“That’s good,” he replied, relief sweeping through him.
“Why on earth did Billy have you out traipsing about rain-slicked hillsides?” Glady asked, clearly disapproving.
“I knew there was a possibility of rain today,” the woman answered honestly. “But that wasn’t going to keep me from doing what I’d come to Juneau for. So getting caught in the rain was all my fault. Not his,” she added in the older man’s defense, something Gage admired. Some travelers in her predicament might have tried to throw the local tour operator under the proverbial tour bus.
“Rain comes and goes in September,” he said.
“Mostly comes,” Glady chimed in with a nod as she straightened her ruffle-trimmed apron.
“I hope you were able to enjoy at least some of your Duck, Duck, Goose tour, despite all the unplanned excitement you’ve had today.”
“I did,” she replied. “Billy took me around to some of Juneau’s off-the-beaten-path prime fishing streams.”
“All this beauty to see,” Glady said with a sweep of her arm, “and that old man takes you to fishing spots?”
Aurora laughed softly. “I hired him to take me to those places so I could get pictures. It was a great day, despite the rain, an untimely mudslide, and a missed flight.”
This time it was Gage letting out a chuckle. “I’d sure like to know what you consider a bad day.”
“Cup half full,” she replied with a pretty smile.
Glady groaned in empathetic commiseration. “I bet Billy felt just awful about you missing your flight.”
“He did,” Aurora acknowledged with a nod. “He even offered to refund my money, but I assured him it wasn’t his fault. The tour was well worth the cost. I was able to get a lot of what I think will be really good pictures for a job assignment I came here on.”
“Well, I hope you did too. So how did you end up at Glady’s Glacier Grill?” Glady asked. “The airport for Juneau is in the other direction.”
“When we realized I wasn’t making my flight, I asked Billy where he would recommend to get something warm to drink while I work on rescheduling my travel plans. He suggested your place and was kind enough to drop me off right out front on his way back to the company’s tour office. I just hope he doesn’t get in trouble for running late getting back.”
“I think his job’s safe,” Glady replied. “Billy owns Duck, Duck, Goose Tours.”
“He does?” Aurora said, thickly lashed doe eyes widening. “He never mentioned that.”
“I’m not surprised,” Glady said. “Billy’s not a boaster. But he’s very good at what he does. People have traveled to Juneau from all over the world just to have Billy take them out on private tours.”
“I believe that,” Aurora replied. “He seems to know all the perfect places to go.”
Gage found himself more and more drawn into the conversation going on next to him. Her response to Glady explained the size of the camera bag she had with her. It was part of whatever her job was.
Glady nodded toward Aurora’s cup. “I should let you be so you can enjoy your tea.”
“I don’t mind the company,” Aurora replied. “I really appreciate the warm welcome you’ve given me.” She glanced toward the entrance. “Especially after I made such a mess at your front door.”
Glady waved that statement away. “You have more pressing issues to worry about at the moment. Like making calls to those who will be worried about you not making your flight.”
“I already let my friend Emmy know what happened. Now I just need to book another flight back to Seattle.”
“There is a vast expanse of untamed land around here. Your husband isn’t with you?” Glady said speculatively, casting a glance in Gage’s direction. As if her question and Aurora’s impending response were supposed to mean something to him.
The woman paused for several long moments as if Glady’s question had struck a nerve, then shook her head. “I don’t have one.”
“Forgive me for asking,” the diner owner replied apologetically. “What on earth is wrong with young men these days, not snapping up a pretty little thing like you?”
Aurora laughed. “Thank you, but I can’t place all the blame on them. I’m not looking for just any kind of love. I’m looking for the all-encompassing love my parents found and don’t want to settle for anything less.”
“Well, good for you, standing your ground. One of these days the stars will align just right, and you’ll find that love you’re searching for.”
“I hope you’re right,” she replied with an earnest smile. “In the meantime, what I’m in search of is a place to stay for the night. I know it’s busy season, so my options are probably greatly limited. Would you, by any chance, have any suggestions?”
