Read Online Flaw Less by Shana Burton - Free Book Online Page B

E’Bell was going to kill me—that much I’m sure of.”
    â€œWhat kind of man would terrorize his wife and child that way?” Joan shook her head. “Men can be such beasts, and I’m not just saying that because I swim in the lady pool.”
    â€œI’m not trying to defend him, but E’Bell had a lot of issues,” explained Kina. “It was a lot deeper than just being abusive. He couldn’t read, and his illiteracy and that anger cost him his football career, his future, his family—everything he ever wanted, including his life. A part of me can’t help but feel sorry for him.”
    â€œI can tell you have a good heart, Kina. Most women I know wouldn’t be this understanding. I’ve dealt with several cases of domestic violence, so I know how ugly it can get and what some women will do when they’re pushed to the edge.”
    â€œThe God that I serve gives me strength and the ability to forgive E’Bell for everything he did to Kenny and me. I’m not the same woman I was a year ago. I’m stronger now, and I’ve had enough time and distance from it to see everything more clearly.”
    â€œYou’re amazing, you know that?” Joan gazed intently at Kina. “They don’t quite make ’em like you anymore.”
    Kina smiled bashfully. “That’s very nice of you to say.”
    Joan winked and downed her glass of lemonade. “So far, I have nothing but nice things to say about you.” Kina blushed. “So, Kina, do you live around here?”
    â€œUnfortunately, I don’t. This neighborhood is a wee bit out of my price range, but I’m looking to move soon.”
    â€œOh, really?”
    â€œYeah, I recently got back in school and got a better-paying job. I can’t wait to get my son out that crappy apartment we’re in.” She stared down at the floor. “We both have a lot of bad memories there.”
    â€œWhat do you do for a living?”
    Kina shrugged. “A little bit of everything, I guess, mostly clerical stuff. Actually, I just got a job as the administrative assistant to the pastor at my church. I guess my job isn’t all that glamorous, huh? Everybody knows that administrative assistant is just code for secretary.”
    â€œAre you kidding me? My sister is the administrative assistant to the president at a college in New York. She’s making way more than me!”
    A waiter dropped off the bill, which Joan insisted on taking care of despite Kina’s protests.
    â€œI guess I better head on back,” said Joan once the check issue was resolved. “There’s a pile of work waiting on my desk for me.”
    â€œI guess I’ll see you around the treadmill,” teased Kina.
    Joan dug into her purse. “Here.” She handed Kina her business card. “All of my contact information is on there. Give me a call, and we can hang out sometime. You owe me that lunch, remember?”
    Kina nodded. “I remember, and I’ll make good on it, I promise.”
    Joan waved and sauntered out the door. Kina sat the table, staring down at Joan’s card, actually looking forward to seeing her again. She had been longing to meet someone new, for someone to ask her out and pay her some attention. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that the person to do so would be a woman.

Chapter 9
    â€œI think everybody is a little bi-curious.”
    â€” Kina Battle
    Â 
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    Lawson squatted on her bedroom floor that evening, sifting through the last of the clothes she, Garrett, and Namon were donating to their church’s clothes drive. She was so engrossed in the task at hand that she didn’t notice Garrett emerging from the hallway and into their bedroom.
    â€œWell . . .” prompted Garrett.
    Lawson looked at him over her shoulder. “Well, what?”
    â€œDid it come? You know . . . Bloody Mary.”
    â€œWow, you’re usually