What If Read online

  Chapter 2

  The Apple Farm Inn

  Heather was almost dressed in her stark white blouse and plain dark gray slacks, when there was a light tap on the door.

  “Heather, Heather,” she heard a low whisper as she walked to the door.

  “Linda Sue, is there something wrong? Am I late? It is only 8:30, isn’t it? I thought we were to meet at nine in the lobby.”

  “Sshh. I don’t want to disturb your neighbor if you have any.” Linda Sue came in dressed in a lovely casual outfit of blue slacks with a lighter blue top, carrying a light matching jacket and a brilliant peacock colored scarf. It was the vivid blue that set off the medium length blonde hair.

  “I don’t. The desk clerk told me that I would be alone in the Mill House rooms. But both rooms will be taken for this weekend. So I will move to room 300 in a few days.”

  “Great. You will love that room. It’s one of their best. I really hope you enjoy all this room swapping, but it is going to take a little longer until I get my guest room completed. Some of these rooms were reserved months ago. Let me tell you, it is so difficult getting work done. It was hard enough to get a man to complete an art studio at the back of my shop. I know you were so amiable about sleeping on my couch, but I can’t have that for my special artist.

  I had already made up my mind that you should stay here at the Apple Farm in order that you have the best that you so righteously deserve. By going to different rooms, you can enjoy the ambiance of each of these chosen rooms. I know I could have opted for a much less expensive motel, but I feel you really need a good comfortable place as well as a place of such magnificence that you can feel like the great artist you are. And it won’t hurt if you get some paintings of the old motel next door and of the Apple Farm Inn as well. You know this place was once a pancake house in 1977. That is when a couple named Katy and Bob Davis purchased it and began to remodel after the design of the Coronado Hotel in San Diego and the one in Mackinac Island in Michigan. You know the one where they did a movie. It’s one of my favorite movies, a touching love story. “Somewhere in Time.” Every time I watch it, tears come to my eyes. It’s so so, romantic. It’s called the Grand Hotel.”

  “The movie is called that?”

  “No, just the hotel.”

  “Oh, I’ve never heard of it.”

  “I’ll share the video tape with you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I know they purchased another hotel next door and added it to the existing hotel and then they also purchased the first motel in the world which is just next door. I’m not exactly sure what they are going to do with it, but I do ask that you take some photos and do as many paintings as it is in its original state before it is changed. The art could be considered paintings of a historical treasure. It doesn’t hurt art when you aim at an audience. Our audience will be in that case, those who enjoy historical art.”

  “I can do that.”

  “That is one of the reasons why I preferred you to stay here. There is so much history here, so much beauty. And…we have so little time to get it all.

  “How about this Mill House? It seems so historical as well, so old, so quaint.”

  “Actually, this building opened in 1988. But the bearings and the cast iron hubs are over 100 years old. The miller will take you on tour at your request.”

  “Well,” Heather picked up her gray jacket and put it on. “What would you like me to do first? The ocean, the motel, this hotel, the gazebo here, the mill?”

  “Let’s see?” Linda Sue was laughing. “There are seven days in a week. That’s only five things. And I do believe in one day off a week or so. That gives you an extra day. Can you get it all done in a week? Don’t forget, I also have Hearst Castle in mind; that is, the surrounding ocean areas.”

  “Of course,” Heather was close to laughing aloud as well. “What a taskmaster. About the cost, I know you said you prefer to save your money and mine, but for what? Aren’t you important enough for the best? And it will only be for a short time. I had already allocated the profit from your first sold painting that I purchased in Scotland to take care of this.”

  “I do hate to spend foolishly and certainly don’t expect you to do so either. But I do love it here.”

  “Like I said, it won’t be for long. I have a lot of work done already and I am looking for a helper to get it finished. You are worth it.”

  “You haven’t told me why you’re here so early. Did I?”

  “Stop, Heather. You’ve done nothing wrong. I just couldn’t wait to tell you I already sold the first painting you did that is for your own profit.”

  “You did?” Heather squealed with delight.

  “Yes, and look what I got for it.” Linda Sue held out a sizable check.

  “But, what about your commission? This is so much.”

  “I already took it out. I told you your paintings would sell well here. Now, you can go out shopping for new clothes. Sweetie, you got to get into something other than those drab outfits you brought with you. Have you never heard of color? What about those darling plaids I’ve seen worn in Scotland. All I’ve seen your wear is a black and a few shades of gray.”

  “I feel as if I should wear mourning.”

  “Stop, Heather. Even widows stop mourning after a year. I know it hasn’t been that long, but you are not a widow. You didn’t even get married.”

  A tear escaped Heather’s green eyes. “No, we didn’t marry, but we would have.”

  “But you didn’t. From what you told me, he made his choice. Look, let’s go down to the restaurant and have breakfast. Time to stop talking about sad things. Especially now, with your first sale. I am so sure I was right about you. Soon, everyone will be saying your name, Heather MacIntosh, the artist.”

  “Yes, we can go.” Heather finished making the bed.

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “Yes, I know, but I feel I should help the maid. She is so sweet. Just one more minute. I have to turn off the fireplace and the Jacuzzi.

  “Okay, let’s go. I’m starving and I am sweet too.”

  “Yes, yes, you are. Fine, let’s get going.” Heather picked up a dark gray sweater.

  “Do you want to put on some makeup or something?” Linda Sue asked.

  “No, I’m fine without all that?”

  “Did you ever wear any makeup at all? It’s not like you need it, but every woman looks better with some makeup, perfume, etc.”

  “It’s not for me. Not now.”

  “Oh no, still with the mourning. Someday, that does have to stop.”

  “Heather looked sheepish. “I will. It’s just taking time. Please try to understand.”

  “I will. I do. I will give you some more time, but when you look good, you feel better. I bet you were a knockout when you were with your young man.” Linda Sue opened the door.

  As they left the room, Heather gave her words some thought. Linda Sue thought she had been a knockout. What did she look like now? Perhaps she should look more closely into the mirror instead of rushing past it, afraid of what she might see.

  Together they walked down the stairs through the Mill House gift shop, out past the huge water wheel and on through the garden. The colors were spectacular on the crisp April morning. A short walk past the antique station wagon in the driveway in front of the lobby and up the slight hill. The entrance to the restaurant, gift shop, was ablaze with the colorful flowers.

  “I can’t believe that just one gardener takes care of this whole place.” Heather gestured towards all the plants.

  “They have had that one gardener for years and he does have some part time helpers. It is amazing, isn’t it?” Linda agreed.

  “I haven’t eaten at the restaurant yet.”

  “Why not? Where have you been eating?”

  “I just haven’t been that hungry. I have eaten here and there. Picked up a few things at the local market.” As if to change the subject quickly, “Have you eaten here?”
/>   “Oh, yes, yes, many times, every chance I get. I love their food. The hardest part about their menu is what to try first. One of my favorites is their apple cider baked beans.”

  “Baked beans?” Heather asked. “For breakfast?”

  “No, silly goose. It’s just the flavor. They are so, so good. I would love to beg for the recipe, but that would be useless, I’m sure. I’ve tried to figure it out. I know there are beans, like baked beans. I’m sure they add apple cider and I think I detect some minute pieces of apple. There also seems to be pecans. It blends so well, I can’t discern the flavors exactly. Actually, if they did have them on the menu for breakfast, I’d go for it.”

  “Not me.”

  “Speaking of which,” the girls went up the stairs from the enchanting gift shop to the restaurant, “what are you going to have for breakfast? I’m getting worried about you. I don’t see you putting on any weight.”

  “I know, I know.”

  Linda paused and gave her name at the podium requesting a table in the gazebo. “Don’t “I know, I know”? I know too. You never seem to take time to eat when you are working. It looks like you are losing weight and with your frame, you can little afford it. Now, me.”

  “You look fine.”

  “Sure,” Linda Sue patted her hips. “I wouldn’t mind losing a little on the hips as long as I keep the bust, but not your way. You’re starving yourself to death.”

  “Your table is almost ready, Miss Key.” The hostess let them know.

  “No, I’m just not hungry much.”

  “Good excuse, but it won’t fly.”

  “Won’t fly? What does that mean?” Heather asked.

  “It’s one of our many illogical colloquialisms. It means it doesn’t sound right.”

  The hostess led them through the restaurant out the back area to the indoor gazebo. There were many tables around the round perimeter of the room with a few in the center. The many windows around the room showed views of the abundant garden, so perfect in April. Within moments of being seated, a very personable waitress came up to them asking for their beverage choice.

  “Coffee, quick, please.” Linda gasped playfully, as their pretty blonde waitress, Kim, smiled.

  “I’ll have a cuppa.”

  The waitress looked inquisitively.

  “I’m sorry. A cup of tea, no cream, no sugar and no lemon.”

  “All you have to do is ask for a cup of tea, plain. Now that’s not all you are going to have, is it?”

  “Well, perhaps later, I’ll have….”

  “I know. Nothing. Heather, to be blunt, I have a lot of money invested in you and your art. I can’t afford to have you die on me, not yet anyway. Maybe in twenty paintings or so.” Linda laughed. “No, no, make that thirty---um—five,”

  “By that time, you’ll have me weigh a few hundred pounds.”

  “No, not really. I am concerned. I know you are grieving. But it’s time to start living your life.”

  “Are you ready to order or shall I give you a few more minutes?”

  “We’ll order.” Linda took over. “I’ll have crab cakes eggs Benedict with a fresh baked blueberry muffin. No wait a minute; that is served on an English muffin. I’ll have the fresh fruit.”

  “And you?” Kim inquired.

  Heather lowered her eyes so as not to see Linda Sue’s possible glare.

  “What I wouldn’t do for some bangers (English sausage and mash (mashed potatoes) or mealie pudding (Scottish oatmeal sausage). I guess we never forget our “comfort foods, do we? Okay, the nearest thing to it is the apple sausage with eggs over medium. And, uhm, oh, good, scones (baked or grilled like biscuits)”

  “Speaking of apple, I have to ask. Your name is MacIntosh. Does it have anything to do with the apple?”

  For the first time in a long time, Heather burst out laughing. “No, no. Actually, the name is a war cry, pronounced Mac In Tosh.”

  “Oh, I see. And the silver pin you wear; is that from your clan?”

  “Yes it is. It’s a wild cat and the words say, “Touch not the cat bot a glove". It means that someone of my clan is like a wild cat. So be careful when dealing with this wild cat.”

  “Too bad you aren’t really a wild cat. You would fight harder to take control of your life.”

  “Honestly, Linda Sue, I’ve done more to live my own life in the past months than I ever did when I lived in Rosehearty. Scotland is up to date in many, many ways, but too many of our women are old-fashioned, especially in the villages like mine. The man is the ruler of the home.”

  “I have to admit, we have a great many women in this country who fail to take over their own lives.”

  “Not you. You are more independent than any woman I have ever known. I admire that.”

  “One more small thing I can’t quite understand about you, if you don’t mind.”

  “No, I don’t mind. Might as well get it all out and done with. What is it?” Heather gave Linda Sue a big smile.

  “It’s your accent. I did spend quite a bit of time all around Scotland and everyone there has that delightful way of speaking. You, however, don’t have as much an accent although you do use some of the Scottish phrases and words.”

  “Ah, that is simple. My mum was actually born in Boston, Massachusetts and left in her teens when her father was stationed in Scotland. He was a merchant seaman. So she really didn’t have much of an accent when she was raising me. In fact, her American and especially Bostonian accent was what attracted my father to her.”

  “That must have been difficult. From what little I know of the Bostonian accent, they drop their r’s and Scots roll them. You managed to get in-between their opposing languages.”

  “That’s me. Neither here nor there.” Heather almost laughed.

  “Here comes our breakfast. So no more mutual fan club. I can hardly wait to get to this meal.”

  “Is there anything else I can get for you?” the waitress asked.

  “As a matter of fact, Kim, there is something you can get for me.” Linda Sue ventured.

  The attractive blonde waitress raised her eyebrows slightly. “What would that be?” She was always so pleasant and helpful.

  “I desperately need a man.”

  “Don’t know if I can help you there.”

  “Not that kind.” Linda Sue laughed aloud. “My carpenter had some major family problem in L.A. and he left me with just a little more work to complete my guest room. It’s so close to being done; almost any man will do as long as he knows what a hammer is without using a tool dictionary.”

  “Off hand, I don’t know of anyone, but if I hear of anyone, I will let you know.”

  “Thank you, Kim.”

  They ate almost in silence with the few exceptions of an intermittent mmmm and yum from Linda Sue who was thoroughly enjoying her meal.

  Heather had eaten her scone right away with a bit of orange marmalade, but wasn’t touching her sausage, eggs or potatoes.

  “That’s not enough,” said Linda Sue reaching over to cut the eggs and sausage in half. “Now, finish this half and I’ll be happy. Okay?”

  Heather grimaced. She really didn’t want any more. But she knew her friend was right. She was losing too much weight. Soon, she wouldn’t have a choice as to whether to buy new clothes or not. She tried and managed to get almost the entire half down.

  Satisfied, Linda Sue suggested that they go back to Heather’s room to discuss the day’s trip to see the suggested ocean scenes. “I’ll take a cup of coffee with me. How about you? Tea?”

  “No. I do have a hot water warmer and some tea bags with a cup in my room. A good Scot is always prepared for a cuppa.”

  “Don’t take this wrong, but could it be you are a bit thrifty?”

  “Always, raised that way. But don’t let my uncle Alex hear you say that. He gets furious when anyone implies that the Scots are cheap.”

  “Your uncle Alex?”

  “Mhmm. My favorite uncle. He may be far away traveli
ng all over Scotland, but he is always on my mind. As a child, we always heard his opinions, but delighted when he brought us little sweeties.”

  “Sweeties? Could that be candy treats?”

  “Right, and cookies and such.” They were going up the stairs in the Mill House.

  “Oh, I love this maroon colors in this room,” Linda Sue gestured around the ornate room as they entered.

  “My artist eye appreciates the paisley patterns on the maroon wallpaper while the bed covers are plain. And did you see this?” Heather reached under the bed.

  “What on earth are you looking for? Dust bunnies?”

  “I don’t know what a dust bunny is, but have you ever seen anything like this?” she held up a folded card. “It says yes, we have cleaned under the bed. Isn’t that adorable?”

  “Yes, as many times as I’ve been here, I’ve never seen that. Let’s go in front of the fireplace and I can enjoy my coffee while we look over the maps of where I believe you should go today to photograph scenes.”

  Heather flipped on the switch to the fireplace and cleared the golden table runner and knick-knacks off the coffee table. Linda Sue spread out a map.

  “Here is where we are.” She pointed to the area next to Highway 101. Follow this route and you will be in Morro Bay next to Morro Rock. It’s a big one. And here is a set of directions I got off the Internet with more specific instructions.” She handed her a few papers. On this first trip, just take photos of what looks good to you. Morro Rock is always good for a few paintings.”

  I am sure I can manage. My home town was quite small, but I went to the big town of Aberdeen a few times.” Heather smiled.

  “Okay, I’ll stop being motherly. For now. Here are the keys to the gray Toyota in the parking lot, right next to the lobby. I had it delivered here this morning. It’s a rental for as long as it is needed. Now, are you sure you can handle driving our way?”

  “I’m sure.”

  “If you have any problems, I will hire a driver for you.” Receiving a “look”, Linda Sue continued. “Okay, go, take your photos and….”

  Heather gave her another inquisitive look.

  “Have some lunch.”