Finding Justus Read Free

what you need right now to prove to yourself that you’re still desirable. It’s perfectly natural.”
    Justus didn’t say anything at first; she let Krystal’s comments soak in, then she said, “You know Krystal , you really missed your true calling, you’d make a great shrink. Not to mention you’d make a lot more money. But joking aside, I trust your advice, and I think you may be right. It’s really weird but it seems like memories of Alex are becoming more distant as each day passes.
    “I still feel hurt, betrayal and a lot of other negative feelings, but it’s the idea of the betrayal, not actually missing him. Don’t get me wrong, the thought of being rejected still hurts, but that’s more about bruised pride than a broken heart.
    “Amazingly, the more I think about it, I think I don’t really care as much about losing Alex as I do about losing face. We had our good times, I mean I was in love with him, and certain parts of me still are, but it’s that way with any relationship.
    “I still cling to feelings for other boyfriends from my past. But isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be? Don’t you miss a couple things about each guy?”
    “Of course there’s always been,” Krystal stopped to clear her throat comically and raised her left eyebrow, “ parts I missed, if you know what I mean.” They both burst out in laughter and Krystal said, “Seriously though, you’re not alone. I think everybody feels that way.”
    “Yeah, isn’t that what those sappy love songs are about? Loving and letting go, but always keeping something with you. I guess it’s a universal experience that everyone goes through.”
    “Yep. Not to change the subject, but can we walk that way? I suddenly have to use the bathroom.” 
    Justus was looking around outside of the restroom waiting for Krystal when she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, but somehow lost her balance and started to stumble backward a couple of steps. On her descent backward she stepped on someone’s foot and felt someone place a steadying hand on her shoulder. Embarrassed by her notorious clumsiness, she turned around.
    “I’m sorry, I…” She stopped when she saw who she had just stepped on. Right in front of her was the gorgeous man from the pool yesterday. Shirtless. As smoothly as she could, Justus took in his tanned ski n and the muscled physique.
    She fought the urge to lick her lips. She started to open her mouth to say something, but was at a loss for words. What did one say to a hot guy after you’d just trampled his foot? Suddenly sorry didn’t seem like enough.
    “Are you okay?”
    Justus nodded dumbly and dashed into the restroom on her right. As she walked into the ladies room she heard Krystal’s peppy voice echoing through the large bathroom, and as usual, she had found someone to talk to. It figured.
    Once she was safely ensconced in the ladies room, the magnitude of her actions hit her. Justus struck her forehead with the palm of her right hand. God, she was an idiot!
    Justus walked back outside, and looked around for the handsome stranger. There was no sign of him. It was probably for the better. She was almost certain he was taken by the skinny blonde she’d seen at the pool. On the bright side, odds were in her favor, she reasoned, that she wouldn’t have to embarrass herself further and run into him again. Two times was coincidental, but there was no way she’d run into him a third time, she told herself as Krystal emerged from the bathroom and the two headed towards dance class.
    When they walked into the dance studio, Justus noticed mostly women made up the class. The few men that were there had a bored, I-can’t-believe-you-made-me-come-with-you-look on their faces. As she looked around, she noticed the blonde woman from the pool yesterday. W ith a gulp, Justus realized maybe running into people was more commonplace than coincidental. She was surprised that she’d ran into two different people two