Read Rocky Mountain Holiday (To Love Again Book 4) for Free Online Page B

table behind Jenny.
    “Tonight, I have a very special guest joining me,” Tray announced. “Please welcome my friend Jenny from Calgary.”
    The look on Jenny’s face made it clear she’d had no idea Tray was going to call her up. She shook her head but Barry insisted, grabbing her forearm and helping her up from her chair. Reluctantly, throwing a “what-were-you-thinking” look at Barry, she took the stage.
    She consulted with Tray for a few seconds, then he passed her the microphone and started strumming an intro that sounded familiar. Isabel moved to the door of the bar. Jenny started singing one of her favorites, “Lighter Shade of Pale”. She’d heard her do it before, but this version was coming out well - Jenny had the small crowd’s full attention and received enthusiastic applause and cries of “more” and “encore”.
    Tray passed her his set list and she pointed. He started playing another Simon and Garfunkel, this time it was “Mrs. Robinson”. From the stage, Jenny winked at her. Tray kept his head down, but was grinning widely. Laughing, Isabel made her way back to the table.
    “I had no idea she could sing,” Kip said, holding his phone up to take video.
    “She’s got a great voice,” Isabel agreed. “Be sure to ask her about the concert she did last September.”
    Kip nodded, hanging on Jenny’s every movement on stage.
    Leaning forward in her chair, Valerie nodded also. “She’s really good.”
    Barry caught Isabel’s eye and winked. Who knew he’d be such a match-maker?
    As Jenny made her way back to the table, the applause slowly died down and in the relative quiet, Isabel’s phone rang. Her daughter’s photo flashed on the screen. Grabbing the phone from the table, she answered the call and headed out to the lobby.
     
    ~~~
     
    She hurried back to the table, where Jenny was basking in congratulatory remarks from Kip and Valerie. Putting a couple of bills on the table for her drink, she picked up her jacket and caught Jenny’s eye.
    “You’re leaving?” Jenny asked.
    “I have to go to Radium to get Karin and Shelly.”
    “Now?” Barry asked.
    “Long story, but yes, now.”
    Jenny stood, gathering her things. “I’ll come with you.”
    “It’s fine, you don’t have to.” She didn’t want to pull her away from her evening with Kip.
    “I’m coming, that road is horrible after dark.”
    “Thanks,” she smiled weakly and turned to Barry. “Can you let Tray know I had to go?”
    “Of course,” Barry said, rising to give them each a hug. “Call me if we can help.”
    Saying their goodbyes, they headed out. At the door of the bar she turned and blew a kiss at Tray. He looked puzzled, and a little disappointed. She checked her watch and hurried on.

DECEMBER 28 ~ MORNING
     
     
     
    When Isabel reached the restaurant, a greasy spoon hidden a couple of blocks off the main drag, the girls already had a table. More a local hang-out than a spot for tourists, the prices were reasonable and, more importantly, they served breakfast all day.
    “We’re so sorry, Mom,” said Karin, as Isabel slid into the booth.
    “Yes,” nodded Shelly. “Sorry, Mom.”
    She was still dead tired. It had been a long drive down to Radium, an even longer drive back. Driving through the mountains so late at night was never a good idea and this time of year, could be downright deadly. They considered staying over, but “No Vacancy” signs were everywhere. Fortunately, she’d only had half a drink before the girls called.
    “I still don’t understand what happened there girls,” she said. “You know I’m glad you called. I’ve always told you that I’d rather you call me than be stuck in a stupid situation.” She ordered coffee as the waitress dropped menus off at the table.
    Karin and Shelly shared a look and Karin started to explain. It had always been that way. Even as young adults, Karin was still the ‘big sister’.
    “It was stupid, Mom,” she began. “We went down