“You can do almost anything on the computer these days,” Bonnie said.
“If you need me to help, please let me know,” Kaylee said. “It’s not that I’m overbooked!”
And at least once every three days she had dinner with Landry either at his house or hers. Sometimes on those days they didn’t have dinner together, they would still meet on the porch for a cup of coffee or glass of wine, maybe in the morning, maybe in the evening. And they always waved to each other multiple times a day.
Although Kaylee was determined that Landry was merely a friend and a landlord, the romance she’d created between Caroline and Landon was growing more intense. When they looked at each other now, there was real longing in their eyes.
The first weekend in October, Kaylee drove to Grace Valley to check out the Fall Art Walk. The main street was blocked off and filled with booths that displayed everything from woodworking to spices, from hummus to paintings. She should have known she’d see friends there. Kelly’s daughter was manning a booth that sold many of her mother’s salsas, relishes and sauces. People she knew introduced her to people she didn’t. She met the Grace Valley town doctor, June, introduced to her by Mel. She met the Grace Valley minister, Harry, introduced to her by Colin. She found Landry’s booth and gasped at the beauty of his pots, vases and wind chimes. She had not seen much of his work before, just those pieces that decorated his house and hers. He was amazing and had a large group of people gathered there.
They ate some barbecue together in his booth since he couldn’t leave. She had come only to show interest and support but once there, she was enchanted by the bounty of goods and crafts. It was early afternoon when the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen in her life came into the booth, saw Landry and said, “Darling!”
He walked to her and kissed her cheek. “Hi, Laura.”
“Look at your wonderful pieces! You just get better all the time. You are the most fabulous artist.”
Laura was tall, thin, blonde with intense blue eyes to match his and when they stood side by side, they appeared made for each other. Her teeth were perfect and straight, her figure svelte and buxom. Of course her makeup was professional-looking and her nails were star quality. She was stunning. She wore a midlength white lace skirt, a denim jacket and drop dead gorgeous brown leather boots. And the confidence she exuded was palpable.
“And who’s this?” she asked, sticking her hand out toward Kaylee. “Hello there, I’m Laura. Landry’s wife.”
She did look every bit the actress. Kaylee suddenly felt very short and plump and way underdressed in her jeans and hoodie. “It’s a pleasure,” she said a bit awkwardly. “I’m Kaylee. I rent Landry’s house. The smaller one.”
“How wonderful!” Then Laura fluttered her lashes at him. “You look so good, Landry. You’ve been taking care of yourself. Do you have time to walk me around the fair?”
“I really can’t, Laura. I’ll be busy here the rest of the day. I’m sorry. Why don’t you look around and enjoy yourself and maybe we’ll talk later.”
“Oh, can’t your little friend manage your booth for a while?”
“Of course not,” he said, irritation in his voice. “Kaylee doesn’t know anything about these things. She just stopped by to say hello.”
“And it’s really time I get going,” Kaylee said, trying out a smile. “I still have more of this fair to see.”
She gathered up her purse and left Landry and his wife.
Wife? Hadn’t he said he was married but it didn’t work out? She must have meant she was his ex-wife. But they certainly had a cordial relationship.
* * *
Landry was immediately busy with customers, answering their questions about his wares, explaining his process and helping them choose what to buy. His was usually a busy booth and today was no different. After no more than twenty minutes Laura had wandered off, telling him she’d see him later.
Now, what was this about? he wondered. She never showed any interest in these small town fairs or the people. She admired his work but in all the years he’d lived in Virgin River, she’d only visited a few times and took no notice of the town or the people. The only time she’d mingled was at his father’s funeral.
He had to pack up his things at the end of the day. He put them in the trailer he’d brought along, put a padlock on it and left it in the parking lot. He didn’t get home until ten o’clock and there, in front of his house, was a strange car. A rental, he assumed.