Chasing Happiness Read Online Free PDF Page A

and Maggie, then hurried over to her mom. “You don’t have to do that.” Zoe took a paper plate from the older woman’s hands. “We’re going to clean up tomorrow morning.”
    “Are you sure, dear? I don’t mind staying a little longer to help.”
    “Thanks, Mom. I appreciate the offer, but Katie and I are going to spend the night at Ariana’s, and we’re all exhausted.”
    Mary Goodwin smiled at her with understanding in her eyes. “I can see why. You girls worked so hard for this grand opening party. It was a huge success, wouldn’t you say?”
    “Yeah, except that Ariana’s ex showed up at the end and spoiled the rest of the night for her.”
    “Ah, so that dashing man she went outside with was the photographer who did such a number on her?”
    “That’s why we’re staying at her place tonight. Katie and I don’t want her to be alone. She was pretty shaken up.”
    “I’m sure you and Katie will be a big comfort to her.” She hugged Zoe. “I’ll see you sometime tomorrow.”
    Zoe watched her walk toward the front of the shop. She was extremely close to her mom and didn’t know what she’d do without her. It had been just the two of them for a very long time. Her father had left when she was a toddler, and she barely remembered him. The fact that he’d walked out on her and her mom had contributed to her distrust of men. It took a lot for her to let her guard down. Thankfully, Dan had been able to break through her shield. However, her not sleeping with him before marriage had become a problem, and she hoped that wouldn’t ruin their relationship. As she pushed away that melancholy thought, she tied shut the top of the garbage bag, and then went to find Ariana.
    Her friend was up front, standing in the doorway, talking to Maggie. Everyone else had left. “Ready to go?” Zoe asked, coming up to stand beside them.
    “Just waiting on you.” Ari pushed out a halfhearted smile, leaving no doubt that she was still very upset about Phil showing up. She walked outside with Maggie so Zoe could lock up, before the three of them headed into the parking lot.
    “I’ll see you later.” Maggie gave Ariana a hug, and then got into her car. A minute later, she turned left out of the lot, the opposite direction of her condo complex.
    “Hmm, wonder where she’s going?” Ariana asked, climbing into the driver’s seat. “I think she has a boyfriend and just doesn’t want to tell me because we’ve had this single-girl comradery going on.”
    “I like Maggie. She’s nice.” Zoe slid into the passenger seat.
    Ari started the car’s engine. “We’ve had some fun Saturday nights until lately, which is what’s led to my suspicion that there’s a man in her life. For her sake, I hope there is, even though I’ll miss our movie nights.”
    “Do you ever think about getting back out there?” A shadow of alarm touched Ariana’s face, and Zoe tried to backpedal her question. “Not now. I know it’s way too soon for that, but what about down the road?”
    Biting her lip, Ari looked away. “I can’t even think about that,” she muttered uneasily.
    Zoe wished Ariana could get to a place where the past was the past so that she’d be able to move on. Ari was beautiful, smart, and compassionate. She deserved to be loved…but to have the right kind of love. Not the obsessive, controlling kind she’d had with Phil.
    Zoe rolled down the car window, letting the balmy night air blow over her skin as Ariana drove home. They rode in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
    Once they were inside the condo, Zoe kicked off her shoes, then padded barefoot into the kitchen. “Mind if I put the water on for some tea?”
    “Not at all. I’d love a cup too,” Ariana yelled as she walked toward her bedroom. A few minutes later, she was at Zoe’s side, dressed in pajamas and handing Zoe a lovely floral pair and matching bathrobe. “Do you mind wearing these tonight?”
    Zoe smiled as she took them from her.