Hannah's Home

by Pamela Kelley

  He nodded. “Yeah, I live at 46 Edgewater.”

  Hannah’s jaw dropped. He was just a few doors down from her. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. She knew David was a good guy, he just didn’t seem to have a very good opinion of her. Maybe this was her opportunity to change that.

  She smiled. “Well, I guess that means we’re neighbors, then. Will you be going to the association meeting later today?”

  “I’ll be there.” His cell phone buzzed, and he glanced down at it.

  “I’ll see you there, then.” Hannah scooted around him and went off to the next aisle.

  David still wasn’t sure how he felt about Hannah Keane. He’d been prepared to continue disliking her, especially as she’d stolen what he’d thought of as his house. But she’d actually been friendly at the hardware store. It was the most that she’d ever spoken to him. Especially now that his sister was married to Hannah’s brother, he supposed he could try a little harder to get along with her. And they were likely to be running into each other more often.

  He couldn’t help noticing that she looked just as good, actually maybe even better than she had in high school. Hannah was petite and her long, wavy hair was so pretty and when she walked by him, he caught the faintest hint of something sweet, like vanilla or sugar. But, he also knew it was best if he didn’t notice those things and kept his distance from Hannah. He couldn’t imagine that she was planning to stay long in Quinn Valley, and when she decided to move on, he’d be first in line for her house.

  Chapter 4

  Before she made her way to the association meeting, Hannah did an online yoga class. She did yoga almost every day, usually one of the Yoga by Adriene classes on YouTube. There was a huge selection of them and today she did the one for anxiety that she usually did on show days. It helped to calm her, and she was nervous about this meeting. She wasn’t sure how many people would be there, but it was an odd feeling to know that most would recognize her. She did look forward to getting to know her neighbors though, so the meeting was the best first step in doing that.

  She showered after yoga and changed into her favorite jeans and a pale blue sweater. At about ten of three, she made her way to the clubhouse and took a deep breath before she pushed open the door. She could hear voices inside and about thirty faces turned toward her as she walked in. Some were smiling and most looked curious. An older woman with a white, chin-length bob and a friendly smile came over to welcome her.

  “Hello, I’m Jeannie Morgan. You must be our new neighbor?”

  Hannah smiled and shook her hand. “Yes, I’m Hannah Keane. It’s lovely to meet you.”

  Jeannie nodded. “I heard a rumor that you’d bought Estelle’s place, but you never do know if these things are true. Follow me and I’ll introduce you around.”

  Hannah shook many more hands as Jeannie introduced her to all the neighbors. She knew she’d never remember all the names, but she tried to pay close attention and everyone was friendly. She didn’t see David yet, but people were still strolling in. She took a seat by Jeannie and just as they were about to call the meeting to order, David rushed in and sat in the back row. Hannah guessed there were about fifty residents in attendance and for the next forty-five minutes, the board of directors discussed old and new business.

  It was typical association issues—should they try a new landscaper, did they budget enough for snow removal given that the winter forecast was stormier than the year before? Once the meeting adjourned, everyone helped themselves to fresh-baked brownies and other snacks that were along a side table.

  “So, what will you be doing here in Quinn Valley?” Allison, a pretty woman about Hannah’s age, asked. Like Missy, she seemed baffled as to why Hannah would want to live in such a sleepy town.

  “You’re not retiring so soon?” Jeannie asked.

  “No, just cutting way back on touring. I’m going to put some songwriting workshops and classes together. I thought maybe I could do something to help with the youth Center for the Arts. Maybe a class, possibly.”

  “Oh, that would be wonderful! David Quinn is the chair of our annual fundraising gala. Maybe you could perform. That would be quite a draw for ticket sales.”

  “I’m happy to help but I’m not sure about performing.” The last thing Hannah wanted to do was to draw media attention to the fact that she was living in Quinn Valley.

  David looked disappointed. “It really would help ticket sales considerably if you were able to perform even just a few songs. But, if you don’t want to…”

  A sea of expectant faces stared at her and Hannah felt her heart race. How could she explain to all these people about her stalker? She didn’t want them to worry or worse yet feel unsafe in the neighborhood. And she was still pretty sure that it was nothing.

  “I’m sure I can find a way to make it work for a few songs,” she said.

  David smiled. “That’s great, Hannah. The kids will be excited and it is much appreciated.”

  David still couldn’t figure Hannah Keane out. For someone who said she was eager to help support the youth center, she’d been clearly reluctant to step up to perform. She’d agreed, but he could tell she wasn’t keen on the idea. Maybe she was one of those people who preferred to write a check instead of getting involved. He’d be happy to take her check, too. It was just surprising that she hadn’t seemed more willing to sing a few songs. Most people were always thrilled to do it.

  Chapter 5

  “You agreed to perform? I don’t like it, Hannah.” Charlie frowned as he set down his glass of wine. “It seems too soon and the whole point of you being here was to keep a low profile so whoever has been emailing you doesn’t know where you are. You do this and it puts a bulls-eye on the map.”

  “I’ll talk to David,” Maggie said. “He’ll understand why it’s important that you don’t do this. He just didn’t know.”

  Hannah reached for a slice of cheese. They were sitting in her kitchen having some cheese and crackers and enjoying a glass of red wine while the steaks were resting after coming out of the oven. She was more relaxed about her decision now.

  “I’d rather that you don’t say anything to him. I think it will be fine. And it’s too late to back out now. The cat’s out of the bag.”

  “What do you mean?” Maggie asked.

  “Just that word is already out that I’m here. My manager messaged me about an hour ago. It’s all over social media. Some neighborhood kids and parents, too, have posted, and it’s gone viral. So, since the world knows I’m here, there’s no harm in helping out the kids’ center with a few songs.”

  “Hm. I still don’t like it,” Charlie said. “I’ll talk to David about having extra security.”

  “I’ll have my manager send a few guys, too. They’re used to the drill now.”

  “They’re at your concerts?” Maggie asked.

  Hannah nodded. “Yeah, there’s a security team that travels with us, in addition to whatever each venue provides.”

  “It’s sad and scary that you have to worry about that.” Maggie took a sip of her wine.

  “It is,” Hannah agreed. “There’s a lot that goes into touring. I am looking forward to taking a break.”

  “Well, your house looks great. You’ve been busy this week,” Maggie said as she looked around the room.

  Hannah smiled. “Thanks. It’s starting to feel like home now. My mother helped with some of the decorating. She’s good at that.”

  “She is,” Charlie agreed. “She rearranges things whenever she comes to visit me, too, and it always looks better.”

  “Do they have any updates on your stalker?” Maggie’s concern was evident.

  “No. There’s really not much they have to go on, just a few anonymous emails. My gut tells me that it’s nothing serious.”

  “Hopefully not,” Charlie agreed. “But I wouldn’t relax too much. There are a lot of nuts out there. Your security system is good?”

  Hannah nodded. “Yes, I think so. I have camer
as at the front and back door and sensors on all the downstairs windows.”

  “Is it hard to use? I’d be nervous I’d set off the alarm,” Maggie admitted.

  “It’s actually really easy and I can control it from an app on my phone. But I have set it off twice so far. I’ve forgotten to turn it off when I go out. I’ve caught it immediately, though. It’s actually funny what the cameras pick up. They are very sensitive.”

  “Oh, like what?” Charlie asked.

  “Cars that drive by, people walking their dog, even a spider spinning a web.” Hannah jumped up to plate the steaks, and they brought their dinners to the large round table that had a gorgeous view of the lake.

  “It’s so peaceful here,” Maggie said as she glanced out the window. A trio of sailboats looked like they were racing to the opposite end of the lake.

  “It is. And there’s always something to look at on the water. I do feel bad, though. I didn’t realize that David wanted this house, too.”

  Maggie seemed surprised. “He did? Did he tell you that?”

  Hannah nodded. “He asked me how I managed to find out about it before the listing hit the market.”

  Maggie raised her eyebrows. “How did you?”

  “Your grandmother put me in touch with Missy. She knew it was coming on the market, evidently.”

  “How interesting. My grandmother seems to know everything that goes on around here. I don’t think she knew that David wanted this house. It makes sense that he would, though. He probably wanted it for the private dock.”

  “He mentioned that he keeps his boat trailered in his yard,” Hannah said.

  “He’s always asking me to go fishing with him,” Charlie said. “I like to fish now and then, but David goes almost every weekend, it seems.”

  “I’ve never gone fishing. I’d love to try it, though. I was thinking about getting a small boat too, so I could zip around the lake.” Hannah noticed that Charlie and Maggie glanced at each other and then Charlie smiled.

  “That’s a great idea,” he said. “I’d be happy to help you look for one. I can ask around, too, and see if anyone knows of any for sale. A used one might be a better deal. Not that you need to worry about the money.”

  Hannah laughed. “No, but I still like a good deal. I’d love your help.”

  Chapter 6

  David stopped by Quinn’s Pub for a burger after work and was glad to see that Charlie was there, too, sitting at the bar chatting with Maggie. David slid into the chair next to Charlie and watched as Maggie made one of Quinn’s signature drinks for a customer.

  She spread a generous amount of marshmallow fluff around the rim of a giant martini glass, dipped the rim in a dish of crushed graham crackers, then used a small crème brûlée torch to brown the marshmallow. A moment later she poured in the freshly made cocktail and gave it to Tina, one of the new waitresses, to deliver to her table.

  “I’d never in a million years drink that, but you make it look good,” David said as Maggie set a cold draft beer in front of him.

  She smiled. “Your usual? Bacon burger, no cheese, crispy bacon?”

  “Yes, please!”

  “That sounds good. I’ll have the same,” Charlie said.

  Maggie went off to put in their orders as David glanced around the bar. The restaurant was busy, but the bar wasn’t too crowded. David knew it would get busy later when team trivia started, though.

  He and Charlie chatted about business while Maggie worked. They shared a lot of the same customers. David supplied them with their food and supplies while Charlie kept the bars stocked with all the in-demand wine, beer and liquor. Eventually, their discussion turned to plans for the weekend.

  “You up for some fishing this Saturday?” David asked Charlie. “I haven’t been for a few weeks, so want to get out there first thing.”

  Maggie walked over with their burgers as David finished talking and exchanged glances with Charlie as she set their food down.

  “I’m busy this weekend, but my sister Hannah mentioned the other night that she’s never been fishing and wants to try it.”

  The idea of teaching Hannah how to fish both intrigued him and put him off at the same time.

  “I’m not sure that Hannah would welcome fishing lessons from me. She didn’t exactly seem enthused about singing to help the kids’ center out. She actually said no at first.”

  “There’s something most people don’t know about Hannah,” Charlie began. “She’s actually very shy. She gets crippling stage fright before every performance.”

  “I didn’t know that. Is that why she’s stopped touring?” It made sense, if it was. And it would explain why she was back in Quinn Valley. Maybe Hannah would be sticking around longer than he thought.

  “Yeah, that’s part of the reason.” Again, Charlie and Maggie seemed to exchange glances. Their eyes met and something unspoken passed between them.

  “She told me that she’s ready for a break. She might do an occasional show but not a heavy schedule like she used to,” Maggie said. She reached under the counter and pulled out a new bottle of ketchup, setting it in front of David. He’d just been about to ask for it.

  “You’re a mind reader.” He opened the bottle and dumped a pile of ketchup on his plate.

  “She had no idea that you wanted that house,” Maggie added. “I’m surprised that Gram didn’t tell you about it. Did she know you were interested?”

  “In that house? I don’t think I ever mentioned it to her. I’m sure if I did she would have given me a heads up, right?” Their grandmother was quirky but David knew she adored her many grandchildren.

  Maggie looked thoughtful. “Right. I’m sure she would have. I’m actually glad that you’re living close by, though, for Hannah’s sake.” There was something in Maggie’s tone that seemed a bit off.

  “What do you mean, for Hannah’s sake?”

  “Just that it’s bound to be an adjustment for her, after living in Nashville where things are livelier and from being on the road so much these past few years.”

  “Yeah, I can’t imagine Quinn Valley is going to offer the excitement that she’s used to. She’ll probably head back to Nashville or Hollywood. Maybe if I’m nice to her, she’ll sell me the house when she goes,” he joked.

  “I wouldn’t hold your breath on that,” Charlie said. “You don’t know Hannah. She’s not a big city type. Quinn Valley is much more her speed. I think she wants to put down roots.”

  David frowned. That wasn’t what he’d hoped to hear. He still wasn’t convinced that it was true. The Hannah he thought he knew seemed as though she wanted to be anywhere but near him, or Quinn Valley. After living in Nashville, she was bound to be disappointed.

  Chapter 7

  “David, do you have a minute?” Sabrina, his assistant, stood in the doorway of his office looking perplexed and a bit stressed.

  “Sure, come on in.” It was a week after the association meeting and as usual, David was in his office early. Sabrina usually arrived a little after eight and checked in with him once she was settled at her desk with her morning coffee. She brought her coffee mug into his office and sat in one of the two leather chairs across from his desk.

  “I just checked the numbers for the charity event. I probably should have checked them sooner. I just never expected this.” She chewed her bottom lip as David waited for her to continue. She took a deep breath and went on. “We’re almost completely sold out. It’s because of Hannah. We’ve never sold even half this many tickets for past events.” Sabrina was handling all the administrative work that went along with coordinating the charity event for the children’s center.

  “Really? Well, that’s good, right?”

  “Yes, but, well, if you’re able to change the venue, we might be able to raise even more money. The bulk of the sales came in yesterday as word is getting out that Hannah is performing. I predict that by lunch today, every ticket will be sold.”

  David mulled that over for a minute. The event
was scheduled to be held at Quinn’s Hotel, the family-run business that was the largest hotel in the area. As they always did, the Quinns had donated the space. So, it wouldn’t be an issue if David found somewhere else, somewhere bigger to hold the event. But was it possible to switch things at this late date? The show was scheduled for two weeks out. And would Hannah even agree to do it? Singing locally in front of a small crowd was one thing, but at a bigger venue? It was exactly what she was trying to stop doing.

  But, the difference in funds raised for the center could be significant. He supposed it wouldn’t hurt to make a few calls and see if another venue was even possible.

  “Thanks, Sabrina. Let me get back to you on that. I’ll need to investigate what other options we have, and if Hannah will even consider moving venues.”

  Sabrina nodded and stood. “Okay, let me know what you find out. And good luck.”

  When she left the office, David checked the date on his calendar. He wasn’t sure, but it didn’t seem like a date that would be in high demand. An ex-girlfriend handled bookings for the Lewiston arena, which was the biggest venue in the area. Maybe too big. He didn’t know if Hannah would go for it, but he figured it didn’t hurt to see if it might be available.

  Stacy answered on the first ring.

  “Well, this is a surprise! How are you, David? It’s been a long time.” Her voice was amused and intrigued. He could picture her as she spoke. Stacy was always so well put together, with her sleek blonde hair pulled into a low ponytail, stylish glasses and elegant clothes. She was a pretty girl, and they’d dated for a few months. He’d enjoyed Stacy’s company, but they were both busy people and eventually seemed too busy to get together. They’d laughed about it at the time as both realized that if it had really mattered, they would have somehow found the time. In many ways, they were very much alike.