Succor

After Michael left and Kyle disappeared there was only Travis and Toni, he walked back into the lounge from the wide hallway and Toni stood up.

“I’m not sure I’ve done the right thing by staying here.” She said softly.

He looked at her a moment, “I’m sure.” And in a different tone, “would you like to go see a new calf, it was just born awhile ago, Tee was witness and he’d like for you to see it.”

Toni brought totally out of herself, “yes, I would.”

He took her down to the calf barn, Tee was still there leaning over the stall. “Mrs. Roberts come and look, he was just born…it’s a boy Uncle Travis.”

“Ah well good, he’s a keeper then.”

“Oh he’s beautiful, so delicate hard to believe he’ll grow up to be a big guy.” Toni leaned beside Tee.

“He will grow up too, won’t he Uncle Travis.”

“Yes he will,” Travis smiled his arm around Tee.

“Tee, do you think you might just call me Toni?”

Tee looked at Travis who nodded, “Yes ma’am I can do that.”

Later they went back to the house for lunch Sarah and Bill were there when they came into the house. Toni went to wash her hands.

“Toni’s here, she’s going to be staying for a few days in the guest house.” Travis announced walking into the kitchen’s informal dining area.

Bill looked up and Sarah said, “I’m looking forward to meeting her.”

“She was at the BBQ.”

“Yes, I remember.” Bill caught his son’s eye.

Travis ignored his father’s suggestive remark and asked Tee if he’d washed his hands.

Toni looked at herself in the mirror over the sink in the bathroom, who was this woman? What was she doing here…so far from home?

Sarah was especially friendly through lunch and put Toni at ease. Afterward she asked her to walk down and see the house they were building.

“We knew of course as soon as Travis brought us out here that we would need our own place, but you know it was difficult at first, he was so proud of everything. It was only when he married Jan that we knew we would have to move.” Sarah chatted on as she drove down to the house.

“He has such a large house, why was it necessary to move?”

“Well Toni, I’ll tell you, Jan and I didn’t get along as we should. We both tried but we’re entirely different people.”

Toni looked out of the window, “Jan and I were becoming friends, it was…hard.”

“I can imagine it was dear. I knew of course she wasn’t right for Travis but…well I just gave up, a mother will when she sees her son happy. And he was for awhile.”

“I guess you know who I am then.”

“Yes I do, I’m really sorry things aren’t working out for you. Sometimes things aren’t meant to be as in Travis’s marriage.”

“Travis had been very kind to me through this whole thing. From day one he’s been there.”

“He’s like that, I want you to know Toni, you are welcome to stay, I know it must be awkward for you, but Travis cares a lot for you, please make yourself home here.”

“Thank you Mrs. McGee, that means a lot.”

Toni had her bath and got ready for bed, it wasn’t 10:00 yet but she was in the guest house and nothing to do, it had been an emotionally exhausting day. The doorbell rang and she got out of bed and opened the door.

“Hi, I um brought this basket of goodies Tomalee made up for you, there’s coffee and stuff for morning. Sorry I’m so late bringing it, Tee and I got into video games.” Travis smiled shyly.

“Oh, thanks.” Toni took the basket from him.

“Do you need anything? I think Tomalee had her girl come out and stock the bathroom for you.”

“Yes, I’m quite cozy here,” she looked into his eyes. “Thank you for asking me to stay.”

He looked back, “can I come in for a minute?”

Toni opened the door wide and stepped back.

“Just so you know Toni,” he stood close to her and ran his finger down her face, “I’m not just doing this for you.”

“I think I know that Travis.” She said quietly.

He took a breath and looked toward the door, “I’d better go…I don’t trust myself alone with you, good night Toni”. He lightly brushed her lips with his and left.

Toni felt for the sofa behind her and moved around and sat down placing the basket on the coffee table. She touched her lips with her fingers. Travis. She wasn’t a fool, she knew. How easy it would be to just stay here and let him take care of everything because she knew he would. She would never have to worry about anything. And how long would it be before a rumored affair became a reality, is that what she really wanted?