Read A Town Called Valentine: A Valentine Valley Novel for Free Online Page B

“He knows what it’s like to enjoy himself.”
    Emily coughed on a piece of banana bread, and Mrs. Palmer whacked her on the back.
    “He snowboards, of course—don’t all the young people?” Mrs. Thalberg beamed. “And he still rides a bike—up on that mountain that towers over our heads! Ever since high school, where he played so many sports, it’s like he’s a daredevil. Now it’s climbing rocks.” She shook her head, tsking.
    “They do what makes them happy,” Mrs. Ludlow said with a sigh. “Look at my granddaughter—she drives a snowmobile too fast!”
    The discussion degenerated into the dangerous mountain sports each of their grandchildren participated in, and Emily used their distraction to finish the dishes and find plastic containers for the food. She needed to escape the Nate festival, and she desperately wanted to see her building in broad daylight.
    When at last the ladies noticed that she’d come to stand next to the table, Emily said, “Mrs. Thalberg, I’m going into Valentine today. Are there any errands I can run for you ladies? I don’t know what time I’ll be back . . .”
    “I’ll drive you!” Mrs. Thalberg insisted, rising to her feet in her housecoat and slippers.
    “No, ma’am, I truly need the exercise. And it’s not far, not even a mile.”
    “Well, that’s true . . .” she said, still looking concerned.
    “It’s a beautiful day, and I’ll enjoy being outside before being cooped up for the rest of the day.”
    They still looked concerned when Emily emerged from the small apartment with her purse and a backpack with a few supplies.
    “Promise you won’t work too hard.” Mrs. Thalberg offered her a bottle of water.
    Emily took it and smiled, already enjoying the company of these three women. “I won’t. And thank you again for welcoming me into your home. I promise to look into a room at the motel today, too.”
    “No!” all three ladies said at once.
    “We will not hear of it,” Mrs. Thalberg said firmly, in the tone of voice of a woman used to being in command.
    Emily remembered that she’d probably been actively involved at the ranch for many years.
    “We’re enjoying getting to know Agatha’s granddaughter,” Mrs. Ludlow added smoothly. “You cannot deny us that.”
    “Every day is always the same.” Mrs. Palmer spread her hands.
    Looking at the ladies, Emily doubted that. “Then I insist you allow me to pay rent.”
    Mrs. Thalberg smiled in triumph. “We’ll think about it. Have a good day!”
    With a wave, Emily went out the back door, shaking her head at how easily they’d maneuvered her. As she walked down the driveway to the gravel road, she glanced about worriedly, wondering if she could see Nate’s cabin—if he could see her. But wherever it was, it was well hidden. She relaxed, letting the scenery bring a moment’s peace. Silver Creek rushed along, muddy and turbulent, close to the height of its banks. This was springtime, and the runoff from the mountains must affect every river and stream. Across the creek, she could see the buildings of Valentine Valley, most only one or two stories tall. Between the creek and the town, a park ran along the banks, scattered with picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and a couple hundred yards down, a large white gazebo.
    As Emily reached the bridge, the road she was on continued sloping up toward the mountain, and across the green rise were scattered the jutting gray headstones of a cemetery. She was tempted to go peek at the dates on the stones, then reminded herself that she had a purpose. After crossing the bridge, a couple blocks ahead of her she could see the tall stone building with a clock tower that must be city hall. With its back to the towering cliffs of the mountains, it presided over the town. When she reached it, she saw she was on Main Street, and turned down toward her building.
    She walked past the storefronts butting against one another for several long blocks. A beautiful old theater