Read Online Rising by Kassanna - Free Book Online Page A

office.
    “I’ll be here another hour, maybe. Go. Didn’t you mention that you promised your wife dinner?”
    Brad was a great co-worker but she wanted to be alone with her thoughts. The weekend had come and gone, and she hadn’t heard from Trenton. She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. Why would he, she let him get his ass whooped…
    “Savannah?” Brad snapped his fingers.
    She gazed up and pushed her reading glasses onto her hairline. “Sorry; I was miles away.”
    “I could tell.” He laughed. “You worked hard, too. Get your things, and I’ll meet you at the front door. That way when I’m late, I’ll tell Angie it’s your fault.” He left the doorway.
    “I don’t think she’ll believe you,” Savannah called out as she opened her side drawer and yanked out her purse. She turned off the desk lamp and stood.
    Brad waited at the office entrance, his briefcase in hand. “Angie wants to have a small dinner party in a few weeks. You’re invited, of course; actually, you would be the guest of honor. We thought it would be nice to introduce you to some friends.”
    “Oh.” They exited the building. “Thank you, that’s very kind.” Not exactly what she wanted, but how did she explain that if she was around too many strangers, it could trigger a panic attack.
    She stopped mid-step. At the bar, she hadn’t had that problem, and she had been surrounded by hateful men. When Riley walked up next to her, not once did she feel threatened. Huh.
    “Savannah?” Brad touched her forearm.
    “Sorry, something just occurred to me.”
    They ambled down the sidewalk to the parking lot down the block. Bells tinkling floated from her slacks pocket, she slid out her phone. “Excuse me.” She offered her friend a wave before turning away to walk down the row toward her car.
    A clear, beautiful evening, the sun was setting and a myriad of oranges and browns painted the horizon. A soft breeze caressed her face. The chimes continued. It was too beautiful out to have to deal with her family. She wanted to enjoy the peace. For the first time in her life, she was content.
    The rings stopped and a bell notified her of a new voicemail. A soft sigh of relief blew through her lips. The cell began to buzz again. She stopped and lifted the phone, staring at the screen. Her sister wouldn’t stop until they talked.
    The encroaching night reflected her inner feelings—a great day succumbing to the gloom of darkness. She tapped the screen.
    “Yes, Charlotte.” Savannah tapped the key fob to disengage the locks. She placed her sister on speaker and started the car. The drone temporarily drowned out Charlotte’s nasal voice.
    Her younger sister sniffled loudly. “Mommy and Daddy can’t afford my wedding, Savannah. Help me. Mom said she asked for your assistance and you declined. Why? If you ever needed anything from me, I would have gladly given it to you.” Her sister hiccupped.
    Savannah was quiet for a long moment, wrangling in her annoyance. “Let me get this straight.” She paused before exhaling. “You see nothing wrong with asking me to pay—not help, but pay —for your wedding to Dwayne, my ex-fiancé? The man you cheated with for most of my relationship?”
    “He was my boyfriend before he ever knew you existed. This is all Daddy’s fault.” She mumbled before speaking up. “No, I don’t see anything wrong with it, actually, it’s your duty as my big sister.” Charlotte raised her voice. “You owe this to me. You have no clue how hard it was watching the two of you and knowing the truth!”
    “Pardon me? What the hell does that mean?” Savannah leaned back and stared out the windshield. Her family was all kinds of screwed up, but lately they were hitting new lows.
    “Dwayne and I were dating before he met you. For some reason after he met you, he decided to break up with me. God knows what he saw in you at the time; anyway, who sticks up for you when Daddy starts one of his rants? I’m the only