think you two would be great together. I mentioned it to her yesterday and she was shocked that a guy would even be interested.” She shook her head in disbelief. “She has been through hell and back. The girl has more responsibility on her plate than anyone I know.”
“What’s her story?” I ask in hopes to get a better understanding.
“That is her story to tell. Plus, I’ve only heard rumors. I don’t know the whole story and I don’t want to tell you something that’s wrong.”
“So what do I do now? I didn’t get her number.” I place my elbows on my knees and put my head in my hands.
“I know she works at the mall. I don’t know what store though. Why don’t you come with me tomorrow?” I look at her like she has lost her mind.
“The mall is a mad house the day after Christmas. I made the mistake going with you a few years ago and vowed never to go again.”
“Come on. I will bring you coffee and I will take you to lunch. Plus, there is a good chance you will see Amber and find out a little more about her. You never know, maybe even get her number this time around.”
“You don’t play fair.”
“I know.” She stands and sticks her hand out to help me up. “Let’s go open presents.”
****
Amber
It was six this morning when I got out of bed. I spent all night staring at my ceiling so I decided to start doing the deep cleaning I planned to do today. My brother and sister went to spend Christmas with our aunt and uncle in New Orleans. They are our only relatives. I was invited to go too but I have to work. It’s nice to get a break for the first time in six years but I miss them. I try to make Christmas and birthdays very special for them. I started our own traditions and they seem to look forward to them.
It is now two in the afternoon and the house is completely clean. What the hell do I do now? I go into my bedroom and come back to the living room with a book in my hand. I picked this one up at the used book store a few months ago and I haven’t had the chance to read it. I lie on the couch and start to read. I read the first few lines and close the book. I can’t concentrate on what I read. My mind has been on Dylan all day even though I have been trying not to. I’ve tried my hardest to not allow it but he got under my skin last night. I like him and would like to get to know him but I am terrified of what will happen when he finds out my story. My heart doesn’t care about any of that though and I really like him. There’s something about him that is pulling me to him. How can I expect any man to take on my burdens? It’s just not fair to put anyone in that situation.
I pick up the book again and attempt to start reading again. My eyes start to close and I drift off to sleep.
Chapter 5
Shopping Trip
Dylan
It’s too damn early to be at the mall. Miranda was true to her word though and brought me an extra-large coffee. I hate dealing with crowds but if I run into Amber then it will all be worth it. I can’t get her out of mind and I can’t wait to see her again. Her beautiful face has been on my mind since she left on Christmas Eve. I really wish she would’ve come over yesterday but she insisted that she had chores to do. Who does chores on Christmas day? I really hope she didn’t make that up in order to stay away from me. If she doesn’t want to see me again, I want her to tell me that. I have a certain pull to her but I don’t want to creep her out if she doesn’t feel the same for me.
“I’m going into The Closet. Are you coming in?” Miranda says.
“No. I’ll wait out here.” She nods and disappears into the store.
I watch people walk by but they don’t interest me. I turn and look at the window displays. The store has very nice woman’s clothing and the
“What’s her story?” I ask in hopes to get a better understanding.
“That is her story to tell. Plus, I’ve only heard rumors. I don’t know the whole story and I don’t want to tell you something that’s wrong.”
“So what do I do now? I didn’t get her number.” I place my elbows on my knees and put my head in my hands.
“I know she works at the mall. I don’t know what store though. Why don’t you come with me tomorrow?” I look at her like she has lost her mind.
“The mall is a mad house the day after Christmas. I made the mistake going with you a few years ago and vowed never to go again.”
“Come on. I will bring you coffee and I will take you to lunch. Plus, there is a good chance you will see Amber and find out a little more about her. You never know, maybe even get her number this time around.”
“You don’t play fair.”
“I know.” She stands and sticks her hand out to help me up. “Let’s go open presents.”
****
Amber
It was six this morning when I got out of bed. I spent all night staring at my ceiling so I decided to start doing the deep cleaning I planned to do today. My brother and sister went to spend Christmas with our aunt and uncle in New Orleans. They are our only relatives. I was invited to go too but I have to work. It’s nice to get a break for the first time in six years but I miss them. I try to make Christmas and birthdays very special for them. I started our own traditions and they seem to look forward to them.
It is now two in the afternoon and the house is completely clean. What the hell do I do now? I go into my bedroom and come back to the living room with a book in my hand. I picked this one up at the used book store a few months ago and I haven’t had the chance to read it. I lie on the couch and start to read. I read the first few lines and close the book. I can’t concentrate on what I read. My mind has been on Dylan all day even though I have been trying not to. I’ve tried my hardest to not allow it but he got under my skin last night. I like him and would like to get to know him but I am terrified of what will happen when he finds out my story. My heart doesn’t care about any of that though and I really like him. There’s something about him that is pulling me to him. How can I expect any man to take on my burdens? It’s just not fair to put anyone in that situation.
I pick up the book again and attempt to start reading again. My eyes start to close and I drift off to sleep.
Chapter 5
Shopping Trip
Dylan
It’s too damn early to be at the mall. Miranda was true to her word though and brought me an extra-large coffee. I hate dealing with crowds but if I run into Amber then it will all be worth it. I can’t get her out of mind and I can’t wait to see her again. Her beautiful face has been on my mind since she left on Christmas Eve. I really wish she would’ve come over yesterday but she insisted that she had chores to do. Who does chores on Christmas day? I really hope she didn’t make that up in order to stay away from me. If she doesn’t want to see me again, I want her to tell me that. I have a certain pull to her but I don’t want to creep her out if she doesn’t feel the same for me.
“I’m going into The Closet. Are you coming in?” Miranda says.
“No. I’ll wait out here.” She nods and disappears into the store.
I watch people walk by but they don’t interest me. I turn and look at the window displays. The store has very nice woman’s clothing and the
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