White Chocolate Moments Read Online Free PDF Page B

"Do you still like that guy at the stables?"
    "Yes, but he likes the owner's daughter:'
    "How old is she?"
    "His age-16:'
    "I thought he was only 14:'
    "No, that was the other one Quinn answered as a matter of course. She fell in and out of love on a regular basis.
    "You'll be 13 in just a month:' Arcineh tried to encourage her. "You never know when he might notice:'
    Quinn couldn't help but smile. She knew she was pretty but it was more than that. Arcineh had sounded like her old self: confident, upbeat, and willing to encourage.
    "I am thinking about changing my hair:' Quinn offered.
    "Show me!" Arcineh exclaimed, instantly into that, and the day was swallowed up. The two girls worked on each other's hair until it was time to leave for the restaurant.
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    Chapter Three
    "Do I hear music?" Sam asked of Violet when he came to the kitchen on Monday. For all the years she'd worked for him, Sam had gone directly to the kitchen when he arrived home to check with her and have a snack.
    Violet smiled before saying, "She's been in the family room with the stereo on for about an hour."
    "Is she dancing?"
    "I didn't check:'
    Sam was already working on an apple, so he didn't comment on what he was thinking, but he wondered if maybe Arcineh and Quinn had talked about her dancing. Austin had been quiet and moody all weekend, but the girls had visited for hours, never seeming to grow sad or weary of the other's company.
    Sam had had very little time with Quinn, not the norm when she visited, but Quinn hadn't seemed to mind. Sam had missed his usual visit with his older granddaughter, who was sensitive like her mother, but knew Arcineh needed her more.
    Sam finished the apple and headed in his granddaughter's direction.
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    She was not dancing, but the look on her face told him she was enjoying the music.
    "How does my stereo compare to yours?" he asked, taking a seat across from her.
    Arcineh smiled. "I think I like yours better."
    Sam grinned at her, and for a moment let the music wash over him. He knew Arcineh had been studying ballroom dancing and suspected that this rendition of "You Made Me Love You" was something she'd danced to. Sam's eyes drifted to her face often. She looked thoughtful but not as though she was yearning to be on her feet. He was starkly reminded of the accident.
    "How is your hip feeling?"
    "Good"
    "Not stiff?"
    "A little in the mornings sometimes:'
    Arcineh's eyes stayed on him, and she knew he had something on his mind.
    "What's wrong?" She minced no words.
    "I was just wondering if you want to go to your father's office tomorrow?"
    "When?"
    "Whenever you want:'
    "I have a math test in the morning, but then I think I could leave:'
    "Do I call or send a note that I'm coming for you?"
    "Could I maybe just go and take the test and leave?"
    "Will they allow that?"
    "Sure Arcineh answered easily, knowing that kids left for far less significant reasons. "Will we go to the cemetery too?" Arcineh suddenly asked.
    "I wasn't planning on it, but we can:' Sam said, though he didn't want to.
    Arcineh swiftly shook her head no, and Sam knew that on this
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    matter they agreed. The following day's events did not come up again, but they proceeded just as Arcineh had predicted. Sam took her to school long enough to take her test and then took her to see her father's office.
    "How did it go?" Violet asked Sam when they returned. Arcineh had gone directly to her room.
    Sam shrugged a little. "She didn't say much, but I think we'll bring all of his effects here. That way if she wants to see them or have them, they'll be available'
    Sam could still see her in his mind. Her face horribly pale, Arcineh slowly lowered herself into her father's desk chair and shivered as though she were freezing. Sam didn't speak; his own heart felt frozen in his chest. His son was gone. He couldn't remember the last time he'd told Trevor that he loved him or was proud of him, but he'd felt all of that and more. And now he was gone.
    "Should I