Read Take Me As I Am for Free Online

Thea sitting outside in the yard. It looked like she was also drinking coffee. Jo looked around for the door that led to the yard and became frustrated not seeing one. She decided that her only option was to knock on the glass pane that overlooked the yard. Jo rapped sharply on the pane of glass, hoping that Thea would hear her. No luck.
    “Knowing my luck, if I hit it any harder it will break,” she muttered.

    †

    Thea, feeling deeply melancholy about her aborted breakfast with Joanna was contemplating what to do next. The singer had certainly gotten under her skin and in a big way. It brought memories of her life to the forefront.
    Her early upbringing had been reasonably stable and happy. Her mother had left her father when she was ten years old. She ran off with a ‘salesman’ as her father always called him. Her father had loved her dearly and he’d tried to make up for his only parent status. He sent her to private school until she was fourteen and finances became tough. Going to a university wasn’t an option even though she had the grades. His gambling and drinking had brought about his ruin by then and they had quickly lost everything but the motel.
    When her father died, there was a hefty mortgage on the motel. Her one hope had been—as calculating as it sounded—the insurance money from the life insurance policy that her father had taken out. Yesterday the insurance company informed her that they would not pay the claim since there was strong evidence that her father committed suicide. Now what would she do? She couldn’t counter the claim since she had no money.
    The sound of rapping on the glass of the lobby brought her head sharply around. For Thea it was like the sunshine coming out after a rather gloomy dark start. She was staring into the eyes of the most improbable protector you could possibly hope to have. It brought her heavy heart soaring. She rapidly moved out of her chair, went back through the exit of her private office, and into the lobby.
    “You’re here,” she gushed.

    †

    Jo had watched the sadness on the blonde’s face leave as soon as they locked glances. It was a profound feeling of relief that went through her chest at the sweet smile Thea gave her. Her eyes followed the blonde as she left the yard and within seconds appeared in front of her.
    “Hey, I’m sorry I’m late. I overslept.” Well that had been a partial truth anyway. She didn’t exactly want to look stupid by saying she’d been lazy and decided to go back to sleep.
    “That’s okay. That’s fine. I kinda wondered if that was the case. I did keep you awake after all,” Thea said happily.
    “I guess.” Jo smiled before drinking the remains of her coffee. “Yours is the best coffee I’ve ever had.”
    “Thank you. Would you still accept my invitation to eat? It might be more like lunch now, but I’m sure that’s more in keeping with your routine anyway.”
    Jo looked at the nervous woman in front of her closely. Something that was familiar was drawing her to the woman. She wasn’t exactly sure why, but it wasn’t an unpleasant feeling. It was as if she’d always felt a protective mode concerning Thea. It was weird, because she certainly hadn’t met Thea before. What was even stranger was her offer to protect another human being.
    “Lead the way, Thea. I could eat a horse.” Jo smiled engagingly and watched in fascination, as the blonde seemed to lose her nervousness and gain confidence at those few words.
    “Lucy’s Diner is three doors down. How about there?” Thea turned anxious eyes toward Joanna.
    “Great idea. I go there every day. I think Lucy knows all my likes and dislikes in the food area by now.” Jo chuckled and went to stand next to Thea.
    “Let’s go then. I can’t have you starving to death. You are my only paying guest.” Thea chuckled.
    Jo noticed Thea turn a faint shade of pink as she held open the door that led to the outer street. Wow, not only was she being protective