Read Online Calling Me Back by Louise Bay - Free Book Online Page A

compatibility issues.
    I would have to tell him. Sooner rather than later. It was clear that he was serious about us, and it wasn’t fair to keep him thinking that I was too.

    “Hey, you’ve ordered the wine, I see,” I said to Haven as I reached the table. We were meeting at one of our favorite restaurants in London. It wasn’t fancy, but the staff was friendly and the tapas amazing.
    “You look really good,” she replied.
    “Thanks.” I’d been home to change. I wanted to feel good tonight.
    “The Lake District agreed with you then?”
    I grinned. “Kind of. I always love going back, but Richard and I didn’t work out.”
    “What do you mean?” She paused just before pouring my wine. I pointed at my glass. I needed a drink.
    “I ended it with him last night. Things weren’t right.”
    “Because of the sex?”
    “Yes and no. I think the sex was just a metaphor for our lack of connection on a lot of levels. We wanted different things, and I couldn’t be myself around him; he didn’t make me laugh. I think I would have been less with him—certainly not been everything I could be.”
    “It sounds like you made the right decision. You need someone who will make you more, bring out all your colors.”
    I nodded.
    “How did he take it?” she asked.
    I wasn’t sure how he’d taken it. One minute he’d been mentioning our honeymoon and being really attentive, but he’d barely reacted at all when we’d met the next day and I told him that I didn’t think we were going to work out. “Okay, I think. Sometimes I thought he was really into me, and then other times I wasn’t sure if it was me, or the idea of me he liked. I’m going to start Internet dating, I think,” I said.
    “So this isn’t about Luke?” she asked.
    “What do you mean?”
    “Ending things with Richard isn’t because you still have a crush on Luke?” I looked over my shoulder to check who was around. The last thing I needed was Luke to be behind us.
    “Haven, I’ve loved your brother a long time. I’m not sure that will ever change, but he’s going to go off and have his two kids and picket fence with Emma. I’m pleased for him if that will make him happy. I just need to concentrate on what’s going to make me happy.”
    She looked surprised. “You think you love him?”
    “I know I do,” I replied.
    “I’m sorry,” Haven said as she reached for my hand. “I didn’t realize that you felt that strongly.”
    “It’s fine. I’ve had a lot of time to get used to the fact that he doesn’t feel the same way. If it hasn’t happened by now, I know it’s never going to.” I took a deep breath. “I’m not saying I’m over him, or that I ever will be. I just know I have to make my world about more than him.” Haven’s eyes were glassy with tears. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything,” I said, squeezing her hand.
    “No, I’m pleased you did. I’m sorry you haven’t felt you can talk to me about this stuff.”
    I pulled my hand away. “He’s your brother. I don’t want to make it awkward for you. Anyway, now we don’t need to talk about it again. I’m moving on. Dating Richard was good for me. I just need to find the right guy. Can we clone Jake? That would work for me.”
    “You know, with his science-y contacts and his money, that’s a real possibility. I’ll ask him. In the meantime, more wine?”
    I nodded. “Oh yeah, and he has to adore me like Jake adores you.”
    “From what you were saying, Richard adored you.”
    “I think he liked me. I guess it’s mutual adoration that I’m after.”
    “You know that Jake and I hated each other when we first met. It’s not always love at first sight.”
    “I know, but I gave Richard three months. I mean, you know by then, don’t you?”
    The more distance I had from Luke, the better. I needed to stop comparing what I had with him, what I felt for him, to whomever I dated next. Maybe practice would make perfect.

 
    Luke
    I wasn’t