‘You’re not booked in here it seems. They moved you to the new motel. Did you not get our call to your mobile?’ ‘What call. Did I bloody hell ...as like get your call.’ ‘Oh I’m so sorry. The motel you want is in Hazelbottom, just a few miles up the road.’ The receptionist, seemingly unconcerned, pointed in the direction. ‘Please accept our apologies sir.’ ‘No, no wait. Are you saying I have to drive further? In this weather? Have you seen it out there lass? You wouldn’t put our dog out in that. ..”His eyes brightened. I guess he was happy to not be rebuffed on the first statement. The girl, though ... dressed shabbily, thin. Frightened. Resigned. Beaten.“Why are you selling this girl?”“She ees ... prop-er-ty. You buy her, she is yours for all things...”I caught that implication. I also caught a bit of desperation as his eyes darted around the somewhat busy parking lot.“How much?”“¿Qué?““Uh, dinero.”“Four hundred dollars.”I was stunned but kept that to myself. I figured a few thousand,. "She took a breath, "I'm sorry if you've experienced anything I've done toyou as unkind. I think I've been helpful and supportive andunderstanding to a fault."Her face reddened, her voice grew louder, "I mean, look at our livestogether, for God's sake! This was fun at first, but I can't spend myentire life trapped in your fantasy. Your life...our life, has becomeso...artificial, so claustrophobic. We can't do anything together exceptgo to places like the Old Water Mill where they accept us,. What ya writing if I may be so bold” he asked as he stepped down from his mount. “Just a story of fantasies,” she answered. ” I love to write. “Do you mind if I read a bit?” He asked. Blushing, she slowly handed him the manuscript. She watched as the faded blue denim beneath the large silver buckle between his leather chaps began to tighten. “Dreams like these should be lived my dear,” he mumbled as he read her story. “I am just the cowboy to make them happen.” He said with a smile. .