Gull Harbor Read Online Free PDF Page A

customers.”
    She’d shown up with half her dormitory in tow. The group had more than doubled the regular Thursday night crowd, and Max had been given a coveted Friday night slot. From that point on, Claire had never missed even one of his shows, but that was the night he fell in love with her.
    Max stood up abruptly and placed his guitar back in the corner. This wasn’t doing him any good. It was a little early to exercise—he hadn’t even eaten breakfast yet—but he needed to run. He rooted around his office for a pair of running shorts and shoes. Cramming on a ball cap, he let himself out the back door of the tavern and set out to sweat Claire out of his system.
    ****
    She was dumping a bucket of soapy water over the porch rail when Dan pulled up. Wiping her damp hands on her cut-off jeans, she waved at him. She knew he was checking up on her, but she was grateful for the company. Her day had not improved much since her encounter with Max that morning.
    “Cleaning?” he asked as he picked his way through the brambles of the front yard.
    She nodded. “Maria redecorated the bathroom.” She’d come home from a walk by the lake to find all her toiletries emptied onto the bathroom floor.
    “I thought you were making progress.”
    “I thought so too, but I guess not,” she said with a shrug. “Clearly she doesn’t want me here. I don’t think she understands that I just want to help her.” She watched his expression grow dark and added, “And no, I’m not leaving the house.”
    “How about just for a few hours? We could go to Max’s, he’s playing tonight.”
    She scowled before she could stop herself. “No, thanks.”
    “You didn’t like his music? Most of the women around here can’t get enough…” Understanding suddenly dawned across his face. “Wait. You’re not the Claire, are you?”
    “He told you about us?” She sank to the porch step in defeat.
    Dan settled himself beside her. “He just said he used to date a girl named Claire. That’s all. But the way you two are acting, I’m guessing it was a bad breakup.”
    “There was no breakup. Max graduated, and the next day he disappeared with no forwarding address. He left a note that said I’m sorry. I got a note, after everything we went through together!” She choked back a sob.
    “I thought we were soul mates. He told me he loved me. He told me he’d stick by me if I defied my father. He was going to work nearby while I finished school, and then we were going to start our life together. Instead, he strung me along for two years and cut me loose the moment he had the diploma in his hand.”
    Dropping her head into her wrinkled palms, she drew in a shuddering breath. She hadn’t meant to say so much, but the words had spilled out after the stress of the day.
    Dan rubbed her back gently as the bitterness churned in her stomach. Finally she straightened herself up and mumbled, “Sorry. I know he’s your friend.”
    “Don’t be sorry,” he said, taking her hand. “I’m just surprised. That doesn’t sound like the Max I know.”
    “Five years ago, I would have agreed with you. But it happened.” She stared into the woods defiantly.
    “I believe you. And I still think you need that dinner out. What if I cook out some steaks at my house? Just as friends,” he added quickly. “I think your love life is complicated enough at the moment.”
    “I don’t have a love life. Max and I can barely stand to be in the same room as each other.”
    He squeezed her hand and released it. “Do you want me to talk to him?”
    “No. Please don’t tell him I told you about our past. I really don’t want this getting around town.” She pushed herself up wearily.
    Dan stood up as well and pulled her into a bear hug. “I won’t say a word, I promise. And I’ll pick you up at 6:00. You deserve a relaxing night.”

Chapter 5
    Her food was all over the floor. The refrigerator door stood open, the shelves bare. The only thing spared was the