Read Pure Passion for Free Online

the past, she had given me cash for birthdays and
Christmas, but this year she transitioned to gift cards.  It was a
not-so-subtle hint that she wanted to see an upgrade in my wardrobe.  Until now
though, I didn’t have a good enough reason to do it.  To show her I was
serious, I went back upstairs and popped in my contacts.  It was time to give
the vintage Tom Ford frames a well-deserved rest.  I even put on some real
clothes and a pair of high heels.  Mom was all smiles as we left the house.
    “I really haven’t missed the mall,” I confessed, after being
there for only a few minutes.   Since my gift cards were all for A&F and
the Buckle, at least we could minimize the discomfort.  A couple of summer
dresses, over-priced short shorts that barely covered the essentials, new
sandals and a few skimpy tops had my wardrobe coming around in no time.  All I
needed next was a new hairstyle, a manicure, and a little sunshine to warm up
my pasty skin.  The next time I run into Max, I’ll bet he doesn’t even
recognize me.
    Feeling the buzz of my phone, I looked down.  Speak of
the devil.  Max had just sent me a text…
    Max: R u busy?
    Me: Shopping
with Mom, be home in a couple hrs.  Feeling ok?
    Max: Ok, that’s
cool.  Feeling a little worse than death…  : )
    Me:  That’s too
bad, u were soooo wasted…
    Max:  I know,
that’s why I’m soooo embarrassed… did I say anything stupid?
    Me: No, u were
cute
    Max: Gr8…  Call
me later, ok?
    Me: K
    I sat staring at my phone a few extra seconds with what I’m sure was a goofy
grin.  Is this really happening?  Am I now friends with Max Hancock, er,
Keegan?  Wait...how did he get my number?
    “I’ll bet whoever that was, is the reason behind your sudden
metamorphosis,” Mom teased as I tucked my phone back in my purse.  She
obviously noticed the sudden smile on my lips.
    “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I replied,
denying her the satisfaction.  Max is definitely the best reason I can think
of for going all out.  He will be mine this time!
    ~~~

Chapter 5
    Friday Afternoon
    Lara
    I had been keeping Max at bay for a few days while I
completed my transformation.  Since I didn’t have any shifts at The Deuce until
Saturday, it was pretty easy since Max had no idea where I lived.  He seemed
irritated by the fact that I had been avoiding him, but I smoothed things over
by telling him I had been working on a big surprise.  I actually had two
surprises in store.  Not only would my personal makeover be complete, but I had
also been talking to Derek about all of us renting the house he was renovating.
    Derek had mentioned that Hadley wanted to move in, but his
one-bedroom apartment didn’t have enough closet space to accommodate her. 
Since I was working several shifts per week at The Deuce, I could afford $500
per month to rent one of the bedrooms.  Derek and Hadley could take the master
suite, so she would have the necessary closet space, and Max could rent the
third finished bedroom and use the unfinished one as a place to build guitars. 
That way he would have a place to shower and even cook a meal if he wanted. 
Derek was going to talk with Hadley about it. If things were a go, we were
going to surprise Max with the idea on Friday night.  In my mind, it was the
perfect plan.
    I sent a text to Max about 2:30 p.m.…
    Me: Mtg Derek n
Hadley at The Deuce @ 7.  Join us?
    Max: Cool, but
I’m not drinkin Crown this time
    Me:  LOL. 
Sounds good, c u there!  ;)
    This was going to be a fun night.  I couldn’t wait to see him.  In fact, I was
so excited that I was completely dressed and ready to go by 4:30 pm.  Now
what should I do?   I decided to call Mom to see if she and Dad wanted to
meet for some dinner when they got off work.
    “What’s going on with you lately?” Mom asked, with concern
in her voice.
    “Nothing. I’ve just got some time to kill and thought you
guys might like to get something to eat.”
    “Alright,