by Sabrina York
When she stood up, Bree was looking at her curiously.
Mia blinked. “What?”
Bree grinned. “You like him.”
“I don’t know him,” Mia muttered, stomping away from the table with the cafeteria tray in her hands.
“What do you want to know?” Bree asked, grinning.
Mia rolled her eyes, dumping her crumpled napkins into a trash can, and then stacking the plastic tray along with the others on top. “You know something about everyone in Crystal Rock, don’t you?”
Bree laughed as they walked toward the cafeteria exit. “Just about.”
Mia peeked back at Noah, and obviously catching her eyes upon him, he grinned, and her heart began beating madly.
When she felt the blush on her face, Mia turned away from him quickly.
Although Bree appeared to be watching the exchange with extreme interest, she didn’t say a word.
Mia nudged Bree with an elbow as they walked through the hallway past their lockers. “Alright. Tell me about him.”
“He moved here around four or five years ago, and he lives with his grandparents.”
Mia halted. “Huh?”
Bree stopped beside her and continued, “Apparently, he’s lost both parents. I don’t know much about that. He’s originally from out east somewhere.”
Mia frowned. “Oh—that’s terrible.”
“Yeah, it is,” Bree answered. “But his grandparents love him to death.”
Mia blinked. “Really?”
Bree grinned. “Yep. It’s kind of amazing how close the three of them are. He runs errands for them, picks up groceries and even works a few jobs to help out. His grandfather is a disabled veteran, and they weren’t exactly financially prepared to take Noah in, but Mom said they didn’t even hesitate.”
Mia shook her head dazedly. That was kind of…sweet. The guy looked dangerous, so it was the last thing she’d expected to hear.
Well, summer was almost here, and Noah would be graduating in less than a week. What would be the use of encouraging him anyway, even if he was as interested in her as Bree seemed to think?
Bree peeked through the window into the classroom where everyone was preparing for their test. “Are you ready for the exam?”
“I’d better be, if I plan on making music my career,” Mia answered.
Opening the door for the classroom so that she and Mia could go inside, Bree said, “I’ve never met anyone like you Mia, who knows exactly what you want to do with your life. I took music theory just because I needed a fill in for an extra class.”
“Well, I don’t know exactly what I want to do, but I’m really hoping that going to music camp this summer will give me an idea. I still don’t know who the other person accepted from here in town is.” Mia raised a brow. “How about you? Have you heard anything?”
Bree shook her head no. “For once, I don’t have a clue. You’d think whoever it was would be talking about it here at school.”
Mia shrugged, dropping into the seat behind her desk. “Besides Amanda, I haven’t said anything about it to anyone but you and Dad.” Mia frowned. “He still isn’t very enthusiastic, which kind of worries me, by the way. But I wasn’t sure who else applied, so I wouldn’t want to make whoever didn’t get accepted feel bad—especially since I’m not originally from around here. I can’t believe I’ll be meeting Emily Richardson.”
“You’ll love her. She’s so nice. You wouldn’t even know she was famous by the way she acts,” Bree said, taking her seat behind the desk beside Mia’s.
A Grammy award winning vocalist, Emily Richardson had begun a summer music camp a few years earlier to aid talented teenagers who were interested in musical careers. She and her husband owned several acres of property near Crystal Rock Lake, where they’d built a music conservatory along with several outbuildings, including cabins for the participants to live as well as a recreational center for them to use during their off time. At summer’s end, two scholarships would be awarded to the most promising students.
Settling back in her seat as the teacher walked into the room, Bree observed, “Aren’t most of the people selected to attend the camp high school graduates?”
“They are,” Mia answered, pulling out a pencil from inside her purse. “When I was interviewed, the girl who spoke with me liked the fact I was considering teaching. Most of the kids who apply have the crazy idea they’re going to become overnight sensations.”
Bree’s smile was rueful. “I’ll bet.”
When the teacher cleared her throat and began handing out tests to the students, Bree dug into her backpack for a pencil while Mia focused on the questions, settling back in her seat.
2
After Mia Michaels finished her lunch and walked through the doorway leading into the school’s hallway from the cafeteria with her friend, Noah Erikson grinned at Brad, stepping away from the food line.
“Geez, you’ve got it bad,” Brad said, shaking his head in obvious resignation. “Somehow, I don’t think standing around and watching her like a stalker is going to get you anywhere though.”
Noah only snorted, holding up his hand in farewell. “Later.”
He did have it pretty bad, Noah thought to himself, walking through the cafeteria and heading through the exit directly to the parking lot. There was just something about her…
Noah shook his head numbly. He’d never met a girl who’d affected him like this before. And ever since he’d formed the band, he’d gotten to know plenty.
But it was kind of a turn off, women coming on to him. Noah preferred to be the one doing the chasing. So far, he hadn’t known what to think about Mia. She was a little bit of a mystery to him compared to other girls.
But today she’d finally glanced back at him before leaving the cafeteria, and if Noah wasn’t mistaken, she’d been curious.
He frowned, approaching his bike. Had she been ignoring him because she wasn’t interested in dating, or because she wasn’t attracted to him? True, she was the new girl in town, and he was at least a year older, and she probably didn’t know anything about him.
Noah grimaced. Maybe it was the bike? Most girls were drawn to him because of it, but was it a turn off for Mia?
He was aware that many of the kids he went to school with thought his Harley was kind of cool. Noah’s smile was rueful as he tugged his helmet over his head before slipping onto the seat of his bike. Little did they know it was the only vehicle he could afford to drive. Occasionally, he’d use his grandparents’ beat up pickup if the weather was bad or if their band had to perform in a nearby town, but he’d much rather leave the vehicle with them since it was their only means of transportation. Their home was rather isolated, located along the edge of Pebble Lake.
He revved up the engine of the Harley, which started right up. Gramps might be missing a leg, but he sure hadn’t lost his touch with an engine. He’d restored the Harley that had once belonged to Noah’s dad and had given it to him as a gift after Noah had passed his driver’s test and six-month rider education course.
The fact that Gramps was having issues with his leg again wasn’t good, and it was difficult keeping up with regular maintenance around their house when most of the benefits he and Gram received went to pay medical bills.
Noah had tried to talk them into moving into town, but the cabin had been in the family for nearly one-hundred years and it was where they wanted to live after Grandpa had retired from the Air Force, where he’d served as a mechanic both home and abroad. Although the cabin was paid off, a ton of work would be required to get the place up to date, and windows, doors and flooring all needed to be replaced.
And, just as Gramps and Noah’s father had done, Noah had decided at the beginning of his senior year to enlist and enter the Air Force once he turned eighteen.
Exiting from the main road and driving past the large barn located near the rear of the house, Noah had to admit that he loved this place too, and he wouldn’t mind living here himself somed
ay.
After parking his bike, Noah climbed the staircase onto the back porch, walking inside through the doorway into the kitchen.
Grandma was already scooping some pot roast onto a plate for him. Kissing her on the cheek, he took the plate from her hands and pointed at the kitchen table, where Gramps was already eating.
“Sit, Grandma, and eat. I can scoop my own,” Noah said.
“That plate’s yours, Noah,” she answered with a smile. “You know I wouldn’t be able to eat all that.”
Noah laughed as he laid the loaded plate on the table.
He took a moment to wash his hands in the kitchen sink, before grabbing another plate from the upper cabinet and filling it with regular sized portions for Gram.
After resting her plate on the table, Noah sat down and began to eat.
Finished with dinner, Gramps looked up smiling, laying his fork on his plate and picking up his napkin to wipe his mouth while watching Noah eat.
“Did you say you were performing tonight?” he asked.
“Yes. The first beach concert of the season,” Noah answered, glancing at Gramps.
“How about it, Barb?” Gramps asked, gazing at Gram. “Want to go sit on the beach for a while tonight and watch the concert?”
She wiped her mouth with a napkin, reaching for the bottled water she’d left open on the table. “Sounds good to me. It’s not too often we get an eighty-degree day in May.”
“Our band’s going to be the last to perform,” Noah warned.
Gramps laughed, before answering dryly, “Occasionally, your grandma and I still manage to stay awake past ten-o’clock.”
Gram snorted.
“Alright.” Noah grinned. “Plus I just remembered—the concert probably won’t last past nine or nine-thirty since there won’t be a ski show like there usually is right before the concert. They’re going to wait until school’s out for the summer since a lot of the kids on the team this year are teenagers.”
Finished eating, Noah stood up with his plate and slipped it into the sink’s soapy water.
“Want some dessert?” Gram asked. “I made some cheesecake.”
Gram knew it was Noah’s weakness, and he gave her a rueful smile. “Later. I’d better change clothes. We’re planning on practicing a little this afternoon after school’s out before we go onstage. We haven’t performed together for over a week because of finals.”
Opening the fridge, Noah grabbed a bottle of water from inside before asking, “Do you guys need anything?”
“Nope,” Gramps answered. “You’d better get moving.”
Noah glanced at the kitchen clock and leaned back against the counter and drank it. It was only two o’clock. Since Neil was enrolled in the high school vocational program, and usually worked one of his two jobs in the afternoon, Gram served supper as lunch. His hours varied, so it was more convenient for his grandparents to return to the early morning schedule they’d followed before Noah had come to live with them in Crystal Rock.
Gram was looking at him curiously. “You were home a little later than usual today.”
Noah paused, before lifting his bottle and sipping more water.
Gramps looked at him perceptively. “Is she anyone we know?”
Noah almost dropped the water. “How do you do that?”
Gram began to laugh.
Gramps shrugged. “Your dad was all secretive where girls were concerned, and you remind me so much of him.”
“Really?” Noah answered. He’d only been six years old the last time he’d seen his dad, and Noah’s memories were fading. Noah and his mom had continued to live in Virginia after Dad had been killed serving in Afghanistan. Eight years later, Mom had been hit by a drunk driver when she’d been coming home from work.
“Sure do,” Gramps said.
“You look so much like him too, Noah,” Gram added, giving him what seemed to be a sly smile as she walked over to the sink and began doing the dishes. “You’re avoiding the question.”
Laying his water on the counter, Noah reached for a dish towel and began drying the dishes. “I doubt if you know her. Her name is Mia.”
Gram gave him a side glance. “Pretty name.”
Noah grimaced. “Pretty girl. I don’t know much about her, except she’s new in town. Truth is, I’ve never even talked to her.”
Gram grinned and Gramps laughed loudly.
Gramps finally quit laughing. “Love at first sight, huh?”
Noah rolled his eyes, grabbing the last plate, drying and adding it to the stack in the cupboard.
“It’s not that bad,” Noah said, hanging up the dishtowel and reaching for his water.
But yeah, it kind of was, Noah realized. He’d been carrying these bottled up feelings around since Christmas, the first time he’d heard Mia sing.
When he caught Gram staring at him quizzically, while wearing what was definitely a knowing smile, Noah squirmed uncomfortably.
Finishing his water, he threw away the bottle and made his way up the staircase nearby. He was pretty sure he heard both of his grandparents laughing once he left the room.
3
When Mia walked through the breezeway into the house, she could tell right away that Dad wasn’t around because Amanda, their live-in housekeeper, was cooking something on the stove in the kitchen. Usually, Amanda was finished with her chores by this time of the day and would have retired to the guesthouse where she resided, so that Dad and Mia could have a quiet dinner together.
Which was something happening less frequently than it had in the past since Dad’s advertising business had taken off. The more successful Dad became, the less Mia saw him.
Turning toward Mia, Amanda smiled. “How’s it going, Mia?”
“Hi, Amanda. Alright, I guess. I’m pretty sure I aced my finals. I take it Dad had business?” she asked, laying her backpack on the kitchen table.
“Yep. Something came up and he’s on his way to Chicago by private plane. He asked if I could wait until next week before taking my time off. He said to give him a call whenever you get the chance.”
Mia bit her lip as she dropped in a seat near the kitchen table. “We were supposed to talk about whether it would be alright for me to drive on my own to camp.”
Amanda grinned. “I think I was able to talk him into it.”
Mia sighed with relief. “Oh, geez. Thanks for remembering, Amanda. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”
“Can I get you something to drink?” Amanda asked, pouring herself some coffee.
“No, thanks,” Mia answered, staring outside through the kitchen window at the scenic view of the lake.
Amanda pursed her lips, sitting across from Mia and laying her coffee cup on the table. “When does camp begin?”
“In a week and a half. Dad doesn’t seem to be very enthused about it,” Mia murmured.
Amanda answered, “I noticed. He’s not really into music. Is he? Besides the Dragonfly Pointe Inn, this camp is the next biggest thing going on here in Northwest Wisconsin as far as drawing in tourists and additional income, I hear. It’s a pretty big deal for you to be accepted into their program, Mia.”
“I wish Dad could understand that,” Mia said. “I miss Mom.” Mia’s mom had developed breast cancer, and by the time she was diagnosed, it was too far advanced.
Amanda reached out, laying a hand over hers. “I know. She would be so proud of you.”
“I don’t know why you actually moved here with us from Chicago, Amanda, but I’m sure glad you did.”
“The main reason was because I wanted to make sure you transitioned alright into a new school. I understand why your dad wanted to get you away from Chicago. With as much as he’s gone on business, he wanted you somewhere safer. Losing your mom like that was really hard. But your dad pays me well. And by the time you’re off to college, I’ll be ready to give my notice, whether your father likes it or not.” Amanda smiled. “I might even stay here in town. I love it here. It’s so laid back. Pl
us, there are several opportunities available at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn and at the Crystal Rock Wounded Warrior Home that I might actually be qualified for.”
Mia grinned. “He won’t like it if you quit. He depends on you, you know.”
Amanda smiled. “It probably wouldn’t hurt for him to have a wrench thrown into his tightly run schedule for a change.”
Mia giggled.
Amanda stood up from the table and went to stir the pot on the stovetop. “Anything going on tonight? What time would you like to eat?”
“I’m glad I’m done with finals. I guess there’s a community event, a concert at the beach beginning at seven. It’s alright for me to go. Isn’t it? There will be another every week after this, beginning on Sundays, instead of Fridays. Bree was going to pick me up at six-thirty and drive us over there.”
“That sounds like fun. Since the beach is only a short walk down the road, maybe I’ll swing by there a little later and check it out too.”
“Come and sit with us, if you want,” Mia said.
Amanda smiled. “I wouldn’t want to cramp your style.”
Mia snorted, suddenly feeling a little indecisive. “What style?”
“A girl as pretty as you?”
Suddenly, Amanda was staring at her quizzically as she stirred the simmering spaghetti sauce. “Ah, hah. There is someone, isn’t there?”
Mia hung her head. “I just keep thinking about Dad. I already know he wouldn’t like him.”
“Honey, your dad wouldn’t approve of anyone you tried to go out with. Unless he paired you up with someone of his choice, that is. Like one of his golfing buddies’ sons.”
Mia muttered, “He’s already tried that.”
Amanda raised a brow. “Really? What happened?”
Mia sighed heavily. “The guy was a jerk, and totally full of himself. And then he kept trying to kiss me. And probably was planning on going for even more than that, the way he was behaving.”
Amanda laid down the spoon she’d been using on a paper towel, leaning back against the kitchen counter. “Did you tell your dad?”