Remembering You by Tricia Goyer Read Free Book Online

be for him to receive help just to climb out of the backseat of a car. She had to remember to help Grandpa first. Dennis was on the other side of the car, helping his grandfather out too.
    Grandpa Jack neared Tana, eyeing her. Then he tapped his chin. “Well, I recognize those eyes, but what happened to the purple and orange streaks in your hair?” He held tight to Ava’s arm, trying to get his balance.
    Tana shook her dark locks. “Actually, I think I was blond at that last Thanksgiving our senior year of college, remember? It was blond until I jumped into a hot tub at a New Year’s Party and the highlights turned the most horrible shade of green. I cringe just thinking of it.” She laughed, and again her laughter caused more of the locals to turn and look. Despite the number of people on the street, the atmosphere was quiet, subdued. They obviously didn’t appreciate loud Americans.
    “I’m sorry to interrupt, ladies, but this is a no parking zone.” It was Dennis’s voice. He touched Ava’s arm, getting her attention. Grand-Paul was at her side and his face was pale.

    “If you help me get your things from the car, Ava, I can lead the guys inside. There are a few steps they might need help with. Then I can park. ”
    Her skin burned from his touch, and Ava mouthed “thank you” just as he turned away. She saw something in his eyes, something deeper, pained. Something that had nothing to do with their grandfathers. Could Dennis’s heart really be broken after all these years? They’d had that perfect summer, but they’d been so young. When they parted, Ava had hoped for a while that he’d contact her and try to reconcile. When he didn’t, she assumed he’d found someone else. But what if he hadn’t? Could he still care for her? If he did, he had a funny way of showing it. I’m just imagining things, aren’t I? She tried to catch his gaze again, but he ducked his head into the trunk as he reached to retrieve her bag. Ava turned away, focusing again on the Parisian street, reminding herself she was really here.
    There was a bakery next to a flower stand. Taking a deeper breath, the air smelled of flowers and… Frenchness, which was the only description that came to mind. It was May, so she expected the air to be light and fresh, but it was more than that. It was as if scents from the sunshine, flower boxes, cafés along the boulevard, and the park across the street melded into something enchanting.
    Ava grabbed her purse from the front seat, and then she moved around to the trunk where Dennis was unloading her things.
    “Didn’t you get the message from the tour handbook? One suitcase per person?” He placed their suitcases and all her recording equipment on the sidewalk.
    “Excuse me?”
    “This is a lot of stuff. I can tell you don’t travel much.” Dennis pulled her grandfather’s suitcase out and placed it next to hers.

    “No, I really haven’t had the chance. I—” She tried to think of a good excuse. Nothing came to her. The truth was she’d been waiting until after she got married. She’d wanted someone to share this with, but how could Dennis understand that or anything else about her for that matter? He was a stranger to her now.
    “I don’t mean to be rude,” he said, his gaze softening slightly. “But you’re going to have a hard time getting around with all that stuff and help your grandpa too.” He let out a heavy sigh. “If you want I can come back—”
    “No!” Ava jutted out her chin and began gathering up her things. “I can get everything. I’m fine.”
    Without another word, he turned away and guided Grand-Paul into the hotel lobby, a firm grasp on his grandfather’s elbow. Paul seemed even more unsteady on his feet than Grandpa Jack. Thinner, weaker than she remembered. Her grandfather followed—more steady now than at the airport—and insisted on pulling his own rolling suitcase. Ava was glad to see that his legs were getting unkinked.
    Ava and Tana