Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts Page A

nodded. “And that you’re one of the descendants.”
    â€œYes. As you are.”
    â€œI’m no one.”
    â€œThat’s him talking, not you. I’m sorry.” Instantly contrite, Mia reached out and gripped Nell’s hand before she could rise. “I said I wouldn’t pry, and I won’t. But it annoys me to hear you say you’re no one. To hear you mean it. Forget all the rest for now if you must, but don’t forget who and what you are. You’re an intelligent woman with spine enough to make a life for herself. With a gift—magic in the kitchen. I admire you.”
    â€œI’m sorry.” Struggling to settle again, Nell reached for her wine. “I’m speechless.”
    â€œYou had the courage to strike out on your own. To come to a strange place and make yourself part of it.”
    â€œCourage had nothing to do with it.”
    â€œYou’re wrong. He didn’t break you.”
    â€œHe did.” Despite herself, Nell’s eyes filled. “I just took the pieces and ran away.”
    â€œTook the pieces, escaped and rebuilt. Can’t you be proud of that?”
    â€œI can’t explain what it was like.”
    â€œYou don’t have to. But you will, eventually, have to recognize your own power. You’ll never feel complete until you do.”
    â€œI’m only looking for a normal life.”
    â€œYou can’t forget the possibilities.” Mia held out a hand, palm up. Waited.
    Unable to resist, Nell reached out, laid her palm against Mia’s. And felt the heat, a painless burn ofpower. “It’s in you. I’ll help you find it. I’ll teach you,” Mia stated as Nell stared dumbfounded at the shimmer of light between their palms. “When you’re ready.”

    Ripley scanned the beach scene and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Someone’s toddler was having a tantrum, and the high-pitched cranky sound of No! No! No! blasted the air.
    Somebody missed his nap, she thought.
    People were scattered over the sand, staking out their territory with towels, blankets, umbrellas, totes, coolers, portable stereos. Nobody just went to the beach anymore, she mused. They packed for a day on the sand the way they packed to go to Europe.
    It never failed to amuse her. Every day couples and groups would haul their possessions out of their rentals and hotel rooms and set up their temporary nests on the shore. And every day they would pack everything up again and haul it, along with a good bit of sand, back again.
    Holiday nomads. The Bedouins of summer.
    Leaving them to it, she headed up to the village. She carried nothing but her police issue, a Swiss Army knife, and a few dollars. Life was simpler that way.
    She turned on High Street, intending to spend those few dollars on a quick meal. She was off duty, as much as either she or Zack was ever off duty, and was looking forward to a cold beer and a hot pizza.
    When she spotted Nell standing in front of the hotel, looking dazed, she hesitated. It was as good atime as any, she supposed, to make that friendly overture.
    â€œHey, Nell.”
    â€œWhat? Oh. Hello, Ripley.”
    â€œYou look a little lost.”
    â€œNo.” She knew just where she was, Nell thought. At the moment, it was the only thing she was absolutely sure of. “Just a little distracted.”
    â€œLong day, huh? Listen, I’m about to grab some dinner. A little early, but I’m starved. Why don’t we split a pizza? My treat.”
    â€œOh.” She continued to blink, like someone coming out of a dream.
    â€œThe Surfside makes the best pizza on the island. Well, it’s the only pizza place on the island, but still . . . How’re things going at the café?”
    â€œGood.” There was really nothing to do but fall into step. She couldn’t think clearly and would have sworn that her fingers still tingled. “I love working