A Tattered Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

slept with a man I had just met.
I plopped down in my Chevy and prayed that the car would start. As my prayer was answered, I peeled away and headed straight for home. I feel horrible for just walking away, but I felt embarrassed. If I stayed there, it would have been awkward and gauche. The best choice was for me to leave. I half expected for him to call or text message me—but I got neither.
I arrived home, and it was super late. I felt bad for leaving Cooper for so long. As I unlocked the door, Cooper greeted me with two paws in the air, jumping on his hind legs. He was so excited to see me. “Hi Cooper, Momma missed you. I’m sorry. I know, I know. We’re going out right now!” I reached for his leash, and attached it quickly before running out the door with him. I ran to the courtyard and let Coop do his business. As soon as he saw the tennis ball in my hand, his tail went crazy and started wagging fast. I decided to play with him for a bit. I grabbed my freshly screwed hair, pulling it into a messy bun on top of my head. I’m sure my disheveled appearance looked great for anybody peeking out the windows.
“Riley, is that you?” I can hear a small voice off to the corner.
I looked to my right, and Abby was running toward me.
“You told me you were going to call. What the heck is going on? You look like hell.”
“Nothing. It’s nothing really. Dustin came into the restaurant and overpaid, and I wanted to return his change. No big deal.” I shrugged.
“He came into Eddie’s?” Abby asked as she squished her eyebrows together and looked a bit confused.
“Yeah, he came in this afternoon for lunch.”
“Interesting.” She bobbed her head up and down.
“Why is that interesting?” I looked at her confused. Then I looked for Cooper. “Cooper, come on boy, let’s go.” I yelled for Cooper. I let him off the leash sometimes so he could roam on his own, but he always came back to me, because he was so well trained.
“Dustin’s dad owns Eddie’s Seaside Pub. Usually, his kids never come in there. That’s actually how I was hired. Dustin put in a good word for me, and I’ve been there three years now.”
My mouth flew open, and my eyes shot out of their sockets. Ok, not literally. But I thought, You’ve got to be kidding me. Dustin’s dad owns Eddie’s? Exactly why I should not be with him. Oh my goodness. I just slept with the son of the owner of the place I work. This was a lot to digest after the day I had. Why on earth didn’t he tell me? Pretending he didn’t know what was good on the menu. So many questions raced through my head. Cooper came running over and went straight to Abby for some attention.
“Hey, Coop. Missed you, buddy.” Abby said to Cooper patting him on his head.
“Well, I’m going to head back in and call it a night as it’s been a long one.” I tried to convince her.
“You off work tomorrow?”
“Yeah, finally a day off.” I murmured.
“All right, well, I’m going to the grocery store tomorrow if you want to go.” Abby said.
“I’ll let you know.” I grabbed Cooper’s collar and put his leash back on. I jogged back up to my apartment, and collapsed against the wall just inside, sliding down to the floor. I can’t believe that Dustin’s dad owns Eddie’s Seaside Pub.
     
Dustin
I needed to see her again. I had to clear things up with her before it was too late. She was the most amazing woman I’ve ever met, and one I felt was worth fighting for... I didn’t think she was a slut; she wasn’t just after me for my looks. As I lay in bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about Riley. I needed to see her again. Determined, I knew I would make it happen.
The next morning  I lay in bed just staring at the ceiling fan. I didn’t move, in fact, I stayed in bed just thinking. I picked up my phone several times staring at my screen trying to decide if I should contact Riley. I wanted to see her so badly. I needed to see her and explain things to her. Maybe if I surprised