Between Land and Sea Read Online Free PDF

still early in the day and she could use a diversion from what she had just learned about Mirabella. As they walked along the main street, Graham greeted everyone he encountered on the way. Barbara noticed that most people, especially the men, gave her appraising looks. She was starting to feel better about her altered appearance. Andrew may not have approved, but there were other men who found her attractive.
    Solange’s was nestled between a barbershop and an antique store. Barbara glanced about the café, liking what she saw. Plants—either real or very good fakes—were scattered throughout the room. Little round tables with delicate-looking chairs were filled with pleasant, nicely dressed people, mostly women. The fragrant aroma of freshly brewed coffee added to the ambience.
    Barbara welcomed the coffee, but declined the offer of éclairs. Her human taste buds were still an unknown entity, and she was determined not to become addicted to any fattening foods. The conversation was a pleasant one and Graham did most of the talking. Barbara learned he had majored in art and had spent several years traveling through Europe. After a few successful shows, he decided to focus on the retail aspects of art. He still dabbled in acrylics and taught a few evening art classes, but he hadn’t put on a show in years. He was a widower with two adult children, one in Vancouver and another in Kelowna. He saw them a few times a year.
    “It must have been hard to see them go,” Barbara said.
    “Yes, but I couldn’t stop them from leaving.” He made a circling motion with his right arm. “Carden isn’t the most exciting place on earth, especially for young single people who crave a bit of adventure.” He winked at her. “And it hasn’t been that exciting for older singles either. At least, not until now.”
    Barbara wasn’t ready to get involved with another man, not so soon after Andrew. Graham was definitely handsome with that salt and pepper hair and those two dimples that played around his mouth. And he was easy to talk to. But, and it was a big but, she didn’t plan on spending the rest of her life in Carden. Her Bella nature craved and needed a larger, more exciting arena like New York or Chicago. Starting a relationship would only complicate matters. Carden was only a short stop, a pit stop.
    “Have I come on too strong?” He didn’t wait for her to answer. “My kids tell me I’m too blunt and direct at times. I hope you won’t hold that against me.”
    There was an awkward pause as Barbara continued to smile.
    Graham looked at his watch and made a face. “I promised my assistant that I would give her a break.” He took out a small card and handed it to Barbara. “Here’s my card. Give me a call if you feel like going out to dinner or a movie or just talking. Nice meeting you, Barbara.” He got up and left the café.
    Barbara fingered the small card before tucking it into her purse. In spite of everything, she had managed to attract a man on her first day out in Carden. She thought back to Lisa738’s comments about her special spark.
    Today’s discoveries had given her a new goal. She was now determined to show up Mirabella who, according to Annabella, had abandoned her at birth and made no attempt to contact her. Although she didn’t know the particulars of Mirabella’s life, it sounded like she had hit the jackpot when she married Paul Armstrong. She probably lived in a beautiful mansion and had an amazing life. Well, Barbara Davies would have an even more amazing life. She finished drinking her coffee, got up, and left the café.

Chapter 6
    Barbara threw herself into her new job. She watched and listened carefully as Leslie explained the telephone system and showed her how to use the company database. She was grateful for Gillian’s advice about staying in contact with Lisa738. Without those extra buttons, she would be at a loss in this busy office.
    By the end of the first week, she had successfully