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“Annie, seriously…” Vivian began, but her brother grabbed her hand and pulled her in for a hug.
For a moment, Vivian allowed herself the luxury of her siblings’ warmth, but then she extracted herself quickly. “If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late.”
Mitch glanced at his watch. “So will I.”
“Where are you off to? It’s Saturday?”
He grinned sheepishly. “There’s a meeting in the town hall about the Valentine’s ball. I’ve volunteered to help.”
Stunned, both Vivian and Annie stared at Mitch. “Seriously?”
Mitch shrugged. “They were looking for more volunteers, and I have time. Teaching high school is keeping me busy, but my weekends are free.”
Annie pointed a finger at Mitch. “As long as you don’t stop working on your novel, we don’t have a problem. Remember, we’re all here to chase our dreams.”
“Yeah, yeah. So now that the house has been renovated, are you happy with it? And have you had any bookings yet?” Mitch asked.
Annie beamed. “Yes, I’m so happy. It’s going to take a while for people to hear about Annie’s Place. Most people only know about the famous Bramble House B and B farther down the road. I hope the first few guests who are coming for the Valentine’s ball next weekend will spread the word. Small steps, we’ve said from the start.”
“You still happy in the ER, Viv?” Mitch asked her. “It’s not really living your dream, though, is it?”
Vivian nodded. “It’s just for eighteen months, remember? I’m happy enough, but you know I prefer working with kids. I’ve been online, and I see the medical school in San Francisco has a pediatric residency training. I’ve been thinking about applying for that but only when Annie’s B and B is up and running.”
Annie looked stricken. “I didn’t know you were thinking of moving away from here so soon?”
Vivian hugged Annie. “I’m only thinking about it. The other possibility would be to start my own family practice here in Marietta, but I’m still considering my options.”
“Don’t forget about the buildings at the back of the house. Those could easily be turned into rooms for you. We really don’t want you to leave,” Annie said.
“Thanks, Annie, but this is your house. Marietta is a beautiful town, and I love being here with the two of you, but I don’t know whether I’ll ever get used to the cold or the fact that everyone knows everyone else’s business.” Vivian checked her watch. “And now I really have to go.”
“Me too,” Mitch said.
“Tell me about your novel?” Vivian asked Mitch as they moved toward the front door.
Mitch shrugged. “I haven’t written anything since we’ve arrived. There was so much to do…”
“Excuses, excuses,” Annie scolded. “You have to write your story, Mitch. If you don’t have time because you’re teaching, you should quit your job. Now that I’ll have guests, I’ll also be contributing toward expenses.”
“And I can work more hours…” Vivian began, but Annie shook her head.
“You seriously need to play a little, Viv. Loosen that tight bun, put on makeup for a change. Get messy, go on dates, even if the guy is a reporter…”
Grabbing her coat, Vivian opened the front door. “And what about you? I don’t see any cowboys knocking on the door, asking for you.”
Annie laughed. “My B and B is the only date I’m interested in, thank you very much. Fortunately, I have the two of you to date. Let’s go to Grey’s Saloon tonight?”
“Sounds great,” Mitch said. “My treat.”
With a final wave, Annie closed the door.
It was bitterly cold this morning. Huddling in the warmth of her warm coat, Vivian ran down the steps to her car. After the mild Sacramento winters, the cold was something to get used to—one of the reasons she’d been thinking about doing a residency in San Francisco.
Minutes later, as she drove toward Marietta Medical, Annie’s words came back to her as she patted her bun to make sure no loose hairs had escaped. Wearing her hair like this was just practical. And the ER was no place for heavy makeup. She played. Okay, not recently, but they’d moved, she’d started a new job. When things had settled down there’d be time to get messy.
But it wouldn’t be with a cocky reporter batting his baby blues at her.
Chapter Three
