Cabin by the Lake Read Online Free PDF Page A

than she could handle, and her struggle with depression threatened to overwhelm her.
    When Katie called with the solution to her problem, it seemed too much to hope that living with her niece would be successful. They hadn’t spoken in ten years and she felt uneasy with the thought of Lydia just suddenly moving in with her. She was family, but they’d had a falling-out and exchanged some hurtful words. She regretted the manner in which they had parted ways, but she did still love her.
    “She needs a fresh start,” Katie said, “a sanctuary for her to put her life back together, and the lake is just the place. She’s paid her dues, Vi. Please.” In typical Katie style she added, “I don’t need this worry on my shoulders.”
    Of course, in the end, she had agreed.
    Mike watched her posture straighten as an older model Volkswagen Beetle swung around the curve and into the circular gravel driveway. After a few seconds of hesitation, the driver cut the engine and got out. He was immediately struck by the graceful beauty of the young woman as she unloaded a beat-up suitcase, a large duffle bag and a shoulder tote stuffed to overflowing. So, not a casual visit, he deduced.
    Her shoulder-length, straight brown hair swung heavily as she moved. She was petite, maybe a couple of inches over five feet, and slim, dressed in faded jeans and a shapeless hoodie. Suddenly, she turned and seemed to look directly at him for a long moment, pushing her sunglasses up on top of her head. He didn’t think she could see him, but perhaps she felt watched.
    Maybe I should keep moving , he thought. Sensing she could feel his eyes on her, he redirected his attention to the distant lake. Soon her gaze moved on, sweeping the ridge behind him. Impossible to tell at this distance, but he had the distinct feeling that her eyes might be green, the kind of eyes you could drown in.
    Where had that come from? He closed down his mind like a steel door slamming. That’s what this whole backpacking trip was about, to shed old relationships, regain his sanity, and forget the past and all the painful memories. A woman was the last thing he needed in his life.
    The newcomer turned and approached the woman waiting on the porch. Thunder rumbled and he glanced at the threatening sky, abruptly bringing his thoughts back in line.
    He hesitated. He’d been hiking for a long time now, and the last thing he wanted was interaction with other humans, especially someone he found so attractive, even from afar. But with growing exhaustion and depleted supplies, he finally had to admit that he needed a break. At least he could find out his exact location and figure out the quickest route to replenish his provisions. This would be a quick stopover; in and out, a little information and some much needed rest out of the elements.
    The wind kicked up, cooler now with the impending rain. Thunder rolled in the distance, getting closer by the minute. He watched the two women disappear into the big log home and came to a decision.
    He began to move down from the crest, skating on nuts and pine needles, barely keeping his footing. His hands began to sweat at the thought of talking to people. Maybe he should just turn around and move on. No, sooner or later, he had to interact with other humans again. He slid his hands down the side of his jeans, wiping some of the sweat and dirt off, readjusted his backpack and began his mantra: Peace, peace, peace.
     
    Once inside the house, Lydia felt relief. Vivian had welcomed her with a firm hug and led her upstairs, giving her the grand tour along the way. It was much the same as she remembered it, rustic and warm. Vivian pointed out the choice of bedrooms; she would have the whole upstairs to herself. The two largest bedrooms were on either end of the house overlooking the lake, divided by a large sitting room in the middle.
    She deposited her things in the cheerful yellow bedroom on the south end of the house, instantly feeling at home.