Happy birthday, Peekaboo!

[ticky]

OH Jess, Im so glad you like it. I have been working some more on it, but I need to get to a good stopping place before I add to it *G* I promise I wont leave ya hanging!!

[ticky]

Here's a little bit more story....

***************

This was a home, not just a show place to impress others. Don obviously loved beautiful things, surrounded himself with them and cared for them. She wondered about the women in his life. Was there one? Or some? Something cold and hard gripped at her stomach.
“Not your business, Jess. You’re here to work.” She told herself silently. Still, the icy cold fist around her stomach didn’t release. Don led her up the stairs and to the back of the house, turned left down a hall way then down another set of stairs to a mezzanine area that over hung a courtyard. It was green and filled with trees and plants and a small fountain that looked Spanish in design. Don opened the third door on the left and led Jess into the foyer of a large living area. It was furnished with slightly used things but very well cared for, much like the house had been. The art work on the walls weren’t originals like in the main house, but they were limited edition numbered prints. He pointed out the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, all were as nicely appointed as the main living space. Jess nearly gasped at the bed. It was brass and at least a queen size. It must had stood 4 feet off the ground with the thick comforters and pillows. She couldn’t imagine why she’d need those heavy blankets here. It was well over 90 degrees outside, although the apartment seemed to be air conditioned. Don must have noticed her examining the bed.
“It get’s pretty cold here at night. The whole complex is temperature regulated, but sometimes ya just need to wrap up in something warm.” He smiled at her. She felt herself flushing and turned away quickly pretending to be suddenly fascinated with the view from the window. From here she could see a large pasture and a barn. Farm equipment was being hauled in or out of the barn, she wasn’t sure, but she was sure she’d be getting an education on cattle ranching if she took this job. The thought stopped her for a moment. It was the first time since she’d seen the add in the paper that she’d considered not taking the position. What had changed? The apartment was beautiful, Don was charming, the ranch was everything she’s expected. The women? The possibility of women? Jess tried to shake that idea away. This was a job and what Don did with his personal time was irrelevant, but still, why had she wanted this job to begin with? It was him, it was all him.
“Uh, so, “ She turned to look at him. He was standing in the door way leaning against the door jam. He had that sideways smile and his hair was a little mussed. His eyes were the color of the bedroom walls and Jess forgot for a moment what she was going to say.
“Uh.. the studio. I’ve seen the house and the apartment, but where’s the studio?” Don stood and took a breath.
“Oh, well I thought you might want to get settled before we set into work.”
Jess cocked her head and smiled.
“Mr. Hen.. err.. Don, I’m not exactly sure about this job yet. I’m afraid you’ll have to walk me through it before I can make a decision.”
Don’s face went slack and his brows furrowed.
“Oh, Im sorry. I just assumed you were… well that’s my mistake.” He smiled. “I’m sorry, I jumped to conclusions. Please let me show you our little home.”

Don led Jess down some stairs at the end of the small walkway in front of Jess’s apartment and across the courtyard. Jess could hear birds inside the enclosed area. Compared to the landscape outside, this was Eden and she couldn’t imagine where else those birds could live if they weren’t here. They approached a large glass wall at the far end of the courtyard and Don slid a door open. It looked as if this small section of the complex hadn’t been touched since the 50s. There was shellacked hard wood paneling and the carpet was a grey looped berber that was well worn and thread bare in spots. An old wooden desk and chair sat in the corner and several gold albums hung proudly displayed on the walls. Jess grimaced at the small reception area.
Don smiled and shrugged. “Yeah, I know. But that’s why we need you. You’ll have a very generous remodeling budget!”
Jess smiled and nodded. Don led the way through a door in the back of the reception area. A small hallway led the way to another door at the back end. There were two other doors one on each side. Don opened the door to the left first. This was a small studio, maybe large enough for two or three people with a mixing booth to one end, barely large enough for one.
Don sighed “This is the small studio. You can see what I mean. All the equipment is dated, but the structure is sound, if that counts for anything.”
He led her across the hall to the next door. Behind it was a larger studio. Jess could imagine the band in here, but JUST the band, no piano or drum kit.
“Wow, you need some serious work don here, Mr. Hen… uhh Don.”
Don grinned at Jess.
“That’s why I need you, Jess.” He turned and started to walk out of the studio. “…and I hope you’ll get used to calling me Don soon. I would like us to be friends. As you can tell, this place is pretty informal and we’re a pretty close family here.”
Jess’s knees went a little weak at the idea of being friends with Don and family made her even more wobbly, or maybe it was the daunting task that lay before her of trying to make this studio something worthy of Don’s talents and that of The Eagles.
“Don, in all earnestness, what you’re proposing here would be a huge task that I am not familiar with. Im not saying I cant do it, just that it will take time and a lot of money.”
Jess was holding her hands tightly in front of her to keep them from shaking. This really was her dream job, working with great musicians in a beautiful home. Being close to Don, but she had to play this straight. She had to be sure he knew the task he was setting out for her and her qualifications, or lack there of, before she undertook this job.
Don walked up to her and put his hands on her shoulders. He looked deep into her eyes.
“I know that if there is anyone on this planet who is capable of making this work, it is you. Maybe a music studio is new to you, but I’ve reviewed your references and qualifications. I know you’re the woman I need.”
Jess was looking up into his blue eyes and her knees buckled a little. Don caught her.
“Whoa!, Im sorry.” He grinned at her and she stumbled again.” You okay? It’s my fault. That long plane ride and the car trip, throwing all this at you. Im sorry. Let’s go get a cold drink and we can go over the budget a little. Then you can tell me what you think.”
Jess nodded. There was no way she could say no to him and she felt a little queasy at the idea of not being able to make this work. She wasn’t used to feeling doubtful about her abilities and she felt like a small hurricane was twisting in her stomach, or was that Don’s arms around her waist? She stood on her own and brushed her hair back from her face.
“No, Im..Im sorry. You’re right, it must have been the long trip, and I have to admit the task here is rather over-whelming but I am sure I can make it work.” Her voice held a lot more conviction then she was feeling.
Don grinned. “Good. Let’s go find some thing cold and wet.”

[EagleLady]

I can imagine Don's arms around my waist

[Lisa]

Happy Birthday!

[EagleLady]

I see we have another Lisa. Welcome to the border!

[Lisa]

Hi. Thanks for all of the the welcomes!

[Peekaboo]

Welcome from me too, Lisa!!! And thanks for the Happy Birthday. Hope you stick around the Border. There's lots of great photos, discussions, and great people. Enjoy!!


Another great add to the story, Rhonda. I love it!! You are so good at this stuff. I wish I had that kind of talent.