Sweet Tomorrows Read Online Free PDF

boats gently undulated on the rolling surface.
    “The third floor is perfect,” I assured Jo Marie, tearing my gaze away from the cove. “I’m grateful you were willing to accept this arrangement. I’m sure I’ll find a home before the end of summer.”
    “You’re welcome to stay as long as necessary,” Jo Marie assured me.
    She led the way into the large kitchen area and automatically brought out a pitcher of iced tea from the refrigerator and poured us each a tall glass. Then she ushered me outside and we sat next to each other on the white wicker chairs. I’d assumed she’d want my credit card information and to go over all the do’s and don’ts. When I’d confirmed my reservation, we’d talked about what was expected of a guest who planned to stay more than a few days. I thought perhaps she wanted to review those with me. Instead, she welcomed me like a friend.
    “It’s such a lovely afternoon,” Jo Marie said as we nestled into the chairs. “Let’s sit and chat for a while and get to know each other. Did you have a good drive? The bridge traffic can sometimes be a hassle.”
    “I didn’t have a single problem,” I told her as I felt a cooling breeze blow across the porch. My day had started early, around five. Most everything I owned had already been placed in storage and I’d fallen into a hotel bed near the airport, exhausted, after cleaning the apartment so that it was ready for my friend and her husband, who were subleasing it. Now that I was at the inn, I had to resist closing my eyes and taking a nap.
    “The inn is a special place,” Jo Marie said, sipping her tea.
    “Yes, it is lovely; and the view is exceptional.”
    “It is,” Jo Marie agreed. “But it’s more, more than that.”
    “How do you mean?”
    Her look was tender and warm, as if she knew more about me than I’d told her. “The inn is a special place.”
    “Yes, it’s lovely.”
    She hesitated, as if gauging how much she should or shouldn’t tell me. “It’s much more than that.”
    “How do you mean?”
    “This isn’t an ordinary bed-and-breakfast. This inn is a place of healing.”
    “I beg your pardon?” Apparently, I must look like one of the walking wounded. “Do I look like I need healing?” I asked, hoping it came out sounding like a joke and not defensive.
    “Oh sorry…no. I didn’t mean to imply that. It was something in your eyes when I first saw you. It was the expression I had when I toured the inn for the first time.”
    “Oh.”
    “My husband had been dead only a few months and I was strangling on grief.”
    “No one I’ve loved has died,” I said quickly, and looked to change the subject. I didn’t mean to be rude or cut her off, but we’d only just met and I wasn’t willing to leap into sharing confidences with someone who was basically a stranger. I’m a private person, and I certainly didn’t want to get into the secrets I carried. Nor did I want to pour my heart out to Jo Marie about my broken engagements, the reason for them, and my most recent life decisions. “I’m looking to buy a house.”
    “So you said.”
    Jo Marie must have realized I’d rather not discuss anything of a personal nature and easily accepted my abrupt change of subject.
    “This is a nice neighborhood,” I mentioned absently. Of all the areas I’d driven by, I felt most drawn to this one. As an advantage, it was close to the school where I’d be teaching come September and close to the heart of the small downtown area, the library, local market, and other conveniences.
    “This location is walking distance to several restaurants, which makes it perfect for my guests,” Jo Marie commented. “Actually, this location is ideal for several reasons. The only downfall is the hills, which make walking something of a chore, but I’ve grown accustomed to it. Although you’d be hard pressed for me to admit it after I visit the Saturday market and hauled up several pounds of fresh seafood.”
    Relaxed as