While the man responded, Angelica watched the interaction. Kirk had the habit of focusing entirely on the person speaking. He didn’t let any distractions enter in. She liked that. It beat someone always looking at his watch, or scanning the surroundings to be noticed, to scope out who else might be around.
“The man says I’m not going to be released until my blood gases are back to normal. Then I need some in-home care. Told him I’m feeling better and I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time,” Webb Francis said.
“Everyone needs a hand from time to time. That’s easily taken care of,” Kirk said. “Just let me know when to come get you.”
“Still gonna be a few days.”
Webb Francis tapped the refolded letter against the sheets. He studied her for a moment, then said, “Angelica, you could stay in my house until I get back. Save B&B expenses at Sally Ann’s. I got a couple of empty bedrooms. Pick the one you like. When I’m better, we can discuss what I can or can’t do for you.”
She flicked a glance at Kirk. What would he think of his friend offering the use of his house to a virtual stranger?
From his frown, Kirk wasn’t in favor of the idea. But he said nothing.
“When you come home, maybe I could help,” she said.
She’d love to learn as much as she could from the man. Until he returned home, she’d talk to some of the residents of Smoky Hollow. From what her professor had said, folk music was well represented in the hamlets of Kentucky.
“We’ll see.”
The older man looked at Kirk then Angelica.
“Show her around for me, Kirk, will you? And introduce her to Dottie and Tommy. They know lots of the old songs. Tommy plays the dulcimer, you know. And Gina. She’ll be a help.”
Kirk hesitated a moment, then shrugged and nodded.
“Did you come on Kirk’s motorcycle?” Webb Francis asked Angelica.
She nodded.
“First time I’ve ever been on one,” she confided.
Kirk grinned. “Best way to see Kentucky,” he said.
It must be a private joke because Webb Francis laughed at Kirk’s comment.
“You take care of my guest until I get there, you here? Show her around. Make sure she has everything she needs.”
“I hear. I’ll make sure she gets the royal treatment.”
He looked at her while he said it.
Angelica felt every cell in her body come to attention. She wasn’t sure she liked that idea. She’d rather not spend much time around this disturbing man. She’d never felt this strong attraction before.
Most of her dates had been with men more interested in being seen with a rising star than in developing deep personal relationships. Not that she dated much. Schooling and then practice had taken a huge priority in her life. She wasn’t comfortable about her reaction to Kirk. Hopefully it would fade in the next ten minutes—or sooner.
The two men chatted for a few minutes. She stepped back and watched, fascinated by the peek into their lives through their conversation about people they both knew. Most of her friends were musicians. From the comments made, Webb Francis and Kirk had a wide assortment of friends. She listened wistfully, fascinated.
“What about the music festival?” Webb Francis asked at one point.
“It’ll all come together,” Kirk said.
The topic piqued Angelica’s interest.
“What music festival?” she asked.
“The last weekend of August we have a big musical festival with folks coming from all over the state. We play, sing, dance. That’s one event you don’t want to miss,” Webb Francis said. “There’ll be a couple of impromptu gatherings before then, I expect. Rehearsals of a kind, jam session mostly. Usually happens throughout the summer. Kirk, see what you can get going. Then Angelica can play for us.”
Kirk nodded, looking at her.
