Rite of Passage by Kevin V. Symmons Read Free Book Online Page A

or atmosphere. Cracked red vinyl covered the seats, worn red Formica the tabletops. But the salmon and the view—of the scenery and my luncheon companion—were superb.
    Courtney devoured two servings. We drank beer served in paper cups. I think there were others around us, but our eyes never left each other. We talked about her education—she’d attended a private girls’ school she detested. The other girls were dull, giddy, and vacuous. Worse, it took her away from her beloved Briarwood and Romeo.
    “Did you graduate?” I asked. She was brilliant and talented. Courtney could be anything she wanted to be.
    Her mouth twisted into a pout. “Yes. But I’m taking some time off from formal schooling. Thinking about my options.” Her smile was shallow. It looked forced.
    I wanted to pursue the subject. It made no sense. Someone with her potential and means could attend any exclusive finishing school, Oxford or Cambridge. Why home study? But she looked around, playing with her hair and the silverware. I wondered if her father was to blame. I let it pass, telling her about my life at Harvard, my friends, activities, and my sailboat, avoiding mention of Rachel.
    I told her about my father’s death. He was my hero, always there with sage advice or a willing ear when I needed one. I hoped my brother could fill the vacuum. Courtney’s eyes grew damp when I spoke about my father’s death.
    “I understand.” She squeezed my hand. “My mother was like that.”
    “The salmon was great,” I said as we left the restaurant. “Thanks for the treat but, I wish you’d let me pay.”
    “It’s the best I’ve ever had,” she enthused, rubbing her stomach as she closed her eyes. “And I wouldn’t hear of it. I wanted to be a proper young lady and give you something for letting me tag along.”
    “I told you. I wanted you to come.” I held her eyes with mine. I sneaked my arm around her waist and squeezed playfully.
    “Hey,” she squealed. “Be careful. You may see that fish again.”
    “That’s an image I’d rather not think about.” I laughed and let her go, looking at my watch.
    “Got an appointment?” she questioned.
    “Actually, I’m meeting my brother at 7:30.”
    “Oh.” She looked deflated. “Then you…you won’t be at dinner tonight?”
    I shook my head. “Sorry. No.” And I was. “Let’s take a quick walk up that trail overlooking the lake. I’ll bet the views are spectacular.” I gestured toward the narrow path at the end of the sidewalk.
    “I’m sorry, Robert.” She stopped, hanging her head after a few yards. “We can head back.” She turned toward the lake, her face strained and taut. “Being with you makes me feel alive and happy again. But I’m fooling myself,” she whispered.
    “Being here with you is no flight of fancy, Courtney,” I reassured her. “It’s real. Very real.” I wanted to tell her she was the most beautiful and exciting woman I’d ever met.
    “I want to believe you, Robbie, but even if there was no one else in your life…” She turned away, but not before I glimpsed the moisture in her dark eyes.
    “Can we talk about it?” I asked.
    “It’s complicated,” she whispered, searching the distant mountains with her eyes. She headed up the trail, leaving me behind. When I followed, a hidden root caught my foot. Hearing a loud snap, I fell to the ground in pain.
    Courtney turned and rushed back, kneeling next to me. “Robbie, what happened? Are you all right?”
    “I don’t know. I think I sprained my ankle. Maybe worse.” I rolled onto my back, grasping her hand. “Courtney…”
    “Shhh,” she whispered, putting her fingers to my lips. “We’ll sort it out.”
    “But I…”
    “Please. Be still. We’ll sort it out. I promise,” she insisted with a reassuring smile as she examined my ankle. It was already swelling. My walking shoe felt tight.
    I shook my head. “Can you drive?” The ride back to the estate came to mind.
    “Don’t