Chasing Tara (Bryant Station Curves) Read Free Page A

looks bad, but it’s okay. Really it is. Besides, you should see the other person. He looks a lot worse.”
    “If you say so, but you need to have someone look at it anyway.”
    Tara shrugged her shoulders. The bruises would eventually fade. She had other things to worry about, like staying ahead of Donald, but the broken car made the task more difficult. She hoped the town’s mechanic could repair the car. The sooner she was back on the road, the better off she and Haley would be.

     
     
    CHAPTER 2
     
    Lisa drove around The Blue Plate Diner looking for a parking place, but couldn’t find one. She did a U-turn in the middle of the road and pulled into one of the few empty parking spaces in front of the hardware store across the street from the diner.
    “The diner looks popular,” said Tara.
    “It’s just a typical Friday night in a small Texas town.” Lisa turned off the SUV’s engine.
    “Let me guess: food, beer, cheerleaders, and high school football, and that’s just before the game. Did I miss anything?” Tara raised an eyebrow at Lisa.
    “Just the men reliving their high school football days,” said Lisa.
    “And it’s always the homecoming game where Johnny either threw or caught the ball and made the winning touchdown just as the whistle blew signaling the end of the game.” Tara chuckled. “The only thing different is the name of the town. The men and the stories are the all same.”
    “I take it you’ve been there and done that.”
    “Yeah, but it’s been a long time. Sometimes we don’t realize what we’ve got until it’s too late.” Tara sighed. She wondered if she would ever be able to just sit back and enjoy life again. She loved Andrew and knew he loved her, but the marriage had been hell from the beginning because of her brother-in-law, and Andrew's death only made it worse. “Is there a mechanic or a wrecker service I can call to take care of the broken down monster?”
    “There’s Eddy’s Garage,” said Lisa.
    Tara nodded. She stared at the diner.
    “Are you okay?” Ben leaned forward and put his hand on Tara’s shoulder causing her to jump. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
    “I was just lost in my thoughts for a few seconds. I’m okay, but thank you for asking,” said Tara. She turned away from them and pretended to be looking out the window so neither Lisa or Ben would see the tears forming in her eyes.
    Ben frowned. He knew Tara wasn’t telling him the truth. She was not okay. Something was wrong. He glanced over at Lisa and raised his shoulders and eyebrows.
    Lisa shook her head at Ben. “Let’s go to the diner and get something to eat while we get someone to take care of the car,” said Lisa.
    Tara nodded, but before she could say anything Haley’s giggles filled the vehicle.
    “I think Haley likes that idea. She’s hungry.” Ben unbuckled the seatbelts. He got out of the SUV and held out his arms to the little girl. She scooted over and all but jumped into his arms.
    Tara got out of the vehicle. “Here, let me take her.” She held out her hands.
    “No, my bear,” said Haley and buried her face in Ben’s chest.
    Tara looked surprised. Haley never warmed up to people that quick, but here she was, clinging to the boy.
    Ben hugged Haley to him. “It’s okay. I can carry her. I don’t mind.”
    Tara reached into the backseat and grabbed the blanket she had wrapped around Haley when they started walking to town. “Here this will help keep her warm against the cold air.” She tucked it around Ben and Haley.
    “She’s special. I won’t let anything happen to her.” Ben kissed the little girl on the top of her head.
    “Yes, she’s special, and I know I can trust you.” Tara patted Ben’s check. The urge to wrap her arms around both children was strong. Tara wrapped her arms around herself, hoping it would help fight the urge.
    “Is everything okay?” asked Lisa. She looked from Ben and Haley to Tara. Something was off. She sniffed the