Two Weeks in August Read Online Free PDF Page B

Nina had thought her in her forties but today, with the wind mussing her pale hair, she seemed much younger. She was unusually fit too, her solid body strong and supple, and this added to her youthful appearance.
    But she was certainly a strange one, Nina thought, hard to fathom. She wondered where the woman hailed from, with that strong but precise accent. Old-time islanders often bore such an accent but theirs was harder to understand and it took an experienced ear. Nina thought she could be British. Maybe Australian. What was her history? And why was she so curt with people—almost rude? Was she angry at the whole world?
    Mander pulled up outside her cottage.
    Over dinner, after the preliminary awkwardness of two strangers coming together, Mander turned out to be a charming conversationalist, amusing Nina with island gossip and history. Nina quickly learned that Mander had not grown up on the island but had been a frequent visitor, much like herself. They wondered aloud that they hadn’t met previously, especially as they knew many of the same people.
    They had driven in Mander’s small blue Toyota truck to a tall weathered building nestled between two souvenir shops along North Main Street. The restaurant and bar combination, called Duffy’s, proved still to be a popular venue as it was filled with a good number of the island’s youth. Mander must have been a regular customer because she was greeted with rowdy cries and whistles as soon as she and Nina entered. In a very short time, they were surrounded by Mander’s comrades.
    One brawny young fellow, his dark hair cropped very close, moved next to Nina and began asking her questions about her life. She politely answered him and he finally wandered off only to be replaced by another; a thin, gangling girl who tried to impress her with tales of her school exploits.
    Nina was flattered by all the attention directed her way but soon found the closeness cloying. Also the mounds of raw and steamed seafood Mander had ordered were pretty only to the true gourmand. By ten that evening, the food became definitely nauseating and Nina decided she’d had enough.
    “Mander,” she called over the loud music as she motioned her closer. “I’d like to go home now.”
    “What’s that?” Mander asked as she leaned toward her.
    “Too much sun today, I’d like to go now,” she stated firmly.
    Mander nodded her understanding and stood.
    Nina was perplexed to notice, out of the corner of her eye, that she leered obscenely to her friends, causing a great shout of laughter and speculative glances directed her way. She felt blood flood her face as she shrugged into her sweater.
    Once out in the moist night air, Nina decided not to mention Mander’s immature display. After all, no real harm had been done and it would only cause friction that she would rather avoid. She did veto, however, Mander’s suggestion of a ride along Beach Road.
    “You had fun, didn’t you?” Mander asked as they pulled into the Channel Haven drive.
      “Sure.” Nina smiled. “It’s been a long time since I’ve devoted a whole evening to having fun.”
    “Well, not a whole evening,” Mander teased in a complaining manner.
    Nina glanced up and saw desire glinting in the dark eyes. Mander leaned forward and kissed her gently, lips exploring hers in a nervous embrace.
    Nina, disconcerted, turned her face away. “I’m sorry,” she said gently. “Bad breakup.”
    Mander nodded and sighed.
    Nina opened the door. “Well, goodnight, and thank you.”
    Mander leaned across the passenger seat and smiled up at her as she stood beside the truck. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
    Nina nodded and watched as Mander backed the truck around and rolled away.
    Feeling restless and guilty that she hadn’t just told Mander there was absolutely no chance of a relationship instead of leading her on, Nina shoved her keys back into the pocket of her jeans and walked toward the boat dock. She realized she