Pierce My Heart (Women of Willowbrook Book 1) Read Free

satisfaction of thinking he’d been the “winner” in the breakup.
    That I’d gone home and cried my eyes out over him when he’d felt that I was no better than a bed buddy, one who’d never even given it up—and I couldn’t have been more glad that I hadn’t.
    I beeped my lock, grabbed my door and started to turn to get in when I’d heard a sound from behind.
    Looking over my shoulder, I saw Richard start to open his mouth, but I held up my hand and watched his mouth snap shut. Turning to the car, I leaned in, tossed my bag on the passenger seat, and straightened up, resting my forearms on the door before looking over at him again.
    My lips lifted in a small smirk and I watched his eyes blink with confusion before raising my right hand in a salute.
    “See ya later, Dick.”
    Dropping my hands, I stepped into my car and plopped my ass in the seat, yanking my door shut as I started the car and headed out.
    Stopping before turning onto the main street, I let myself look in the rearview mirror once to see Richard still standing there under the streetlamp, his face a mask of confusion and annoyance.
    Turning my attention back to the road ahead of me, I switched on the radio and heard the beginning strings of “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson.
    A smile tilted my lips as I’d turned it up and sung along all the way home.
     
    My thoughts clear at the sound of my name being said with annoyance in the phone.
    “Sorry, what?”
    Mom sighs.
    “Anna, are you okay?”
    I shifted my eyes right to look into the open living room, taking in the brown suede love seat and camel couch, the entertainment center that took forever to sand down and stain (but had been so worth it), past the billowy brick red drapes and out the windows towards the back yard.
    The sun is shining bright, but the fogging on the windows lets me know it’s just for show.
    Autumn is on us and a slight nip is in the air.
    “I’m fine, Mom. I’ll make Nate those cupcakes. Is there anything else you need me to bring? Wine, beer for the boys?” I respond in hopes of just moving on.
    “My girl, you know I worry about you. You live alone, you’re not dating, you hardly go out unless Evan or Maddy drag you. You spend all your time with us old farts, or at home. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
    My heart clenches at her worried tone.
    My mother.
    No matter what, I know she and my dad love me unconditionally and just want me to be happy.
    “Mom, I’m fine. I promise ,” I tell her quietly, letting her know everything’s okay. “Now, do I need to bring anything else? Do you want me to stop by and grab some of that red?”
    She’s quiet for a moment, probably wishing there was more she could do but knowing me well enough to know that when I need her, I’ll talk to her.
    “No, my girl. Your dad will pick some up when he grabs his weekly case of beer, or more like his semi-weekly case since your brother’s been home.”
    I chuckle at that.
    Dad loved his beer, but Nate was not shy about helping himself to some of Dad’s stash. And it wasn’t unheard of for them to pack the case in some ice and sit in the back yard with it. Or, for Robby to pick up another case and join them.
    Usually, I brought the tequila or wine and roused Mom to come out with me.
    At that thought, I smile.
    “Okey dokey. I’ll see you guys Saturday, if not before then. I love you. Tell Dad and Nate hi and give them my love.”
    “Love you too, my girl. I’ll tell the boys. See you soon,” she says.
    “Bye, Mom.”
    “Bye, Anna.”
    I hit the end button on my phone, set it on the counter, and finish my soda before tossing it into the bin by the fridge. Snagging my phone again, I head for the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day.
    Seems I have ingredients to buy.
    Thinking of that, I open up a new message on my phone and shoot Nate a quick text.
     
    A: White chocolate peanut butter cup cupcakes, your wish is my command brother.
     
    Walking into the bathroom, I