Page 69 of Power
“Let’s not talk about your career as a comedian quite yet,” I say as I turn toward Hope River. It doesn’t take Emily long before her laughter stops, her head slumps to the side, and she begins to softly snore. I come to a bridge where there’s a sign that reads “Welcome to Hope River. Population 1486, 1487 , 1489 , 1488 , 1493 , 1509.” I snort with a chuckle when I see the numbers crossed out.
I drive toward the town and find it’s dead quiet. There are no cars traveling through, no signs of life. It’s quite eerie, if I’m being honest. Where on earth have we ended up? The lights of the car catch a sign reading McGrath’s Bed and Breakfast. The house looks impeccable and well looked-after. The lawns and garden are clearly maintained, and although this small town looks like a scene out of a horror movie, the bed and breakfast is inviting. But driving for seven hours straight has taken its toll on me and Emily. We both need a place to lay our heads, even if it’s only for tonight.
I pull up out the front of the bed and breakfast and nudge Emily. “Emily?”
“Yeah?”
“Come on, I think I’ve found somewhere for us to stay.”
She opens her eyes and with a bewildered gleam she looks around. “Where are we?”
“We’re in Hope River, and that over there is a bed and breakfast. I want to check it out and see if they have room for us, we can find something more upscale tomorrow.”
“Okay, Momma,” she replies in her thick, sleepy voice.
I get out of the driver’s side and walk around to the passenger side. Opening the door, I wait for Emily to hop out so we can see if there’s room at the bed and breakfast. I try the door, but it’s locked. There’s a note on it directing guests to call a number. I call the number and it rings only a couple of times. “Hello,” a woman answers.
“Hi, um. I’m standing outside the bed and breakfast, and I’m wondering if there are any vacancies for tonight?”
“We do have a room available, and I can be there in the next ten minutes.”
“Great, thank you.”
“You can wait on the porch swing if you like. I shouldn’t be too long.”
“It’s not too late for you?” I ask, in case I’m putting her out. Although, she doesn’t sound like I woke her.
“Oh no, not at all. I won’t be long. What’s your name?”
“I’m Reece.”
“Great. Give me ten.”
“Thank you.” We both hang up, and I move us over to the porch swing. “Emily, they’ll be here soon, so if you can sit there, I’ll go grab our bags.”
“Okay.” With heavy footsteps, she drags herself over to the swing and sits.
By the time I get our two small suitcases from the car, another car approaches. The woman jumps out and rushes up to the bed and breakfast. “Reece?” she asks as she unlocks the door with a swipe card.
“Yes, hi.” I smile as I nudge Emily. “And this is my daughter, Emily.”
“I’m Yasmin.” She pushes on the door and steps in, holding it open for us. She walks behind the front desk, and I can’t help but look around.
“This is so cute.” I notice a picture on the wall and walk over to it, studying it.
“That picture is this house before Hope got to it.”
“Wow, it’s amazing. Hope? Who’s Hope?”
“She’s our local celebrity. It’s a bit of a story, but you can ask her about it tomorrow at the festival.”
“What festival?” Emily asks. She’s awake now that she heard that.
“Hope River holds a festival every six weeks or so down on Main Street. Tomorrow’s is the curry festival.” I stare at her waiting for the punchline. “I know,” Yasmin says. “It was a little quirky for me too when I moved here.”
“You’re not from here?” I ask.
“Oh no. Hope owns this, and her brother’s wife, Tabitha, was friends with me many years ago. Anyway, I screwed Tabitha over, and we fell out. But, couple of years ago we happened to meet up, and our friendship has rebuilt over time. Tabitha is the chef here. She’ll be in around five to start on breakfast for the guests. Anyway, I’m boring you, and you’re probably tired.”
