Read Online House of the Blue Sea by Teresa van Bryce - Free Book Online Page B

brows, “can you tell me why you gave it away when he offered to buy it?”
    “It’s a long story that has to do with Jane Eyre.” Sandra waved her hand dismissively. “How are things going with your song writing?”
    “Quite well. But don’t think I didn’t notice that quick change of subject. We’ll come back to Ms. Eyre. There is a rather well-known artist looking at recording one of my songs on his next album.”
    Sandra clapped her hands together and extended them to Ian. “That’s great!” He took her outstretched hands in his. “And who is this rather well-known artist ? Someone I listen to?”
    “I doubt it, but you’ve likely heard of him. Chet Morgan.”
    “Country! Since when do you write country music?”
    “I don’t, technically, but country is a much wider genre than it once was, and Chet cuts it wider than most.”
    “Can I hear the song?” Sandra sat back on her stool and pulled her hands onto her lap.
    “When I’m here on Friday I’ll play it for you. It won’t sound like the version Chet will release, but I like it.”
    “And when will you know if he’s putting it on his album?”
    “He and his producer should be making those decisions now. It’s been recorded. Now it’s just a matter of whether or not it makes the cut.”
    “Well that is exciting news. Congratulations, Ian.” Sandra lifted her glass toward him.
    “It’s what I’ve been working toward.” He clinked his glass to hers. “Seems we both have something to celebrate. Paul—bring our artist another margarita!”
    ***
    S andra set her empty glass on the bar. “Okay, I need to go to bed. Three margaritas is one more than my limit and two more than my usual. If they weren’t so darned big.”
    “Can I walk you home?” Ian lowered himself from the stool and extended his arm.
    “You can, but only after I stick my toes in the ocean.”
    “You want to go to the beach? Now?”
    “I do, just ankle-deep. It’s such a gorgeous night.”
    “You know that ankle-deep can become thigh deep when the waves are right.”
    “And so I’ll get wet. C’est la vie!” Okay, she was a little drunk, but she felt good tonight. The stone in her stomach was reduced to a pebble, there was no sign of a tear ambush and Ian was here. She threw a fist in the air. “To the beach!” Paul looked up from where he was sitting with one of the other guests. “Oops,” Sandra leaned in and whispered to Ian, “that came out a bit louder than I intended.”
    “Okay Margarita Mary, let’s go before you get us thrown out. You can shout all you want outside.”
    The sand was still holding some of the day’s heat and the water felt warm on her feet. Sandra stopped and turned her face up to a half-moon surrounded by a spray of stars. “I love it here. I feel so liberated.” She let go of Ian’s arm and extended her hands to the night sky. “Do you feel that way about this place?”
    “It’s why I stayed. Have you ever thought about it? Staying in Mexico?”
    “That’s the second time you’ve brought that up. Are you selling real estate these days?” They’d started walking again, the waves pulling sand from under her feet, taking it to the sea.
    “Me? Certainly not. Just curious. From what you’ve said you haven’t been happy, back in Alberta.”
    “I wasn’t. You’re right. But that’s changed now.” She linked her arm with his. “Things are good. I’m good.”
    “Well, glad to hear it. So, what’s changed? New man in your life?”
    “No! No man—new or old. What’s changed is me. It just took some time.”
    “Ah yes, time heals all wounds—whatever they might be.” Ian paused as if waiting for Sandra to reveal more. She remained quiet. “But so can the Sea of Cortez ...” Ian fanned his arm toward the open water and gave Sandra a look of invitation.
    “All right, you’re on!” Sandra released his arm and began walking into the waves.
    “I meant healing to be near, not in!”
    “Come on super-Canuck! The