Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 128(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 128(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
“Well, I hope it’s just that.” His brow raises, and he gives me a challenging once-over. Nate has been a great big brother to me.
“Of course.” I give my brother a hug, and he leaves the room to go join his wife down the hall. They started their family a couple of years ago, adding a house full of little ones. As the youngest in the bunch, I have no kids, so I’m just the cool aunt.
Although, an image fills my head of a little baby boy in my arms and big, powerful hands pressed firmly on my waist as a kiss is placed on my head. Damn it, that animal at the clinic fucked me all up.
I know Mike has accidentally changed something inside of me. Maybe it’s time that I finally start looking into dating and finding the person who will make me happy like everyone else around me.
No matter how many times Mike’s face pops into my head, I doubt a man like him could ever be a good husband. He’s a rich celebrity, which means he’s more than likely used to playing the field with women throwing themselves at him wherever he goes. Mike probably goes hopping from one bed to another while using his fists when he’s pissed. That’s a life I can’t deal with.
Another knock comes to my door. “Sweetie, can I come in?”
“Sure, Mom. What’s going on?”
“I feel like I should ask you the same.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
She drops her chin and stares at me with that mom look. “Don’t lie to me. Who is he?”
“No one. I’m just not sure how to pick the right guy. How did you pick Dad?”
“I didn’t pick him. He chose me. One look across our college campus, and I was his.”
“But how did you know he was the right person? Weren’t you scared about what would happen if things didn’t work out and how he’d take it?”
“Every relationship is like that. We don’t know someone’s reaction to a situation until it happens. There are people in this world who believe they’ve married the most amazing man in existence, only to find out he’s a rapist or a serial killer. Hell, some spend twenty years together, only to get a divorce when the spouse has an affair.”
“So you’re saying I shouldn’t get involved at all?”
“I’m saying you shouldn’t give up on happiness because of what may never happen. We never really know anyone, but we can make the best life.”
“Have you ever worried that Dad would hit you?”
“No, but I’m not saying I didn’t try to push his buttons over the years like he’s pushed mine. Some men learn at a young age that you don’t hit girls and no matter what, they restrain themselves. Some men aren’t taught that or refuse to learn that lesson and lay their hands on females. You have to learn early what kind of man you date is.”
“Thanks.”
“I love you, Tina. Try to push the past behind you and enjoy the rest of the holiday. I know it’s hard to see all the happy couples and their kids, but you can have that one day.”
“Maybe I will.” She says goodnight and takes her leave. The second I’m alone again, my mind goes over thoughts of Mike. He might not hurt me physically, but the man could break me emotionally. That’s not something I think I could handle.
****
Needing some groceries, I stop at the store before I head home. “Hi, lovely Tina,” Miguel, the cashier, says as I load up my things.
“Hi, how was your holiday?” I ask, making polite conversation.
“Great, although it would have been better if you were there.” I’m sure he’s just being playful.
“Sorry. I had to spend it with my family.”
“How about we go out tomorrow to make up for it?”
I pause, knowing I have no intention of dating this guy, but he’s harmless, whereas Mike is too scary.
“I get it. You don’t want to go out with a guy still getting his degree.”
“No, it’s cool. I do. We can have dinner as friends.” I could use someone to take my mind off Mike, even if it’s just as a buddy.
“Really?” His eyes light up and I’m a bit taken aback by his reaction.
“Yes.”
“Okay.”
“How about we meet at the new restaurant in town at seven tomorrow?” I offer. He frowns at that suggestion. Doubt fills me, but it’s already too late to reverse course. The line behind me is growing and I’d hate ruin his evening. Besides, it’s just as friends, right?
He tears off a piece of receipt paper and writes down his number and hands it to me. “That’s great. Here’s my number.”
“It’s good to see you again.” I take my groceries and leave before I change my mind and cancel.
“I can’t wait for tomorrow.” Suddenly I’m filled with dread, regretting that I made a friendly date with him. I did say it was as friends, but I know it’s not what he wants.