Angry Haunting

By MaryAnthi Dielmann

Not again! Where is that music coming from? It was after two oclock in the morning, and LeAnn was looking out the living room window towards the lake. She couldnt believe her eyes; her heart raced. There it was again, a white light floating on the boathouse walkway.

Twenty-year-old LeAnn Klein had just bought Tabor Island with its almost two-hundred-year-old house and boathouse. The beautiful old home was on Namakagon Lake in northern Wisconsin.

What is that? she whispered, scared. Did she dare go down there and see what it was?

She stared at the light and could still hear the music.

Pull yourself together, LeAnn, she said out loud, walking away from the window. This is a safe lake. There havent been any break-ins or She stopped mid-sentence. The music had stopped. She ran back to the window. The light has gone. Confused and frightened, she ran up the stairs to look out her bedroom window. Still no light on the walkway. She opened the window. No music.

Thunder rumbled in the distance.

She needed to sleep. Closing the window, she turned and sat on her bed. Leaving the lights and her clothes on, she pulled the blankets over her head and fell asleep almost immediately.

She was in a deep sleep as the white light floated back and forth on the boathouse walkway. The music began to play.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524556105

MaryAnthi Dielmann

MaryAnthi Dielman is retired, and she lives in Colorado with her husband and their Yorkie-poo, Teddy. Her first novel, Angry Haunting, was published in 2014; and she is getting ready to publish her next novel, Whisperings of the Mirror. Jinxie’s First Christmas is her first children’s book. MaryAnthi enjoys playing golf, fishing, and writing.

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Copyright © 2017 by MaryAnthi Dielmann.

ISBN:      Softcover          978-1-5245-5611-2

                eBook               978-1-5245-5610-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 03/06/2017

Xlibris

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Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Epilogue

Dedication

Thank you to

God first, and always

My husband Tom and daughter Merika who said Do it!

My family for all their loving support

Jonna for her expertise

And Mowgli who was with me in the beginning and kept my feet warm

Chapter 1

Oh, my aching back! LeAnn complained, putting down the last of many boxes, and stretched her back. She was moving into the house of her childhood dreams.

Your aching back? LeAnn’s brother Adam emphasized angrily? Pete and I have lugged all of your heavy furniture up those ancient stairs, and you’re complaining about a few boxes and your back? Are you kidding me?

Adam was LeAnn’s twin brother, but instead of having the dark hair like his sister, his hair was brown. He was about four inches taller, which made him close to six feet. Despite the height and hair color difference, they had the same nose, blue eyes, and smile.

Sorry, I know, said LeAnn. And I do appreciate you’re help, but come on, I did move most of the boxes off the boat before you two got here.

Yeah, but LeAnn, boxes compared to furniture? Get real! Plus, don’t forget, we flew out from Colorado just to help you move! He continued to complain.

Okay, okay. She giggled. Yes, Adam, you two worked the hardest and again, I humbly thank you. She bowed. Honestly, her voice softening, I’m really glad you’re here. Not just to help, but because I’ve missed you.

That’s more like it. Her brother gloated. Hey, can I ask you a question?

Sure. LeAnn replied.

Why in the world did you buy this island and this broken-down old place? I mean, it’s a great island and all, but this house needs a lot of work, and what about that boathouse? I’m sure no one has gone in it for years. Even if the house was new, what a hassle! You can only get to this place by boat.

LeAnn turned and looked up at the house. I know but I’ve dreamt of owning this house since we were kids. I’m not sure why, but I just had to have it. It totally doesn’t make sense even to me, but for years this house has been in my mind. She stared at the house and responded with a very faraway look in her eyes, as if she were hearing some soft romantic music in the background.

Besides, you know I like refinishing stuff, and this house isn’t in that bad a shape. It’s just old and needs a lot of cleanup. Turning to look back at her brother, I promise I won’t pester you for help. Lucky for you you’re living in Denver and I can’t call you up to volunteer a weekend or two. I’m sure there are handymen in town that are looking for work since the economy went bad.

LeAnn and Adam had practically grown up on the Namakagon Lake in upper northern Wisconsin. Because they had vacationed with their parents for six weeks every summer, it was like a second home. The Klein’s always rented a condo at the Ridgewood Resort, which was built right on the beach. Sometimes when their father got extra time off from his job, they would come more often during the year. They would spend all their Christmas vacations here, snowmobiling and ice fishing.

On one of those vacations, while fishing, LeAnn had noticed the boathouse on the lake, and the large beautiful house nestled in the birch tree forest. For as long as she could remember, LeAnn had always loved the big house on the island in the middle of the lake. Something about the house intrigued her. She remembered several times taking her Dad’s boat out to the island, dropping the anchor and floating so she could stare at the house and the mysterious boathouse.

At twenty-eight years old, she had recently bought Tabor Island a fabulous one hundred and fifty acre island which included a two-story house built in the late 1800s out of wood and river rock. Yes, it was a whole island and all hers. The house was built on an incline, land looked down at the lake. The view standing on the front of the wraparound porch was of Namakagon Lake with forty miles of shore line. The back yard was thick, green, lush forest. There where deer, bears, weasels, minks, and bald eagles. But this was just a few of the wildlife living on the lake. Her island was as close to a definition of the Garden of Eden as one could imagine—well her Garden of Eden anyway. Lake Namakagon was a calming blue in color, and unless there were boats or wind, the lake water was like glass.

Standing on the walkway and looking up at Tabor House, she saw a grand old house with a dull red roof that held a large chimney built with river rock. The three foot high foundation, too, was built with large river rocks. She guessed the rocks came from the river that fed into the lake. She couldn’t imagine how the builder got the rocks to the island except by boat or some kind of sturdy raft.

The second story and the wraparound porch were built with wood and painted white.

The four very large front windows were like two sets of eyes leering and daring her to come in. She loved how the porch went all around the house. Contrary to her brother’s belief, the house was in excellent condition, considering it had been vacant for so many years. Luckily, it had rained the day she had her walk-through before the final papers were drawn and signed, and she had been happy to see the roof did not leaked. When she looked at the building now, she saw a house that was beautiful and wanted to come alive again. She felt the romance of the house. But she really believed the heart of the island was the boathouse.

Down on the shore was the two-story boathouse. There were two large garage-type doors on the water side. The building was rather large and the top floor, which formerly was used for storage, had been converted by the Tabor’s into a large ballroom. The mystery of the dark windows and the local rumors of hauntings intrigued her, even though she wasn’t sure she believed the stories. Did she believe in ghosts? She wasn’t sure.

The boathouse had an enclosed exterior stair tower. At the top of the stairs was the door to the ballroom, and LeAnn was amazed to see the door was covered in carved wooden roses, with a beautiful lead glass window in the middle. She had never seen anything so intricate before. It was incredible workmanship.

When LeAnn entered the ballroom for the first time, she instantly fell in love with the room. She marveled at the fifteen foot French style doors with beveled glass which formed the walls around the ballroom. LeAnn had been surprised that the inside was in such good condition after being locked up for many years. Between the French doors were mirrors that reached up twenty-five feet to the ceiling. Opening one of the French doors, LeAnn had stepped out onto the walkway that surrounded the upper level. There she saw a spectacular three hundred and sixty degree view of the lake and forest.

How romantic it must have been for young couples at the ball, she thought as she gazed at the view and back at the ballroom. She imagined all the doors being open and the music filling the night air. She could almost see beautiful, elegantly dressed men and woman dancing the night away.

Her brother interrupted her thoughts, Whatever. I just hope you didn’t waste your money on this place.

Just then they heard the screen door on the front porch slam shut. Pete, a few inches taller than Adam, with an olive complexion under dark curly hair, stood with three bottles of beer in his hands. Break time! He smiled. Pete had been Adams’ best friend since grade school. Adam and LeAnn had grown up next door to the Connors in Denver. Adam and Pete had even attended Colorado University in Boulder together. Both sets of parents were skeptical about whether the boys would succeed in college together, but all worked out well. As with some first-year students, they partied a lot and received some bad grades, but lectures from their moms and dads, as well as threats to send the boys to different schools, soon straightened them out.

Oh yeah! Good man. Adam grinned as he reached for one of the bottles. Pete held out one of the remaining two bottles to LeAnn.

Thanks. I guess we have earned a break, reaching for it.

Sitting on the porch steps they all took a long drink of the ice-cold beer.

Boy, does this taste good. Adam said.

The three were silent for awhile staring out at the open water, sipping their beer. They watched a jet skier speed by spraying water in a high arch behind him.

LeAnn broke the silence. Hey guys. I really do want to thank you for all your help. I know this wasn’t an easy move—putting boxes on the boat at the Ridgewood Resort pier, boating over, and then unloading them here. Thank goodness I bought the furniture left in the house so we only had to bring over a few pieces of my own, or we would be in real trouble.

You’re welcome, LeAnn, Pete said. It’s not easy moving stuff to an island. You were smart to rent a pontoon. Otherwise we wouldn’t have gotten everything over here in just a few trips.

Yeah, smart thinking sis! exclaimed Adam.

Leann smiled at her brother and his best friend, So, you two are going to spend the whole week with me, right? I’ll treat you to dinner at the resort tonight in appreciation. After that, you’ll have to put up with my cooking. I know we can get you rooms at the resort, but I would really like the company especially tonight. You know, first night jitters and all. Besides, why pay for rooms when it’s free here.

LeAnn had been staying at the resort until her brother and moving truck had arrived in Wisconsin. She had bought most of the furniture in the house, which the realtor said was used by the Tabor family.

Hey, I’m all about free meals, count me in! Adam smiled.

Me too. Chimed in Pete.

Actually, LeAnn, I have to admit, I didn’t know how to ask if it was okay to stay here with you. Kind of thought you wanted your privacy in your new home and all. Adam said.

Great! It’s settled. You’re staying here, she said. Let’s have another beer and then I’ll go up and take a shower then you guys can clean up. Adam went in the house to get them all another beer.

After about forty-five minutes of small talk and reminiscing, LeAnn stood up and stretched. I guess it’s time to get ready for dinner. I’ll see you guys in a few. You two can use the hall bathroom and also use the two guest rooms. You’ll have to sleep on the couches until we unpack boxes and find the sheets. Hint, hint. She chuckled.

Pretending he didn’t hear her hint, hint comment, Adam announced, I think I’ll take a swim instead.

Me too! Pete said. That’s a great idea.

Whatever you guys want, but I can’t wait to feel the warm water on my achy body! She smiled, turned and walked into the house. She stood in the doorway and looked at all the boxes. What a mess! she thought to herself. Oh, well, I have all the time in the world to unpack and get my new house in order. There was something very comforting about those words my house. She grinned as she climbed the stairs to the bathroom. She stopped at the top of the stairs on the large landing and looked around still grinning. To her right was the large master bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom was quite large, almost the width of the house, and had three big windows all with views of the lake. There was even a small window in the bathroom with a lake view. To her left were two bedrooms and a small bathroom. The front bedroom was a big spacious room with two windows. One window faced the lake and the other the forest. The other bedroom was smaller and it too had two windows but not of the lake, its views were of the dense green forest. The small bathroom separated the two bedrooms. She looked at all the boxes, shook her head then continued to her waiting shower.

She had already unpacked a few of her toiletries and was happy to find the box with the towels clearly labeled.

The 1920s bathroom, with the small black and white tiles, was great and she loved it. There was a pedestal sink, a toilet, of course, and the best bathtub ever, her favorite part of the bathroom. The large tub with claw feet reminded her of when she was a little girl and the tub at her grandmother’s. LeAnn remembered spending the night at Grammy’s and taking bubble baths in a tub just like this one.

After she found her robe in her suitcase on the bed, she went back to the bathroom and started the shower. She had forgotten to bring a shower curtain so she laid towels on the floor around the tub. She hoped that if she didn’t turn the water on full blast the water wouldn’t hit the floor. She’d have to remember to pick up a new shower curtain at the store when she went back into Cable, which was the nearest town to the island and was approximately twenty-five minutes away.

One more thing for the list, she said out loud climbing into the tub.

Chapter 2

As she dressed she smiled to herself, Tabor Island was really hers. Still smiling she gazed out toward the boathouse. It was famous for its summer balls back in the 1930s and 1940s. The balls were always held the first Saturday after the first day of summer. The women wore white while the men wore white tuxedo jackets with black trousers. All the eighteen-year-old girls were presented at that time. Escorted by their proud fathers, the young girls wore long white gowns glittering with crystals and pearls, and gloves up to their elbows.

Champagne flowed in crystal glasses, while elegantly prepared food was displayed on long tables with extraordinary floral arrangements of peonies, roses and candles. At midnight, the guests would go out on the walkway, or down on the pier, to watch the fireworks display over the lake.

Can you imagine watching the sunset while listening to the most beautiful music you’ve ever heard, and then watching the fireworks over the lake at midnight? How romantic! She fantasized.

LeAnn wished she had lived during that time instead of just imagining it. She could almost hear and see the magical balls. Her father, who loved history as much as she did, had told her stories of the balls. They had both loved the lake more than her mother and brother.

She had always wanted to live in the Tabor House. She knew there were stories about the boathouse being haunted, but she really didn’t pay attention to that kind of stuff. All she cared about was that she wanted to live on Tabor Island.

Now, the island really belonged to her. But LeAnn had never expected the fulfillment of her dreams would come at the cost of her parents’ lives. William and Marsha Klein had gone on one of their many trips with their good friends Mark and Stacy Ryan two years ago. The Ryan’s owned a small plane which they took everywhere and, most always, they included LeAnn’s parents on their trips. One of their many trips to Las Vegas didn’t end up so lucky. As they flew over the Rocky Mountains, unexpected turbulence knocked the small six seat plane off course and into the mountains. The bodies were recovered after a two-day rescue search.

LeAnn and Adam had been in Boulder, at LeAnn’s home, when they received the call that the bodies had been found.

William Klein, a successful banker and financial planner, had planned well for his retirement and for his children’s inheritance. Of course, LeAnn and her brother would have rather had their parents than the money, but due to the misfortune of their parents, the two siblings would be taken care the rest of their lives. So LeAnn was able to make her dream of owning Tabor Island and the Tabor House.

She felt there was a big mystery or secret to this island. She couldn’t explain why she loved it so much or why she was so drawn to it. It really had been an obsession with her. All she knew was that from the time she was a little girl of ten, she couldn’t think of any place in the world she would rather live than Tabor Island. Over the years, she had dreams about the island and its two ominous buildings. It was as if the island was calling to her. Maybe it was the stories that she heard about the island—stories about rich people building the beautiful house, making the top level of the boathouse into a ballroom, and having wonderful parties. Then, the house and island were abandoned. Why? Why did it stay empty for so long? What happened to the family that had the incredible balls? She knew that someone in the family was still alive because an attorney represented this person at the signing of the purchase documents. Maybe she would go into Cable to the library and try to find out what had happened and who this person was.

Anyway, she was about to start living her dream. She owned Tabor Island and was living in the Tabor house.

It wasn’t easy getting around when you lived on an island. Transportation was her fishing boat. She would take a three-to-five minute boat ride across to the Ridgewood Resort, park the boat at the slip then walk to her waiting car in the parking lot. Luckily, Ridgewood Resort had been able to rent her a slip for her boat. The owners, who had known the Klein family for years, did not want her to pay for the parking space but she insisted so they agreed on fifty dollars a month. After all, LeAnn didn’t leave the island much, only to go into town, so she felt it was only fair to pay for a space no other patrons would be able to use.

The end of November the lake would start to freeze and she would not be able to use her boat. Thank goodness she had the boathouse to store it in. She was going to have to go into town and buy a snowmobile for getting around in the winter.

How in the word did the Tabors get groceries out here? She wondered. She didn’t know if there were snowmobiles back then. Maybe they used sleds and had to drag them, she thought. She had skis but she didn’t want to drag a sled behind her with groceries. Great exercise but too hard on the back.

A large smile crossed LeAnn’s face as she remembered the fun she and her family had snowmobiling here on the lake. A tear started to roll down her cheek.

There may be a few inconveniences to living on an island but she was too excited to worry about them now.

If the Tabors could do it, so can I, she said out loud wiping away the tear.

Chapter 3

A week later, LeAnn’s brother and his best friend had left. LeAnn had driven them into Hayward where they would get on a small plane that would fly them to the Minneapolis airport. From there, they would continue their trip back home to Denver. LeAnn had cried as she hugged her brother goodbye.

LeAnn, I’m not sure I like the idea of leaving you. Maybe I should stay longer. Adam said frowning.

She smiled with tears in her eyes, hearing the concern in his voice. I’ll be fine. You can’t protect me forever, Adam. I’m a big girl. Besides, it’s not like you’re leaving me in the middle of New York City. This is Cable, Wisconsin.

Adam relaxed a little more as he looked at his sister and chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you’re right. Okay then, but you know I’ll be back!" Trying to sound like Arnold in The Terminator.

She turned and hugged Pete goodbye and thanked him again for his help.

LeAnn and her brother hugged again said they loved each other one last time. Adam promised he would call when he got home.

When she returned to the island, LeAnn decided it was time to empty more boxes and then she’d take a walk around the island. Maybe she would take her fishing boat out and sail around for awhile.

After about six hours of unpacking boxes and cleaning, LeAnn decided she had accomplished a lot and it was time to quit for the day. She looked at all the empty boxes in the hallway and felt very proud of all she had accomplished. Her bedroom and the two guest rooms where completely clean and set up. Her clothes were in the closet, and the antique mahogany four-drawer dresser with the marble top was polished and had all of her small clothing items in it. It was a wonderful piece of furniture with a matching vanity. She was so excited that the mirror was not distorted even though it was over a hundred years old. Her perfume bottles looked perfect on the white marble. On either side of the bed were small bedside tables that also had the marble tops. She smiled looking at the antique, cream color lace bedspread and matching sheer drapes. The only thing the room needed was a large rug for the polished hardwood floor.

The first guest room also had a four chest-of-drawer dresser, minus the marble, and there was no vanity. She’d have to check the antique stores for maybe a large wall mirror or a floor mirror for this room. There was one bedside table and LeAnn thought she might have to refinish it because of the deep scratches on the top. For now she placed one of her grandmother’s doilies on it to hide the scratches. She needed to get a lamp for her guests to be able to read in bed if they wanted. The second guestroom was smaller and only had a daybed and a three drawer dresser. She would have to do some antique furniture shopping for this room. There was a bathroom that separated the two quest rooms and was a smaller version of the one in her room.

She loved how the rooms smelled of furniture polish when she had finished. There was a clean smell about it. She giggled proudly and thought, good job!

After showering and changing, Leann walked down to the boathouse and entered through the lower side door. She pushed a button, much like a garage door opener, and watched as the large doors were raised giving access to the lake. She noticed a dull overhead light. This part of the boathouse was dark and gloomy even though it had several windows. What a contrast to the upper level, that was all bright and beautiful.

She climbed into her boat and started the motor. Slowly she maneuvered the boat out onto the lake. The lake was calm under a clear blue sky. She took in a deep breath and decided she’d go for a long ride and then go to the resort for dinner. Her refrigerator was almost empty after feeding her brother and Pete for a week. Man, could those two eat! A smile came across her face as she thought of her brother. She had to choke back the tears thinking how far away he was and she was hit with a pang of loneliness. The twins had always been close, but the closeness intensified after the death of their parents. She quickly shook off the feeling before she burst into tears.

She sailed for about an hour and then decided to go to Ridgewood’s. A nice big cheeseburger would hit the spot about now. All the cleaning and unpacking were starting to hit. She was hungry and a little tired. After pulling her boat into the slip, she tethered the boat to the pier and walked towards the resort entrance.

The resort restaurant wasn’t busy and she was seated right away by a window. She could see her boat from where she sat. The water with the surrounding trees was postcard perfect. She loved the feeling she had when she was on the lake. She couldn’t explain how peaceful and calm she felt. The feeling was like she belonged, like she was home.

The waitress brought her a glass of water and asked if she was ready to order. LeAnn ordered a glass of chardonnay, and a medium-rare cheeseburger with fries. Within a couple of minutes, the waitress brought her the glass of wine. LeAnn sat back, took a sip of the wine and watched the boats go in and out. It was the weekend, so a lot of fishermen were going to try their luck at fishing. It was a beautiful warm August evening. The temperatures during the day had been staying in the low eighties but the nights were starting to cool off a little, giving the sign that fall was close. LeAnn loved the fall here at the lake. The leaves would soon be turning their vibrant colors. She especially loved the maple trees, which turned a rich red color.

Her cheeseburger was perfect, and she ate hungrily. "Wow, you’d think I hadn’t eaten in weeks!" she thought to herself as she wiped the beef juice from her chin. She chuckled as she realized she hadn’t eaten since breakfast. She ordered another glass of wine, finishing her fries while waiting for it.

I think I’ll drink the wine out on the deck if that’s okay, she said to her waitress.

Of course; no problem, the young girl replied. Would you like me to wait before I bring you your check? she asked with a smile.

LeAnn responded that this was her last glass of wine and to go ahead and bring it to her outside. She walked out onto the deck and took in a deep breath as she found a chaise lounge chair. The air felt good as it hit her lungs. The humidity had been low so it was comfortable sitting outside.

The young waitress brought LeAnn’s wine and bill to her. Excuse me for asking, the young girl said, but are you the person who bought Tabor Island?

Yup, that’s me. LeAnn smiled, a little surprised at the question. I moved in about a week ago.

Wow, that’s awesome. My name is Hannah, Hannah Richards. I’m kind of new to the area, but I overheard one of the cooks say that he thought you were the woman who bought the island. I hope I’m not being too forward in asking you.

Not at all! LeAnn smiled. Actually, I grew up around here and most of the people I knew back then are no longer here except for the Weston’s who, of course, you already know. My name is LeAnn Klein, it’s a pleasure to meet you.

The Weston’s owned the Ridgewood Resort. It had been in their family for years. It had started out as a hunting lodge. Then Ben Weston’s grandfather had to keep building cabins to accommodate the increasing number of hunters. The next thing he knew, the hunters started to bring their families up for fishing when hunting season was over. Now, after all these years, the hunting lodge had seventy-five condos, and the main lodge was remodeled into a hotel, with an indoor pool, bar, and restaurant.

I didn’t mean to bother you, I was just curious. Hannah said shyly. I mean it’s such a big house and island for one person, or are you married?

No, not married. It’s just me. I have loved that house ever since I was a little girl and always dreamed that one day I would live there.

Hannah looked at LeAnn as if she wanted to ask something else but then thought better of it. Well, I’ll let you enjoy your wine. I hope to see you again soon. Hannah smiled, turned abruptly, and returned inside.

Nice to meet you, too, LeAnn called after her. Hmmm, weird, she thought. Oh well. Shrugging her shoulders.

Returning her attention back to the view, LeAnn sipped her wine. She noticed that it was getting darker and thought she’d better get back to the island. She finished her wine then went inside to pay. She didn’t see Hannah to say goodbye, but she did see Mr. Weston’s son, Matt. She remembered Matt from when she was younger.

Hey you! he called out with a big smile. He walked over to LeAnn and gave her a hug. I heard you were here. I’ve been out of town and just got back. How are you? And what’s up with buying the white elephant? He started laughing.

Oh my gosh, Matt! How are you? she said happily. I can’t believe you’re still here, and, no, it’s not a white elephant!" They both started to laugh.

You look wonderful! he said.

And you, too. She smiled. And, he truly did. Tall, slim with dark hair and the most incredibly blue eyes. Did she remember he had blue eyes?

So you finally did it, you bought your so-called dream home. He smirked.

Yup, I did.

LeAnn, he said solemnly, I was very sorry to hear about your parents. They were awesome people and always treated me like I was part of your family.

Thank you Matt, I appreciate that. They always liked you, even though you always got Adam into trouble. She smirked a little. She didn’t like talking about her parents being gone and had to lighten the moment.

"I got him in trouble? Are you crazy? They both burst out laughing. Seriously, LeAnn, you look wonderful, and I’m glad you’re back. Maybe we can go into Hayward for dinner some night and rehash old times, if that ‘s okay with you?"

"Are you kidding? I would love that! It’s good to see you too, Matt. I’m here for