Howl at the Loon (An Alpine Grove Romantic Comedy Book 6) Read online

  After the walk, they settled in for a picnic in one of the grassy areas near the visitor’s center. Robin leaned back on the blanket and stroked the fur on Emma’s back. “I need to rest now. I don’t know what you did, but that was the best avocado sandwich I’ve ever had. I could get used to eating real food and hiking every day.”

  Alec sprawled out alongside her. “I know what you mean. But tomorrow is Monday.”

  “That’s going to be awkward, isn’t it?”

  “Probably.” He reached over and pushed a blonde curl off her cheek. “It might not be a great idea to advertise the fact we spent the whole weekend together.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” She rubbed a bit of the red paint in his hair between two fingertips. “Maybe no one will notice this.”

  He leaned to kiss her. “We can go back to my place and you could help me wash my hair again.”

  “Okay. That was fun. Your bathtub is way bigger than mine. And the jets were, um, invigorating.”

  “So were you.”

  On Monday, Robin left Alec’s condo in the wee hours of the morning. He had to go into work early and she had to go home to settle Emma back into her normal weekday routine. She also need to leave a check for the dog walker, which could be complicated. The bean counters in accounting were supposed to cut her reimbursement check from the trip to Alpine Grove this week. Maybe she could convince the dog-walking company to wait a day or two to deposit the check.

  She left an apologetic note with the check and went off to Eagle River. Back in her cubicle, the posters she’d put up on Friday were different, but Barney was still humming and the Sniffler was still snuffling. Some things didn’t change. She looked through her email. Lurking amid the dull missives was a meeting invitation from Darrell. In ten minutes. Son of a gun! What was he thinking? Half the time she wasn’t even here at 8:00 in the morning. Of course, he probably didn’t know that. And she certainly wasn’t going to be the one to tell him. She gathered up a notebook and hustled out of the building and over to the executive offices.

  As she walked up to the conference room, Alec glanced at her through the glass. Although the expression on his face remained serious, he nodded almost imperceptibly and a corner of his mouth turned up. She grinned at him and knocked on the door. Darrell told her to come in and she sat down at the end of the table. It was like deja vu, except that she knew Alec a whole lot better than she had before. Her cheeks were hot, and she was probably blushing like a complete idiot.

  She cleared her throat and said “good morning” overly brightly. This would have been better if she’d had the chance to grab some coffee first.

  Darrell said, “You look like you got some sun this weekend.”

  “Yes, I went hiking with my dog. Wasn’t the weather glorious?”

  After a few pleasantries about the beauty of spring in Portland, Darrell got down to business. “I got the reviews from the retreat and Sue and I went over them.”

  Robin put her hands in her lap. Uh-oh. “I hope it was everything you expected.” She glanced at Alec, who smiled slightly.

  Darrel said, “It was better than I ever imagined. People loved it. And over the last week, the call center has been humming. We’ve done some call monitoring and it’s incredible. Even some of our lowest performers are making sales. Lots of sales. This next catalog drop with the spring clearance is going to break records. I know it.”

  Robin nodded at Alec. “As I said, the training was excellent.”

  Darrell put both palms on the table. “And that’s why I want you to go back!”

  “Go back?” Robin stared at him blankly. “You mean go back to Alpine Grove?”

  “Yes!” Darrell stood up. “The marketing team isn’t in synch with their messaging. The High Country catalog copy doesn’t mesh well with Eagle River campaigns. We can’t get Brett for the team-building aspect this time, but that doesn’t matter. The marketing folks don’t seem to have the same issues with animosity that the call-center folks did. The problem in marketing is that they’re not presenting a cohesive image. We need to fix that, because everyone needs to be on the same page. From what I read in the reviews, being off-site seems to make a huge difference. So you and Alec need to work together to set up marketing training on Eagle River branding, visuals, methodology—the whole nine yards. I talked to Ernie and set up the dates.”

  Robin leaned back in her chair. “Alec and I have to work together?”

  Darrell opened the door to leave. “Yes. I’ve got to get to another meeting. You’ll figure it out. This takes priority over any other work you have. Make it happen, Robin. I’m counting on you again.”

  After he closed the door, Robin turned to Alec. “Did you know about this?”

  “Not until this morning.” He gave her a pseudo-stern look. “I’m terribly sorry to tell you this, but there will be no spreadsheets for you for a while.”

  She giggled. “Oh darn.”

  He stood up. “I have go fight with Sue now. Could you set up a few times for us to meet this week? My schedule is packed, but see what you can do. I can reuse some information from the call-center training, which is a start. But there’s a whole lot of other information on branding, imagery, and marketing strategy that needs to be pulled together for this. Gloria can handle getting everything reproduced, but we need to get everything compiled for her. As usual, Darrell isn’t giving us much time, so we’ve got a whole lot to do.”

  “Okay.” She stood up and held out her hand. “I’m looking forward to working with you Mr. Montgomery.”

  He shook her hand, caressing the top with his thumb in a ridiculously provocative way. “I am too, Ms. Sanders.”

  Over the next few days, Robin talked to what seemed like half of the residents of Alpine Grove. She recruited Ellie and the church ladies to clean and wash all the sheets, since it was highly unlikely Ernie had done anything since everyone left.

  Although she met with Alec a few times, she spent a lot more time with his executive assistant Gloria. She was about ten or fifteen years older than Robin with short, curly red hair and a slim build that Robin envied. No matter what Gloria wore, the clothes fit perfectly and she looked like a consummate professional. It was impossible to imagine her in grungy old sweatpants or covered with paint. Next to her, Robin always felt like a slob.

  Gloria also was one of the most efficient people Robin had ever met. Her list-making and organizational skills put Robin’s to shame. Gloria had been an executive assistant for years, and the woman had a level of confidence in her ability to get things done that was inspiring. Robin had tried to set up meetings with Alec, but finally gave up and asked Gloria for help. She rearranged his schedule so Robin actually would have a chance to speak with Alec before they went to Alpine Grove. How could one human being stand to go to so many meetings every day? No wonder he was so stressed about being behind in his work. He had no time left to actually do any work.

  Robin was sitting at Gloria’s desk helping to collate some documents when Alec walked up. Gloria said, “Why are you here? You have a lunch meeting in twenty minutes. We have everything under control. Get out.”

  He said, “I need to talk to Robin for a second.”

  Gloria waved her hand at Robin, who stood up and followed Alec into his office. He closed the door and watched Gloria through the glass. “Could you stop by my place tonight? I’d like to have more than ten minutes to talk to you about this trip. Bring Emma too. I think Leroy misses his friend.”

  Robin turned so her back was to the glass wall. She grinned at him. “That would be great. I’ve missed you.”

  His expression remained impassive as he said quietly. “I feel the same way. I can’t wait to get out of here.”

  “See you later.”

  Alec opened the door for her and Robin returned to her seat next to Gloria, who handed him a printout. “Read this in the car before you talk to John.”

  He rubbed his eyes with his fingertips. “Okay, thanks.”

 
Much later that evening, Robin stood in front of Alec’s condo with Emma and knocked on the door. It was late and she was tired. If she’d been smart, she would have taken a nap after work. It was way past her bedtime.

  Alec opened the door and Robin dropped Emma’s leash so she could run inside and greet Leroy. As Alec closed the door behind them, he took Robin in his arms and kissed her in that molten way he had. Emma woofed at Leroy, who play-bowed and encouraged her to chase him around the dining room table.

  Alec released his hold on Robin and she smiled. “I’m glad to see you too.”

  “Come in. Sorry it’s so late. But I wanted to see you.”

  Robin collected Emma’s leash, walked over to the sofa, and slumped down onto it, even though the squishy pillows were likely to be a bit too much of a sleep aid. “I don’t think I’m as much of a night owl as you are.”

  “We’ve got to head out Friday. Do you think we can cram all the junk we need to take in the Jeep? Or do you want to take separate cars?”

  “Is your dad okay with you taking his Jeep again?”

  Alec smiled. “Dad doesn’t tend to mind trading cars with me, but he’s visiting my mom in Hawaii, so he’s not using the Jeep anyway.”

  “That’s good. I’d rather not take my car if we can avoid it. My tires are old and I need new ones. Tires are on the long list of things that I can’t afford right now. But my reimbursement request will be a little odd with no gas receipts won’t it?”

  “True. Maybe you can forget to do your expense report entirely, since I’d be happy to pay for your food and lodging.” He sat down next to her. “Unless you want separate rooms.”

  “That seems uncalled for.” She pointed at the dogs, who had exhausted themselves and were now lying on the floor at their feet. “If your father is out of town, who is going to take care of Leroy?”

  “Leroy is coming with me. Emma can ride in the back seat with him if you want.”

  “Aren’t you worried we’ll get in trouble?”

  “No.”

  “This is going to be fun.” She tried to sit up straighter, but the pillows wanted to suck her into their soporific vortex. “I didn’t know your mom lived in Hawaii. Where?”

  “Kauai. I bought her a condo.”

  “I won’t tell my momma that. She’d be so jealous. Are your parents divorced?”

  “Not exactly. They just seem to like each other better if they spend time apart.” He shrugged. “It’s kind of odd. My mom wanted to move someplace sunny after my father finally sold his business, and he didn’t. They sold the house I grew up in and Mom went to Hawaii. Dad got the job here at the complex because he couldn’t stand the idea of having nothing to do. He has a complicated arrangement with the other managers, so he can take time off when he feels like it. The whole thing is a pretty sweet deal.”

  “Well, whatever works for them.”

  “Yeah, they’re happy. And he has a place to stay in Hawaii when he needs sun.”

  Robin was having trouble keeping her eyes open. She slumped over, resting her head on Alec’s shoulder. “Sorry I’m so tired.”

  “It’s okay. I’ve gotta get through some more of this training stuff. You know where everything is.”

  She kissed him and went to the bedroom. Emma and Leroy followed, their toenails clicking on the floors behind her.

  The next morning before they left the apartment, Robin was sitting at the kitchen island eating a bowl of cereal and trying not to dwell on the beany taste of the soy milk. Alec came into the room and kissed her neck. “Hi.”

  Robin waved her spoon and swallowed. “I had an idea!”

  “Does it involve paint or stealing my underwear?”

  “No. I was thinking about what you said about reading. That it’s harder when you’re tired.”

  “Don’t remind me. I’m already exhausted and I’ve got so much more to get through before Monday.”

  “What if I read the training stuff to you on the way to Alpine Grove? Since we’re going to be in the Jeep for hours, I could read while you drive. Then if we trade, you can read yourself while I drive, assuming it doesn’t make you carsick or anything.”

  He put his hand on her cheek. “Thanks for thinking about the disturbing amount of reading I have to do and why it’s disturbing. That would help a lot.”

  “How late did you stay up last night?”

  “Too late. I’m looking forward to being in Alpine Grove. Opportunities for sleep and except for the class, no meetings.”

  “I might invite you to a meeting.”

  “That’s okay. I like your invitations.”

  The drive to Alpine Grove was as much fun as Robin expected. Along with reading more than she ever thought possible about Eagle River marketing to Alec, they talked for hours. The topics ranged from family and friends to a few dopey stories about various childhood escapades. Alec was extremely easy to talk to and they’d even delved into the delicate minefield of past relationships. All the laughter and conversation brought home how lonely Robin had been since she’d moved to Portland.

  The pet-friendly hotel they stopped at was far nicer than the dump Robin had stayed in on her last trip to Alpine Grove. Even Emma seemed to be able to tell the difference. As they drove up the mountain toward the lodge, the dogs stood up in the backseat, vigorously inhaling the piney scents coming through the windows.

  They turned into the North Fork Lodge, which looked exactly the same as it had when they left. Robin was relieved to note that none of the roofs had caved in yet and everything had dried out substantially. The sun was out and the lake was a stunning aquamarine blue with magical little sparkles dancing across the water. The only noises were from birds singing in the trees. No one seemed to be around. Ernie was probably fishing again. Robin looked at Alec. “Wow. It was pretty before, but with sun, it’s absolutely breathtaking.”

  “I know. This is like a postcard. The color of the lake doesn’t even look real.”

  They unloaded the dogs and walked down the path toward the lake. Robin bent to unhook Emma’s leash and Alec released Leroy. The two dogs rushed along the lakeshore, chasing and cavorting with one another. They ran in dizzying circles, leaping and play-bowing with utter abandon.

  Robin smiled at the demonstration of canine joy. “I think they’re glad to be here.”

  Alec put his arm around her shoulders and took a deep breath. “So am I.”

  Chapter 12

  Jeepers Creepers

  After the dogs had tired themselves out, Robin loaded them back into the Jeep, in case Ernie showed up. “We’ll be right back, guys. Take a nap for a couple minutes while we get the key.”

  Alec and Robin walked up the steps to the lodge. They entered the lobby area, which was dust-free. Robin pressed her hands together and grinned at Alec. “Look, Ellie and the ladies were here. It looks great. Or as great as it can, anyway.” She went around the desk and grabbed the keys to the two sides of the Pine Cone cabin and looked at the door to Ernie’s living area. Maybe he was inside. She knocked on the door and it opened a crack. Raising her eyebrows at Alec, he shrugged his shoulders.

  Robin placed her hand on the door and pushed it open the rest of the way. It creaked and Robin stepped into a living room that had been lived in a lot. She put her hand over her mouth. Every possible surface was covered with some residue of past meals. Old half-eaten bread, bags of chips, dirty plates and cups were everywhere. Ernie was slumped on an old plaid sofa, snoring quietly. He was wearing headphones and the TV was tuned to a soap opera.

  Alec came up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. “That’s a mighty bad smell you’ve discovered.”

  She turned her head and looked up into his face. “I guess he’s asleep. Do you think Darrell knows about this?”

  “I tried to tell Darrell that Ernie might have some memory problems, but he brushed it off. He said that Ernie just misses his wife.”

  “That’s what he said to me too. Something more is wrong here. This is awful. Wha
t should we do?”

  Alec shook his head. “I’m not sure. If he’s been using headphones, he might have been holed away watching TV the whole time we were here before. We never would have heard the TV or been able to tell he was in here.”

  “We should let him know we’re here.” She took Alec’s hand and squeezed it. “I’ll wake him up, if you agree to talk to Darrell. He listens to you more than he does to me.”

  “Deal.”

  Robin tiptoed over the debris to the sofa and tapped Ernie’s shoulder. The older man shot up off the couch as if he’d been electrocuted. With a glare, he shouted at Robin, “Who are you? Get out of my house!”

  Robin stepped backward and pointed frantically toward the headphones. “Ernie, it’s me, Robin. Take them off.”

  With a befuddled look, he pulled the black earpieces away from his head, pulled the headphones off, and looked down at them. “Myrtle says to wear them, so I don’t disturb the guests.”

  “I’m sorry to wake you up. I just wanted to let you know we’re here.”

  He pointed at her. “I know you. Why are you here with the twitchy guy again? I thought you left.”

  “We did. But we’re here for another retreat. Remember, Darrell talked to you about it? The attendees arrive tomorrow. There will be only eight people this time. Well, ten if you count me and Alec. I talked to Chuck about the food. He’ll be here tomorrow.”

  Alec said, “Ernie, do you have anyone to help you here? Maybe we could clean up your apartment a little?”

  Ernie ran a hand through his wild gray hair. “Myrtle will get around to it. She’s been busy.”

  Robin said, “We’re staying in the Pine Cone cabin. We’ll go unpack and come back in a little while. Is that okay?”

  Ernie nodded and pointed to the TV. “I’m missing my show! Now I’ll never figure out what happened with Luke and Laura.”

  Robin put her hand on his forearm. “All right. We’ll leave you alone now, but we’ll come back in a little while, okay?”