Chapter Ten #2
“Thanks for stopping by. It was a nice surprise.”
“I’m happy I could help.” She smiled. “I’ll see you.”
Casey retreated to her office, glad to escape the direction Jacob had been edging toward. She’d hate for their friendship to end on a bad note, but she just didn’t have those feelings for him. But they’re there for Rags. She rolled her eyes. Of all the guys in town, I’m attracted to an outlaw.
She sat down, tried to refocus, and dove back into the spreadsheets. After a couple of hours, she leaned back, rubbed her eyes, then shut off the monitor.
The book Devin had loaned her sat on the corner of her desk.
She’d been meaning to return it. A glance at the clock told her the museum was open for another twenty minutes.
Casey grabbed her keys. A quick trip to the Frontier Museum would be a welcome way to end the day.
Afterward, she’d pick up a gooey lasagna from Little Pepina’s, pour herself a glass of cabernet, and watch the latest episode of the Halloween Baking Championship.
The short walk to the museum was just what she needed.
Some of the shops that lined the street were winding down as last-minute customers hurried into the butcher shop to pick up that night’s dinner.
Casey pushed open the museum door and stepped inside, the familiar scent of varnished wood and old paper wrapping around her.
Sunlight filtered through the old glass windows, turning the dust motes into slow, lazy sparks.
Devin looked up from behind the front desk. A small smile curved his mouth. “Casey. I was just thinking about you. How’s that for coincidence?”
She held up the worn hardcover. “Then that’s what brought me here—your telepathy.” She laughed. “At least that’s what Curtis would say.”
Devin grimaced. “Don’t lump me in with him.” His eyes dropped to the book in her hand.
“I figured I’d better return this before you thought I was keeping it forever.”
He chuckled. “I told you no one’s checked that book out in a while. You could’ve kept it as long as you wanted.”
“I devoured it in one night,” she said, setting it gently on the counter. “I kept forgetting to bring it by. The section on the mining towns was incredible.”
His eyes lit up. “I knew you’d like that. The way those early settlers carved out lives in these mountains is hard to imagine now. Different kind of grit.”
She smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I kept thinking about how many of those old buildings are still standing. They’ve got more backbone than some people I know.”
He leaned an elbow on the counter. “That’s what I love about this town—every beam, every brick has a story. Not like that metaphysical shop Curtis Brixton runs. He tears out the soul of a building the minute he gets his hands on it.”
Casey tilted her head. “You don’t like him much, do you?”
Devon’s smile tightened. “Let’s just say he’s more interested in profit than preservation. I can’t stand people who fake passion for the past just to sell crystals and incense.”
She gave a soft laugh. “Fair enough, but he’s pretty much kept the integrity of the space he has. He is a bit… eccentric.” And odd… and totally creepy.
“Eccentric’s one thing,” he said. “Phony’s another.” Then his tone lightened again, smooth as before. “Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed the book. You’ve got the same curiosity those miners had. You want to dig beneath the surface.”
Her cheeks warmed. “I guess I do.”
“Pinewood Springs is a fascinating town and very well preserved. Some of the other mountain towns have destroyed what they have for the sake of tourism.” A darkness passed across his face. “They should be punished for that.”
“That would be a bit extreme,” she said lightly, though the word snagged in her mind.
“I’m glad there are historical societies now that fight hard to keep the past part of the present,” she continued.
“You do such a wonderful job here at the museum and are the perfect person to run it since you were raised here.”
“Pinewood Springs definitely has my heart. I know you’re a city girl, but you fit in perfectly here,” Devin said with a smile.
“Denver has a lot of history, too. I was a docent for a couple of summers at the Molly Brown House Museum. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had. I loved every minute of it.”
“I like your enthusiasm. You should think of volunteering at the museum. We could use good tour guides, especially for our walking tours.”
Casey groaned. “I’d love to, but I have too many jobs I’m juggling. Once I get some things off my plate and can quit the retail job, I’m all yours.” She leaned against the front counter. “How are the spooky stories going at the exhibit?”
“Great. People love them. I guess I have to admit Amelia was right to take Raven’s suggestion. And Raven’s narrations are the most popular.”
“What about Curtis’s? I remember you said he was going to do them, too.”
A slow grin spread across Devin’s mouth. “He bombed. Too serious and weird, so Amelia cut him. He wasn’t happy, but I was delighted.”
“I bet being dismissed didn’t sit well with him at all. Raven never mentioned it to me. How did she take it?”
“As long as the spotlight’s on her, she doesn’t care about anyone else, including her husband.”
“I don’t know about that, but she is an actress. She’s a flamboyant and sweet person.”
“I suppose,” Devin mumbled. He straightened, glancing toward the window where the late light stretched long across the museum’s front sidewalk. “I was thinking about grabbing something to eat. You hungry? Ruthie’s still has the peach pie you like.”
She hesitated. “I shouldn’t… I’ve got some freelance projects I need to work on tonight.”
He smiled. “Work will wait. Pie won’t.”
Casey laughed softly, then gave in. “Okay. Just for a quick bite.”
“Great. Let me wind things done, then we’ll go.”
A short time later, they walked to the door. Devin reached ahead and opened it for her, and they stepped out into the fading afternoon. The air smelled of pine and distant rain. Casey tugged her cardigan tighter around her. Even on warm days, the chill set in as soon as the sun dipped.
“Do you want to go in my car? I can drop you back off at the theatre after,” Devin said.
“No, I’ll meet you at the diner,” she said, pulling the fob out of her purse.
For the first time all day, the knot in her chest loosened a little as the thought of winding down with good conversation filled her soul.
Devin held the door open for Casey, and she stepped inside the diner, the smell of coffee and fried onions wrapping around her.
The early evening crowd at Ruthie’s hovered near the cash register and milled through the small waiting area.
Children squirmed on parents’ laps while the older ones scrolled through their phones.
The clatter of dishes and the hiss of the grill mingled with a low country song coming from the corner speakers.
A curly-haired waitress in a pink jumper and white apron maneuvered through the crowd with a tray of dirty plates. She plopped it on the silver-flecked Formica counter, glanced over, and locked eyes with Casey.
“How many?” she called over the noise.
“Two.”
“I got a small booth, if you want it.”
Casey looked at Devin. When he nodded, she turned back to the waitress. “We’ll take it.”
The server grabbed two plastic-coated menus and motioned for them to follow.
Casey slid into the booth, the faux black leather squeaking beneath her, and Devin settled across from her.
“I’ll bring you some water,” the waitress said. Her nametag read Maddie.
“Anything else you want to drink?”
“I’ll have an iced tea with extra lemon,” Casey said.
“Coffee for me,” Devin said.
“Black or with cream?”
“Black, thanks.”
“Be right back.” Maddie hurried away.
Looking around, Casey said, “We’re lucky we got a seat so quickly. It’s packed in here.”
“Yeah. The two-person booths usually open first,” Devin replied, flipping open his menu.
“Here you go,” Maddie said, setting waters and drinks in front of them. “Specials tonight are chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and a side of corn, broccoli, or string beans, steak or chicken fajitas, or beef stew. Do you need some time?”
“I’m good.” Devin looked at Casey. “Are you ready?”
“Yeah. I’ll have a three-cheese omelet with mushrooms and peppers.”
“Burger, medium, with bacon, American cheese, and fries,” Devin said, handing the menu back.
“Excellent.” Maddie tucked her notepad into her apron’s pocket and walked away.
Devin set down his coffee cup and smiled. “Did you really read that book in one night?”
“I couldn’t put it down,” she said, stirring her iced tea. “There was this line about how people build towns where their hope is strongest. I kept thinking about that.”
He nodded. “Hope and greed. Same foundation, different polish.”
She laughed softly. “You sound like you’ve given that some thought.”
“I’ve had time to. The museum is pretty quiet during the week, especially off-season.”
“Raven gave me a book that was fascinating, scary, and thought-provoking. The name is Ghosts of the High Country. It’s about historical places in the state that are haunted. Have you ever read it?”
“No.”
“It was a real page turner.” Casey glanced around, then lowered her voice. “Did you know that back in 1903 there were a string of murders where all the victims were dark-haired women? And they were all strangled.” Her eyes widened. “Don’t you find the coincidence uncanny with what’s happening now?”
“Omelet with mushrooms and peppers.”
Startled, Casey jumped as Maddie slid the plate toward her.
“And medium burger, American cheese, bacon, and fries,” the waitress said, setting Devin’s plate down. “Can I get you anything else?”
“We’re good,” Devin said, reaching for the ketchup.
“She scared the crap out of me.” Casey giggled.
“You’re scaring the crap out of yourself. I bet Curtis loved that you were reading that book.”