Taste Of Love

CHAPTER 3

When the whistle sounded for the shift change, Jason positioned himself on a massive rock outside the Company, prepared to intercept Alan upon his exit.

As the sun began to set, the Rocky Mountain air grew noticeably colder, causing Jason to feel the chill seep through his thick wool jacket within seconds of sitting down. Despite the shudder that gripped him, he couldn't help but feel grateful.

Against the dusky sky, the silhouettes of scraggly spruce and cedar trees stood out, their only connection to the rocky earth being a few long roots.

The crisp air, damp with a fine mist of rain, carried the scent of evergreen and chimney smoke from the scattered houses further down the mountain. Although darkness hadn't fully descended, the faint glow of lantern light illuminated the windows of these dwellings, casting a cheerful radiance upon the otherwise dreary gray of the early autumn mist.

Squinting against the glare, Jason attempted to discern the faces behind the bright yellow beams.

"Hello, Mr. Vaccaro! Howdy, Mr. Vaccaro," the surprised greetings echoed repeatedly as the weary, dirt-covered workers emerged from the darkness, extinguishing their headlamps as they exchanged words.

Jason greeted each and every one of them, making sure to address them by their names. Being a company owner, Jason had mastered the art of instilling loyalty in his employees. He understood that the crew foremen couldn't be present everywhere, and if his workers perceived him as a wealthy and disrespectful individual, they would lack motivation.

A few of the men paused to engage in small talk. Jason, while being courteous, maintained a certain level of professionalism, neither appearing distant nor overly friendly. It was important for him to remind his employees, even for a brief moment, that he was their superior.

Finally, Alan Brooks appeared. He was a stout man, dressed in waterproof trousers and a thick wool coat that made him resemble a bear. Brooks seemed surprised to come across Jason and greeted him respectfully, addressing him as Mr. Vaccaro.

"Nice to see you, Mr. Brooks," Jason greeted, extending his hand. "You're the person I've been eagerly waiting to meet. If you have a few minutes to spare, I would like to have a conversation with you."

Brooks wiped his hand on his coat to remove any dirt and then reached out to shake hands, pumping Jason's arm up and down.

"What is it that you want to discuss with me?" Brooks inquired. "I hope it's not about my job performance."

"No, nothing of that sort," Jason reassured him. "I have a proposal for you, Alan. Something I would prefer to discuss privately, if you don't mind. I thought, maybe, you would allow me to buy you a drink at the Golden Slipper."

"So, you have something important to talk about?" Alan questioned.

"It's indeed important," Jason confirmed. "Shall we go and get that drink?"

Alan smiled and walked alongside Jason. In certain areas, the path was so steep and narrow that Jason had to walk behind in a single file. With each step they took, the darkness grew thicker. By the time they reached the bottom of the hill, they could no longer clearly see a few men who were walking some distance ahead of them.

Jason scanned the surroundings, his eyes fixed on the path ahead as he contemplated how to approach the delicate topic he wanted to discuss. As they strolled along Diamond, the bustling main street of the town, they veered to the right, heading towards the Golden Slipper, the third gambling establishment on the opposite side of the road. The sound of a piano playing and occasional bursts of laughter filled the air. As the sun began to set, the saloons around Golden Rock came alive with activity.

"I happened to come across your daughter today," Jason began, breaking the silence. "She was in the churchyard, captivating the orphans with her storytelling. I couldn't help but stay for a few moments to listen."

Alan nodded, a proud smile on his face. "That's my Lisa. She has a genuine love for children, that she does. But I can't help but think that it's time for her to consider settling down and starting a family of her own."

Jason seized the opportunity to express his thoughts. "Indeed, eventually she will. She's a remarkable young woman, and one day she will make a wonderful wife to someone."

Alan sighed, shaking his head in frustration. "Well, you try telling her that. She's a stubborn one, that girl. She's got these wild ideas in her head, thinking she wants to become a nun."

Jason was taken aback. "A nun?"

You understand what I'm saying. As soon as my youngest son, Derrick, becomes independent enough, she intends to join a convent. Alan shook his head again, the sound of his light and lunch pail clattering as he walked heavily.

Please don't misinterpret me. Although I was raised Greek Orthodox, I raised my children to be devout Roman Catholics. It was a promise I made to my late wife, may she rest in peace.

He quickly made the sign of the cross and blew a kiss off his dirty knuckles. I can assure you, there was never a more precious woman than her. And I have no regrets about raising our children in the church, as it was her dying wish.

To be honest, I don't have any objections to one of my children pursuing a religious vocation. It's a noble calling, whether it's becoming a priest or a nun. It's just that in Lisa's case, it seems like a terrible mistake to me.

Jason almost uttered Amen. If he had been a religious person, he might have. I concur. She doesn't strike me as someone who would choose to become a nun.

Alan made a discontented noise in the back of his throat. She isn't, and that's a fact. She is too fond of her material possessions. I keep telling her that, but she has the stubbornness of a little Missouri mule, just like her mother.

He made the sign of the cross and blew another kiss into the darkness. May God rest her soul.

Jason took a deep breath, his thoughts suddenly tangled. A nun?

Goodness gracious.

You know, Alan, a young woman like Lisa has more options than just getting married or entering a convent. That's why I requested to speak with you tonight. I have a proposal to make to you, as I mentioned, and it involves your daughter.

Alan gave him a curious look. What kind of proposal?

Jason hesitated for a moment before speaking. Firstly, I want to emphasize that... He paused, unsure of how to delicately phrase his next words. He had never been one to beat around the bush.

Alan, even if you manage to convince Lisa not to enter the convent and instead get married, there's a high chance she'll end up with a poor man and six hungry children clinging to her every step.

It's a rare occurrence for a girl from the Golden Rock to have the opportunity to marry well or improve her financial situation. The proposition I'm about to make will give your daughter that chance. If you give your approval, she will become a wealthy woman, never lacking anything in life. And the same goes for you.

Brooks' expression shifted from curiosity to caution. Why do I have a feeling that the proposition you're about to make has some indecent intentions behind it?

Jason flashed a mischievous grin. Indecent? I suppose it all depends on one's perspective.

To be frank, I am deeply infatuated with your daughter. With your consent, I would like to offer her a job position.