"Oh, you're lying. Tilly told me you two have been getting hot and heavy," she grinned as she walked over to give me a hug.
“That is the last thing on my mind, little sister.”
She smiled at me sadly. I hated when she got all sad because of me.
“Okay, I need to get a look at this place so out of my way,” I teased. She stepped back and motioned around her. “Your kingdom awaits you, my lady,”
I laughed and wheeled myself around the apartment. Just as I suspected, Alicia was in the kitchen putting those chef skills to brilliant use. I smiled when I saw her, and she leaned in for a hug.
“That smells amazing,”
"It sure does," she laughed. "And I will be making sure that you have frozen meals for the rest of the week. I have a tight schedule, but I will be back on Saturday for round two.”
I was not used to people doing things for me, that was usually my job. I appreciated my sisters and all that they'd done to make my life easier.
“Tilly is hired to cook, too, you know.” I reminded her.
“I know that, but I want to.”
“Thank you.”
I turned and made my way out of the kitchen. I noticed that the doorways of the apartment were much larger than standard doorways, yet another indication that this renovation had cost a fortune.
When I entered the living room, I was surprised to find that Jude had already arrived. I figured I would have an hour or two to find my way around and get used to the idea that he would be about. He grinned, that same annoyingly charming grin, and I looked away. Annie was smitten from the look of things, and I shook my head. Fortunately, she will never know what it's like to hate a man. Jude was no different from the others. He was nice because I was his patient. I reminded myself that the Jude thing was in the past, but the truth was that it still stung. It always would. I understood his family needed him, but I needed him too. There was no use crying over spilled milk, though.
The conversation at lunch was light, and Alicia took center stage as she usually did. She was the big celebrity in the family, and I couldn't be more grateful for her presence. I liked my solitude, and being near Jude unnerved me for some reason.
It wasn't just the past or the fact that he was so good looking that made not staring at him a challenge. I was more concerned with his kindness and the way he made me want to believe that I would recover soon.
When I had shared my concerns with Dr. Blake she smiled and told me to go with it but that I should be careful. Jude and I could be friends, but the last thing I wanted was to get close to anyone.
When my sisters and Jude left later that night and Tilly had tucked me comfortably into bed, calling it a night, I allowed myself to drift off to sleep without a painkiller or a sleeping tablet. Maybe the day had taken its toll on me, or perhaps for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel so helpless after all. I knew that my feelings changed more often than I cared for, but that was part of the process.
Chapter 13
Tara
Twenty-one-years-old
Ihadn't heard from Jude again as I expected, and although my heart ached, I carried on. We were both young and unattached at the time, and that night was a one-time thing. It was inevitable that it would happen, there was always something between us growing up.
But I never quite expected what came next. I was working the bar one night when Reid Craig walked in. it was less than two weeks after Jude left, after I gave my heart and soul to him, thinking he was doing the same.
I’d never believed in love at first sight before Reid. Maybe it was the tequila I’d been drinking that night. I wasn’t supposed to, but Sam was with me, and he cut me some slack. Reid sat at the bar and ordered a beer. I served it to him and went on to deal with another customer. His eyes never left mine.
The guy I was serving was already drunk and the moment Sam went to the back, he hopped over the bar and started helping himself to the whiskey.
“Hey!” I shouted, but he ignored me. I tried to pull the bottle out of his hand but he pushed me. Reid hopped over the bar in seconds and had the man pinned over the bar, hands twisted painfully behind his back. “Touch her again and I’ll kill you.” I steadied myself, and Sam rushed out looking at the scene in front of him.
“You okay?” He asked and I nodded, watching as Reid marched the guy out of the bar. Sam gave me the rest of the night off. I sat at a booth, gathering myself when Reid took the seat opposite me.
“You never did tell me your name.” He said when I met his gaze.
“You never asked?” I smirked despite my heart beating a million miles a minute.
“So what’s your name, pretty lady?” He smiled, his green eyes appraising me.
“Tara.” I said, a smile tugging at my lips.
