Chapter 7
Gray
Tawny insists on doing the clean up and shoos us out to the porch. “Gerdie, how did you get your hands on the application? And I want the whole story.”
“Tawny snuck out of the house when they tried to attack her. She made it halfway to my house. Russett found her. I left her at my place and went to town to see what I could learn. I stopped at the Hungry Saloon and Hannie told me about how your team had kicked the Stumps out for her.
“Then the Stumps were all in a tizzy cause their sister wasn’t home when they got there. Tried to tell the chief of police someone kidnapped her while they were gone.
“Before I left, Hannie mentioned she found your application under the table. I offered to get the application to you. After seeing what it was, I went to the office and got a form for Tawny.”
She scowls. “Don’t go trying to tell me I’m a meddlesome old biddy. That’s old news the whole town knows. But I’m right. This could work, Gray. For both of you. At least until you both find your feet.”
If I didn’t know the old codger so well, I’d have doubted her sanity. “This is a legit operation. Not something you made up?” She nods. “How much do I owe you for the fees?”
“Just an invite to the wedding.”
“Gerdie.”
“That’s the least of our worries. We need to get her legally protected before they find her and try to pull something.”
I glance at my wristwatch. “It’s too late to hit the courthouse in Grants Pass today. We’ll still make a run to the store and tomorrow morning we apply for the license. That gives Tawny three days to really think about this and if it’s what she wants.”
“Gerdie, I’d like you to go shopping with us. Why don’t I follow and we take Russett home, then you can ride with us.”
Tawny slumped down in the back seat until we got to Grants Pass. I notice a little tension leave her shoulders as I help her out of the truck and she glances around.
“I’ve never been here before. It looks like a nice place.”
Before the first shop, I slip Gerdie my credit card and make sure she knows I want a good selection of clothes for Tawny from head to foot.
After the first shop, and all of Tawny’s carefully selected two items purchased, Gerdie and I work out an arrangement where she pays for the items that Tawny will agree to, and I go back in and pay for the items Gerdie thinks she needs and has put to the side.
I follow the ladies from store to store repeating the process and dropping off bags at the truck.
They both look like they need a break before we hit the grocery store, so I suggest they sit and enjoy a beverage and snack at a little café while I make some purchases of my own.
Entering the resale furniture store I see an Adirondack rocking chair.
An image of Tawny sitting next to me on the porch has me selecting it before I think twice.
With a little work I can have it looking brand new.
Next find is a five-drawer dresser that looks barely used and is the perfect size for between the windows beside the bed.
At checkout there’s a rack of plastic coat hangers, ten each in a bundle, so I grab a few of those.
None of this is nearly nice enough for her, but it will get us by until we have time to buy better.
I pause. What am I thinking? Once she’s safe from her stepfamily, she’ll want to take off and make a real life for herself. This isn’t real. This isn’t forever.
But it’s good for now.
After loading my purchases into the truck, I walk down the street and see them go into the drug store. Gerdie is typing something in her phone. Mine vibrates.
Gerdie: Going into Freddie’s for some personal items. Meet you outside.
Gray: Does Tawny own a phone?
Gerdie: No. Damn cheap ass bastard.
Gray: Do you know her favorite color and flower?
Gerdie: Lavender. Flower is Star Jasmine
Gray: Do what you need to do there but wait for me inside. I need a few minutes.
Gerdie: Roger that.
They’re just finishing up when I get to the pharmacy.
“How are you ladies doing? Ready to hit the grocery and go home?” They both nod.
I’m not really surprised when they fill two baskets.
Tawny starts off asking permission for every purchase until Gerdie takes charge saying, “That boy’s got nothin’ in that house that’s worth eating.
Can’t believe he’s as big as he is living on boxed cereal and canned chili.
“Girl, don’t be asking him for permission. He obviously don’t know nothin’ about proper food. Just know what you want to cook and he’ll be happy. Think about trying out some of those new recipes you’ve been wanting to make.”
The absolute joy that gradually transforms Tawny’s face as the two women go aisle by aisle, talking, laughing, and comparing products, takes my breath away. At one point, Gerdie gives me the side eye as if gauging my reaction. I simply nod and she smiles back.
We’re barely out of town when they both doze off. At Gerdie’s house I do a quick walk through making sure her back door is locked and nothing is disturbed. Russett looks at me as if to say ‘I got this’. Scratching his head, I tell her to lockup after me and to call if anything comes up.
At the cabin, I carry in all the bags. Tawny insists on taking care of the groceries first. I tell her to put things away wherever they are convenient for her. Next I wipe down the dresser before moving it into the bedroom.
While she’s busy, I put the rocker on the deck until I can get it refurbished.
By the time she’s got all the clothes put away I can see her eyelids drooping. “I’ve got a few chores to do outside. I’ll be a while. Why don’t you go ahead and shower and go to bed. We’ll talk more in the morning. I’ll be in the living room if you need anything.”
She studies me for a long moment before she nods and heads to the bathroom.
Grabbing a cup of coffee, I go out to the porch. The cabin feels different, warmer somehow, with her in it.
Beautiful, sweet, kind, thoughtful, despite how she’s been neglected and forced to live. She still finds joy in little things, like the flat of flowers we bought for the front of the cabin.
Millard Stump was a bully when I was a kid.
There were accusations then of him committing rape but the women who dared to say something suffered much more victim shaming than he did for his actions.
Unfortunately, that’s still the case today in a lot of communities.
Somehow it’s turned around so the rape victims always bring it on themselves.
I wait another forty minutes after I hear the shower shut off before going inside.
The bedroom door is shut but I ease it open enough to see her asleep on the bed.
Soundlessly, I make my way to the bathroom and shower then return to the living room, shutting the door behind me.
I study the too short couch then go to my truck and retrieve my Ranger Roll.
I’ve slept in worse conditions over the years.