The Spyglass Portal: A Lighthouse Novel by Stacey Coverstone Read Free Book Online Page A

Her mom had been too busy working, trying to make ends meet, for them to enjoy many outings together.
    Something about the steady rhythm of the rocking waves drew Sam’s thoughts inward, to a place inside where scattered memories were buried like broken shells in the sand. Although she always loved her mother, some memories were not pleasant, such as long lonely hours spent alone as a young girl.
    She inhaled a cleansing breath. Chad had been right when he said she worked too hard. Coming here at Dr. Teagan’s suggestion had been both a good decision and a blessing. A feeling of tranquility washed over her as she listened to the ebb and flow of the waves as they splashed upon the dock pilings. She happily sighed and stretched her gaze across the deep sea, basking in the strong sense of being home.

 
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    By six-forty, Samantha was worried. Aidan had seemed anxious to get together tonight, so she didn’t think she’d been stood up. But one never knew. Most people disappointed you sooner or later she’d come to learn. In her opinion, it was better to discover someone’s true intentions before any emotional investment was made.
    Aidan had seemed different, she reminded herself. Something must have happened. Maybe he’d been in an accident, or had gotten sick. Perhaps Paddy had run away and Aidan was out searching for him. She realized she knew no details about him—where he lived or what his phone number was. Was she giving him a break because he reminded her so much of Chad? Maybe he was just a jerk, after all, who liked messing with women.
    She glanced at the door again. She’d simply have to wait and hope he strolled through with a good excuse.
    When the waitress brought her a second glass of iced tea, Samantha accepted it and told her she’d wait a few more minutes before ordering. “My friend should be arriving any minute.” The waitress gave her a sympathetic look, like she knew what it felt like to be stood up.
    Claire and Jason were seated nearby with plastic bibs hanging from their necks, eating lobster. She’d noticed them staring at her for the past half hour. When Claire wiped her hands on a napkin, stood up and walked over, Samantha sucked in a breath, anticipating words of pity, or at least questions she didn’t feel like answering.
    “I see you’re dining alone,” Claire said with eyes beaming and with what appeared to be genuine compassion. “Would you like to join us, dear?”
    “No, thanks. I appreciate the offer, but I’m waiting for someone. He should be here soon.”
    “Oh. I see. All right then.” Claire turned to leave and then spun around again. “I thought you didn’t know anyone in Pavee Cove.”
    Claire’s nosy comment and sharp look caught Sam off guard. Feeling her face warm, she replied, “I met someone on the beach today. He’s fairly new to the area, but you’ve probably heard of him. Aidan Gallagher?” When the name didn’t seem to ring a bell for Claire, Sam went on. “He’s a painter, and he has a German shepherd dog named Paddy. Surely you know him. Pavee Cove isn’t that big.” Samantha was also thinking that Claire had somehow known of her arrival today. The village was a small place where everyone knew everyone, and there were probably no secrets.
    Claire thought a moment and shook her head. “No. The name is not familiar. Believe me I’d know if someone new had come to the cove.” She winked to make her point clear.
    Sam found it hard to swallow that Claire, an obvious busy body, had never heard of Aidan. What was the harm in admitting she knew him?
    “Feel free to join us if your friend doesn’t show up,” Claire said before returning to her own table.
    Fifteen minutes later, Sam decided to call it a night. It had become embarrassing, sitting alone and not ordering, with more patrons coming in and gawking at her. She doubted they intended on making her feel self-conscious, but the result was the same. “I’ll take the check for my