Hock……spit   

Jace turned her head and spat onto the ground as she climbed out of her truck.  The ride to the city had been stressful because she hadn’t wanted to even make the trip.  Her family had forced her into meeting Ann McGuire for a complete makeover.  Her eight brothers and sisters felt she had spent way too much time rearing them, to the point that she had totally neglected herself.  As much as she hated their action of hiring a public relations person she understood they did it out of love.  That alone was the only reason she followed through on the ridiculous process.  She laughed to herself as she hitched up her bib overalls and rolled up her flannel sleeves.   

“I hope to hell, Miss Ann McGuire, you are ready to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”  Pulling her Stetson down firmly over her eyes, Jace checked the address one more time before walking toward the glass enclosed building gleaming brightly in front of her eyes. 

Ann McGuire stood at the window and looked down into the parking lot.  She groaned aloud as she watched a person, whom she suspected was her next appointment, climb from a truck.  She watched the woman spit onto the ground and noted the rustic manner of her dress.  From her window, Ann was unable to see Jace Taylor’s features as the presence of the Stetson hid her face from view.   

“Damn!  Why do I always get the impossible cases?  Can’t I ever get someone who is at least a little civilized?” she grumbled aloud as her partner started a fresh pot of coffee. 

“Sugar, you know you work better when challenged. But I’ll tell you what.  I’ll take this one on as a personal favor for you.  You don’t have to do more than greet her."  Christine Stark stated as she set out the coffee cups. 

“I know…I know.  You have a deal, Christine.  I just can’t take on another challenge at this time.  S&M Public Relations is all about handling difficult clients,” Ann said with a smile as she moved around in front of her desk. “But you didn’t see the person I just saw, who should be entering…….” Ann paused and looked at her watch, “…right about now.” 

No sooner were the words out of her mouth when the door opened and Jace Taylor entered the office.  Two pairs of eyes, one brown the other blue, raked Jace from head to toe.  Ann took in Jace’s overall appearance and nearly gasped at the amount of work needed for the person in front of her.   

Christine looked beyond Jace’s clothing and noted a nervous, overweight young woman gripping the brim of her hat while she waited for someone to say something.  She saw the darkly tanned complexion that made her midnight blue eyes deepen to nearly black.  Christine noted Jace’s auburn hair was styled in a block cut, probably for ease of care and not for fashion.  She noted the dry looking hands with their chipped nails, evidence of hard manual labor.  But most of all, she saw the strong arresting features of a beauty lying in wait, under the surface, of a woman who was used to caring for others instead of herself. 

Jace looked sharply back at the two women in front of her.  The older woman seemed to be sizing her up as she ran her eyes over Jace’s body and nodded occasionally.  Jace could see the younger woman grimacing as she stared at her.  She seemed to physically shudder as she looked at Jace.           

Jace stood nervously not knowing what to say.  I should just get the hell out of here, she thought to herself.  As she straightened to her full height of five feet four inches, she began to turn back toward the door. 

“Wait!  How rude of me.  My name is Ann McGuire, owner of S&M Public Relations.  You must be Jace Taylor,” she said as she walked up to Jace with her hand held out in greeting. 

Jace reached out and grasped the outstretched hand in a firm grip.  She looked up into Ann’s face as she tightened her grip, squeezing tightly.  Ann nodded slightly, acknowledging the power play and realizing Jace had more inner strength hidden behind her rough exterior. 

Jace looked at Ann as she dropped her hand.  Ann was at least six inches taller than herself.  She wore flawless makeup and her hair looked as if there was never a curl out of place.  Her dark pant-suit was superbly cut and added to her professional appearance.  Jace was surprised how warm her hand had been after noting her frigid demeanor. 

Christine stepped closer and joined the two women staring at each other.  She reached out and shook hands with Jace too.   

“Hello, I ‘m Christine Stark.  We are so glad you are here.” 

Ann stepped back and returned to her desk.  Once seated, she watched as Christine made sure that Jace was settled with a cup of black coffee balanced in the hand that earlier held her hat.  Christine poured herself a cup and sat down in the chair next to Jace.  She could see by the slight trembling of the cup Jace held that her nervousness was still present. 

For the next twenty minutes, Christine asked questions and Jace readily answered them as much as she could.  Ann sat listening to the conversation without really joining in.  She held a pencil in her hand which she tapped constantly on the desktop.  The young woman seated before her would require a lot of work.  She needed to be whipped into shape, maybe even drop fifteen to twenty pounds of weight.  She badly needed a manicure and more than likely a pedicure, Ann thought to herself.  Her hair was atrocious.  Its dark beauty was lost in the bowl shaped haircut with the ends split and uneven.   

Her skin was rough and chapped; it was desperately in need of moisturizer to smooth the wrinkles and toughness that showed.  Her clothes had to go.  There was not one flattering element in her appearance except for the heart shaped locket that hung around her neck.  Looking at her client’s chest, Ann could see she was well endowed but failed to support herself with a bra.  Her breasts seemed to merge together beneath the bib of her overalls.   

That was it.  She couldn’t see her arms, legs or feet.  The rest of her body was covered from head to toe.  Ann negatively shook her head, thinking that there would be no way in hell that Christine could make her over in the next three months.   Her family had paid a handsome sum for it to be done.  Ann wondered if she should not just suggest a full refund and let it go right now.  As these thoughts flew through her mind, she looked up and saw the narrowed eyes of her partner glaring back at her, daring her to make a move.  She smiled and leaned back in her chair, implying ‘she’s all yours’ by the lift of her right eyebrow.

Christine listened to Jace hesitantly talk about herself and her life.  As she listened, she mentally cataloged the effort it would take to whip her into shape.  First thing would be for them to hit the gym and help her drop the extra weight.  Next, they would set her up with some nutritional guidance to help her maintain the weight loss and muscle toning she would gain.  Finally, the external makeover could start with the nails, hair, skin and clothing.  It looked like a nearly insurmountable task but Christine liked a good challenge.  Not only that, she wanted to show Ann that Jace had a lot more to her than the first impression she made.  Being able to gloat over the transformation would make all the work worthwhile. 

Ann’s smile tempered as she listened to Jace talk about her life and her family.  She had never been close to her own brothers and sisters, not in the manner where one of them would sacrifice everything to care for the others.  As Jace talked about her long standing relationship with the woman on the next farm, Ann smiled at the soft glow that came over her features.  Jace had beauty deep inside of her that, with work, could be reflected outside as well.  She now wished she had not accepted Christine’s challenge but kept the job for herself.  After sitting and listening for her for thirty minutes, Ann realized there was more to Jace than met the eye. 

Still, a bargain was a bargain.  She sat back in her chair as she watched Christine wiping a tear from her eye as she listened to Jace talk about working for years to keep the children together under one roof.  She knew that Christine would do an excellent job, not just to prove she could do it but because she was developing a soft spot for Jace. 

Christine and Ann let the silence flow around them as Jace finally reached the end of her story and paused to finish her coffee.  She knew she had spoken way too much about herself but Christine drew the information effortlessly out of her.  It felt good to finally have someone besides her lover next door to talk to, and realize nothing was expected from her in return.  It had been a long time since Jace had felt free enough to talk about her family and her plans for the future. 

Christine nodded her head slowly as she mentally ran through an action plan that would help Jace make the transformation.  She made a couple of notes on the notepad that had lain idle in her lap during Jace’s story.  Looking directly into Jace’s eyes, Christine began to instruct her client. 

“Jace, it is going to be a long, hard three months but I feel certain that we will be able to meet most of the goals of your makeover.  I am confident that we’ll all be satisfied with the results but you are going to have to give me one hundred percent of your time and effort.  I want you to move into town and live at the company cottage while we work on your transformation.  Will you be able to commit to that?” Christine asked as she continued writing her list. 

“Well, if I get all my chores done I should be able to drive in each evening.”  Jace began. 

“No, babe. That won’t do.  I need you here in town around the clock if we are going to be able to make the necessary changes.” 

“I can’t do that.  I have work to do.  Besides, I have never stayed away from my family that long.”  Jace explained.  “Sheila and I have plans to spend the weekend together too,” she continued sheepishly. 

“Your family will do fine.  The boys should be able to handle anything that comes up, right?”  Christine asked.  “As far as your date, give her a call and let her know that it is simply postponed for a few weeks.  I’m sure she’ll understand.  She’s going to love the results.” 

“I don’t know…. damn, what should I do?” she asked aloud, looking between the two women.   

“Jace, give it a try.  This is for you.  The kids wanted it to be unique and something that you would remember all your life.”  Ann stated from her position behind the desk. 

“Okay, I’ll give it a go.”  She agreed with some reluctance.  “Do you have a room where I can make a private call?” 

“Sure, why don’t you step across the hall to my office?  Feel free to call whomever you need to.” Christine said as she escorted Jace to her office. 

******** 

Jace sat down gingerly behind the desk and picked up the receiver.  She quickly rang the ranch to see what was happening and to explain  the new plans .  After making sure all the work would be covered, she asked to speak with their younger sister, Alice. 

“Hiya, sis.  How’s it going?”  Alice asked in her perky way. 

“Not bad.  I need a favor, Alice.”  Jace began. 

“Sure.  Who do you want me to knock off this time?  Just kidding, hon.  What do you need?”   

“Can you pack up my clothes for me?  I’ll be staying here for the next three months from the sound of it and I need my clothes.”  Jace told her. 

“Well, that won’t take long considering you wear the same thing day after day.  You want any of the dressy clothes out of the back of your closet?”   

“NO!  Hell, no.  Send my jeans and shirts.  I’ll be fine.  Oh, can you toss in a couple of those sports bras, my shorts and t-shirts.  I was told I might be in a pool once in awhile.” 

“Sure, Jace.  For you I would do anything.  Have you spoken to Sheila yet?” 

“No, she’s next on my list.  She is not gonna be too happy.  We had plans to finally go away this coming weekend.”  Jace stated wistfully as she thought about missing the weekend alone with Sheila. 

“Hope you can keep her temper under control.”  Alice commented as she rummaged in the back of Jace’s closet to pull out the old duffel bag she used for luggage. 

“I’ll handle it, I hope.  Alice, send the clothes in with Mark.  He’s coming in to pick up the truck and leave me that little Camry.” 

“You got it, sis.  OK, let me go now so I can have this ready for Mark or he’ll be snapping my head off.  Later, tater.”  Alice said as she shut off her phone. 

Jace paused for a couple of minutes while she gathered her courage to call Sheila.  She knew how disappointed Sheila was going to be but not any more than she was.  If she had her way, she would have gone back home without making a single change.  She just couldn’t bear to see the disappointment in the kids’ eyes if she did not accept their gift. 

She finally dialed the number she knew by heart and waited anxiously to hear the voice of her love. 

“Hello?” 

“Hey, Sheila baby.  How are you doing?”   

“OK.  What’s up? You never call me in the middle of the day.”  Sheila anxiously asked. 

“Uhhhhh….welll…..baby……” Jace stopped talking as she tried to find the words to tell Sheila what was going on. 

“Come on, Jace.  What’s going on?” 

“I’m not going to be able to take that weekend trip with you, baby.  Do you remember the birthday gift the kids gave me for the makeover?”  Jace paused to give Sheila time to follow her train of thought. 

“Yes, I do.  But I thought you weren’t going to follow through on it.” 

“They are so excited to finally do something just for me, I couldn’t tell them no.  Now, in order to complete the change, I need to stay here in town for the next few weeks.” 

“FEW WEEKS!  Baby, what does that mean?  Won’t you be coming home at all?  God, what am I going to do not seeing you in the evenings?”  Sheila fired out the questions quickly.  

Jace held the phone tightly as her throat closed from the sadness in Sheila’s voice.  “Honey, it won’t be for very long.”  She whispered quietly into the silence.  “When I come back home they tell me I’ll look entirely different from what you are used to seeing.” 

“Baby, I love you the way you are.  You don’t need to change for my benefit.  I fell in love with you the first time I set eyes on you.  Remember when you stopped and helped change my flat tire?  You were covered in mud and god knows what else.  You stunk to high heaven but one look into your beautiful blue eyes and my heart thudded so loud I was afraid you would hear it.”  Sheila spoke softly. 

Jace laughed softly as she remembered the city slicker she stopped to help, out of neighborly friendliness.  Who would have ever thought that the two of them would have gotten together over time?  Their lives were so different, the city slicker and the country bumpkin. 

“Yes, I’ll never forget the look on your face when you finally realized I was a woman.  It was all I could do not to actually laugh back at you.  Damn, I still remember your perfume, the way your black hair whirled around your face, hiding your green eyes from my view until I stood up.  I was lost in their color when you looked me head to toe. Oh baby, maybe I should forget it and come home right now.  We still have time to make our reservations.”  Jace answered wistfully. 

“No, Jace.  Your brothers and sisters wanted this for you.  They love you and felt this was something they could finally give you in return for all you have given them.  I’ll be here, baby, whenever you come home.  You won’t get rid of me simply by breaking an important date.  I’ll be here, anxiously waiting for the time we can be together again.” 

“I know, I know.  Still doesn’t mean I can’t at least think about coming home,” Jace pouted petulantly. 

“Get it all done, baby, and rush home to me.  I can’t wait to be with you again.”  

Christine poked her head into the office to see if Jace was still there.  She noted the sadness on her face as she spoke into the phone.  She decided to give her a few more minutes before taking her over to the cottage. 

Jace saw Christine from the corner of her eye and straightened up in the chair. 

“Baby, I need to go now.  I don’t know when I’ll get the chance to call you again.”  Jace said . 

“I’ll be here each evening if you want to call.  I have to slip into the city to turn in the blueprints I have been working on, but I won’t be staying over night at this time.”   

“How’s the job coming along?”   

“Great!  I should have this one tied up shortly.  I met with a new client yesterday who wanted house plans drawn up.  The county called and wanted to meet with me too.  My tender for the new police station and court house was low and the job is mine if I want it.” 

“That’s good baby.”  Jace remarked proudly. 

“When I left Jeffers & Jeffers, I was worried that I wouldn’t have enough work to pay the bills much less keep me busy.  My stress is so much less and the work is starting to come in steadily.  Moving to the country and working from home has been the best decision that I have made in my life, except for you.  I love you, darling, and can’t wait to see you soon.” 

“I love you too, Sheila.  Well baby, I need to finalize my plans here.  I’ll call you as soon as I can.” 

“I know you will, baby.”  Sheila said while blowing a kiss through the phone. 

“Bye, baby.”  Jace said as she hung the phone back on its cradle. 

******* 

Christine stood as Jace reentered Ann’s office.   

“Are you ready, Jace?  We’ll head on over to the cottage and get you settled in.” 

“Yes, ma’am.  My brother will be bringing my clothes in later this afternoon.  I told him if he swings by here someone would be able to give him the directions.  Is that okay?” 

“Sure, Jace.  He can ask anyone.  They all know where the cottage is and how to get to it.  Are you ready?”  Christine asked as she moved toward her office to get her pocketbook. 

“As ready as I suppose I’ll ever be,” Jace muttered under her breath.  She walked over to Ann’s desk and shook her hand before leaving. 

“Nice to meet you, Ms McGuire.” 

“Same here, Jace.  Good luck.”   

Jace picked up her Stetson on the way out the door.  She followed Christine into the parking lot and quickly retrieved her truck, pulling it in line behind Christine’s Lexus as they drove off. 

The forty-five minute drive across town tormented Jace as she was left alone to dredge forth memories to examine.  She thought of what her brothers and sisters wanted and then measured it once more against her own desires.  She realized, as usual, she was giving in to their needs and not her own.  She didn’t want a complete makeover.  She knew what she could do to look more presentable.  She had just never had the energy or desire to really want to change.  Once more, she was letting the kids drive the direction of her life.  All she wanted was to have her weekend away with Sheila.  She had plans for the weekend that involved asking Sheila to become a more permanent part of her life and to move in with her, now that all the kids had homes of their own and had moved out of the main house in their own homes.  Mark and Alice were only house sitting for her until she was home again.  The house was large and sprawling and had plenty of room to accommodate Sheila’s workspace.   

Jace grinned as she thought of the commitment ring she had chosen so carefully.  It was a green emerald that nearly matched the shining brilliance of Sheila’s eyes.  She knew as soon as she saw the gem on the silk cushion that nothing else would do.  She had the ring crafted and engraved to her specifications.   

Jace was nervous and feared that Sheila might not be ready to live together with her.  .  Her heart raced as she thought of the golden hours when they expressed their love to one another with kisses and hot passionate touches, only ending when they held onto each other as they plunged over the final pinnacle into a hot, explosive release of their love. 

Jace turned into the driveway of the cottage and pulled up behind Christine’s car.  She sat for a number of minutes before slowly getting out.  She had made her decision.  Walking toward the front of the house she straightened her shoulders and held her head high in determination while looking around for Christine.  Christine strode out of the back room as Jace stepped through the door. 

“OK.  Looks as though everything is working.  Are you ready to get settled in?”  Christine asked as she stopped next to Jace. 

“I won’t be staying, Christine.”  Jace replied.  “I appreciate all the time and energy that you have put into planning what could and should be done to make me look different, but I like the way I look and so do those that love me.  This was just a lark that they thought I might enjoy.  I realized during the ride over that doing this would not be me but a stranger at the end.  I am going home.” 

“Wait, Jace.  Think about what you are going to do.  This will give you a complete change in how you look, dress, walk and much more. Why, you could be making your lady friend proud by showing people your beauty.” 

“Yes, I understand.  But you know something?  I like me the way I am.  My partner loves me the way I am.  I know the kids do too just through everything they say and do each day for me.  Why would I want to change what I have now?” Jace patiently explained. 

“Well, put that way, you are absolutely right.  Do what you want to do, Jace, not what we  push you  to.” 

“Then, I am going home.  Thank you for all that you have done.  Please keep the full fee.  It was worth the cost of finally seeing clearly the direction I want my life to move in.” 

“Jace, you are welcome.  I hope you have a happy life.” 

“Oh, I plan on it.”  Jace smiled as she turned and headed back toward her truck.  Within minutes, she was back on the highway  home.  She reached into the glove compartment and removed her cell phone.  She called the house but no one answered.  She left the message to hold the bags at the house, they would be picked up later. 

Next, she rang the mountain resort to be sure her reservations had not been cancelled.  She laughed aloud as she was told everything was ready and waiting for their arrival. 

Two hours later, Jace arrived at Sheila’s house.  She quickly cut off the engine and hopped out of the truck.  Running to the front door, she knocked once before entering.  She knew she would find Sheila in her office this time of day and that she could not hear the door from the back of the house.  Jace walked quickly through the hallway until she came to the open door of Sheila’s office. 

Jace raked her eyes over Sheila’s bent over figure as she silently watched her drawing lines on the blueprint spread in front of her.  She walked softly up behind Sheila before whispering, “Hello, darling”. 

Sheila jumped in surprise but spun around as she recognized Jace’s deep, honey toned voice.  She jumped off her stool and rushed into her outspread arms, flinging her own around Jace in a tight squeeze. 

“Oh God, baby.  I missed you and it hasn’t even been one day.  What are you doing here?” she said as she leaned back within the circle of Jace’s arms. 

“You are more important to me than anything else in the world.  I couldn’t give you up for even a day.  I love you, Sheila.”   

Jace ran her hands up Sheila’s back as she drew her closer.  She angled her head until her lips easily matched Sheila’s as she pressed a warm, moist kiss against her mouth.  Sheila opened her lips and deepened their kiss as she tightened her arms around Jace, holding her as close as she could.  The love poured between the two women as their tongues dueled and their breaths quickened.  Minutes later, they relaxed and their mouths parted. 

Sheila leaned her forehead against Jace’s as they stood quietly holding one another. 

“I love you so much that sometimes it scares me,” Sheila whispered softly to Jace. 

In a hoarse voice, Jace answered.  “I know just what you mean, baby.  I can’t be without you.”  

They stood quietly in the embrace of their love for another few minutes before Sheila dropped her arms and stepped back away from Jace. 

“What about your makeover, Jace?”   

“Honey, I don’t need a makeover.  I like who I am, what I am and where I am right now.  I saw no reason to change who I really am.  Every one that means something to me loves me the way I am, so why change a good thing.” 

“I’m so glad you realize that, darling.  I don’t know how I would have felt if you had come home not looking like you.  You are the person I fell in love with, not some fashion idol.” 

“I know, baby”.  Jace said strongly.  “Now, get your suitcase, we have a trip to make.” 

Sheila laughed aloud as she quickly gathered her still packed suitcase, handed it to Jace, and then turned out the lights in the house.  They made short time of running by Jace’s home and picking up the suitcase Mark had left in her room for her arrival.  Jace jumped out of the truck, ran into the house and quickly climbed the stairs two at a time.  Once in her bedroom, she rummaged in her sock drawer before pulling out the ring case she had hidden there.  Turning around, she grabbed her suitcase and quickly rushed back downstairs and out the door where she flung it into the bed of the truck.  She wanted to be out of range before anyone on the farm saw her and tried to stop her with a bunch of questions to answer. 

Jace and Sheila reached the mountains late in the afternoon.  They were taken to their secluded cabin where they quickly placed their luggage.  Before settling in for the night, Jace drove them back to the main lodge where they had a leisurely dinner.  It was late when they got back to the cabin.  Someone had already been in and prepared it for the evening. 

White wine chilled in a bucket before the warmly burning fireplace.  The lights were turned down to a dim glow.  Music flowed softly from speakers placed throughout the room.  Sheila looked at Jace and grinned. 

“You have been a busy woman, Jace Taylor.”   

“Just a little.” Jace answered while smirking at Sheila.  She took Sheila by the hand and drew her towards the couch. 

They sat down next to each other.  Jace leaned forward and filled two glasses with wine.  She turned sideways and handed one glass to Sheila.  

“Let me make a toast, darling.”  Jace said as she lifted her glass. 

Sheila held her glass up against Jace’s as Jace began speaking. 

“To us.  I love you more than you will ever know, darling.  My heart flows with thoughts of you every minute I am awake.  Sheila, I want you to move in with me and live with me.  I want to have you with me every minute of my day and especially my night.  Come be my partner, baby.” 

Sheila was shocked.  She never expected to hear those words from Jace although she had longed for them.  Tears trickled from her eyes as she sat speechless.  Jace reached out and removed the wine glass from Sheila’s shaking hands.  She took both hands in her own and drew them to her lips where she kissed the backs of each one softly.  She never took her eyes off Sheila's expression. 

Sheila tried to speak but found she couldn’t.  She tightened her own fingers on Jace’s as she simply nodded her head, yes. 

Jace dropped one of Sheila’s hands as she reached into the pocket of her slacks and drew out the ring case.  She reluctantly released her other hand as she opened the case and lifted out the ring with trembling fingers.  She picked up Sheila’s left hand and slid the ring over her ring finger. 

“Please wear this, knowing each time you look at it that it is just a reminder of the love I have for you.” 

“Oh god, baby, it’s beautiful.”  Sheila exclaimed as she looked at the shimmering green gem.   

“It’s engraved too.” Jace said softly.  “It says, ‘City Slicker, all my love, your Country Bumpkin’.” 

Sheila looked at Jace and remembered their first meeting, the time it took for their love to grow and now the special bond between them.  She knew her life lay in the hands of the woman sitting beside her and she looked forward to it.  Reaching out, she drew Jace toward her where she sealed their commitment with the first of many passionate kisses that evening.  Tonight would reveal just how deep their love was, and for making plans for their future.  As the fire began to wane, the passion on the couch began to heat up as their words of love became a more physical expression of their love for one another. 

The End