Page 44 of Rags's Awakening
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.
