Return to Virgin River (Virgin River #19) - Robyn Carr Page 0,39

have a thought on my drive home. We’re ill suited, me and Laura. Opposites. We thought we had a lot in common, given that we’re both artists of a sort. But I live a quiet life; I like being alone. I don’t like crowds or busy places but Laura craves people. We want different things—she’d like the adoration of millions while I’d rather go unnoticed. I’m not really shy, I don’t think. I just prefer smaller groups or maybe just one person at a time. While she wants restaurants and parties, I’d rather train the dogs or go for a walk. I married a woman like my mother. I believe it’s true. I was a toddler when my mother left Virgin River to go back to the city. She divorced my father. He was too quiet and solitary for her. She died a few years later. A car accident. Virgin River isn’t for everyone.”

“I find it much more to my tastes than I thought I would,” she said. “Your dog went on my walk with me today.”

By his expression, he was shocked. “Was he polite?”

“Very. And I wasn’t afraid. I had a moment, you know... But Otis waited for me to invite him. Of course he followed me, but then he waited.”

“What a good guy,” Landry said. “He has no ulterior motives, he just wants to be a good friend. That’s what I love about dogs. They bond and nothing can break the bond. He’s always good, but I think he likes you.”

“You shouldn’t bother with the locks on the doors,” she said. “Apparently he comes and goes as he pleases.”

“I know,” he said. “It worries me sometimes. I don’t want him to wander too far or get himself in trouble, like if he runs into some challenging wildlife. Or some hunter mistakes him for a deer.”

“A black, brown and white deer? That would be a very stupid hunter.”

“How about dinner tomorrow night? We can share the prep.”

“It’s getting pretty chilly when the sun goes down,” she said. “How do you feel about your house and a fire in the fireplace?”

“I feel good about that.”

* * *

Kaylee went to Jack’s at lunchtime, planning on a sandwich and salad, but she had a double treat when she found Mel there with an adorable little girl. They were sitting at a table rather than the bar and Mel waved her over.

“Kaylee, this is my friend, Mallory. Would you like to join us for lunch?”

“Absolutely! Is this a special occasion?” she asked, sitting down.

“Mallory’s mom had an appointment today and there’s no school for teachers’ planning sessions, so we’re hanging out.”

“My mom’s having her medicine,” Mallory said. “Her chemo medicine.”

That hit Kaylee right in the gut. “Oh dear, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Mallory said. “It’s going to make her better.”

“That’s what we’re hoping for, aren’t we?” Mel said. “Mallory, tell Kaylee what your favorite subject is.”

“Reading. Not math very much, but I read all the time.”

“And you will never guess what Kaylee does for her work. She writes books!” Mel said.

“You do?” Mallory said. “Whole books?”

“Whole books.” Kaylee laughed. “Do you read whole books?”

“I love books. They’re not long like the ones my mom reads, but they’re for my age, which is ten. I read my first one when I was six. Before that I read my magazines and books with pictures from the library. We go to the library every Saturday. Unless my mom doesn’t feel good. Do you ever write books with a mystery? Or like a surprise ending?”

“It turns out that’s my specialty.”

“Could I read one of them, do you think?”

“I think you have to be just slightly older. You’re smart enough to read one, but unfortunately I use too many swear words for your age group.”

“I could not look at them or pretend I didn’t see them,” she suggested. “My mom reads books like that, I think. She says I can’t read her books because they’re too adult, and I think that means dirty words.”

“There are plenty of books to read while you’re getting to the right age,” Kaylee said. “Tell me about your favorite books.”

Mallory talked nonstop all through lunch and it turned out to be one of Kaylee’s most fun days. When they were finished with lunch, Mallory thanked Kaylee and promised to read some of her books, “When I’m older. Maybe next year.”

* * *

Landry texted Laura and asked her when she would be free for lunch. He had another fair on the