Memories Read Free Page A

family now, at this stage of the game. Children are so much responsibility and I'm not sure I'd have the patience to raise any now..." Cathy stopped mid-sentence, realizing what she had said. "Oh Dani, I'm so sorry. Here I am blabbering on about children. I mean of all people, I should know better."
     Dani placed her hand softly on Cathy's arm. "It's okay," she assured her friend. Cathy was the only person, besides Dani's parents, who knew about her inability to have children. Dani had confided in her late one night in the dorm room they shared in college after their conversation turned to the future and having children. Cathy understood how much it pained Dani not to be able to have a child of her own, and that's why she stumbled over her words now.
     Dani changed the subject back to Michael. "I'm sure he's just hesitant about the relationship," she consoled her friend. "Most men are, you know. I'm sure he'll change his tune in time."
     Cathy smiled hopefully. "You're probably right." Looking at her wristwatch, she gasped. "Oh, oh, it's getting late. I'd better finish making lunch." Cathy hurried toward the kitchen with Dani at her heels.  
     "I couldn't decide whether to have lunch or brunch. It drove me crazy just thinking about it." Cathy rolled her eyes, making Dani laugh out loud. "But I decided lunch sounded better. Michael will be here any minute; will you set the table Dani? Everything you need is sitting on the sideboard."
     "Sure thing." Dani began setting out the place mats and silverware on the oval glass-topped table as Cathy banged and clattered in the kitchen beyond. A centerpiece of fresh flowers rested on the glass, its colors matching the cream and blue tones of the china. As she completed her chore, the door chime rang and she saw Cathy hurry to answer it.
     Cathy's apartment was small, but stylish. Her decorating style was as elegant as the way she dressed. The dining room opened up into the living room and the entryway was beyond that. Dani stole a glance in the gilt-framed mirror above the sideboard, checking her make-up and smoothing her hair. Beyond her, the mirror reflected a man with a trench coat and brief case in hand, leaning over to place a kiss on Cathy's cheek.
     "Dani, Michael's here. Come meet him," Cathy called out.
     Dani turned and walked across the living room toward the couple. She stopped short as Michael's face turned in her direction. My God...it can't be, she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. The room swirled around her in that one instant she recognized him. No, this isn't happening. It's not him.
     Michael walked up to Dani, his hand extended in greeting. "It's so nice to finally meet you," he said, unaware of the turmoil brewing inside her. "Cathy has told me so much about you that I feel like..." Michael stopped mid-sentence when he was only inches away from Dani. "Well, I'll be," he exclaimed so softly that only Dani heard him.
     It was him! Dani's mind raced between past and present, as her eyes traveled slowly over the figure before her. His silk suit was impeccable; his dark hair was groomed and neatly trimmed as was his beard. A complete opposite from the shaggy-haired man in blue jeans, sneakers and T-shirt she once knew. But it was the same man. From his wavy black hair to the tips of his polished leather shoes he was every bit the businessman. But to Dani, he was the past come alive. "Miguel," she whispered, and only Michael heard and understood.
     "Yes," he said, his steel-gray eyes searching her blue ones intensely. "Danielle, I never thought I'd see you again." He smiled softly at her, that warm, caring smile she remembered so well, as he reached out to hug her.
     Instinctively, she drew back, away from his touch. Slowly, the shock of seeing him again, after all these years, registered inside her. She stood there, eyes narrowed, daring him yet denying him with her eyes to move one step closer. Michael stopped short; confused by the look of pure