Free Anchored by Tracey Hoffmann

moved towards her but then stopped as Mia raised her hand.
    “Thanks for letting me have Mum’s things. I’ll phone you.”
    As they passed the piano, Jonathan picked up her mother’s Bible and held it out to her.
    ~~~
    When Mia arrived at her uncle’s she noticed a car parked beside the garage. Uncle Robert must have a visitor; she smiled knowing that people often popped in to see him.
    Holding a box on her hip she opened the door and maneuvered her way in to the hall. She could hear male voices in the kitchen and walked towards them.
    She placed the box on the dining room table and entered the kitchen to say hello to her uncle and his visitor.
    Uncle Robert was laughing at something David had said and Mia felt her stomach flip. She hadn’t expected him to be here. Her uncle turned towards her and beckoned her over.
    “Hey, Princess, David called in to see how you’re getting on. We’ve been having a good old chat and I’ve asked him to join us for dinner.” 
    David’s mouth curved and his eyes seemed to pull her into their warmth. “I hope that’s all right with you, Mia. It would be a change from cooking for myself.”
    “It’s up to you, David.” Mia wasn’t happy and didn’t want to pretend she was. Would it be rude to excuse herself and leave? Looking at her uncle she could see determination in his eyes and knew that he wanted her to like David.
    “Let me help you, Uncle Robert. I’ll go and wash my hands.”
    “No, Mia, I have it all planned in my head and I don’t want you getting in my way. Tonight the kitchen is all mine, that is until you guys do the dishes.”
    Laughing, he shooed them away and Mia had no choice but to lead David outside to the verandah.
    “Great view, this certainly is a wonderful place to live. How long has your uncle lived here?”
    “It seems like forever, but probably twenty years or so.”
    “Robert was telling me you’re going to get a place of your own. Have you decided where you want to move to?”
    Mia looked at him in surprise. “I’m not sure, I’m still thinking about it.”
    “Blue Bay certainly is a great place to live and being able to go to the beach every day is amazing. The weather is perfect.”
    Mia stood staring at him, her stomach humming with nerves.
    “Mia, one of the reasons I called around was to see how you are. Often people don’t ask you how you’re doing because they don’t want to upset you, but I believe it’s important to talk about how you’re feeling.” 
    Mia remained silent.
    “Your mother may not be here physically but she’s still here.”  David placed his hand on his heart to indicate what he meant.
    Mia found her eyes watering and looked down. Why is he talking to me like this? Why does he care? “I know you’re only trying to be kind, but I would rather not talk about how I’m doing with you.”
    David arched an eyebrow.
    “I’m sure Uncle Robert will understand if you change your mind about staying.”
    Mia knew she’d been rude and glanced at him under her lashes. She saw the challenge in his eyes and was unsure of what to do.
    “Thanks for the out, Mia, but I’m enjoying myself too much to leave.” David smiled. “I have a proposition for you if you’re interested in hearing it.”
    Shaking her head, Mia held up her hand. “Not interested, David.”
    “That’s a shame, Bruno will be disappointed.”
    “It’s to do with your dog?” Trying to look disinterested, Mia leaned back against the railing.
    David nodded. “It’s like this. I have to go to Sydney next week for five days and I was wondering if you’d be open to spending some time with him. Look after him for me.” David eased away from the rail and faced her squarely. “You already know Bruno and he loves you. He hates going to the kennel and he makes me pay for putting him there when I get back. He sulks for days. If you could see it in your heart to look after him for me I’d be forever in your debt.”
    Mia liked the thought of