Read Online Convenience and Compatibility by Emily Jones - Free Book Online Page B

again.” I open the door, and
Greg grabs my hand.
    I look back to him, surprised, and wait for
him to tell me what he clearly wanted to say. The longer he waits
to speak the greater the uneasy feeling I have spreads across my
body.
    “I still love you Mallory.”
    Much, much worse than I thought. I stare at
him, unable to formulate a response that will end this conversation
without me being a bitch. It’s a no-win situation for either of us,
so I do what I have to.
    “Thank you for the ride Greg.”
    I pull my hands out of his and scramble out
of the car before he can say anything more.
    The apartment is silent and I go to Tara’s
door and hesitate before knocking, listening, but there’s no sound
inside.
    “Tara?” There’s no answer and I walk
away.
    She must have stayed the night at Adam’s
house. Even though I know I will tell her about my evening, I’m
relieved that I can put it off for now. I know she will
disapprove.
    Why did I have to run into Greg? It was the
first time I have seen him since New Year’s, what horrible timing.
I know it hurt him to see me coming from Dean’s house. Wait, what
was he doing on that road at this time of day – it’s a Friday. I
laugh at the thought that he has a GPS microchip implanted
somewhere on my body.
    I’m dressing in my room when I hear Tara come
through the front door. I stop and listen; it doesn’t sound like
Adam is with her. Of course, he must be working. I imagine Greg
getting back to work and telling Adam about our encounter. Shit!
I’d better tell Tara first and hopefully get her on my side – I
know what Adam will think.
    There’s a knock on my door.
    “Come in.”
    “Hi.” She sits down on my bed, coffee in
hand, a big grin on her face.
    “What’s up?”
    “Adam asked me to marry him last night.” Tara
holds up her ring finger and starts giggling.
    I squeal in excitement and squeeze her tight.
“Oh Tara, congratulations! Let’s go out to lunch and
celebrate.”
    “Okay, let me take a quick shower first.”
    Tara leaves and I take off my sweats; I can’t
wear this for lunch.
    “Let’s have lunch, then go shopping,” I yell
down the hall, excited for a day with just Tara.
    “Perfect!”

Chapter 9

    We’re siting at lunch, our Mimosas served,
when Tara asks what I did last night.
    “I spent the night with Dean, the guy I
started seeing.” I casually say and watch carefully for her
reaction. Surprisingly, she looks happy for me.
    “Really? How was it?”
    “Pretty amazing actually.”
    Tara smiles and I feel like I have my old
friend back. I relax a little, less cautious.
    “I was walking home this morning,” her
eyebrows raise a little, but I ignore them and continue. “And I ran
into Greg.” I let out a little nervous laugh. “It was a little
awkward Tara. Me walking home from being with another guy.”
    “And why were you walking home? Why didn’t he
drive you?” I knew she was going to ask me this.
    “I insisted really. He was working and looked
really busy, and I wanted to clear my head a bit.” I can hear
myself rambling, trying to convince her that it was my choice –
which is the truth. Tara shrugs her shoulders and I know that
there’s no point. She’s made her mind up already about Dean and I
won’t be able to change it. I change the subject.
    “So, do you have a date for the wedding?”
    Tara’s face lights up and she tells me all
about the wedding. Their plan is to be married this fall at Adam’s
parent’s church, the reception to be determined. She drones on
about colors and dress shopping and asks me to be the maid of
honor. The whole lunch consists of Tara talking about her wedding
and I know there will be no reprieve of the topic until after they
are married. I remember near the end of lunch that I need to ask
Tara about dinner this evening. I decide to pay for lunch, which
will put her in a good mood, and ask her nonchalantly.
    “So, are we still on for dinner tonight?”
    “Of course!”
    “Is it