’t you go sleep in a comfortable bed tonight? Dream about me,” she laughed.

Joe reluctantly nodded, walking backward from the door, never taking his eyes off her.

“Go on...git outta here!” She stood in the doorway. He turned on his flashlight, following her from toe to neck with the light, then turning it onto his face to show his grin.

“Good night,” Libby purred as she closed the door. She smiled as she made her way to the bedroom. Before turning on the light, she peeped out the side window, watching the light bounce toward the dam. Once he reached the dam opening, he turned off the light. Libby sighed and sat on the bed, watching until he arrived in the porch light. She turned on her light and prepared for bed. It had been a long day, and she was ready to stretch out and relax.

“Mmmm...shower! Thank you mister RV-man for suggesting those solar panels!” As Libby stepped under the warm water, she added, “Thank you, God, for this wonderful life.”

* * *

Joe quietly entered his parents’ home, making his way upstairs to his childhood bedroom. Joe opened his overnight bag and took out his shaving kit. He took a quick shower and shave, and returned to the bed wrapped in a towel. As he sat on the bed, he looked out the window at the RV...wishing he were there instead of his room. He could see Libby’s bedroom light glowing in the night.

After he slipped into a pair of shorts, he turned out the light laying across his bed and watching the RV. The exhaustion quickly won as Joe fell soundly asleep.