In a Heartbeat (Heartbeat #1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

couldn’t believe my eyes ...” Both Niki and Lisa burst into laughter and Stella looked at them quizzically. “What?”
    “Oh, honey, besides the scenery, food and weather, the other thing that you’ll find ‘out of this world here’” – Niki made air quotes with her fingers – “is the men. They’re very charismatic. And handsome. But beware, they’re very charming until they get what they want from you, but don’t expect a follow-up.”
    Stella had forgotten how easy-going her aunt was – she could talk to her about anything without feeling awkward.
    “Don’t worry, Aunt Niki – I’m also just looking for fun!” She winked at her and all three of them giggled.

    After dinner, Lisa excused herself because she had to finish a painting for her class the next day, and Stella stayed in the kitchen to help her aunt with the dishes.
    “I’m so glad you finally decided to visit, honey,” she said warmly – but there was sadness in her eyes.
    “Me too. It’s wonderful here.”
    They fell silent for a long time before Niki spoke again.
    “I wanted to call her, you know ...” she began, but her voice shook and she didn’t finish her sentence.
    “She wanted to call you, too.”
    That did it. Tears spilled from Niki’s eyes and she brushed them off with the back of her hand.
    “She’s forgiven you.”
    Niki exhaled a deep breath and nodded. “She’s always been the bigger person.”
    “It’s not about that, Aunt Niki. Everyone deals with tragedy differently. My mum wanted to stay in her house precisely because it held so many memories. You wanted to get away – that was your way. Don’t feel guilty that you did what you had to do for you and your daughter.”
    Niki was still crying silently and didn’t respond.
    “The important thing is that all of us – we’re almost back to normal now. We’ll never be the same as we once were, but we’ve managed to piece our lives back together. We didn’t fall apart.”
    “When did you get so smart and mature?” Niki asked, through her tears.
    When I had to deal with losing my father and brother, as well as cancer. It does that to a person.
    Instead she said, “When you’re ready, reach out to her. See what happens.”
    Niki nodded as Stella hugged her. They stayed like that longer than necessary, needing each other’s support.
    “So, the dishes are done. Where’s Lisa’s studio? I’d love to see her paintings,” said Stella, to break the tension and change the subject.
    “I’m afraid you can’t. She’s very private about it; no one is allowed inside – not even me.”
    “You’ve never seen any of her paintings?”
    “Oh, I have. The ones she chooses to show me. Come, I’ll show you, I’ve got them all hung up.”

    Stella had just finished talking to her mother on Skype when there was a soft knock on her bedroom door.
    “Come in.”
    “Hi.” Lisa slipped in, already in her pyjamas, and sat on the bed next to her cousin.
    “I saw some of your paintings. They are amazing, Lis. I can’t believe how talented you are.”
    Lisa smiled and nodded, but didn’t say anything. Which, knowing her as well as Stella did, meant she didn’t want to discuss it any further.
    The hell she doesn’t.
    “So what’s up with that super-secret studio of yours?”
    “It’s not super-secret; I just don’t like anyone to see what I’m working on before I’m finished and satisfied with the result.”
    That sounded very reasonable and convincing. The trouble was, Stella didn’t believe that was the only reason, as it just wasn’t like Lisa to keep secrets. Yeah, she was moody and tended to drift off into her own world sometimes, but she was an artist. It came with the territory.
    Sighing, Stella decided to let it go for now. After all, it was their first evening together.
    “Would you mind if I stayed here tonight?” Lisa asked.
    “Of course not,” said Stella, and scooted off to the end of the bed.
    “It’s just that tomorrow morning I