You asked me what I read. Well, I’ll read just about anything but the majority of the time, I read romance like your sisters. I love all types, and your sisters are right. There are a lot of subgenres. I am currently reading a paranormal series that includes shifters of all kinds. The current book has a couple where the man is a lumberjack who shifts into a grizzly bear. Don’t laugh. Okay, well, maybe don’t laugh too hard. I love how he really listens to her and makes her feel special with the little things. I’ve always found the little gestures in life mean more than the grand, public ones. They show the person you really know them and get who they are.
You asked about a perfect day, and to me that really depends on a couple of factors. Shit, Nicky is right. I can’t ever give a simple answer, can I? If I’m by myself, a perfect day would be cuddled up under one of my blankets with Tyger and a great book, or maybe trying out a new recipe. If I’m with someone else, then to me it’s more about spending time with them and not so much what we’re doing. I’ve had some of the best laughs in my life just hanging out with friends and doing mundane things like grocery shopping. What’s your idea of a perfect day? Do you have a girlfriend or boyfriend out here waiting for you? I know you aren’t married as Ma has told me none of her boys are.
I think it’s great that you’re learning to read music and the way to play a guitar. What type of music do you like to play, and do you sing as well? Is there one song that gets to you and either makes you emotional or cry? I’m not a big crier, but “You Are My Sunshine” will always hold a special spot in my heart. My dad sang that to me whenever I stayed with him, and it was time to go to bed. When I got older and right before he went away, he would sing it around a fire. I know I wasn’t planned or wanted, but he never made me feel like it. I also know my coming into this world caused his to change forever. But he always told me that he wouldn’t change it for anything and he would forever be grateful for the sunshine in his life (me). Just thinking about that and the fact that he won’t let me hire someone for an appeal makes me cry. Wow, I can’t believe I just shared that with you. Not even Nicky knows about the song. I guess I feel freer writing to you. I hope I’m not rambling too much here. I think I also get my stubbornness from my dad. Like his refusing to let me hire a new attorney to appeal that I mentioned before. I know my dad isn’t a law-abiding citizen and has done some horrible things in his life, but I also know in my soul that he didn’t do the crime he was put away for.
Focus, Jane. Seriously, if I’m writing too much, I won’t be hurt if you tell me. I’ve been told on more than one occasion that I can never answer a question with just a yes or no.
Okay, back to the questions. My favorite thing to bake would be my pecan roll. Think sticky buns but in a Bundt pan with ooey-gooey yumminess. The recipe is easy and was my aunt’s. My other favorite thing to cook would probably be either my carrot or chocolate cake. In terms of savory things, pasta is one of my favorite things in the world. Mexican is a close second. Good chips and salsa are my jam and only come in second to warm sourdough bread and butter. Good Lord, no wonder my ass doesn’t stop jiggling when I stop moving. I just described about a million calories and grams of fat. Oh well, one needs to enjoy and savor life.
Anyway, I have rambled all over the place today, so if you’re still reading, I applaud you. I have a few questions for you.
What is something you didn’t realize you would miss, but really do? Do you work as a mechanic like your brothers or do you have another line of work you do? Do you have a favorite movie or TV show? I hope you have made it through this exceedingly long letter and haven’t sworn off writing to me.
Hope to hear from you,
Jane
PS. Are you a Star Trek or Star Wars fan? Yes, there is a right answer to that.
Holy shit, she wasn’t kidding. This woman can jump topics as fast as the weather changes in Washington. I love that she felt she could share so much with me. I wonder if Pa knows who her dad is. I’m gonna have to ask him in the next letter I write to him. I’m glad Juan dropped the bomb on her. Hopefully, she’s willing to spend some time with them over the next eighty-one days, so when I get out, we can actually take her out. I better write her back while all my thoughts are at the front of my mind.
Dear Jane,
First off, I loved the long letter. We have a lot of time with nothing to do here, so I’m always happy to have something to read. I can’t promise you long letters back as I don't usually have a lot to say, but I will answer all the questions you want to ask me.
So let’s address your question in your PS first. I agree with you in that there is a right answer. I will die on the hill that Star Wars is in a galaxy far, far away from the much lesser Star Trek. Please tell me you feel this way or I’m going to have to reconsider our friendship.
I’ll get to the biggest question of your letter. Yes, Juan was serious and yes we like to share. I think the why is because the three of us make a whole. We think about things differently and feel things differently, helping to see all aspects of a situation. We know what each other is thinking most of the time and I’m sure some psychologist will say it has something to do with our childhoods and that the three of us met when we moved into the only real stable home we’d ever had. But the most honest answer I can give you is that we’ve tried relationships individually and together, and while they didn’t work out, we all felt the three of us being in a relationship together, loving the same woman, just felt right. I want to talk about what you said after that. You said you knew that Juan must be joking about being interested in you. I really hope they are both working to show you that in fact, he wasn’t joking, and we’d very much each like to go out on a date with you. I know we haven’t met in person, but between letters and being told all about you by my brothers, Ma, and Pa. I know they’re right and you definitely have my interest. Please think about it. To answer another question, no, I don’t have a girlfriend and no boyfriend.
I didn’t laugh at what you’re currently reading, as I’ve heard of shifter books from my sisters. I also have heard about blue aliens and gargoyles so I know just about anything can be turned into a romance book. I’m sure if you haven’t met them yet, you will soon as they usually drop by Ma and Pa’s fairly often. I think ya’ll would get along and have a lot to talk about. Then again,they ALWAYS have a lot to talk about.
I like to play any music that has a good story, so that tends to be older country or artists like Chris Stapleton or Townes Van Zandt. I don’t have one specific song that makes me more emotional than others, but I do like when the lyrics have a lot of feeling in them.
I haven’t decided what a perfect day for me would be, but I can tell you it probably would involve my family in some part of it. They’re the ones who have made me laugh, feel loved, and given me more than I could ever imagine.
Something I really miss is my morning coffee. Not just the actual coffee, which I definitely do, but those few minutes in the morning where you take the first few sips and can just be. No demands, no to-do list, just be and savor the warmth and deliciousness of the nectar. That I can’t wait for.
I do work as a mechanic like Jon and Juan, though I tend to work more often on some of the classic cars that come in for restoration and engine rebuilds. I like getting something that was beautiful and running great in years past back to the shining glory it once was.
In terms of movies and TV shows that are my favorite, I like a lot, but my favorite TV show would be The Office and the movie would probably be Die Hard or the Hangover series when I want a laugh. What about you?
So I have thought of a few questions before I end this letter. Did you grow up here? Do you see yourself living here long term? Is there anything that scares the crap out of you? Word to the wise, don’t point out a spider to Jon or you might hear him shriek like a little girl. Lol. So, I take it since your dad is who he is (Jon and Juan filled me in some) that you have ridden on the back of his Harley. Have you been on one since then? Do you miss it?
I have to be honest, I love your rambling letters and can’t wait till the next one. So you make it as long as you want and you can ask any question you want. I can’t think of any more questions at the moment, but if I do, I will write to you again.
Can’t wait for your next letter,
Rory
P.S. Please really think about saying yes to a date when I get out.
Chapter 8
Jane
The last month has flown by with work and life. One new thing is that at least three days a week, I’m joined at lunch by either Juan or Jon and on occasion both of them. It started around the beginning of the month when I brought the guys at the shop some cookies and bars as a thank you for taking time with my old SUV. Since they all seemed to love them, I’ve decided to do that weekly. It helps with my getting to try more new recipes and perfect the ones I have. And I don’t end up eating them. The young mechanic, Cain, is always quick to come out and help me bring in the treats. I think his sweet tooth could rival Jonah’s. That’s another positive development. Jonah has made great strides in the six or so weeks we’ve been working together and he’s no longer walking with a walker. We have mainly focused on his fine motor skills. He’s told me for the last week that I need to attend the family barbecue at the clubhouse. I reminded him a few times that I wasn’t family. One time Ma overheard and insisted that I come and enjoy the day. She stated that as much as I’ve helped Pa, I will always have a place at their table. She’s a force that woman, and I was actually scared to tell her no. So, I agreed only if I could bring some treats for everyone.
All of that leads me to now—a Friday night filled with baking goodies for tomorrow. On my way home from work, I stopped at the store and got the supplies I would need. Am I even my father’s daughter if I don’t try to carry all the groceries into the house in one trip? He didn’t raise no slouch.
