AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“This isn’t gonna work out, is it?”
My throat tightens, and I bite down on the inside of my cheek. “No... I’m sorry. I do think you’re great, but I think it would be better if we stay friends.”
He snorts and shakes his head, like he knew the answer before he even asked the question. “Guess the bar owner wins after all.”
I furrow my brow. “What are you talking about?”
He raises an eyebrow as if my question is stupid. “It was pretty obvious that you two were into each other when you were dancing.”
When I don’t answer, he sighs and looks at his Patek Philippe wristwatch. “Well, since I have an early shift tomorrow and need sleep, I better go. Do you need a ride home?”
I offer him a polite smile. “No, thanks, I have to talk to Emma.”
He doesn’t question me further and simply accepts the answer before making his way to the door. With one last look, he murmurs a goodbye before disappearing into the night.
I stand there, rooted in place. The thumping beat from inside the club is merely a distant rumble as a wave of heaviness oozes through me until it seeps into every crevice of my body.
What is wrong with me? Why can’t I find love?
A hot lump forms in my throat as Brian’s words about me finding love echo in my head. Needing space, I walk inside.
Nobody notices me as I grab my coat and bag and hurry toward the entrance. To my luck, a taxi lingers around the corner. I let out a sigh as I flag it down.Home. I need to get home. When it stops, I swing open the back door and jump in.
The driver greets me as I mumble my address, and he accelerates away.
I lean my head against the window, watching the city lights pass as I mull over the same questions again and again. What is wrong with me? Why can’t I find love?Eventually, they blur into a single thought.I’ll never find true love.
“Everything all right, miss?”
The driver’s worried gaze meets mine in the rearview mirror. I wipe the tears from my cheeks and force a smile. “Weddings make me emotional.”
He gives me a nod before turning his focus back to the road.
Half an hour later, I pay and thank the man before stepping out. The neighborhood at this hour is still, with only the leaves of the oak trees rustling in the wind, creating a peaceful melody. I rummage in my purse for a key I don’t often use before walking to the front door of my childhood home. When I spot a soft light coming from one of the side windows, I wander over to the side and peek through a window to find my mother sitting at the kitchen table, stirring a spoon in her teacup. Not wanting to startle her, I head toward the back door and knock gently. My mom’s head whips up, and when she sees me, she hurries to unlock the door.
“Amanda, honey, what are you doing here at this hour?”
I shrug, but when my mom’s loving eyes meet mine, the dam bursts and my tears spill out. She opens her arms wide, and I step over the threshold into her warm embrace.
“I’m never going to find love, Mom. I’m always going to be someone’s bridesmaid.”
5
AMANDA
A month has gone by since Cole and Alisha tied the knot, and despite being swamped with work, I’m still reeling from that weekend’s fiasco.Maybe love just isn’t in the cards for me right now. With that in mind, I’ve decided focusing on my business is a better idea.What do I need true love for when I’m blessed with the love and support of my family and friends?
I smile, watching my mother hum in contentment as she finishes reorganizing the kitchen.
“Looks good, Mom.”
She grins. “Thanks. Your dad will disagree, but he learned to deal with my organizing mania moments.”
I chuckle, knowing next time my dad wants to get something from the kitchen, he’ll be complaining as he roams through the many drawers and cabinets searching for his favorite mug.
I take the last sip of my berry tea before placing my empty cup in the dishwasher.
“How are you, honey?” my mom asks, adding her own cup.
