Read Online Just One More Breath by Leigha Lewis - Free Book Online Page A

As if she realized at the same time, she suddenly pulled away from me, sliding farther across the couch. It took every ounce of my self-control not to follow her.
    Embarrassed by my behavior, I tried to change the subject. “Tell me how things are going with The A.R.T Center.”
    Nicole took a few stead ying breaths, regained her composure, and then told me about her new plans and projects, and some of the new girls she’d met.
    “I would love to volunteer at the Center, so let me know how I can be useful,” I said genuinely. Nicole seemed surprised “You would do that?” she asked, gracing me with that beautiful smile.
    “I would do anything for you, Nicole.” I stared into her eyes, hoping that she understood that my statement had a double meaning. It seems she did get my meaning. She sucked in a quick breath and then shook her head vigorously. “I will definitely hold you to that. But for right now I have another idea,” she said, quickly changing the subject.
    She walked over to her DVD case and after a few seconds of searching , made her way over to the DVD player. Before I knew it, we were watching “The Sound of Music." The elation on her face silenced any suggestions I would’ve made for another movie. Her attempts at singing along with Julie Andrews, and the delicious Chinese food that we ordered, kept me entertained for well over two hours. When the credits finally rolled, I glanced at my watch, and realized that it was time to head home. Never would I have thought that I would stay in on a Friday night watching “The Sound of Music.” I think it is now very clear. I would do anything for this beautiful girl.

 
    Nicole
     
    I wasn’t sure what I felt, but my limbs were heavy, and electricity once again permeated the room. Shawn’s presence brought me peace, and I wasn’t ready for him to leave. I wondered what he felt. Did he feel the tension as well? Some days the time we spent together felt like a gift and a curse. When I was with Shawn, I felt one of the many voids in my chest fill a little. But every time he left, the emptiness felt ten times worse. I knew Shawn had a life and was only trying to be a supportive friend, so I tried my best to put on a brave face when it was time for him to leave. Becoming too dependent on Shawn wouldn’t be fair to either one of us. Shawn was a single, smart, and very good-looking guy. The last thing he needed was his grieving friend taking up all of his spare time. As Shawn slipped his feet into his shoes he caught a glance of the sad expression I was trying so desperately to hide.
    “Are you ok ay, Nic?”
    I tried to quickly slide my happy mask back into place. “I’m good,” I lied.
    I knew that my half-hearted reply wasn’t at all convincing. As hard as I tried to fight it, the Nicole that he had just spent hours with had disappeared, and was replaced by a hollow shell.
    “ I have an idea. How about we go to this Colombian place close to my house? We can have some appetizers and a few drinks,” he suggested.
    “No , thanks, Shawn. I’ve taken up enough of your night.”
    “Nic, I really enjoyed spending time with you, and would like it very much if we could spend more time together. Pleeeeease?” Shawn pulled out all the stops, ambushing me with a fully dimpled smile.
    I reluctantly nodded and ran upstairs to change. For the first time in a long time, I felt excited about going out. After a quick shower, I slipped on black leggings with a white shirt that was almost see through, and topped it off with a pair of black, Tory Burch riding boots that I hadn’t worn in what felt like forever. I dusted a light coat of makeup onto my face, and a hint of lip-gloss. Then I gave myself a once over in the mirror. This was the best I had looked in a long time. And for some unknown reason I felt…nervous.
    When Shawn saw me coming down the steps his mouth hung open. I inwardly gave myself a pat on the back. He met me at the bottom of the steps and silently