Touching the Clouds Read Online Free

room 202.”
    “Certainly,” a pudgy young man said, taking the key and dropping it into his uniform pocket. He picked up two suitcases. “Right this way, sir.”
    The clerk turned to Kate and gave her a critical inspection.
    She was suddenly aware of her unorthodox clothing— slacks, a flight jacket, and her knapsack.
    He made no effort to disguise his disapproval. “Can I help you?”
    Self-conscious, she touched her disheveled hair. “I was . . . just wondering about your rooms.”
    “What would you like to know?”
    “Can you tell me how much the cost is for one night?”
    The corner of his upper lip lifted slightly. “I’m sure more than you can afford.”
    Indignation replaced Kate’s discomfort. “Cost is not an issue. I was merely curious. I’ll take a room.” Setting her mouth, she met his eyes with a hard stare.
    He lifted an eyebrow. “Certainly.” Moving to a guest register lying open on the counter, he picked up a pen. “Your name?”
    “Kate . . . Katharine Evans.”
    “Address.”
    “I . . . don’t have one yet. I just arrived in town.”
    “What was your address before you arrived in our fair city?” His tone was patronizing.
    “Three fifty-seven Reservoir Road, Yakima, Washington.”
    The clerk recorded the information and then turned the ledger toward Kate. “Sign, please.”
    Her anger had fired off so much adrenaline, Kate had to fight to keep her hand steady. She managed to sign her name, knowing it was foolish to stay in such an expensive establishment. She ought to walk out.
    “It’s five dollars a night . . . in advance.”
    Shock reverberated through Kate. Five dollars! That’s pure robbery! Doing her best to look unconcerned, she took a coin purse from her bag, dug out the exact amount, and set it on the counter.
    “You can have room 210.” The clerk handed her a key. “It’s on the second floor.”
    “Thank you.” Kate headed toward the stairs, chiding herself. Once again, she’d let her pride get the better of her. She found her room, pushed in the key, and opened the door. Standing in the corridor, she stared inside. The same plush carpet that sprawled throughout the hotel extended into the room. There was a full-sized bed and a bureau. Brocade curtains framed a window where afternoon sunlight slanted in.
    The bellman she’d seen in the lobby approached her. He walked as if he were attempting not to wrinkle his perfectly pressed uniform. “Can I be of service?” The chin strap of his cap cut into a double chin.
    “No. I’m fine, thank you.” All Kate wanted was rest.
    The bellman remained. “How long are you staying in town?”
    “I don’t know yet. I hope a long while.”
    “Well then, welcome.”
    “Thank you.” Kate soaked in his kindness. It felt good. “Do you know where I might find a job?”
    “What kind of work?”
    “Anything.”
    “Heard the general store needs someone.”
    “They sell quality goods and pay on time.”
    It wasn’t flying, but it was a job. She needed something to hold her over until she found a position at an airfield. “Where is it?”
    “About a block from here.” He walked into the room and moved to the window, then pointed up the street. “See, right there.”
    Feeling hope stir, Kate looked in the direction he pointed. “I’ll go right away. Thank you.”
    He smiled. “Anything I can do, you let me know. My name’s Bill.”
    “I’m Kate.”
    He headed toward the door and then stopped. “By the way, don’t worry about Howard.”
    “Howard?”
    “The front desk clerk. I overheard the way he talked to you. He’s got his nose so high in the air that when it rains he nearly drowns.” He chuckled. “He’s new and won’t last long.”
    Kate smiled. “I hope not.”
    After Bill left, Kate explored her room and was ecstatic to find a clawfoot tub. A hot soak was just what she needed.
    She dug her only dress out of her bag, tried to smooth the crumpled linen, then hung it in the bathroom. She turned on