Read Online Sunrise on Cedar Key by Terri Dulong - Free Book Online

there. We’re thinking we’ll be ready to begin the knitting retreats after the holidays in January.”
    Rachel was staring at me waiting for my answer. “I agree,” I told her. “I think a three-month probation is fair.”
    â€œOh, so do I. That’s fine with me. I’ll do a good job. I really will, and thank you ever so much.”
    Yeah, I’d lost everything in a fire, but I knew how fortunate I was to have Aunt Maude to help me through a bad time. It was obvious this poor girl had nobody. The gratitude she displayed for a simple cleaning job made me realize there’s always somebody else that has it much worse.
    â€œThat’s wonderful,” Aunt Maude said, sliding a paper across the table. “If you’ll just fill this out with your name and address and phone number, we’ll be all set.”
    The excitement vanished from Rachel’s face. She looked down at the paper and hesitantly picked up the pen to fill out the information. Not wanting to make her more nervous, I got up.
    â€œI think I’ll have another cup of coffee. Aunt Maude, how about you?”
    â€œThat sounds great, and I think I’ll help myself to one of those delicious muffins I baked this morning. Are you sure we can’t interest you, Rachel?”
    Her head popped up from the paper. “Oh, no. Thank you, anyway.”
    My aunt followed me to the counter and we both remained silent.
    I poured two mugs of coffee while my aunt got her muffin. Settling ourselves at the table, I told her about Lucas’s plan to turn the extra room at the bookshop into a coffee café.
    â€œWhat a marvelous idea.”
    â€œYeah, and he asked if I’d help him with the design and ordering some of the equipment he’ll need. You know, because I had my own coffee shop.”
    My aunt laughed. “Right, Gracie. I’m sure that’s the only reason he asked for your help.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œI mean I think he’s attracted to you.”
    Before I could reply Rachel passed the paper to my aunt.
    â€œOh, you’re staying at the RV park out on SR Twenty-four?”
    â€œYeah, for right now, anyway. Max and I drove here in our travel trailer, so it made sense staying at the park.”
    My aunt nodded. “Do you have a cell phone? You didn’t list any phone number.”
    â€œNo, I’m sorry. I don’t.”
    She probably couldn’t afford one. “Well, if we needed to reach you we could call the office at the RV park. Right, Aunt Maude?”
    â€œYes, of course. That won’t be a problem.”
    â€œOh, good. Then I’ll see you at nine Friday morning?”
    Maude nodded. “That will be great, and I look forward to seeing you then.”
    Rachel turned toward the door to leave and then stopped. Turning around, she said, “Thank you both so much. I really appreciate you giving me a chance. Bye.”
    I got up to watch her leave. She actually skipped her way along the walkway to the curb. It was then that I noticed the beat-up travel trailer. She opened the door on the driver’s side, got in, and started the ignition. Yup, some people did have it pretty bad. The only means of transportation this poor girl had was also her place of residence.
    Â 
    â€œHello,” I hollered, walking into the bookshop later that afternoon.
    Lucas appeared from the back—that killer smile of his causing my stomach to flip-flop. This guy sure had a way of nudging up my desire meter.
    â€œBonjour,” he greeted me, and I almost expected the cosmopolitan kiss on both cheeks, which, of course, was not forthcoming.
    â€œHow are you this afternoon?” he inquired.
    â€œFine, and you?”
    Was it my imagination or had his eyes scanned me from head to foot, thereby increasing his smile?
    â€œI’m good, very good.”
    I had to stop myself from saying, I’m very glad, and I suppressed a giggle when I