Page 25 of Entranced in the Mountains
“I bet he was wishing he was on Mars after you were done with him.”
I laugh. “Oh yeah. I think I ended his dream of becoming an astronaut.”
He’s laughing now, deep and unguarded. “Remind me never to argue with you.”
“You got it,” I say as I lift my wine glass. He clinks it with his and smiles.
He looks so good in the candlelight. I don’t want this night to end.
The manager, Lauren, comes by and says hello to the Sheriff. She’s nice and polite with a prim and proper style—crisp blouse and a pencil skirt.
“Lauren owns the lodge with her husband Owen,” Ryland says, introducing me.
“It’s a beautiful place,” I tell her. “You should be so proud.”
“We love our little slice of heaven,” Lauren says, clasping her hands as she smiles at me. “We’re happy you’re getting to share it with us for the night.”
“It’salmostperfect,” Ryland says with a mischievous grin. “It’s only missing one thing.”
Lauren tilts her head with a tight smile. “What’s that?”
“Imagine a very talented harp player playing right there,” Ryland says pointing to the spot under the giant chandelier in the middle of the restaurant. “That would be something.”
“That would be nice,” Lauren says with a nod. “We tried hiring a piano player once, but it didn’t work out. He drank a little too much and missed a few too many keys. A harp player would be perfect, but there aren’t any in town that I know of.”
I feel my cheeks getting hot as Ryland grins at me. “You’re in luck because the most talented harp player in the country is moving to the Greene Mountains. She’s right here.”
Lauren turns when he presents me. “I wouldn’t say the most talented in thecountry…”
“I would,” Ryland says firmly. “She’s incredible.”
I’m expecting Lauren to smile politely and quickly go on her way, but she doesn’t. She actually looks interested. My heart starts racing as I sit up and try to shake the wine and endorphins out of my head.
“Would you like to audition for me tomorrow?” she asks. “I’d love to hear you play.”
Oh my god. Is this happening? Is this really happening?
“Okay,” I say, smiling uncontrollably. “Yeah, I’d love that!”
We work out the details and Ryland offers to drive me and my huge harp case. Lauren looks pleased and enthusiastic when she leaves and I just know this is going to work out. I may not be the best harp player in the country like Ryland insists that I am, but I’m definitely good enough to play in a high end establishment like this.
I’m flying high for the rest of the dinner. I can’t believe I have an audition for a full time job, a new man, and maybe an amazing new town to live in all in less than twenty-four hours. This has been the best day of my life.
I’m ecstatic and not wanting the night to end as we leave the restaurant and walk into the lodge. The fire is still crackling, but the chairs are long empty. It’s late. We were in that restaurant for a long time.
“Ready for that room?” Tina or Tiffany—I’m not sure which one—asks from the reception desk.
Are you kidding me? What’s with these girls…
Ryland turns to me with a raised eyebrow. “Room? You booked a room?”
“No, I…”
My cheeks go red, wondering how I’m supposed to explain this.
“It’s the Western Suite,” Tina says.
“Very fancy,” Tiffany adds.
