Never Say Never Read Free

her?” She shrugged. “You don’t have to tell me. I know you,” she said simply.
    I was growing more annoyed and wanted the conversation to end fast. “Bad idea, Susan. I can assure you that’s not going to happen.”
    “Not this week, maybe.” She smirked at me and, anticipating my growl, smoothly changed the subject.

Chapter 2
    I was late arriving at the airport the next morning. Everyone had already boarded, so I made my way down the aisle alone. My three partners were seated together near the front of the plane.
    Sara, flanked on either side by the two larger men, gave me a meaningful stare when they greeted me. I could almost read her look. Thanks a lot for stranding me alone with these guys, it said.
    I shrugged an apology and threaded my way back a few rows, almost thankful to be sitting alone. I settled into a window seat and tried to read up on the company we would be visiting, but I lost interest immediately. I was feeling unreasonably emotional, chastising myself for feeling so suddenly lost and woebegone.
    The flight attendant came and went, bestowing a bagel and coffee on her way. As I munched quietly and stared out the window at the clouds below, I felt an elbow press into mine and tried hard not to pull awtay. With an inward groan, I prayed that Kenny hadn’t decided to chat.

    “Hey, I thought for a while there that I was going to get stuck alone with those guys.” Sara’s face was inches from my own.
    I mumbled an apology, not quite meeting her eyes. Those lips were frowning.
    “You don’t look so hot.”
    “Why, thank you. Good morning to you, too,” I snapped, feeling bitchy.
    “Ouch.” She stared at me until I met her eyes. “Uh-huh,” she nodded. “You’ve been crying,” she stated.
    Was it that obvious? Were my eyes swollen? I looked at her, feeling suddenly vulnerable, and bit my lip.
    “Leslie, what’s wrong?” She sounded so sincere that it made me feel worse. I didn’t want to talk to this woman. I didn’t want to be vulnerable with this woman. I foolishly just wanted her to stop being nice to me.
    I tried to wave her off, but she wouldn’t give up. “Talk to me. What happened?” She was tugging at me.
    “Nothing, really.” I fought hard not to let the tears well up again. “I, uh, I had to move out over the weekend.”
    “You and your boyfriend broke up?” She looked genuinely distressed as I scrambled for a reply. “Something like that,” I mumbled.
    “Oh, Leslie, I’m so sorry.” She squeezed my upper arm gently.
    “I thought you lived with a guy, but I wasn’t sure. You never really talked about him.”
    “No, well, you know —” I stuttered, trying to think of something to say. “We haven’t really been getting along. You know?”
    “You poor thing. Why didn’t you tell me about him?” she admonished. “What’s his name?”
    I looked at her, feeling incredibly nervous and at the same time dangerously close to giggles. It was absurd. She was staring at me, waiting for a reply. What was the question?
    “What?”
    “What’s his name?”

    Quickly the names flew through my mind. Nancy... Hmm...
    Nick, Ned, Neal, Noel... I scrambled mentally, but nothing sounded right. I threw up my hands. “What difference does it make now?” I asked, hoping she wouldn’t press any further. “It’s over.”
    “Good for you!” She fell for it, and I was relieved. “And when you’re ready to meet new people, just let me know. I know a couple of guys that you’d really like.” She was getting excited, leaning forward and closer to me. “We could double date.”
    “Double date?” I nearly choked on what was left of my coffee.
    “Sure. You probably aren’t ready to meet anyone now. But I’ve been going out with this guy, James, and I would love it if we hooked you up with one of his friends so that we could all go out together. Wouldn’t that be great?”
    “Great. Sure.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, or what I was getting myself