One to Leave (One to Hold 5)

“He’s got spirit,” my uncle mused. “I need to be more consistent in his training. He likes to run.”

“What did you use to say? Teach him you’ll let him run, but he needs a safe place to stop?”

My uncle grinned at me. “Good memory.”

“I liked working with you back then.”

“You’ve always been good with the animals. They like a quiet touch.”

He handed me the bridle. “Why don’t you take the morning shift? Get him use to this. I’ll pick up after lunch.”

It was exactly the kind of work I wanted. “Sure thing.”

* * *

Mariska

Driving into Great Falls, I was able to see everything I missed that first night, hiding in the tiny backseat of Patrick’s rented truck and freaking out about being caught in my lie. The terrain was beautiful, with rocky outcroppings and trees. It was cold, but the waterfalls were unfrozen, and Elaine took the long way around to the downtown area, passing a huge former train station with a massive brick tower and Ryan Dam.

Of course, we didn’t find the type of coffee pot I needed for Turkish coffee, so after wandering along Central Avenue looking in gift shops and buying fudge, we walked five blocks west to the Sip-n-Dip Lounge for lunch.

“Patrick’s going to be pissed we came here without him,” she laughed, pulling me into an ancient tiki bar attached to a motor inn.

“What is this?” I blinked as my eyes adjusted to the dark.

Two curvy bars dominated the interior. One was blonde wood with brown barstools. The other was bright sea green with brass accents and garish sea-green seats. A few wooden tables with teal vinyl chairs and mustard-yellow booths were scattered around as well.

“There’s a swimming pool behind the bar!” I couldn’t help shouting, even though we were two of a handful of people having lunch.

Elaine laughed. “Isn’t it great? They usually have mermaids swimming in it. The place is totally famous. It’s even been in GQ magazine.”

“You’re kidding.” My brow lined and she nodded. “Check out the carpet.”

We walked under a wooden “Welcome to Paradise” sign on neon bubbles scattered over a field of black carpet. The ceiling was bamboo and sea grass, and the entire place looked like something out of Beach Blanket Bingo or South Pacific.

“A tiki lounge in Montana.” I couldn’t believe it.

My friend ordered each of us a blue cocktail and grabbed a menu. “We’re probably supposed to eat at Clark and Lewie’s, but I couldn’t miss this.”

Taking a sip of the super-fruity cocktail, I winked. “I bet you’ll be back with Patrick before you leave.”

“We have to come back at night when Piano Pat is playing.” She took a sip of her drink. “I’d better not finish this. Somebody’s got to drive us back to the ranch.”

I giggled. The drinks were sweet, but the burn of alcohol lurked in the background. “Who’s Piano Pat?”

“She’s supposed to be fantastic.” Elaine took another sip. “She’s been here since... Forever, and she plays any song you want. It’s a blast.”

“Now I want to come back!”

From the pub menu, we ordered sandwiches with fries. They were in front of us in less than ten minutes.

“Good.” Elaine took a big bite. “I need this to soak up the alcohol.”

Nodding, I took a big bite as well. I was already feeling light-headed. “I’m kind of a lightweight, I guess.”

“Not like the guys.” She picked up a fry and watched my response.

I held my expression neutral.