Read Bare Hearts for Free Online

upside down. I notice the hall is already filling up with the guests as I quickly put on the finishing touches. The Bride and Groom arrive, and are in awe when they see the reception area. They gush over how beautiful and romantic it is. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a familiar shadow approaching. I bid the couple goodbye and start to walk out toward the van.
    “Hey, Lily?” The voice asks.
    I turn and am facing Parker, right there in front of me. Why does he have to be so damn good looking? Shit! For a moment, I panic, wondering if I should act normal and say hello or pretend I don’t know him.
    “Hi.” I plant a smile across my face, because I don’t want to cause a scene.
    “I think we got off on the wrong foot the other day. I apologize, and would love another chance. If you’re available tomorrow, I have a friend who is dragging me to this amusement park with him and his girlfriend. I’d hate to feel like a third wheel,” he says quickly and in one breath
    I take a moment, remembering our last encounter. The conversation was amazing but his driving tactics need work.
    “She’d love to,” Leah says from behind holding onto my shoulders as she peeks over.
    “Well, I guess that settles it,” Parker says with a bright smile. “Can you give me your address, please, so I can pick you up?”
    I nod. “So, are you part of the wedding party?” I ask
    “Oh, I’m just attending. I know the groom. Were you setting up in there?”
    “Yeah, they hired me as the flower decorator. I better go,” I say, gesturing my hand toward the door.
    I give him my home address and swiftly make my way to the exit door, ready to grill Leah. As we’re entering the van I give Leah the evil eye. “Nosey much?” I ask, turning in her direction.
    “Come on, when is the last time you’ve gone out and had a good time? Never, since I’ve known you. I’m just sayin’.” She shrugs her shoulders and smiles innocently.
    She’s right. Since losing my best friend and boyfriend in one single night I swore off guys and kept my head in the books, finishing my business degree. Then it took months to get the shop going. Well, tomorrow should be fun. I hope .
     

Chapter Eight

PARKER
    I can’t believe Lily actually accepted my invite for today. Okay, technically her coworker answered for her, but everyone needs a little assistance now and then. Thankfully I won’t be the third wheel tagging along with Tim and his new girlfriend. He insisted I come along to have some fun. I couldn’t say no.
    *****
    Fun, Sun and some good amusement rides and games are on the agenda today. After I shower and find some decent summer attire, Tim pulls up out front. I jog out to the car and he introduces me to Molly, and I shake her hand to greet her. She insists I sit up front, since I’m so tall and it might be a tight fit in the back. Sliding in the front seat I make an ok sign at Tim with my hand, approving of Molly. She is cute with her blonde pixie hair style and big brown eyes, and trim figure. I’m not quite sure how he got so lucky.
    “Show me the way to Lily’s house,” Tim says.
    I give him the directions and he punches it into his GPS. Suddenly, I am nervous. We will be spending most of the day together that’s if I’m lucky and don’t screw it up. We pull up to her place ten minutes later and I go to her door. I inhale a deep breath before knocking, and the door swings open just as I’m about to knock. An older lady answers the door.
    “Hi,” she greets.
    “Hi, I’m here to pick Lily up,” I say.
    Lily quickly appears and tells the lady she will return later and gives her a kiss on the cheek before she leaves.
    “That’s my aunt,” she offers.
    “Ready to go?” I ask, leading the way to the car. Tim gets out of the car to meet Lily. After the awkward introductions, we make our way to the amusement park.
    The park is about a thirty minute drive and we’re all already getting along. Lily is talking with Molly and is