Summer Magic Read Online Free Page A

what I can do...though she might have to hem up a few things."   She shifted her gaze to Lisa and added, "Of course, we can't let Lisa get off to a bad start, now can we?"

    “Thank you, Claudette," Lisa said tightly.   "But I already told Michael that I'll be fine.   I plan to find the nearest shopping mall as soon as there's time."

    "Suit yourself."   Claudette shot Lisa a condescending look, then tugged at Michael's shirt sleeve.   "Let's go, Michael.   Time to tear yourself away.   Need I remind you, there are more important things to do?"

    Michael turned to Lisa and caught her hand.   "You gonna stick around and watch the show?"

    Beneath Claudette's steady gaze, she looked him straight in the eye and managed a smile.   "Of course, Michael.   I wouldn't miss it for the world."

     

    *****

     

    Inside the coliseum, Lisa found an unreserved seat and sat down.   The band was playing a lively tune.   Vendors selling popcorn and cotton candy worked the side aisles.

    As the lights dimmed and the music swelled, a rainbow of colors filled the arena.   Lisa's meeting with Claudette soon forgotten, new anticipation flowed through her.   It was time for the Spectacle to begin.

    With rapt attentiveness, she clasped her hands together. Animals in bright head dresses and performers wearing sequin-spangled costumes paraded by.   Then came the first act, which soon gave way to the next.   Lisa laughed with the crowds at the chimps bouncing on pogo sticks, clapped for the tiger jumping through a ring of fire, and gazed in awe at the red-sequined showgirls performing an aerial ballet.

    Next the Flying Figaros emerged.   Dressed in glittering silver capes, holding hands and smiling their most dazzling smiles, they sprinted into the center ring.   In seconds the troupe was ascending the high rope ladder, Estelle sitting on Michael's shoulders.   While Claudette began to swing from a trapeze, Michael and Rudolph, perched on high rungs, balanced poles from their foreheads.

    In an instant, the blue spotlight shifted back to the two young women.   Lisa watched first one, then the other spin through the air, skillfully performing their famous double somersaults.   The most difficult trick--Michael's triple--was only seconds away.

    "And now ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages,”   the ringmaster boomed, "world-renowned Michael Figaro will perform one of the most daring acts in circus history!   The triple somersault!"

    A hush blanketed the coliseum.   The drums rolled.   From somewhere overhead, the spotlights dimmed, casting a dramatic hue over the performers.   Lisa's heart pounded.   Every nerve in her body stood on end.   Oh, Michael.   Please be careful, she silently pleaded.

    Michael dusted his hands with resin.   Then he began to swing.   The intensity was etched clearly on his face.   His taut muscles revealed the strength in his torso and upper arms.   Last year when she'd witnessed Michael's performance, she'd secretly vowed he was the most gorgeous man alive. Tonight was no exception.

    Higher and higher he arched.   With a quick thrust, he tucked himself into a ball and whirled through the air.

    The drums stopped rolling.   Lisa felt her hands grow clammy as she braced herself on the edge of her seat. Suddenly Michael's body straightened and his hands connected with the catcher's.   The applause exploded.

    "Ladies and gentlemen," the ringmaster hollered, "you have just witnessed the most important feat on the face of the earth!"

    While the crowds went wild, Lisa went limp with relief.

    Oh, Michael, no wonder you came back, her heart cried out.   His performance was commanding.   Michael Figaro was destined for stardom.   How easy it would be to fall in love with him--only to end up heart-broken once again.   There must be at least a hundred women, watching him this very moment, who would give their souls just to touch his hand.   She could no more hold onto Michael than