Barbara Levenson - Mary Magruder Katz 03 - Outrageous October by Barbara Levenson

was looking at granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and walls of oak cabinets. “This is about the size of my whole house in Miami,” I said. I opened the fridge and saw that it was stocked with beer, white wine, and bottles of every sort of condiment. I grabbed two beers and handed one to Dash.
    “Here’s your reward for hauling my junk in here.”
    Dash popped the top and sat down at the long table in the center of the room.
    “So what are you really doing up here?” Dash asked
    “I told you, taking a little vacation.”
    “A vacation might mean a cruise with a boyfriend or a spa in Mexico with a girlfriend; not a quiet village in a lonely house where you don’t know anyone. I guess you’re running away from someone or something.”
    I stared at Dash. Either he was very perceptive, or he had spoken to Lucy. An uncomfortable silence filled the space in the immaculate kitchen.
    “You don’t have to tell me anything,” Dash broke the silence. “After practicing law for a lot of years, I’m a pretty good judge of people.”
    “I thought I was too, but even lawyers make judgments that don’t reflect their brains. I came up here to try to erase a bad relationship, so I guess running away is the right label to pin on this trip.”
    “I’d be glad to be part of your R. and R. How about I take you out to dinner tomorrow evening? We have some great restaurants in the Upper Valley, and you haven’t had much chance to see the other villages in the area. We can compare notes about law practice in different environments.”
    I looked at Dash. He was nice looking and I would enjoy hearing about a country law practice. Well, what the hell, I thought.
    “That’s really nice of you, Dash. It sounds like fun. Everyone is so friendly here. I met Riley Simmons at the mini-mart and she offered to take me sightseeing too.”
    “You can go with her on Sunday. Tomorrow night is Saturday night. She’s probably busy then anyway. She has a boyfriend.”
    “Okay. Shall I meet you somewhere?”
    “I’ll pick you up around seven. This is right on the way over to Woodstock. Will Sam be okay by himself? He seems glued to your side.”

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    CHAPTER
    TWENTY-THREE
    I spent Saturday visiting the VINS center, the Vermont Institute of Nature. It was on a glorious site with trees surrounding it. The center cares for injured birds and tries to restore them to health. Those that can’t be returned to the wild are placed in holding areas made to resemble their usual habitat.
    Sam stayed in the car while I got a look at a snowy owl, several hawks, and a bald eagle. There was even an educational show where the predator birds were brought out for picture taking and close up views. I was as much in awe as the group of school kids seated around me.
    I retrieved Sam from his perch on the driver’s seat of my SUV. This is where he waits for my return. Several hiking trails led from the center and we spent some time looking at wild flowers, shimmering leaves, and hilly terrain. Finally we arrived at the gorge and climbed down behind a family with several kids in tow. It was worth the climb down and back up to see what the locals call their “little Grand Canyon.”
    I knew my legs would ache tomorrow. They aren’t geared to climbing considering that they live at sea level.
    We stopped back on the main road for hotdogs, one for Sam and two for me. I spotted the gift shop that Riley mentioned and decided to pick up some things to take back for Catherine and her kids. To my surprise, Riley was behind the counter.
    “Aren’t you in the wrong place?” I asked.
    “I got pressed into service over here. Dad’s short of help and I know the inventory. My cousin is manning the mini-mart. How are you doing?”

“Aside from the fact that I found out I was staying in the wrong house, just fine, thanks.”
    Riley looked at me like I had two heads.
    “It’s a long story. I’ll fill you in when we get together. Are you free on Sunday?” I