Coffee Sonata Read Online Free PDF Page A

Vivian’s long hair fanned out like a fair silken sail on the wind.
    Mike slowed to a walk, then stopped next to her and stretched one leg at a time by tucking it up behind her. “Nice to see you again, Vivian.”
    Fighting to control the excited dogs and keep her windblown hair out of her face, Vivian looked like she needed a break. “Mike, you’re up early.”
    “Habit. I always jog early. I haven’t seen you on the beach before.”
    “Perry and Mason insisted on exploring today. I thought we better do it before the beach crowd comes.”
    “Smart move. So these are your boys. They’re cute.”
    “Cute isn’t the word I’d use, but they’re being good right now. Sometimes they set each other off and can be a handful.” Vivian laughed, eyeing the dogs affectionately.
    Mike couldn’t resist smiling. Her laughter. I’ve never heard anything more beautiful. Mike regarded the large dogs respectfully. “They’re…wonderful. May I pat them?”
    “Of course. They’re friendly.”
    Carefully approaching the dog she thought was Mason, Mike looked into his dark eyes as she extended a hand. To her relief he licked it immediately and then trotted over to her, pressing his body against her hip.
    “Good Lord, when I said they’re friendly, I didn’t mean this much. Mason never takes to anybody like that.” Vivian moved closer. “He’s usually very reserved, especially with strangers. Perry is the sycophant of the two.”
    “Ah, I know what it is. I smell like fresh pastry.” Mike grinned, surprised at how much this eccentric woman and her dogs charmed her. “He must think I have something yummy in my pocket.”
    “That could be it.” Vivian laughed again. As she stepped forward, the other dog moved in front of her and made her stumble. Staggering toward Mike, she fumbled for support but lost her balance. “ Merde !”
    “You okay?” Mike shoved Mason out of the way and slid her arms beneath Vivian’s, stopping her from falling.
    “Yes, yes. Thank you.” Vivian sounded out of breath as she leaned against Mike. “Didn’t pay attention, that’s all.”
    Mike had a sudden, almost frightening urge to hold Vivian closer, to shield her.
    Another nudge at Mike’s legs made her look down. “Perry seems to like me a lot too,” she said, changing the subject when Mason’s twin sniffed at her pockets. “I’ll have to bring some doggie biscuits in case we run into each other again.”
    Still half leaning on Mike, Vivian paused before she answered. “I’m sure we will. I plan to make this a routine for the dogs while I can. I don’t know exactly how long I’ll be in East Quay.”
    Mike hesitated but finally let go of Vivian. She didn’t want to start jogging again; instead she just stood there, enthralled by Vivian’s eyes. They reminded her of the ocean and were even bluer out in the open, without the excessive makeup Vivian had worn on TV. “I understand you’re an opera singer.”
    “Yes. After I perform for the Belmont Foundation, I’m going to take a break. Believe it or not, it’ll be my first vacation in two years.” Vivian gazed at her gently. “You look like a hard worker too. Something we have in common.”
    “I guess so.” Mike’s cheeks warmed under Vivian’s gaze. “Keeping the café profitable takes a lot of effort, so I have to work more or less around the clock. With a break for a short nap now and then.”
    The dogs began to pull in the direction Mike had come from. “They’re impatient.” Vivian paused and pointed to a house on stilts about fifty yards from the waterline. “My manager’s house is just over there. Would you like something to drink? Juice or a cup of coffee?”
    Mike started to use the café as an excuse to decline but changed her mind. I never go anywhere, and she’ll find out in a flash that I’m not very worldly. But I think she likes to talk to me. And I could sure look at her forever. She returned Vivian’s smile. “Thanks. Some juice would be