Read Something Wonderful for Free Online Page B

breath.
    “I’m not that hungry. Let’s do family style,” I suggested.
    “Sure,” they all said in accord.
    We placed our order and the waitress left.

    T HE RIDE TO OUR apartment was quiet. I was too busy concentrating on driving, while Becky had focused her attention outside the window. Feeling the tension in the air, I wasn’t sure how to start the conversation. When we stepped into the apartment, I didn’t want Becky to go straight to her room, so I asked her if she’d like some tea. Accepting my offer, Becky sat at the dining table while I prepared the drinks.
    Placing the hot mug in front of her, I sat in the opposite chair, and saw beautiful red roses in a vase with a big red bow tied around it. I loved how they filled the room with their sweet scent. “Are these yours?” I asked.
    “Oh, I completely forgot.” Becky ran her fingers through her hair, looking tired “They were delivered this afternoon. They’re for you.”
    “For me?” I questioned. Only one person would send red roses to me, but they didn’t look like the roses he usually sent; these were much smaller. Still smiling, I opened the envelope and began to read the card.
    Jenna,
    I’ve made a huge mistake.
    Please give me another chance.
    Think about it.
    Miss you,
    Luke
    “What’s wrong Jenna,” Becky asked quickly. She must have seen the disturbed look on my face when I crumbled up the note.
    Matching her eyes, I sat on the cushion and mumbled unhappily, “They’re from Luke.”
    Becky had the most disgusted expression on her face. “Now he sends you flowers? He should’ve treated you better when you were together. Just tell him to get lost! You’re not thinking of giving him another chance, are you?”
    “No, of course not,” I shook my head. “I would be crazy if I did. Max is wonderful. He is everything I could ever ask for. Luke has been texting me almost on a daily basis. I told him that I was seeing Max, but that doesn’t stop him. I ignore his texts, but I don’t know what else to do.”
    “It’s a good thing Max isn’t here right now. He would totally flip out.”
    “True,” I agreed, then took a sip of my tea, which was helping to warm me up. “I don’t want to throw them away. It would be such a waste, but I don’t want Max to see them.”
    “Then keep the flowers and throw away the card. If he asks, tell him they’re for me.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “What are friends for,” she winked.
    Speaking of being friends, I needed to change the subject. It had been about me since Max entered my life. I needed to be there for her now. “Becky,” I called softly, getting her attention once more. “What’s wrong? You hardly said a word in the car.”
    “Nothing.”
    “I can read you like a book…well, almost.”
    “Really, it’s nothing.” she said it as if she meant it, but I knew better; and I was not going to give up. “I just have a lot on my mind,” she continued. “I go through this guilt trip when I turn down a potential author. I feel like I’m taking away their dream.” She brought her mug to her lips and blew away some steam.
    “I’m sure they’ll get picked up by another agent.” I had no doubt this was not the reason for her foul mood, but I just played along. “You can’t say yes to all of them. It’s like interviewing for a job. One person gets the spot.”
    “Yeah, I know,” she sighed, shrugging. Taking a sip, she seemed to relax as the warm tea went down her throat.
    “So I’ve been meaning to ask you about Ryan.”
    “Who?”
    “You know, the guy you were so excited to see over Thanksgiving? Did you two hit it off?” I plopped my feet up on the seat and pulled my knees closer to me as I shivered. It was freezing out today and we had just turned on the heater as we walked in.
    “Oh, him. He asked me out, but there was nothing there.” Her finger slid around the rim of her mug while her eyes followed. “There was no spark, no chemistry…nothing. Shoot, my book