Fictional men were so much better than anything here on earth anyway.
She may be an awesome romance writer, with lots of books and adoring readers, but in her personal life?She seemed to only find the losers who didn't know how to take care of a strong, independent woman.
And Gianna was a strong, independent woman.
But she also wanted to be taken care of.
Probably some mix of that crappy upbringing of hers.
It didn't matter.It was what it was.She'd find someone, someday who checked off all the boxes.
The legit boxes, anyway.
The ones like the flowering schlong?
That, she'd have to compromise on.
Gianna had putaway her laptop, uploaded everything to her editor, and was relaxing on her deck when she saw a woman walking by.For a second, she thought it was the elderly lady a few doors down, but realized it wasn't.
It was Tina.
In her grandmother's sweater.
Gianna should have known better--her grandmother didn't walk that fast.
Tina, though, was walking fast--like she was upset.
Hell.
Gianna slipped on her shoes and started after her friend.
Her and Tina had become friends several years ago, seeing each other on the beach behind Gianna's house--her grandparents lived down the way and she was always there.They became closer when she'd come by and gave Gianna her number, because she wanted a few neighbors to have it, in case something happened to her grandparents.
Gianna thought that was sweet.It wasn't long before they were talking regularly, and a friendship bloomed.
Enough so, that when Gianna saw Tina stomping down to the caves like that, she knew something had happened.
And not a good thing.
She followed her friend into the cave, and when she turned and saw the light, it confirmed her suspicions.Tina looked saddened and distracted as she sat on a rock inside the cave's entrance, one of those carved out pieces that looked like it could have been intended as a chair.
She came in and they exchanged pleasantries for a moment, before Gianna asked the question on her mind."How bad was it?"
"He cut his hand on the window this time."Tina shook her head."I'm really worried.Not just about him, but about him accidentally hurting Grandma, because he falls into one of those dark memories again."
Her grandfather, a former police detective, had PTSD and would fall into these dark places in his mind.For some reason, Tina took the responsibility of taking care of them onto her shoulders.
Something she didn't have to do.She'd passed up a lot of job opportunities because of her overwhelming sense of obligation.
Far too much of one, as far as Gianna was concerned.It really bothered her that Tina spent all her time caring about her grandparents and not living her own life.
"You need to be gone, girl.How many opportunities have you passed up on because you feel like you have to stay here and watch out for your grandparents?"
"Three."She sighed and looked down, then back up."Gianna, I don't see you running off from this little beach town."
Gianna shrugged."I travel.Besides, I can do my job anywhere.All writing requires is an internet connection and a PO Box."
Tina snorted."I'm sure it takes more than that."
