The Lake (The Lake Trilogy, Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

the water, reading the newspaper. He must have heard me answer Claire as I opened the door because he addresses me directly.              
    “Good morning, Layla. How did you sleep?” he asks.
    ”Like a rock,” I lie.
    “Great!” He folds the paper halfway down toward his chest so that he can see me.
    “This view is amazing,” I say.
    Luke smiles and takes in the view for a moment before responding, “Yeah, it’s pretty spectacular. That’s Lake Davidson. You should see it from the dock.”
    “Do you have a boat?” Even though I’m not the best swimmer, I’m itching to be out on the water. I went a couple of times with a friend from school on her dad’s boat when Gram was feeling generous. It could have been being out on the water, or maybe it was just because I was away from home and acting my age, but I had the most incredible time.
    “We used to.” His answer is slow and thoughtful. “What would you like to do today?” he asks, bringing his attention back to me.
    “Well, I’m not really sure. You’ve got a pretty impressive library up there. Do you mind if I borrow a book?” I don’t feel like going anywhere. There will be plenty of time for exploring later. I’ve got nothing but time.
    “Of course not. It’s your library now, too. You can read anything up there. Although I doubt you’ll find the law books very interesting.” Luke seems different this morning. He’s lighthearted and open. Our conversation doesn’t feel forced like it did last night. This is the real Luke. He isn’t coddling me like Claire, not that I mind her treatment of me. It’s been so long since I’ve been on the receiving end of care that I’m not sure how to respond to her, but I appreciate Luke’s attempt to make my life here normal right from the beginning.
    “Aren’t you two going to work today?” I ask.
    “No. We’ve arranged for the whole week off. We’ve planned to be home more often than not for the next several weeks. We want to make sure that we’re here for you as much as possible while you…transition and get settled,” he says.
    “That’s not really necessary …” I say. Luke looks at me with serious eyes and I know there is no point in arguing. “…but thanks.” I could tell him that I spent the last three years being caretaker to an old man. I washed dishes, did laundry, and handled all of the finances, so I’m pretty sure I can handle being home by myself, but I don’t tell him that. I am doing my best to be 17 not 70. “What do you have planned for today?” I ask changing the subject from my perceived neediness to Luke’s plans for the day.  I’m also wondering how much time I might get to myself today. I play with my hair, tightening the ponytail, sectioning it off and braiding skinny braids in the locks. It gives me something to do with my hands while I wait for Claire to bring my long-awaited toaster pastry to me. I’m not used to having idle hands.
    “Not a lot, really. I’m getting ready to start a project down in the basement, but I’m still working up the plans, so I’ll probably spend some time down there. The town puts on a summer concert series, mainly local musicians. It’s tonight and Claire and I always go. We’d love for you to come with us,” he says hopefully.
    Claire’s exit from the kitchen couldn’t have been better timed. “Oh, yes, Layla! It’s a lot of fun! Everyone sits on the Village Green in front of the library with blankets and picnics. Please come.” She nudges me and seals the deal when she tells me it’s the best place for people watching.
    “That sounds…really fun,” I say trying to show my excitement. I think about it for a moment more and then it sinks in. They asked me to come. They didn’t demand it or even just assume that I would go with them. I suppose I could have said no if I wanted to, and by the looks on their faces, they’re actually really happy that I’m going. I pick apart my breakfast as I try to