Bound to Be Mine (South Jersey Bound Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

took a sip of her drink. “When things changed between you and Ben we began to wonder…”
    Tingles of new awareness raised Lisa’s neck hair. “What do you mean?”
    “You changed,” Christina said.
    “I changed?” Lisa raised her eyebrows.
    “A little.” Jillian scrunched her nose.
    Lisa twirled a lock of her hair around her finger. Was she really surprised her friends had seen a difference? Hadn’t she felt herself slipping—little by little? Hadn’t her body grown less sensitive, her mind more cynical?
    “Wait,” she said. “Did you think dancing was changing me even before Ben left?”
    “Yes, actually.” Christina’s tone was matter-of-fact. “Though you’ve been better since he left. For a while there, it seemed like you had given up completely.”
    Jillian nodded.
    Lisa drew her brows together and tried to remember. She’d felt numb at the club for a very long time, but hadn’t realized her numbness had been noticeable outside of The Oasis. Had Ben noticed as well?
    “You didn’t realize how detached you’d become?” Christina asked. “Does that mean you’re quitting for Ben?”
    Jillian nudged Christina with her foot. “Of course she isn’t quitting for Ben. She’s probably been thinking about this for weeks.”
    “Jillie’s right. I’ve been thinking about this for a while.”
    Ben, however, had been the catalyst. When she’d seen him standing against that column, something had permanently shifted. He was real, the rest was not. She realized how much she longed for real connection, and how far away connection would remain—not just with Ben, but with anyone—as long as she was dancing.
    “Why didn’t you tell me you disapproved of my dancing?” Lisa asked.
    Christina and Jillian exchanged glances.
    “We didn’t disapprove exactly. We just thought it might not be good for you anymore,” Christina said. “I’m sure it’s fine for some, just not for you.”
    “We were going to talk to you,” Jillian said, wrinkling her nose. “Sort of stage an intervention. But then Ben left, and we thought you needed to recover before you could think of making other changes.”
    Lisa slumped. “Encouraging to know you both had so much faith in me.”
    “We did—no—we do .” Jillian replied, rubbing Lisa’s arm. “Look how well you’ve done for yourself.”
    Lisa arched a brow. “Oh yes. I’m a paragon.”
    “You have a great apartment,” Jillie said defensively. “And you’ve gotten really into your Yoga. You are happier.”
    Yes, she was. Happy, but incomplete.
    “What are you going to do now?” Christina asked.
    “I have money saved. And I’ve been taking instructor certification classes at my yoga studio. The owner offered me a job. If I do that, along with another part-time job, I’m pretty sure I can cover my bills.”
    “Oh, that’s a great idea!” Jillian said.
    “It’s not the kind of money I’m used to. But I’ll figure something out.”
    “You could move in with me,” Christina offered.
    A warm feeling stole into Lisa’s heart. “Thanks, Chris―” She squeezed her friend’s hand. “―but I like my place. Besides, it would be a bit crowded with your son.”
    “Well, the offer stands.” Christina clamped her mouth shut and looked away.
    Lisa knew that look. “What aren’t you saying, Christina?”
    Christina hesitated. “Today isn’t about me.”
    “No worries,” Lisa said. “I’m all straightened out…almost, anyway.”
    “Yeah, she’s fine,” Jillie said with a wink. “Tell us what’s up, Chris.”
    “Michael decided he wants to go to a private prep school next year.” Christina sniffed. “My ex is willing to pay.”
    “Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry,” Jillian said.
    Lisa turned her full attention to Christina. Lisa certainly had enough to think about, but she’d do it later. Right now, her friend needed her.
    ****
    Lisa closed Ben’s little black book and set it on her coffee table. By habit, she meandered into her