A Heart to Trust by A.L. Brooks (best english novels to read .TXT) 📕

“Well, that’s something.” Olivia took another sip of her wine.

“Sorry.” Broderick met her gaze. “I know this is the hardest part and—”

Olivia held up a hand. “It is, but this is all part of the deal, and I’m okay with that.” Mostly. It pained her, every time she saw Katherine, that they were living a lie that brought Katherine such happiness. Olivia remembered the joy on Katherine’s face when Broderick had announced to his mom that he and his longtime friend from university had realized they were in love and were to be married. Katherine had always treated Olivia as an extension of the family, and calling her “daughter-in-law” was the icing on the cake.

He took her hand once more. “Then I’ll just say thank you again instead of sorry.”

Olivia squeezed his hand. “And how many times have I told you that’s not necessary? We both gain from this. Now, when’s the next race?”

His face lit up, making him appear much younger than his thirty-one years. “The end of the month. But the team and I head out to Virginia two weeks prior to that.”

“That’s right. I knew there was a reason I would have some time to myself this month.”

Broderick chuckled. “No partying and trashing the place while I’m gone.”

Olivia tutted. “Hardly my style.”

“True.” He frowned. “You would say if you wanted to, you know, spread your wings a little?”

“Spread my wings?” Olivia tilted her head. “Whatever do you mean?”

Broderick blushed.

Olivia’s eyes widened in realization. “No! There’s no need for any of that in the next few months. Trust me, what we have is perfect for both of us. I don’t intend to make it any more complicated.” She shuddered at the thought.

He grinned ruefully. “And at least we’d only have to worry about you on that score.”

She gave him an affectionate smile. “Yes, that’s true.” Their earlier conversation jumped back into her mind. “Oh God, we’re going to have to battle your mother again about children, aren’t we?”

Broderick groaned and rolled his head back, puffing out as he did so.

Chapter 4

As Jenny pushed open the door to Limelight at just after seven on Friday evening, the gay-friendly yet trashy cocktail bar she and Carl had stumbled across the year before, she was relieved to meet a relatively quiet room. The last thing she could have handled tonight was Limelight in full swing. As it was, it had been a struggle to get herself here when all she wanted to do was go home, crawl into bed, and sleep away the next year or so.

This was Carl’s big celebration, however, and no matter what pain she was in, she wouldn’t let him down. She found him, Roz, and Tamara at their favorite table near the bar, far away from the music system’s speakers.

“Jenny!” Carl leaped out of his seat and threw his arms wide for a hug. He was about eight inches taller, so her head smashed into his firm, shirted chest as he squeezed her tight, rocking her from side to side.

“How long have you been here?” Jenny stared up at him.

Carl was clearly already drunk, yet the evening was still young. He laughed and held her at arm’s length. “An hour. Or is it two?” He pressed a finger to his chin, deep in thought, then pouted. “Where have you been?” He guffawed when she tutted at his pathetic display.

She poked him in the ribs and pushed past him, then walked into Tamara’s arms.

“Hey, you,” Tamara whispered as they held each other tight. “What’s up?”

Somehow Tamara always knew. “I’ll tell you all a little later. Let’s celebrate first.”

Tamara gave her a quick squeeze before releasing her. She looked as sharp as ever in a well-cut, light-gray pantsuit with a baby-blue shirt underneath. The color was a classic win for Tamara, with her brown skin and black, wavy hair. The jacket of her suit was draped over the back of her chair, as was normal once she’d left her work at the bank. Her usual drink of choice, a light beer, sat to her left.

To her right was her partner of nearly ten years, Roz, who stood and also hugged Jenny tightly. “Baby girl!”

Jenny snorted. “Are you ever going to stop calling me that?”

“Probably not.” Roz sat and grabbed her mojito. She took a long pull through the straw, then let out a satisfied sigh. She too was all dressed up. But unlike Tamara, this wasn’t regular wear for Roz, who spent most of her days in painting overalls and a floppy cap. The sleeveless dress was close-fitting, the bright green amazing against her pale skin. Her blonde hair sat higher on her shoulders than Jenny remembered from three weeks ago, and it suited her.

“Come on, Jenny, you need to catch up.” Carl grabbed her hand and pulled her into a seat as he motioned for the waiter with his other hand. The double action nearly had him falling on his ass, and Jenny acted fast to steady him.

“I don’t think I’m going to be able to catch up with you.” She smirked, her spirits lifted by being surrounded by her friends again. “But I would like a drink.”

Tomasz, who normally worked the evening shifts, approached their table. “Hi, Jenny,” he said in his soft voice. “What can I get you tonight?”

Normally she’d start with something light, to ease her way into things, but this was no normal night. “You know what, I think I’ll take a margarita.” The extra punch of the tequila would hopefully have the numbing effect she sought.

Carl ordered himself another gin and tonic; Jenny, Roz, and Tamara exchanged eye rolls.

“Don’t worry.” Tamara leaned into Jenny. “We’ll help you get him home later.”

Jenny squeezed her arm, then summoned up a beaming smile and turned to the man himself. “So, Mr. ‘I got a contract to supply my jewelry to Bloomingdale’s’, how cool are you?”

Carl grinned and shook his head, way more sober