Free Summer Dreams by Hebby Roman Page A

gray head. "More's the pity for you."
    "¿Qué? What do you mean? You think I can't get my own place? I live on my own in Dallas."
    "I don't want you to move out, mi Nieta. You give me more pleasure than you know. And because I love you so much, I can't bear to see you unhappy. Living alone isn't the answer, Natalia," she almost pleaded. "I meant you not wanting any man should be pitied. Don't give up on the human race because of one bad experience."
    Natalia finally understood what her grandmother was driving at, and her pent-up fury melted away, leaving her suddenly spent and tired. She lowered her head and admitted, "I want a husband and family, Abuelita. And I'm not giving up on everyone. I just haven't found the right man yet."
    Her grandmother stared past her, as if seeing things Natalia couldn't know or understand.  "As much as I loved your grandfather, the biggest mistake I made was living alone and not remarrying."
    Natalia was stunned by her grandmother's confession because Pura had idolized her husband. Had she heard right? Her grandmother stretched out her hand.
    Natalia grasped it and squeezed. "I didn't know you felt that way."
    "There is nothing more sacred than the love between a woman and a man. Never forget that. When you give that up, your world shrinks. You become self-satisfied and self-centered. Others touch you, and you love them, as I love you. But it's not the same, Nieta mía ."
    Natalia held Pura's hand and pondered what her grandmother had said. Pura's words made her feel bleak, empty and forlorn, as if her own life was over. Would she ever love a man as her abuela had? Would she ever find a man worthy of her love?
    The vision of Esteban rose before her, demanding and cock-sure, clad in skin-tight denim. Sexy and tender at the same time. She knew him like a brother, but as a man and a lover, she didn't know him at all.
    Did she love him, despite his background and questionable ambitions? Was that why he haunted her dreams? Why his mere touch took her breath away? She wished she knew. She wished she could trust her instincts. But they'd failed her once.
    Was she willing to take another chance?
    ***
    It was market day again.
    Natalia had attended an early class and come home. Pura took the pickup to town. Natalia had been busy cleaning the house and studying. Esteban was outside working, tending the newly-budded tomato plants.
    Around two in the afternoon, Natalia had nothing left to do, and the remainder of the afternoon weighed upon her. Maybe she should find a good book and curl up with it. But the bright summer sun beckoned outside the kitchen window. She'd been cooped up inside all day.
    Her mind wandered. With a will of its own, it ascended the familiar mountainside, crossing the grassy meadows, meandering through the deep forests. The thought of the waterfall lured her, drawing her higher, pushing her on.
    She shook herself and banished her thoughts of the waterfall. That place was inextricably intertwined with her feelings for Esteban, and the last thing she needed was to dream about their special place. Because the land belonged to him, she might never go there again.
      She'd applied at school districts in a hundred mile radius. She'd thought she'd live with Pura but that would mean she'd see Esteban all the time. And since that day of their picnic, she'd taken care to avoid him. Maybe a little distance would be a good thing.
    What would the waterfall be like in winter? She'd never visited it in winter. Did the water freeze in place with its diamond brilliance captured in still form for one brief season? Or did the power of the plunging water overcome the icy grasp of winter?
    Esteban would know. 
    The thought sprang to her mind, like an errant weed. She wrapped her arms around her waist and rocked slowly, back and forth, heel-to-toe, and back again. She felt like a prisoner, and the house shrank around her. Crossing to the kitchen window, she gazed out. Esteban's battered Corolla sat in