by Hope Malory
“Sounds mysterious.”
~ ~ ~
The Internet connection was spotty, and Beasley learned only that Grainger Devlin’s parents had at one time lived in Asheville, North Carolina. She shelved the research until she arrived in Azalea Valley in two weeks.
Instead, while Casey worked, Beasley hiked the few miles to downtown and explored Truckee. She strolled to a busy coffee bar and ordered a latte. Both hands surrounded the steaming cup as she savored the drink. Once outside, she walked around and scanned the quaint, quirky businesses lining the street. This reminded her of Azalea Valley, a small town with locally owned shops and restaurants, friendly people, and near the mountains. While there, she ventured into Casey’s favorite jewelry store hoping to find a gift for her. The owner knew Casey and showed Beasley a silver wrap ring. “Every time she comes in, she tries it on and almost bought it once.”
“Perfect, I’ll take it.”
She sauntered across the street to the Railroad Museum housed in a railroad car next to the Amtrak depot and picked up brochures about places she might like to explore during her trip. The Donner Party Memorial struck her as somewhat morbid and sad, but it was listed as one of the top attractions. Either that or the Old Truckee Jail Museum. That was the West. Almost noon, she headed toward Casey’s rafting company and stopped in a café along the way to buy two sandwiches and salads for lunch.
Casey smiled when she saw her. “Perfect timing, I’m starved. Let’s go to the picnic table outside.”
After they settled at the redwood stained table, Beasley handed her the gift she bought earlier. “A little something for my BFF and hostess.”
“Thank you, but you didn’t need to buy me anything.” After Casey unwrapped the box, her mouth flew open. “I love it. Did you know I look at this ring every time I go in the jewelry store?” She slid it on her finger.
“The owner told me. It suits you.”
Casey hugged her.
While they ate, they watched a man with a gray beard teaching a young lady some moves in a play boat. “Are you familiar with those?” Casey pointed toward the watercraft.
“Yes, like a small kayak for freestyle tricks. A group played the rapids near my hotel in Reno.”
The guide demonstrated 360 degree turns and cartwheels in a hydraulic.
“My friend, you work in a cool place. I would give anything to have you back in Tennessee, but I also understand why you love this area so much.”
Casey pointed her fork at her. “If you and Will start dating, you could move here and love it as much as I do.”
“Not happening, I worked hard to build my business.”
“All you appear to be concerned about is spreadsheets, your planner, and digging in the dirt.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. I meant you’re young and should have fun. Give Will a chance.”
“But he might not be interested in me.”
“Wanna bet?”
“Or maybe I’m not interested in him.”
“Do you expect me to believe that?”
“It’s just . . . I don’t know.”
“You’re scared.”
“No. Well, maybe. I guess I’m afraid to get close to anyone. If I commit, I’ll lose him. That will crush my heart, and I don’t know if I can survive another loss.” Her voice faltered.
“Honey, it won’t be like that. You’re comparing it to what happened to your parents.”
After their death, she missed them so much she sometimes had to remind herself to breathe. Nothing would ever be the same. Hour by hour, then day by day she coped with the loss. Though she would never forget, she began to build a new life. Her new normal.
Did she push Will away because she didn’t want to lose someone else important to her?
The conversation made her sad, and she became uncomfortable. To lighten the mood, she said, “Perhaps it is time for some fun. Who knows, if Will plays his cards right, he might get lucky.”
Casey threw her head back and laughed.
~ ~ ~
Beasley’s first stop after lunch was a local landscaping company. Whenever she traveled, she visited nurseries for ideas to incorporate into her own business. The masses of purple petunias and colorful dianthus captured her attention. A Steller’s jay flew in front of her and landed on one of the Japanese maples. The manager spoke, and they chatted until another customer demanded his attention. Her activity tracker showed over 15,000 steps. She ventured toward Casey’s cabin.
Will often occupied her thoughts, and that surprised her. At first, she had misjudged him, but he was a good guy. So, he’s not Dalton, but smokejumpers are an elite group too. They liked the same things, and he was fun to be with. Visions of him kissing her invaded her consciousness.
She threw her hands up. “What are you doing, Beasley?”
Both men were impossible. Dalton was engaged. Will lived across the country. He would never leave California, and she wouldn’t move from Tennessee. No point in thinking about anything more than friendship with either of them.
After returning to the cabin, she caught up on reading, something she seldom had time to do. Scouring through the hundreds of books on Casey’s bookshelf, she took a mystery novel outside to the porch swing.
How ironic. The main character is a firefighter. This should be interesting. She pictured Will’s face when she read about the hero. A major fire appeared in the first chapter. As she read more, her stomach knotted and muscles tensed. She gripped the book when flames trapped the guy inside a burning building with no apparent way out.
A few chapters later, she better understood and appreciated the sacrifices of firefighters. And Will. After reading the same paragraph over and over, she put the novel aside, closed her eyes, and wondered what it would be like if Will got lucky as she suggested to Casey. Was she right? Was he crazy about her? She shook her head. I can’t let myself fall for this man.
~ ~ ~
When she drove into the parking lot at the restaurant, she scanned the area and located Will standing on the pier. He waved and grinned as she approached. The appreciative stare announced he was checking her out.
“Hi there.” Will opened his arms for a hug.
His gentle touch, warm body, and masculine scent caused her head to swim and her pulse to race. Not fair. He had broad shoulders and toned abs; he was kind and charming except for their first encounter; and their interests were similar. The man was attentive and appeared to enjoy her company. Will would be the perfect guy for her if he lived in Azalea Valley and if she had time for a boyfriend.
He moved her to arm’s length and didn’t disguise his desire. “You look amazing.”
“Thanks.” Pointing to her hair, she said, “I don’t always wear it in the frizzy ponytail you saw last week.”
She had taken the time to straighten it and put on a touch of makeup. Brenner had insisted she buy the tangerine top she wore with her white ankle pants to give color to her otherwise drab wardrobe. The bulk of her closet comprised practical clothes in tan, black, and olive green.
Will had taken time with his appearance too. He was clean-shaven and looked irresistible in his peacock blue polo shirt, khaki pants, and brown boat shoes.
“Are you hungry? The food is first-rate here.” He held out his arm.
“I’m always hungry.” She slipped her arm through his as they strolled toward the restaurant. An electric charge zipped through her when she touched him.
The hostess seated them beside a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the lake. A man fished on the bank with his son, and the boy jumped up and down when he snagged one. The server brought water to their table and took their orders. Will chose a burger, and she ordered fish tacos.
“Wh
at was it like growing up in a large family?” he asked.
“Like a zoo. Our home was loud and chaotic but full of love. Everyone scrambled for attention. If Brenner and I wanted anything to eat, we had to be quick, especially when my brothers were teenagers. They ate everything in sight. Because they taunted us when we couldn’t run as fast or swim as far, we became competitive. And, we learned to be tough when they wrestled with us and didn’t hold back because we were girls or smaller than them. Although they bullied us, they would fight for us. None of them let anyone mess with their sisters.”
“What were your parents like?”
She paused. “Terrific. Even with six kids, they made sure they spent time with each of us. I can only dream of someday being half as good a parent as they were to us. The lessons they taught, to aim high and never give up, were invaluable. They told us we can do anything we want to do if we work hard.”
Will listened to every detail, and she continued her story, “Daddy worked as a structural iron worker at the Tennessee Valley Authority. Never missed a day. As a housewife raising six kids, Mama found the time to volunteer at the Red Cross, the church, and the hospital. If someone was sick, she took food to them. Everyone in town respected them.”
“What about your sister?”
“Brenner and I are close. Growing up, we harassed each other as sisters do. When we were little, she would hide my homework, forcing me to do it over again. She loved to draw, and to retaliate, I would mess up her drawings. As teenagers, she would say, ‘I can’t believe you’re going out with that nerd,’ or ‘You aren’t wearing that, are you?’ I have always been protective of her, but more so after our parents died.” She tilted her head. “Now, she is a dance teacher. She grew up knowing she was different. With her, everything is black or white with no gray. My sister is an activist and raises money for the hospital and volunteers on the children’s floor. While I dress for the outdoors, Brenner is a funky retro sixties and seventies eclectic dresser. Over half of her clothes come from consignment or thrift stores. Her entire wardrobe is colorful, and she razzes me because most of my clothes are neutral. Because we’re sisters, we love each other, but we don’t always understand each other. Having a sister yourself, I imagine you can identify. Other than being ultrafeminine, what is she like?”
“Allie is two years younger and prissy, but we’re close. The girl is super smart and was always an A student. She graduated magna cum laude and is now a high school math teacher. She loves it. Last year, she won Teacher of the Year.”
“Your parents must be proud of you both.”
“Not so much. They had higher ambitions for us. Dad pushed us to excel. No matter how hard we tried, nothing we did satisfied him. They divorced when I was a sophomore in high school.”
“I’m sorry. That must have been difficult.”
“It was, but I understand why they split. Dad was and still is self-absorbed, and Mom was so busy with her work and taking care of our grandparents she didn’t have much time for the rest of us. After the divorce, they left us alone much of the time.”
“Yet, you both worked hard toward your chosen careers and are outstanding at what you do. That’s something to be proud of.”
After they finished eating, Will paid the bill. “How about we go for a walk?”
“Sure, I would love to.”
They wandered along in companionable silence, taking in the beauty of the area. His hand brushed hers as they strolled. The intimacy of the single touch gave her a warm feeling.
“Are you still up for going to meet Josh on Sunday?” Will asked.
“We agreed we would go, and I don’t back out on promises. I didn’t pack a dress and need to go somewhere to buy one.”
“I don’t own a decent tie either. Want to go together tomorrow, and you can help me pick one? My sense of style for dress clothes is woefully inadequate.”
“Certainly.”
“I like hanging out with you.”
She recognized longing in his eyes, a reflection of her own.
Will circled her in his arms, pushed a strand of hair behind her ears, and brushed her temple with his lips. On tiptoes, she melted into him, and his insistent mouth covered hers.
Chapter 7
“Well, how did your date go with Will?”
“For your information, it wasn’t a real date, but he’s full of surprises. The time we spent together convinced me he is much nicer than I believed him to be.”
“How so?”
“In the first place, he’s different from other men I’ve been out with: cool, and he listens. How many guys listen?”
“Not my ex for sure. Most ladies would fantasize about a guy like Will.”
“Yeah, well, before he left, he kissed me.”
Casey’s eyebrows arched. “Ooh, how was it?”
“Best kiss I can remember.”
“See, I told you he was interested.”
“Doesn’t matter since we live a country apart.”
“Why not have fun? A hot romance never hurts.”
“You’re hilarious. Granted, we enjoy our time together. Tomorrow, he’s going shopping with me.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, I didn’t bring a dress for Sunday. He wants to buy a tie and asked me to help him pick one out.”
“Sounds like an excuse to spend time with you. If Will Gregor, or most any man, volunteers to shop with you, he’s got it bad.”
“You romanticize everything.”
Casey wrinkled her nose. “And you downplay everything. Can’t you accept for once that a guy is interested in you?”
“What’s the point? Don’t forget I run a company in Tennessee.”
“Geez, Beasley, the business again? Seems you’re attracted to him but nervous about letting him get too close. I suspect he already means more than you want to admit.”
Beasley shrugged and popped a chocolate chip cookie into her mouth. “Yum, these are too tempting. I could eat a dozen.”
Casey mumbled something and marched away.
The chemistry between her and Will was evident. The kiss, warm and tender at first, had become more passionate, awakening a desire dormant for many months.
Over the last few days he had turned into a friend, but she wouldn’t allow herself to think of him in a romantic way. Until last night. Since then, the kiss was all she thought about no matter how hard she tried not to. Letting herself fall for him was a bad idea, but she rationalized the depth of her attraction. Only because I haven’t kissed a guy in so long. Romance happened to other people, not to her.
During dinner with Will, Beasley had turned her phone off. A text from Brenner appeared when she turned it on, instructing her to call.
She punched in her sister’s number. “What’s up?”
“This morning, I went to the attic to clear some clutter and to see if I could find any more clues about the invoices. Do you remember the old chest under the window?”
“Yes, why?”
“Under a bunch of quilts, I ran across a box with an expensive silk dress, a ruby necklace, and a Gucci purse. What’s going on, Beasley?”
“No clue. Is that all you found?
“So far.”
She sprawled on the sofa and crossed her feet. “All right, I’ll try to find out when I get home and check with some of Nonna’s friends to see if they know anything. No doubt, as frugal and practical as she was, she wouldn’t buy those things.”
“The understatement of the year. If I find anything else, I’ll text you.”
Beasley puzzled over the secrets in her grandmother’s attic, but mostly she replayed the kiss.
~ ~ ~
The idea of spending the day with Will thrilled Beasley. He called on his way into Truckee. “What do you think
about a picnic on Donner Lake after we find your dress and my tie?”
“Ooh, I love picnics.”
“Would you be interested in going white-water rafting in the afternoon too?”
The man is persistent, but persistence doesn’t bother me as long as he doesn’t become pushy.
“Yes, that’s a wonderful idea. Do you mind if I ask Casey to join us?”
“Not at all, I would love to see her.”
After she heard a knock at the door, she glanced at her activity tracker for the time. “Cool, he’s punctual.”
Will leaned in and brushed his lips to hers causing her stomach to tighten.
“Good morning. Are you ready?” Will reached for her hand.
She nodded and slipped her hand into his. Mmm, warm and strong.
On the drive into town, he continued to intertwine his fingers with hers. “Unless you have somewhere in mind, I can take you to a place my sister likes.”
“Super. Casey suggested her favorite shop, but we don’t share the same preference for clothes. Let’s try your suggestion first.”
Soon after they entered the boutique, she found two dresses she liked. After she tried them on, both she and Will preferred the simple sleeveless black dress.
“Wow, that was easy. My sister tries on everything in the store at least twice before deciding.”
“Similar to Casey, but I’m not much of a shopper. I either find something I like and buy it, or I move on. Let’s go find a tie.”
In a men’s shop, Will bought a blue and white mini-checked shirt with long sleeves and a navy tie she picked out for him.
“The grocery store isn’t far from here. We can pick up the food for the picnic on the way,” Will said.
They found a green metal table with a built-in bench under a towering Jeffrey pine. The reddish-brown tree with a distinctive vanilla scent and furrowed bark didn’t grow in Tennessee. Picking up a six-inch pine cone that lay beneath a thick layer of prickly needles, she said, “This is huge compared to the ones in my area. I’m taking this home as a memento of today.”
