Page 9 of Sweet Redemption
Icouldn’t help but laugh to what happened next. While Charlie back-pedaled, she tripped and landed on her ass in a pile of snow. She cursed something fierce in another language as she quickly got up and rushed inside the rundown building without a glance my way.
The crumbling sign above the doorway read,Valentine Public Library. Established in 1856.Damn. The library was old. But the building looked much older. I was surprised the structure still stood on its decaying foundation. Then I noticed the sign next to the door, with a bold red notice.
Warning. Enter at your own risk.
Shaking my head, I turned and headed for the restaurant. Situated at the end of the small town, the charming building was a weathered grey Georgian Colonial style with black shutters flanking each window. It stood out like a beauty queen at a mud rally.
Between the Bait and Tackle on the right and Alex’s Hardware store on the left, all the town was missing was a post office and bank.
Chimes rang as I walked through the doorway. All but a few tables turned and looked my way. I ignored the outright ogling, especially Lila’s blatant air kisses and waving hand.
To the right was a small reception desk, which I assumed was used to check in to the bed and breakfast, and immediately to the right was the hostess stand for the restaurant. I shook my head before I veered left to a small busty woman with graying hair pulled back in a tight bun. Her warm smile was welcoming.
“Welcome to Arlene’s. I’m Arlene. You needing a room or a table?”
“A room, please. Just for the night,” I said, looking around the décor of antiques mixed with modern day country style furniture of the restaurant.
“Are you sure?” she asked with an upturned smile. “I have only one room left and it’s the honeymoon suite. It’s going to cost you.”
Great. Just my luck it’s the honeymoon suite.I couldn’t help frown. “I’m sure.” I studied the restaurant and wondered who was actually staying there. They looked like locals. Then I pondered if Arlene was feeding me a line of bullshit. Though, it wouldn’t matter. I needed the room.
“Alrighty then.” Arlene pushed a small registry book and pen my way. “Please sign here.” The woman was bouncing up and down in what looked like nervous energy. “How are you going to pay?”
“Credit card.” I paused in mid-sign and looked down at the woman. “Is that okay?”
“You’re fine…” She glanced at the book. “Mr. Landry, we’re no country bumpkins here. We have WiFi. And if you’re hungry, we have our Valentine meal special for only $8.99. And if you want some fun, head just a little down the street at noon, and the VFW is hosting a dance. There will be plenty of pretty ladies to dance with.” She waggled her brows at the last few words.
“Wonderful. I’ll keep that in mind,” I mumbled with false enthusiasm, and handed Arlene my card. She ripped it out of my hand and swiped it through the machine like a ninja with a sword. She waited a second and turned, handing me my card along with the receipt.
While I signed the slip of paper, Arlene retrieved a key from one of the cubbies behind her and then placed it on the registry book. “Here you go. Room 1206. Like I said, it’s our honeymoon suite. This room comes with complimentary champagne too.”
I wanted to decline, but after the past twenty-four hours with Beth’s call about my mother and driving with no sleep, some shitty champagne might do the trick to settle my contentious mood and nap for a bit. “Sure. Thank you.”
“It’s all good. Now, up the stairs to the left at the end of the hall.” Arlene pointed up the stair and wiggled her finger gesturing the left direction. “If you need anything, just dial six and leave a message if I don’t answer. I’ll respond as soon as I can.”
I nodded. Though,I wanted to laugh at the comicality of her comment, instead I stifled the amusement and followed her directions upstairs. I found the room where Arlene said it was. After slipping the key inside the lock, I pushed open the door and walked in.
To my surprise the room was large, simple except for the bed. A monster size four-poster king bed sat at the far end of the room with matching nightstands flanking both sides. Cream-colored walls with soft blue paisley curtains draping the two windows helped balance the room nicely. The only antiquey part of the room was the washbowl and pitcher situated on a small wooden washstand by the bathroom door. But I had a feeling it was more for show.
I dropped my bag on the bed and contemplated what to do next. I didn’t want to sit in here all day, I wasn’t hungry and there was no way in hell I was going to the VFW. At a glance out the window, the view of the library came into focus.
Charlie. I found myself chuckling at the vivacious woman I just met. Her lush body—especially her ass, was worthy of another look. I had one night. What could I lose? Fun might be right across the street. Nap first.
