Read Online Been In Love Before: A Novel by Bryan Mooney - Free Book Online Page A

drank on the weekends, and then he began to drink nights, when he came home from the dealership. Soon it was nonstop. He had an accident with our car and borrowed one from the dealer to use; he told me it was a ‘loaner.’ The police came to our house and arrested him. The dealership didn’t press charges, but only on the condition he quit his job.” She stopped and looked away, putting her hand to her mouth.
    “Then it began. He didn’t mean it, really, he didn’t. He was drunk and depressed when he first hit me. He apologized and felt bad, bought me flowers, but then a few days later he had a couple of drinks and got mad when the television broke—then he hit me again. I went to go to the other room, and he grabbed me and . . . broke my arm. I was in pretty bad shape for a while, and three weeks later . . . I lost the baby.”
    Mary Kate moved to sit with her on the sofa and put an arm around her to comfort her. “That will never happen again,” she whispered to the distraught woman sobbing next to her.
    They talked for more than an hour in the young attorney’s office. Her newest client poured out her heart about her dreams and aspirations—now all gone as she struggled in her abusive relationship. Calley had clearly been trying to be brave and hold back the tears, but soon a steady stream began to roll down her cheeks. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
    “Calley, listen to me . . . ,” Mary Kate said, handing her another tissue.
    The young woman paused for a moment, making a valiant effort to stop crying. “I don’t even know how I’m going to pay you. Or where I’m going to stay or . . .”
    Mary Kate looked at her and said in a comforting voice, “There’s no charge for this service. Our firm believes in giving back to the community. But first things first. Where are you staying?”
    “Home . . . he doesn’t know I’m here.”
    “Hmm. Do you have any friends you can stay with for a few days until we get the paperwork processed?”
    “My girlfriend Heather and her family live down the street from us, but she is out of town until Wednesday. Her husband took her and the kids to the theme parks in Orlando.”
    “Well, you can stay with me if you like, with me and my cat.”
    “Oh, that would be great, except I’m hyperallergic to cats.”
    “Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. Wait here.” She walked back to her desk and opened a lower drawer. Pulling out a large legal folder, she retrieved the cash envelope and withdrew some money, then handed it to her newest client. “Here, this should help out for the next few days until your friend gets home.”
    “Miss Macgregor . . . Mary Kate, I can’t take your money.”
    “I insist, please. That’s what this is here for, just in situations to help people like you get back on their feet. Use it for whatever you need to get situated, check in to a hotel, or buy an airline ticket and visit with family. I would strongly urge you not to go back home until we get things sorted out. My limited experience with situations like this show it can sometimes be very dangerous. Okay?”
    Calley sobbed before whispering, “Okay, but I was thinking if I could find a temporary hotel room, or maybe if I could just talk to Phil with somebody there in the room with me, then maybe we . . .”
    “Calley, that’s taking a big chance. But we’ll see. Okay? First we get you situated in a hotel. Try the Delray Dunes about six blocks from here. Ask for Robin. If she’s not there, tell them your name is ‘Julie Rush,’ then mention my name, and they’ll take good care of you. It’s a very small place, modest but clean. Go there and we’ll talk soon. Do you have transportation?”
    “Yeah, a neighbor lent me her truck to use for a few days.”
    “Good. Get something to eat, take a long hot shower, have a glass of wine, and get a good night’s sleep. We’ll talk tomorrow.” She handed her a business card. “It will all