“No. When I was growing up in Trinity Falls, Harmony Cabins went into bankruptcy and was abandoned. They’ve only recently been renovated.”
“I’m coming home.” But first she’d take a nap. The red-eye flight was catching up with her. She wasn’t safe to drive back to the airport.
The cabin itself was lovely. The great room’s walls, floors, and ceiling were made of gleaming honey wood. The granite st
one fireplace dominated the room. But a large flat-screen, cable-ready television reassured her she’d have something to do at night. The comfortable furnishings that were missing from the main cabin were scattered around this room, an overstuffed sofa and fat fabric chairs. The dark décor was decidedly masculine. That would explain the lack of curtains at the windows. Men probably didn’t think about details like that.
“You promised me you’d give it thirty days, Audra.” The clicking of Benita’s computer keyboard sounded just under her words. “I sent the rental a nonrefundable check for the full amount of your stay in advance.”
Audra frowned. Benita’s check had allowed her to register as Penny Lane. “It was your check, but my money. If I want to cancel this anti-vacation vacation, I will.”
They both recognized the empty threat. The cost of a monthlong stay at a rental cabin was too much to waste.
Benita’s exasperated sigh traveled twenty-four hundred miles and three time zones through the cell phone. “You owe the record producer three hit songs in four weeks. How are they coming?”
Audra ground her teeth. Her deadline was August 4, twenty-five days from today. Benita knew very well she hadn’t made any progress on the project. “How can you believe this place is the solution? You’ve never even been here.”
“Do you really think I’d send you someplace that wasn’t safe? I have family in Trinity Falls. If there were serial killers there, I’d know.”
Audra tugged her right earlobe. She was angry because she was scared, and scared because she was outside her comfort zone. “I don’t want to be here. It’s not what I’m used to.”
“That’s why you need to be there. And this is the best time. Trinity Falls is celebrating its sesquicentennial. The town’s hosting its Founders Day Celebration on August ninth. I’ll be there.”
“One hundred fifty years. That’s impressive.”
Benita chuckled. “I’ll see you in a month.”
Audra stared at her cell phone. Her manager had ended their call. “I guess that means I’m staying.” She shoved her cell phone into the front pocket of her tan jeans shorts and turned back to the window. “In that case, I’ll need curtains.”
The chimes above the main cabin’s front door sang. With three keystrokes, Jack locked his laptop and pushed away from his desk. The cabins had had more activity today than they’d ever had.
Jack hesitated behind the registration desk. It wasn’t a surprise to see the chair of the Trinity Falls Sesquicentennial Steering Committee had returned. Doreen Fever was a determined woman. “Afternoon, Doreen.” He knew why she was there. She wanted every citizen to be involved in the festivities surrounding the town’s 150th birthday. The problem was, Jack wasn’t a joiner.
“I’m still amazed by how much you’ve accomplished with the rentals in so little time.” Doreen gazed around the reception area.
“Thank you.”
Doreen was the sole candidate for mayor of Trinity Falls. She also was the artist behind the bakery operation of Books & Bakery, and the mother of Jackson’s former schoolmate, though she looked too young to have an only child who was just two years younger than he was. Her cocoa skin was smooth and radiant. Her short, curly hair was dark brown. And her warm brown eyes were full of sympathy. Jack didn’t want anyone’s sympathy. Not even someone as genuine and caring as Doreen.
“I hear you have a lodger.” Doreen folded her hands on the counter between them.
How did the residents of Trinity Falls learn everyone else’s business so fast? His guest hadn’t even been here a full day. “Not by choice.”
Confusion flickered across Doreen’s features before she masked it with a polite nod. “A young woman.”
“I noticed.”
“I’m glad to see the cabins’ renovations are going well and that you’re taking in customers.”
“Thank you.”
Doreen gave him a knowing smile. “The elementary school was grateful for your generous donation. I take it that was the check from your guest? Are you sure you don’t need that money to reinvest in the repairs?”
“The school needs the money more. I appreciate your stopping by, Doreen.” He turned to leave.
“Jack, you know why I’m here.” Doreen sounded exasperated.
Good. He could handle exasperation. Pity pissed him off.