Return to Virgin River (Virgin River #19)(5)

“Thank you, that’s very nice.”

“We have a fire-victims committee. You know—food, clothing, that sort of thing.”

“Fortunately, I hadn’t moved in yet, so I didn’t lose anything.”

“It can still be unsettling.”

She just smiled at him, thinking that was so sensitive.

One of them held the door for her and she stepped inside. And looked around.

It was almost a town in a room. A couple of elderly women sat at a table by the hearth. An entire family with five small children occupied a long table. A half-dozen men leaned against the bar at one end. Two middle-aged couples occupied a table, laughing and talking over their drinks. A table for four held women who were knitting while they nursed beers and wine. A woman was hustling from the back with a full tray of food and there were a couple of men behind the bar—one very handsome man in his late forties or early fifties with just a smattering of silver threaded into his brown hair and another man with coal-black hair, also sporting just a hint of gray.

She went to the end of the bar and sat on a stool. The handsome brown-haired guy was before her at once, wiping off the bar and slapping down a napkin.

“Evening,” he said. “What can I get you?”

“Any chance you have a nice, cold chardonnay and some peanuts?”

“I can do that,” he said.

“And is there a guy named Jack around?”

He turned back abruptly. “That would be me.”

“Ah. Well, I was headed for the Templetons’ house when everything fell apart. The fire department had just put out the fire as I was arriving. So now here I am, homeless for the moment. I spoke to Gerald Templeton and he asked me to tell you hello. And he said you might have some good ideas about where I should spend the night. A good motel or hotel not too far away?”

“The fire!” Jack said. “I heard about that. Damn it, that’s a nice house. The Templetons are great people.”

“They’re very old friends,” she said. “I’ve known them since I was about six.”

“Let me get your wine, then we can talk.” He busied himself behind the bar for just a moment and before returning to her with the wine, he spoke over his shoulder. “Mike, back me up, will you?”

“Absolutely,” Mike said.

He put down the wine and a bowl of nuts appeared. He reached under the counter and pulled out a second bowl holding pretzels. They shook hands, introducing themselves. “So, were the Templetons coming up for a while?” Jack asked.

“They weren’t planning to. I don’t know if their plans will change, given the damage to their house. I was renting it from them. I needed somewhere quiet with a change of scenery so it was to be mine for six months, though it was possible someone from the family might come for a weekend visit.”

“And now you’re stuck here with no house?”

“That about sums it up. I rented out my house in Newport, so just going back home is not an option; my renters couldn’t wait to get in there. Fortunately, I have friends in the LA area, but they don’t exactly have quiet lives...”

“Couldn’t you explain to your renters...?”

“I suppose, but really, I made a commitment and they seem to be nice people who were counting on living near their grandchildren for a few months. And I’m just one person. I could be tucked away in a guest room somewhere. I’ll have to think about where. Meanwhile...”

“Meanwhile, you should let me treat you to dinner. Salmon, rice, asparagus, corn on the cob. It’s delicious.”

“Sounds great.”

“I can give you a place to stay, too. It would be temporary, I’m afraid. We have a guesthouse out back, but my sister is coming for a visit at the end of next week, so the place is booked.”

“That’s very nice of you. You don’t even know me. I’m capable of staying the night in Fortuna or any place you recommend.”

“I understand if you’d rather not stay with strangers,” he said. “But there’s no need for you to drive over to the coast, especially since your plans are up in the air. I’ll give my wife a call. Her name is Mel and she’s very flexible.”

“Is it typical for you to offer housing to someone who wanders into your bar?” she asked.

He had a surprised look on his face. “I was going to say no, but the truth is that anytime there’s a situation that leaves someone without a bed and bath, I’ve been known to offer. We also have a cabin not far from here. That stays pretty busy, too. Especially in good weather.”

“I hate to impose.”

“Think about it while I check on the customers. After you’ve had a little of that wine, I’ll get you some dinner. By the time you’re done, you’ll know what you want to do. The welcome mat is out. You’re a friend of friends. I’ve known Gerald and Bonnie since I got to town over ten years ago. I like them. I think Gerald helped me with the roof on this place, back when it was just a small cabin. It’s doubled in size since—we added on.”

“Thanks, Jack.”

Before and during her meal, a few bar patrons stopped by to ask her if she was all right, if there was anything she needed, because by now half the town had heard about her and the fire. When she was done with her meal, feeling full and relaxed, Jack brought her a cup of coffee, though she hadn’t asked for it.