Stranded in Oasis Page 9

  The next player pounded her bat on home plate. Willie easily struck out Dotty, the owner of the dime store. Again, the crowd yelled and applauded. The next batter stepped to the plate. It was Gator. Gator had already gotten a home run out of Willie. Willie's mind whispered that Gator would strike another home run, but he refused to listen. He threw the first pitch. Gator slammed the ball into left field. It went high, but it was a foul ball. "Strike one!" called the umpire.

  Willie prepared for another pitch. He rolled the ball in his glove and kicked the heel of his baseball shoes into the dirt. Two strikes to go. He threw. "Ball one!" yelled the umpire. Willie tossed again. Gator hit a foul that went behind the catcher's cage. "Strike two!" His next pitch went high over the plate. "Ball two!" Willie overcorrected and threw too low the next time. "Ball three!"

  Willie glanced at the crowd. Another bad pitch and Gator would walk to first base. Another strike and Willie's team would win the game. Everyone was silent and leaning forward. His mom sat in the dugout with her hand over her mouth, something she did when she was nervous. Willie kicked more dirt and made a decision. Turning the ball in his hand, he focused, envisioned the third strike, and threw the curve ball he'd been practicing with Max.

  Gator swung the bat and missed the ball. The umpire yelled, "STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!"

  The crowd screamed and Willie grinned so big his jaws hurt. Everyone in the bleachers and from both teams ran toward him. Mr. Rutherford and Gator reached him first and lifted him onto their shoulders. It was the best day of Willie's life. He glanced down at his mom to see she was both laughing and wiping tears from her eyes. She did that when she was really happy. Willie gave her a thumbs-up and she returned it. This was a day Willie would never forget.

  Chapter 16: Crown Victoria

  Pilar tucked the last of her clothing for the trail ride into her backpack and called to Willie, "Are you almost ready, son?"

  "Almost, Mom."

  "You got those clothes packed that I set out?"

  "Yep."

  "And you didn't try to fit any baseball card binders in, right?"

  "No, Mom. I promise. I'm leaving the sport at home."

  Pilar smiled at her son's grown-up response. Glancing in her mirror, she smoothed her unruly hair and applied a little lipstick. Max had insisted they ride together to the Grand Canyon and she'd wanted to decline, but couldn't think of an excuse that sounded reasonable. The problem wasn't that she didn't want to be around Max; oh no, the problem was that she wanted it too much. She loved everything about him, and ever since the baseball game when he and Gator had hauled her son around on their shoulders, she'd been smitten with the man. He might be ruthless in his corporate world, but in Oasis, he was sweet and kind, nothing like the hard-ass she had first believed him to be. Others in the park complained about him, but she could see into his heart, and she liked what she saw. Heaven help her! Even though they'd only shared that one romantic moment the night of the country dance, her heart was going to hurt when he left.

  Willie rushed into her bedroom with his backpack and wearing a Diamondback ball cap.

  Pilar laughed and asked, "How many ball caps did you pack?"

  "Ah, well, just a few," he mumbled.

  She lifted an eyebrow.

  "Maybe five."

  "I thought you were leaving the sport at home."

  Willie shrugged and grinned impishly.

  She shook her head and laughed. There was a knock on her front door and she hurried to open it. Max stood on her doorstep wearing an Indians' ball cap. Beside her, Willie said, "Oh, wow. That's a great cap."

  Max lifted it off his head. "I thought you'd like it." He handed it to Willie. "I actually bought it for you."

  Willie gave a shout of glee and Pilar's heart enlarged even more toward Max.

  After loading the trunk of Max's fabulous car, Willie climbed into the backseat and Max handed him two new packs of baseball cards. He said, "Just something to pass the time during the drive."

  Willie exclaimed, "Thanks, Mr. Rutherford."

  Pilar turned around in the passenger seat and grinned at her son. "So much for leaving the sport behind, huh?"

  Willie looked sheepish. "You don't mind if I open them, do you, Mom?"

  Max started the ignition and glanced between the two of them. "Am I missing something?"

  Pilar laughed. "No, just a little joke between Willie and me." She said to Willie, "Go ahead and open them."

  Max backed his car out and headed toward the entrance to the Park. During the twelve miles to the highway, Pilar and Max conversed about current events and happenings at the trailer park. "It's too bad we're going to miss this month's gathering," she said tongue-in-cheek.

  Max looked at her askance. "Honestly, I'm glad the Grand Canyon trip falls on the same day as the Fashion Fiesta. Lilac wanted me to model some of the latest fashions from Cowboy Haven."

  Pilar giggled, "And she wanted me and Willie to model clothing from Sally Sue's Second Chance Clothing. I've never aspired to be a model, so I agree; the timing of this vacation is perfect." She grinned at Max. "Has Lilac divulged what next month's event will be?"

  Max chuckled, "She called me yesterday and said Vera liked her suggestion for an International Potluck."

  Pilar cast him a surprised look. "Vera and Lilac are agreeing on something?"

  Max shrugged. "I was just as shocked as you, but yeah, Lilac said she was meeting with Goody and Vera today to work out the details."

  "If it's as good as the How-Do-Ya-Do Mixer, I think the three of them should open their own business," Pilar joked.

  They reached the highway and Max headed north. He punched some buttons on his dash and a female voice said, "Destination, Grand Canyon. Expected arrival four hours, eleven minutes."

  Pilar shook her head. "The advances of technology amaze me. What other gadgets does this car have?"

  Max grinned. "A built in cell phone. Watch this." He winked at Pilar, and said, "Cell phone on."

  The same disembodied female voice said, "Please continue."

  Willie leaned forward and said, "Let's call Caleb."

  Max responded, "Okay, what's the number?"

  "928 555-1111."

  Max said, "Dial 928 555-1111."

  The voice said, "Calling," and clicking sounds were heard. The phone rang twice before Caleb answered, "Hello."

  Max said, "Caleb, this is Max. I've got Pilar and Willie in the car with me and we're on our way to the Grand Canyon. We should arrive in about four hours."

  "That's great, Mr. Rutherford. You know where the stable is, right?"

  "I've got a GPS that will get us there, no problem." He winked at Pilar and she rolled her eyes. "But if the GPS fails, Pilar is my backup. One way or another we'll get there."

  Willie giggled and Max said, "Say hello to Willie."

  Caleb said, "Hey, Willie. Can't wait for you to get here."

  Willie spoke into the air, "Me, too. It's going to be fun with Mr. Rutherford."

  The boys talked for a minute and then the connection crackled. Pilar said smugly, "Even modern technology hasn't figured out how to overcome a bad connection."

  Max laughed and said, "We're losing the signal, Caleb. See you soon."

  "Okay. See ya soon."

  Max said, "Cell phone disconnect."

  The voice responded. "Call terminated."

  Max glanced sideways at Pilar. "Want to know what else I have hidden in this iron beast?"

  Willie was all ears and answered for her, "Yeah."

  Max quickly turned around and smiled at Willie and then returned his gaze to the road. He reached for a switch on the dashboard. "Willie, look up."

  Pilar and Willie watched as a panel in the headliner opened and a small screen descended.

  Max said, "If you look in the console between the seats, you'll find a selection of DVDs I thought you might enjoy.

  Willie lifted the console lid and removed several DVDs. "Wow. I've been wantin' to see this movie. And t
his one, too." He glanced up at his mother and shared a grin.

  Max instructed Willie on how to load the movie and use the headphones, and when Pilar asked, "Anything else? Like does the car sprout wings and fly," Max laughed and responded, "No, I think I've exhausted my stash of technological gadgets, except this one." He punched the CD player and the sounds of Enya flooded the car. Pilar smiled.

  Max said, "I figured since you were a fan of Sarah Brightman, you'd like Enya, too."

  "You figured right."

  For the remainder of the journey, Willie watched movies and Pilar enjoyed the diverse selection of Max's music. Occasionally, they conversed, but for the most part, the trip was relaxing and quiet. She even dozed for awhile.

  * * *

  Max glanced at Pilar with her head lolling to the side. She smiled in her sleep and he got a quick peek at a dimple. He'd been fighting his desire for her since their kiss, but that dimple put a stab of longing in his heart. Yes, physically, he desired her, but there was much more. She touched his heart with her candidness and sense of right and wrong. She was real. He thought of the old adage, What you see is what you get.

  Glancing in the rearview mirror, he transferred his thoughts to Willie. The boy looked up, met Max's eyes in the mirror, and smiled. Max returned his smile. The kid was a carbon copy of his mom—real, compassionate, and a joy to be around.

  Max sighed and gave his attention back to the road, pondering the past two months. His life had taken a three-sixty. Living in the trailer park and managing it was nothing like what he'd expected. He thought about that. I guess I expected to live amongst unsuccessful, unhappy, lazy, food-stamp recipients. I believe the coined phrase is trailer trash.

  Sure, some of the residents suffered from poverty, but they faced life with their heads high, their hands extended in greeting, and a willingness to help others, no matter their rank in society. Even after Max had distributed the letter about late fees, he'd not been ostracized by the residents. Yes, Pilar had slammed him, but that was part of her caring personality. She stood up for those she loved. Would she stand up for me if I needed it? Beyond a doubt, Max knew she would.

  Pilar made a small sound, yawned, and turned to check on her son before asking where they were.

  Three hours into their trip they passed a sign indicating the town of Williams was coming up. Pilar said, "I just love that town. There's so much to do. Route 66 runs through the center of it, and there's a wild animal park, a train that goes to the Grand Canyon, a zip line over Route 66, and jeep tours, as well as the usual hiking, camping, horseback riding, and fishing–"

  Max interrupted, "And great places to eat, right?"

  "You took the words right out of my mouth."

  Five minutes later Max pointed toward another sign. "Looks like we've reached the turnoff for Route 66 and Williams. How about we find a restaurant and I treat you and Willie to a late breakfast or early lunch?"

  Willie leaned forward and waited for his mother to answer. She grinned at her son. "I think that's a great idea."

  Max turned onto the off ramp and asked, "Have you ever traveled Route 66 for any distance?"

  Pilar replied, "No. But I've always wanted to. Have you?"

  "No. But I almost did when I was just out of college."

  "What stopped you?"

  Candidly, Max confessed, "A desire to impress my grandfather with my business acumen by taking on my first major project."

  Willie stated matter-of-factly, "I think I'd like to travel Route 66, too. Since we all want to, why don't we do it together?"

  Max was about to say he thought that was a great idea, but Pilar spoke first. "Well, Willie, because we have responsibilities and a trip like that takes at least a couple of weeks."

  Max remained silent. He'd almost blurted that he would cover all expenses and pay Pilar for time lost from work. Of course, she'd never go for the idea and he had a trailer park to run. Max glanced out his side window to hide a frown. I have a trailer park to run? What happened to "I have a corporation to run?"

  When they reached the town a diner caught his attention. He pointed and said, "Goldie's Route 66 Diner; should we try it?"

  Pilar looked at Willie. "What do you think?"

  "Yeah, Mom. It looks like one of those restaurants in the old movies."

  Pilar said, "Let's go there, Max."

  Max pulled into the driveway and parked. Across the street in a turnout there was an antique railroad car on display and historical markers. There was also a classic car show going on. Both Pilar and Willie looked interested, so Max led them across the road. They approached a 1957 Chevy and admired it before strolling around the rest of the cars, a 1955 Crown Victoria, 70s Beetle, 70s Thunderbird, and 1965 Mustang. Max paused in front of the Mustang and thought about his grandfather's collection of classic cars. He had a sudden desire to borrow Max, Sr.'s 67 convertible Mustang and travel America's Mother Road—Route 66—from its beginning in Chicago to its ending in Santa Monica, California. Of course, he wanted Pilar and Willie in the car with him. Again he frowned at his wayward thought. In four months he was leaving Arizona to resume his rightful place with Rutherford Acquisitions, and Oasis would become a strange memory.

  Pilar glanced up at him. "Are you all right? You're frowning at that Mustang. Don't you like the color?" she joked.

  Max chuckled. "Actually, I do." He explained his frown by saying, "I'm hungry. How about you, Willie?"

  Willie, who was gawking at the Crown Victoria, agreed, "I'm starving."

  Max asked, "Do you like that car?"

  Willie tilted his head, studied the vehicle, and replied, "I think it's about the ugliest car I've ever seen."

  Max laughed. "It may be ugly, but it's got a pretty price tag." He pointed to a small sign in the back window: FOR SALE, $35,000.

  Willie's eyes widened and Pilar said, "Oh, my!"

  Max wanted to tell them that his grandfather owned several Crown Victorias, but decided that would sound like bragging. He walked to the diner's door and held it open for Pilar and Willie. Inside, they were greeted by a friendly, middle-aged waitress with a long red ponytail. She seated them in what looked to be the only empty booth. Behind them several old-timers, obviously owners of the classic cars, were talking about their vehicles and how hard it was to find original parts. Max paid little attention to their conversation. He told Pilar and Willie to order whatever they wanted and everyone ended up ordering burgers and fries. When their meals arrived, the food was delicious. Willie did most of the talking, recounting the previous year's mule trip. The conversation in the next booth was overheard when Willie stopped talking to take a bite of his burger.

  A man with a nasally voice said, "You know, one of the best collections of classic cars is owned by that rich guy, Maximilian Rutherford. I saw the collection when he had it on display in New York a few years back. It was fantastic."

  Willie said loudly, with his mouth full, "That's your name Max! I didn't know you owned a bunch of old cars!"

  The table of old-timers became silent and all the men turned around to look at Max. A man with gray hair and a salt-and-pepper beard asked, "Are you Maximilian Rutherford?"

  The man with the nasally voice interjected, "He's too young. But maybe he's related."

  Everyone waited for Max to respond. "Ah, my grandfather owns those cars."

  The eyes of every old-timer widened in surprise and when they all spoke at once, asking questions, Max wanted to groan. He glanced at Pilar. She was watching him with an unreadable expression. Willie was looking at him like he was a hero.

  One of the men said, "I've never met a billionaire in the flesh. What are you doing in Arizona—scouting out investment property?"

  Willie answered proudly, "He's managing our trailer park."

  The men glanced at each other with confused expressions.

  Max grinned at Willie and responded. "Yep. I manage their trailer park."

  After that, the old-timers smiled politely and motioned the waitre
ss to bring their tab. They cast a few puzzled glances at Max while leaving the restaurant.

  Max lifted his burger and took a big bite. Finally, I can eat in peace. He heard a snicker and looked at Pilar. She was quietly laughing. Willie glanced between them. "Hey, what's so funny?" he asked.

  Chapter 17: Riding the Trail

  Pilar gave Max directions to their destination located at Grand Canyon Village. When the GPS started talking, he switched it off. He smiled and said, "I like your voice much better."

  Pilar glanced out the window. The encounter at the diner replayed itself and only served to enforce how utterly ridiculous a romantic relationship with Max would be. The man was rolling in cash and biding his time until he could escape Arizona. She and Willie were only short term distractions. She needed to keep her romantic nature from rearing its head.

  Willie was the first to jump from the car when they pulled to the front of the livery barn. Pilar had to grasp his shoulder to keep him from running off to find Caleb. "Hold on, son. Wait for me and Max."

  Willie danced from one foot to the other. "This is going to be fun!"

  Pilar chuckled at his enthusiasm while they waited for Max to unload the trunk. Everyone shouldered their backpacks and Max said, "Lead the way."

  A child yelled, "Hey, Willie, over here."

  Pilar turned to see Caleb waving and running toward them from the barn. Willie glanced at his mom. She motioned him forward. "Go ahead. We're right behind you." Seeing Willie so happy made her heart glad. She spoke her thoughts aloud. "It's too bad Willie's father is missing his son's youth. One day our son will be grown and days like this will become only happy memories—for me, at least. His father will have nothing to remember but piles of paperwork and sleepless nights worrying about how to become more successful. And that's very sad." She gave Max a sheepish look. "Sorry, I was thinking aloud."