Pages of Passion Read Free

don’t.”
    Suzanne and Noreen looked at their friend, baffled.
    Claudia released her necklace and shook her head. “Wait, I said that wrong. I do believe there are good men out there. I just don’t believe there’s the perfect one. The concept of marriage is archaic.”
    “But you write books about families and relationships,” Suzanne said.
    “Because it’s popular, not because I believe it. Women would be happier if their expectations weren’t as high. Having a man isn’t going to change your life or make it better. Freedom is the key.” She looked at Suzanne. “Now, I know you’re extremely happy with Rick, but your life isn’t for me.”
    Noreen studied her friend. “You’re afraid.”
    Claudia bristled, offended. “No, I’m not.”
    “You just explained why you never commit to anyone. You’re afraid of disappointment.”
    “And you’re too miserable from your divorce to try to find happiness again with any man.”
    “I prefer to have a set of standards to measure someone by than go with any man I find interesting.”
    “Maybe,” Claudia said slowly, wrapping her necklace around her finger. “But I prefer companionship to going around like I’m the only woman who’s ever suffered a broken heart.”
    Claudia’s words stung. “That’s not true,” Noreen said, hurt.
    Suzanne raised her voice. “Ladies, could we get back to discussing the novel?”
    “Sorry,” Claudia said. She looked at Noreen. “Here’s my advice, which you can choose to accept or ignore. Take a break. Live a little, then come back to your manuscript with new eyes and you’ll see what we mean.”
    Noreen already knew what she meant. When she’d first started writing professionally, the process had been a thrilling and exciting experience. Now it was just a job that paid the bills. The passion had died the moment her ex had walked out on her. And she didn’t know how to recapture it. She had the money to do whatever she wanted, but nothing appealed to her. Not retail therapy nor a spa retreat, and she didn’t want to discuss it anymore with her friends. She’d left the restaurant that day thanking them for their honesty and promising herself she’d never let herself be that vulnerable again.
    She knew she needed a change, but her sister’s request was out of the question. Noreen looked at Arlene and began to shake her head.
    “I love him,” Arlene said. “You know something about love.”
    Not anymore. “And if he loves you, he’ll understand.”
    “I’ve never felt this way about anyone. My happiness lies in your hands. Please, I’ll make this up to you someday.” Arlene clasped her hands together. “All you have to do is pretend to be me, deliver the package once you get to St. Lagans and enjoy yourself. Oh, andtake a few pictures so that when you get back I’ll have something to show to Clyde.”
    Noreen felt herself weakening. She glanced again at her manuscript. “I don’t know…”
    “Sis, you need a break and it won’t take much. It’s a simple job. And you get to go on a cruise,” Arlene hastily added, sensing her sister’s interest. “Wouldn’t you like to escape on a Caribbean cruise right now?”
    Noreen looked out her window as the chilly late-September wind tossed dried leaves to and fro, while people bundled up in bulky fall coats and scarves scurried past.
    Her silence encouraged Arlene to push harder. “Beautiful beaches and a gorgeous stateroom. I saw the brochure and the pictures are even better online. You’ll get to wear great clothes. Clyde bought me this beautiful outfit that I’ll let you borrow.”
    Noreen chewed her bottom lip. “What’s in the package?”
    “Oh, you don’t need to worry. It’s small and will easily fit in your suitcase or purse.”
    “What is it?”
    “An antique ring with a rare gemstone. Nothing illegal. Come on, Noreen, it’s not as though you’ve never done this before.”
    Noreen inwardly cringed at her sister’s mention of her past.