Inkshares

Chapter 11

Saturday rolled around, and true to his word Nick was planning to treat Dana to a different way of life in the coming days. After allowing her to sleep in for the last time, he prepared her a light lunch, served to her in the living room. He managed to complete his daily chores whilst continuing to pamper her for the last day.

At five o’clock, he stepped into the living room and stood before Dana, who was still wearing her pajamas.

“Supper’s going to be outside tonight. There’s a dress code, meaning you have to get dressed,” he proclaimed with no room for negotiating. “Also, tomorrow, things are going to be different. Get your mind right. I’m not going to take it easy on you anymore.”

“Are you mad at me?”

“Of course not. I told you when you got here that I’d give you a week to sulk. Time’s up. The new and improved you is getting up early tomorrow.”

“How early?”

“We rise with the sun around here. No clocks, just the rhythm of the natural world.”

“What am I supposed to do all day?” Dana scoffed.

“I’ve got chores to spare. Especially getting ready for fall and winter. You need to spend time outside, walk the dogs or go jogging or something. And you’re going to start writing or doing some sort of work. You can weave baskets for all I care. You’re just not going to sit around doing nothing all day.” Nick turned to leave the room, then stopped. “Food’ll be ready in about two hours. Feel free to use the time to clean up, or help out.”

Dana reported to the kitchen washed and dressed in jeans and a white blouse at six thirty. She had done her hair and applied makeup for the first time since arriving. Nick noticed immediately but did a poor job of hiding his shock.

“Good enough?” Dana asked, noting the surprised look on his face.

“Yeah. You look lovely.”

“Thanks.”

“Want to help? You can get the table set outside.”

“Okay.”

Dana set the table while Nick finish preparing the meal. He fixed kebabs of various game meats and garden fresh vegetables, fresh baked dinner rolls, a garden salad, and as a surprise, strawberry cobbler with homemade ice cream for desert. He was quick to point out how much of the food was wild or homegrown rather than store bought when presenting the various dishes to Dana.

And so they ate. Nick sipped ice cold beer from the keg in the kitchen, Dana opted for wine instead. One glass, then another. The bottle was empty when the food ran out, but still the friends sat and talked. They joked and laughed. They were happy.

“I know just what this calls for,” she said smiling, “I’ll be right back.”

Dana rose and ran into the house, leaving Nick to wonder what she was up to.

A moment later she came back through the door carrying Nick’s guitar and mandolin.

“Music!” She was beaming with excitement. “I didn’t know which one would be better.” She set both instruments down on the table. “Will you play me something?”

“That’s probably not a good idea,” Nick sighed. “Those things tend to bring about sadness.”

“Art is all about feeling. The whole range of emotions. Of all people you should know that.”

“Alright, well, you just remember that later.”

Nick spun around backwards on the bench and grasped the neck of the guitar. He lifted it into his lap and gave it a few quick strums. He checked each string’s tuning compared relative to the other strings before beginning to noodle around, playing random phrases.

“I meant a song. I thought cowboys sat around at night having sing alongs,” Dana goaded.

“Just warming up,” Nick fired back before settling into a melodic solo.

Two bars in, Dana found the beat and began tapping her toe in the air, suspended by her crossed legs. Nick’s introductory solo gave way to a subtle strumming.

“Aren’t you going to sing?” Dana begged.

“I’m an awful singer.”

“Come on. I’ll join in if I know the words.”

Nick finished the instrumental verse and played the chorus. He began to sing during the next verse.

Let us pause in life’s pleasures and count its many tears,

While we all sup sorrow with the poor;

There’s a song that will linger forever in our ears;