Page 59 of Hard Rain Coming
“I’m not a good man,” he replied, sliding off his seat when he heard his flight called.
“No,” she said with a wry grin. “I don’t suppose you are.”
“But I’m trying to be.”
“Good luck.”
He gave a nod and headed for his gate, phone out so that he could book a rental when he landed. By the time he was seated, his too-long legs damn near up to his chin, he finally relaxed a bit.
He had a truck waiting for him. Benton had forwarded the information on the only B and B in Belle Adair, and he should land around three o’clock local time. He figured by the time he got his rental and was on the road, he’d be in Belle Adair no later than six o’clock.
He had no plan beyond that.
Dallas stared out the window as they taxied down the runway and frowned. The no-plan thing might bite him in the ass, but it was all he had.
He hoped like hell it was enough.
Chapter Nineteen
Alicia Landry was late.
Vivian sat nervously in her chair, there in the back corner of the café, and when the server, a young girl named Julia came over, she offered a strained smile and accepted a refill on her coffee.
It was strong, and she’d probably pay the price later tonight by staring up at the ceiling instead of sleeping, but it was either drink coffee or lose her mind. She didn’t have time to lose her mind, so the coffee would have to do.
She fingered the edge of her sweater, eyes on the door each time the bell rang to signal a new customer. And so far, each time, Alicia Landry hadn’t materialized.
Vivian checked her phone once again, but other than a quick text message from the woman to let Vivian know she was running late, there was nothing. Her stomach felt off, and she wished she’d stayed away from the heavy foods she’d inhaled at breakfast.
Sweat broke out across her forehead, and she grimaced.
“You okay, sugar?” The petite woman who’d been behind the counter earlier stood at the next table, cloth in hand, her eyes kind as she studied Vivian. She looked to be in her sixties and was dressed colorfully in bright yellow pants, red Crocs, a peach-colored T-shirt, and an apron covered in butterflies of every shape, size, and color. Her hair was the kind of blonde that came from a bottle. Shot through with silver, it was piled on top of her head and secured with a large clip. She wore no makeup other than bright red lipstick.
“I’m fine, thanks,” Vivian replied with a nervous smile. “I’m waiting for someone.”
“I’m Sara,” the woman said with a wink. “If there’s anything you need, just let me know.”
“Thank you, but coffee is fine for now.”
Sara moved away and began to clean another table while Vivian pulled her phone from her cell. There were missed calls from Dallas, as well as several text messages she didn’t have the heart to read. At least not yet. She pocketed the cell and grabbed up her coffee mug just as the door opened and the bell tinkled. Heart in mouth, Vivian stared across the room at the person who stood just inside the café.
Alicia Landry was an attractive woman, tall and willowy, with dark auburn hair that fell past her shoulders in windswept waves. She was dressed casually in a blue sweater, jeans, and white sneakers. Over her shoulder was a large charcoal-colored bag.
Sara walked over, and the two women chatted for a few moments. It took everything Vivian had to keep her butt planted in the chair. To not run out the back door and do her best to forget she’d ever come to Belle Adair. It was a cowardly thought, of course, but it was looking mighty attractive at the moment.
Alicia glanced her way, and Vivian’s heart just about stopped. The woman’s expression was unreadable, but she held Vivian’s gaze a few moments before giving Sara a small hug. She pulled away from the woman and made her way over to Vivian’s table.
She smelled like sunshine. That was the first thought that scattered across Vivian’s mind.
“Hello,” Alicia said quietly, taking the chair across from Vivian.
Vivian nodded. Her vocal cords seemed to be frozen. “Hi,” she finally managed to say. “I’m Vivian.”
Alicia glanced down at her hands, then back up. “I knew who you were the minute I walked through the door.” She smiled then, a soft sort of thing that made her eyes somehow larger. Shinier. “She’s so like you.”
Sara brought over a sweet tea for Alicia and set it down without a word. Then she left the two of them alone again.
“I suppose you were surprised to hear from me.” Vivian gripped the coffee mug with her fingers as if it were a lifeline.