Promises to Keep Read Online Free

a
long leisurely lunch,’ said Sadie.
    “That sounds like my sort of day,’ said Lucy.
    ****
    Hayley checked the online sites for jobs in Spokane.
Today she’d given herself a goal. If business hadn’t picked up by Valentine’s
Day, she’d have to take a loss on the inn and head home. She’d tested the
waters with her parents, seeing if her old room was still available. Sounded
like it was, but she didn’t want to burden them with any of her problems. Plus,
the thought of her being close to twenty-seven and moving back home immediately
depressed her.
    Maybe Sadie would think of something. Pulling out
the business card she’d given Hayley, she noted the raised gold lettering
spelling out the words Perfect Pairing. Maybe she should sign up, and ask Sadie
to find her a rich Wyoming oil man. Now that would be the answer to all her
problems.
    Hayley sat back on her office chair and paged
through the Casper newspaper to see what was happening in town. Only three
weeks left until Christmas. Where had the year gone?
    She saw a short piece about the fire department
selling Christmas trees to raise money for the local food shelf. She looked out
into the reception area. That would be a great spot for a tree. She’d decorate
it with Wyoming themed ornaments and hang twinkling lights on it. If she did
get more guests to come through the door it would be something to greet them
and make them feel at home during the holiday season.
    Hayley put a circle around the days and times the lot
was open. Now all she needed was someone with a truck to pick it up and bring
it to the inn.
    ****
    Sadie was glad to be off her feet and more than
ready for some lunch with Lucy and Presley. She hadn’t realized how energetic a
toddler could be, and poor Lucy must be in need of a rest too. Making sure no
one was looking; Sadie slipped off her shoes under the table and flexed her
toes. She’d eat her lunch bare footed.
    “Can I get you ladies something to drink while you
look over the menu?” asked the waitress.
    “I’d love a tea,” said Sadie.
    “Me too, and do you think I could get some milk for
this sippy cup?” asked Lucy.
    “Absolutely, and I’ll be right back with the
beverages.”
    Presley fingered the crayons the hostess had given
her when they’d been seated.
    “Oh before I forget I might as well give you your
Christmas card,” said Lucy, pulling out an envelope from her purse. “And we
were wondering if you’d like to spend Christmas with us…I mean if you don’t
have something planned with your family.” She handed the card to Sadie.
    Sadie had never spent the holidays with mortals
before, but she loved the whole idea of wrapping gifts and making cookies. “I
would love to spend some time with you over the holidays. I could even go
skiing with my friend who lives in the area.”
    “Then that’s settled.”
    The waitress brought their teas and Lucy put the
milk into the sippy cup for Presley who was now busy scribbling on the placemat.
Sadie opened the card and saw that it was a family portrait of Brad, Lucy and
Presley, and also a cat.
    “You have a pet now?” asked Sadie.
    “We didn’t plan on it. In fact, Brad was thinking
about a dog and then one day this cat showed up at the door and it wouldn’t
leave. It would look in the window at Presley and softie that I am, I started
feeding it. Presley seemed to love it so much that Brad took it to the vet to
make sure it had a clean bill of health and I guess we’re its new family. The
time it spends with Presley is unbelievable, they’re like siblings.”
    “So Presley, what’s the kitty’s name?” asked Sadie
showing her the photo.
    Presley pointed to it. “Kitty.”
    Lucy nodded. “Yep, that’s the name she gave it.”
    Sadie slipped the photo into her purse as the
waitress came back to take their order.
    “I’ll have the roast beef sandwich,” said Sadie.
    “I’ll have the chef salad, and I know Presley will
want mac and cheese, she’s really into