AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“For?”
“For joining me, taking my mind off of things, and for being my friend.”
“You are welcome,” she replied. “And thank you for dinner and for teaching me to learn that it’s okay to let people talk.” She giggled, placing her hand on top of mine. “It means a lot,” she said in a hushed whisper.
“You’re welcome.”
Our eyes locked and silence fell between us. We sat there staring at one another, neither saying a word. I could have gotten lost in her eyes if I allowed myself, but I finally tore mine away from hers and cleared my throat. “We should exchange numbers. Maybe I can convince you to come for a run with me one day this week,” I said, reaching into my pocket to pull out my phone.
She reached into her purse, pulling her phone from inside, and smiled. “I think that is a good idea, and perhaps I could convince you to come and join me for some yoga.”
“No convincing needed. I’ll be there. Just let me know when,” I said.
We switched phones and entered our own information into the contacts area and switched back, then I started the engine and drove to her condo. We said our good-byes, and I waited while she walked up to the door. Once she was inside, I was about to pull away from the curb when my phone vibrated to let me know I had a message. I reached for it, looking at the screen to see Bella had already sent a message. I clicked it open and read it.
BELLA: Thank you for a wonderful evening. Looking forward to the next ;)
I smiled. I had a feeling this was the beginning of a wonderful new friendship.
Bella
One week Later
I droppedmy yoga mat inside the door and kicked off my sneakers. I’d taken a yoga class down in the park this morning. It had been a gorgeous day, and yoga had become my favorite way to spend a Saturday morning. I went into the kitchen and turned the kettle on, looking forward to my cup of chamomile tea, when the phone rang.
“Hello,” I said, without checking my caller ID.
“Bella, it’s Miles.”
Irritated, I made a mental note to make sure next time I checked to see who was calling before answering. “What do you need?” I asked, feeling the irritation climb into my body.
“I've got some mail for you here at the house. Thought I’d let you know and find out where to send it.”
I knew Sawyer was going on a medical retreat next week and had asked him to stop and pick up some things I’d left behind. “I’ll have Sawyer pick them up when he is in town next week, okay?”
“Okay then. I also heard from my sister. She said she saw you the other night with some guy? What’s going on?”
I remembered Asher’s words from that night.People will talk; let them. It says more about them than it does you.No matter how true those words may have been, it still didn’t stop me from being bothered.
“She said it appeared you were on a date.”
I softly smiled to myself. “Of course, it did.”
“Is it true?”
“Miles, it will be whatever your sister said it was.”
“Bella, what is that supposed to mean?” I could hear the irritation line his voice.
“Exactly what I said. My word certainly will change no one’s mind. Never did. However, I wanted to let you know Asher says hello.”
The line was quiet for a moment. “Asher? As in Asher Harrison?” he asked, his voice cracking like he was still going through puberty. “You were on a date with Asher Harrison?”
“Yes. Now, I have to go. I will give Sawyer your address.” I didn’t wait for a good-bye. Instead, I hung up. I did not know what had possessed me to lie to Miles, telling him it was Asher I had been out with. It certainly wasn’t to make him jealous, or perhaps it was. Perhaps I’d done it to give him a taste of his own medicine after the five years of abuse I’d dealt with. It felt good to kind of stick something to him. Either way, I went back to making my tea and started cutting up some cucumber for a light snack.
I’d just sat down when I heard a knock at the door. I was on my way to answer it when I heard a familiar voice call out, “Come on, woman, open up.”
I laughed and opened the door. “Come on in.” I giggled. “Want a tea?” I questioned, looking at a frazzled Brielle.
