Page 50 of Declan
“I know. Fred asked me to tell you both,” Declan added, his role as the bearer of difficult news clear.
“I have to see Fred. I have a feeling he’s blaming himself,” Maggie said abruptly, determination in her stride as she walked briskly out of the barn and into the daylight.
“Will she be alright?” Declan asked, watching her retreating figure.
“She will. I’m not real sure about Fred yet, but he did know his son was nothing but trouble. After all Junior did to Maggie,he practically disowned him, but he was his son,” Rafe said, his voice a mix of understanding and unresolved tension.
“Yeah, I get that,” Declan nodded, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. “I need to get going. I’ll talk with you later.”
With that, Declan walked out of the barn and climbed into his SUV cruiser and drove down the dusty path to the main road, heading back toward town.
As the day flew by, Declan realized it was lunchtime already and decided to stop in and see if Elise could get away to have lunch with him.
****
Close to noon, Elise stood at the counter, talking with Erica when the door opened. She glanced over and gasped, then ran toward the woman and hugged her.
“Wynonna! Oh, my Lord, what are you doing here?”
“I’m on my way to California for a show and decided to stop in to see you.”
“I’m so happy you did,” Elise said with tears in her eyes as she pulled her mentor into her arms again. She pulled back from her. “Did you drive all this way?”
Wynonna laughed. “Heavens no. Roberto and I flew into Kalispell, then rented a car to come here. We’re going to stay overnight then drive back to the airport tomorrow and fly to San Diego. I had to see how you were doing. Your mother says you’re happy here.”
“I love it here. Oh, Erica, this is Wynonna Branson, she taught me everything I know about dancing. Wynonna, this is Erica Sommers, the receptionist here and I’d be lost without her.”
Erica stood and shook Wynonna’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Branson.”
“You too, dear, but call me Wynonna,” she said then looked at Elise. “Do you have somewhere we could talk in private?”
“Of course, follow me. Oh, Erica, please hold my calls.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Elise smiled at her, took Wynonna’s hand and led her to the office. After they entered, she lightly closed the door and motioned for Wynonna to sit on the sofa, then she sat beside her.
“I’m so happy to see you,” Elise said.
“Same here. You know you were one of my best students. You became a beautiful ballerina.”
“You know I loved it.”
“But?”
“I was more than ready to quit.” Elise chuckled.
“More than ready to quit dancing, but what about teaching?” Wynonna tilted her head.
“That’s why I love it here. I’m teaching all ages. Though only a few of the older girls have experience, it is fun watching them all learn. The class of the four- and five-year-olds are just so much fun to be around.”
Wynonna took Elise’s hand in hers. “I would love for you to come back to New York and work with me teaching new students.”
“I don’t think so, Wynonna. I am very happy here.”
“But how do you know you won’t be even more happy back in New York, teaching?”
“I know I’m happy here.”
