Free The Winding Road Home by Sally John

Chelsea, though her curly hair was shorter. She appeared rather youthful-looking for a junior student’s mother. “You must be Chelsea’s mom.”
    â€œThat’s right. And this is Graham Logan. Newcomer to Valley Oaks.”
    Tanner recognized the man from his earlier flight to Maryland. “Hello, again.”
    â€œHi.” He smiled hesitantly, and then recognition registered. “You’re the pilot.”
    â€œSmall world.”
    Graham explained to Adele, “We flew. Much easier on Rand than driving.” He turned back to Tanner and Kate. “Adele got him all moved into her home. Well, not her own home.”
    Kate smiled. “She took me in. I’m sure he’d be welcome there too.”
    They laughed. Kate declined Adele’s invitation to join them, noting they were finished eating and that she was still interviewing Tanner. He followed her down the aisle to a window booth.
    â€œYou’re interviewing me?”
    â€œI’m always interviewing, Tanner. And besides that, Adele looked a bit off. Flushed and flustered. That’s curious, but I didn’t want to interfere.”
    A college-age waitress set water glasses before them. “Need a menu?”
    He looked at Kate and intuitively knew her tastes matched his own. “The works? Extra cheese?”
    She smiled. “Extra large?”
    He turned to the waitress. “That’ll do it.”
    â€œAnd coffee,” Kate added.
    â€œMake mine root beer.”
    â€œOkay. Coming right out.” She left.
    â€œI don’t know that waitress,” Kate said. “Did I mention I eat here all the time? The owner, Mrs. Posateri, lets me work and drink coffee in the middle of the afternoon when they’re closed.”
    â€œWell, Kate, I’d say you’re fitting right in at Valley Oaks.”
    â€œI don’t know. I’m viewed as a gossip columnist. Everyone is nice to me. They think maybe they’ll see their name in print.” A frown crossed her face. “I don’t mean that. Well, yes I do, but I’m trying to get over it. As Rusty says, it ain’t DC. And that’s okay.”
    â€œRemember it’s temporary. For now you just need to relax and let the magic take over.”
    â€œYou obviously have. You fit right in here, Tanner. Like I said, the parents love you. And you were so at home up front tonight. Why don’t you choose one of your hobbies full time and move out here?”
    He tipped his water glass back and forth.
    â€œSorry. You can stop me when I’m being too much of a snoop.”
    He looked at her. “You’re not. It’s just that…” He glanced out the window before meeting her gaze. Could he tell her? Could he trust her with the vague notion of a dream?
    â€œHey, Tanner, forget I asked. It’s none of my business.”
    â€œIt’s all right.” He reached over and swooped up her notepad. “But you can’t breathe a word to anyone. Not a soul.”
    â€œI smell a story.” Her tone was singsong, and then she sobered, solemnly handing him her pen. “But I promise.”
    â€œI’m in the process of buying the video store next to the pharmacy.”
    Her eyes widened. “The one that’s shut down?”
    â€œYeah. The owner’s in prison. He tried to kill Cal Huntington, the deputy sherriff.”
    â€œI know. I read about that in those old Times. Congratulations!”
    â€œThanks. It’s a small place. I can still fly and sub. Another hobby!”
    â€œBut it’s a start of something. When do you get possession?”
    â€œIn a couple of weeks, if I decide to go through with it. And if my dad doesn’t back out of the deal. He’s giving— make that loaning —me part of the money.” Loaning. He was done accepting money from his old man.
    â€œIs your dad a doctor? I think I know him.”
    â€œYeah, he’s a surgeon. How do you