Chapter Four
Eliza
After leaving myroom, I look down the hall and notice how long it is. I missed it on the way up because I was so focused on getting out of my now ruined, saturated clothes.
Silk and water don’t really mix!
Natalee said her room was three doors down, but it’s a good distance away and if Archie is at the end of the hall, that’s almost as far away as most people’s house.
I wonder who’s in the other rooms up here.
Is anyone?
Leaving that exploration for later, I head back to the stairwell. It’s a straight shot to the foyer and the front door from here. The stairs are also made from worn, but well cared for, wood and the handrail is a hand-carved masterpiece. I’m impressed.
It’s so smooth that it almost feels like glass instead of wood. My hand caresses it as I descend the stairs.
I hear voices as I near the floor level and head toward them. Through an open door, yes, to the left, I find a large room with several comfortable looking chairs and sofas scattered throughout it. The room is open and inviting, a good place to rest and relax after a long day. Several bright throws are draped over the back of the sofas and chairs. The floor is also covered with bright woven carpets with a Mexican feel.
Then again, this is Texas, I’m sure the cultures are combined all over. That might be a great idea for another show if this takes off, as I hope it will.
Archie, Natalee and a few members of the production crew are sitting with Rowdy and his mother. Several other people are spread out throughout the space; a group of what I’m assuming are ranch hands are also talking quietly in the back corner of the room.
On the coffee table in front of our crew and the Donovan’s is a small array of finger foods, that look delicious, and a pitcher of lemonade with lemon slices floating in it. I have to admit, it looks heavenly.
My stomach lets out a grumble to remind me that I haven’t had anything other than a banana and black coffee before we boarded the plane at LAX this morning.
Oh, shut up. I don’t need you announcing to everyone that I’m starving!
Rowdy sees me and smiles as he stands. “Miss McCormick, are you feeling better? I’m so sorry that you took a tumble.”
I just bet you are. You’re probably hoping that I’m not going to sue you.
I’m not. But I just might send you a bill for my dress and shoes.
Ok, no I won’t. But, I really should.
I lightly smile at him and nod at Ms. Bessie as she says, “You look lovely, dear.” She glances at my feet and I start to get annoyed as I remember my now worthless shoes. She chuckles. “Ah, no more heels. Did you bring a pair of boots? Those heels that you’re so fond of are certainly gorgeous, but they really don’t work out here.”
No shit…
She points to the door, where a row of boots are lined up, “Boots are pretty much a necessity here… From the uneven terrain to the summer rains that bring flooding to the snakes and the cow patties… boots are what you need. Do you have a pair?”
Well, shit! No, I don’t!
I thought my tennis shoes would be ok… But snakes? Cow patties?
Is that what I think it is? A cow patty back home meant a pile of cow shit.
Oh, God… No, hell no.
Natalee shoots me a glance. I can read her easily.“Really, Eliza. Now what?”
Well, no, I don’t have any damn boots. Sorry, the country and western store on Rodeo Drive must have alluded me.
She speaks up before I can say a word. “Unfortunately, we did not grab the bag that had her boots in it. That’s my fault. I was in charge of double checking everything and I got a late start this morning, so, I skipped it. Eliza doesn’t have boots and she only has a few pairs of jeans. Is there some place near here that we could make a run to grab them?”
Hmmmm. Thanks, Natalee. You were responsible for no such thing.
