The Summer Solstice ~ Enchanted Read Free Page B

think of a way to pose my next question subtly but
notice her looking at me questioningly.
    “Maybe you would like to get a job at the community
center. I’m not asking you to get one but if you’d feel better earning some
spending money then we can see what’s available.”
    She can read minds. “Okay,” I answer with a shrug
of my shoulders and trace of a smile.
    Her face relaxes before she continues. “I know this
all must be so strange, not to mention unbelievably difficult, so please let me
do what I can to make this a smooth transition for you.”
    By this comment I’m certain Rose isn’t crazy about
me getting a job and I’m suddenly overwhelmed with all the questions I want to
ask. Somehow I don’t think that any of them are appropriate right now. There’s
so much I want to know about my mom, Rose, my grandfather, and this place in
general. I tell myself in due time I’ll have the opportunity.
    “Charlotte says that you have leadership roles in
the town. What exactly do you do?” I don’t hide my curiosity.
    Rose perks up a bit; I can tell she’s passionate
about her work for the city. “A few things dear, and they keep me fairly busy.
I am Homeowner Association President of our subdivision. And I am on the town
council as senior member and on the Community Event Chair. I manage committee
groups to help keep our little city clean, safe, and active. And like I said
before, I have many connections with the community center. It was actually
built with a donation from your grandfather and me so I ensure it’s running
smoothly. The town calls it Summer Island.”
    There is silence now, except for the clinking of
silverware as food enters our mouths. My grandmother is not only rich, but she
funded an entire community center named Summer Island? Who is this woman?
    Rose is unsteady as she stands, showing her age.
But the rest of the movements are young and fluid. She heads for the door to
the great room, turning one last time to speak.
    “You know, the last time Grace was in this town she
was 18 and looked almost identical to you. You are blessed with her beauty.”
    As Rose says my mother’s name, my heart sinks deep
into my stomach. She vanishes down the hall and I have suddenly lost my
appetite. Sadness washes over me and I slide my plate of food away. “I’m
sorry,” is all I can mutter to Charlotte.
    Charlotte takes my plate from me without a word and
walks off toward the kitchen, leaving me to myself. I turn my eyes away from
the table to the great big open windows that overlooks the Bay and sigh.
There’s something incredibly inviting about the view before me. That’s where I
should be right now.
    I hate to admit it, but even after going my entire
life without knowing her, my grandmother feels somewhat familiar to me. Though
there is an air about her that runs ill through my thoughts. It’s as if she’s
known me my whole life.
    A short while later, I’m back in my room searching
for something to wear. After that awful dream last night, dry sweat coats my
body. Maybe a swim is what I need.
    My hope is to wash away all of the pain that has
flooded me in the past month. Is it possible to make it all just go away?
Better yet, can I turn back the hands of time so I can see my mother
again?
    And then the big question consumes me. Did my mom
know that I would live here if something were to happen to her? She had to have
known. Nothing made sense anymore.
    The second I reach
the sand I feel a release inside me that I know I’ve needed. I take a deep
breath, sucking in the salty sea air. Sand sinks in between my toes with each
step, the tiny grains exfoliating my skin, as I continue to move effortlessly
towards the Tampa Bay shore. It is easy to let my mind go and lose myself to
the gentle breeze. As I progress forward, I do so blindly. I peel my coral
romper from my body; toss it aside, and aim for the Bay for a swim. I think
about earlier events…
    Charlotte greeted me at the bottom of the