Water Lily in July Read Online Free PDF Page B

water, the hot sun beating down on him.
    Even if his sister did agree to her tagging along, could she go? The townsfolk would have a field day with it if they found out. Perhaps they could just vanish. Her car being parked out front for days was nothing unusual. And Rob was quite often gone for long periods of time.
    Did she want to go with him? Yes.
    Did she like the idea of him having ‘Kaylie withdrawal symptoms?’ Yes.
    Could she stand to not see him until the middle of next week?
    She paused.
    The answer to the last question was no. But it was too soon to admit her true feelings to herself, never mind anyone else. Kaylie put the plates on the table and picked up the cloth to wipe down the worktop. What was wrong with her? Was it simply the fear of losing him, of losing someone else that she’d dared to open her heart up to? Every single person she’d ever loved had left her or died.
    Except Jesus—He had never left her. She knew that. But as much as she loved Him and knew He loved her, sometimes she just craved human companionship and affection.
    Just holding hands, or watching the sunset or being able to text and getting a message back within seconds. She closed her eyes. Those few horrid moments after the accident had made the TV news, when she’d texted Phil and not gotten a response filled her mind again. Then her phone rang and she’d thought it was him, only to have her hopes smashed when it wasn’t.
    “Kaylie…where’d you go?”
    She opened her eyes. Rob’s concerned face was inches from hers. His hand rested on her arm. She held back tears.
    “Are you all right?” He pulled a hanky from his pocket. “Here.”
    Kaylie took it, blotting her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be sorry.” He wrapped his arms around her.
    She leaned into him. Funny, he didn’t seem at all awkward around crying women. Not like most men she’d come across. Phil had never known what to do when she’d cried.
    “I had lots of practice comforting Tori,” Rob said, almost as if he knew what she was thinking. He rubbed her back gently. “She says it’s fine for you to come if you want. I was only teasing just now. I didn’t mean to upset you, and I’m sorry if I did.”
    “You didn’t,” she managed. She sucked in a deep breath. “I saw you on the phone and thought about the fact I had no one to call. And that got me thinking about trying to text Phil after the accident…”
    “Ah.” He kissed the top of her head. “Are you coming with me?”
    “I’d like that.”
    “So would I. Once we’ve eaten, you go pack, and I’ll do the dishes.” He led her to the table and sat down, grabbing her hand. “Shall I say grace?”

5
    Rob slowed the car to a halt outside Tori’s four-bedroom, two-story townhouse in the center of Headley Cross. As soon as he’d turned off the engine, the front door opened, and a small red-headed figure in pyjamas ran down the drive.
    “Uncle Rob, Uncle Rob.” His cries were audible through the closed windows.
    Rob grinned. “That’s Oliver. He’s six.” He got out of the car and swung his nephew into the air. “What are you still doing awake, kiddo? It’s half past seven on a school night.”
    “Mummy said I could wait up for you.” Oliver pointed to the car. “Who’s that?”
    “This is my friend, Kaylie.” Rob smiled at her. She looked terrified but she needn’t be. “She works in the lighthouse.”
    “The big tall one out at sea where you live?” Oliver looked impressed.
    Tori appeared by his side. “Ollie, go and ask Daddy to help with the bags.”
    “Yes, Mummy.” Oliver wriggled until Rob put him down, and then ran off inside.
    Tori hugged Rob hard. “It’s been too long, Robbie.”
    He hugged her back. His sister did so love adding -ie to the ends of people’s names. Kaylie should fit right in, without having her name changed. He shook his head, not sure where that thought had come from. “Tori, this is Kaylie.”
    Tori extended a hand, a smile