“So I would clean the rooms, and you’d let me stay for free?”
“Yes. We don’t get many folks through here, but during tourist season we’re busier than a one-armed paperhanger. I’m booked solid the week after next through the end of November, but my health isn’t what it used to be, and it’d be nice to have someone take care of the rooms for me.”
“That sounds great, Ginger. I’ll do a really good job and take care of everything.”
“I know, hon. You can start tomorrow if your schedule permits it.”
“Okay. Deal. I’ll see you later.” I start to head for the door, when Ginger calls out, “I saw that foreign fella that works with you drop George off last night. George looked like he was a little . . . well, he looked a bit out of sorts. I don’t want to pry, but . . . if you need help or have any trouble, just let me know.”
“There was no trouble,” I respond quickly. “George came by to drop off something I left at work. I took him home myself.” I hate lying. Especially to someone as sweet as Ginger, but the last thing I need is for this town to start circulating a rumor George and I had a one night stand. Misty would probably stab me if she found out George was here last night. “But thank you, Ginger. For everything.”
“No problem, sugar.”
“Thanks for covering for him, Charlotte,” Ike says quietly as we exit. “I’m sorry you had to.” I give him a faint smile, letting him know it’s okay. George showing up last night was definitely inappropriate, especially since he was drunk, but that’s not Ike’s fault. I know George is a mess right now. He’s not himself. Grief can make us do funny things. Like try to jump off a bridge in the middle of the night.
As I climb into my 4Runner, I glance over at Ike. “Do you know if Sniper’s working today?” I question, trying to change the subject.
“Really? Are you that attracted to him?” Ike groans.
“Uh . . . no, I’m just curious is all. Will he or Misty be working today?” I can’t let Ike know what I’m up to or he’ll try and stop me. I really hope this doesn’t blow up in my face, but I need an in with George, and unfortunately, it won’t be pretty.
“Yes. They’re both working doubles.”
Good. I exhale in relief. At least part of my plan will work.
“Stay straight when driving through town. I want to show you something before you go in,” Ike says, as he relaxes in the seat. I nod once and do as he says and we climb mountain roads that cause my car to rev in protest. I’d love to look around at the leaves changing colors, but I’m too scared we’ll end up careening over a mountain edge if I do. Ike directs me into a national forest in Hidden Valley and we park near a river. Getting out, I quietly follow him. We soon see several fishermen near a small bridge. He leads me down further so we can talk. I look ridiculous in shorts and a T-shirt out here, but I don’t complain.
We stop at the bank, out of sight from the other fishermen.
“It’s beautiful here,” I note. The river flows smoothly, small rapids rushing over rocks, but they don’t appear to be strong enough to take anyone down if they were standing in it.
“I thought you might think so,” Ike says. “I’m asking a lot of you, and I just wanted to show you something pretty; something calm. That sounds dumb,” he mutters as he shakes his head. Taking a few steps farther from the shore, he leans against a beautiful, gigantic tree. The branches stretch out over the water, shading us from the sun.
I follow him up the bank and stand before him. “No,” I disagree. “I know what you mean. I like how quiet it is; the sound of the water.” Taking a deep breath, I say, “It’s calming.”
Ike’s stare trains on me. His brown eyes are so deep; penetrating me. I bite my lip. I don’t know why him looking at me this way makes me feel so . . . nervous. After a moment, his gaze moves past me and back to the water. “I keep hoping it’s like this,” he says, thoughtfully.
“What?” I ask as I follow his line of sight.
“Wherever I go when I leave; I hope it’s peaceful and calm. I hope there’s water and color. I hope I’m somewhere that reminds me of all the happy times in my life.”