Free Kaleidoscope Summer (Samantha's Story) by Rita Garcia Page B

.”
    “ And Maggie mentioned your mother died of cancer.”
    “ When Mom learned she had breast cancer . It had already metastasized. S he r efused treatment. ” He stood and roamed about the room.
    “Poor Maggie.” I shook my head. “I’m s orry. It was horrible for both of you. ”
    “ No, y ou’r e right. The house where she lives is the one our mom grew up in . ” He sat back down and closed th e top button of his shirt , as though he wanted to quiet painful memories the way others might ward off a chill.
    “She told me how you gave her the choice of houses .”
    He shrugged. “ It was only right . Our families settled in this region four generations back.” His expression softened and he looked into my eyes. “ Our grandparent s were a big part of our lives .”
    “ So y ou’ve never lived anywhere else?”
    “Maggie and I both went away to college. I have a law degr ee from Harvard .”
    “You graduated from Harvard ?” I leaned forward , eager to hear more. “How did you go from Harvard to a police officer?”
    “ Grandpa Delatorre drilled the idea of Harvard into my head from an early age . T he least I could do, considering. Once I finished, I decided I preferred law enforcement. Still do.”
    Goldie jumped off the couch and pawed my cushion . “She needs to go out.” I rubbed her head and reluctantly left my comfortable spot.
    “I’ll take her if you make a snack .” He winked and reached for Goldie’s leash.
    I quickly prepared a tray. They marched back in and both eyed the assortment of sandwiches and chips .
    “Looks good .” Logan gave Goldie a s mall piece of corned beef and proceeded to take a hefty bite of his sandwich.
    I liked the way he shared bits of food with my dog. Lord , is there a future and a hope?
    In short order, not ev en crumbs remained . “I think I’ll clean up and turn in.” I placed the plates on the empty tray.
    Logan stretched as he unfolded from his seat. “Sweet dreams.” He ran his hand down the length of my hair , as he had b ecome fond of doing. With a closed smile , I padded in to the kitchen.
    Snuggled in bed , I attempted not to think of Logan in the next ro om . I pictured the contrast of him in a cotton candy pink room and pulled the sheet over my face to quiet my giggles. I tried to read, but like a branch tossed about by the waves, my mind stayed adrift . Logan and I being here alone was not a good idea. In the morning , I would pack a bag and go stay at Maggie’s.
    Dawn covered the room with soft light . The aroma from the kitchen told me Logan was up before me , again . I tied the s ash around the waist of my robe and joined him .
    “What, no pastries this morning? ”
    I imagined his laughter. I t flowed into my brain and v ibrated through my heart—I craved the sound. I looked acr oss the table . Maybe … just maybe .
    Our obvious attraction to each other sent strong signals, b ut other than fun flirtation Logan hadn’t shown any serious interest in a relat ionship. Besides , I wasn’t here perma nently, especially if funding for the school came through.
    He reached into his pocket, and flipped a silver dollar on the table . “A good- luck coin for you r thoughts.”
    “ G ood- luck coin? What happened to the good old copper penny? ”
    “My Grandpa Donovan gave it to me. I was still a kid, m oping around, not talking .” Logan slapped it on the table and looked at me . “Well? ”
    “It’s my meeting with Tayl or Jones this morning —it’s unsettling .” I touched my fingertips to my lips , hiding more than my smile.
    “Y our worried smile?” I balled up a napkin and threw it . He ducked but not quick ly enough . “I’ll drive you and take care of some errands while you see Taylor.” Still chuckling as he spoke.
    ***
    I strolled into th e attorney’s office . From the look s of the dusty receptionist desk , I doubted a secretary existed. I peered into an open doorway. A man leaned back in h is chair with headphones