Return to Virgin River

I was renting it from them. I needed somewhere quiet with a change of scenery so it was to be mine for six months, though it was possible someone from the family might come for a weekend visit.”
“And now you’re stuck here with no house?”
“That about sums it up. I rented out my house in Newport, so just going back home is not an option; my renters couldn’t wait to get in there. Fortunately, I have friends in the LA area, but they don’t exactly have quiet lives...”
“Couldn’t you explain to your renters...?”
“I suppose, but really, I made a commitment and they seem to be nice people who were counting on living near their grandchildren for a few months. And I’m just one person. I could be tucked away in a guest room somewhere. I’ll have to think about where. Meanwhile...”
“Meanwhile, you should let me treat you to dinner. Salmon, rice, asparagus, corn on the cob. It’s delicious.”
“Sounds great.”
“I can give you a place to stay, too. It would be temporary, I’m afraid. We have a guesthouse out back, but my sister is coming for a visit at the end of next week, so the place is booked.”
“That’s very nice of you. You don’t even know me. I’m capable of staying the night in Fortuna or any place you recommend.”
“I understand if you’d rather not stay with strangers,” he said. “But there’s no need for you to drive over to the coast, especially since your plans are up in the air. I’ll give my wife a call. Her name is Mel and she’s very flexible.”
“Is it typical for you to offer housing to someone who wanders into your bar?” she asked.
He had a surprised look on his face. “I was going to say no, but the truth is that anytime there’s a situation that leaves someone without a bed and bath, I’ve been known to offer. We also have a cabin not far from here. That stays pretty busy, too. Especially in good weather.”
“I hate to impose.”
“Think about it while I check on the customers. After you’ve had a little of that wine, I’ll get you some dinner. By the time you’re done, you’ll know what you want to do. The welcome mat is out. You’re a friend of friends. I’ve known Gerald and Bonnie since I got to town over ten years ago. I like them. I think Gerald helped me with the roof on this place, back when it was just a small cabin. It’s doubled in size since—we added on.”
“Thanks, Jack.”
Before and during her meal, a few bar patrons stopped by to ask her if she was all right, if there was anything she needed, because by now half the town had heard about her and the fire. When she was done with her meal, feeling full and relaxed, Jack brought her a cup of coffee, though she hadn’t asked for it.
“You might want to go out to my place and check out that casita. Give yourself a couple of days and look around. There might be other rentals around here and maybe all your plans won’t be ruined after all. Sometimes things just work out. Here’s the directions. It’s not far and Mel is waiting for you.”
“You are unbelievably nice,” she said.
“Doesn’t cost anything to be nice, right Kaylee?”

2
IT DIDN’T TAKE much convincing to have Kaylee driving up the road toward the Sheridan house. It was at a beautiful location. The drive plateaued near the top where two beautiful ranch-style houses sat on big lots with twin porches that both faced west, looking over the valley for miles and miles. Kaylee spotted pastoral fields of crops, a large vineyard, scattered houses and grazing livestock.
The drive made a Y, veering off to the left to wind around the house to the back or to the right, ending in the front of the house. She could see a portion of the guesthouse in the back, just beyond a play area for kids with swings, a slide, a basketball hoop and a putting green. On the porch at the front of the house, a woman sat braiding a little girl’s hair. That would be Jack’s wife. And daughter?
Kaylee didn’t even have to think about it. She didn’t drive around to the casita but up to the front, parking and getting out.
“Mrs. Sheridan?” she asked.
“I’m Mel,” she said. “And you must be Kaylee.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Come up here and sit with me. All right, Emma. Go take your bath and I’ll be in shortly. Come, Kaylee. The sky is wonderful tonight—a million stars. That moon is like a lamp, lighting up the whole valley. It’s almost my favorite time of day. Jack tells me you’ve had a stressful day.”
There was just something about Mel from the second Kaylee met her. She was like a warm blanket. Welcoming and nurturing and completely accessible.
“It was a shocker, that’s for sure,” Kaylee said.
“He said you were going to be renting the Templeton house, but he didn’t tell me why you came to Virgin River,” Mel said. “Have you been here before?”
“Yes, a few times. The first time I was just a child and came with my mother. But the most recent was about ten years ago. I think the bar was a new addition then and I remember being glad to see it. Up till then I can’t remember there being any place to eat. The Templetons are very old friends and they offered me the house for a getaway.”
“Ah,” Mel said. “A very polite person would just let that go, but I’m cursed with rabid curiosity. Tell me it’s none of my business if it’s too personal, but what are you getting away from?”
“It’s kind of a long story,” she said.
“I’m not at all tired,” Mel said, smiling. “I certainly understand if you are—”
“Well, I think it boils down to running away from grief. I’m a writer. Fiction. Suspense, to be more specific. I’ve had some modest success and I have a contract.