Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
He nods absently. “She like dogs or something?”
“Bingo. Both places allow animals.” When he wrinkles his nose, I add, “Don’t worry, they’re well-maintained. She also runs a rescue located behind the inn.”
“Well, that’s admirable, I suppose.”
Either someone doesn’t like animals, or he’s used to cushier accommodations. I would bet my left arm on the latter. At least he seems to have that air about him. The expensive clothes and car are a dead giveaway.
We head toward the Santa Lucia mountains in silence as he takes in the view, which is really just a lot of trees and flora. When we drive through the center of town and pass by Honeycomb—our general store—and other small businesses operated by local shopkeepers, something we take pride in around here, I wonder what he’s thinking, though I’m not sure why. His visit is transitory. Had his car not needed work, he’d already be on his way home.
“Here’s the motel.” He hasn’t told me which he’d prefer, so I pull into the first on our route. Besides, he’s only in town for the night, so I figure cheaper is better. Still, the place has a charm all its own, and as I told him, it’s well-maintained. No peeling paint, musty rooms, or shoddy pool area.
“It’s not so bad.” His voice holds a hint of surprise.
“What did you expect?” I ask as I pull into a parking space.
“Not colorful, nicely decorated entrances,” he says, referring to the lively paint on the stonework and doorways. “Most motels I’ve stayed at were drab and basic.”
“Mae calls it whimsical. The whole town is like that.” I open my door to step out, and he follows suit.
“My mother would love this place,” he says as we near the office, and it’s the first hint of something personal I’ve gotten from him, not that I’m fishing for it.
“Well, look who the cat finally dragged in.” Mae heads around the desk and busses my cheek. “We might not have been right for each other in the romance department, but we’ve always been the best of friends. I miss you. You should visit more often.”
My face heats. Does she really need to go there, now, in front of a guest? It’s been years since we dated, and she’s happily married with kids.
Also, I’m not the one on a tight schedule, but still, I reply, “You know how it gets.”
“Of course. I’m only teasing you. Now that the busy season is over, we should do lunch sometime.”
We might not be a popular tourist attraction, but we still get travelers passing through in the summer months, mostly overflow from other popular locales.
“Sounds good.” I can feel Aaron watching us with interest. “Mae, this is Aaron. He needs a room while his car is being fixed.”
“Sure thing.” Mae gets him checked in while I squat to show her golden retriever some love. He’s always in the lobby and is especially adored by kids. It sounded like Aaron’s mom would appreciate the decor. Does she like animals too, or is she fond of rescuing them? If that’s the case, Mae’s businesses would definitely appeal.
Five minutes later, we walk out with his room key in hand.
“I’ll wait in the truck while you get situated in your room.” I point to the stairs leading to the second level. “Then we’ll get some food in you.”
What am I even doing? Treating him like he’s a guest of my house rather than the town. Suppose I have my parents to thank for teaching me how to be hospitable to visitors.
Aaron is only gone about ten minutes before he emerges dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. And if I thought the suit was flattering, Christ, those jeans are even better, hugging his lean hips. Okay, maybe Frank is right and Aaron’s attractiveness is fueling some of my so-called hospitality.
“All set?” I ask as he gets in the truck.
When he nods, I back away from the curb. Just as we’re leaving the lot, Mae steps out for a smoke, a habit she’s been trying to break.
“So, she’s your ex?” Aaron asks as we both wave.
“That’s right.”
“Why is that?” he blurts, then shakes his head. “Sorry, none of my business.”
“It’s all right.” Is it? Why am I suddenly chatty with this stranger while driving him all over creation? But I’m never one to mince words. “It was, uh…a few years ago, right before I officially came out.”
Aaron falls silent, so he either doesn’t like the topic of my sexuality or something else. It might also be the reason he keeps stealing glances my way. Suddenly, I regret offering him all these rides.
“The Witching Hour?” he asks as we pull into the parking lot of my brother’s bar. “So far, I have to agree with your quirky comment.”
I smirk. “At least Johnny didn’t paint it all the colors of the rainbow.”