Harmony Cabins Read Online Free

“Follow the Yellow Brick Road!”
    She stepped from her silver Toyota Camry and stood observing the town center. The little slice of commerce in this modern-day Mayberry was comprised of six stores grouped in a semicircle around the parking lot: Are You Nuts?, Fine Accessories, Books & Bakery, Ean Fever—Attorney-at-Law, Skin Deep Beauty Salon, and Gifts and Greetings.
    Were the residents of the enchanted town under the spell of the Good Witch or the Wicked Witch? She approached Books & Bakery with caution. But when she opened the door, a sense of warmth and cheer greeted her like an old friend. She forgot she was in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by strangers.
    Audra took in the dark hardwood flooring and bright, inviting wall displays. The scent of lemon wood polish lingered in the air. Sesquicentennial banners similar to the ones that lined the town roads hung from the bookstore’s ceilings and draped the walls.
    Special-interest tabletop displays and overstuffed red armchairs drew Audra farther into the store. The bookcases were made of the same dark wood that shone beneath her feet. New releases were shelved beside perennial best sellers. The rows upon rows of books mesmerized her. Only hunger kept her focused on her destination—the bakery.
    Audra followed the aisles, making mental notes of the sections to linger over after breakfast. The inventory included local artist crafts, like framed artwork, greeting cards, and jewelry.
    She glimpsed glossy magazine covers as she wound her way toward the smells of fresh pastries and coffee, and the sounds of banter and laughter. She skimmed the titles on the mystery and romance shelves and glanced toward the science-fiction and fantasy section.
    â€œYou must be the new guest at Harmony Cabins.” A woman’s voice hailed her.
    Audra tensed at the greeting. How did the attractive, older woman behind the counter know who she was? Her warm brown eyes twinkled and she smiled as though she were happy to see Audra. Short, curly brown hair framed her round, cocoa face.
    Audra stopped in front of the bakery counter. “Yes, I am.”
    The stranger offered her right hand. “Welcome to Trinity Falls. I’m Doreen Fever, the café manager.”
    Audra accepted Doreen’s hand. “I’m Au . . . Penny Lane.” Her face heated with her slip.
    Doreen released her hold and offered Audra a menu. “Well, Penny, what would you prefer, a late breakfast or an early lunch?”
    â€œI’m hungry enough for both.” She requested eggs, wheat toast, and coffee before settling onto a bar stool, leaving an empty seat between her and the other patron at the counter.
    Doreen brought her a mug from a supply behind the counter and filled it with coffee. “Your breakfast will be right up.”
    â€œWhere are you from?” The question came from the patron beside her. She was a beautiful woman, with long ebony hair and café au lait skin.
    â€œRedondo Beach, near Los Angeles.”
    â€œReally?” The woman’s movie star features brightened. She migrated to the empty bar stool between them, bringing her mug of coffee with her. “I’m Ramona McCloud, mayor of Trinity Falls, although my term is over in six months. Do you live near the beach?”
    Audra absorbed all of that. “A few miles away.”
    â€œWow.” Ramona spoke the word on a sigh. “Why aren’t you there now?”
    Audra tugged her right earlobe. “Where?”
    â€œAt the beach.”
    â€œI needed a break.” Or so Benita claimed, repeatedly.
    Ramona laughed. “That’s like saying you need a break from paradise. Beaches and beautiful weather—if I lived in Los Angeles, I’d never leave.”
    â€œNow you want to live in Los Angeles?” The deep voice startled Audra.
    The newcomer was about six feet tall and built like a running back for a professional football team. He walked past Audra and placed