Before heading downstairs, she dialed Sheila. No sense taking the chance there’d be no service at the cabin.
Sheila answered on the first ring. “I’ve been waiting for your call. Tell me everything.”
Natalie filled her in on the ride up, the curvy mountain roads, and the inn. “It is the most amazing house. I can’t wait for you to meet Orene. She’s so sweet. You won’t believe her teapot collection. I’ve never seen so many. It’s like the teapot museum or something.”
“You’ve only been there a few hours. How on earth did y’all get that much talking in?”
“I have no idea.”
“Well, I’m glad things are off to a good start. Good luck with that cabin. I feel better knowing you’ve got Orene’s place to crash.”
“I’m not going to do anything impulsive. If it’s not habitable, I’ll admit I was wrong.”
“No you won’t.”
“Why would you say that? I always admit when I’m wrong.”
“True, but you are absolutely hell-bent on making this work. I know you. When you get your mind set on something you’re like a pit bull. You won’t let go.”
Natalie laughed. “Okay, guilty, but I will not live in my car. I can promise you that, and Iwillcall and keep you posted.”
“My door is still open too,” Sheila said. “I already miss you.”
“Thank you for being the best friend. I’ll keep you posted. Don’t worry.” She hung up the phone with a heart full of gratitude. She was lucky to have such a good friend, and she had a feeling Orene would become one too. With her overnight bag on her shoulder she carried the sheets downstairs.
“Orene?” She looked around the corner. Orene was back in the kitchen, fixing another cup of coffee. “There you are. Where’s the washer? I want to get these started for you.”
“Well, I guess you’re feeling pretty optimistic you won’t need to stay tonight. The laundry room is right through that door.”
“Nothing wrong with a little wishful thinking,” Natalie said with a laugh as she walked out of the room. Not surprising, Orene had a blue tin of laundry powder with little teacups painted on it, and a washer that still had the hand-turn dial on it.Do they even make these anymore?
Water filled the tub and the sheets were already swishing when she went back to say goodbye to Orene.
“All set,” Natalie said. “I promise I’ll stop back by later to let you know how it went.”
“I’d like that, and I’m serious, if it’s not lady-ready over there, you bring yourself right back here. For as long as you need. You’ve been a delight.”
“Thank you.” She started for the door, then stopped. “You wouldn’t happen to know the best way to Grand Creek Road from here? My GPS only showed a route to the edge of Mountain View, then woods.”
“That’s pretty much where it is.” Orene pressed her lips together. “You should go by the fire station first. Go back past therestaurant then up three blocks, turn left at the light blue truck filled with pumpkins, and then it’s one block up on the right. Red metal building. Brand new. Can’t miss it.”
“Pass the restaurant, left at the pumpkins, then on the right.”
“Exactly. Get Tucker to take you to the cabin. He’s been taking care of things there. He can get you up there and show you the ins and outs of the place. Tucker’s a good guy. He’ll get you situated.”
“That’s very helpful. I wasn’t quite sure what I’d be walking into, but I’m feeling a little less concerned knowing how helpful everyone is around here.”
“You’ll be fine. This town is filled with them.”
“I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything less. Jeremy was good people.”
Orene nodded. “Folks are going to be happy you came here.”
“I can’t thank you enough for letting me stay last night. Are you sure I can’t pay you?”
“No, ma’am. It was enough that we shared a meal last night, and I truly enjoyed your company.”
“Can I bring you anything when I come back?”
