Page 64 of Paco
“What is it?”
He glanced at her. “It’s ‘Freewheel Burning.’ Judas Priest fucking rules.”
She laughed as he immersed himself in the song. When it came to music, she was so out of the loop. Before her life had changed, she loved pop rock and pop punk bands. Her favorites were Paramore, The Pretty Reckless, and All Time Low, but she hadn’t been able to listen to anything she wanted. The music at the strip bars she’d been forced to work at over the years would forever conjure up bad memories.
Paco got off at the next exit, then made another right, and soon they were driving down tree-lined streets surrounded by two-story, stucco and wood houses on both sides. He continued meandering around several neighborhood streets until they ended up on a road that looked like it was a set in a western movie. Two-story, red brick buildings seemed to be the norm on Main Avenue, and the only five-story buildings were two hotels on each side of the road. As they drove down the street, Chelsea could actually feel the ghosts of the past clinging to the historic structures. Surrounding the small city were the craggy peaks of the San Juan Mountains.
After turning off Main Avenue, Paco stopped in front of a two-story brick building with green awnings over the windows, a large stagecoach wagon-wheel mounted on the left façade, two white columns framing a large front porch, and a metal sign above the porch which read “Palmer Hotel.” Spruce, fir, and bare maple trees flanked the hotel, and a wooden fence curved around each side of it. A man dressed in jeans and a checkered shirt came out just as Paco got out of the car. He handed the man the keys then opened the back door and took out the two duffel bags.
Chelsea took Paco’s hand and walked up the stairs to the large wooden and brass door. Inside, the lobby was decorated in an Old West motif, furnished with period antiques, handwoven rugs, and wall-hangings. A crackling fire in a stone fireplace lent an air of coziness and casualness. Several guests sat in over-stuffed couches and chairs near the fire, reading books and sipping drinks.
“We’ve got our key,” Paco said, and she turned around and followed him up the stairs.
When Paco opened the door, the scent of cinnamon and crisp apples wafted through the air, and the first thing Chelsea saw was the view of the snow-capped mountain peaks from the large window. A fireplace was nestled in a corner, opposite a large bed covered in a colorful puff quilt, reminiscent of the ones her grandmother used to make.I wonder if Grandma is still alive.Turning away from Paco, she brushed her fingers over her eyelids, not wanting him to see the tears that threatened to escape.
“You like the room?” he asked as he placed the bags on top of a long, cherry wood dresser.
“It’s beautiful, especially the quilt.” She ran her hand over it, pressing her fingertips into the fiberfill of the eclectic squares. “My grandma taught me how to make these quilts. I wasn’t as good as she was, but it was fun to sit together and quilt in the wintertime. She’d always make these awesome sugar cookies and the best cocoa I’ve ever had.” She ran her hands through her hair. “I haven’t thought about quilting in years.”
He came up to her and curled his arms around her waist, drawing her against him. “You’ll have to make one for my nephew. My sister would love it.” He kissed the top of her head.
“I don’t know if I’d remember how to do it. I guess I could watch some tutorials on YouTube. I’m sure they have them.”
“Or you could ask your grandma to help out when you get home.”
She inhaled deeply then slowly exhaled. “I don’t know if my grandma is still living.” Paco squeezed her tighter. Not wanting to let any sadness take over the joy she’d felt before they came into the room, she dipped her head back and looked up at him. “I’m going to have to check out some of the antique stores I saw on Main Avenue. My aunt Sandy, my mom, and I used to go antique shopping once a month. I love old stuff.”
He skimmed her lips with his. “We’ll go, but first we’ve got a train to catch.”
“A train?”
“Yeah. I wanted you to see Cascade Canyon—it fucking rocks. It’s one of my favorite places to go in the summer and fall. Since it’s winter, I thought we’d take a train ride through the area. I didn’t think you’d want to snowshoe through the canyon.”
She laughed. “You thoughtright. Walking through the snow in freezing weather isn’t exactly high on my list, but I’d love to see the canyon. When do we have to be at the station?”
“Pretty soon. Freshen up if you want, and then we’ll head over. The depot is just a five minute walk from here.”
She stroked Paco’s face then tugged it down closer to hers. He met her lips with his, and they stood kissing in the middle of the room. Her body tingled; warmth, love, and happiness filled every inch of her. After so many years of degradation and anguish, Chelsea felt as though she was in the midst of a beautiful dream, one she never wanted to end. Paco made her feel happy that she was alive.
“I’ll just be a few minutes, then we can go.” She opened her bag, took out her makeup case, and went into the bathroom.
A coal-fired, steam powered locomotive pulled the train on the very same tracks that miners, cowboys, and settlers of the west traveled over a century ago. Paco had booked a private car for them, and now Chelsea was comfortably sitting in the plush, green velvet seat with her face mere inches away from the window, watching the spectacular and breathtaking scenery as the train wound around the bend of the San Juan National Forest. A gentle hush cloaked the land, and snow-dusted trees sparkled under the sun’s rays. Towering pines and snowcapped peaks made the area feel mystical to her. She could imagine the burst of color from the wildflowers in the summer or the golden hues of the aspens in autumn, and she understood why Paco loved this place so much. It offered beauty and solitude and touched the soul.And he’s sharing it with me.
A soft knock on the door had her turning toward it.
“Come in,” Paco said, and a man in black attire stood in the doorway.
“Would you like anything to eat or drink?” he asked. His outfit looked like something out of a Hollywood western.
“I’ll have a double shot of Jack.” Paco swept her hair away from her neck and breathed into her ear. “What would you like?”
Warmth spread through her. “I’ll have a Coke and a bottle of water. Oh, do you have any pretzels or nuts?”
“We have mixed nuts and pretzels. Would you like some?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
When the waiter left, she turned back to the lovely scenery. “I can see why you love it here. I bet it’s a great hike when the weather is warmer.”
