His heavy boots clomped down the stairs and when the truck door slammed, she shook. Sobs dropped her to her knees where she stayed. The engine roared as he raced away from the ranch. "Why did I push him? Dammit. This is wrong, all wrong." She slapped the wooden floor. "All was fine until I demanded answers. It's time I learned something."
After wiping her eyes, she stood with a renewed energy to get answers. As she drove out-of-town, she questioned her sanity, but realized this was the only place to get answers.
As she sat in the parking lot of the Junction, she stared at the brown clapboard building that looked ready to collapse with a single breath. She shivered with disgust. "Why wasn't this place condemned?" she asked, getting out of the car. "Wonder if it's true about it being roach infested." She gingerly grabbed the door handle with her fingertips. "This is disgusting. I can't believe he's staying here. I can't believe I'm going inside."
She hesitated in knocking, but knew if she turned back now she would never find the courage to confront him. Without taking a breath, she knocked. "Wondered when you'd stop by," he said, opening the door wider.
"Tell me the truth, Scott," Caitlin said not moving an inch. "The first night we met, you said we had to talk. I'm ready."
"What are you on? I told you, I came here to start a new life. I wanted to talk to you about a job and my future. I thought you would be involved in it, but now." His hazel eyes bore into her, as if searching for the key to unlock her soul. "You have to choose Caitlin-a dream love or a real one." His fingers caressed her cheek and she brushed his hand away. "When you decide, let me know."
Caitlin stood in the dark narrow hall and laughed. "You wanted to discuss a relationship with someone you didn't know? That's funny. Who told you about me?" She paused, but when she realized he was not going to say anything she continued. "You have facts, but you know nothing about the person inside. Go back to Texas, Scott. I will not be in an explosive and dangerous relationship. I need stability and love."
"Old-fashioned," he said, with a hint of sarcasm. "This whole town lives in the dark ages. Grow up, Caitlin." They stared at each other as if playing the game to see who would blink first. She tried desperately to find the path she had trod yesterday, but it was blocked. The detour took her to an unrecognizable place.