No Direction Home (Sweet Home Colorado) by Jude Willhoff Page A

And believe me it gets to be difficult in a small town like Cedar Falls.”  Cindy sighed and gave Grace a hug.
    “Have you had too much to drink? ” Grace asked. Cindy was acting tipsy, but still charming in her odd way.
    “No way, I’m just getting started . Not drinking, but having fun. I think I’ll ask Travis to dance. He’s been watching me all night, but he’s about the shyest cowpoke I’ve ever met.”
    “Which one is he? ”  Grace took in most of the bar in one swift glance. Cowboys dressed in their best Levis stood around the bar drinking. They all looked alike, except for Seth. There was an air of confidence about him. He leaned against the bar sipping a Coors, while talking to another cowboy. The man sent her pulse spinning. She crossed her arms and listened to Cindy.
    “He’s the cutie talking to Seth . He’s kind of short, but taller than me.” 
    “Well, that wouldn’t take much, since you are such a munchkin . How tall are you now?”  Grace smiled. It had been a long time since she’d been able to tease her friend.
    “I’m as tall as you, my dear, and don’t you forget it. ”
    “Not so . Stand up and I’ll prove it.”  They stood back to back. Cindy’s jet black lay against Grace’s blond head. Touching the top of Grace’s head with her upraised hand, she conceded. “Well, maybe you are a bit taller.” 
    They sat down and Jenna came back to the table panting from the fast dance. “Those boys will wear you out if you let them.” 
    “Is it always this busy? ”  Grace checked out the dance floor. It looked like the room was shrinking with the couples swaying to the music. The place was packed.
    “Yeah, since Charlie made the changes I told you about. ”  Jenna picked up a napkin and nervously twisted it with her fingers. “His business is growing like gangbusters.”
    Grace saw the source of Jenna’s nervous reaction. She would’ve recognized Charlie anywhere when he approached them from across the room.
    “My ears have been burning all the way from Denver . Who’s been talking about me?”  The tall, blond man towered over the table. When Charlie’s gaze fell upon Grace, his eyes widened in surprise. “Grace Sanders, as I live and breathe, how are you? I can’t believe you’re here.”  He raised his eyebrows at the girls. “Cindy Lou, why didn’t you tell me?”
    “Don’t call me that . I wanted to surprise you and I think I succeeded.”  She laughed. “You should see your face. Wish I had a camera.”
    Charlie glanced at Grace . “It’s good to see you. Are you in town long?”
    “I’m back to stay . I’m out at the ranch with Nana.”  It was nice seeing Charlie. After he figured out she wasn't interested in being his girlfriend in high school, he had been like the big brother she never had growing up. He had taught her how to put worms on a fishing hook.
    “Wonderful. ”  He pulled out a chair and sat between Grace and Jenna, spotting Grace’s empty glass. “Would you like something else to drink?” 
    “Sure, I’ll have one more. ”  She wasn’t used to the altitude yet and the wine was beginning to affect her. She’d had a couple of drinks and this would be her last one.
    He signaled for the cocktail waitress . “We’ll have another round at this table. Put it on my tab.”
    “Thanks . I really like what you’ve done with the place.”  She smiled at Charlie, amazed at how good he looked sitting next to Jenna. With her fiery bright hair coloring and his sandy blond good looks they made a striking couple.
    “It pays the bills and I’m enjoying it."  He smiled . "So you finally gave up LA for our Colorado backcountry. It’s a blessing to have you back.”
    “I’m glad to be back . You know when you’re young, all you can think about is getting away, then when you get older and things go wrong, all you can think about is missing home.”  She sighed. “It’s a crazy old world we live in.”
    “Welcome home, Grace.