Where Life Takes You Read Free Page B

club, huh?” He turned my head slightly, so we could face each other. “I have no idea who, or what, you’re talking about. I thought Friday and Saturday we’d Skyped on and off. But, hey, I might be wrong.” His temper flared. “Funny how the media seems to know more about my social life than I do.”
    “You don’t need to be sarcastic.” His rudeness infuriated me. “I’m just asking. Though, for the record, all the girls you date are skinny and blond.” Bunch of opportunistic sluts. My blood boiled, and the filters came down. “So you have no clue, hmm? Can’t keep track of the women you’ve screwed, for one week?” The ice in my voice chilled the room.
    The man had slept his way through every famous skank available. I didn’t blame him, but it didn’t make it right. The guy had the complete drop dead hottie package—handsome, sweet, an athletic build, fantastic humor when he wanted, and he had the money, assets, and resources to do whatever he pleased. He could have any woman he wanted, and more than he cared to have. They threw themselves at his feet.
    Dan’s glare narrowed, spitting anger. He tensed, and dropped his arms. I clung to his neck to avoid a fall.
    “Jesus, Rebecca.” God, the full name. I’d obviously upset him more than I’d realized. “I thought you knew me better. Do you honestly believe everything you read and watch?” His facial expression changed from anger to hurt. “I’m sorry, princess, but I’m not in the mood for this.” He made a weird movement with his hand. “For God’s sake, Bex, you know every inch of my schedule. For now, the only person I entertain is you. And if my status changes, then you’ll be the first to know.”
    He had me there. I always knew his whereabouts. I sighed, feeling stupid. Yesterday, Chrystal had pulled up a picture of him on one of those gossipy sites, and I’d gone crazy. My stomach had clenched because my best friend had left me out of the loop. He’d kept a secret, and we didn’t do that. We were all we had, and tried to have an honest relationship, nothing hidden—except my two big secrets, and a few white lies.
    After a few more minutes of cuddling, I agreed to stay, and went across the hall to gather my stuff. The journal sat on top of my nightstand, demanding a new entry. Inspiration struck, and the words flowed better than the day before.
    * * * * *
    Dear Lisa,
     
    Tonight I realized something. You never stole Mom. How could I lose someone I never had? The woman was clingy, needy, and avoided me like the plague. If she wasn’t swooning from some guy, she was waiting for the next one. They left when the real Donna came to life, just like Dad. He’d stayed long enough to impregnate her, but ran at the first opportunity. I was the result of yet another failed relationship. A reminder of another failed relationship. Until Greg Sanders—your father—appeared and promised a different and brighter future.
    I took care of Mom when Grams died—a seven year old responsible for an adult. Grams was an angel. She taught me to cook, sew, clean, and use all the household electronics. But, mostly, she gave me the tools to take care of her daughter. I wonder how things would’ve turned out if she hadn’t died. Your father and you could’ve taken Mom and left me there with Grams. But reminiscing and brooding about my past won’t help me move on.
    I give you Mom, and everything else you took away all those years ago. Hope you can use them wherever you are. In exchange, I’ll keep my sobriety, my job, my friends, and the new life I’m making for myself.
     
    Stay in Hell,
    RT

Chapter 3
     
    “Bex.” Dan’s loud, husky voice reached all the way to the front door and caught me a few seconds before I left his place. “You fell asleep and we never got to discuss our Christmas plans. We leave tonight after work. Mary can get your stuff together; doubt you’ve got time to do it. Nathan will drive you to the airport from the office.