A Moment To Dance Read Online Free PDF

I’ve got it.” Carlota poured them each a cup of hot brew. She moved toward the table with a slight limp. “Do you take sugar or milk?”
    “Both, if you don’t mind.”
    “I don’t mind at all.”
    Before she forgot, Ella fished the game cartridge from her purse. When Carlota joined her at the table, she held it out to her. “This is what I found on the road.”
    The woman accepted the black plastic card. “My grandson has a fascination with those electronic games. I’m so glad you found it. They certainly aren’t cheap.”
    “Not a problem.” Ella bit down on her bottom lip as she sought a way to lead into her other reason for this visit.
    Carlota gave her a hesitant look. “You look like a woman with something on her mind. I know we’ve only met, but sometimes it’s easier talking to a stranger. So spit it out.”
    Carlota’s openness and easy manner had a way of easing Ella’s anxiety. She hadn’t discussed her financial difficulties with anyone but the attorney who settled her grandmother’s estate. There was an easiness in Carlota’s gaze. It would feel so good to open up and talk to someone about her troubles.
    But Ella needed to plead her case carefully, making sure the woman understood how important entering the competition was to her. “I don’t know many people in town, and I was hoping you could connect me with someone who would be willing to sell me their tickets for the dance contest.”
    Carlota added some milk to her cup and gave it a stir. “If you don’t mind me asking, why is this contest so important to you?”
    It was too late to back out now, so Ella kept going. “I just moved to Whistle Stop. I’ve inherited a small cabin on Roca Mountain from my grandparents.”
    Carlota’s face lit up. “What were your grandparents’ names?”
    “Ron and Margaret Morgan.”
    A light of recognition shone in Carlota’s eyes. “Well, this is a small world. Your grandparents used to be bridge partners with me and my husband.”
    “I…I didn’t know that.”
    Carlota added a dash of sugar to her cup and gave the coffee another stir. “Years ago, your grandparents would vacation in a cabin on Roca Mountain, and we spent many summer evenings together. I read about your grandmother’s death in the paper. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
    Ella carefully considered her next words. She’d had a tenuous relationship with her grandmother during the best of times. Time to change the subject .
    “My grandfather said this town is full of the friendliest people. He always enjoyed his visits here.”
    “I hope you’ve had a chance to meet some of the townsfolk.” Carlota’s expression was one of maternal concern.
    “Actually, I did make a friend at the elementary school where I teach. Her name’s Melissa. She’s the receptionist.”
    “Oh. I’ve known Melissa her whole life. In fact, she graduated high school with Tony. She’s a sweet girl. Have you gotten to know anyone else? Let’s see. Who would be about your age? There’s Ana at the Green Chile Cantina and Piper at the Poppin’ Fresh Bakery.”
    “I’ve been too busy looking for a second job to socialize. My job at the school is only temporary.”
    “I was a teacher there until a few years ago when I had to retire early for health reasons. It’s a great place to work. Are you planning to apply for the permanent position for the fall term?”
    Ella nodded. “I have to go through the interview process again.”
    Carlota smiled. “I still have friends there. I’ll put in a good word for you, if you’d like.”
    “I would. Very much. I had to sell everything in Albuquerque in order to cover my grandmother’s bills. All I have left is the cabin.” She pressed her lips together, shocked all of that had come gushing out.
    “Oh, you poor dear. That must have been so rough on you. At least you were able to keep the cabin your grandfather built with his own hands. He was so proud of the place.”
    The weight of responsibility