Return to Virgin River (Virgin River #19)(11)

“Mew,” came the answer.





* * *



It was nearly lunchtime when Kaylee walked into Jack’s Bar. There were quite a few people gathering. She saw Mel sitting up at the bar while Jack stood behind it so she went to the stool beside Mel.

“Well, hey there, I was just getting ready to give you a call. That Realtor I told you about, Gloria Patterson, has a few rentals in the area she’d be happy to show you, if you’d like,” Jack said.

“Did she happen to describe them at all?” Kaylee asked.

“Not really,” he said. “Except to say they were pretty nice, a couple had porches, one in town here and the others scattered around the hills. You want some lunch?”

“I don’t suppose you have salad?”

“They’ve gotten pretty good with salads once the population of women grew a little and we were all getting fat on Preacher’s food,” Mel said.

“How about a half a sandwich and a salad,” Jack offered.

“I could do that. And I’ll call the Realtor. Maybe this situation will get resolved soon, but I have to say, that little casita is awfully nice. Mel, I wonder if I could impose on you to borrow your washer? I have a small load of laundry.” She didn’t want to mention it was a load of sheets with the comforter. She was afraid they’d throw her out. That kitten was small enough so the spot barely showed, but still...

“Of course,” Mel said. “The back door is unlocked and the laundry room is between the garage and kitchen.”

“And the dog?”

“Ralph won’t bother you, except maybe to ask for a pet or treat. He’s very quiet and good-natured. Now, hurry and call Gloria,” Mel urged. “I’m dying to know what she’s got.”

“Me, too,” Kaylee said. She looked at the number Jack had written on a small slip of paper and keyed it into her phone.

“Gloria Patterson, please. This is Kaylee Sloan.” Then she began a series of questions. Are the houses furnished? Is there a view or at least pretty surroundings? How many bedrooms? Is the kitchen modern? Fireplace? Central heat? Available for six months? How are the utility bills handled? What’s the rent? And finally, “I’d be happy to meet you at three. That’s perfect.”

Then she relayed what she’d learned to Mel and they began to chat about everything related to living in the area—what some of the neighboring towns had to offer, where to go antiquing if Kaylee was into that sort of thing, what the fruit and vegetable stands along the road and the farmers market in Fortuna had to offer.

“Soon it will be cool enough for soups,” Mel said. “I’m a lousy cook but Jack is amazing and Preacher better still. But I still love the farmers market and if I bring home a big box of beautiful fruits and vegetables, Jack can turn it into something delicious.”

“I think that after I settle on a house I should look around to rent a Jack!”

“I have no advice on where to find one,” Mel said. “He took me by surprise.”

Somewhere in a conversation punctuated by laughter, Jack brought lunch for both of them.

“I’d love to hear about your work,” Mel said.

While they ate, Kaylee explained that she wrote suspense novels, the kind that made you wonder what that sound was in the dark of night, the kind that made you check the locks.

“I’ll go to the bookstore,” Mel said. “I love to read, it’s my primary relaxation, but I warn you—I only read the kind of books you write when I’m feeling very brave and secure.”

“What do you usually read?” Kaylee asked.

“I love romance and love stories. In my work, I require happy endings. And hopefulness. I like to read about people working things out.”

“You do know they’re fictional people working things out...”

“Not when I’m reading them,” Mel said. “After you get yourself settled in, if you find you need supplies or clothes or just want to look around, I’d be happy to tag along. I have to plan, though. I have patients to see and the kids, but Jack is great at backing me up in the kid department. My sister-in-law next door helps. She works at home and has a daughter and the cousins keep each other busy. We could shop and lunch, either in one of the bigger towns or check out the stuff in the villages that are a little more remote.”

“Assuming I’ll get settled in...”

“Excuse me,” a deep male voice said.

Kaylee looked up into the gorgeous blue eyes of a handsome man. Her mouth formed an O.

“Hey, Landry,” Mel said.

“Hey, Mel,” he returned. “Forgive me for eavesdropping, but I take it you’re looking for a rental.”

“I’m looking at some this afternoon, as a matter of fact,” Kaylee said, a little distracted by the blueness of his eyes.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket. “If you don’t find what you’re looking for, I have a house I rent out from time to time. My dad and I lived on adjoining properties and after he passed away, I moved into his house because it’s bigger. The house I’m renting is really nice. It’s only seven years old and small but comfortable. If you want to see it, I can give you directions.”

“You’ll be home later?”