The Cost Of Love And Sanity Read Free

began, as Alex replayed her and Phillip’s argument like a DVD. Each time, she heard his words, saw his movements and seethed in her own anger. Complaining to Izzy helped her deal.
    â€œI know,” Izzy said, scanning the crowd.
    â€œI mean, how could he do that? And he had the nerve to try and scare me into thinking his way of thinking is right. Like if I don’t ascribe to being Mary Poppins, I’m destined to be alone forever. Was he high?”
    Izzy broke into laughter. “Okay. That was kinda weird.”
    â€œI tell ya. You date someone for months only to find out that they’re crazy.”
    Izzy chuckled. “Well, look at it this way. You said he was a little chauvinistic. From his argument, that’s obvious. This should be a relief.”
    â€œIt would have been if he hadn’t made me so angry.” Alex tugged the knot she tied on her coat, bracing herself for the extra wind picking up.
    â€œAww. I’m sorry it had to happen this way.” Izzy patted her on the shoulder.
    Alex shrugged and frowned. “At least it’s over.”
    â€œExactly. And the best way to get over somebody is to find somebody else.” Izzy nodded at the man a few feet in front of them and nudged her.
    Alex glanced over at the medium-height man with kind eyes. He looked her way and nodded. She smiled in response but remained unmoved. She couldn’t imagine anything worse than sitting through a dinner with someone she didn’t know and didn’t care to know.
    Alex shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
    â€œOh, c’mon,” Izzy said.
    Alex rolled her eyes.
    A man’s booming voice burst through the nearby speakers. “All right, everybody. It’s time to count down!”
    People bustled around, hunting for the best spot to see the fireworks.
    â€œFive…four…three…two…one. Happy New Year!”
    Alex watched the multi-colored fireworks light up the sky. The noise from party favors and cheers should have deafened her but she barely noticed. Images of her life flashed in between the blue, green and red bursts in the night. She closed her eyes and tried to think positive thoughts about the year ahead. Instead, she heard Phillip’s prediction of loneliness. She couldn’t help feeling a little disheartened.
    She hated the way she and Phillip ended but, at the same time, their personalities clashed too hard. On top of that, he didn’t respecther accomplishments. That meant he didn’t respect her. And that would always be a problem.
    Now she had another problem. She was 35, single with no children. She didn’t even have a man anymore. It hurt to be back at square one all over again. She still believed in real love. Where should she find it? It felt like with everything she’d accomplished professionally, she was still failing in life.
    Alex finally opened her eyes and looked up at the lights in the sky. The anxiety of another uncertain year almost suffocated her but she stuffed it back down before it could fully take hold. She took a deep breath and exhaled, just as Izzy grabbed and shook her.
    â€œWhooo! Can you believe it? Last year went so fast but we made it. Yay!” Her friend bubbled over with her usual infectious brand of energy. “I can’t wait to get started,” Izzy said, smiling so wide Alex thought she could see all her teeth.
    Despite her somber mood, Alex laughed. She admired Izzy’s eternal optimism. No matter what life or relationships threw at her, she always looked forward to the next day.
    After the fireworks ended, Alex and Izzy headed back to her car. Alex tightened her black trench coat around her fitted blouse and skirt. As soon as the two women jumped in, Izzy asked party questions.
    â€œWhere are we going next?” Her medium-brown curls bounced with excitement.
    â€œI don’t know, girl. You know, I don’t do the party scene too much, unless it’s a