Read Online Love of a Lifetime by Emma Delaney - Free Book Online Page A

the thought of throwing in the towel was very appealing.  To just climb in bed and pull the covers over his head and stay there until things righted themselves sounded wonderful.
    Well maybe not, he thought as he looked at the perfectly made bed.  It would be very lonely there underneath the covers without Carla there to keep him company.  After the disaster of tonight, he didn’t think she would welcome the idea any time soon.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    “So you really aren’t going to attend?”  Atayla swished back and forth before turning to see the back of the dress in the mirror.  “How does this one look?”
    “Amazing!   I like that one the best.  It’s cut is perfect for your frame.” 
    “You mean it was designed specifically for fat chicks.”
    “You’re not fat, you’re curvy.  There is a difference.”  Carla admonished.
    “So why aren’t you going?  I know Bill asked you.”  Atayla decided to quickly end the age old battle between her and friends about her weight.
    “No, I’m not.”  Carla sighed.  “I’m tired of being disappointed in him.  Just when I think things are on the mend he goes and screws up again.  I don’t think I can take anymore right now.”
    “Hey, you know I love you both and I have tried to stay out of this, but I’m going to step in this one time and express my opinion.”  When Carla didn’t object she continued.  “Now before I say anything that makes you angry or hurts your feelings, let me just say that I understand your position and how he has wronged you.  However, I think you are being entirely too hard on Bill.”
    When Carla opened her mouth to protest, Atayla lifted her hand and interrupted her.
    “I know he screwed up big time, neglecting you and your needs, but these last few months he has devoted himself to you and proving to you how much he loves you.”
    Atayla lifted her brow and dared Carla to dispute her words.
    “He forgot your anniversary.  I can see how that would hurt your feelings, but instead of seeing it as an oversight that occurs frequently with the male species you use it as ammunition to throw his past mistakes in his face.”
    Looking down at her hands, Carla had to admit she might be right.  It’s not like it was really that big of a deal, in fact she had been ready to dismiss it when she first realized he had forgot.  Her reaction had been to his persistence in her moving back in when she wasn’t ready yet, and then his anger when she didn’t relent. 
    “Perhaps things did get blown out of proportion.”  She admitted.  “I’m just not over it yet I guess.  I get so defensive when he pushes me and I react to it.”
    “He pushes you because he loves you.  He wants you home where you belong.  Frankly, I agree with him.  You have been gone long enough.  You cling to these wrongs and use them as an excuse as to why you hold back from him, but sweetie, he is your husband and you have no right to hold back from him.”
    Tears leaked out of the corners of her eyes.  “I’m afraid to go home because if I get my hopes up and we don’t work things out, separating from him a second time will destroy me.”
    “Well then, I guess you need to stay on your toes and make sure things work out.”  Atayla winked at her.  “Sex is always the answer to any man’s problems.  If he gives you grief, seduce him and he will forget all about it.”
    Carla laughed.  “He will just remember later and torture me with it.”
    “Probably.”  
    “What about this dress?”  Atayla held up a beautiful lavender mock wrap.
    “No.  The last one you tried on was perfect.”
    “I found out some interesting information while I was digging around on Patricia Wilson.”
    Carla cringed when she heard the name.  “Oh?  And why would I care anything about that horrid woman?”
    “Because she is using your and Bill’s separation for her own advantage.”
    “And just how