Avoiding Mr. Right Read Online Free PDF

noticed—I never hear
     her mention her latest hook-up at work. That usually means the man isn’t in the picture
     anymore. Watching her for the past few months has shown me more into her psyche than
     she might like.
    Tension radiated off her last night after mentioning her mother. And yet in the brief
     exchanges we had tonight in texts she didn’t say anything about the woman. That’s because she was too busy trying to blow you off, jackass.
    No, I don’t think that’s it. In the short personal conversations we’ve shared since
     we met, she’s casually mentioned a sister, her best friend Heather, and where she
     grew up. Nothing about her folks. I wonder why.
    A fist clenches in my chest when I think of my own parents. After Dad died a few years
     ago, Mom has gone downhill. The hospice nurse said she may pass any day now. I’m going
     to go see her again tomorrow, even though my sister has been there every day.
    Acceptance settles through me at the realization our mother’s fight will finally come
     to an end. This two-year battle has been draining—for her, my sister, and me. We both
     said our goodbyes when our mom was still cognizant of her surroundings. Since then
     all we can do is keep her comfortable. The frustration I felt over her imminent death
     released its hold a while ago—and not a moment too soon. I wouldn’t want anything
     to taint a peaceful passing for her.
    Rocko and I watch the next few innings in silence, one of us venturing to the kitchen
     for a fresh beer every so often. An alarm goes off on my watch.
    “I’m going to call my mom. Do you mind?”
    Rocko grabs the remote and mutes the sound, familiar with my nightly ritual. “Nah,
     go ahead man.”
    I finish my beer and shove the guilt of missing my call last night to the back of
     my mind. My mother would’ve never wanted me to feel bad or obligated, and I’ve got
     to keep that forefront in my mind so I can enjoy this last bit of time with her.
    I move toward my first love and sit on the cushioned bench, setting my fingers to
     the keys like I’ve done for over twenty years. I work through scales, warming up,
     and launch into one of my mother’s favorite Elton songs, Candle in the Wind . The music fills the apartment, bouncing back to fill my soul with warmth. The words
     spill out, freeing all the heart and passion I lock up at work every damn day to earn
     a steady paycheck to pay medical bills.
    Rocko raises his beer in tribute, but remains silent, focused on the game.
    When I’m done, I call the nurse on duty. “Hi, Iris. How’s she doing?”
    “Same as yesterday. No change.”
    “Thanks. Do you mind holding the phone for her?”
    “Not at all, child. I love to hear your voice.”
    I set the cell phone on the piano lid and begin to play.
     
     

Chapter Five
Carla
 
    Sundays always whip past too soon. The only good thing about yesterday was getting
     chores done, like laundry, and not having to field more texts from Andrew. At least
     he took the hint Saturday night.
    A tiny twinge of disappointment swells inside me and I squash it. I want to be alone.
     I don’t need a man in my life to make me happy.
    Yeah, and you’re such a joy to be around the rest of the time.
    I feel a growl bubbling in my throat and stifle it. Damn, if I could just find a decent
     guy to sleep with, I wouldn’t be so freakin’ on edge all the time. Used to be I’d
     spend an evening with one of my many battery powered nightstand buddies and I’d be
     right as rain. But, the past six months haven’t been the same. Add in the fact every
     freakin’ guy I’ve tried has been a disappointment in the sack. No wonder I’m a little
     tense.
    Tense? Is that another word for bitchy and hard up?
    No! It’s just tense. Don’t read in more than it is.
    Uh-huh . Sure.
    I finish the last touches on my makeup, sweep a fine powder over it to set, and then
     gather the rest of my things for work. Andrew’s help on the Stringer account means