Three Little Words

I rode over to Cecile’s place this afternoon to see Miss Houston. I’m sorry I bothered...

‘Howdy Miss Houston.’

‘Valance!’

‘How are you feeling?’

‘Fine, a few bruises yet, but they’re fading.’

‘Cecile’s taken good care of you, huh?’

‘She’s been wonderful. And I feel much better for seeing you, I’ve missed you. You caught up with Robert?’
 
‘Yup’

‘Did…’

‘No, I just gave him a talking to he’ll never forget.’

‘I heard you got home days ago. Where’ve you been?’

‘Nowhere special; I’ve been sitting around mostly, thinking of you. Doc told me you needed more rest so I let things be. I figured you’d drop by when you were good and ready but today, well, I guess I ran out of patience.’

‘I see. Well, I suppose I should be grateful. After all you did save my life.’

‘You can shower me in grateful kisses anytime. Maybe you’d like to come over to my place and show your gratitude in the kitchen?’ 

‘Don’t you think I’ve chased you enough? It’s your turn now. I’ve been used, abused and tattooed. I need to hear I’m loved!’ 

‘Just hold on a minute, you ain’t the only one that’s been hurt. I’ve been spurned and I’ve been burned and my hand… what tattoo?’ 

‘Well that got your attention. Three little words are all I’m waiting for, three little words that’ll get you to my tattoo.’ 

‘Where…is…it?’ 

‘Grr! You’re pushing your luck, cowboy!’
 
‘Alright, take it easy; don’t get your Irish up.’ 

‘I ain’t even started yet. I thought I’d give you the chance to come clean, but since those boots of yours keep on tapping, I guess I'll have to ask; what’s this I’m hearing about the cat house?’
 
‘You heard about that huh? Well what if I did? A man’s gotta get his comforts somewhere.’ 

‘What! Why you dirty, rotten son of a…’

‘That’s enough! Listen, where I’ve been is none of your business. You had your choice and I did my bleeding inside when you took up with Robert, so don’t go casting your one-eyed judgment on me. Hell, I’ll be damned if you ain’t the dangdest, mixed up woman I ever met.’

‘Valance!’
 
‘What?’ 

‘Get out!’ 

With thanks to Houston A W Knight