Next Time Read Free Page B

together. All the things that smother the fire are still there, but the communion between them is unbreakable. That’s what I’m searching for.”
    Ryann took the last swallow of her drink and motioned to the bartender for another. “At night, when it’s really quiet, I can hear the whistle of a train. I have this crazy fantasy of stealing away in one of the cars not even knowing its destination just for the adventure of it. Leigh and I used to lay there and come up with all sorts of silly plans to make this happen and what we’d do. Now…” Ryann sighed. “Responsibility is a dream crusher, isn’t it?”
    “It sure can be. I have a runaway fantasy, too. Actually, I’ve done it once, so I guess I can’t dub it a fantasy. Last year, my brain completely locked up, I couldn’t compose a thing. It was like ten in the morning, and I got in my car to go grocery shopping, but I just kept going when I should’ve turned into the parking lot of the store. Next thing I know, I’m on the interstate doing about eighty, headed to nowhere. I rolled down the windows, turned the music up, and just drove. I kept thinking I would stop, but I didn’t until I got off the interstate in Florida.”
    “How long did you stay?”
    “Just overnight,” Payton said with a laugh. “I got a hotel room, walked the beaches, stared at the water for a long time, and drove home the next day. No one even knew I was gone. Truthfully, you’re the first person I’ve ever admitted this to. It would’ve been more fun if I’d had company, but the experience did help clear my mind.”
    “You didn’t pack anything?” Ryann asked. “It was really that spontaneous?”
    “The only thing I had with me was a grocery list, wallet, and phone.”
    Ryann smiled. “I think that’s much better than hopping a train. You can come back when you want, if you want, and there’s no danger of being run over. How far into Florida did you go?”
    “Destin.”
    Ryann blinked rapidly. “That’s a…”
    “A four-and-a-half-hour drive. That’s about how long it took for me to have the ‘oh, shit, what am I doing?’ moment. I got off the interstate, filled up my tank, and bought a Nerd Rope and a Slurpee. The sugar rush made me giddy, and I decided to continue on with my adventure.”
    “I’m going to have to try that,” Ryann said sincerely.
    “You should. Grab Leigh and just go.”
    “Leigh…” Ryann looked at her watch. “She’s going to be home from work soon. I should make sure Melanie is comfortable and go.” She waved at the bartender. “I need to settle my tab, please.”
    “Are you sure you won’t let me take care of the drinks?”
    Ryann smiled and handed the bartender her credit card. “Drinks are on me, and it’s my pleasure. This evening has been such a break from the norm, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it because of your company.”
    “I’ve had a good time, too. Thanks for restoring my faith in relationships.”
    Ryann’s smile faltered again for a second, then she turned when the bartender presented her card and receipt. Payton watched Ryann sign the slip of paper, wishing their night wasn’t coming to an end. Had Ryann been single, she would’ve asked her out, but it was just her luck that the most alluring woman she’d met in ages was taken.
    “If those two lovebirds over there take off, we might have the opportunity to see each other again,” Payton said as Ryann stood and gathered her things.
    “I believe they will.” Ryann extended her hand, and Payton took it. “So let’s say until next time.”
    Payton nodded as she reluctantly released Ryann. “Next time.”

Chapter 2

    “I want you to understand that I won’t make your names public, and you’ll be able to read what I’ve written before I submit it,” Olivia said, meeting Ryann’s and Payton’s gazes for a moment. “With that said, I’d like to ask—”
    “We didn’t cheat, and I wasn’t the cause of the breakup between Ryann and Leigh,”