The next morning, Vanessa had to admit she’d be way more motivated to get out of bed right now if the Eiffel Tower were outside her window instead of the North Carolina mountains.
Stretching, she reluctantly got up and went over to the window, lifting the shades in one quick tug. Thick clouds hung low across the mountains like a mystical storyland, making the reason these mountains were called the Blue Ridge Mountains make complete sense. The range truly appeared blue and somehow silent.Could a massive structure of cast iron and steel really be more impressive than nature’s architecture?
Invigorated, she took in a deep breath and stretched her arms over her head.
It really is majestic.
The downside of not staying at a hotel was there was no gym to get the day started. She’d been on the track team inhigh school and back then they ran rain or shine all year round. The whole team would run for miles, pounding the pavement around the football field until her legs were like gelatin.
She’d probably burn more calories in this cold weather, and that wouldn’t hurt, based on the looks of those goodies Lilene had left.
She changed into her workout gear, then took the stairs at a quick clip. A calypso of clangs echoed through the empty building.
Outside, the air was crisp, but the sun shimmered on the dew that still moistened the leaves and grass. She stretched, then started an easy jog around the building, careful not to twist an ankle on the uneven gravel lot.
She wished now that she’d paid more attention on the drive over yesterday. If memory served her, turning left would take her back to town. She reset her fitness tracker.
Out of habit, she looked both ways down the empty, quiet road before taking off to the right.
The air seemed so fresh. The incline tested her muscles. The gentle roll of the land was more demanding than it appeared. Finding a comfortable pace, she let her mind clear, getting lost in the rhythm.
A bright red cardinal darted across the road and tried to disappear into a tumble of vines and reeds, quickly followed by a muted tan colored bird.Probably his mate.The male looked like a Christmas ornament against the winter-bare vegetation that had given in to dormancy until spring.
Black fence lined this stretch of road for as far as she could see.
Her fitness tracker chirped. She stopped, pivoted, and started heading back.
A thunderlike reverberation overlaid the sound of her shoesagainst the pavement. Through the trees, on the other side of that black board fence, three huge horses ran by. Their manes loose and flowing, they looked as if they could run forever if not contained.
She surrendered her breath to their beauty. Slowing to a stop, as the horses passed—mighty and beautiful.
Wow.
In a moment they were out of sight, as if they’d been nothing but a figment of her imagination. She jogged in place, hoping they’d return, but they didn’t. She ran back, glad that she recognized the curve in the road as the warehouse came into view.
A car that looked like Lilene’s was parked near the door. She slowed to a walk as she got closer. Lilene sat messing with her phone in the driver’s seat.
Vanessa tapped on the car window. “Hello. Good morning.”
Lilene screamed, pulling both fists to her chest. “Oh, I didn’t want to bother you.” She lowered her window. “You scared me to death.” She panted, still holding her heart. “Mercy. I forgot to ask if you were an early bird. Which apparently you are.”
“I am.” Vanessa caught the enticing aroma of something savory coming from the car. In that instant her plan for a smoothie went right out the window.
“I’m your ride to the office. I wanted to be sure I was available when you were ready, but I didn’t want to text or call if you were sleeping.”
“I won’t be long. Do you want to come up and wait? I’m sure I have something to offer you.” She laughed, since Lilene knew better than she did what was in the apartment.
“I can do ya one better,” Lilene said. “I made something for you. Fresh from the oven.”
Lilene scooched out from behind the wheel balancing acasserole dish wrapped in a festive burgundy and gold towel with a stressed-out turkey on it, leaving her purse sitting on the seat of the car.
“Come on. Let’s enjoy it while it’s hot.”
“You didn’t have to do that. But it does smell good.”
“It is. It’s a family recipe.”
If this is what they mean by Southern hospitality, I could get used to it.“Can I carry that for you?”
