The Coldest Summer✓

Three

A classic foyer with a calm ambience regards us when Eleanor invites us inside her enormous house. My eyes wander subtly, taking in the details. A brown sofa is installed near the large window, and two wing chairs right beside the fireplace that sends soothing warmth. Lovely.

I settle on the couch, per Eleanor's instruction, and a soft breath escapes my lips as I try to get relaxed.

The weather is crispy and mildly chilly. For a moment I forget that it's summer time, and right now it's certainly burning in L.A. Being here is like escaping the furnace I call home. Perhaps I've made the right decision by stepping out of California—this place is awesome.

So far, so good.

"Would you like some coffee or tea?" Mrs. Eleanor kindly asks, her voice gentle.

"Tea will do," Sam replies, and as usual, she looks so comfortable, seated cross-legged like a model. It's like she has no problem adjusting to people she's just met, unlike me who's having a bit of a hard time keeping up with their presence.

Sam has asked me countless times on how I manage to teach if I'm this introvert, and well, I'm not sure either. All I know is that once I'm indulged into books and literature in general, everything else ceases to exist; hence it's never been a problem at all.

"What about you, Kira?" Eleanor faces me with her sweet smile, her big brown eyes bright.

"Coffee, please," I utter.

"Me, too," Liam who has been silent since our extraordinary exchange earlier finally speaks.

"Okay." Eleanor nods, and then disappears to where I suppose to be the kitchen, leaving us in her son's company.

Liam is sitting next to Sam, although they are not speaking yet. Throwing a discreet glance at him, I can't help thinking of our handshake earlier, as unbidden as it may be.

But no, I got to snap out of it. Perhaps I imagined it as I was too distracted by the beauty of this place to have full control of my faculty. There's no way such a thing can happen, is there?

And why is my tummy in knots at the mere sight of him?

"You have a nice home here," Sam says, breaking the awful silence and my unearthly imagination.

"Thank you, Samantha." Liam smiles. "I hope you two had a smooth ride here." He regards me this time. And it's now that I notice he has a British accent.

How charming!

Sam answers, "It was okay, even though I slept the whole way from the airport. But I know someone who enjoyed all the scenery."

With that, Liam's eyes rest on me as he asks, "Is Yellowstone to your liking, Miss . . ."

"Jones. Kira Jones," I say.

Seriously? Miss? Do I look like a job applicant?

"Ms. Jones," he mutters, his gaze calm and impassive. "I suppose you do like this place so far."

"Yes, it's a dream come true." I smile widely, and he nods, but remains pensive.

Well, maybe he's like that. Grumpy!

Thankfully, Eleanor walks in and settles the tension. I'm glad Sam hasn't noticed the hostility in my voice when talking to Liam, for I'm pretty surprised as to why I find his manners rather conceited.

Or maybe unfriendly? Ugh, why do I even care!

"I hope you can enjoy the refreshments, because I personally made them." Eleanor places a tray full of chocolate cookies and cream pastries.