Dance Upon the Air Read Free

noon.”
    â€œYou told me that less than twenty-four hours ago.”
    There was impatience in the voice—a low, lovely voice. Unable to help herself, Nell edged closer.
    â€œHow the hell am I going to keep the café up without anyone to cook?”
    â€œIt’s all about you, isn’t it? You can’t even wish us luck.”
    â€œJane, I’ll wish you a miracle, because that’s what it’s going to take. No, wait—don’t go off in a huff.”
    Nell caught movement in the doorway and stepped to the side. But she didn’t move out of earshot.
    â€œBe careful. Be happy. Oh, damn it. Blessed be, Jane.”
    â€œOkay.” There was a loud sniffle. “I’m sorry, really, I’m sorry for leaving you in the lurch this way. But Tim needs to do this, and I need to be with Tim. So . . . I’ll miss you, Mia. I’ll write.”
    Nell managed to duck behind shelves just as a weeping woman raced out of the back and ran down the stairs.
    â€œWell, isn’t this just fine.”
    Nell peeked out, blinked in automatic admiration.
    The woman who stood in the doorway was a vision. Nell couldn’t think of another word for her. She had a mass of hair the color of autumn leaves. Reds and golds spilled over the shoulders of a long blue dress that left her arms bare to the silver bracelets that winked bright on each wrist. Her eyes, sparking with temper, were gray as smoke and dominated a flawless face. Slashing cheekbones, a full, wide mouth painted siren red. Skin like . . . Nell had heard skin compared to alabaster, but this was the first time she’d seen it.
    She was tall, willow-slim and perfect.
    Nell glanced toward the café tables to see if any of the customers who loitered there were as awestruck as she herself. But no one seemed to notice the woman or the temper swirling around her like water on the boil.
    She inched out to get a better look, and those gray eyes shifted. Pinned her.
    â€œHello. Can I help you?”
    â€œI was . . . I thought . . . I’d like a cup of cappuccino and a bowl of soup. Please.”
    Annoyance flashed in Mia’s eyes and nearly sent Nell back behind the shelves. “I can handle the soup. We have lobster bisque today. I’m afraid the espresso machine is beyond my current capabilities.”
    Nell looked at the beautiful copper-and-brass machine, felt a little tingle. “I could make it myself.”
    â€œYou know how to work this thing?”
    â€œYes, actually, I do.”
    Considering, Mia gestured and Nell scurried behind the counter.
    â€œI could make you one while I’m at it.”
    â€œWhy not?” Brave little rabbit, Mia mused, as she watched Nell take over the machine. “Just what sent you to my door? Backpacking?”
    â€œNo. Oh.” Nell flushed, remembering her pack. “No, just exploring a little. I’m looking for a job, and a room.”
    â€œAh.”
    â€œExcuse me, I know it was rude, but I overheard your . . . conversation. If I understand it correctly, you’re in a bit of a jam. I can cook.”
    Mia watched the steam rise, listened to the hiss. “Can you?”
    â€œI’m a very good cook.” Nell offered Mia the frothing coffee. “I’ve done catering, I’ve worked in a bakery, and I’ve waitressed. I know how to prepare food and how to serve it.”
    â€œHow old are you?”
    â€œTwenty-eight.”
    â€œDo you have a criminal record?”
    A giggle nearly burst out of Nell’s throat. For a moment it danced lively in her eyes. “No. I’m tediously honest, a dependable worker and a creative cook.”
    Don’t babble, don’t babble! she ordered herself, but she couldn’t seem to stop. “I need the job because I’d like to live on the island. I’d like a job here because I enjoy books and I liked the, well, the feel of your shop as