The next couple of weeks consisted mostly of grooming and riding. Maggie met a guy and started hanging out with him rather than working for Jolene. That meant I got twice as much work along with more riding time.
Jolene would come out and talk with me more than when Maggie was around. I found out she'd inherited her home from her parents; she had a business degree and an MBA. She didn't want to stay there at first, she loved the city but her parents had needed assistance their last couple of years so she'd moved back. She told me all about New York City and how glamorous it was. Her talks made me more anxious to start school. She did confess that since she'd been here she had fallen in love with the lifestyle. She made money by renting out the various pastures that were too large for her to maintain. She'd converted one of the buildings into a gym where she worked out each morning. Her horses were her life and she was doing pretty well for a "single gal". I giggled when she said that since she used an imitation Southern twang that was so corny.
It seemed when she wanted to get me to smile she'd tell me things with her "twang". I'd grin at first, then I started doing it too but only when Maggie wasn't around. It was nice we had something to laugh at together. It was almost like I had a big sister or at least a new best friend.
The only drawback to my excursions out to Jolene's was my car. I missed a day now and then due to its being old and unreliable. I didn't want to buy something newer just to have it sitting around while I was in New York. I knew Maggie would drive it when I was away. Even though I love my sister I wasn't about to let her put miles on MY car.
It was early August that my little clunker finally gave up and died. I was leaving Jolene's place when it coughed, sputtered, belched a massive plume of smoke, then quit when I was almost to the end of Jolene's driveway. Jolene heard it's last gasp then saw it sitting there with the hood up before she went back into the house. I got out and started looking for something obvious but I didn't see anything. She walked up, slipped her arm around my waist and peered in next to me.
"You seeing the problem sweetie?" She inquired knowing I had no clue what to look for.
"No, but I had to look anyway. My dad will ask when I call to tell him." I sighed not wanting to deal with another breakdown.
"I don't see anything either. Why don't we go in the house so you can call. Cell reception here is the pits, girly."
"I know, I've tried a couple of times."
We walked back to the house, her arm around my waist still consoling me as I cursed it. Not that I had anything to do that night but I didn't want to spend any more money on that stupid car.
I called the local tow guy and he said he was tied up. He couldn't be out there for at least three hours. I then called my parents and told them the news. My dad was not happy. He had planned on renting that car from me so Maggie could use it when I left. Now it looked like they might have to buy something for her to use instead of mine or spend a bunch of money to get it fixed.
Jolene puttered around the kitchen while I made my calls. When I hung up, I must have looked very dejected.
"Hey, sweetie. Things will work out. Would you like a glass of wine to help you relax? I know you're only eighteen so we won't tell your parents."
"Sure, one glass is fine. I've drank beer before, I prefer wine. You have any red?"
"Yes, I think I do. A nice Cabernet I picked up last month. I'll pour us both one. Why don't you kick off those boots and we'll take a load off on the deck."
She poured two glasses, handing me one a bit fuller than hers. I followed her out, taking a seat overlooking one of the pastures. The horses were out feeding, the air was still, cool and fragrant. I folded one leg under me after kicking off my boots and socks. I sipped my wine as I gazed out over the landscape trying to let my misfortune evaporate.
Jolene consoled me as best she could. We talked for a bit, discussing cars and how sometimes bad things turn into good. I think I went through my first glass too quickly. Jolene was a bit hesitant about a second but I convinced her it was fine. The second took longer since I had calmed down a bit.
"Hey, why don't I heat us up some dinner. I don't want you drinking on an empty tummy. I was going to bring it out for lunch today but I got sidetracked."
"That sounds good." I blushed just as my stomach growled causing us both to laugh.
We proceeded to get dinner heated up and on the table. I managed to bump into her a couple of times when I didn't know where something was. We broke into "our" talk when she started up with, "I don't think this kitchen is big enough for the both of us young lady."
I replied, "What you gonna do about it, bub?"
"Oh, I think meetin' at high noon will solve this de-lima."
"A shoot out, huh?"
"Yup."
We both laughed at the silliness as we finished setting the table.
Dinner was nice, my worries floated away as I had my third glass. Jolene was cautioning ma again about the wine and my parents but I out argued her. Midway through dinner Jolene's feet bumped into mine. She apologized the first couple of times but ignored it after that. I didn't think anything of it but I did get a little tingle in my tummy which I attributed to the wine.
When we finished I looked at the clock. It had been over two hours and nothing from the tow guy. I called again. I left a message. Jolene could see my frustration growing. It was then she made a suggestion.
"Call him back and tell him to come in the morning. Call your parents, tell them you're staying out here tonight. If he got it running I'd worry about you driving home after three glasses."
"I don't know, I don't have any clothes to change into and no toothbrush."
"Sweetie, I have new tooth brushes you can use. If you want I can wash those clothes. I won't take no for an answer. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you."
"Oh, fine. I'll call. I doubt you have anything my size to wear. You're a bit slimmer than I am."
"I have a few things you could probably get into. Don't fret about it. Call before it gets too late."
I made my calls, my mom answered; she said dad had thought about it and would rent a tow bar in the morning. I thanked her, told her I loved her and dad then called the tow guy. This time he answered saying he was sorry. He'd be out bright and early the next day. I told him thanks but I'd made other plans. I called my mom back and told her I canceled the tow guy. I'd wait for dad in the morning. Jolene would let me sleep in the spare room. She'd fed me already, I was tired. Mom said that was fine, sweet dreams and she'd see me in the morning.
I hung up then relayed the information to Jolene. She nodded; taking my hand she led me to her guest bedroom. She showed me the bath, extra towels, a new toothbrush and paste.
"Let me look through my closet to see what we can dress you in. In the mean time I have a robe you're free to use."
"Thanks, Jolene. I just want to get out of these and hit the shower."