He Followed Me Home

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

"This is it," Janice said as they pulled up to the small two story brick home at the end of a long gravel road. It was nearly ten at night and dark.

"I should wait until morning. It's awful late," Wyatt said nervously.

"Nonsense. The lights are on, they're awake. Francine's parents are cool, you'll be fine. Do you want me to walk you in?"

"Weren't you planning on staying?" Wyatt asked her.

Janice shook her head, "I gotta work in the morning, Casper."

"You can't work! It'll be morning before you get back home."

Janice winked and patted him on the cheek, "I'll be fine. The brothel got me used to all-nighters," she replied. "So do you want me to walk you in?"

"No, I'll be fine," he promised. "You're sure they'll let me stay here?"

"Of course! I wouldn't leave you if I thought they'd throw you out on your ass. Besides Francine's here and you know she'll be happy to see you." Wyatt nodded but as he got out of Janice's car his nerves were eating through his stomach. No matter how many times Janice told him that Francine would be happy to see him he couldn't help but wonder if she was right. He had left Francine, he had hurt her, and while his intentions had been good he didn't know if she would really see it that way.

He grabbed his suitcase full of clothes and then walked up the stone walkway and heard Janice pull away. Wyatt wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and took a deep breath before knocking on the door. He shifted his feet nervously as he waited for the door to open. When the door did open he found himself looking at an older male version of Francine.

"Can I help you?" the man asked as he watched Janice's Bronco disappear around a curve.

Wyatt pulled off his hat and ran his hand through his hair, "Hello sir, My name's Wyatt Montgomery," Wyatt greeted as he held out his hand.

"Jackson Ryan," the man replied as he shook Wyatt's hand and Wyatt knew this must be Francine's father. "It's awful late Mr. Montgomery."

"I apologize, sir, and I know this is going to sound a bit odd but I'm actually here to see Franny."

"Franny?"

"Uh, I mean Francine."

"Our Francine has a caller?" a feminine voice said from inside and then a middle aged petite brunette pushed her way past Jackson. "Wow, aren't you a tall drink of water?" she asked as he eyes scanned him up and down.

Wyatt cleared his throat awkwardly and couldn't help but think about how much women had changed in the last one hundred and fifty years, "Is Francine here?" he asked even though he knew her car was sitting out in the driveway.

"She's sleeping," the woman replied. "My name is Gretchen. I know the name is dreadful but by the time I got old enough to change it, I suppose it had grown on me. Why don't you come on in cowboy and take a load off those boots. Is Franny expecting you?" she asked, her dark eyes crinkling around the sides when she smiled.

Wyatt smiled at this woman's warmth and kindness. She was a little on the odd and excitable side but after getting to know Janice he was used to things like that, "Thank you, ma'am." Wyatt said as he walked in and Francine's parents led him to the long floral couch in the wood paneled living room. There were deer heads and family pictures hanging from the wall and a small fire burning in the stone fireplace. Wyatt shook his head as he turned back to face the couple, "Francine won't be expecting me, no."