Venture Forward Read Free Page A

difference between her living and dying.”
    “It was also fully supported by her doctors. You made the right call, even if your mom disagrees. As a parent, she’ll never be satisfied knowing she might have been able to do something to protect her daughter. But—”
    “Don’t you see? That’s just it. She might have been able to do something, and I stopped it. That’s unforgiveable in her eyes.”
    “You did exactly what Tara needed. Nobody could have predicted the outcome. This guilt is going to eat you alive unless you let it go, Ave. And, for what it’s worth, I think you need to have a conversation with your mom. You’re all she has left. Make her understand what you’re going through. It’s not too late to fix things.”
    “I wouldn’t even know where to begin. Tara’s gone, and I have to deal with the fallout, just like I dealt with everything else before she died.”
    “Isn’t it worth a shot?”
    “Yes. But it’s not entirely up to me. So much has happened, too many hurtful things said. Words are weapons, and once the damage is done…” She shook her head. “…I don’t know. I can’t make her care enough to fix things between us. But enough about my problems. I refuse to rain on your parade. Can we chat about happy stuff now? How does Miss Chloe look in her gown? Do you have a picture?”
    “You have to ask?” With a bright smile, Mia pulled out her phone. “She looks absolutely gorgeous.”
    “Oh…” Avery breathed a sigh as she gazed at Chloe’s beaming face. “…just like a princess.”
    “She’s so excited. It’s going to be amazing once I iron out the rest of the details. What the heck were we thinking, planning a wedding in six months?”
    God, to find that one perfect person… to experience the completion of herself in another. She’d fooled herself into thinking baseball-star Kevin Albright was that guy. Their intense, yet short-lived, relationship had claimed the attention of the tabloids for months, but it had just never felt right. She’d gone through the motions, hoping her feelings might eventually blossom into something deeper, but they hadn’t. After Tara died, it had been comforting to at least have someone, until said person started banging his publicist. That’s when the tabloids became relentless. Seeing her picture plastered across the cover of those rags for weeks, right alongside her successor… argh, it was so infuriating. The paparazzi and their incessant stalking were equally aggravating. Everyone was so curious to know how she felt about Kevin’s new flame. How did they think she fucking felt? She was alone — betrayed and rejected by the one person she thought she could trust. So yeah, finding the one? Nice in theory, but the risks far outweighed the rewards, at least according to her fractured heart.
    “You’ll have your pick of eligible bachelors.” Mia flashed a sly smile. “When was the last time your nutty schedule freed you up for a date?”
    “It feels like I’ve been on plenty of first dates. I haven’t really been focused on romance since Kevin and I split. Not that I was focused on it with him, either.” She fiddled with her bracelet. “I think I’ll ride this one out on my own for a while. I’m not ready to deal with another romantic hassle.”
    “It would be good for you to get out a little. Don’t let work become your life. You’ll miss out on so much, and you’re too fabulous to stay single. Celibacy isn’t fun. Maybe you’ll get lucky at the bachelorette party.” She grabbed her vibrating phone. “This is Mia.”
    The concept of getting lucky had taken on a whole new meaning. The fairytale was just beyond her reach, and she wasn’t really willing to jump up and grab it anytime soon. Her heart was in no condition to handle another pummeling, and, as someone carrying more baggage than a luggage carousel, she was better off flying solo.
    “Yes, I’ll pick it up. See you in a few.” Mia stood and grabbed her bag.