Read Online Lost Along the Way by Erin Duffy - Free Book Online Page B

you threw when you heard the word ‘no.’ You always had a way of throwing your toys out of the pram in spectacular fashion when you didn’t get your way.”
    Jane was trying to remain calm and keep her temper in check. It wasn’t unreasonable for Cara to be angry with her for showing up at her house, but she had underestimated just how angry she’d be. It was becoming very clear that this visit was just the latest in a very long list of bad decisions Jane had made lately.
    â€œLook, I’m not saying that I’ve done everything right, and quite honestly, if that’s how high the bar is to stay friends with you then I was never going to clear it anyway. You don’t have to be a bitch about it.”
    â€œYou still haven’t told me why you’re here.”
    â€œI’m here because I’ve been trapped in my apartment. If I go outside I’m literally chased by paparazzi with cameras who think that splattering the image of the moron wife who didn’t know any better across the front page will sell papers. I’m here because I’m afraid my lungs are starting to shrivel up due to lack of fresh air, and I’m here because I need to see someone who knew me before I was his wife. I need to get out of the city, Cara. I’m afraid I’m going to literally lose my mind if I don’t. I’m here because I need to be around people who know me—who really know me.”
    â€œYou’re here because you need something. Some things never change.”
    â€œFine. Forget it. I thought maybe you’d be willing to help me.”
    â€œYou’re unbelievable. All these years go by without a word from you and you show up here and expect me to jump for joy? You have no idea what’s going on in my life, and you don’t even care. You still think that everything is about you. The sheer fact that you came here expecting me to feel bad for you, to feel pity for you, is just another sign of how completely out of touch you are with reality.”
    â€œFine, Cara. I’m sorry I bothered you,” Jane said, surprisedat her own tone of voice. She’d had enough of people insulting her. She’d rather wrestle Mrs. Cooper and the entire co-op board than put up with this shit. She was alone in this. She’d have to figure out a way to go on relying on no one but herself.
    Jane spun around and started to walk down the block. It was probably a mile into town, where she’d have to wait at the train station for the next westbound train to shuttle her back into the city. She hadn’t reached the curb yet when she heard Cara clear her throat.
    â€œJane, wait,” Cara called after her.
    Jane slowly turned around to stare at Cara, standing in the doorway of her beautiful, probably unmortgaged home wearing jeans and a white shirt, and swallowed a lump in her throat.
    â€œWhat?” Jane shot back, regretting her decision to show her vulnerability.
    Cara fidgeted with the strand of pearls at her neck. “Where will you go?”
    Jane hesitated a moment, then shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ll figure it out.”
    â€œStay here. For tonight at least. It’s getting late and it’s cold, and . . . I can still be mad at you without turning you out on the street.”
    â€œDon’t do me any favors,” Jane said, knowing full well that this was exactly the favor she’d sought in the first place.
    â€œPlease, Jane. Just come inside. You can crash in the spare bedroom.” Cara opened the door and stepped to the side, giving Jane room to enter. Jane trudged up the walk, hoping Cara could somehow hear her say thank you and I’m sorry to herself without actually having to say them out loud. Her dislike of Reed had ultimately been what had come between them, but she was willing to admit she’d been wrong. Years later, they were still happily married, theyhad a beautiful home, and as far as she knew, Reed