Chapter Fifteen – Alison
It was Thursday and her shift had ended. Her extra-long shift. The hospital was short staffed and since Alison didn’t have to collect Tessa from school today, she’d volunteered to stay on for a couple of hours.
But now, as Alison stepped through the hospital doors into the parking lot, she paused for a moment and inhaled the clear air, exhaling a long breath that carried away the lingering stress of her shift. Even after hours of attending to patients, her mind still felt light, buoyed by the thought that later tonight she would see Jay again.
Yes, she should be more excited about her night out with Suzie and the other nurses. After all, she wanted to make friends, she wanted to fit in. But her skin still tingled from where Jay had pressed his lips to her cheek.
It would be so easy to text Suzie and tell her she couldn’t make it tonight and head over to the Thornberg Ranch, instead.
But she didn’t want to lie. That was not her style. Truth was important to her. It always had been.
So, she would have to be patient and wait to see Jay after her girls’ night out. Good things were worth waiting for after all.
But what if she’d misread the signals Jay had given off? What if she had mistaken the kiss for more than it was?
It could have been a simple kiss of gratitude. A thank you. Nothing more.
But it hadn’t felt like a thank you. It had felt like so much more.
She crossed the parking lot toward her car, keys in hand. She needed to get home, have a shower, and grab something to eat before heading out again. She might even have time to snatch a half an hour with her book. What bliss.
But as she walked the back of her neck prickled and her hair stood on end. Like someone was watching. She slowed her steps, turning her head to check the rows of parked vehicles. Nothing out of the ordinary. A few hospital staff exited at intervals as they finished their shifts, and a janitor near the dumpster. But no one was looking in her direction. No one was taking any notice of her at all.
Just your imagination, Alison, she told herself. You’ve had a long day, and your mind is playing tricks. Still, the feeling clung to her as she climbed into the driver’s seat and locked the doors.
You are overreacting, she told herself as she put the key in the ignition and started the engine. But still, her doors remained locked as she grabbed her phone from her purse and scrolled to Mary’s contact. A quick check-in. Just to be sure everything was fine at the ranch. Mary picked up on the second ring.
“Hello?” Mary’s voice answered.
“Hi, Mary, it’s Alison,” she said, although her name would have flashed up on Mary’s phone. “I’ve just finished my shift and thought I’d check in. How’s Tessa doing?”
Mary laughed softly. “Happy as a clam. She’s been running around with Tilly and Lewis, visiting the treehouse, feeding the animals, learning about the ranch. She’s having a wonderful time.”
Alison closed her eyes, letting relief wash over her. Mary had been kind enough to text Alison after she’d collected Tessa from school. But that was a couple of hours ago and anything could happen in that time. “Thank you for watching her. Are you sure it’s no trouble?”
“No trouble at all,” Mary assured. “You enjoy yourself. You deserve a night out.”
“I’ll see you later. Thanks again.” Alison ended the call and slipped her phone back into her purse. Tessa’s fine, everything’s fine, she told herself as she buckled her seatbelt .
Yet, as she placed her hands on the steering wheel, the sense of being watched swept over her again, but she brushed it off.
However, as Alison pulled out of the hospital parking lot, she checked her rearview mirror more often than necessary as she drove out of Bear Bluff, heading for Bear Creek. There was no one following her, she was sure of that and yet the feeling persisted.
When she reached her house, she got out of the car and looked around, but there was no sign of anything unusual. The street was quiet, except for a couple of children playing with a go-kart on the sidewalk.
Maybe she needed this night out more than she thought.
After locking her car she headed inside, but the house felt too still, too quiet without Tessa’s chatter. Alison set down her keys and purse on the kitchen counter and kicked her shoes off before grabbing her phone and heading upstairs. A quick shower always helped wash away the day and shift her mindset from nurse to…something else. Usually a mother. When she was married to Ronald, a wife. But tonight, she was going to be something else. A friend, a confidant.
A lover. The word whispered in her head and her stomach erupted into butterflies. That was not going to happen.
Maybe not tonight, the voice said. But…
She went to the bathroom and turned on the shower. Steam filled the small bathroom as Alison stepped under the spray, letting hot water cascade over her tired muscles. She closed her eyes, trying to focus on the night ahead—drinks with coworkers, casual conversation, laughter.
But Jay’s face kept materializing in her mind.
“This is ridiculous,” she muttered to herself, working shampoo into her hair with more vigor than necessary. “You barely know him and yet you are acting like a lovesick fool.”
And she could not afford to make a fool of herself. Especially with a man who was in a vulnerable position. Not that Jay was vulnerable physically.
No, no, no! She was not going to think of Jay’s broad shoulders, or his large, warm hands that made her skin tingle…
She shook her head, trying not to dwell too much on that. But it was hard not to . There was something about him that consumed her thoughts. She’d never experienced anything like this before. Certainly Ronald had never made her feel like this, even in those first few months when she’d fallen in love with the man she thought he was.
After rinsing off the soap and shampoo, she grabbed a towel and dried herself, before heading to the bedroom. A cursory glance at the few clothes hanging in her closet told her that if she intended to have any kind of social life in Bear Creek, she needed to go shopping. She rummaged through her limited options, finally settling on a simple blue dress that brought out her eyes. Nothing too fancy, but nicer than her usual jeans and T-shirt.
As she dressed, her phone buzzed with a text from Suzie: Still on for tonight? The Grizzly Bar at 7. Don’t be late!
Alison smiled as she texted back: See you there!
She blow-dried her hair, letting it fall in loose waves around her shoulders, and applied minimal makeup. It felt strange, to take time for herself like this. Since leaving Ronald, her life had revolved around Tessa and work. The thought of an evening out—just for her—felt almost forbidden.
She glanced at the clock. Still an hour before she needed to leave. Just enough time to make a quick sandwich and perhaps read a few pages of her book. But picking up her book was dangerous, she’d soon be lost in its pages and forget all about The Grizzly Bar!
Alison went downstairs and made a quick turkey sandwich in the kitchen, before heading for the living room, with a fresh cup of coffee. She hoped the caffeine would perk her up because after her long shift and hot shower, her eyes were drooping.
Before she sat down, she cracked the window open and closed her eyes as the evening air cooled her flushed cheeks. The sense that someone was watching her seemed to have gone, which was a relief. But then maybe it had all been her imagination anyway. She was still getting used to her new life here and the mountains and forests sure were different than the tall buildings and bustling crowds of city streets.
Yes, that was probably it.
She sat down and ate her sandwich, savoring the quiet moment. Despite her exhaustion, a thread of anticipation crept through her veins. Not just for the evening ahead, but for what might come after. Seeing Jay again.
The sandwich disappeared quickly, and Alison picked up her book. However, she found herself constantly checking the clock, watching the minutes tick by. Six-thirty. She needed to leave soon if she wanted to arrive on time. The Grizzly Bar wasn’t far, but she didn’t want to rush.
As she gathered her purse and keys, her phone buzzed again. Her heart leaped, thinking it might be Jay, but it was Mary sending a photo of Tessa with chocolate smeared around her grinning mouth, Lewis and Tilly flanking her with matching smiles.
Making s’mores by the fire pit! read the caption.
Alison smiled at the sight of Tessa’s joy-filled face and texted back: Looks delicious! Save some for me! before slipping her phone into her purse.
The drive to The Grizzly Bar took less than ten minutes. The small establishment sat at the edge of Main Street, its weathered wooden sign swinging gently in the evening breeze. Inside, the warm amber lighting cast a welcoming glow over the polished wooden tables and rustic decor. Mounted antlers and old black-and-white photographs of Bear Creek adorned the walls, giving the place a distinctly small-town charm.
Alison spotted Suzie waving from a corner booth where three other nurses had already gathered. She made her way through the Thursday night crowd, nodding at a few familiar faces from the hospital.
“You made it!” Suzie exclaimed, sliding over to make room.
“I did.” Alison slid into the booth beside Suzie.
“Let me make the introductions.” Suzie gestured to the group at the table. “Margie, Carinna, and Arabella.”
Margie offered a brisk wave, Carinna a polite smile, as Arabella scooted over to make more room for Alison.
“Glad you could join us, Alison.” Arabella’s smile seemed genuine, but there was something appraising in her gaze. “How are you finding our small-town hospital?”
“Don’t scare her off, Bella,” Suzie laughed, flagging down a waitress. “What’ll you have, Alison? First drink is on me as a welcome to Bear Creek.”
“That’s so kind. Just a glass of white wine, thanks,” Alison replied, settling into the cushioned booth.
The conversation ebbed and flowed. They asked about her shift, about how she liked Bear Bluff Hospital, and eventually, the topic meandered toward rumors and gossip around the staff. And a certain patient.
Jay Thornberg.
Carinna offered a sympathetic look. “I hear he left years ago without telling anyone why.”
Margie leaned in, eyes scanning the room before she said, “Didn’t you nurse him, Alison? Did you hear anything about what happened to him? The Thornbergs are such a big deal in these parts.”
Alison forced a smile. “I’m not one for gossip, honestly.”
Suzie, sensing her discomfort, nudged Alison gently and said, “Don’t mind her, Alison. She means well.”
“Or maybe she would like to hook herself a Thornberg and reel one in!” Arabella pretended to cast a fishing line, and the women erupted in laughter.
Heat crept up Alison’s neck. “I’m just doing my job,” she said, taking a sip of her wine. If anyone was going to reel in Jay Thornberg it was going to be her. Alison’s cheeks flushed pink at that thought.
“Oh honey, we’re just teasing,” Carinna said, patting Alison’s hand. “But those Thornberg men have always been the catch of Bear Creek. Handsome as sin and as untamable as a Mustang.”
“And just as wild,” Margie added with a knowing look. “My cousin dated one of Jay’s cousins years back. Said he could be charming one minute and distant the next.”
Alison shifted uncomfortably. “How about some music?” She slipped away from the table, grateful for the moment of solitude as she composed herself. Coming here might have been a mistake after all.
She dug a few coins from her pocket and selected a slow, soulful tune that made her think of starry nights and unspoken promises.
A gentle guitar melody filled the bar as Suzie joined her, leaning against the jukebox. “Not one for gossip, huh?” Suzie teased, an understanding smile on her face.
Alison shook her head. “I’d rather not get involved. People have a right to their privacy.”
Suzie nodded in approval. “Smart. But Margie’s not a bad person. She just thrives on stories. I guess that’s what happens when you live alone for too long.”
Alison nodded. “I understand. I just…prefer to keep certain things to myself.”
They returned to the table, where the conversation had shifted to hospital stories of shift changes and comedic mishaps in the ER. Alison sipped her wine, trying to relax, but a restlessness tugged at her. She realized she’d rather be at the ranch, sharing a quiet moment with Tessa and possibly Jay, than here making small talk with near strangers. She knew it was good to socialize, but…maybe an hour was enough .
“It’s been great meeting you all.” Alison grabbed her purse and shuffled to the edge of the seat.
“You’re leaving already?” Carinna asked.
“I have to pick up my daughter from her sitter,” Alison explained but there was no way she was going to reveal that the Thornberg family were the ones taking care of Tessa. “It’s her first time there…”
“Oh, of course,” Suzie said with an understanding smile. “See you at work?”
“You will.” Alison shouldered her purse. “Thank you so much for inviting me.” She winced. Did that sound too formal? “I’ve really enjoyed meeting you all.”
“You, too, sweetie,” Margie said.
“Drive safe,” Arabella added with a wave.
Alison made her way through the crowded bar toward the exit. As she stepped outside, she fished her car keys out of her purse and headed for her car.
“Hey there.”
Alison jumped at the sound of the voice behind her. She spun around to see a man leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette. His hair was long and unkempt, and his beard looked as if it needed a good trim , while the scar under his left eye looked as if it was an old knife wound. “Hello.” She cursed herself for not ignoring him.
“New in town?” he drawled as he put out his cigarette.
Alison’s instincts screamed at her to be cautious as she forced a polite nod. “Yes.” She didn’t volunteer more information.
He offered a lazy grin, one that didn’t reach his eyes. “I thought I saw you at the hospital.”
Alison forced a small, tight smile, as she edged toward her car. “Patient or visitor?”
“Excuse me?” he asked as he took a step forward.
“When you saw me… Were you a patient or a visitor?” she asked. Any knowledge she could glean on this man would help if things went south.
“Oh, visitor,” he said. “And you’re a nurse.”
“I am.” Alison’s fingers tightened around her keys, positioning the longest one between her knuckles. A tip she’d been picked up back in the city. “Well, nice to meet you. I really should be going.”
“Can I buy you a drink?” he asked.
“Oh.” She shook her head. “No, thank you.”
“Come on, it’s just a drink.” The man’s smile tightened at the edges. “You’re new in town. I could show you around.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I need to get going.” Alison took another step toward her car, her heart quickening. The parking lot was dimly lit, the sounds from the bar muffled by distance. No one would hear her if she screamed. Damn, she wished she hadn’t thought that.
“Are you sure?” he asked. “We could talk, get to know each other…”
A rush of unease flared in Alison’s stomach, but she kept her voice calm. “I’m good, thanks.”
She didn’t waste another second as she turned her back on him and unlocked her car with trembling fingers before sliding into the driver’s seat. The man stepped closer as she hurriedly closed the door, his face momentarily illuminated by the interior light before she locked it. Through the window, he seemed to be saying something else, but Alison couldn’t hear him. Didn’t want to hear him. She started the engine, hands still trembling slightly as she put the car in reverse.
But when she glanced in her rearview mirror, he was gone.
He’d probably gone back into the bar. Most likely he was already looking for the next woman to chat up. But that did not feel as if he were chatting her up.
She drove away from the bar, acutely aware that the journey to the Thornberg Ranch took her along remote roads. Maybe she should call them and… And what? She glanced in the rearview mirror, there was no one following her.
He went back into the bar, she told herself as she eased her foot down on the accelerator, wanting to put some distance between herself and The Grizzly Bar. Still, the encounter had left her nerves jangling. And she kept checking her rearview mirror more than usual, half-expecting to see the silhouette of a car following her. But there was no one there as she turned onto the winding road leading up to the Thornberg Ranch.
Finally, she reached the gate of Thornberg Ranch, the wooden sign nearly hidden in the deepening shadows beneath the trees. Setting the car in park, she hopped out to open it. The hush of the mountains pressed in around her, the pine-scented breeze rustling the branches overhead. She caught herself jogging to open the gate wide, then hurried back to her car and drove it forward.
After passing through, she stopped again and got out to close the gate. Under the moonlight, the tall trees seemed to tower over her like silent sentinels. That same prickling feeling set her on edge, and she turned in a slow circle, scanning the shadows beneath the trees.
Don’t be paranoid, Alison. She hurried on and latched the gate before almost sprinting back to the driver’s seat, slamming the door and locking it with more force than necessary.
Thankfully, it was only a short drive to the ranch house. When the welcoming lights came into view, she let out a long shaky breath. Only when she pulled the car to a stop in front of the porch did her heart rate slow.
For a moment, she simply sat there, the engine ticking in the hush. I’m being paranoid, she told herself firmly. It’s all in my head. That strange man back at the bar was just a creep, nothing more. Why would he follow her?
He wouldn’t. She opened the car door and got out. She refused to be intimidated by a man again!
As she closed the car door, she stood for a moment, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the ranch. It was as if she had stepped into a different world, one where she felt safe.
She inhaled one last time. There was a scent of woodsmoke in the air which also carried the sound of Tessa’s laughter. Alison smiled at the sound and made her way up the steps. The door opened before she could knock, and she was met by Mary’s smiling face.
“You okay, dear?” Mary asked, her smile dimming as her brow knitted in mild concern.
Alison nodded. “Yeah. Just a long day,” she said.
“Come on in.” Mary beckoned to her.
“Thanks,” Alison said and stepped inside the house. “And thanks for having Tessa.”
Mary waved her off. “Anytime,” she said. “She’s been a joy.”
Alison chuckled. “I know I am biased, but I completely agree.”
“And you should be proud.” Mary leveled her gaze at Alison. “I know how hard it is to be a mother. And it must be doubly so when you are raising a child single-handedly. But you are doing a wonderful job.”
“Thanks, Mary,” Alison said, that was just what she needed to hear.